Here’s a Look at NRA Gun Safety Programs

Its leaders know that firearms ownership requires knowing how to safely store, maintain, and use weapons, in accordance with the laws of the land.  Ensuring that this knowledge is available to all members of the shooting community is the purpose behind NRA gun safety programs.

These efforts are designed with the ages of the students in mind.  For example, for children who are pre-K through third grade, the NRA offers the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program.  It teaches them that, if they see a gun, they should avoid touching it, leave the area immediately, and tell an adult as soon as possible.

The program is highly flexible.  It can be done using formats ranging from one to five days long, NRA membership isn’t required of the children or instructor, and the curriculum includes study guides, pamphlets, and a seven-minute instructional video in cartoon format.  The NRA is never mentioned in any of the material, no one is taught how to use a weapon, and the effort is funded entirely by private donors.  Its mission is simple: to prevent children from being injured or killed in firearms incidents.  Launched in 1988, it has been taught to over 21 million children nationwide.

For adolescents and teenagers who would like to learn gun safety and usage, the NRA offers a cooperative training program for groups like Boy Scout troops, Royal Ranger outposts, American Legion posts, JROTC units, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, commercial summer camps, and U.S. Jaycee chapters.  The NRA creates high quality printed and video material for use in these classes and can also train the instructors who lead them.

Longer-term training is available through the NRA’s partnership with Winchester Firearms.  Students have the opportunity to earn certificates of accomplishment in areas such as shotgun, pistol, rifle, and muzzleloader skills.  These programs are open to both teenagers and adults.

Equivalent courses are available for air gun shooters.  Many parents regard BB and pellet rifles to be a safer alternative to traditional weapons.  The NRA respects this and offers assistance in teaching proper air gun safety and marksmanship.

Grownups who are interested in entering the world of shooting will find a variety of NRA gun safety classes geared towards their needs.  The organization has a nationwide network of 65,000 instructors, almost 4,000 coaches, and about 1800 training counselors.  Emphases include self-defense shooting, hunting safety, and teaching firearms skills to ladies who would like to learn them.

Training law enforcement professionals in firearms handling and dealing with shooting situations is vital to maintaining public safety.  The NRA does its part by offering tuition-free courses to police officers and sheriff’s deputies.  Skills taught include the use of specific weapons, such as carbines, shotguns, and pistols. 

Proper procedures for responding to injured officers and suspects are also covered.  For many cash-strapped agencies in smaller towns and rural areas, these NRA programs give them a cost-effective way to provide training for their personnel that would otherwise be unavailable.

To find out more about NRA gun safety programs offered, visit their website or speak with a local representative.  When you’re in the market for a firearm or simply have a question about one, you won’t go wrong by turning to the experts at Dury’s Gun Shop.  They recognize that many factors go into buying a weapon, and they’ll be happy to assist you in your choice.  Plus, their huge selection of top-quality pre-owned guns can’t be beat.  So check out the rest of the site and place your order today.  You’ll be glad you did.
 

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