Develops in the students the basic knowledge, skills and attitude essential to the safe and efficient use of a firearm for protection of self and family, and provides information on the law-abiding Citizen’s right to self-defense.  Students must be law-abiding adults who have successfully completed the NRA First Steps or Basic Pistol Course, can show a current NRA competitive shooting qualification card, military DD form 214 with a pistol qualification or who pass the Pre-Course Assessment.  Students must also present when enrolling in this class a Certificate of Attendance for the Firearms and the Law Lesson.  This is at least an eight hour course not counting travel time and lunch break.  The price is $140 per student.  Student packet and range fees are included.  Students must provide their own firearm and ammunition.  There are seven lessons as follows:
           
  Lesson1:  Introduction to Defensive Shooting (1hour)           

  Lesson2:  Basic Defensive Pistol Skills (3 hours, Live Fire)           

  Lesson3:  Firearms and the Law:  Possession, Ownership, and the Use of Deadly Force (1 hour minimum)   Note:  This lesson will be presented separately from the other lessons (see 3 above)      

  Lesson4:  Strategies for Home Safety and Responding to a Violent Confrontation (1 hour)  
        
  Lesson5:  Selecting a Pistol for Self-Defense(30 minutes)           

  Lesson6:  Sport Shooting Activities and Training Opportunities (20 minutes)

  Lesson7:  Course Review and Examination (1hour)

Please check out Student Information before registering for this class and again before attending.

Students must bring with them to class their own handgun, 150 rounds of professionally manufactured ammuniton, a strong side belt holster, at least one spare magazine or speedloader.  Optional items are shooting or light work gloves and knee pads.


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Lesson 1 Objectives

1. Explain the importance of using a firearm responsibly and ethically for personal protection.
2. Explain the importance of developing the proper mindset for using a firearm for personal protection and facing a life-threatening encounter.
3. Explain and evaluate the state of mental awareness using the four levels of awareness.
4. Explain the importance of mental preparation and physical training for a potentially life-threatening confrontation.
     
Lesson 2 Objectives

1. From the classroom phase you should be able to:   
2. Explain and demonstrate the fundamentals of defensive marksmanship.    
3. Explain defensive accuracy. 
4. Explain the differences between cover and concealment and identify examples of each.

From the live fire phase you should be able to shoot targets in the center of mass:

1. using aimed shots from a two-handed standing position. 
2. using cover and concealment.
3. using a flash sight picture.
4. from a kneeling position.
5. at close range using point shooting  
           
Lesson 3 Objectives  

As a result of your participation in this lesson you will be able to: •          
1. Explain key provisions of the law pertaining to the purchase, transfer and possession of pistols.
2. State key provisions and restrictions within the law pertaining to the use of deadly force.
3. Explain potential criminal and civil legal actions that may be taken against them subsequent to a defensive encounter.
4. Explain where you may find detailed legal information for your specific jurisdiction.

Lesson 4 Objectives
As a result of your participation in this lesson you will be able to:
1. Explain strategies and methods to enhance your personal safety at home and in public.
2. Describe strategies for responding to a potentially life-threatening encounter.  
3. Explain the importance of mentally preparing for the aftermath of a violent confrontation.
4. Explain methods for safely storing a personal protection pistol. 
 
Lesson 5 Objectives

As a result of your participation in this lesson you will be able to:
1. Identify the criteria for selecting a pistol and ammunition suited to your individual self-defense needs.
2. Identify the major cartridge designs available for practice and personal protection and explain the use, advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Lesson 6 Objectives

1. Identify organizations, associations, clubs and businesses that may help you hone, enhance, and expand your personal protection skills.
2. Explain methods and precautions for dry-fire practice.

Lesson 7 Objectives

1. Successfully complete the NRA Personal Protection in the Home Course written examination.