FAQ — Tarheel Firearm Training

Question 1

Do I need any prior experience to take a course and are there any additional requirements?

Accepted Answer

No experience is required. Our NRA courses are designed specifically for beginners and first-time gun owners. We start from the very basics and build your skills and confidence safely.

Be sure to refer to the "What is the minimum age to enroll" FAQ.

Students MUST be citizens of the United States or legal residents - this is the law.

Question 2

What is the minimum age to enroll?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age to take the NRA Basic Pistol, Rifle or Shotgun course is 13 years old.
Students under the age of 18 must be registered and accompanied by a parent for the duration of the class.  Unless the parent is also registered, they will not participate nor will they receive the NRA certificate at the end of the course.

The minimum age to take the NRA Basic Range Safety Officer course is 21 years old.

Question 3

Do I need to own a firearm to take a course?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to own a firearm. Firearms and ammunition can be provided for use during the course. Please contact us in advance so we can make the appropriate arrangements.  If you do own a firearm, great!  You may train with and use it at our private range.

Important: No firearms or live ammunition may be brought into the classroom.  If a firearm is required for your course, it should be left safely secured in your vehicle until it is required at the range.

Please see the question regarding this in the "Safety and Equipment" section below for more information.

Question 4

What should I wear to class and what should I bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing that covers your arms and chest. Avoid low-cut tops or open-toed footwear on the range. Eye and ear protection are required for range time - please refer to the "Safety and Equipment" section below for further important information.

You should also bring paper to take notes along with a pencil/pen and a highlighter.

You are welcome to bring a drink or snack to class, but not the range.

Question 5

Do I need to be an NRA member to attend the courses?

Accepted Answer

No, NRA membership is not required to attend any of our courses. Our NRA certified courses are open to everyone regardless of membership status. That said, becoming an NRA member does have its benefits — so, why not join the NRA to help support your Second Amendment rights?  Ask your instructor for information.

If you're attending the NRA Basic Range Safety Officer course, it is strongly suggested that you be an NRA member or immediately join the NRA prior to the course.  In doing so, you will save a considerable amount money considerably in the required NRA RSO certification activation.  For the Basic Range Safety Officer course, ask your instructor about the certification activation costs.  These certifications are valid for two years, and can be renewed online via the NRA portal, without the need for additional classes.

Question 6

Do I need to bring my firearm and ammo into class with me?

Accepted Answer

No.  Firearms and live ammunition are not allowed in the classroom. If you own a firearm, you are welcome and encouraged to train with it — just let your instructor know in advance what make, model, caliber, and ammo you plan to bring.  And the day of the class, leave your firearm safely secured in your vehicle until we get to the private range for the shooting portion of your course.

If you do not own a firearm, one can be provided for you at little or no extra cost depending on the caliber needed. Please see the "Do I need to bring my own firearm and ammunition?" question in the "Safety & Equipment" section below for full details.

Question 7

What are your payment options?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major credit and debit cards.  Payment must be made at the time of registration.  Once you register for a course, an email or text with a link to submit your payment will be sent to you, usually within 24-48 hours.  If your payment is not made and received within 48 hours after after the payment link is sent to you, your registration for the course will be removed and you will not be able to attend the class.  So it's important to act quickly to reserve your place in the class.

If you have questions about payment arrangements, please contact us prior to your class date.

A small four percent credit card use fee will be added as a passthrough charge to cover the credit card processing costs.

Question 8

What NRA courses do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer four NRA certified courses: Basics of Pistol Shooting, Basics of Rifle Shooting, Basics of Shotgun Shooting, and Basic Range Safety Officer (RSO) certification.

Additional course may be added the class list.  If there's a class you're interested in, and it's not listed, please let us know.

Question 9

Will I receive an NRA certification after completing a course?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upon successful completion of an NRA course, you will receive an official NRA course completion certificate recognized nationwide.

If you are attending the Basic Range Safety Officer (RSO) course, you will be instructed how to create an account in the NRA Instructor portal, pay your "activation fee" and how to download and print your certification.

