NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home

This handgun safety course is designed for law-abiding adult citizens, as defined by applicable federal, state, or local law, and experienced shooters who can demonstrate mastery of essential skills such as safe gun handling, shooting in groups, zeroing the firearm, and cleaning it. Prospective participants in the NRA PPITH can showcase their requisite knowledge and skills by presenting an NRA Basic Pistol Course Certificate, an NRA FIRST Steps Course Certificate, an NRA pistol competitive shooting qualification card, a military DD 214 with pistol qualification, or by successfully passing the Pre-Course Assessment. This course also serves as a foundational step for individuals interested in self-defense training.

Students will learn basic defensive shooting skills, strategies for home safety, and how to respond to a violent confrontation through a comprehensive handgun safety course. This course will cover firearms and the law, guidance on choosing a handgun for self-defense, and continued opportunities for skill development within self-defense training. Each student will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection In The Home (NRA PPITH) handbook, the NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and a course completion certificate. Note: Lesson III of this course, focusing on Firearms and the Law and Legal Aspects of Self-Defense, is conducted by an attorney licensed to practice law in the state where the course is offered, or by a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) with an intermediate or higher Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificate. Alternatively, an individual certified to instruct in this legal area by the state may also conduct this lesson. NRA Certified Instructors may lead this lesson only if they meet the aforementioned requirements and only in their capacity as an attorney or other state-certified individual, not as an NRA Certified Instructor.

1. Ear protection and eye protection are essential for safety during your handgun safety course.

2. Pistol Permit is required.

3. You will need a firearm, either a semi-automatic or revolver, along with 2 magazines or speed loaders for the NRA PPITH training.

4. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, including a jacket or shirt that can conceal your holster. Open-toe shoes are not permitted. It’s also recommended to wear a hat with a brim and a snug-fitting shirt around the neck.

5. Bring a minimum of 150 rounds of factory ammunition for the firearm you are using—no reloads are allowed for self-defense training.

6. Payment can be made via cash or money order.

1. Bullet resistant vest.

2. Gun cleaning kit.

3. Bug spray, sunscreen, and rain wear items as are desired for your outdoor self-defense training activities.

4. Pen/pencil.

5. You should plan on a working lunch during the NRA PPITH handgun safety course, so bring a sandwich or the like along with any snacks or drinks you may require.