2. Introduction to NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Lesson Plans
Please assemble your Basic Pistol
Lesson Plans.

3. Introduction to NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Lesson Plans
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
State the goal of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Describe the structure of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Outline and Lesson Plans.
Explain NRA policies on safety procedures, course length, required materials, and teaching methods to be followed when conducting an NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Outline the content of the NRA Pistol Shooting Course

4. Structure of the NRA Lesson Plans
Introduction (page 1-6)
Basic – Objective based
Total Participant Involvement (TPI)
Course Length and Time Requirements
Safety
Establish Emergency procedures
No live ammunition in class
Student verification of unloaded firearms
Terminology

5. Structure of the NRA Lesson Plans (continued…)
Course outline (page 9)
Goal
Length of course
Student text
Course lessons
Required Materials (page 11)
Learning Objectives (page 9-10)
Length of lesson
Facility
Training aids
References
Content
13330
30610

6. Structure of the NRA Lesson Plans (continued…)
Instructional notes
Lesson plan walk-through
Pages I-1-V-4
Student examination and grading key
Appendix 5
The NRA Student Handbook
NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting

7. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
State the goal of the Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Describe the structure of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Outline and Lesson Plans.
Explain NRA policies on safety procedures, course length, required materials, and teaching methods to be followed when conducting an NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Outline the content of the NRA Pistol Shooting Course.

8. Questions What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Teaching Pistol Lesson I: Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling

10. Pistol Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling

11. Pistol Knowledge and Safe Handling
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Effectively conduct Lesson I: Pistol Knowledge and Safe Handling of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Effectively teach the parts and operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols according to NRA lesson plans.
Effectively teach the NRA fundamental rules of safe gun handling
Conduct a safe pistol handling practical exercise.

12. Turn to page I-1 in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
State the course goal and special requirements for the five lessons.
Identify the principal parts of a pistol and the types of pistol actions, and demonstrate how they function.
Statypesxplain, apply, and adopt the NRA rules for safe gun handling.
Demonstrate how to handle pistol in a safe manner.

13. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1, Section C and H (Revolvers)
Group 2, Section I (Semi-Automatics)
Group 3, Section J – K (Operating & Safety)
Group 4, Section L (Handling Practical)
Required
Required
USE Training aids for your presentations
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes

14. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Effectively conduct Lesson I: Pistol Knowledge and Safe Handling of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Effectively teach the parts and operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols according to NRA lesson plans.
Effectively teach the NRA fundamental rules of safe gun handling
Conduct a safe pistol handling practical exercise.

15. Questions What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Teaching Pistol Lesson II: Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting

17. Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting

18. Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Effectively conduct Lesson II: Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Effectively teach ammunition components, types and the firing sequence of a cartridge according to NRA lesson plans.
Effectively teach ammunition identification, storage, and malfunctions according to NRA lesson plans.

19. Learning Objectives Continued
Explain the importance of determining eye dominance in beginning pistol shooters, and conduct an eye dominance exercise.
Effectively teach the five fundamentals of pistol shooting according to NRA lesson plans.

20. Turn to page II-1 in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Identify the different components of a pistol cartridge.
Explain the firing sequence of a cartridge.
Explain how to properly identify and store ammunition.
State the major types of cartridge malfunctions, and how to react to them.
Explain the fundamentals of pistol shooting.

21. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1, Section B-1 thru B-4 (Ammo)
Group 2, Section B-5 thru B-6 (Ammo storage/malfunctions)
Group 3, Section C thru E (Safety Rules, Eye, Positions)
Group 4, Section F (without practical)
Group 5, Section G (Fundamentals)
USE Training aids for your presentations
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes

22. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Effectively conduct Lesson II: Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Effectively teach ammunition components, types and the firing sequence of a cartridge according to NRA lesson plans.
Effectively teach ammunition identification, storage, and malfunctions according to NRA lesson plans.

23. Lesson Summary Continued
Explain the importance of determining eye dominance in beginning pistol shooters, and conduct an eye dominance exercise.
Effectively teach the five fundamentals of pistol shooting according to NRA lesson plans.

24. Questions What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be the Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method

26. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method

27. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain the importance of concentration for the success of beginning pistol shooters.
List various ways the instructor can enhance the student’s ability to concentrate.
Describe the NRA eight-step method for training beginning pistol shooters.
Describe the coach/pupil method and ball and dummy technique and explain the value of using them in the training process.

28. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
Excluding safety, what is the most important element essential to the success of a beginning pistol shooter?

29. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
CONCENTRATION!

30. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
What is concentration?

31. Basic Pistol Shooting Instructional Method
The ability to focus all of one’s attention and energy to accomplish a specific task.

32. Basic Shooting Instructional Method
If concentration is so important to the
success of a beginning pistol shooter, what
Implication does this have for an instructor?

