Beginners Pistol Class in Columbia SC — Firearms Safety & Shooting Fundamentals

Beginners Pistol is a class geared toward people who are new to handguns and interested in learning gun safety and how to shoot. It’s also an excellent starting point for anyone considering a Concealed Weapons Permit who has no prior handgun experience. The goal is to get you proficient with a pistol so you’re ready to pass the SLED CWP shooting qualification required to apply for a South Carolina CWP.

What you’ll learn

• The causes of gun accidents
• The four cardinal rules of gun safety
• The parts of a pistol
• Pistol maintenance
• Proper firearms storage
• Ammunition and malfunctions
• Loading/unloading a semiautomatic pistol
• Shooting fundamentals — grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger press and follow-through, breath control, and shooting stance
• Live fire on a shooting range

Class details

• Duration: 3+ hours of training to complete each of the above components
• Class size: held at Mid-Carolina Rifle Club, geared for no more than 4 students at a time (exceptions can be made)
• Firearm and ammo: a .22LR pistol is provided along with 50 rounds of ammunition. Additional .22LR ammunition is available for purchase for $10/box.
• Higher-caliber rentals and ammo are available for purchase in class
• The class promptly starts at the time indicated

Who this class is for

• First-time shooters who want a safe, welcoming introduction to handguns
• Adults (and students 13+) considering firearms ownership who want to learn correctly from the start
• Prospective CWP applicants who need to build shooting skill before taking a CWP class

FAQs

Do I need to bring a handgun or ammunition?
No. A .22LR pistol and 50 rounds of ammunition are included in the class along with eye and ear protection.

I’m nervous around firearms — is this class right for me?
Yes. We specialize in a comfortable, non-aggressive teaching approach. The class is built to meet you where you are and prioritizes safety and confidence from the first minute.

What should I take after Beginners Pistol?
If your goal is a CWP, the natural next step is Beginners Pistol + CWP, or — once you’re comfortable shooting on your own — SC CWP & The Concealed Lifestyle.

Sign Up for Beginners Pistol — Book online. Firearm and ammunition included.