New to shooting? Start here

Range visits, first classes, practice references, and shooting sports.

Getting started

Plan a first range visit
What a first visit is like, what to confirm with the range before you go, and what to bring.

Reviewed October 13, 2026

Read the guide
Take a first class
What a beginner class covers, how long it takes, what it costs, and how to find one near you.

Reviewed October 12, 2026

Read the guide
Practice with shooting drills
Short drill videos and free printable targets for your next range trip.

Continue
Try a shooting sport
Compare the sports and follow their official calendars.

Compare the sports

Practical pistol
Staged pistol competition built around accuracy, speed, movement, and problem solving.
United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA)
What to expect and how to start
Defensive pistol
Pistol matches focused on defensive-style stages, carry gear, accuracy, and practical movement.
International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA)
What to expect and how to start
Steel Challenge
Speed-focused steel shooting on repeatable stages, with a stated mission of safe, fair, and fun competition for all skill levels.
Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA)
What to expect and how to start
Cowboy action
Old West–themed competition governed by SASS, with an emphasis on safe, consistent, and family-friendly participation.
Single Action Shooting Society (SASS)
What to expect and how to start
Rifle, pistol, and air marksmanship
National marksmanship programs spanning service rifle and pistol, rimfire, smallbore, air gun, and other governed disciplines.
Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)
What to expect and how to start
GLOCK sport shooting
Friendly GLOCK-only competition designed for shooters ranging from first-time competitors to experienced participants.
GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF)
What to expect and how to start

Listed alphabetically; inclusion is not an endorsement.

Hunter education
State-approved hunter safety courses, approved by IHEA-USA and state hunting agencies, covering firearm safety, hunting fundamentals, conservation, and hunting laws.
Reviewed September 30, 2026
Official site
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting
The NRA’s self-paced online course, designed to be paired with in-person training, covering safety rules, pistol types, ammunition, and shooting fundamentals.
Reviewed September 30, 2026
Official site
NSSF First Shots
NSSF’s introductory seminars, hosted by independent ranges: classroom and live-fire instruction that covers safe handling, operation, and storage, with pre-registration handled by the range.
Reviewed September 30, 2026
Official site

Confirm requirements with the provider.