NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting
2024 Course Dates (CLICK HERE TO REGISTER)
| 03/31/2024 – PUBLIC | 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM | NRA Pistol Class & HQL |
| 06/09/2024 – PUBLIC | 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM | NRA Pistol Class & HQL |
Once registered on the NRA site, please return here and use the payment form below to finalize and confirm your registration.
IMPORTANT NOTES: This course is limited to 12 people. Portions of this course will be held indoors, and if you wish to wear a mask, you may, but it is not required. ADDITIONALLY: This course has Federal and MD instruction on the LAWS of firearms in MD.
NRA Basic Pistol Course Syllabus
Classroom & Range Location: Thurmont Conservation and Sportsmen’s Club (TCSC), 11617 Hunt Club Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
Course Goal: To teach the basic knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for owning and using a pistol safely.
Course Length: 9 hours (w/HQL) including a 30-minute lunch break (The course length may vary depending on the instructor to student ratio and the participant’s abilities.)
| Course Fee: | |
| General Public (Non-TCSC Member) | $100 |
| TCSC Standard Member (ID required) | $90 |
| TCSC Volunteer Member (ID required – shiny year tag) | $80 |
| Youth Group Member (Such as SA (Venturers, Scouts BSA), 4-H, etc.) with current membership ID for the respective group. | $60 |
Additional fees may apply if you are borrowing a firearm (cleaning charges apply) or buying ammunition. (Drinks and other snacks are usually available for a nominal charge)
Notes:
- Class starts at 9:00AM and will last until about 6:00PM or 7:00PM. (Maybe shorter or longer, depending on the students.)
- Students must bring a pistol (any caliber – NO MAGNUMS), 100 rounds of ammunition, eye and ear protection. (unless prior arrangements were made)
- NO AMMUNITION IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM.
- TCSC can/and will provide ear and eye protection if needed.
- If you do not have a pistol to use, please let us know in advance, and we will try to make arrangements for you to use one. There will be an additional fee of $30.00 (Covers cleaning time, maintenance costs and ammunition).
- TCSC will provide the NRA textbook (yours to keep) and class materials. Please bring a lunch, snacks and drinks for use during the day. There will be sodas, water and coffee for purchase.
- Maryland Handgun Qualification considerations and issues are discussed in association with this course. This course can be used as the training requirement to apply for an HQL in Maryland.
IMPORTANT! Please be aware that PREGNANT WOMEN should discuss the use of firearms with their physician prior to taking part in this course or any firearms use. Specifically, you should discuss the effects of exposure to loud sounds. If you are pregnant and/or nursing, you should not handle any chemicals, lubricants, solvents or lead unless you have discussed doing so with your physician.
A firearm is allowed and should be available to each student during the course. NO AMMUNITION IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM. Please read your firearm’s manual and be somewhat familiar with your firearm before coming to class. Specifically, you should know if you CAN or CANNOT dry fire your particular firearm. In MOST cases, you should NOT dry fire any rim-fire firearm, and in MOST cases you can dry fire most center-fire firearms.
FAQ
Common Questions:
Am I required to bring my own gun and ammunition?
Yes. At this time, you are required to bring your own firearm and 200 rounds of ammunition. (If you do not own a firearm, contact us, and we MAY be able to accommodate you on a case-by-case basis.
Can I buy ammunition from you or your club?
No. At this time, TCSC does not sell ammunition. It will be provided to those using a TCSC provided firearm.
Are there any restrictions on the gun I can qualify with at the range?
YES. Not so much the gun, but the ammunition, TCSC Training does not allow MAGNUM, +P or +P+ for training classes.
Should I bring my firearm to class?
Yes. You will use it in class and on the range. Don’t forget 100 rounds of factory ammunition appropriate for your firearm. Please leave this ammunition in your locked vehicle until the instructor tells you otherwise.
What should I bring to the class?
- Government issued picture ID. (required)
- Notebook, pen, and highlighter.
- Your firearm. (required)
- Magazines for your firearm (1 required)
- At least 100 rounds of ammunition for your firearm (Leave this in your vehicle) (required)
- Hearing and eye protection.
- NO open toed shoes.
- NO loose clothing.
- Hair tied back if you have long hair.
- Drinks, Snacks and something for Lunch
You cannot attend if you answer YES to any of these:
- I have been convicted of any Misdemeanor punishable by more than 2 years or Felony under the laws of this or any other jurisdiction (State or Federal).
- I have been adjudicated as a mental defective.
- I have been a patient in a mental institution for 30 consecutive days or longer.
- I am intellectually disabled or developmentally disabled.
- I have within the past year (preceding the date of this application) used or been addicted to any controlled substance or narcotics in violation of state or federal law (including marijuana).
- I am the subject of an existing Order of Protection or a No Contact/No Stalking Order
- I have been convicted of battery, assault, aggravated assault, violation of an order of protection, or a substantially similar offense in which a firearm was used or possessed.
- I have been convicted of domestic battery (felony or misdemeanor), aggravated domestic battery or a substantially similar offense.
- I am an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States.
- I have within the past year failed a drug test for a drug for which I did not have a prescription.
- I have been admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- I have renounced my citizenship as a citizen of the United States.
- I have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
- I am a fugitive from justice.