Just signed up for my first "safety course"

[chetrogers]

Today i got an email from an NRA Instructor in my area telling me about a class that i asked about and it is "FIRST Steps Pistol Class "I have never been excited about taking any class in my life but this one i cant wait for.My question is to you guys what should i expect from this class.I'm more of a rifle shooter.I do want to get my ccw one day and this class is one of the required in Oregon.I have no idea what to expect and just want to know if anyone has any suggestions for me.I already know the basic 4 rules etc.But i am really excited to learn from somebody who Know 100% more about guns then me.

I know this will probably get moved to the Handgun forum but was hoping it could stay here awhile because I'm sure most of you guys have had training in some way.Thanks for any suggestions or comments.

 

[Greybeard]

First Steps "Orientations" are an abbreviated version some basic courses. NRA allowed and developed lesson plans for these courses several years ago, I suspect realizing that they are a better "fit" time/money-wise for some people.

You will likely focus on and get "hands on" work with one specific gun, either yours or one provided. Classes are typically limited to no more than 4 students per instructor. Expect to spend the first hour or two in classroom setting learning a lot about the gun that is front of you and a little about guns in front of others. Range session may consist of firing only a few rounds, after which you'll get to disassemble and clean ...

Ironically, I did one of these on a private basis a few years back for a very experienced TX CHL holder whose instructor was not NRA Certified. He was seeking a Florida non-resident CCW and said that, at the time anyway, the 10-15 hour Texas CHL course "would not fit in their box". But as little as a 3-hour NRA course would! And I subsequently learned that even a hunter ed. class was acceptable to FL. Totally different lesson plans ...

FWIW, once you get your license, you might want to check out the "License Tool" at www.packing.org From info. gleaned there and elsewhere, I just applied today for New Hampshire permit. Only $20 - and picks up reciprocity with Colorado that Texas does not yet have.

Anyhoo, understand your upcomiong course is just like the name implies - first steps. Enjoy.

 

[Moparmike]

I got my hopes up when I looked at the permit requirements of NH. You only have to be 18! However, if your state gives a permit, you must have one before you can have a NH one. AR says 21. Drat.


Thanks for the license tool link!