33. Basic Shooting Instructional Method
Everything the instructor does must be directed towards enhancing the shooter’s ability to concentrate!

34. Basic Shooting Instructional Method
What are some ways the instructor can enhance the student’s ability to concentrate?

35. Ways to enhance concentration:
Small caliber ammunition for less recoil (.22 standard velocity)
Proper grip size
Manageable gun weight (but not too light)
Medium barrel length
Gun functional and mechanism clean
Good quality ammunition
Target close to shooter
Target relatively large
Target blank
Good lighting
Fair weather

36. Ways to enhance concentration (continued)
Little wind
Comfortable clothing
Instructor does not over-instruct
Adequate hearing and eye protection
Avoid or control background noise
Keep spectators to a minimum
Stress fun as opposed to competition

37. Object of Concentration
The student must learn to concentrate on the two most important fundamentals:
Sight alignment (Aiming)
Focus on the front sight
Trigger squeeze

38. Pistol Instructional Method
NRA’s eight-step method for teaching beginning pistol shooters.
Section C pages III-6 – III-7
Study the position
Practice position without a gun
Practice position with gun
Align position with target
Dry fire exercise
Live fire exercise
Make appropriate sight adjustments
Resume live firing

39. Instructional Techniques
What is the coach/pupil method?
What is the ball and dummy technique?

40. Instructional Techniques
The Coach/Pupil method is two students who alternately play the roles of coach and pupil under the supervision of an instructor.
Demonstration of coach/pupil method
The Ball and Dummy technique is, student fires a gun not knowing if it is loaded or unloaded.

41. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Explain the importance of concentration for the success of beginning pistol shooters.
List various ways the instructor can enhance the student’s ability to concentrate.
Describe the NRA eight-step method for training beginning pistol shooters.
Describe the coach/pupil method and ball and dummy technique and explain the value of using them in the training process.

42. Questions What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be the Teaching Pistol Lesson III Firing the First Shots

44. Firing the First Shots

45. Firing the First Shots Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Effectively conduct Lesson III: Firing the First Shots of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Explain basic range safety procedures, range commands, and shooting safety rules.
Effectively teach students to shoot a pistol from the benchrest position according to the NRA instructional method.
Effectively teach students to shoot a pistol from the two-handed standing position according to the NRA instructional method.

46. Turn to page III-1 in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Safely demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely assume the benchrest position with a pistol.
Safely shoot a pistol from the benchrest position, using the fundamentals of pistol shooting, at a target on a range.
Safely demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely assume the two-handed standing position with a pistol.
Safely shoot a pistol from the two-handed standing position, using the fundamentals of pistol shooting, at a target on a range.

47. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1, Section B (Range Safety)
Group 2, Section C (Benchrest)
Group 3, Section D (Two-Handed Standing)
USE Training aids for your presentations
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes

48. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Effectively conduct Lesson III: Firing the First Shots of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Explain basic range safety procedures, range commands, and shooting safety rules.
Effectively teach students to shoot a pistol from the benchrest position according to the NRA instructional method.
Effectively teach students to shoot a pistol from the two-handed standing position according to the NRA instructional method.

49. Questions What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be the Teaching Pistol Lesson IV Scoring Targets, and Selecting and Maintaining a Pistol

51. Scoring Targets, and Selecting and Maintaining a Pistol

52. Firing the First Shots Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Effectively conduct Lesson IV: Scoring Targets, and Selecting and Maintaining a Pistol of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Effectively teach students to properly score a target.
Explain to students basic guidelines for selecting a pistol.
Identify the materials needed to clean a pistol and ensure your students can clean a pistol safely

53. Turn to page IV-1 in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Properly score a target.
Explain the basic guidelines for selecting and purchasing a pistol.
Identify the materials needed to clean a pistol.
Demonstrate how to safely clean a pistol.

54. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1, Section B (Scoring)
Group 2, Section C (Selecting)
Group 3, Section D (Caring)
USE Training aids for your presentations
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes

55. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Effectively conduct Lesson IV: Scoring Targets, and Selecting and Maintaining a Pistol of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Effectively teach students to properly score a target.
Explain to students basic guidelines for selecting a pistol.
Identify the materials needed to clean a pistol and ensure your students can clean a pistol safely

56. Questions What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Evaluating and Improving Performance of Beginning Pistol Shooters

58. Evaluating and Improving Performance of Beginning Pistol Shooters

59. Evaluating and Improving Performance of Beginning Pistol Shooters
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain the definition, purpose, and process of evaluating beginning Pistol shooters.
Explain how to provide feedback in a positive manner.
Discuss ways to improve the performance of beginning Pistol shooters.

60. “Evaluation”
What takes place during evaluation?

61. “Evaluation”
Evaluation is a determination of whether, and to what extent training has taken place.

