Hi guys, I'm new to the board.

 

My wife and I are excited to learn about and shoot some guns. But, we are on a budget. I have some questions that I was unable to find answers to by searching the forums and online.

 

1) If we just want to go to a range and shoot handguns, basic rifles, low kickback shotguns, do we need to take training classes and get certification?

2) What does an NRA certificate allow you to do? (Basic Pistol / Basic Rifle)

3) What does it normally cost and how long does it normally take? I see various training courses ranging from $65-$300 online and from 3-10 hours in length for the same "basic pistol" class.

4) What type of gun should us newbies start with? I've read a lot about the .22 rifles, but I want to actually feel kickback of a bigger gun so that I know what it feels like.

Your best bet may be to go to Shore Shot and rent a few. You can tell them that you're new and I believe they'll walk you through.

 

The NRA Basic courses really are only for training - they won't allow you to do anything.

Your best bet may be to go to Shore Shot and rent a few. You can tell them that you're new and I believe they'll walk you through.

 

The NRA Basic courses really are only for training - they won't allow you to do anything.

 

 

Thanks! We'll check out shore shot next week. Any idea what the rental costs are?

 

Btw, if anyone is interested, NJ Firearms is having a "group deal" http://www.zozi.com/deals/478 $97 for basic pistol. I wish they had this training during the week since I'm busy on the weekends, but I'm sure this should be useful to someone else.

NRA basic pistol will allow you to take specialty classes, I am taking BP so I can take the home defense class. Plus my aim sucks, I shoot 6 inches low consitently after my 1st few shots, I need help.

You might want to check out Anthony Colandro's Gun For Hire (http://www.gunforhire.com). I've heard nothing but good things about them.

Edit: My post was a bit inappropriate and I apologize.

 

What I had 'heard' was of course hearsay. I will be calling the NJSP to see if what I heard was factual.

Atlantic County range.. basic rifle is like $30 and so is basic pistol.. great instructors.. and great class for those on a budget..

The NRA offers a First Steps program and a Basic class for shotguns/rifles/pistols/and others. The first steps focuses on a specific style gun (semi auto pistol, revolver, etc). The basic class covers all the action types. Both have a live fire portion.

The NRA classes teach ou how to safely handle and fire a gun. They also teach good techniques and correct bad ones. If you are an inexperienced shooter these are the way to go. Yes you can go to a range and rent a gun and put bullets down range. Without knowlege of the basics and the safety rules you put yourself and others at risk. Also many people who do not have success at shooting will get out of the hobby.

If you are not experienced and you want to have success in shooting then you and the lady should take a class.

Www.NRAinstructors.org is where to start.

Prices are set by the instructor and vary depending on overhead.

Shop around, reach out to different instructors in your area and talk to them.

 

2) What does an NRA certificate allow you to do? (Basic Pistol / Basic Rifle)

 

 

That and dollar will let you buy a lottery ticket.

 

 

Actually if you want to apply for an out of state carry permit an NRA certificate can be used to demonstrate proficiency. Not sure if there is any other use for it.

 

Slav

I took the Basic course at Gun for Hire last month for familiarity with the weapons, my own confidence level as a new gun owner, to be able to join private ranges that have that requirement, and for a CCW permit. It was 4 hours long and was able to shoot 30 rounds through the new G19 Gen4. I want to feel comfortable with the gun and not do stupid things like screw up the thumb on my left hand by putting it behind the slide.

 

All these things come with practice.

Hi guys, I'm new to the board.

 

My wife and I are excited to learn about and shoot some guns. But, we are on a budget. I have some questions that I was unable to find answers to by searching the forums and online.

 

1) If we just want to go to a range and shoot handguns, basic rifles, low kickback shotguns, do we need to take training classes and get certification?

 

NO. BUT IF YOU HAVE *ZERO* EXPERIENCE, IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE SOMEONE SHOW/TEACH YOU WHAT THE DEAL IS, AND WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

 

2) What does an NRA certificate allow you to do? (Basic Pistol / Basic Rifle)

 

AT BEST, IT *MIGHT* HELP YOU GET A F.I.D. A LITTLE QUICKER, AND EASIER. IT WORKED FOR ME.

 

AT WORST, NOTHING.

 

3) What does it normally cost and how long does it normally take? I see various training courses ranging from $65-$300 online and from 3-10 hours in length for the same "basic pistol" class.

 

SIX YEARS AGO, IT COST ME $150. I JUST WENT WITH SOMEBODY IN THE PHONE BOOK, VERY HAPPY WITH IT ALL, BUT GO WITH SOMEONE WHO ISN'T LIKE A USED CAR SALESMAN, AND TRIES TO PUSH YOU INTO TAKING HIS/HER CLASS.

