I often get this question from potential students from time to time. Some of them have already taken the class in the past and never proceeded to get their permits and wounder if they have to retake the class. Well the answer is yes and maybe no. Confusing right? In the eyes of the NRA, once you have taken the class and are awarded a certificate thats it, You have attended a basic pistol safety course, It does not expire. There is an attendance date on the certificate, but no expiration.
The contradiction comes into play with the Town permit process. Some towns require that the certificate be 1 to perhaps 3 years old and if its not in compliance then you have to retake the class. I had one town tell a student who had taken the class in 2009 that she could take a refresher course with a live fire portion and they would accept that. So the question is what would they consider a refresher course? There is no NRA Refresher course, and what constitutes a acceptable refresher course to the town. They also told her if she could not find one then she had to retake the class. She may have been able to take the First steps program, but it is not accepted as a basic safety course so if they decided not to accept that then she would still have to take the Basic class over again anyway!
So If you find you are in this predicament, I would first start by calling the town and asking them if they would accept your certificate, and if not then you may have to retake the Basic Safety Course again even though there is no expiration on the Certificate.
Hope this helps, and if you go through this leave a note on the blog so other people can see what happens.
I am currently putting the finishing touches on a multiple level course for the concealed carry permit holder. The first part Basics of Concealed Carry will be announced some time in July. It is designed to introduce the concepts and options of concealed carry to the student. It will go over gear selection and holster draws and much more. It will combine a classroom session with a live fire portion as well, mix in small class sizes and individual training it makes for a very informative session. I will provide all gear necessary for the first level class, in the next level you will bring your gear and firearms. So stay tuned for the class announcement, or better yet, sign up for our newsletter and receive upcoming class announcements when they are sent out.
Well I shot the Mass State IDPA Championship Match last Saturday in North Dartmouth Mass. It was held at the Rod and Gun Club of New Bedford, it was a great place and they put on a heck of a event despite the rain all morning Sat. I had a few sponsored guys in my squad, some names may be familiar to you if you follow IDPA, Mark Redl, Joe Linskey, and Craig Buckman!! WOW, just a little pressure on me with those guys watching, it was a great time and really nice to see those guys shoot. I even heard them cheer me on at one point when I was in my groove making good shots and picking up the pace. I did pretty good all in all, I know that I can shoot better then what I did there, but it was my first state match and only the 3rd time I shoot IDPA !! I ended up 5th in my division, stock service pistol,(and 92nt overall) not too bad, but it gives me some ideas on how and what I need to do to improve my skills and what skills I think I need to include in my upcoming classes.
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