Available Courses

Basic Pistol Shooting

This course is designed for the "absolute beginner", who may have never used a firearm.

The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA-affiliation. This 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, and 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, and course completion certificate.

This course is accepted as training for concealed carry licenses in Florida and several other states.

This course is available in both a classroom and a "blended" learning approach, where the classroom portion of the course may be completed online. Contact an instructor for further information.


Concealed Weapons License Course

This course is intended for the individual who has previous experience with firearms and who is interested in obtaining the Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearms License. It is based upon the nationally recognized NRA CCW curriculum and the State of Florida standards for licensing. The course will include a firearms safety review, coursework covering the regulations that apply to concealed carry in Florida, and a basic live fire qualification.

Students will receive reference materials, an application packet, and a certificate of training to provide to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Prerequisite: This class should not be taken by students who have never handled a firearm. Students should enter this course with the ability to load, unload, and operate their firearm at a basic level.

NRA Defensive Pistol Course

The NRA Defensive Pistol Course will focus on the techniques needed to develop a defensive mindset. The goal of the course will be to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to carry and use a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly and with confidence. As a result of participating in this course, the student will be able to explain and demonstrate the following: how to apply the NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling when carrying a concealed firearm; basic principles of concealment; the difference between cover and concealment; drawing from the holster; levels of mental awareness; developing the proper mindset when using a pistol for personal protection; clearing common stoppages; use of pocket pistols; and more. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics Of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and the NRA Defensive Pistol certificate. This course is only conducted by NRA certified Advanced Pistol Instructors.

This course is intended as a skill development course for defensive shooting. Students will be expected to participate in light physical activity and arrive to class with a suitable concealed carry firearm, holster, and ammunition.

Prerequisite: Students must be able to produce a current concealed weapon license or other proof of recent background check and basic level firearms training. (Police ID, Military/Government Employee ID, or other verification)

Basic Rifle shooting

NRA FIRST Steps Rifle is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific rifle action type for classes of four or fewer students. This course is at least three hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a specific rifle action type. 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 and FIRST Steps Course completion certificate.

This course may be customized based on the needs of the student - a student may choose to learn about a specific rifle platform such as the AR-15 or other.

NRA Range Safety Officer Course

This course is intended for those who wish to be employed in shooting range environments as range safety officers.

The NRA Range Safety Officer program was developed in response to the demand for a nationally-recognized range safety officer certification. NRA Range Safety Officers are people who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.

Prerequisite: All participants in this course must be 21 years of age or older, and possess a concealed weapons license or other firearms experience.

Interested in training not listed above? Contact info@karnsdefense.com to inquire about a customized solution for your organization.