 

4) What type of gun should us newbies start with? I've read a lot about the .22 rifles, but I want to actually feel kickback of a bigger gun so that I know what it feels like.

 

IF YOU TAKE A BASIC CLASS, YOU'LL BE EXPOSED TO VARIOUS FIREARMS AND CALIBERS, AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO DECIDE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. I STARTED WITH .38SPL AND 9MM. DIDN'T DO THE .22 THING SINCE I REALIZED MIGHT QUICK I DIDN'T HAVE THE PATIENCE FOR IT.

 

 

JUST MY $0.02, YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY......

 

Atlantic County range.. basic rifle is like $30 and so is basic pistol.. great instructors.. and great class for those on a budget..

 

I called and they said that we would have to bring our own gun....This seems like an issue for me since I'd at least like to know how to shoot a gun before I buy one. Wouldn't renting guns for beginner shooters make sense?

Ok, so I know this is a NJ board, but does anyone have any experience with NYC Westside rifle and pistol range? They have $65 .22 cal rifle intro and shooting. Maybe this is what we should start with and then hit up shore shot to try other types / calibers of weapons.

Ok, so I know this is a NJ board, but does anyone have any experience with NYC Westside rifle and pistol range? They have $65 .22 cal rifle intro and shooting. Maybe this is what we should start with and then hit up shore shot to try other types / calibers of weapons.

 

I've heard good things about Westside from newbies. On the downside, the rifles are chained to the bench in the shooting stall.

 

But then again, it is NYC, and you could make a day out of it.

Definatly go for the classes.You also have the option of having a private class with some instructors which could be great experience for you and your wife.Also might be a good idea to have the class at the actuall range/club you're most likely to join if only for the familarity of it when you go back on your own.I believe most instructors have some common class guns and will usually start you on .22's, as they and you should.have you started you process of obtaining a FPID card/permits? Sooner the better.

If you are up north closer to NYC, take a class with GunforHire. Cant go wrong. They are a forum vendor, and have done very many things for the community as a whole.

 

Also check out the other firearms trainers, GAPP, or ShootNJ.

 

Take the class, especially if you are a new shooter, and dont know anyone who is vastly experienced with firearms now.

I would be weary of NJFirearmsAcademy. I've heard that Lateif the main instructor was caught not doing good things. I am not even sure if he is still the main instructor there.

 

I took Lateif's class years ago. VERY happy with it.

 

Not sure who's spreading rumors, but I can assure you Lateif is still the main instructor, and I recently learned he has just completed the CMP Master Instructor course.

 

And what you can also do is contact the NJ State Police Private Investigations Unit and inquire about any complaints or issues with firearms instructors.

 

NJ State Police can also give you recommendations, some of which are on their website;

 

http://www.njsp.org/about/fire_ret.html#ranges

Thanks! We'll check out shore shot next week. Any idea what the rental costs are?

 

Btw, if anyone is interested, NJ Firearms is having a "group deal" http://www.zozi.com/deals/478 $97 for basic pistol. I wish they had this training during the week since I'm busy on the weekends, but I'm sure this should be useful to someone else.

We do this training during the week. you just have to schedule it. Give us a call: 201 386 9451.. This deal will close soon. we will be doing Basic Pistol tomorrow (Tuesday, 9 - 5) and Friday.

There are some NRA Basic Pistol courses being held near me in the next couple of months. The fees are reasonable (around $100 for a full day). I'm trying to decide if it's worth investing the 10 hours that are involved in training and certification.

 

For background: I'm a fairly new handgun owner (less than a year). I had about an hour of one-on-one training with a high caliber (pun intended) LEO instructor. I've been to the range a few times. I'm familiar with my Glock 23 and it's operation through reading and You Tube videos. I'm conversant in the basics of gun safety.

 

So my question to those who have been through the program, or anyone else with knowledge of this, would it be worth investing a day in the basic program?

Hi guys, I'm new to the board.

 

My wife and I are excited to learn about and shoot some guns. But, we are on a budget. I have some questions that I was unable to find answers to by searching the forums and online.

 

1) If we just want to go to a range and shoot handguns, basic rifles, low kickback shotguns, do we need to take training classes and get certification?

2) What does an NRA certificate allow you to do? (Basic Pistol / Basic Rifle)

3) What does it normally cost and how long does it normally take? I see various training courses ranging from $65-$300 online and from 3-10 hours in length for the same "basic pistol" class.

