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I'm taking both these courses this coming weekend because I introduce so many new shooters to pistol shooting. I just want to make sure that I'm teaching them correctly.

Thus far, I've converted every "hoplophobe" that I have taken to the range into at least a casual shooter and some into responsible gun owners who are continuing their training and practice. Some are pursuing CHLs but I'm still working on getting as many people as I can to join the NRA. I'm hoping that my NRA Instructor certification will help me spread that message.

Any tips for taking the courses from those who have gone before? Thanks.

It's been so long since I've taken those courses that I really don't recall the details. Plus, the Basic Pistol course has changed.

About the only thing I can say at this point is to erase the word "Weapon" from your vocabulary! My TC had a wooden "W" painted red with a lanyard. Every time someone used the term "weapon" they had to wear the scarlet letter around their neck until someone else said it. It was all in fun, but it worked and it reminded me of my high school debate coach ringing a loud cowbell every time we said "Ah, huh" or any other time crutch. I hate cowbells to this day!

Above all, have fun with it.
Chas.

If you're taking it in Conroe, I'll see you there.

I took it a couple of weekends ago (in Maine). Was a pretty straightforward experience, and certainly a well-structured class.

That's a heck of a commute!

Look forward to meeting you Scott B.

Likewise. See you tomorrow.

Had a great time attending these courses. Met some truly incredible people and had a lot of safe fun and learning. Proved to me that I still have a lot to learn. Can't speak highly enough of our instructors, Steve & Donna Vandermolen at Conroe Shooting Academy. They were great!

Will come by to check out your store front sometime Scott B.

I'll echo Larry. Had a great weekend and came away equally impressed with the NRA training curriculum and the quality of the instruction.

PM inbound.

I've been considering the instructor's course(s) also due to introducing new shooters properly. Can either of you provide a quick (basic) outline of the day?

Thanks!

Day 1 is Basic Instructor's Training. This is the foundation course for all NRA instructor's training. Teaches you to teach the NRA way. Good fundamentals. You'll do your qualifying shoot at the end of the day.

Day 2 is the Pistol Course where you learn how to teach it.

Participation is key. They get you involved early and often. It's not two days of lecture. I was surprisingly worn out at the end of day 1 but was eager to hit day 2.

If you hit http://www.nrainstructors.org, search for a course near you, click on details, you can print off the pre-course qualification sheet.

Scott has really summed it up very well and there is not much that I can add except, bring an attitude of learning to the class and practice shooting at 15 yards. It was quite apparent to me that I don't do near enough shooting and practicing of fundamentals at this range or longer.

Yes, do practice at 15 yards. Heck, wish I'd been practicing 20

I've been re-evaluating my carry gun, grip, trigger stroke, and even my vision with every subsequent range trip.