Just got a gun...or thinking about getting one soon?

And now you're scouring the internet to find out the best way to learn?

I've got you covered...especially since I was in your exact shoes a few years ago.

I'll cover the current options and break them down into two groups -- online and in-person.  I'll break down the pros/cons for each, plus give you a couple of suggestions I've personally used.

By the end...you'll have a great grasp of what to do next in your gun journey!

Why Take Gun Training Courses?

There are many reasons...but here are the three biggest ones that stand out to me:

1. Safety

If there's no one watching over you in the beginning...chances are you'll start forming some bad habits.

At the onset, these might not immediately hurt you but could become bad news when you instinctively do it at the range with a loaded firearm.

Case in point...not putting your finger on the trigger until you're ready to shoot.

2. Looking Like a Fool

I don't know about you...but I hate it when I get called out for doing something wrong.  

I'd much rather spend some time beforehand getting to know guns and gun handling, so I have some resemblance of knowing what I'm doing.

3. Saving Time

All the info you'll find in a beginner course is already free and readily available online.  

But you're probably going to spend a LOT of time combing through that info to figure out what's correct and what's not.

Plus, internet gun forums aren't the most friendly for complete newbies.

So really...it's a matter of how much your time is worth to you.

Online Gun Training Options

Not ready to go onsite for a live shooting course yet? Online is where I started, too.

1.  YouTube

There's a LOT of stuff on YouTube. Most of it is people reviewing guns & gear or having a lot of fun with rare and full-auto guns.

But here are a couple of my recommendations for beginners.

First up, safety rules and basic etiquette.

What about how to even use a handgun? This is one of the most complete although kind of boring -- videos.

And this was really great for becoming a BETTER handgun shooter. -- from the guy who has won more pistol competitions than anyone can count.

If you know of any full lessons that cover everything a beginner needs to know -- and isn't a snooze fest -- let me know in the comments!

2.  NRA Basic Pistol Course

I didn't even know the NRA Basic Pistol Course existed until I decided to get certified as an NRA instructor and passing it was one of the prerequisites.

It has a lot of good information...maybe TOO much information for a beginner.  I believe the course totals about 7-8 hours.

And it's built on a super old learning management system that's not mobile-friendly, kind of buggy on my laptop, no skipping allowed, and an annoying quiz system (don't get me started).

Check out my full review of Basic Pistol here.

3. Pantaeo Productions

I forget where I first heard of Pantaeo, but it was for its more advanced courses...along the lines of handgun drills and tactical weapons.

So I signed up (monthly subscription with access to everything) to see how their courses were for true beginners...starting with their Handgun 101, Part 1.  

For the most part, it was pretty good.

But it did have some presupposed knowledge of terms and mechanics. I got the feeling that beginners might need to watch the intro videos two or three times.

Production was pretty good but I would have liked a better way to see the chapters of the course. You'll see they are stuck at the bottom with a very small scroll screen.

4.  Chris Sajnog

Want to learn from the very best?

Chris Sajnog (pronounced sigh-nog) is probably your guy. He's a retired Navy SEAL instructor who literally "wrote the book" for the SEAL's Sniper training program? He now charges $10,500 for one day of private training.

Well, thanks to technology, Sajnog has created the closest thing to learning how to shoot like a SEAL...without enlisting or spending an arm and a leg.

But, it's not exactly geared towards the true beginner. Once you're ready to really get accurate, though, Sajnog has you covered.

New Rules of Marksmanship is a course with 52 videos.

I've worked my way through, and it's great how he emphasizes things you tend to forget...like focusing on the front sight. He also talks about mind/body mechanics that top athletes (and elite units) use to perform at their best. Not to mention, there's super high production value and awesome downloadables.

Currently $497, but use code PEWPEW to drop $300 and make it $197.

He also has monthly memberships where you get the course, help from trainers, and lots more.

5. ConcealedCarry.com Courses

ConcealedCarry.com has lots of courses from concealed carry (duh) to vehicle firearm tactics, handgun grip, and more.

Prices vary from free to $65 for their law course.

6. USCCA

Another option is to get a membership with the United States Concealed Carry Association.

USCCA membership comes with a few perks, but one of the coolest is access to free online training.

From basic marksmanship videos to home defense style instruction, there's plenty to watch.

Want to learn more about USCCA? Check out my USCCA review here!

7.  Beginner's Guide to Guns from Pew Pew Tactical

I've also written an entire series of blogs catered specifically to beginners!  Check out our entire curriculum in the Beginner's Guide to Guns.

8. Gun Noob to Gun Slinger

And our newest resource...Gun Noob to Gun Slinger. This video course is geared towards pistol/revolver beginners and only covers the most important stuff...without the attitude.

In-Person Gun Training

If you've got the mentality to really learn and can spare the extra expense, I totally recommend taking an in-person gun course.

It might feel a little intimidating, but if you choose a great instructor who knows how to work with beginners, it shouldn't be TOO intimidating.

So, what's the best way to find the best gun training in your area? Ask around!

I would suggest asking your gun buddies, local gun store, Googling "gun training (your city)" and also verifying everything on Yelp.

Be aware of lots of 5-star reviews with people that have 5 or fewer reviews. That always raises shill alarms.

Now, how about recommended courses?

Note: this list is not all-inclusive. There are a ton of excellent instructors and courses. So, if we missed your favorite, drop us a comment.

