NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course Syllabus

Course Goal: 

To develop in students the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for the safe use of a rifle in target shooting 

Course Length: 

14 hours (The course length may vary depending on the instructor to student ratio and the participants’ abilities. 

**Classroom and range locations will be determined depending on the State the course is held** 

Curriculum: 

LESSON I: Rifle Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling 

1. State the course goal and any special requirements for the seven lessons
    
2. Identify the principal parts of a rifle and types of actions, and demonstrate how they function
    
3. State and explain the NRA rules for safe gun handling
    
4. Explain and demonstrate how to handle a rifle in a safe manner
    

LESSON II: Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamentals of Rifle Shooting 

1. Identify the components of a rifle cartridge and their functions
    
2. Identify the different types of rifle ammunitions and explain their intended use
    
3. Explain and demonstrate how to ensure the ammunition is correct for a rifle
    
4. Identify and define the three major types of cartridge malfunctions and how to respond safely
   when they occur
    
5. Explain and demonstrate the five fundamentals of shooting a rifle
    
6. Explain the purpose of the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program
    

LESSON III: Firing the First Shot 

1. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely assume the bench rest
   position with a rifle
    
2. Safely shoot a rifle using the fundamentals of rifle shooting at a target on a range from the
   bench rest position
    
3. Safely zero a rifle from the bench rest position
    
4. Identify the materials needed to clean a rifle
    
5. Safely clean a rifle
    

LESSON IV: Standing Shooting Position 

1. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely assume the standing
   position with a rifle
    
2. Safely shoot a rifle using the fundamentals of rifle shooting at a target on a range from a
   standing position
    

LESSON V: Prone and Kneeling Rifle Shooting Position 

1. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely assume a prone position
   with a rifle
    
2. Safely shoot a rifle using the fundamentals of rifle shooting at a target on a range from a
   prone position
    
3. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely assume a kneeling
   position with a rifle
    
4. Safely shoot a rifle using the fundamentals of rifle shooting at a target on a range from a
   kneeling position
    

LESSON VI: Sitting Rifle Shooting Position and Review of Positions 

1. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely assume the sitting
   position with a rifle
    
2. Safely shoot a rifle using the fundamentals of rifle shooting at a target on a range from a
   sitting position
    

LESSON VII: Rifle Sports and Activities 

1. Explain ways to pursue rifle-shooting activities after the course
    
2. Explain the criteria for selecting a rifle
    
3. Identify various shooting organizations and explain how to become involved with them
    
4. Successfully complete the NRA Basic Rifle Course Examination