NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Course

Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for the safe and proper use of a shotgun in shooting a moving target.

This course is at least ten-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning how to shoot shotguns at moving targets. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; shotgun parts and operation; shotgun shell components; shotgun shell malfunctions; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting at straight away and angled targets; cleaning; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Shotgun Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate.

Course Goal

“To teach the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the safe and proper use of a shotgun in shooting a moving target.”
—NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Course Lesson Plans

Lessons

1. Shotgun Knowledge and Safe Handling
2. Ammunition Knowledge and Fundamentals of Shotgun Shooting
3. Firing the First Shots (includes cleaning and storage)
4. Shotgun Shooting Skills Practical Exercise
5. Shotgun Games and Activities

Prerequisites

The are no prerequisites for taking this course, and the material is accessible to appropriately supervised mature children. Be aware that the proper fitting of a shotgun to a shooter can be time-consuming.

Course Completion

For best results, the shotgun shooting skills exercise is repeated several times, with feedback from the instructor.

Students will receive feedback on the live-fire exercise and a course certificate upon successful completion of the lessons. There is a short written test on the lesson material at the end of the course.