NRA Pistol Class

NRA Basic Pistol Course meets the requirements needed to apply for a CT state pistol Permit. This course is 8 hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot handguns as well as other specific topics. You will learn rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; two handed standing position; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development and so much more. Upon completion, you will receive a course certificate after taking a basic Student Examination. You do not need to own or bring a handgun to attend this NRA class. All persons of less than 21 years of age may only take this course with their parent or with an adult guardian.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and be a legal resident of the United States. Persons convicted of a felony or any one of 11 misdemeanor offenses detailed in the statute are ineligible to receive a permit. Persons convicted as a delinquent for the commission of a serious juvenile offense (as defined in section 46b-120); persons discharged from custody within the preceding twenty years after having been found not guilty of a crime by reason of mental disease or defect (pursuant to section 53a-13); persons confined in a hospital for persons with psychiatric disabilities, has been voluntarily admitted on or after October 1, 2013, to a hospital for persons with psychiatric disabilities (as defined in section 17a-495), within the preceding 12 months by order of a probate court; persons subject to a restraining or protective order issued by a court in a case involving the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person; persons subject to a firearms seizure order issued pursuant to C.G.S. 29-38c after notice and hearing; and any person who is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States, are prohibited from obtaining a pistol permit.

The cost for obtaining a pistol permit is $70.00. The permit is good for a period of five years. The application paperwork may be obtained from a local police department, city or town hall or first selectman's office in the case of a local permit, or Permitting offices in the case of a state pistol permit.

You are required to complete a handgun safety course, which must consist of no less than the NRA's "Basic Pistol Course," prior to submitting the application. The NRA's "Home Firearms Safety Course" and "First Steps Pistol Orientation Program" are not approved courses.

Live fire is also required.  Computer-generated programs, dry-fire, other simulated shooting tools, plastic bullets, air guns or any other alternatives are not acceptable.  Students must fire a semi-automatic pistol or revolver.   Any questions should be referred to the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.

You will also be required to submit to a background investigation, criminal history check and submit fingerprints and photographs in connection with your application. The licensing statute also contains a “suitability clause” which provides that the issuing authority may deny such application, if it determines that the applicant is not a suitable person to possess or carry a pistol or revolver. The suitability clause applies both to the issuance of new permits and revocation of existing permits.  Applicants must provide proof you are legally and lawfully in the United States, such as a birth certificate, or U.S. Passport. Legal Alien Residents must provide Alien Registration numbers and 90-day proof of residency.  Naturalized citizens require proof of citizenship.

The issuing authority has 8 weeks to review your application and approve or deny. A denial may be appealed to the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners as provide in C.G.S. Section 29-32.