How Long is a Gun Safety Course?
As the controversy surrounding gun ownership and violence continues to unfold, learning about gun safety has never been more crucial. More people are becoming interested in firearms for self-defense, hunting, and recreational use. To ensure responsible firearm handling and safety, it’s essential to complete a firearms safety course. But for those who are new to the world of firearms, the question remains: How long is a gun safety course?
Traditional In-Person Courses
Traditional, in-person gun safety courses typically range from 6 to 12 hours or even up to 48 hours for more comprehensive certifications. These courses are divided into sessions, usually **4-6 hours in length**, and may extend over multiple days. It’s not uncommon for an NRA Basic Pistol Course or similar certification program to encompass 12 hours of theory and hands-on training **spread over 2 to 4 days**. More extensive courses, focused on specialized skills like personal protection or tactical shooting, can span 2 full days or more.
[table: In-Person Firearm Safety Courses]| Course Name | Duration |
| — | — |
| NRA Basic Pistol | 6-12 hours (2-4 sessions) |
| NRA Shotgun | 8-20 hours (4-7 sessions) |
| Private Gun Safety | 3-12 hours (optional sessions) |
| Professional Firearm Training | Customized schedule |
**Self-Paced Online Courses**
Advancements in technology have transformed the way we learn new skills, including gun safety. **Self-paced, online firearm safety courses are gaining popularity**, offering remarkable flexibility and convenience. Unlike traditional courses, online safety courses typically require **100% to 200 hours** of dedicated study.
Self-paced courses usually structure the material into modules or chapters, which can include video lectures, interactive practice sessions, and quizzes **spread over 2 months or more**. However, online courses may accelerate learning for those with solid foundation in firearms handling already. Additionally, some top-notch online courses offer specialized tracks for concealed carry permitting, competitive shooting, and tactical operations.
[table: Self-Paced Online Firearms Safety Courses]| Program Name | Duration |
| — | — |
| Gun Safety Pro | Up to 200 hours | (optional self-paced chapters) |
| Conceal Carry Training | 36 hours (4-7 weeks) |
| Pro-Firearms Online Ed | Up to 14 hours (3-12 sessions) |
| eFiresafety | As needed, no fixed structure |
**How Long Before You Can Take a Follow-Up Course?**
Individual course providers, states’ regulations, and even training instructors might set specific deadlines or time frames for certifying your firearm safety comprehension. These limitations can arise due to varying factors including:
1. **License or Permit Requirements**: A few jurisdictions impose waiting times between firearm safety courses as part of their licensing structures. Typically, this requirement falls between 1 year and 3 years prior to renewing or enrolling in subsequent courses. In such cases, additional certification prerequisites apply.
2. **NRA Recommendations**: The National Rifle Association (NRA) acknowledges the value of repeated review and re-training. Officially, the NRA guidelines recommend that you **renovate your skills (refresh training) every few years**, especially if major changes have occurred in applicable laws or techniques.
In practice, you may need to wait **1-3 years** before taking a refreshed or follow-up course without violating NRA recommendations.
As gun ownership becomes more decentralized and firearm training more abundant, it’s essential for new gun owners to thoroughly research their specific course program and regional regulations. Key takeaways:
* Typically, traditional in-person handgun safety courses range from **6-12 hours, divided into sessions**,
* Online courses require longer commitments, ranging from 100-200 hours before certification,
* Follow-up courses often come with minimal or moderate waiting periods, usually **1-3 years**.
When planning gun safety courses, consider investing in reputable providers, flexible learning formats, and regularly engaging with instructors or online guides to optimize your training investment. By taking the path of gun safety education responsible and confident handling of guns can become second nature in your new world of firearms.
