NRA Pistol Instructor
Become a certified NRA Pistol Instructor and teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting.
Please use your FULL name when registering for the courses. We use our scheduling software to download and create the certificates after all courses. If you have a middle initial enter it as well to avoid duplicate entries. This is IMPORTANT to have your certificate complete. Do NOT use short versions of your name. Thank you.
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The NRA Pistol Instructor course certifies you to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting. This instructor-level training combines the NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) methodology with the discipline-specific Pistol Instructor course, qualifying you to instruct students in the fundamentals of pistol shooting.
Course Overview
This instructor-level course prepares experienced shooters to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting. Through a combination of classroom instruction, teaching methodology, and live-fire range time, you will learn how to deliver the NRA curriculum safely and effectively to new students.
Topics include NRA instructor training methodology, using the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting lesson plans, teaching pistol shooting fundamentals, evaluating student performance, conducting live-fire exercises, and the NRA instructor role and responsibilities. Successful candidates are certified to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course.
Two days. Classroom + live-fire range time. Prerequisite: NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting.
NRA PISTOL INSTRUCTOR
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2 Days | Instructor Level
Requirements to Attend
- Be at least 21 years of age for certified instructors (instructors under 21 can still attend to be certified as assistant or apprentice instructors depending on the age of the instructor candidate)
- Be a lawful, non-prohibited person able to possess firearms
- Have completed the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course
- Demonstrate safe gun handling and marksmanship fundamentals
- Be of good moral character with a clean background
Fee is all inclusive. No hidden fees, additional costs, or pricing mark ups. Firearm and ammunition rentals are available on site.
What to Bring
Classroom:
- • Note-taking materials
- • Your NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting certificate
- • Open mind and willingness to learn
Live-Fire Range:
- • A pistol (rentals available on site)
- • 200 rounds of factory ammunition
- • Eye and ear protection
- • Comfortable, range-appropriate clothing
- • Closed-toe shoes
Rental Info
Rentals are available on a first come first served basis.
Firearms we carry for students are Glock 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, Springfield XD9, Ruger GP Revolver.
Ammo for rentals will be based on market value when purchased and generally varies between $25 - $40 per box of 50 rounds depending on maker, caliber, and availability.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the NRA Pistol Instructor course?
This course certifies you to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting as a certified NRA instructor. It combines the NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) with the discipline-specific Pistol Instructor course, qualifying you to instruct students in the fundamentals of pistol shooting.
What are the prerequisites?
You must first complete the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course. You must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for safe pistol handling, and pass a pre-course qualification evaluation of your shooting ability and a instructor-led interview.
What does the course cover?
The course covers NRA instructor training methodology, using the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting lesson plans, teaching pistol shooting fundamentals, evaluating student performance, conducting live-fire exercises, and the NRA instructor role and responsibilities. Successful candidates are certified to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course.
How long is the course?
The course is approximately 2 days, which includes the BIT (Basic Instructor Training) module and the discipline-specific Pistol Instructor course. Both classroom instruction and live-fire range time are included.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion you will be certified as an NRA Pistol Instructor, registered through the NRA. This certification allows you to teach the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course to students.
Can this certification help me become a California DOJ CCW instructor?
Yes. This course is part of Southwest Training Center's NRA-based pathway for instructors seeking a qualifying credential recognized by California DOJ. California DOJ accepts several different qualifying instructor credentials — our NRA pathway is one option, not a requirement for every applicant.
What if I don't see a date that works for me?
Call us at 310-650-6896 — we often have the next date already in the works, and private training is available.
Don't see a date that works? Call us at 310-650-6896
Range Location & Map
Lopez Canyon Shooting Range, Sylmar, CA
Directions and address will be provided upon booking a course. It is approximately 10 minutes' drive from our classrooms.
Important Notes:
- • When you are driving on the dirt keep speeds under 10mph.
- • For classes and qualifications, we will be on the lower ranges. As soon as you cross the wooden bridge, we are immediately to the right on the first driveway.
- • You may bring your equipment to the bay, do not uncase until instructed to do so. Firearms may not be hand carried from the car.
- • Do not load magazines until instructed to do so.
Facilities Available:
- • Private range, there is no access for public shooters.
- • Women's and Men's restrooms available.
- • Shade and seated areas.
- • Wheelchair ramp ADA accessible.
- • There are no ammunition vendors on site. All rental or range equipment must be requested ahead of time. Eye protection and hearing protection first come, first served.
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"I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for CCW training. I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this. Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward. Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning. Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students. Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I’d absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training."
"Great experience! This is the second time within the past 2 years I attended training here with the same amazing experience. I greatly appreciate all the genuine efforts our instructor Ony put in our training. Ony answered hundreds of our questions and instructions he provided us with were priceless and precisely on point. I can state with confidence that me and all my peers in training had awesome time. STC also nicely updated classrooms with big screens and very comfortable ergonomic chairs. This training center is my all training go to place!"
"I recently completed a training course at Southwest Training Center and had a wonderful experience. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, informative, engaging, and genuinely kind. Even though the class days were long, the time went by quickly because the instructors kept the class interactive and interesting throughout the training. The course covered important safety procedures, laws, and real-life scenarios that really encouraged critical thinking and discussion about possible outcomes. I appreciated how the instructors created a comfortable learning environment where everyone felt involved and encouraged to participate. The class was organized very well, and the snack options were a thoughtful touch. I also liked that the range was nearby and provided a more private setting. At the range, the instructors really walked everyone through each step clearly, which made the experience feel comfortable, easy to follow, and very well organized. Overall, I had an excellent experience with Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, informative, and engaging training."
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