Where every protector begins.

If you’ve never handled a pistol, or you have but no one ever taught you properly, this is where you start. The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is the nationally recognized foundation course for safe, confident, competent pistol handling. At Yasuke Arms it is taught start to finish by an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor.

This course doesn’t rush you to the firing line. It gives you the knowledge, skills, and attitude to handle a pistol safely for the rest of your life. It is also Day 1 of our two-day NRA Basic Pistol / Texas LTC course.

Who This Is For
Anyone, regardless of prior shooting experience or NRA affiliation. That includes first-time shooters, new gun owners, people returning after years away, and anyone who wants a disciplined, structured foundation before pursuing a Texas License to Carry or moving into our Defensive Pistol program.

Minimum Age: 18.

 

Questions Before You Enroll?

Have a question about the NRA Basic Pistol, course requirements, or what happens next? Email us—we’re happy to help.

Email Us Your Questions: training@yasukearms.com

 

What You Will Learn

• The NRA rules for safe gun handling and range safety

• How revolvers and semi-automatic pistols operate, including loading, unloading, and clearing

• Ammunition fundamentals and selection

• Choosing the right pistol and storing it responsibly

• The fundamentals of pistol shooting: aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, and follow-through

• Shooting positions, the most common shooting errors, and how to correct them

• Pistol inspection, cleaning, and maintenance

• How to keep building your skills after the course

Course topics follow the official NRA curriculum.

Live Fire and Qualification

You will complete live-fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification on the range under direct instructor supervision. To earn your certificate, you must qualify at the NRA Level 1 (Red) standard: four five-shot groups within a four-inch circle at 10 feet.

 

Exam and Qualification Attempts

Per Yasuke Arms policy, students have one attempt at the NRA written exam and two attempts at the NRA shooting qualification during this course.

What You Receive

• The NRA Guide: Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook

• The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination

• An NRA course completion certificate signed by the NRA Secretary and your NRA Certified Instructor

 

Course Format

Instructor-led, in the classroom and on the range. 8 hours, including the NRA shooting qualification. Take it on its own or as Day 1 of our two-day NRA Basic Pistol / Texas LTC course.

 

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID

• Your own pistol in good working condition. Yasuke Arms does not provide loaner pistols.

  • Any style of pistol and any caliber is allowed, including .22

  • The pistol must remain UNLOADED in a gun case or bag until directed by the instructor

  • At least two magazines or speed-loaders; ALL MAGAZINES must be UNLOADED

• At least 100 rounds of factory-new ammunition in its original box, enough for live fire and two qualification attempts. NO HANDLOADS OR RELOADS.

• Eye and ear protection

• Closed-toe shoes, a brimmed hat, and a closed-collar shirt

• A notebook, pen and permanent marker

• NO SIG P320s ALLOWED. NO EXCEPTIONS.

• NO LIVE AMMUNITION ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM.

• No holster is needed. This course does not include shooting from a holster.

 

Location and Scheduling

Available dates, times, and range location: TBA

 

Where This Course Leads

Completing NRA Basic Pistol prepares you for Day 2, the Texas License to Carry course. Once you hold your LTC, you can enter DP-1, the first level of the Yasuke Arms Defensive Pistol ladder.