Who Should Take This Class:

Those firearms owners who purchased their guns primarily for self and home defense should take this class.

Overview and Course Goals: The NRA Personal Protection in the Home seeks to develop in the students the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to the safe and efficient use of a handgun for protection of self and family, and to provide information on the law-abiding citizen's right to self defense. Safety: For safety's sake, NO live ammunition is allowed in the classroom segment of the class. The segments of the course follow.

Introduction to Defensive Shooting:

This segment first reviews the importance of the ethical use of firearms for self-defense. Inherent in this concept is developing the proper mindset or game plan to prepare yourself for a potential self-defense situation - to react appropriately and decisively. A corollary concept to having a game plan in mind is developing a habit of mental awareness about what is going on around you. This segment explores these issues to establish a foundation which allows you to be ready should such a situation become a reality. Finally this segment is summarized by reviewing the importance of mental and physical preparation for a potential self-defense situation.

Basic Defensive Handgun Skills:

This segment starts out by demonstrating the fundamentals of defensive marksmanship and discusses the concept of defensive accuracy. Next, this section has you shoot targets in the center of mass using aimed shots from a two handed standing position. Concepts of using cover and concealment are integrated into this exercise. This segement seeks to establish the foundation for effective use of your firearm in different home defense situations.

Firearms and the Law:

This segment brings in a legal expert to discuss your legal rights while using a firearm for self-defense. Key provisions in the law pertaining to the purchase, transfer, and possesion of a handgun are discussed as is the law in Georgia regarding the use of deadly force. Inherent in any self-defense action involving a firearm is the subsequent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. This process can be confusing and very stressful if you are not previously prepared. The typcial investigative process and what you can expect is conveyed in this section also. Resources available to you to determine the specific requirements of your jurisdiction are given to you at the end of this segement.

Strategies for Home Safety and Responding to a Violent Confrontation:

Here AFT instructors take you through the fundamental strategies to enhance personal safety in the home. Having a plan of action to responding to a perpetrator in your home is vital for effectively responding to this instrusion, subsequently various strategies for different situations are discussed. If you are involved in a self-defense incident afterward you will find it mentally draining. Dealing appropriately with the aftermath of such an attack is critical for both the preservation of the evidence at the scene and to recover mentally from the incident so you can act effectively post-incident. Finally, appropriate strategies for storing the firearm safely while still keeping it available for use is overviewed.

Selecting a Handgun for Self-Defense:

Ask any firearm owner what is the best firearm for personal defense and you are likely to get as many different opinions as the numbers of people you ask. This section discusses the various types of firearms and calibers of rounds with an eye for selecting a gun for personal protection. Caliber, gun size, Magazine capacity, the context in which it is likely to be used, and your specific needs all figure into an intelligent decision. This section discusses these factors in order for you to make an informed decision.

Pistol Sports and Activities and Training Opportunities:

If you are a current or future pistol owner why not have fun with it? Engaging in pistol sports not only helps maintain your comfort level with your firearm, it develops and maintains your proficiency with your firearm. There are a range of pistol activities for pistol owners to engage in from target shooting within the NRA Marksmanship Program, to competitive bullseye shooting, to combat pistol games. In this segment AFT instructors will overview the available pistol activities and provide contact information for the various organizations and ranges sponsoring these activities. Atlanta is fortunate in having a number of ranges in the metro area supporting many of these shooting activities.