NRA Basic Pistol course

[Yarborough]

Related to TAM's post from a week ago (viewtopic.php?f=83&t=46234):

I'm interested in (eventually--perhaps by this time next year) taking steps to secure Instructor certifications. My CHL course was a real eye-opener: I was easily the youngest (three months out from turning 27) student in the rather large class, and after "surviving" the range qualification (this was not guaranteed, given how many times the instructor had to tell the man next to me to keep his finger off the trigger while trying to clear the five FTEs he experienced in those fifty rounds), I went outside and called my dad to thank him for showing me The Way . . . even though I didn't really shoot between the ages of 14-26, basic firearms safety stayed with me.

Having returned to shooting, I've been taken aback by how many of my (intelligent, well-traveled) friends have zero concept of basic firearms safety or operation. None of them own guns--more than a few of them have started asking questions, wanting to tag along to the range etc. I'm jazzed at the idea of (properly) introducing adults to responsible gun ownership--eventually, shooting for recreation and/or personal defense.

Would it be ideal to take NRA Basic Pistol prior to signing-up for the Instructor-level course? I've never had formal firearms training, but I'm not one to shy away from asking "stupid" questions. Still, I'd rather not spend the day in a handgun class that's hours worth of "No, seriously, don't point that at yourself" if I'd be better served by taking my Plinker Education straight into the Basic Instructor Training/Pistol Instructor Training courses.

[WildBill]

There is a difference between knowing the basics of how to fire a pistol and how to teach other people how to fire a pistol. IMO, if you already know the basics of how to fire a pistol, you should take the instructor course. YMMV.

[Crossfire]

The instructor course covers everything that is covered in the Basic Pistol course.

You already know how to shoot. Please advance directly to "Go", collect your $200, and enroll yourself in the instructor class.

[Yarborough]

The instructor course covers everything that is covered in the Basic Pistol course.

That was the assumption upon which I wasn't quite ready to act. Thanks for confirmation.

Anyone have BIT-and-beyond suggestions for the Houston-area? I'm figuring on PSC, since I'm just east of Downtown. Open to recommendations, however.

[Skiprr]

You're in a very favorable location.

http://www.argenttraining.com/

TraCoun is a certified NRA Training Counselor, so teaches all sorts of instructor courses...