Firearms Training Classes in Lancaster County, PA
Firearm Training Built Around Confidence, Safety & Skill Development
At The Sportsman’s Shop in East Earl, PA, our firearms training programs are built for real people: first-time gun owners, experienced shooters looking to add skills, and everyone in between. Every class is taught by our in-house certified instructors, not outside contractors, in a safe, welcoming, and professional environment.
We offer group gun safety classes for beginners, private one-on-one firearms lessons covering everything from basic marksmanship to advanced defensive techniques, and dedicated programs designed with new and female shooters in mind. All training takes place at our East Earl facility, with access to our 12-lane indoor range included.
Have a question about which program is right for you? Contact our training coordinator or schedule your session here.
Trained by People Who Know What They’re Doing
Every instructor at The Sportsman’s Shop is a member of our own team, hired, trained, and held to the same standard of friendliness and expertise we expect on the retail floor. We don’t bring in outside contractors or rotate through guest instructors.
Our primary private lessons instructor carries a 95% student rebook rate. Students regularly return for 10, 20, even 30+ sessions, not because they have to, but because the instruction is that good. Each session is genuinely tailored to the individual: your firearm, your skill gaps, your goals.
NSSF First Shots Pistol — Introduction to Handgun Shooting
New to firearms? This is the right place to start. First Shots: Pistol is the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) beginner handgun course, a structured, friendly gun safety class that takes you from zero to comfortable in a single session. It’s one of the most widely respected introductory firearms programs in the country, and we’re proud to offer it right here in Lancaster County.
The class runs 2.5 to 3 hours and combines classroom instruction with hands-on range time. Every student is paired one-on-one with an instructor on the range to fire live rounds with direct coaching.
Topics Covered
- Firearm Safety
- Handgun Parts
- Pistol Types
- Shooting Fundamentals
- Hands-on Practice in the Classroom
- One-on-One Instruction on the Range
Whether you’re considering your first firearm purchase or simply want to learn the basics in a supportive environment, NSSF First Shots® offers a comfortable and informative first experience.
Perfect For:
- First-time shooters
- New firearm owners
- Individuals looking to build confidence safely
- Anyone interested in learning handgun fundamentals
Learn More About First Shots: Pistol
Private Firearms Lessons — One-on-One Instruction for Every Skill Level
Train at your own pace with instruction tailored to your goals, experience level, and firearm. New shooters build fundamentals. Experienced shooters tackle advanced defensive skills. The session goes where you need it to go.
Private lessons are taught in one-hour blocks. Students can book a single session or return as many times as they like, progressing from beginner topics to advanced techniques as their skills develop. Our instructor tailors every session individually, which is exactly why 95% of students rebook for another lesson.
Customizable Training Topics
- Basic Marksmanship
- Flashlight Techniques
- Night Sight Training
- Laser Training
- Cover & Concealment*
- Multiple Threats*
- Drawing from the Holster*
*Requires Basic Marksmanship Training
Available for pistol or long gun instruction.
Every session is built around the individual shooter: your firearm, your goals, your pace. If you’re not sure where to start, our instructor will help you figure that out in the first few minutes of your first lesson.
Learn More About Private Firearms Lessons
What to Expect at Your First Training Session
If you’ve never taken a firearms class before, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to expect. Here’s how it works at The Sportsman’s Shop:
Before you arrive: No prior experience is required for any beginner class. Just bring a valid ID, and we’ll provide the rest.
In the classroom: Group sessions begin with an instructor-led classroom portion covering safety rules, firearm fundamentals, and handling techniques. We keep it clear, practical, and free of jargon.
On the range: You’ll move to our 12-lane indoor range with direct instructor support. In the First Shots class, every student gets one-on-one time with an instructor during live fire. In private lessons, the entire session is yours.
After your session: Many students book a follow-up lesson on the spot. Our instructors will give you honest feedback on where you are and what would help most next. There’s no pressure, just a clear picture of where to go from here.
Ready to get started?
Schedule Your Training Session
Firearms Training — Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own a firearm to take a class?
No. Firearm rentals are available at our range for students who don’t yet own one. We’ll help you select an appropriate rental for your course.
What is the minimum age for firearms training?
Students must be at least 18 years old for most courses. Some programs require participants to be 21. Contact us if you have questions about age requirements for a specific class.
How long are the classes?
The First Shots: Pistol group class runs approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Private lessons are conducted in one-hour blocks and can be booked individually or in a series.
Are your instructors certified?
Yes. All training at The Sportsman’s Shop is conducted by our in-house certified staff. We do not use outside contractors for our ongoing training programs.
Is training available for women specifically?
While we don’t have an exclusive program for women, our trainings are designed to be welcoming to everyone, and we actively encourage women to join.
I already know how to shoot. Do you offer anything beyond beginner classes?
Yes, our private lessons cover advanced topics, including cover and concealment, drawing from the holster, multiple-threat scenarios, laser training, and low-light/flashlight techniques. These are available once a student has completed a basic marksmanship session.
How do I sign up?
You can schedule your training session online or contact us directly with any questions.