Lesson I — Pistol Knowledge & Safe Gun Handling
Safe gun-handling rules, safe administrative handling, pistol parts, revolver and semiautomatic operation, and verifying firearm condition.
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting
NRA Pistol Foundations
Your first pistol class should feel safe, clear, and respectful. This course follows the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting structure and introduces the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for owning and using a pistol safely.
No intimidation. No assumptions. No expectation that you already know the terminology. New and returning shooters get time to become comfortable with handgun safety, operation, handling, shooting fundamentals, range procedures, and continued skill development.
Build confidence before complexity.
Learning something new is easier when you can ask questions without feeling rushed or judged. We start with the fundamentals and explain not only what to do, but why it matters.
This class is separate from the Colorado Initial CHP course. It is excellent preparation for Colorado Initial CHP training, but by itself it does not substitute for the required Colorado Initial CHP course.
- Essential firearm safety rules
- Safe gun handling habits
- Basic pistol parts and operation
- Revolver and semiautomatic pistol differences
- Ammunition knowledge and cartridge compatibility
- How to verify a firearm's condition
- Loading and unloading
- Safe storage and responsible ownership
- Shooting fundamentals
- Range commands and range etiquette
- What to expect during live fire
- NRA Basic Pistol student examination / course review
- How to recognize when you need assistance
Course Curriculum
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting curriculum.
The course is organized around the NRA Basic Pistol five-lesson structure while keeping the tone patient, practical, and beginner-friendly.
Lesson II — Ammunition Knowledge & Fundamentals
Ammunition components and compatibility, dominant eye, grip, stance, aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, follow-through, and common shooting errors.
Lesson III — Shooting Positions & Qualification
Range safety, range commands, eye and ear protection, supported and two-handed shooting positions, live-fire coaching, and course qualification activities.
Lesson IV — Scoring, Selection & Maintenance
Scoring targets, selecting a pistol, safe storage, cleaning concepts, maintenance, and responsible ownership considerations.
Lesson V — Continued Skill Development
How to maintain and develop skills after class, future practice options, safe range habits, and next-step training pathways.
This class may be right for you if...
- You have never fired a handgun
- You recently bought your first handgun
- You inherited a handgun and want to learn how to handle it safely
- You feel nervous or uncomfortable at a public range
- You are preparing for a Colorado Initial CHP course
- You are returning to shooting after several years away
- You want structured pistol fundamentals before taking a longer defensive-carry course
- You simply want more individual attention on the fundamentals
Tuition
$149 for NRA Pistol Foundations.
Do I need this before the Colorado CHP tracks?
No. New shooters may choose Colorado CHP Foundations without completing NRA Pistol Foundations first.
This course is an option for students who would prefer additional hands-on familiarity and range confidence before attending the full Colorado Initial CHP course.