Foundational Rifle Safety Course

Course Overview
The NRA FIRST Steps® Rifle Orientation is a comprehensive, beginner-focused rifle course designed to build safe, confident, and responsible rifle shooters from the ground up. This class emphasizes safety first, followed by proper rifle handling, marksmanship fundamentals, and practical range skills in a structured, supportive learning environment.

This course is ideal for new shooters, those returning to rifles after time away, or anyone who wants to ensure they have a solid foundation before progressing into more advanced rifle training or hunting disciplines.

Firearm Safety & Responsibility

• NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling
• Safe rifle storage, transportation, and range conduct
• Developing the proper attitude for responsible rifle ownership
   

Rifle Knowledge & Operation

• Rifle parts and functions
• How rifles operate (bolt, semi-automatic concepts as applicable)
• Understanding rifle ammunition and caliber basics
   

Marksmanship Fundamentals

• Proper stance and body alignment
• Sight alignment and sight picture
• Trigger control, breathing, and follow-through
• Natural point of aim and consistency

Shooting Positions

• Bench rest shooting (ideal for learning fundamentals)
• Prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing positions
• Understanding stability, balance, and support in each position
   

Range Time & Practical Application

• Supervised live-fire exercises
• Applying classroom concepts on the range
• Reinforcing safe habits and accuracy through repetition

Rifle Maintenance

• Basic rifle cleaning and maintenance
• Understanding why proper care matters for safety and performance
   

• Minimum 8 hours of combined classroom and live-fire instruction
• Taught at a controlled pace with an emphasis on understanding—not rushing
• Designed to build confidence without pressure or intimidation

Students will receive:

• NRA Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook
• NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
• Winchester / NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
• Completion of the Basics of Rifle Shooting Student Examination
• NRA Course Completion Certificate
   

• Brand-new rifle shooters
• Youth or adult students seeking structured instruction
• Prospective hunters or recreational target shooters
• Anyone wanting a safe, professional introduction to rifles
   

This course provides a strong, safety-focused foundation and sets students up for continued skill development, competitive shooting, or hunting pursuits—always grounded in responsibility, discipline, and confidence.