NRA Pistol Instructor Training Pre-Course Qualifications

[@greysquid8888]

I wish the NRA was as diligent about what is done with our membership funds as they are about "certifying" instructors.

[@tomwalenter7230]

Having just completed/passed the Pistol Instructor class, this was well put together. Thanks.

[@rosae8866]

I am in the process of taking the NRA certified training course in a week & I didn't know I had 2 know/do this to qualify for the certification. So thank you so much you are a lifesaver. Would have been a long 10-hour Drive for no reason.

[@armed2defend]

Come prepared and impress your training counselor. He/she should have explained this ahead of time. Be sure to review any information they give you. My assumption is that if an instructor candidate doesn’t come prepared for the instructor training, then there is no way they will come prepared to teach their classes. Good luck with your training and teaching!

[@LonginusModus]

You do not have to complete this before the training. You just have to have the basic handgun cert. That's it. Your instructor can have you complete what is shown in this video on the day of the class. however, maybe that isnt true for every instructor.

[@motheaten1]

lone time instructor and shooter this is about as good as it gets i would have tapped the mag from underneath before the rack on the hang fire in case the round did not go into battery. depends on if this was for self defence or recreational shooting

[@armed2defend]

Hello Billy! Thanks for the message. You’re correct. Safely shooting on the range you’ll wait the 30-60 seconds before doing the tap-rack. For self-defense you immediately do the tap-rack. It’s a long video so you might have missed it. But when clearing the failure to fire, I did tap the mag. The 30 second count ended at 16:48 in the video. Let me know if I missed something. Thanks again!

[@TheRealSpek]

It's truly appreciated to see someone demonstrate proper technique of firearm safety. With the right checks and expressing the importance of trigger safety, down range muzzle control/load & unloaded awareness with checks! Thank you for helping educate the public.

[@armed2defend]

Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. I appreciate your support!

[@HaroldGodwinson24]

I am looking forward to completing these requirements. I very much want to be both a certified NRA and USCCA pistol instructor someday.

[@armed2defend]

Awesome Harold! If you're in the area I teach both of them. USCCA Instructor: armed2defend.com/classes/uscca-certified-instructor/ NRA Instructor: armed2defend.com/classes/nra-pistol-instructor-training/

[@o5245607]

Thank you for this instructional and very well-done video. Even though these are basic and simple drills they are the foundation for safe and knowledgeable instructors, target and self-defense shooters, and hunters. I became a Certified NRA Pistol Instructor several years ago and will say that the 16 shots in a 6" circle at 45' was very intimidating for me because of cataracts. Simply, I was unable to see the pistol sights so asked about using red dot sights. He said that's fine and there were at least two other red dot users and our groups were the best compared to the other shooters.

[@armed2defend]

Thanks for your comments. Red dots can help to make aiming more simple. But they won’t stop other shooting errors. I assume you put some time training before the qualification.

[@rongay7750]

Taking my test soon, very glad I watched this!! Thank you!

[@armed2defend]

Awesome! Be sure to video yourself while practicing so you can see any safety issues you have. Having trained over 600 instructors, I can tell you that just about everyone of them came with safety issues that they didn't even know they had. Enjoy the training!

[@ralphmcdaniel7751]

I been a instructor for a few years. Take your the on the shots

[@armed2defend]

Good advice. No reason to rush. Also, I’ll add to focus on the gun handling when shooting so safety rules aren’t broken which is an automatic failure.

[@layshonw1856]

I'm in the process of taking my test. This helped. Thanks!

[@armed2defend]

Awesome! I’m glad that you found it helpful. Recording yourself and watching it for safety is very helpful. You’ll look like a real pro come time for your test. Also, do it slow showing that you know how to demonstrate it not only for the prequal but also to students. That’s an added bonus.

[@layshonw1856]

@@armed2defend I appreciate it!

[@Elvis68spec]

Very cool. Easy stuff, it's basic Pistol use but under stress, it's amazing, how difficult the easy stuff becomes! LOL! Excellent video!

