Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate area for this and I know this is short notice.

I'm taking the NRA PPIH (Personal Protection in the Home) course on Saturday at 0800, in Richmond. Right now, I am the only person in the class and the instructor said he can take three more students. Regardless, the course will go as planned whether others sign up or not. The course description (below) says to bring 100 rounds of ammo, but he told me to bring more, because we may shoot more.

If you are interested, the instructor is John Savage with VPIS Services and his email john@vpis.us

Name : NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Course

Short Description : Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to the safe and efficient use of a handgun for protection of self and family, and to provide information on the law-abiding individual’s right to self-defense.

More Details: This is an eight-hour course. Students should expect to shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition. Students will learn basic defensive shooting skills, strategies for home safety and responding to a violent confrontation, firearms and the law, how to choose a handgun for self-defense, and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection In The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, and course completion certificate.(Lesson Plan, revised 06/10)

NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home course is for law-abiding adult citizens, as defined by applicable federal, state, or local law, and experienced shooters (shooters able to show mastery of the basic skills of safe gun handling, shooting a group, zeroing the firearm, and cleaning the firearm) to maximize what can be learned from this course. Proof of shooting experience can be one of the following: NRA Basic Pistol Course Certificate, NRA FIRST Steps Course Certificate, NRA pistol competitive shooting qualification card, military DD 214 with pistol qualification, or passing the Pre-Course Assessment.

I am interested but I'm not sure if I would qualify as being an experienced shooter. I am quite green to the scene but am not a novice. How much is the course? In addition, do you have the link to the "Pre-course assessment"?

Also, where in Richmond is it?

MWhiteDesigns wrote:I am interested but I'm not sure if I would qualify as being an experienced shooter. I am quite green to the scene but am not a novice. How much is the course? In addition, do you have the link to the "Pre-course assessment"?

The course is $250, I don't know what the pre-course assessment entails, he just asked me several questions about my shooting experience.

The class starts at 0800 and there will be a VA State Police Officer there at 0900 for the Firearms and the Law section.

The address for the classroom section is 6223 Lakeside Ave and we will go to the Cavalier Rifle and Pistol Club in Montpelier for the range session.

I have prior obligations until 9:30, or else I would be there! Maybe next time. Lakeside is maybe 10 minutes from my house. Do you live close as well?

If you have a link to the site, please post it. Sounds like it would be worth pursuing. I do not have any of the aforementioned certificates; what kind of questions did he ask?

Thanks!

MWhiteDesigns wrote:I have prior obligations until 9:30, or else I would be there! Maybe next time. Lakeside is maybe 10 minutes from my house. Do you live close as well?

No, I live in Fredericksburg.

clayinva wrote:If you have a link to the site, please post it. Sounds like it would be worth pursuing. I do not have any of the aforementioned certificates; what kind of questions did he ask?

Thanks!

I originally talked with him prior to Thanksgiving and if I remember correctly, he asked what my shooting background was and the different weapons I have shot. He asked some general firearms questions, etc...

Sorry I can't be more helpful on that aspect, but that's all I can remember right now. I can barely remember last week right now, (old age and the holidays)

Here is a link to his website:
http://www.vpis.us/

Here is a link to the NRA Course website. Select the Personal Protection in The Home information tab:
http://nrainstructors.org/CourseCatalog.aspx

Here is a comment from the sign-up part of the NRA instructors website:
This is an intensive 1 day course designed to show the participant how to prepare for, avoid, and if necessary, survive serious adversity while at home. Class is strictly limited in size to ensure a high instructor/student ratio, and seats are confirmed only on receipt of non-refundable tuition. Come prepared to be challenged. Students should bring a handgun and 100 rounds ammunition, as well as eye and ear protection. However, if needed, these items can be provided (contact instructor for details).

I'm not trying to dodge any information, but it would be best to contact him directly. I don't want to misquote something or give bad information. I will answer any questions to the best of my abilities.

MWhiteDesigns wrote:I have prior obligations until 9:30, or else I would be there! Maybe next time. Lakeside is maybe 10 minutes from my house. Do you live close as well?

That's to bad, a 1 person class has its advantages, but I've found the learning environment is better with other people so you can draw from their experiences as well.

thanks for the links and the info!

If anyone is planning on going to this and are not necessarily from the area, there is a gun show Saturday and Sunday at the Showplace. It is probably 10 minutes from Lakeside Ave. I believe C&E is the sponsor. Just wanted to give a heads up!