Frequently Asked Questions
Payment is due in full upon acceptance into the class. Complete information on where to send the payment, etc. will be provided as part of the registration process.
• What’s covered in the class?
• Safe firearm handling
• Firearm parts and operation
• Ammunition and its function
• Shooting fundamentals, and an opportunity to develop them on the range
• How to select, clean, transport, and store a firearm
• Review of various activities available to help participants develop and improve their shooting skills
• Overview of local, state, and federal laws.
• How long are the classes?
Basic Pistol Classes start at 10 AM, and usually go until about 8 PM. We’ll take a break for lunch, and short breaks throughout. The Home Firearm Safety class is generally 4 hours long.
You may want to stay longer to sign up for a Handgun Safety Certificate, required to purchase a pistol in the State of California.
Personal Protection in the Home is a one day course.
• What if I’m a total beginner?
Perfect! The course is targeted for the beginner. We get a variety of students, from people who’ve never been up close to a gun before to experienced shooters who just want to fill any gaps in their knowledge.
• How old do I have to be to take the Basic Pistol or Personal Protection Courses?
Persons 18 and older may take the course with no restrictions.
Persons 16 - 18 may take the course, but a parent or guardian must be present during the course.
Persons under 16 are considered on a case by case basis.
• Are there any other requirements for taking the course?
You must be someone who’s legally permitted to possess a firearm in California.
You may not take the classes if you are a person who has a conviction for any misdemeanor listed in Penal Code section 12021(c)(1) or for any felony, or is addicted to the use of any narcotic drug, or has been held involuntarily as a danger to self or others pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 8103.
Various other prohibitions exist for mental conditions, domestic restraining/protective orders, conditions of probation, and offenses committed as a juvenile.
(PC Sections 12021 and 12021.1, Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 8100 - 8103)
• What should I wear?
Dress for comfort. We recommend that you do not wear open-toe shoes or sandals. Shirts that button up the neck, or other high-neck shirts or blouses are recommended. You also might want to bring a sweater as the range can get a little cold during the winter.
• What should I bring?
A pen and some paper should you want to take some notes. Everything else you need is provided!
• Do I need to bring a gun?
No. We provide a large selection of loaner firearms that you may use at no additional charge. The range also rents firearms in case you want to try something that we do not have available. Taking this course before you purchase a firearm is a great idea!
• Is it okay for me to bring a gun?
Definitely! Please bring your handgun with you. Upon arrival, please notify the instructors that you brought your own gun. In the interest of safety, an instructor will verify that it’s unloaded and appears to be safe to use, and will ask you to return it to its case and leave it under the “class firearms table” during the lecture. During range time, an instructor will test fire your gun to verify safe operation. If you are not familiar with your firearm, ask an instructor for details regarding it.
Please leave all ammunition in your vehicle until range time. No ammunition is permitted in the classroom.
Note: When transporting your gun to class it must be unloaded and locked in your trunk or inside a locked container. A locking attache case may be used.
• Will this class qualify me to purchase a handgun?
No. A Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) or other exception is required before you may purchase a pistol in California. After the course you will be presented with the opportunity to take the test required to obtain an HSC.
• What is an HSC?
HSC is the state-mandated Handgun Safety Certificate, which is a card you must obtain before you may buy a handgun in California. You can get your card by taking a written test. The course materials are similar to the NRA’s own basic safety classes since the HSC program was developed in cooperation with the NRA. The card is valid for 5 years. You only need to renew the card if you plan to purchase a new handgun.
• What are the prerequisites for Personal Protection in the Home?
To take the Personal Protection course you must have an NRA Basic Pistol Certificate or similar certifications. An NRA Home Firearm Safety or NRA First Steps Pistol will not be sufficient. If you don't have the Basic Pistol Certificate, or have other certificates from other schools you think demonstrate sufficiently your current training level, please contact us for a determination.
Prior to the class you will be required to pass a timed shooting skills exercise while demonstrating safe firearms handling procedures and be able to answer basic questions about safety, firearms nomenclature and ammunition as covered in the Basic Pistol class or the Basic Pistol Student Handbook (NRA Publication # EF13270, ISBN #0-935998-00-4, $6.00).
We limit the size of the class and fill the seats on a first come, first seated basis. This pre-qualification must be completed prior to acceptance into the Personal Protection class so do not wait until the last moment to schedule it.
• What will I need for the Personal Protection in the Home class?
You will need a revolver or semi-automatic handgun of 9mm, .38 Special or larger caliber and at least three speed-loaders, or magazines, for the gun. BayProfs will provide the ammunition. You will use your gun for the entire class and should be able to manipulate the controls without a lot of fumbling. We suggest that you take your prequal test with the gun you are intending to use for the class.
You will also need hearing and eye protection. A light jacket is recommended.
For safety reasons you will also need a holster designed for your firearm. However, the soft floppy nylon, one-size-fits-all holsters are not acceptable. You will also need a belt mounted dual speed-loader, or magazine, carrier to fit your gear. And of course you will need a proper belt to hold these devices. Detailed information on suggested types/models will be in the Registration Packet.
• What will I learn in the Personal Protection in the Home class?
You will continue your education about handguns, maintenance of them, selection of handgun and ammunition and shooting opportunities originally obtained in your Basic Pistol classes.
In addition you will learn about the law regarding deadly force, be taught and practice home related defensive procedures like shooting from around or over a barricade, shooting from odd positions, learn about cover and concealment and how to use them, learn what to do when the attacker doesn't fall down immediately with the first shot the way they do in the movies.
We will spend quite some time on avoidance of a self defense event and your attitude and mind set prior to, during, and after a self-defense event and how to persevere in the face of an attack you are unable to avoid.
We will run you through a home defense scenario at the end of class to help you put together the new skills you have learned and determine improvements needed.
