Handguns
If I were to give advice to any new gun owner on purchasing a first firearm and subsequent training, it would be very simple and to the point: Don’t always trust the “experts,” and look to NRA Certified Instructors for accurate information. Some of the “experts” to avoid include internet and social media influencers; workplace watercooler wranglers;…
Semi-automatic pistols are today’s reigning king of self-defense guns. When I teach the NRA Basic and Instructor Pistol Courses, most of my students—of all ages—cringe at the thought of shooting the revolvers I incorporate into the range portion of the class. But many of my students endeavor to become NRA Certified Pistol Instructors, so I must sign off…
More than 73,000 members gathered in the country’s fourth most-populous city to celebrate their Second Amendment freedoms. Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the fourth most-populous city hosting the 155th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston April 17-19, 2026 did not disappoint. The NRA show is open to all NRA members and their immediate families…
As an NRA Certified Instructor, I encounter plenty of new gun owners. Many of them are excited to be in class and on the range, and eager to learn. Others are apprehensive and afraid. Some of these students have the correct equipment and reasonable expectations. Others have been ill-advised on which gun to purchase, and…
A Successful Guide to Introducing New Firearm Owners to Their First Range Experience with Confidence and Success BY HEIDI LYN RAO The sights, sounds, and smells of a gun range may be something that brings comfort to you as a frequent and experienced shooter. To a brand-new shooter, a trip to the gun range may…
Understanding handgun terminologies and sizes will help you choose the right gun for you. ** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA’s mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. ** Semi-automatic pistols and revolvers have their own terminology when it comes to…
This little cartridge can be one of the most powerful tools for teaching the fundamentals that create safe, confident and successful shooters. As a longtime NRA Instructor, one of the best tools I have found to use with new shooters is a .22 LR. The NRA Training Department encourages instructors to utilize the .22 LR…
Exceptions include cartridges that have identical size dimensions, bullet weights, and powder charges but have different industry recognized names. Safe shooters know the importance of using the correct ammunition in their firearms. NRA Certified Firearm Instructors are expected to teach the importance of matching the correct ammunition to the firearm in Lesson II of all…
We all know what it is like trying to complete a project and constantly being interrupted by the phone, co-workers or even our kids. All of us at one time or another have said, “It’s so loud in here, I can’t even hear myself think!” If you have ever said or thought this, your concentration…
NRA Certified Instructors are ambassadors for the NRA. If you are a student, here are four ways to recognize when your instructor is putting his or her best foot forward. When you visit a gun range, one thing you will notice is there usually is no shortage of firearms instructors. There may be business cards…