NRA Personal Protection in the Home Course - Click here to register.

Time Required:  At least 9 hours

Who should attend?  This is not a course for inexperienced shooters.  Students who cannot upon registration, keep at least 90% of shots on a sheet of typing paper at 21 feet will probably not do well in this course.  This is a very basic self-defense shooting course using an unholstered handgun.  It is appropriate for those who are or are thinking about getting a gun for home defense but are not safe and competent anywhere other than on a square range.

Goal:  Develop an understanding of what is required to make your home an uninviting target and yourself an unattractive target for criminal intent and an appreciation of the states of awareness and the physical and psychological response to a life threatening situation and proper mindset.   With respect to shooting you should understand the difference between plinking and defensive shooting and you should be able to achieve acceptable defensive accuracy on the range at distances typical of home defense situations.

Deposit:    $50   Course fee:    $150 

Certificate Issued:  Yes if you complete all lessons.

Prerequisites:  
1.     Complete a basic pistol shooting course.  If you cannot handle a pistol safely and keep your shots on a sheet of typing paper at 21 feet you are not ready for this course.
2.     Attend the SMFTS Firearms and the Law class.  No certificates issued until you take this class.
3.     If you have yet attended the SMFTS Firearms and the Law class you must provide a copy of one of the following documents either by e-Mail attachment of hard copy on the day of the class.
      Valid carry license from any state
      Military ID card
      Law Enforcement ID card
      State employee ID card
      Armed Security Guard ID card
      Receipt for purchase of a firearm from an FFL dealer within the last 5 years.  

Student equipment:
Note paper, pencil or pen
Eye and ear protection
Baseball cap
Centerfire pistol for which your strong side thumb can reach the magazine release
Rigid holster (kydex or reinforced leather)  Must retain its shape when empty.
Good pistol belt Magazine pouch
at least 2 magazines
At least 150 rounds of professionally manufactured ammunition
Water
Lunch  

Learning Objectives:  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 6. You will also participate in a Tueller Drill.  
           
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.