NRA Certified Instructors

Find a local one at NRA Instructors and look up their reviews.

Now let's move on to the ones I personally recommend.

1. International Tactical Training Seminars (ITTS), Los Angeles

I've taken...about seven ITTS courses from them over the years (All Handgun, Sniper 1, Shotgun 1, Concealed Carry). They are who I fully recommend to anyone in the Southern California region.

Their Handgun 1 course taught me all the fundamentals...and, most importantly...permanently drilled in the 4 Rules of Firearm Safety. If only for that, it was all worth it.

Plus, their head instructor, Uncle Scotty is a super cool dude who has taught some of the most badass units in the world. And he's in touch with his gaming side...

Check out more videos of their (actual) courses on YouTube.

2.  All Safe Defense Systems, Orange County

I took All Safe's NRA Instructor Certification course. TJ, the instructor, came highly recommended by my buddy and was confirmed through Yelp beforehand.

And how was it?

It was much more INTENSE than I thought it would have been.

If you're not comfortable speaking in front of crowds...it's going to suck. But keep in mind this was for the Instructor course...so if you can't talk in front of people...you might not be a great future instructor.

TJ kept it upbeat even with slides and going through the NRA handbook. He was a master at getting us to the answer ourselves simply by asking questions.

Plus the "final" was teaching complete newbies how to shoot...and our score was determined by 10 of their shots on target. Talk about pressure.

If teaching future instructors was any indication...I have no problem recommending his other courses to total beginners (and future instructors). Price is fair at $120 for the beginner course.

3. Gunsite

PPT contributor Sean Curis is a big fan of Gunsite and has been a couple of times to the famed site.

The people at Gunsite are total pros and must undergo a strict screening process to teach. So, you know you're getting your money's worth.

Founded by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, ya' know the guy who modernized gun tactics, the instruction is what you'd expect from a top-tier facility.

If you're willing to travel to Arizona, you can't pass up on Gunsite.

You can read all about Sean's experience at Gunsite here!

4. Thunder Ranch

PPT contributor Johnny B has taken a few courses from Clint and Heidi Smith at Thunder Ranch, with nothing but good things to say about the folks at Thunder Ranch.

Johnny assured me that Thunder Ranch knows its stuff and is a great resource for those who want to learn.

Not to mention, Clint is practically a celebrity for his unique perspective and teaching style.

5. Other Courses on Our Wishlist

These are the ones with stellar reputations and where I want to eventually attend.

• Rifles Only: Where I want to one day train for precision rifles.

• Sig Sauer Academy: Yes, that Sig Sauer. The renowned gun maker runs a training site in New Hampshire with a ton of rad courses to choose from.

Massad Ayoob Group: You want to know how to fight through a self-defense scenario and learn about the legalities of it all too...you want a Massad Ayoob course.

Civilian Defense Research: If you want a truly unique class set that deep dives into a whole lot of data AND teaches you how to defend your kids as well as yourself...sign up for a Civilian Defense Research course.

Private Instruction vs. Group Classes

It’s worth discussing the pros/cons of taking a group class versus booking a one-on-one with a shooting instructor.

So, let’s get into it.

Group Classes

The main advantage of jumping into group classes is that they tend to be more affordable.

The cost of the supplies, range, etc., is spread across multiple people meaning instructors can offer a course at a more reasonable price.

Not to mention, if you want to bring a buddy or two, then a group class is the perfect facilitator for that.

That said, the downside to group classes is you have to share your instructor with a few more people, so you won’t get as much individualized attention.

Private Classes

What’s the advantage of a private class? One-on-one attention.

You get the instructor to yourself for an allotted amount of time, which means you get their undivided attention.

If you’re a new shooter, private instruction can be helpful because you have the instructor's attention without all the commotion of other students. That means you can work at your own pace and comfort.

What about if you’re an old pro? Well, we always have areas we can work on, and a private lesson can help you out there. If you’ve struggled with something in particular – maybe it’s your trigger press or draw out of a holster – the instructor can help focus and get you where you need to be.

Alternatively, if you are a bit of an introvert and the idea of a class full of people watching you shoot makes you nervous, then a private class ensures you can loosen up, learn, and enjoy the lesson.

Packing for a Class

So now that you booked your first class and know what to expect, what do you pack in your range bag?

The primary non-negotiable are eye and ear protection. Otherwise you won't even be able to participate in your course.

We train with ShellShock Protection, the eye and ear pro the PPT team built after years of in-class and competition experience.

The electronic EXO PRO earmuffs let you hear every word your instructor says while still blocking out shots — a huge advantage when you're learning.

ShellShock Protection EXO PRO Electronic Earmuff

$99

at ShellShock Protection

Prices accurate at time of writing

$99 at ShellShock Protection

Grab a combo kit complete with ballistic glasses that come in both clear and smoke before day one and show up prepared.

ShellShock Premium Eyes & Ears Combo (Electronic)

$135

at ShellShock Protection

Prices accurate at time of writing

$135 at ShellShock Protection

Other things you'll need include...

• Firearm + Ammo (duh)
• Spare Magazines
• Small Cleaning Kit
• First Aid Kit

Final Thoughts

So, you know why it's important to take a class, now get out there and take one!

You can always start online to ease those jitters (we suggest the Gun Noob course) and then work your way into a classroom.

What are some of your favorite courses? Let us know in the comments below. If you're brand new, check out our Beginner's Guide to Guns to get you started!