NoVA-MD Self Defense, LLC

All NRA courses are taught by an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor (see the Contact Page) and satisfy the training requirement for applying for the Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).The First Steps Pistol Orientation w/ Maryland Law Addendum and live-fire range time satisfies the training requirement to apply for the Maryland Handgun Qualified License (HQL).

Course Descriptions:

  • NRA  FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation
    NRA FIRST Steps Pistol is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific pistol action type for classes of four or fewer students. This course is four hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a specific pistol action type. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol types, parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, FIRST Steps Course completion certificate.  When given in Maryland, this course will include a module on Maryland State Firearm Law and live-fire practice on the range, and will satisfy the training requirement to apply for a Maryland Handgun Qualification License. Note: This class covers only the training required. Students will be responsible for the costs of obtaining photographs and live-scan fingerprinting prior to filing the HQL application with the Maryland State Police.
  • NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course
    This course is at least 8-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position, two-handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take the Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate.  When augmented by the Maryland Law Addendum and live-fire qualification exercise, this class will satisfy the requirements for Maryland's Wear and Carry Permit Renewal training.
  • NRA First Steps Rifle Orientation
    This course is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific rifle action type for classes of six or fewer students. This course is at least three hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot specific rifle action types. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; the particular rifle model parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the rifle; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, FIRST Steps Course completion certificate.
  • NRA First Steps Shotgun Orientation and Introduction to Trap Shooting
    NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun course is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to  shotgun models. This course is at least four hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a shotgun at a moving target. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; shotgun model parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the shotgun; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and FIRST Steps Course completion certificate.
  • NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting
    This course is at least ten-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning how to shoot shotguns at moving targets. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; shotgun parts and operation; shotgun shell components; shotgun shell malfunctions; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting at straight away and angled targets; cleaning; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Shotgun Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate.
    NRA Home Firearm Safety
  • This is a four-hour course for safe gun handling that is conducted in the classroom only. Students are taught NRA’s three rules for safe gun handling; primary causes of firearms accidents; firearm parts; how to unload certain action types; ammunition components; cleaning; care; safe storage of firearms in the home; and the benefits of becoming an active participant in the shooting sports. Students will receive the NRA Home Firearm Safety handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Basic Firearm Training Program brochure, and  course completion certificate.