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.