NRA Instructor/coach

[Cgrutt]

Would like to hear from any instructors/coaches. I'm interested in becoming shooting sports instructor for rifle and maybe shotgun and/or muzzle loading for scouts. But is it worthwhile as side business to teach NRA courses? Is there much demand for this? If you teach, do you tend to teach one-on-one or lead classes with multiple people? If so how many is the "sweet spot" to make things worthwhile? Just looking for options until I get back on my feet again... Thanks.

[usmcveteran]

I'm not any of it but but if you get certified you might be able to work part-time with local training companies or could possibly offer 1 on 1 instruction.

[Cgrutt]

As far as I understand, NRA Instructor means you can teach the underlying course. So an instructor for basic pistol can teach NRA basic pistol, rifle can teach basic rifle, etc. (Also for scouts, you can supervise/run scout ranges for certain events along with an RSO; instructor and RSO have to be different people). To be a coach, you need to have taught "x" many courses to "y" many students and can coach people how to shoot better. All stuff I'm interested in. Just wondering if, as a business idea, it is worthwhile. I want to get certified for Scouts, which is all volunteer, but have been thinking about doing it commercially as well given my current employment (or lack of it, lol) situation....

[nortatoga]

C, I started out with Appleseed as a IIT ( instructor in training ) they go from 0 to 4 then full instructor then Shoot Boss. I'm a IIT2 and that is were I want to be working the line, down on the mats! Not calling the line telling the history. Thou I have read a dozen or so books on the War of Independence!

Then I did the NRA RSO class and am a Club RSO (one of maybe 30 for a Club with 1200 members)

NRA basic rifle was next then basic pistol.

So with the basic rifle I assisted with the new member orientation at the Club (We use the NRA first-steps rifle program) Now another member an myself run this class.

I then started to help with the County Pistol Safety Class at the Club for a few months before I became a NRA basic pistol instructor (all fee's went to the Club) Now the class is being given at another location and I am getting paid, but that is once a month.

I soon should become one of the instructors for the CCW (unrestricted class) for which I needed to pickup shooting instructor insurance. We are also planning some classes for those getting ready for and those that fail this class! As the course of fire has been changed!

I like instructing and it's nice to make a little extra money (I too have made a major employment change in the last year and a half, making 1/2 what I was) So this money is a plus now and when I retire!

Also for those that may not know the NRA is wanting to see the you teach at least one class a year to keep your certifications! It doesn't even have to be a NRA course, For example when we do the County Pistol Class we have the applicant fill out the NRA registration online form type of class Other, and we get 5 hours credit, I also get some credit when helping with Hunter Ed the same way.

[Cgrutt]

Thanks J. I plan to be very active with Scouts, just thinking about if there is any potential benefit as side business...

[Calculon]

Not sure about the side business thing. I have gone down the same path of trying to find the right niche but good old ny makes it difficult as an adult can't touch a pistol unless licensed.

I originally got my NRA certs for Basic Instructor and Basic Pistol so that my kids could learn to shoot pistol without me worrying about getting narc'd by some anti. I then got RSO to expand my ability to teach. Keep in mind you will want to buy insurance to cover you in event 1) someone gets hurt while training, or 2) someone you have trained hurts themselves or someone else and the lawyers come after you for not training them properly/adequately. The NRA offers $1mm policy for about $300 annually.

At end of day I think it would be difficult to make a living teaching NRA classes/training new folks to the sport but I have a couple ideas that I have been researching/considering for a while now. Happy to chat if you like.

[WARFAB]

I'm guessing the side business thing would depend on how much effort you put into it. There are plenty of instructors (like me) who don't make time for it so it never really goes anywhere. There are other instructors who try to make it a business and put some effort into marketing and running nice courses. I don't think many of those guys are getting rich, but there are plenty who seem to keep busy.

[Cgrutt]

Yeah, not really thinking about a permanent business more about just earning some extra spending money. Hadn't considered the potential liability though... probably will just stick with Scouts, LOL...

[WARFAB]

The NRA is always sending me information about insurance they offer specifically for instructors. I haven't investigated it any so I can't provide details.

[Calculon]

I have the policy as I was RSO at a range day at Blue Mountain in Westchester. They require insurance and I wanted to protect myself anyway. $300 for $1MM coverage.

[nortatoga]

I have the policy as I was RSO at a range day at Blue Mountain in Westchester. They require insurance and I wanted to protect myself anyway. $300 for $1MM coverage.

I just got the same policy.