Training

Training at Peterborough Sportsman’s Club – Overview

Training at PSC is conducted by a variety of instructors, each instructor operates independently utilizing our facilities (Classroom & Ranges) to offer training to our Members and the Public.

Frequently these are National Rifle Association Classes, taught by Certified NRA Instructors. Other classes are based on course content developed by the Instructors.

Instructors that Teach at PSC

Peterborough Sportsman’s Club requires all new members to demonstrate proof of Firearms Training.  These trainers have applied and met the Clubs requirements for certification, course material and liability insurance.   Taking a class with these instructors at Peterborough Sportsman’s Club will waive the Club Orientation Fee of $25, normally charged to new members.

Instructors with Contact Info

Sophie Chapman – Phone:  603-315-5838  E-mail: mschapman@outlook.com

Brad Gaudet  – On Target Training  – Phone: 603-318-8192     E-mail:  bggunworks@gmail.com

Patrice Nesbitt – Phone: 603-499-3074  – E-mail: chestnutmare@myfairpoint.net

Note: If you know of an Instructor that would like to teach at PSC, please have them contact the Club Secretary.  directors@pscnh.com

Here are descriptions of some of the courses that are offered at various times at PSC and in the surrounding area.

NRA Classes –

  • NRA Home Firearm Safety Course
  • NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course
  • NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course
  • NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home
  • NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home Course
  • NRA Range Safety Officer Course

Other Classes –

  • Basic Defensive Pistol – Level I
  • Defensive Pistol – Level II
  • Women and Firearms (Level 1 – Basic)
  • Women and Firearms  (Level II – Practical Defensive Pistol )
  • Defensive Carbine / Pistol Class
  • Individual skills training (Pistol, Shotgun or Rifle)

NRA Classes

Course Name : NRA Home Firearm Safety Course

Short Description : Non-shooting course and teaches students the basic knowledge, skills, and to explain the attitude necessary for the safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition in the home.

More Details: This is a four-hour course for safe gun handling that is conducted in the classroom only. Students are taught NRA’s three rules for safe gun handling; primary causes of firearms accidents; firearm parts; how to unload certain action types; ammunition components; cleaning; care; safe storage of firearms in the home; and the benefits of becoming an active participant in the shooting sports. Students will receive the NRA Home Firearm Safety handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Basic Firearm Training Program brochure, course completion certificate.

Course Name : NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course

Short Description : Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and operating a pistol safely.

More Details: This course is at least 8-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position, and two handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate.

Course Name: NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course

Short Description: Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for the safe use of a rifle in target shooting.

More Details: This course is at least 14 hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot rifles. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; rifle parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest, prone, sitting, standing and kneeling positions; cleaning, and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Rifle Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate.

Course Name: NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home

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 08/11) 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.

Course Name : NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home Course

Short Description : Comprehensive and intensive in its approach to equip the defensive shooting candidate with the skills needed to survive serious adversity.

More Details: The course teaches students the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for avoiding dangerous confrontations and for the safe, effective and responsible use of a concealed pistol for self-defense outside the home. Students have the opportunity to attend this course using a quality strong side hip holster that covers the trigger, or a holster purse. From a review of safe firearms handling and proper mindset to presentation from concealment and multiple shooting positions, this course contains the essential skills and techniques needed to prevail in a life-threatening situation.
The NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home is divided into two levels (basic and advanced). Level one is a nine-hour course and offers the essential knowledge and skills that must be mastered in order to carry, store, and use a firearm safely and effectively for personal protection outside the home. Upon completion of level one, students may choose to attend level two, which is an additional five hours of range training and teaches advanced shooting skills. After the classroom portion, students should expect to spend several hours on the range and shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition during level one. Level two involves five additional hours on the range and approximately 115 rounds of ammunition. The ammunition requirements are minimum and may be exceeded. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and the appropriate course completion certificates(s), NRA Basic Personal Protection Outside The Home (identifies strong-side hip holster or purse use) certificate, and NRA Advanced Personal Protection Outside The Home certificate.
The NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home is for adult individuals who are not disqualified from possessing a firearm as defined by applicable federal, state, or local law and are of good repute and possess defensive pistol skills presented in the NRA Basics of Personal Protection In The Home Course. Participants must also understand the basic legal concepts relating to the use of firearms in self-defense, and must know and observe not only general gun safety rules, but also those safety principles that are specific to defensive situations. Prospective participants can demonstrate that they have the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes by producing an NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Course Certificate, or by passing the pre-course evaluation.
Note: The Lesson III of the Personal Protection In and Outside The Home courses Firearms and the Law, and Legal Aspects of Self-Defense is conducted by an attorney licensed to practice law within the state in which this course is given and who is familiar with this area of the law, a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) who possesses an intermediate or higher Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificate granted within the state, or an individual currently certified to instruct in this area of the law by the state in which this course is presented.
NRA Certified Instructors may conduct this lesson only if they meet the requirements stated above and then only in their capacity as an attorney, or other state certified individual not in their capacity as an NRA Certified Instructor.

