First Shots: Pistol — Beginner Handgun Safety Class in Lancaster County, PA

An Introduction to Safe, Confident Firearm Ownership

First Shots: Pistol is the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) beginner handgun course, one of the most trusted introductory firearms programs in the country, offered right here at The Sportsman’s Shop in East Earl, PA.

This beginner gun safety class is built for people who have never held a firearm, are considering their first purchase, or simply want to learn the fundamentals in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. The class combines classroom instruction with live-fire range experience, and every student gets one-on-one time with an instructor on the range. You don’t need to own a firearm to take the class.

Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours | Cost: $60, all supplies included | Ammo: .22 LR pistol & ammo provided

Schedule your First Shots: Pistol class

What You’ll Learn

• Firearm safety and safe storage practices
• Handgun parts, operation, and common pistol types
• Shooting fundamentals including:
  • Stance
  • Grip
  • Sight alignment & sight picture
  • Trigger control
  • Follow through
• Safe firearm handling skills in the classroom
• Live-fire range experience with one-on-one instructor coaching

Perfect For

First Shots: Pistol is a great fit for:

• Complete beginners who have never handled a firearm
• First-time firearm owners who want a safe, structured introduction
• Anyone considering their first handgun purchase — try one before you buy
• Women new to shooting — our range and instructors are known for being welcoming, low-pressure, and judgment-free
• Customers from Lancaster, York, Reading, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities looking for a local beginner class

You do not need to own a firearm. Rentals are available. All ammo and supplies are included in the class fee.

Do you have any questions? Contact us or email us at training@tssguns.com

Why Choose First Shots?

The NSSF First Shots program is nationally recognized — but the experience depends entirely on where you take it. At The Sportsman’s Shop, here’s what sets our class apart:

• In-house certified instructors — all of our trainers are permanent members of our staff, not outside contractors
• One-on-one range time — every student is paired individually with an instructor during live fire, not sent to a lane alone
• A 12-lane indoor range on site, so classroom and range training happen in the same visit
• A genuinely welcoming environment — we’ve been changing the reputation of gun shops in Lancaster County since 1954, and that starts with how we treat people who walk through our door for the first time
• A clear path forward — students who want to continue training can move directly into our private firearms lessons program, which covers everything from basic marksmanship to advanced defensive techniques

Schedule your First Shots: Pistol class

What to Bring

• A valid, government-issued photo ID with your current legal address — required for all range users
• Comfortable clothing you can move in; closed-toe shoes are required
• Eye and ear protection — available to borrow at the range if you don’t have your own

You do not need to bring ammunition or any other supplies. Everything is included in the $60 class fee.

Range policy note:

Range use is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who can produce a valid permanent resident card. ID must be presented in person.

Payment Policy

Payment is due in advance and at the time of registration. Class date/time cannot be held without payment.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made no less than 5 days/120 hours before the training class if attendance is not possible. Cancellations within the prescribed time frame can be applied to future classes only. Cancellations received less than 120 hours prior to a class will result in the loss of the registration fee. No shows or no calls will result in the loss of the registration fee and no refund will be made.

Keep Building Your Skills

First Shots: Pistol is designed to be a starting point, not a one-time event. After your class, you’ll have a solid foundation, and a lot of options for what comes next:

• Practice on your own: Our indoor range is open to all skill levels. Range rentals are available if you don’t yet own a firearm.
• Continue with private lessons: Our one-on-one firearms lessons pick up where First Shots leaves off, covering marksmanship refinement, defensive skills, and advanced techniques at your pace.
• Become a member: A range membership gives you unlimited lane access to keep your skills sharp without paying per visit.

Not sure what’s right for you? Contact our training coordinator, and we’ll help you figure out the best next step.

Ready to Register?

Schedule your First Shots: Pistol class

Have a question before you sign up? Email us at training@tssguns.com or contact us online.