NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting
The national standard for pistol firearms training.
Please use your FULL name when registering for the courses. We use our scheduling software to download and create the certificates after all courses. If you have a middle initial enter it as well to avoid duplicate entries. This is IMPORTANT to have your certificate complete. Do NOT use short versions of your name. Thank you.
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The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is considered the national standard of pistol firearms training. No experience is required — this course is built for first-time shooters and is the foundation for every advanced NRA course, the CCW path, and the NRA instructor certification route.
Course Overview
This course introduces students to the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for owning and using a pistol safely. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on live-fire range time, you will learn the essential building blocks of responsible pistol shooting.
Topics include the NRA rules for safe gun handling, pistol parts and operation, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, shooting positions, cleaning, storage, and continued training opportunities. Successful students receive the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting certificate.
One day. 8 hours. Classroom + live-fire range time. All skill levels welcome.
NRA BASICS OF PISTOL SHOOTING
$250
1 Day | 8 Hours
Requirements to Attend
- Be at least 18 years of age (minors welcome with a parent or guardian; parents or guardians do not have to participate as a student but must be present during training)
- Be a lawful, non-prohibited person able to possess firearms
- No prior shooting experience required — beginners welcome
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
Fee is all inclusive. No hidden fees, additional costs, or pricing mark ups. Firearm and ammunition rentals are available on site.
What to Bring
Classroom:
- • Note-taking materials
- • Open mind and willingness to learn
Live-Fire Range:
- • A pistol (rentals available on site)
- • 100 rounds of factory ammunition
- • Eye and ear protection
- • Comfortable, range-appropriate clothing
- • Closed-toe shoes
Rental Info
Rentals are available on a first come first served basis.
Firearms we carry for students are Glock 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, Springfield XD9, Ruger GP Revolver.
Ammo for rentals will be based on market value when purchased and generally varies between $25 - $40 per box of 50 rounds depending on maker, caliber, and availability.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need to own a firearm to take this course?
No. The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting starts from the very beginning. We cover safety, handling, and marksmanship fundamentals. Firearms and ammunition are available to rent on site if you do not yet own one.
Is this course good for complete beginners?
Yes. This is the NRA's flagship entry-level course and is considered the national standard for pistol firearms training. It is designed for students with little to no prior experience.
What does the course cover?
The course covers firearm safety rules, pistol parts and operation, ammunition fundamentals, building shooting skills, shooting positions, cleaning, storage, and training opportunities. Classroom instruction is combined with live-fire range time.
How long is the course?
The course is approximately 8 hours total and is typically completed in a single day. It includes both classroom instruction and live-fire range qualification.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion you will receive an NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting certificate, which is a recognized prerequisite for several advanced NRA and instructor-level courses.
Is this a prerequisite for the CCW course?
While not strictly required for a California CCW, the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is strongly recommended as the foundation. It is also the first step on the NRA instructor certification path.
Can I take this course if I'm planning to become an NRA instructor?
Absolutely. This is the required basic course that must be completed before attending the NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) and discipline-specific instructor courses.
What if I don't see a date that works for me?
Call us at 310-650-6896 — we often have the next date already in the works, and private training is available.
Don't see a date that works? Call us at 310-650-6896
Range Location & Map
Lopez Canyon Shooting Range, Sylmar, CA
Directions and address will be provided upon booking a course. It is approximately 10 minutes' drive from our classrooms.
Important Notes:
- • When you are driving on the dirt keep speeds under 10mph.
- • For classes and qualifications, we will be on the lower ranges. As soon as you cross the wooden bridge, we are immediately to the right on the first driveway.
- • You may bring your equipment to the bay, do not uncase until instructed to do so. Firearms may not be hand carried from the car.
- • Do not load magazines until instructed to do so.
Facilities Available:
- • Private range, there is no access for public shooters.
- • Women's and Men's restrooms available.
- • Shade and seated areas.
- • Wheelchair ramp ADA accessible.
- • There are no ammunition vendors on site. All rental or range equipment must be requested ahead of time. Eye protection and hearing protection first come, first served.
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"I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for CCW training. I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this. Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward. Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning. Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students. Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I’d absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training."
"Great experience! This is the second time within the past 2 years I attended training here with the same amazing experience. I greatly appreciate all the genuine efforts our instructor Ony put in our training. Ony answered hundreds of our questions and instructions he provided us with were priceless and precisely on point. I can state with confidence that me and all my peers in training had awesome time. STC also nicely updated classrooms with big screens and very comfortable ergonomic chairs. This training center is my all training go to place!"
"I recently completed a training course at Southwest Training Center and had a wonderful experience. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, informative, engaging, and genuinely kind. Even though the class days were long, the time went by quickly because the instructors kept the class interactive and interesting throughout the training. The course covered important safety procedures, laws, and real-life scenarios that really encouraged critical thinking and discussion about possible outcomes. I appreciated how the instructors created a comfortable learning environment where everyone felt involved and encouraged to participate. The class was organized very well, and the snack options were a thoughtful touch. I also liked that the range was nearby and provided a more private setting. At the range, the instructors really walked everyone through each step clearly, which made the experience feel comfortable, easy to follow, and very well organized. Overall, I had an excellent experience with Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, informative, and engaging training."
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