BASIC PISTOL

and

THE BASICS OF PERSONAL PROTECTION

     Thank you for expressing interest in our courses! Our courses are designed and sponsored by the National Rifle Association of America. They are intended to serve the needs of those who own or are contemplating the acquisition of firearms for personal defense. Both classes primarily addresses the use of handguns as defensive weapons, and they are intended to give a novice, or one who is hesitant about making this step, sound and practical advice that will help in making a decision one way or the other. Successful completion of either courses meets the legal requirement for "demonstrating competence" with a firearm for those who are planning to apply for a concealed weapon permit under Section 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

Here are some pictures of some previous classes. 

                 
         
    
[Click the Thumbnail to see a larger image or hover your cursor over the thumbnail for a description]

     Our courses are taught by NRA-certified Instructors who are members of the Shawnee Hunting Club, in collaboration with local and state law enforcment personnel. Our courses requires no previous knowledge of firearms or shooting at all. Courses begin at a very basic level and builds on fundamentals, stressing safety and personal responsibility. Participants need not have a firearm; the club provides guns and ammunition to those who do not have or choose not to use their own.

     The classes are offered twice a year, in the Spring ( May) we teach the Basic Handgun and in the Fall (September) we teach Personal Protection. Enrollment is limited to 40 students per session. Each course requires approximately 10 hours of student time, given in 3-hour classroom sessions. After completion of the indoor class sessions the student is assigned to a three-hour live fire exercise conducted at the club's private range, to give a chance for "hands-on" experience with different types of firearms. During the range session each participant will fire about 100 rounds at a series of targets.

     Some Topics covered in the class sessions include:

• Avoiding Personal Attack
• Making Your Home Secure
• Types of Handguns
• Choosing a Gun
• Ammunition and Caliber Choices
• Fundamentals of Marksmanship
• Safe Storage
• Care and Cleaning
• Rights and Responsibilities of the Gun Owner
• Laws on Carrying a Concealed Weapon*
• Laws on Deadly Force*

      *These portions of the course are taught by law enforcement personnel

     Many of our participants in the past who had never used any type of firearm before have come away from this course feeling confident of their ability to handle one safely and effectively should the need arise. Those who complete the course are issued a certificate to attest to their having done so. Range sessions also provide demonstrations of shotguns and rifles suited to personal protection. See what some students had to say about their experience:

"It is good for a beginner. Basic information is clearly conveyed in a friendly and non-intimidating way" - G.B.

"Very knowledgeable instructors, lots of 'hands on' instruction, [it] should make any 'first-timers' feel at ease. I've been shooting for 35 years and still learned something new at every session. Great Course!" - M.A.

"It is very well taught by highly qualified instructors. You will learn to safely and thoroughly handle firearms both for sport shooting and self protection. I was very much pleased with he course." - L.S.

The instructors were very helpful to both long time gun owners and first time shooters. Everyone should learn how to use the handguns in their home to be safe. - J.C.

For more information, please contact our Webmaster on the Contacts Page

To return to the Shawnee Hunt Club Page clickHere