The NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the safe and effective use of a rifle for target shooting. This course emphasizes the development of responsible attitudes, essential knowledge, and fundamental shooting skills required for safe firearm handling and continued marksmanship improvement. It is ideal for new shooters as well as those seeking to reinforce proper techniques and safety practices.
The course is a minimum of eight hours in length and combines both classroom instruction and live-fire range training. Through guided instruction, students are introduced to NRA’s rules for safe gun handling, ensuring safety remains the highest priority throughout the course. Classroom sessions cover critical topics such as rifle parts and operation, ammunition knowledge, and proper maintenance and cleaning, giving students a clear understanding of how rifles function and how to care for them responsibly.
During range instruction, students learn and practice the fundamentals of rifle shooting, including proper stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, breathing, and trigger control. Participants gain hands-on experience firing a rifle from multiple shooting positions, including bench rest and standing, allowing them to build confidence and adaptability in various shooting scenarios. Range rules and etiquette are reinforced throughout all live-fire activities to ensure a safe and structured learning environment.
In addition to technical instruction, the course encourages continued skill development and personal improvement beyond the classroom. Each student receives the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, the NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, and the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, providing valuable reference materials for ongoing practice and progression. Students will also complete the Basics of Rifle Shooting Student Examination to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will recognize their achievement and commitment to safe and responsible rifle shooting.