NRA Basic Shotgun

July 30, 2012; Greenwich, United Kingdom; Vincent Hancock (USA) competes in skeet men qualification during the 2012 London Olympic Games at Royal Artillery Barracks. Hancock leads the three round qualification with a 74 missing only one bird in the day. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Preregistration required.

The focus of the NRA Basics of Shotgun shooting course is for the student to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude to safely and effectively handle a shotgun and to fire at a moving target.  This course works well for somebody who wants to try shotgunning without having to invest in a gun and for those who have discovered the enjoyment of shotguns but have not yet  purchased their own gun and are looking for help in making a selection.  The class provides a solid foundation for new shooters as well as an opportunity for experienced shooters to learn new skills, and gain awareness of any “bad habits” that may have gone unnoticed for years.  Included are sections on shotgun types, accessories, ammunition selection, gun handling and live fire.  Safety is emphasized throughout the course.  The material presented in this course forms the core knowledge and skills used in all shotgun activities from hunting through home defense and formal competition.  This is an introductory level class with no prerequisites.

The course is open to individuals 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 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Please coordinate the attendance of students below the age of 18 with Critical Edge in advance of signing up for the class.   There is no training prerequisite for this 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 shotgun on their own.

All live fire for the Basic Shotgun  course will be conducted on a one-on-one basis with an NRA certified instructor.  We will start with a 20 gauge or 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition provided by Critical Edge.  Those students who already have a shotgun 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 Shotgun 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 8:00 AM and probably conclude by 6:00 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.

Spring Class Date:

• March 17, 2023 (Fri)

Pre-registration 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 $145.00.  Members of the Duncannon Sportsmen’s Association, veterans and first responders receive a $15.00 discount.  The fee for active duty members of the U.S. military is $75.00.  To finalize registration, please also send an email to:  carl.walker@criticaledge.us. Please include the following information:

Your 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, veteran or first responder;

The brand, model and gauge of any shotgun you will be bringing to class;

Your interests with regard to firearms and firearms training.

A brief description of your previous experience with firearms; and any personal security goals you may have.