Confidently Handle Shotguns: NRA First Steps Shotgun
The NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun Class offers essential training for those new to shotguns. This course focuses on safety, handling, and shooting fundamentals. Whether you’re considering a shotgun purchase or seeking training, this class provides the foundation you need.Join us to explore the basics of shotgun operation, safety rules, and practical skills necessary for responsible firearm use.
Class Overview (4 Hours)
The NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun class is a four-hour introductory course designed for those new to shotguns. This class provides a safe, supportive, and structured learning environment to help students build confidence with their shotgun. If you bought a shotgun or are thinking about it, this course provides hands-on practice and important information for safe use and basic shooting skills.
At the end of this course, students will learn the basics of using a shotgun, shooting, and safety. They will also get hands-on practice during a live-fire session. This is a beginner-friendly class with no prior experience required.
What to Expect
In this four-hour class, students will receive a mix of classroom instruction and live range time to reinforce key lessons. The focus of the NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun class is to teach proper shotgun safety and operation in a supportive environment.
- Hands-On Training: Learn by doing. The class includes demonstrations, dry-fire practice, and live-fire exercises.
- Shotgun Fundamentals: Understand how a shotgun works, its parts, and how it is safely fired.
- Practical Skills: Practice proper stance, aiming, and trigger control under the guidance of an NRA-certified instructor.
- Safe Learning Environment: Safety is our top priority. All exercises are designed to ensure a secure experience for everyone involved.
This class is ideal for anyone new to shotguns who wants to learn NRA shotgun fundamentals in a supportive, structured setting.
Topics Covered
The NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun class covers essential shotgun basics to give you the confidence to operate your firearm safely and effectively:
- Shotgun Safety Rules: Learn the NRA’s key rules for firearm safety to ensure safe handling at all times.
- Understanding Shotgun Parts and Operation: Get familiar with the key components of a shotgun and how they work. See demonstrations on how a shotgun is fired NRA-style.
- Shotgun Fundamentals: Learn the basics of stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control. Understand the importance of proper body positioning when firing a shotgun.
- Ammunition Basics: Learn about different shotgun ammunition types, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. Understand how to select the right ammunition for training or other uses.
- Dry-Fire and Live-Fire Practice: Begin with dry-fire drills to learn proper handling techniques. Move to live-fire exercises to practice shooting under supervision.
- Shotgun Maintenance: Discover basic cleaning and maintenance techniques to keep your shotgun in good working condition.
Overview
The NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun class is perfect for beginners looking for a solid foundation in shotgun safety, operation, and shooting fundamentals. If you’re wondering how is a shotgun fired NRA-style or want to build confidence with a shotgun, this course will provide the knowledge and hands-on experience you need.
Key highlights of this class include:
- A four-hour session with both classroom instruction and live range time.
- NRA-certified instructors guiding you through shotgun training step by step.
- Learning shotgun safety, operation, and marksmanship fundamentals.
By the end of this class, you will have the skills to safely handle, load, and fire a shotgun with confidence. For those looking to expand their skills, this course serves as a strong starting point for future shotgun training.
Register today and take the first step toward mastering shotgun fundamentals with the NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun class.
NRA Basics of Shotgun Shooting

Winchester Marksmanship Qualification Booklet

FIRST Steps Shotgun Class Completion Certificate

Register for this Class
Upcoming classes:
Accreditation:Â Red Dot Arms provides comprehensive training classes with Certified NRA Instructors. This class is NRA Certified and meets all NRA firearms safety guidelines.
Cost: $75
Class payment is due in full and is non-refundable, but transferable.
Length: 4 hours
This class consists of 2 hours of class instruction and 2 hours of range time.
Prerequisites: None
This is a novice class. There is no prerequisite for this class.

To teach students the basics of safe shotgun handling and shooting.

Any age may attend, but those under 18 must be accompanied by participating parent or guardian. Prospective students under 21 years of age please contact us at training@rdarms.com.

This is a novice class. There is no prerequisite for this class.
Things that you should bring to the class!

For the purpose of your safety and accommodating special needs participants, please contact us at training@rdarms.com if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- Pregnancy, mental handicap, physical handicap, disabled, visually impaired, under the influence of prescription drugs, under the influence of illegal drugs and/or under the influence of alcohol
Do I need to be a member of the NRA?
No, you do not need to be a member of the NRA to take our NRA classes.
Do I need to bring anything to the NRA FIRST Steps class?
Please take a look at the requirements tab for what is needed for this class.
Can I bring my own firearm?
Not for this class. Red Dot Arms Training Academy provides the firearms and ammunition. If you would like to use your own firearm, please join the Basic Shotgun Class.
Why can't I bring my own firearm?
This class is only 4 hours in length. There is not enough time to explain each type of firearm on the market. Thus, we will provide all firearms and ammunition.
What is the age limit for this class?
Any age may attend, but those under 18 must be accompanied by participating parent or guardian. Prospective students under 21 years of age please contact us at training@rdarms.com.
I have never fired a shotgun. Can I attend this class?
This class is designed for people that have never fired a shotgun before or for people that want a great foundation to build upon. This class will get you started on a lifetime of safe gun handling.
Disclaimer:
FOID Statement: Illinois residents that will be TRANSPORTING their own firearm to and from the class/range must be in possession of a valid FOID/CCL card, and be of legal age, 21 for handguns, and 18 for long guns. A FOID card is not required to participate in the class. Out of state residents need to follow the age requirements and have a valid ID.
We reserve the right to dismiss any student for unsafe behavior and/or failure to follow instructions. No refund will be offered.
