Time/$ to become an NRA instructor from a cold start?

[BigFatGuy]

Let's say I was a pretty friendly guy who is discovering he enjoys teaching well enough that he's changed his career plans to become a college/uni instructor.

Let's also say that I'm on the verge of my first firearm purchase, and would like to set myself on the path to eventually becoming an NRA FIRST/basic pistol instructor. (yes, it will be a long path, I realize that)

I figure, at that level, a smile and a calm demeanor is worth more then professional gun-toting experience, and I think it's a market niche I can fit myself into somewhat well.

From a cold start, where I can shoot "fairly" well and I know which end of the pistol goes towards the target, about how much time and money do you estimate it would take to become a competent and certified NRA pistol instructor?

From my own class-taking experience, I have a good idea of what kind of hardware I'd need (firearms and otherwise), I'm purely talking about training time/money here.

I have been to the NRAhq page that discusses this stuff, but it's more of an overview, the info is not quite spelled out explicitly.

Thanks for any advice...

[unusedusername]

The basic pistol instructor class itself is only a weekend and ~$100-$200, however your shooting needs to be advanced enough to shoot a 10 shot 6" group at 25 yards on a piece of standard sized notebook paper.

Getting your pistol skills to that point may take a little bit. I got back into shooting about 4 years ago and bought a pistol. Now, I've recently got my basic pistol instructor cert so I can help out with fun shoots for my Members council (it's required for the insurance) and that same pistol has about 2500-3000 rounds of 9mm on it and I've probably put another 2-3000 rounds through the other guns I've picked up.

The main hardware/cost you need is not firearms, its ammo and range time. You will spend way more on ammo then on firearms unless you are getting a bunch of guns for the safe that you don't shoot enough IMHO.

[AAShooter]

One of the best ways is to find a current instructor/TC that you can team with to teach classes. Sometimes they will give you the instructor class in exchange for volunteering to help in their classes. This makes the training cheap but more importantly, lets you get your feet wet as far as teaching the NRA classes while gaining experience.

[Tripper]

I agree, a couple hundred bucks to get certified to be an NRA Pistol Instructor.
then, having the equipment necessary to run a class.

you have to pre-order, and pay for the materials, to do a class, I think thats about 20 bucks per student if i recall correctly, could be a bit more

you need a pistol of some sort, most use 22's (ruger MK series are real durable)
having only 1 pistol is not bad, it just helps at times to have a few, depending on number of students, more pistols, does mean more 'safety' observers, having only yourself means that it just takes longer to complete the 'shooting' parts, while having friends/other instructors with you, you can have more on the shooting line at once.

you need to then have an arrangement with the range you intend to use, for the live fire portions (might not be required in some places, but is good to be considerate, and some ranges might simply not want ppl 'learning' on their range, you may have diff experience in that. maybe I should say, 'it's best' to have an arrangement with your local range that you intend to do live fire at, an arrangement in advance might even net group discount rates even.

enough hearing protectors/muffs and eye wear for each student plus yourself, have glasses and googles too (for those with glasses)

once you do one class, you'll see the things you'll need to pick up. If your already an instructor of any type for anything, you likely already have alot of the materials you need, like dryboard and such.

Good Luck
I can refer you to a Hunter Education Instructor Coordinator if you are interested in becoming a Hunter Education Instructor
I think in the next couple years, HEI's may get free NRA instructor training even.

[Tripper]

One of the best ways is to find a current instructor/TC that you can team with to teach classes. Sometimes they will give you the instructor class in exchange for volunteering to help in their classes. This makes the training cheap but more importantly, lets you get your feet wet as far as teaching the NRA classes while gaining experience.

+++1000

yes, if you know of one, ask if you can do something like that. again, an extra 'safety' observer.

[BigDogatPlay]

A basic instructor class is 20 hours, at least mine were. Each discipline is another 15-20 hours.

Course materials have to be ordered well in advance, according to the TC I learned from. They also have to be paid for up front, so if students no show, you are out of pocket until you can run another class.

Good idea to have access to a laptop and a projector or a TV big enough to present to a small group. Depending on your venue may already be in place. You also need a range to do the live fire portion of the course(s). You will want to have sufficient eyes and ears as there is no guarantee students will have them.

Insurance is a must as well. NRA has an underwriter that can provide.

[BigFatGuy]

Thanks, all.

Like I said, this is a long term idea... but the engineer in me can't stop searching for info.

[GoingQuiet]

It is not difficult. You can remediate if needed on shooting ability. The longest part is waiting for slots to open up at an available class.