NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course
Please Note
Successful completion of this class is required as a first step in obtaining a permit to buy or carry a handgun in Connecticut. This permit also satisfies the requirements to buy ammunition, shotguns and rifles in Connecticut.
Completing the course
Ramapoo has two options for those desiring to take the NRA Basis of Pistol Shooting class:
Option 1
A single session Instructor-led class on the second Saturday of each month. The class will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Ramapoo Range. This option involves NO online work for the student.
Students must pre-register for this class at least 5 days in advance. This must be done in person with the $100 dollar fee paid at the club when it is staffed on Monday or Tuesday evenings (from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm) or on Sunday afternoons (from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm September thru' May).
Please check the calendar on the Hours page to confirm that the club is staffed.
Option 2
This course is conducted in two separate phases:
Phase 1 is taken online through the NRA Learning Management System (LMS).
Phase 2 is the instructor-led training portion of the course at Ramapoo Rifle & Revolver Club (Ramapoo).
Students must first complete Phase 1 (online). This may take several hours and once completed students have to attend Phase 2 (at Ramapoo) within 90 days. When signing up for the online phase students will be required to set up a PIN # and will have access to the digital handbook. A copy of the NRA Guide Basics of Pistol Shooting will then be mailed to you by the NRA.
Students will find the online phase of the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course at BasicPistol.NRA.org.
Fees: The fee for Phase 1 is $60, payable directly to the NRA when enrolling online. The fee for Phase 2 is $100, payable to Ramapoo Rifle & Revolver Club (check or cash).
The Ramapoo classes for Phase 2 are held on the first Wednesday of each month beginning at 6:30 pm.
All classes at Ramapoo are conducted by NRA Certified Instructors and stress safety while providing the basic knowledge and skills necessary for owning and using a handgun. Classes fill quickly. Students must pre-register for Phase 2 at least three weeks in advance, in person, and pay the fee of $100 at the Club when staffed on Monday or Tuesday evenings (from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm) or on Sunday afternoons (from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm September thru' May).
Please check the calendar on the Hours page to confirm that the club is staffed.
Prerequisites for participation in either training course
It is recommended that students obtain the forms for a Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers in the State of Connecticut from their local police department and bring them to class if an instructor’s signature is required. For additional information see the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) website.
All applicants must be at least 21 years old and be able to lawfully handle handguns in accordance with state and federal statutes.
All applicants must be at least 21 years old and be able to lawfully handle handguns in accordance with state and federal statutes.