This course is designed to expose the student to several schools of thought regarding defensive shooting techniques. Although the course is designed to avoid giving students too much information too fast, or giving them too many choices, the course is not confined to one rigid or dogmatic system. Students are encouraged to seek training in as many techniques from as many sources as possible, to continue their growth as shooters and to develop a system that works for them.

Who may take the NRA Basic Personal Protection in the Home Course?
This course is for law-abiding adult citizens, as defined by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is much more than just a routine shooting course. It is important that participants have sufficient maturity and life experiences to be able to assess various situations and make mature decisions. NRA Basic Personal Protection in the Home Course participants must be experienced shooters (shooters able to show mastery of the basic skills of safe gun handling, shooting a group, zeroing the firearm, and cleaning the firearm) to maximize what can be learned from this course. Proof of shooting experience can be one of the following:

• NRA Basic Pistol Course Certificate
• NRA First Steps Course Certificate
• NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program (Pistol disciplines)
• Pistol qualification card
• Military DD 214 with pistol qualifications
• Concealed carry permit
• or passing the Pre-Course Assessment

Course Goal To develop in the students the basic knowledge, skills and attitude essential to the save and efficient use of a handgun for protection of self and family, and to provide information on the law-abiding citizen's right to self-defense.

Length of Course: 8 hours. The course length may vary depending on the instructor/student ratio and the participants' abilities. The course can often require 10-12 hours of training.

Student Text: NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection in the Home (provided in student packet).

Course Lessons:

• Lesson I: Introduction to Defensive Shooting
• Lesson II: Basic Defensive Handgun Skills
• Lesson III: Firearms and the Law: Possession, Ownership and the Use of Deadly Force
• Lesson IV: Strategies for Home Safety and Responding to a Violent Confrontation
• Lesson V: Selecting a Handgun for Self-Defense
• Lesson VI: Sport Shooting Activities and Training Opportunities
• Lesson VII: Course Review and Examination