Differences Between Basic Pistol 1 and Beginner Pistol
We are frequently asked about the differences between Basic Pistol 1, Basic Pistol 2 and Beginner Pistol.
Beginner Pistol |
Basic Pistol 1 |
Basic Pistol 2 |
|
Hours | 5 hours |
3 hours |
4 hours |
Class size | 6 maximum |
12 maximum |
16 maximum |
Instructor/student ratio, classroom | 1:6 |
3:12 (1:4) |
4:16 (1:4) |
Instructor/student ratio, shooting range | 1:1 |
1:1 (3 shooters per relay) |
4:8 (1:2) |
NRA Basic Pistol Handbook included | no |
yes |
yes |
Number of rounds fired | 100 |
50 |
100 |
Loaner guns provided | yes |
yes |
yes but recommend student use own gun |
primary caliber fired | .22 LR |
9mm |
9mm, .38 spl or greater |
number of gun models shot | 2 |
4-6 |
1 |
Target types | Steel and paper |
Stationary steel |
Paper (CHL target) |
Shooting exercises | Two handed standing position target shooting, no time limit |
Two handed standing position target shooting, no time limit |
Two handed defensive shooting, timed and untimed. Simulation of portions of CHL shooting test. |
The focus in Beginner Pistol is skills development: learning how to manipulate the gun and learn marksmanship fundamentals by shooting drills with a small caliber, low noise/low recoil handgun. Graduates of Beginner Pistol should be able to safely handle, operate and shoot a .22 caliber pistol on their own after completion of the class.
The focus of Basic Pistol 1 is mainly on assisting students in making an intelligent gun selection choice, with lecture material and range time emphasizing gun features and differences in action types. Graduates of Basic Pistol 1 learn enough to be able to accompany a more experienced shooter to a range for additional shooting practice.
Graduates of Basic Pistol 2 learn the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to safely handle, operate and shoot a defensive caliber handgun on their own. Additionally graduates of BP2 learn how to shoot under time pressure and learn how to quickly get their gun from a 'ready' position to the target, which is an essential skill for the CHL test and for personal defense.