Course Name : NRA Range Safety Officer Course

Short Description : Develops NRA Certified Range Safety Officers with the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.

More Details: This course is nine hours long and is conducted in a classroom and at a shooting facility. Range Safety Officer candidates will learn roles and responsibilities of an RSO; Range Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); range inspection; range rules; range briefings; emergency procedures; and firearm stoppages and malfunctions. Each Range Safety Officer Candidate will receive an RSO Student Study Guide, a Basic Firearm Training Program brochure, an NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, an Instructor Application/Course Evaluation form.


Other Classes

Course Name: Basic Defensive Pistol – Level I

Short Description : Level one, appropriate for those with basic to intermediate handgun skills.  (Prerequisite. Student must show proof of successful completion of the NRA Basic pistol or other approved firearms safety class).

More Details: This course will provide students key fundamentals from which to build upon.  Students will learn how to safely present their firearm from a holster and engage targets at distances up to 15 yards.

Topics covered: Safety / muzzle discipline, Presentations from holster, Ready positions – (compressed and low ready), Presentations to the left, to the right and to the rear, Speed and tactical reloads, Verbal commands, Targets engaged from 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 yards.

Items needed for class: Ear protection / eye protection, Serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-auto pistol).  Minimum caliber 9 mm or .38 special or larger, 300 rounds of ammunition (more is better).   Note:  9mm ammo is available for sale, Strong sided belt holster (hard formed leather or Kydex holster preferred) and magazine pouches, Rigid belt, Three magazines, or speed loaders, Water, snacks and or refreshments, Back up side arm (guns break so you may wish to bring an extra firearm), Comfortable clothing

Course Name: Defensive Pistol – Level II

Short Description: This class is appropriate for intermediate to advanced students.  It is expected that students are proficient, safe and know the manual of arms for their specific firearm.

Prerequisite:  Students must have completed a “level 1 class” taught by On Target Training or provide a list of prior experience to show proof of proper skills.   Alternatively, student may request to meet with the instructor several weeks prior to class to be vetted for the class.  The student must be able demonstrate the proper skills and attitude needed to qualify for the class.

More Details:  Presentations from holster,  One handed shooting,  One Handed malfunction clearance,  One handed reloading,  Precision shooting under stress (Par times with shot timers),  Accuracy drills (trigger press, sight picture and sight alignment),  “Point shooting”,  Speed and tactical reload,  Verbal command, Targets engaged from 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 yards.

Items needed for class: Ear protection / eye protection,  Serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-auto pistol).  Minimum caliber,  9 mm or .38 special or larger,  400-500 rounds of ammunition (more is better), Strong sided belt holster (hard formed leather or Kydex holster preferred) and magazine pouches, Strong belt, Three magazines, or speed loaders, Water, snacks and or refreshments, Back up side arm (guns break so you may wish to bring an extra firearm), Comfortable clothing

Course Name: Women and Firearms (Level 1 – Basic)

Short Description : This class is specifically targeted to women who are interested in gaining an understanding of firearms and firearms safety.

