
Classes

Basic Pistol Information Sheet
Thank you for inquiring about our basic pistol course for the
Connecticut State Pistol Permit. Please read the ENTIRE
information sheet to make sure that you know all the information
that you need for class.
Classes are scheduled on Saturdays throughout the year. If
you want to inquire about a class date please call or email
for a current list of dates. To confirm a slot for a date we
need an email with the full name (or names) of those wanting to
attend, a mailing address and a cell phone contact number for
each person in case we need to reach you the morning of class
in an emergency.
This is the NRA Basic Pistol Class which is the prerequisite
to obtain your Connecticut State Pistol Permit. The class is a
minimum of 8 hours. The class curriculum is mandated by the
state to cover all the topics covered in the NRA Basic Pistol
Class plus the Connecticut state permit process and relevant laws
in the state of Connecticut regarding firearms ownership and carry.
If you want to look at the application before class, you can pick
up the Permit Package at your local police station. Just ask for
the Pistol Permit application package.
The course is taught at the MSI Range at 281 Garden Grove Road,
Manchester, CT. MSI has a modern air-conditioned/heated classroom
and indoor range. We teach as a husband & wife team with many years
of experience. Our goal is to provide a comfortable friendly
atmosphere to learn to handle firearms with safety & confidence,
even if you have no experience. We include lots of hands on practice
with dummy rounds before you get to the range so you will feel
confident that you know how to handle the different firearms we will
be firing.
We offer the Winchester Marksmanship Program to students that have
completed this pistol class. Winchester is a fun inexpensive way to
get experience shooting even before you get your permit. Winchester
is once a month three hour events with firearms, safety equipment and
all targets provided for $25.00. We also offer one-on-one instruction
in target shooting or concealed carry for personal protection. This
instruction is given at the MSI Range and is available on nights or
weekends by appointment. Tutoring is at a rate of $40.00 per hour plus
ammunition. This is a great deal compared to the rates of commercial
ranges offering instruction. Continuing students receive a discount.
What is taught in the class:
We use the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course materials and curriculum
that teaches the basic knowledge, skills and attitude for owning and
operating a pistol safely. The firearms we use for the live fire
portion of the class are a 22 caliber target pistol and two different
38 caliber revolvers.
The classroom portion teaches and stresses the safety rules including
practice loading, unloading and dry fire with dummy rounds. Students
will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling, pistol parts and
operation, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, range rules, shooting
from the bench-rest position, two handed and one handed standing
positions, cleaning the pistol, and continued opportunities for
skill development.
All Students will receive:
• Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook
• NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
• Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
Upon successful completion of the course and the 50 question Basics of
Pistol Shooting Student open book examination, you will receive a
certificate that is required for the Connecticut State Pistol Permit.
What will it be like:
Many people have told us over the years that even after they have
decide to take the course they experience a certain amount of
nervousness or anxiety about attending and this contributes to some
last minute cancelations. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Please feel free to give us a call just to chat and ask any question
that will help you feel comfortable in attending before you cancel.
I guarantee that once you’re in class you won’t have time to be
anything but busy learning all the things we have to teach you about
firearms.
Please keep in mind that if you cancel - it could mean that we will
have to cancel the whole class - and this is hard for us and others
to reschedule. The class is offered to you as a one-day class which
is the whole day so offering it for less than four people is not
feasible with two instructors.
We teach as a husband and wife team so that we can offer both men
and women a comfortable environment to learn. No matter how much
experience you have everyone will get lots of individual instruction
and positive encouragement. We believe that people learn best in a
positive supportive environment. We will make sure that you learn to
handle the firearms with confidence and safety.
When to arrive and how long is the class:
The class starts 9 A.M. we ask everyone to be there at 8:45 A.M. to
complete registration. The class usually ends between 5-6:30 P.M.
but could be longer as it depends on the number of students and how
long everyone takes shooting and handling the firearm to an acceptable
level of competency. Remember that our motto is that we want everyone
to shoot with “safety & confidence” no matter what your previous
experience level might be. We support a cohesive class model that
provide students with not only instructor encouragement but the support
of other students as well.
Things you need to bring to class:
• A photo id, i.e., Connecticut drivers license,
• your lunch and snacks for the day,
• If you have prescription eye glasses bring them
• Cash or a check
• Wear a crew neck shirt or shirt with a collar for the range.
This will protect you from warm cartridge casings going down
your shirt. Dress in layers as the range tends to be cool
on all but the hottest days.
DO NOT BRING ANY FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION INTO THE CLASS ROOM!
What’s included in class for the $115.00 fee:
• We provide two experienced, certified instructors.
• We provide all class books, targets and materials.
• We provide all firearms and ammunition used in the live fire portion.
• We provide the use of safety eye and ear protection.
• An entire day of safety instruction as per the curriculum.
What’s available at the range:
We have complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filtered iced
water available with refrigeration for your lunch. A microwave is
also available to reheat food. There is a soda and snack machine in
range lobby.
What’s the cost:
The fee for the course is $115.00 Total. Payment can be made the day
of class in cash or check.
Directions to the Range:
The MSI Range is located at 281 Garden Grove Road, Manchester CT. To
find directions and any other information on the range use the buttons
on the left side of this screen.
I will be sending a reminder email or calling during the week before the
class date.
Please feel free to email phoenix-shooting@cox.net or call (860) 633-9901
with any questions prior to class. You can call (860) 614-7080 cell or
(860) 836-9466 the day of class if you need help with directions.
If you are unable to attend the class as scheduled, please notify me as
soon as possible before your scheduled date.
Class size is limited. If cancellations dictate class will be re-scheduled.
We look forward to seeing you at our class!!!
Thanks,
Charles & Wendy Griffin
Last Updated 01/28/12