Question 10

How long does each course take?

Accepted Answer

Most beginner shooting courses run approximately 8 hours including both classroom instruction and range time. The Basic RSO course is typically a full day. Exact duration will be confirmed when you register.

Question 11

Is the RSO (Range Safety Officer} course right for me?

Accepted Answer

The Basic Range Safety Officer course is ideal for anyone who wants to work at or volunteer for a shooting range, run a club range, or simply wants a deeper understanding of range safety protocols. No prior RSO experience is required.

Students attending this course must be at least 21 years old.

Question 12

Do you offer private lessons or classes for groups?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Private one-on-one lessons and small group classes can be arranged. Private instruction is a great option if you prefer a more personalized pace, have a specific skill you want to focus on, or want to schedule a class for a group such as family members, friends, or coworkers.  We can even bring the course to you, if you'd like.

Please contact us to discuss your needs and we will work out the details.

Question 13

How do I register for a class?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Schedule page and fill out the registration form with your preferred course and contact information. We will follow up to confirm your seat and provide class details.

Question 14

How many students are in each class?

Accepted Answer

Classes are kept small — typically 6 students or fewer — to ensure personalized attention and a safe learning environment.

Question 15

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand that plans change. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. While we do not offer or issue refunds, we will do our best to accommodate you in an upcoming class, if scheduled within 90 days of the original course date.

Question 16

Where are classes held and where is the range, if required for the course, located?

Accepted Answer

Classes are held in the Thomasville, NC area. Exact location details will be provided upon registration confirmation.  The practice range is a private range that is located in the Thomasville area.  The per student range fee is included in the cost of the course for use of the aforementioned private range.

If for any reason an indoor range is required, the student will be responsible for any costs involved.  (Use of an indoor range is usually not the case)

Question 17

Do you accept credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AmEx. 
A small four percent credit card use fee will be added as a passthrough charge to cover the credit card processing costs.

Question 18

What safety rules are followed during training?

Accepted Answer

We strictly follow the NRA's three fundamental rules of firearm safety: always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Safety is the top priority in every class.

Question 19

Do I need to bring my own firearm and ammunition to use at the range?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  It's great to use and train with your own firearm.
Prior to the course, you must let the instructor know that you'll be using your own firearm, what brand, model and caliber it, and what ammo you'll be using.

If a student does not own a pistol or rifle, and one is required for your course, a .22LR pistol or rifle can be supplied, at no extra cost, including a "reasonable" amount of .22LR ammo as required.  Be sure to advise your instructor prior to the course.

If a student wants to use a pistol or rifle of a different caliber (such as 9mm or 5.56), this can be accommodated at an extra cost to cover ammo, etc. 
 Please let your instructor know this before the class date to discuss options.

If a shotgun is required for the course, and the student doesn't have one, a 12 gauge shotgun can be made available at an extra cost to cover ammo, etc.

Targets are usually supplied for range time.

Question 20

Is eye and ear protection required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, eye and ear protection are mandatory on the range.
You will be expected to bring both to the course for range time - they are mandatory!
If you do not own eye or ear protection, you can purchase them at local gun shops or order them from sources, such as Amazon.  If you need guidance on this, just let us know, prior to the course, we'll be glad to help.
If a student comes to range time without eye or ear protection, your instructor may have a couple of extra pairs that can be used.

Question 21

Do I need to bring my firearm into the classroom with me?

Accepted Answer

No. Firearms and live ammunition are never allowed in the classroom. If you plan to use your own firearm for the range portion of the course, please leave it safely secured in your vehicle until the instructor directs the class to the range. If you do not own a firearm, one can be provided for your use - please let your instructor know in advance so we can make the appropriate arrangements.  An additional charge may be incurred to cover the cost of ammo.  If you use an instructor supplied firearm, you will be required to use instructor supplied ammunition.
 
For the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course, before the live-fire range section of the course, in most cases, you will use a laser training pistol (emulating a Glock) in the classroom to practice trigger control, safe handling and techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Courses & Certification

Registration & Scheduling

Safety & Equipment

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