NRA Basic Pistol

Preregistration required.

The topics presented in the NRA Basic Pistol class form the core knowledge and skills used in all pistol shooting activities, from informal recreational shooting through hunting, competition and self-defense.  Safety is foundational to the entire course.  Included are segments on gun handling, shooting positions, pistol shooting activities, pistol types, ammunition, and selection of pistols, ammunition and accessories.  I really like the NRA Basic Pistol curriculum.  It’s a comprehensive approach to the basics of firearms training and is great for brand new shooters and for experienced shooters who wish to build a stronger foundation of knowledge and skills.

There are no training prerequisites for this class.  The course is open to U.S. citizens age 18 and above that may legally possess a firearm.  Under federal law, however, certain non-U.S. citizens are prohibited from participating in this course.    Only non-U.S. citizens who are: (1) lawfully permanent residents (e.g., green card holders); (2) refugees; or (3) individuals who have been granted asylum may participate in this course. Students below age 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Please coordinate the attendance of students below the age of 21 with Critical Edge in advance of signing up for the class.

Progress through the course is not driven by a schedule.  We will move through the curriculum as quickly or slowly as necessary to allow the students to learn the material.  The training goal is to ensure that, by the end of the course, all the students have acquired the competence and confidence to safely handle a pistol on their own.

All live fire for the Basic Pistol course will be conducted on a one-on-one basis with an NRA certified instructor.  We will start with a .22 caliber pistol and ammunition provided by Critical Edge.  Those students who already have a pistol of their own, and would like to fire it, will have an opportunity to do so.  But, they must bring their own ammunition and notify Critical Edge in advance.

The NRA Basic Pistol course will be held within an easy driving distance of Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle, PA at the Duncannon Sportsmen’s Association on the dates below.  We will meet in the Duncannon Sportsmen’s Association clubhouse beginning at 9:00 AM and probably conclude by 7:00 PM in September and October.  Due to the reduced hours of daylight, the November class will begin at 8:00AM and conclude about 6:00PM.   To ensure close personal attention for each student, this course is limited to 6 people.

Fall Class Dates:

• 3 September 2022 (Sat)
• 1 October 2022 (Sat)
• 2 November 2022 (Wed)

Preregistration is required.  To reserve a spot in a class please go to the following to make payment:  https://criticaledge.us/make-a-payment/  The fee for the course is $130.00.  Members of the Duncannon Sportsmen’s Association, veterans and first responders receive a $10.00 discount.  The fee for members of the U.S. military on active duty is $50.00.   To finalize registration, please also send an email (at:  carl.walker@criticaledge.us ) with the following information:

Name as you want it to appear on your certificate;

Mailing address;

Phone number;

Please indicate if you are a member of the Duncannon Sportsmen’s Association, active duty member of the U.S. military, veteran or first responder;

The course title and the date(s) which you wish to attend;

The type and caliber of any firearm you want to bring to class;

A brief description of your previous experience with firearms; and

Your interests with regard to firearms and any firearms or personal security goals you may have.