More Details: The class is intended for women serious about developing their skills and understanding their options.  There will be several live fire exercise at ranges from 3 to 7 yards.

Participants of the class will leave with a better understanding of: How to select a firearm, Basic operation of pistol and revolvers, Safe loading and unloading of pistols and revolvers, Ammunition options, Marksmanship fundamentals, Safety and muzzle discipline, Firearm storage considerations

Students will also have the opportunity to try different pistols and revolvers so they are better educated about what to look for when and if they buy a firearm.  This class includes live fire drills on an indoor range.


Course Name : Women and Firearms  (Level II – Practical Defensive Pistol)

Short Description : Appropriate for women with basic to intermediate handgun skills.  Students will learn how to safely present their firearm from a holster and engage targets at distances up to 15 yards.

Prerequisite:  Student must have completed On Target Training’s level 1 course or provide a list of prior training to show proof of proper skills.   Alternatively, student may request to meet with the instructor a week prior to class to demonstrate the proper skills and attitude needed.

More Details: Safety / muzzle discipline, Presentations from holster , ready positions (compressed and low ready), Presentations to the left, to the right and to the rear, Speed and tactical reloads, Verbal commands, Targets engaged from 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 yards.

Items needed for class: Ear protection / eye protection, Serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-auto pistol).  Minimum caliber,  9 mm or .38 special or larger, 350 rounds of ammunition (more is better).   Note:  9mm ammo is available for sale, Strong sided belt holster (hard formed leather or Kydex holster preferred) and magazine pouches, Strong belt, Three magazines, or speed loaders. Water, snacks and or refreshments, Back up side arm (guns break so you may wish to bring an extra firearm)., Comfortable clothing

Course Name: Defensive Carbine / Pistol Class

Short Description: Defensive carbine / pistol class will provide the attendee the fundamental skills, process  methodology and foundation for using both carbines and pistols for self-defense.  Class length seven hours.

Prerequisite:  This class is appropriate for intermediate level shooters. Prerequisite: students who participate must have completed a class with on target training LLC or show other documentation supporting their experience and abilities.

More Details:    This class will provide students   information on benefits and limitations of pistol platforms and carbine platforms and their Applications for self-defense.  Students will learn aspects of safety, marksmanship, and transitions between Carbine and their side arm.

Students will be exposed to the following information and will practice and gain experience with:

  • Presentations from holster
  • Ready positions for pistol and carbine
  • Close quarters battle (QCB) techniques.
  • Transitions from carbine two pistol.
  • Pros and cons of both platforms.
  • Hold over or offset for shooting carbines at short distances.
  • Discussion of red dot optics or scopes for defensive applications

Required items for class: Serviceable Pistol in 9 mm or larger, Strong sided belt holster,  magazine pouch, Three magazines for pistol, 300 rounds of pistol ammunition. Carbine in .556, .308, .7 62X 39 or other.   Tactical slang for Carbine, Three magazines for Carbine, 350 rounds of centerfire rifle ammunition. .22 rimfire rifle or carbine. These include but are not limited to SW M&P 15-22, Ruger 10-22, Lever action rimfire rifles, Sling for the 22 rifle, Three magazines for 22 rimfire rifle, 300 rounds of 22 ammunition.  Ear and eye protection or mandatory.

If you have any questions please contact Instructor, Brad Gaudet


Course Name: Individual skills training (Pistol, Shotgun or Rifle). 

Short Description : Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, Based on students ability These classes scheduled as needed with the instructor, Brad Gaudet, in blocks of two hours.

More Details:These Classes scheduled as needed with the instructor (Brad Gaudet) in blocks of two hours.  This one-on-one coaching allows students to work with an experienced trainer to maximize safety while developing better marksmanship, hit speed and confidence.

Based on skills students will practice: Marksmanship fundamentals, Safety and muzzle discipline, Stance / grip and recoil management, Speed vs. accuracy skills Learn and practice malfunction clearance drills, Multiple hits on target under time pressure, Multiple targets, Strong and weak hand shooting, Hand gun / revolver selection process, Caliber selection