I plan on picking up my first handgun soon and I want to make sure that I have a solid grip on the basics of handling and caring for my weapon. I have gone shooting a few times before with friends who own handguns and they have given me some tips and advice. One of them has the exact same pistol I plan on buying and he's shown me how it works, how to take it apart and clean it etc. My gun owning friends are all casual shooters, none are LE or military etc.

 

I am also considering taking the First Steps Pistol course at Gun for Hire. Does anyone with experience with the course have an opinion on whether it will be worth my time? I've read great reviews about GFH and the instructors there, I have no doubt they're competent and capable. I just don't want to spend $175 on the course if it's only going to cover the very basics which I feel I have a good grasp on already. If I'm only going to be learning things I already know that $175 could go towards ammo, range rental fees, future gun purchases, etc. Please advise.

You can't go wrong at GFH. Yes I did take the class and would recommend GFH any time to anyone.

 

ETA: This also is a course that will satisfy the requirements to apply for a Florida CCW.

Somerset county fish & game offers it for new applicants for either $25 or $50, I forget. First steps is the extreme basics.

I'd talk to Anthony about it. Explain what you already know and let him evaluate. Maybe Basic Pistol I would be a better fit, but he could advise on that once he gets a better feel for where you are now. It never hurts to start at the beginning, though.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Give Bob Bajor a call in the Easton area:

 

http://www.gunskills.com/

 

610-554-4581

I also took the First Steps pistol class at Gun For Hire. I also did the UT CCW, FL CCW, and my SORA certification there. I love that place! Anthony and his instuctors/staff are a great bunch.

I took the NRA Basic Pistol course at Shongum this fall. It was a day and a half, classroom and range. I highly recommend it. Great instructors. Lots of info. Got to shoot about a dozen different guns. And I think it was $125 if I remember correctly.

I've taken both NRA First Step and NRA Basic Pistol. If you are new to Firearms then NRA Basic Pistol is a much better place to start, it will cover more and you still get some range time.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

This is the class I was thinking about taking.

 

http://www.gunforhire.com/gun-classes_first_steps_pistol.html#.TutYPNQV2eQ

I also took the First Steps pistol class at Gun For Hire before I ever shot a pistol. Since you already have a grasp of the basics, I would suggest the Basic Pistol class over the 1st steps. Anthony and his instuctors/staff are a great bunch.

Give Bob Bajor a call in the Easton area:

 

http://www.gunskills.com/

 

610-554-4581

 

Your link is just perfect guide. Thanks for sharing.

As mentioned I have completed both First Steps (at GFH) and Basic Pistol (through somewhere else) during the last 3-4 months. I would totally recommend doing Basic Pistol with GFH rather than First Steps which is much shorter and lighter in content. Both include some range time.

 

Drop GFH an email or call them. They are very responsive at both email and phone. Anthony (GFH) also frequents the forum.

 

The test on the NRA Basic Pistol is straight forward.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

I took the NRA Basic Pistol Course in late September at Citizens Rifle and Revolver Club in West Windsor. I recommend this course, however, not necessarily at this particular club.

I feel there are many other ranges/clubs that may be better choices.