62. What is the ultimate purpose of evaluation?

63. “Purpose”
Ultimately, the purpose of evaluation is to improve the performance of the student in whom we are attempting to develop knowledge, skills and attitude!

64. “Process”
What are some of the things an instructor needs to do when making an evaluation?

65. “Process”
An instructor needs to know the correct behavior to look for, how to look for it, and how to provide feedback to enhance the student’s ability to perform it!

66. “Standard”
What behaviors are we looking for in beginning Pistol shooters on the firing line?

67. “Standard”
Instructors must look for conformity to certain standards, namely, the safe and correct execution of the fundamentals of Pistol shooting!

68. “Method”
What method should instructors use to determine that the fundamentals are being executed properly?

69. “Method”
Primarily, observation of the gun while the student is shooting. Occasionally, the instructor should also watch the shooter, and take a look at the target between shots.

70. “Feedback!”
How does an instructor provide feedback?

71. “Feedback!”
Always involve your students in the evaluation process by encouraging self- analysis, and by directing the student to perform the correct action, not by describing the incorrect action. Always keep your feedback positive.

72. “Feedback!” People may forget what you DID,
They may forget what you SAID,
But they will NEVER forget how you made them FEEL!

73. Common Difficulties Among Beginning Pistol Shooters
Difficulty in concentrating
Difficulty in relaxing
Incorrect body position
Incorrect gun position
Incorrect sight alignment/picture
Improper breath control
Incorrect trigger control
Incorrect follow-through
Use of non-dominant eye

74. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Explain the definition, purpose, and process of evaluating beginning Pistol shooters.
Explain how to provide feedback in a positive manner.
Discuss ways to improve the performance of beginning pistol shooters.

75. Questions What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be the Teaching Pistol Lesson V Continued Opportunities for Skill Development

77. Continued Opportunities for Skill Development

78. Continued Opportunities for Skill Development
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Effectively conduct Lesson V: Continued Opportunities for Skill Development of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Explain how to improve their shooting skills through participation in the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program, and competitive shooting.
Describe the benefits of joining an NRA-affiliated shooting club.
Describe the objectives, programs, and benefits of joining the National Rifle Association.

79. Turn to page V-1 in the Pistol Shooting Lesson Plans
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Identify several ways to pursue pistol shooting activities after the course

80. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1, Section B-1 (Qualification – study the booklet)
Group 2, Section B-2 thru B-4 (Training, Competition, Clubs)
Group 3, Section C (The NRA)
USE Training aids for your presentations
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes

81. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Effectively conduct Lesson V: Continued Opportunities for Skill Development of the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Explain how to improve their shooting skills through participation in the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, the NRA Basic Firearms Training Program, and competitive shooting.
Describe the benefits of joining an NRA- affiliated shooting club.
Describe the objectives, programs, and benefits of joining the National Rifle Association.

82. The next Lesson will be Pistol Instructor Examination
Questions
What ARE Your Questions?
The next Lesson will be Pistol Instructor Examination

84. Pistol Instructor Examination

85. Pistol Instructor Examination
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain the role of examinations in the training process.
Explain the role of student evaluations in instructor development.
Explain the importance of recognizing students upon successful completion of a training course
Apply to the National Rifle Association for pistol instructor certification.

86. Role of Examinations in Training
What role do you believe examinations
play in the training process?

87. Role of Examinations in Training
Examinations should be viewed as one of many teaching and evaluation tools which help instructors and students alike determine whether and to what extent training has taken place.
Examinations indicate progress as well as point out areas where additional training may be necessary to develop the desired knowledge, skills and attitude.
There is no minimum passing score for a basic course student, but a poor attitude towards safety could be reason not to pass a student.

88. Instructor Examination
NRA Pistol Examination
Open book
May use your notes
Lesson plans
Handbook
60 minutes

89. Instructor Examination
Review examination
Exchange examinations
Ensure every candidate knows the correct answers to each question
Passing Score for instructor examination:
Certified Instructor 90% or higher
Assistant Instructor 85% or higher
Apprentice Instructor 85% or higher

90. The Role of Recognition in Training
What role do you believe student
recognition plays in the training process?

91. The Role of Recognition in Training
Encourages Efforts
Rewards Proficiency
Encourages Participation
Motivates

92. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Explain the role of examinations in the training process.
Explain the role of student evaluations in instructor development.
Explain the importance of recognizing students upon successful completion of a training course
Apply to the National Rifle Association for pistol instructor certification.