[@armed2defend]

Thanks for the comment! Stress definitely makes it harder to get it right. Instructor candidates need to train under stress since teaching isn’t just stressful, but you’re also having to multitask when teaching the material, demonstrating the actions, and watching the class to make sure they are understanding. But honestly, most who think they are safe handling, aren’t actually safe with or without stress. I highly suggest recording when training so the shooter can get the 3rd person perspective to see what they are actually doing. Not just for safety but also technique. Check grip, stance, trigger cycle, anticipation, and so on. It’s a free way to train.

[@NicoEl119]

I need to take this course. I'm nice with the Blam Blams!!

[@armed2defend]

Looking forward to having you a class.

[@davidradulski2898]

Extremely valuable and well-produced! Thank you.

[@armed2defend]

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback!

[@F-Man]

Thinking of becoming an instructor - thank you for this!

[@armed2defend]

Sounds great. Even if you don’t want to make a profession out of it, there aren’t many hobbies that you can have fun and make money with. I love fishing but it’s always a loss for me. Even on my good days the gas and equipment costs blow out the value of the fish. But it’s something my kids and I enjoy. Shooting and teaching others to shoot is a blast. Assisting or teaching your own classes you can earn back money to help pay for your shooting, training, and new equipment. It’s a win win for you and your community.

[@kevinchan4951]

Glad i came upon this video to have an idea what this course will be like

[@armed2defend]

Thanks for the comment! I'm glad that it is helpful!

[@supernitroexpress]

This is exactly the video I was looking for

[@armed2defend]

Awesome! I'm glad that it help. Be sure to record yourself when you practice so you can see from a 3rd person perspective as to what you're doing. That really helps.

[@brianX626]

great video! can you do one for rifle?

[@batterforit6198]

This is a super informative video, thank you so much. Quick question - for malfunctions, do we (the students) have to "set up" the actual malfunction with the dummy rounds or does the instructor do that part?

[@armed2defend]

Thank you I appreciate your positive feedback. The NRA doesn’t specify. I typically have the student set it up since they are already holding the pistol. But I will guide them how to do it if they don’t know. I don’t consider that portion a pass fail. Unless if they do something unsafe.

[@bigbarkingdog2010]

NRA Instructor Pre-course Qualifications. Helpful. Interesting. Promotes Safe & Responsible pistol handling.

[@armed2defend]

Thanks for the comment!

[@magicofpaulcom]

Great video, thanks for posting!

[@armed2defend]

Thank you Paul!

[@DirtRoadLanding]

Excellent advice.. Thank You

[@armed2defend]

Thank you!

[@thomasdestry5188]

Excellent instructions sir🙏🏾

[@armed2defend]

Thank you Thomas! Are you an instructor or looking to become an instructor?

[@mikethedrummer5091]

Very nicely done! thxs

[@armed2defend]

Thank you!

[@calishark408_3]

Thank you!

[@armed2defend]

Thank you!

[@lifeofmike556]

Can I use a .22LR pistol for the course? Does it need to be a bigger round like a .380, 9mm or 40cal? Ect (Update) 10/13/2021 I've passed the course and it was easy as hell. I did it with my Springfield XDS Mod2. The shooting portion is easy. Take your time. Shoot 1 bullet a minute if you have to. It's really easy guys. Just don't over think it. Align your sights, squeeze the trigger slow and smooth and wait for the bang.

[@armed2defend]

Hello thank you for the comment! Yes, you can use a .22LR for the course. They also don't have any requirements on the sighting system that you use. Can be iron sights, red dot, laser, or whatever.

[@jeju1851]

Good deal gents

[@armed2defend]

I'm glad that you were able to pass! For this type of shooting that is all you basically need. Aim correctly and slow and smooth trigger press. But I would highly recommend people to practice before the qualification. We get too many come thinking they are good shooters and then they fail.

[@BrianOgilvie79]

@@armed2defend where can i take the NRA basic pistol course in ohio required for the instructor course?

[@armed2defend]

@@BrianOgilvie79 I teach it as day one of my 3-day NRA Pistol Instructor course. If you already have a training counselor you want to use, ask them if they teach it. I have a class scheduled in February. armed2defend.com/classes/nra-pistol-instructor-training/

[@reinaldoperez1725]

ok, 20 shots on 8 inch target at 15 yards (not too hard), but what is the amount of time allowed for those 20 shots? Besides being inside are there any grouping size requirements inside the designated circle?

