Your first gun safety class
A beginner class teaches gun safety in a classroom, then you shoot on a range with an instructor.
Reviewed October 12, 2026.
What happens in a beginner class
The two national beginner programs, NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting and NSSF First Shots, both pair classroom teaching with live fire. [1] [2]
In the classroom
Gun safety rules, how the firearm works, ammunition, safe storage and shooting fundamentals. [1] [2]
On the range
Live fire with the instructor. NRA’s pistol course includes a standardized shooting qualification. [1]
Before you leave
NRA’s course ends with a written exam and a course completion certificate. [1]
NRA’s pistol course runs in one day or over several shorter sessions. A blended version starts with online lessons, then meets for the classroom and range session. NRA Home Firearm Safety is a four-hour classroom course with no shooting. [1]
How long it takes and what it costs
Beginner classes listed on USA Arms run a median of 4 hours, and the middle half run 3 to 8 hours. Their median listed price is $125; the middle half list $95 to $175.
- All beginner classes561 listed lengths: median 4 hr, middle half 3 hr to 8 hr.
- Intro and gun safety140 listed lengths: median 3 hr, middle half 2 hr to 4 hr.
- Basic pistol320 listed lengths: median 4 hr, middle half 3 hr to 8 hr.
- Rifle and shotgun basics104 listed lengths: median 5.5 hr, middle half 3 hr to 8 hr.
- Women-only classes76 listed lengths: median 4 hr, middle half 2 hr to 5.5 hr.
- Private lessons115 listed lengths: median 2 hr, middle half 1 hr to 3 hr.
- Permit and license classes542 listed lengths: median 8 hr, middle half 4 hr to 16 hr.
- All beginner classes519 listed prices: median $125, middle half $95 to $175.
- Intro and gun safety128 listed prices: median $95, middle half $60 to $150.
- Basic pistol300 listed prices: median $125, middle half $100 to $175.
- Rifle and shotgun basics96 listed prices: median $160, middle half $125 to $200.
- Women-only classes90 listed prices: median $100, middle half $75 to $175.
- Private lessons124 listed prices: median $125, middle half $80 to $225.
- Permit and license classes591 listed prices: median $130, middle half $95 to $200.
From the 10,153 classes 2,304 training providers list on their USA Arms pages. Figures as of October 21, 2026. Each bar spans the middle half of the lengths or prices those classes state; the dot is the median. Ask what a price includes, since some charge separately for range time, ammunition or a rental firearm. How we count
Which kind of class to look for
Intro and gun safety
Browse training providersSafe handling and how firearms work, not tied to one type of gun. Some are classroom-only.
435 providers list one · median 3 hours, $95
Basic pistol
Browse training providersBuilt around handguns; some follow NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting. Some ranges host NSSF First Shots, a classroom and live-fire introduction. [2]
767 providers list one · median 4 hours, $125
Rifle and shotgun basics
Browse training providersThe same start, built around a rifle or shotgun.
263 providers list one · median 5.5 hours, $160
Women-only classes
Women-focused instructionClasses set up for women, including first-time shooters.
236 providers list one · median 4 hours, $100
Private lessons
Browse training providersOne-on-one time with an instructor, usually shorter than a group class.
367 providers list one · median 2 hours, $125
Permit and license classes
Concealed carry classesClasses named for a state permit or license, such as a concealed carry permit. Each state sets what its class must cover.
1,286 providers list one · median 8 hours, $130
Youth classes
Youth programsClasses and programs set up for young shooters.
106 providers list one
Hunter education is run through each state’s wildlife agency. Idaho, for example, lists a 12–13 hour course with classroom and field-day time, and an online option of about 4–6 hours. [3]
Find training near you
USA Arms lists 6,333 training providers. Choose your state to see them on a map, then open a provider’s page for its classes and contact details.
- Under 20
- 20–49
- 50–89
- 90–149
- 150 and up
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the class built for first-time shooters, and does it include live fire?
- Who teaches it, and what are their credentials?
- How long is it, and does the price include range time, ammunition, targets and a rental firearm?
- What should you bring: eye and ear protection, your own firearm, or nothing at all?
- How many students does each instructor work with?
- Are there age, accessibility or prerequisite requirements?
Confirm availability, registration and requirements with the provider.
After your first class
Common questions
- How long is a gun safety class?
- Beginner classes listed on USA Arms run a median of 4 hours; the middle half run 3 to 8 hours. Basic pistol classes run a median of 4 hours. NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting can be taken in one day or over several shorter sessions.
- How much does a gun safety class cost?
- The median listed price for a beginner class on USA Arms is $125; the middle half list $95 to $175. Ask what the price includes: some classes charge separately for range time, ammunition or a rental firearm.
- What happens in a beginner gun class?
- NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting and NSSF First Shots both pair classroom teaching with live fire on a range. NRA lists gun safety rules, how revolvers and semi-automatic pistols work, ammunition, storage and shooting fundamentals among its topics, then live fire and a shooting qualification with the instructor.
- Do I need my own gun for a first class?
- Not always. Some classes listed on USA Arms include a rental firearm, or supply the guns and ammunition. Ask the provider what to bring, including eye and ear protection.
- Is there a class without shooting?
- Yes. NRA Home Firearm Safety is a four-hour classroom course with no live fire. It covers safe gun handling, firearm parts, ammunition, cleaning and safe storage at home.
Sources and method
- Student courses: Basics of Pistol Shooting and Home Firearm SafetyNational Rifle Association · course formats and topics, checked October 12, 2026 · firearmtraining.nra.org
- First ShotsNational Shooting Sports Foundation · program description, checked October 12, 2026 · letsgoshooting.org
- Hunter educationIdaho Fish and Game · course formats and lengths, checked October 12, 2026 · idfg.idaho.gov
Class lengths and prices come from the classes training providers’ USA Arms pages show, and update with each edition of the directory. Each class counts once per provider, however many dates it lists. A class is grouped by the words in its name, so “Ladies Basic Pistol” counts as both women-only and basic pistol. Courses for instructors, renewals and security work are left out.
Lengths count only when stated in hours or minutes, and prices only when stated as one amount for the class. A kind needs at least 20 stated values to be shown.