4) What type of gun should us newbies start with? I've read a lot about the .22 rifles, but I want to actually feel kickback of a bigger gun so that I know what it feels like.

 

A few things are on your side, first you have a Wife that is interested, that is not always the case. You will understand more when it come time to buy guns, accessories, storage (gun locker or safe) etc;

 

Second you have found the forum here, there is a unbelievable amount on information and knowledge here, keep in mind not of it legal advise but there are a few here just probably quote the law better than most LOE's, not all but some for our LEO current and former.

 

3rd, find a good school, Gun for Hire is my recommendation, fantastic staff and very good programs. Also here is something else if you check out GFH, if you have another couple I think they do offer a discount for parties of 4 or more.

 

On a note of what the Basic Pistol will get you, beside a certificate, it also qualifies you to apply for CCW (Concealed Carry) in different states if you apply. Keep in mind this is just the minimum requirements, it's not like a Basic Pistol is all you need to carry and handle it properly, but it's a great starting point.

 

You will learn safety, proper handling and how guns work in along with all the basic knowledge you need to start off.

 

Harry

There are some NRA Basic Pistol courses being held near me in the next couple of months. The fees are reasonable (around $100 for a full day). I'm trying to decide if it's worth investing the 10 hours that are involved in training and certification.

 

For background: I'm a fairly new handgun owner (less than a year). I had about an hour of one-on-one training with a high caliber (pun intended) LEO instructor. I've been to the range a few times. I'm familiar with my Glock 23 and it's operation through reading and You Tube videos. I'm conversant in the basics of gun safety.

 

So my question to those who have been through the program, or anyone else with knowledge of this, would it be worth investing a day in the basic program?

 

Old Glock Guy,

 

Didn't see anyone specifically address your question so I'll chime in.

 

If you feel like you could use some more instruction in the basics, feel free to invest the time in the NRA class. But keep in mind that it might be a refresher course for a lot of the things you covered with your instructor. However you might also pick up some basic tips that your instructor didn't cover.

 

My personal opinion is that it doesn't hurt attending basic classes multiple times. If you feel it would be a good return for your money then I think you should go for it.

For basic rifle please look up Appleseed Project. Go to a weekend shoot, usually $70 per person. You will learn more about rifles in those two days and what we as americans are supposed to be about then anywhere else.

My wife and I just completed basic pistol at NJ Firearms Academy today. I want to thank everyone for your feedback and suggestions. I called around and got recommendations and reviews for places, but ultimately, it came down to price and times available for the classes.

 

I have to say, the NRA Basic Pistol was exactly what my wife and I needed. We got basic fundamentals of handgun safety and we got to shoot some guns. I forget all the models, but we tested a few .22LR plinkers, a .357 magnum single-action revolver (.38 ammo), a .40 P226, and a .45 1911. I shot the closest groups with the 1911 which really surprised me. It was also the most fun and felt the most balanced of the higher than .22LR caliber guns. My wife felt the same way and she could easily handle the recoil...the noise for us beginners was more scary than the actual shooting.

 

Now, I don't know where we go from here, but we really had a great time and are now considering getting more involved with shooting as a sport. NRA Basic Rifle ? Basic Shotgun ?

 

I have a feeling that this is going to get expensive.... in a good way.

Apply for your FID cards. ASAP.

 

Glad you enjoyed Basic Pistol.

 

 

My wife and I just completed basic pistol at NJ Firearms Academy today. I want to thank everyone for your feedback and suggestions. I called around and got recommendations and reviews for places, but ultimately, it came down to price and times available for the classes.

 

I have to say, the NRA Basic Pistol was exactly what my wife and I needed. We got basic fundamentals of handgun safety and we got to shoot some guns. I forget all the models, but we tested a few .22LR plinkers, a .357 magnum single-action revolver (.38 ammo), a .40 P226, and a .45 1911. I shot the closest groups with the 1911 which really surprised me. It was also the most fun and felt the most balanced of the higher than .22LR caliber guns. My wife felt the same way and she could easily handle the recoil...the noise for us beginners was more scary than the actual shooting.

 

Now, I don't know where we go from here, but we really had a great time and are now considering getting more involved with shooting as a sport. NRA Basic Rifle ? Basic Shotgun ?

 

I have a feeling that this is going to get expensive.... in a good way.

Apply for your FID cards. ASAP.

 

Glad you enjoyed Basic Pistol.

 

 

In the middle of an address change from NYC back to NJ so I think I'll do that after I switch my license to avoid confusion.