[@armed2defend]

Hello, thanks for the comment. No time requirement for this qualification. The shots have to be within the 8 inch circle and within a 6 inch group.

[@elcidcampeador9629]

With what kind of gun do you shoot the qualification target?

[@armed2defend]

Hello, what pistol do you shoot most accurately with? The NRA doesn't have any limits on caliber and sighting system. So you can use any handgun. With that said, I would verify with your NRA Training Counselor that is going to qualify you to see if they have any limitations. Some times ranges might have limitations or trainers might have additional limitations. If you are looking to purchase a handgun for the qualification, then I would recommend buying one that you can also use with training yourself or new shooter students. We use the Smith and Wesson Victory 22 and the Ruger SR22 mostly on our range. Both are the smaller 22 caliber which is cheaper and easier for beginner shooters. And both are quality reliable guns. The Victory will be more of a target practice gun. The Ruger is more of a standard pistol and can be more comfortable for most to shoot. When you practice, you don't want to just practice until you can make it. You want to be able to qualify 100% of the time with an almost perfect score. I say that because when you get in front of your trainer and maybe other instructor candidates, your stress level will go up and you'll shoot worse than you would on your own. I get too many instructor candidates who fail because they didn't train correctly. You know you're going to be under stress for the qualification. Train to pass even when under stress. New instructors will be under stress teaching students. So being stressed isn't a good excuse for failing. The Ruger SR22 is good because you can attach the MantisX to it since it has a rail. I've had the Walther P22 and it was also reliable and good for training new shooters. I prefer the Walther's warranty over the Ruger's. They both have lifetime warranties, but there is a difference. After 2 years, you have to pay to ship your Ruger back to the factory. The shipping cost can be $40-50 since it needs to be shipped next day air. But Walther is a S&W brand so they will cover shipping both ways forever. Just a quick look on Cabelas and the Walther is a bit cheaper than the Ruger. Alternatively, if you have a carry gun that comes in a 22 model, that could be a good option too. If it already fits your holsters and you'll be able to use it in your training. Or training new shooters how to draw and shoot (family members, friends, or customers). For instance if you have the Glock 19 you could get the Glock 44. I hope that helps.

[@elcidcampeador9629]

@@armed2defend Yes it does. Thanks.

[@tylerkent100]

But how many shots required for a 2 inch group into 3 inch target at 15 feet?

[@armed2defend]

It is still 16/20 shots inside the target and group size.

[@tylerkent100]

@@armed2defend So I have to get a 2 inch group of at least 16 shots out of 20 rounds on a 3 inch target at 15 feet?

[@thekushness]

Didn’t knife shot the 30 second tile with the position though

[@armed2defend]

Good suggestion. I didn't think about adding the wording to the video until after I shot it.

[@ryanb5179]

Do they really want you to wait 30 seconds? Seems like a bad training scar. In the real world you want to tap, rack immediately to get the gun back into action

[@armed2defend]

Thanks for the comment. There is a difference between self-defense shooting and just shooting on the range. Obviously, if this course was defensive based, it would be ridiculous to train a shooter to wait 30 seconds while they are getting shot at. This course however, is an introductory basic pistol course that doesn't cover defensive pistol topics. So when shooting on the range, safety is the priority. Understanding the reason a shooter should wait 30 seconds because of a potential delayed fire (hang fire) is important. Every public range that I have been to has a rule that require that the shooter waits after a misfire. As an individual you can think that you'll never experience a hang fire. But the NRA trains hundreds of thousands of shooters each year through their program. So on the macro level many people will experience hang fires each year. If they taught to immediately clear the firearm this could result in injury. The NRA's training program has to teach the safest methods. The USCCA also teaches to wait 30-60 seconds in non-self-defense situations. Same with any other national organization that does basic firearm instruction that I'm aware of. Both the NRA and USCCA also teach immediate action drills when training for defensive style shooting. And depending on the course they also incorporate defensive shooting drills using snap caps to simulate malfunctions (misfire) for the student to clear immediately without waiting the 30 seconds. Each course will have specific goals based on the objective of the course. The NRA basic pistol program is just to introduce shooters to safely shooting on the range. It does not cover defensive shooting topics. The NRA has other course that do cover those (NRA CCW, the Personal protection series, and defensive pistol). Hopefully that helps for you to understand why the NRA teaches to wait the 30 seconds in the context of this basic pistol course.