93. Questions
What ARE Your Questions?

95. Home Firearm Safety

96. Home Firearm Safety
Course Goal: To teach the basic knowledge and skills, and to explain the attitude necessary for safe handling and storage of guns in the home.
Course Time: 4 Hours
Facilities: Classroom
Number of Lessons: 4

97. HFS Lesson I: Rules for Safe Gun Handling
Learning Objectives:
State the course goal
State the major causes of gun accidents
State the basic elements of gun safety
State the three fundamental safe gun-handling rules
State who is responsible for teaching gun safety to children

98. HFS Lesson I: Rules for Safe Gun Handling
Lesson Introduction
Why Americans Own Firearms
Review National Safety Council Statistics on Deaths from Firearm Accidents
Emphasize Responsibilities Toward Safety
Know the Major Causes of Firearm Accidents
Basic Elements of Gun Safety

99. HFS Lesson I: Rules for Safe Gun Handling
Three Fundamental Safe Gun Handling Rules
Other Safety Rules When Using or Shooting Guns
Parents Are Responsible for Teaching Their Children Abous Gun Safety
Summarize Lesson
Preview Next Lesson

100. HFS Lesson II: Identifying and Unloading Different Firearms
Learning Objectives:
Define handgun, rifle, and shotgun.
Identify the different types of handguns and know their parts.
Unload various types of handguns.
Identify the different types of rifles and know their parts.
Unload various types of rifles.
Identify the different types of shotguns and know their parts.
Unload various types of shotguns.

101. HFS Lesson II: Identifying and Unloading Different Firearms
Review Previous Lesson
Lesson Introduction
Define Firearm and Action
Define Handgun, Rifle and Shotgun
Handgun Parts & Operation
Rifle Parts & Operation

102. HFS Lesson II: Identifying and Unloading Different Firearms
Shotgun Parts & Operation
Muzzleloaders
Air Guns
Summarize Lesson
Preview Next Lesson

103. HFS Lesson III: Practical Exercises in Safe Gun Handling
Learning Objectives:
Safely handle the difference types of firearms mentioned in Lesson II and unload them.

104. HFS Lesson III: Practical Exercises in Safe Gun Handling
Review Previous Lesson
Lesson Introduction
Practical Exercise Guidelines
Summarize Lesson
Preview Next Lesson

105. HFS Lesson IV: Types of Ammunition; Cleaning and Storage of Firearms
Learning Objectives:
Identify different types of rifle cartridges, handgun cartridges and shotgun shells.
Explain the firing sequence of modern ammunition.
Explain how to clean firearms properly.
Explain how to store firearms and ammunition properly.

106. HFS Lesson IV: Types of Ammunition; Cleaning and Storage of Firearms
Review Previous Lesson
Lesson Introduction
Rifle and Handgun Ammunition
Shotgun Ammunition
Firing Sequence
Cleaning Firearms

107. HFS Lesson IV: Types of Ammunition; Cleaning and Storage of Firearms
Gun Cleaning Procedures
Firearm Storage
Summarize Lesson
Course Review
Issue Completion Certificates
Closing Comments

108. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1: Lesson I: Section B, C, D and E
Group 2: Lesson I: Section F, G, H and I
Group 3: Lesson II: Section E
Group 4: Lesson II: Section F
Group 5: Lesson II: Section G
Group 6: Lesson II: H and I
Required
Required
Required
USE Training aids for your presentations
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes

109. USE Training aids for your presentations
Assignments
Group 1: Lesson III, Section C: practical station with Handguns & Rifles
Group 2: Lesson III, Section C: practical station with Shotguns
Group 3: Lesson IV, Section C, D & E
Group 4: Lesson IV, Section F & G
Group 5: Lesson IV, Section H
Required
Required
USE Training aids for your presentations
Preparation time 15 minutes
Presentation time 10 minutes

111. Home Firearm Safety Instructor Examination and Course Conclusion

112. Home Firearm Safety Instructor Examination and Course Conclusion
Instructor Training Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain the role of examinations in the training process.
Explain the role of student evaluations in instructor development.
Explain the importance of recognizing students upon successful completion of a training course.
Apply to the National Rifle Association for Home Firearm Safety Instructor certification.

113. What role do you believe examinations play in the training process?

114. Role of Examinations in Training
Examinations should be viewed as one of many teaching and evaluation tools which help instructors and students alike determine whether and to what extent training has taken place.
Examinations indicate progress as well as point out areas where additional training may be necessary to develop the desired knowledge, skills and attitude.
There is no minimum passing score for a basic course student, but a poor attitude towards safety could be reason not to pass a student.

115. Instructor Examination
NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor Examination
Open book
May use your notes
Lesson plans
Handbook
60 minutes

119. Lesson Summary Learning Objectives:
As a result of your participation in this lesson, you can:
Explain the role of examinations in the training process.
Explain the role of student evaluations in instructor development.
Explain the importance of recognizing students upon successful completion of a training course.
Apply to the National Rifle Association for Home Firearm Safety instructor certification.

120. What ARE Your Questions?