NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun

FIRST stands for “Firearm Instruction, Responsibility, and Safety Training”, a program the NRA developed to meet the need for a firearms orientation program for new gun purchasers. This FIRST Steps program is the basic course abbreviated to the most basic shooting skills, and the specifics of a particular model of shotgun.

This course, because of its narrow focus, can be completed as quickly as three hours. Students will get the NRA's The Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook and quick practical lessons on the safe use, cleaning, and storage of their shotgun. The practical exercise covers a single position and type of target. As the number of participants or shotgun types increases, the course will take proportionally longer.

Course Goal

“To provide beginning shooters with an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to own and use a specific shotgun model safely.”

NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun Orientation Lesson Plans

Lessons

1.Introduction to Shotgun Safety, Parts, and Operation
2.Introduction to Ammunition and the Fundamentals of Shotgun Shooting
3.Introduction to Shotgun Shooting at Straightaway Targets
4.Introduction to Shotgun Cleaning, Storage, and Training Opportunities

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

Students will receive feedback on the live-fire exercise and a course certificate upon successful completion of the lessons.