[@mithrandir1313]

IMHO, with the fail-to-fire on the M&P, though this process is maybe what NRA expects, NOT confirming the barrel is clear of obstruction is an error! "Squibs" will sound like a click and put a projectile 2 inches down the barrel. Firing a squib'd pistol likely to cause damage and injury! Real Life: Check for a squib! (IMHO)

[@reinaldoperez1725]

Question: I live in Puerto Rico which is part of the US but it is a territory. To my knowledge our Carry license is not recognized by any state and as such I wonder how to take classes given the issue with Carrying / Transporting / Shooting at a class?

[@armed2defend]

I'm not sure the details on the Puerto Rico license reciprocity. If you take the class in a gun friendly state you shouldn't have any issues. For example, in Ohio we have permitless carry so you don't need to have a license to be able to conceal carry a handgun. You just need to be over 21 and have a clean background. They even open it up to anyone who is legally in the US.

[@reinaldoperez1725]

So I should be able to also purchase Ammo there? Here in PR we have to log any ammo we purchase in PR and are not allowed to import ammo, however they do allow a few left over boxes in the suitcase on the way home.@@armed2defend

[@stevendolbey403]

That's a beautiful revolver. What make/model is it?

[@stevendolbey403]

The single action one

[@armed2defend]

@@stevendolbey403thank you! It’s the Ruger vaquero in .357. ruger.com/products/vaqueroBisley/models.html

[@stevendolbey403]

Thank you sir!

[@darkcitadel0833]

What if you shoot the same hole multiple times? What's the score then?

[@armed2defend]

Depends on where the hole is.

[@mobilesolutionsfl]

I emailed a local NRA instructor about instructor classes his website said he held and he never replied. I had specific questions but, ultimately, was blown off. Bad taste, NRA.

[@armed2defend]

Sorry to hear about your experience with an NRA certified instructor. Honestly, most instructors teach in their free time as a hobby vs a full time business so they might let some communications get missed. Also, email systems might have put your email into his/her spam folder. I also wouldn’t correlate that instructors actions to the NRA. That instructor doesn’t work for the NRA. I would suggest to try to give the instructor a call or find a different one to contact. The instructor (training counselor) that teaches your instructor class is your first point of contact for NRA instructor and teaching questions after the training. So it is a good idea to find one who easy to get a hold of.

[@cecilwalker9804]

We're are you located and how do I get information on how to be a instructor class

[@armed2defend]

Hello, we're in the Columbus Ohio area. We teach both the NRA and USCCA Instructor Certification classes. Both options have pros and cons. You can see more about the NRA Instructor certification training here: armed2defend.com/classes/nra-pistol-instructor-training/ You can see more about the USCCA Instructor Certification training here: armed2defend.com/classes/uscca-certified-instructor/ Basic difference is that the USCCA is more focused on the concealed carry lifestyle and the NRA is more focused on basic pistol skills.

[@TheSpencer0000]

You did the failure to fire drill wrong...

[@armed2defend]

Thanks for the comment. I’m interested in learning what I did wrong. Please understand that the steps are specific to the NRA requirements. Others and/or other organizations might have additional steps. But for the purpose of the qualification we’re using the NRA’s published method.

[@chowmonkey2002]

You happen to have a PDF for this target?

[@armed2defend]

Thank you for the comment. I have our adjusted version on pages 6-7 on this pdf. We adjust the target size to be shot at 15 feet instead of 45 feet (15 yards). The explanation for the nra target size is on page 17 of the pdf. armed2defend.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NRA_Pistol_Instructor_Candidate_Packet_Armed2Defend.pdf

[@chowmonkey2002]

@@armed2defend thanks, much appreciated.

[@sethstatler8480]

I'm from WV. I have my CCW and want to become an instructor someone please help.

