New Gun Owner Guide: Finding Firearm Training

by
posted on April 2, 2020
new-gun-owner-guide-finding-firearm-training-4.jpg
For new gun owners, one of the most daunting challenges can be finding someone who can provide further training and instruction on the safe, effective use of their new firearm. The National Rifle Association provides resources for new gun owners to find licensed trainers in their area offering courses on a range of topics, but that's not the only solution.


Option One: Ask Your Friends & Family

With the incredible number of gun owners and CCW-permit holders in America, odds are that someone you know likely owns a gun and has probably sought out some form of basic training, whether as part of a concealed-carry course, hunter's safety class or otherwise.

Not only can these close friends and relatives be great sources of information on the basics of gun-handling, they can also point you in the direction of instructors in your area. With their guidance and recommendations, you can confidently head to a training class where those you know and love have also received solid firearm training.


Option Two: Use the NRA Explore Search Function

Of course, it's always possible that you may not come from a family that owns guns or is all that familiar with them. There's also the possibility that you may not want to highlight your new gun purchase to those you know, for whatever reason. In that case, there are still many resources for you!

One of the best options for finding firearm training local to you is to use the search function at NRA Explore. Simply scroll down to the bottom of this page, plug in your zip code, set the search parameters anywhere from 25 miles to 200 miles and hit, "Search"!

In my case, the search function brought up 22 pages of firearm-training options, including shotgun, rifle and pistol basics, as well as other training options, like metallic cartridge reloading, basic CCW instruction and more. No matter where you are in the country, you'll be able to find a course that caters to your needs.


Option Three: Research Firearm Training Schools in Your Region

Many NRA-certified instructors are involved in dedicated training academies across the United States, and those schools often teach a range of classes in addition to basic firearm instruction. This gives the new gun owner an opportunity to not only learn the basics but also discover opportunities to sharpen their skills with additional classes.

Some of these schools include Gunsite Academy, Thunder Ranch, SIG Sauer Academy, Rogers Shooting School, Rangemaster and Academi, but there are many other reputable trainers and schools in different regions of the country, and most have introductory courses designed to familiarize new gun owners with their firearms.

No matter what route you take, one of the best steps any gun owner can take, whether new or experienced, is to seek out training. Firearm-handling is a skill that can always be improved upon, and the more skilled you are, the more capable you'll be in defending yourself and your family from threats.

Latest

Century BFT 01
Century BFT 01

New For 2024: Century Arms BFT74 & BFT556

Century Arms expanded its AK-style BFT rifle line in 2024 with two new models chambered for 5.56 NATO and 5.45x39 mm, respectively.

Preview: Armaspec SRS AR-15 Kit

This Armaspec upgrade to the AR-15’s standard buffer and spring includes a trio of interchangeable buffer weights that allow the user to tune it to his or her rifle/load.

Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive KelTec KS7

Join American Rifleman staff on the range this week with a unique version of KelTec's KS7 bullpup shotgun.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 1, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Hydra Weaponry Expands To New Facility

Hydra Weaponry—the designer and manufacturer of the modular Marck-15 Hydra Weapon System and Maine’s largest firearm employer—has expanded into a larger facility.

Review: Bushmaster M4A2 Patrolman's Carbine

The M4A2 Patrolman’s Carbine from Bushmaster Firearms is the first in a line of AR-15s designed to bring back the standard, carbine-length firearms that have long been a staple of American shooting enthusiasts.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.