[@armed2defend]

Hello, if you want to become an NRA certified instructor you'll need to find someone that teaches it. Instructors that can teach the instructor level are called Training Counselors (TC). You can go here to find a class near you. Search under Pistol for NRA Instructor Pistol Shooting Course. www.nrainstructors.org/Search.aspx Next you'll want to contact the TC to make sure you know what to expect in their course. The NRA has a set program but each TC will handle the process slightly differently. Then prepare. I would suggest making sure you can pass the shooting qualification before you even sign up for the class. This involves going to the range and actually shooting it and scoring yourself to see if you pass. If you don't pass, don't sign up yet. Keep practicing until you do. I get around 20% of my instructor candidates that can't pass the shooting qualification. It is a difficult qualification. Then complete the course. You'll have to compete the student version of the basic pistol as a pre-requisit. Don't confuse this with a concealed carry class. It must be the official NRA Basic Pistol course and you should have an official NRA certificate from your instructor. I require that all of my instructor candidate complete this course thorough me. If you want to see my upcoming courses, you can take a look here: armed2defend.com/classes/nra-pistol-instructor-training/ This PDF has the details on my NRA Pistol Instructor training including the pre-course qualifications: armed2defend.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/NRA_Pistol_Instructor_Candidate_Packet_Armed2Defend.pdf

[@roberttaylor1464]

Where do I sign me up to become an NRA instructor so i can teach conceal carry classes.

[@armed2defend]

Sorry for the delayed response. I teach the NRA Pistol Instructor class. You can see it on my website: armed2defend.com/classes/nra-pistol-instructor-training/ If you're not in the central Ohio area, you can search on the NRA site to find local Pistol instructor classes. On this website, click to search for "NRA Instructor Pistol Shooting Course" and put in your zip code. If no classes come up then increase the search radius. www.nrainstructors.org/Search.aspx You might want to vet the instructor of the course you take. The quality of instructor training can really vary between instructors. Also, your instructor is your first point of contact if you have any issues or questions about the NRA training policies. So you'll want to make sure that you're able to contact them easily.

[@hellocow8655]

Can you do this at 18?

[@armed2defend]

Great question! With the NRA, you can become an assistant instructor when 18. Then when you turn 21 you can apply for certified instructor status. Assistant instructors can’t teach on their own, but can assist certified instructors.

[@jonlynch9089]

what model is that semi auto?

[@armed2defend]

Thanks for the comment. It’s the Smith and Wesson M&P 9 mm. The original version not the 2.0.

[@jonlynch9089]

@@armed2defend oh,ok! I recently bought my first s&w...m&p40 shield m2.0. I've been a glock guy until now. I'm still a glock guy but now I can add a s&w to my list. In the 15 years that I've been owning guns, I started with a HP 45cal, then Taurus 9mm and then glocks. I'm extremely interested in getting the NRA Pistol Instructor cert so I can teach others that the 2nd A isn't to be feared, but embraced.

[@Elvis68spec]

A Gun is no longer, loaded when you've removed the Magazine from the Gun and cleared the have Cartridge from the Chamber. When the Magazine Well is clear and Chamber is empty, the Gun is unloaded. A loaded Magazine, separate and apart from a Gun, does not indicate the Gun is loaded, period. To say that a Gun is loaded, once the Ammunition source has been removed from the Gun, is disingenuous.

[@armed2defend]

Good explanation. The definition for unloaded depends on the shooting activity and/or facility. You’re giving one version of unloaded.

[@Hero-hs4gt]

I wish someone would visually and physically check me.

[@davidjordan9899]

Dj🌟

[@armed2defend]

Thank you!

[@Kiin9Perez]

I have my bra but I wanna be a teacher in Nyc pls help

[@armed2defend]

Hello, I’m not sure what NYC requires to be a teacher. I’m also not sure if you mean that you’re already an instructor. If not, you can find NRA instructor classes in NYC using this link. Look under pistol for NRA Instructor Pistol Shooting Course. www.nrainstructors.org/search.aspx If you’re already certified, then I would suggest to look into how to teach in NYC or talk to other local instructors or ranges who teach classes to see if they hire. Even if you want to teach your own classes by working with others it’s a great way to learn what is required.

[@CooterMolot]

Could you remake this video with someone not speaking at Mach 3, Thanks

[@tradedate]

It's KZbin. You can adjust the playback speed in the settings