How much does a gun safety course cost?
How much does a gun safety course cost?
$25 – $125 in-person gun safety course cost
$20 – $100 online gun safety course cost
Average cost of gun safety course
The average cost of a gun safety course is $25 to $125 for a standard in-person course covering topics such as firearm and gun range safety rules, gun anatomy and operation, and safe storage and shooting techniques. An online gun safety course including a completion certificate costs $20 to $100.
| Course type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Standard in-person course | $25 – $125 |
| Online course | $20 – $100 |
| Youth hunter education course | $5 – $25 |
| Private training | $85 – $150+ per hour |
| Concealed carry permit class | $50 – $150 |
Standard in-person gun safety course
A standard in-person gun safety course typically costs $25 to $125, often with rental firearms and range fees included. Courses are typically taught by certified instructors and last around 2 to 4 hours, including both classroom instruction and range time. Most courses cover:
Firearm safety rules and handling
Basic gun anatomy and operation
Range safety
Safe maintenance and storage
Legal aspects of gun ownership
Practical range training
Online gun safety course
An online gun safety course can be free or cost between $20 to $100 for a completion certificate. These courses last about 40 to 90 minutes and cover gun safety, transportation, storage, and defensive situations. They are usually divided into video sections followed by quizzes, and a final test reviews the material.
Youth hunter education course
A youth hunter education course usually costs between $5 to $25 and includes multiple classroom sessions and a field day. It teaches safe handling of firearms, hunter responsibility, and wildlife conservation, with students required to attend all sessions and complete scenario-based training.
Private gun training
Private shooting lessons cost $85 to $150 per hour, depending on the instructor’s experience and the type of training involved. Private gun training offers personalized instruction and can include gun safety, hands-on gun training with various firearms, and legal education.
Concealed carry permit class
A state-specific concealed carry class costs $50 to $150 and covers the specific curriculum required for the state's concealed carry permit. These courses often include both classroom and range components to ensure compliance with state regulations. Topics include firearm safety, basic defensive pistol skills, and the legal aspects of carrying a concealed weapon.
Cost factors of gun safety course
Several factors influence the overall cost of a gun safety course:
Course duration: Longer courses, especially those that include both classroom and extended range time, tend to be more expensive than shorter ones.
Location: Courses held in urban areas or at well-equipped ranges may cost more than those in rural areas or community centers.
Instructor experience: Courses taught by highly experienced or certified instructors can be more expensive due to their expertise and credentials.
Group discounts: Enrolling in a course with a group can often result in lower costs per person compared to individual enrollment.
Materials and equipment: Courses that include the use of rental firearms, ammunition, or other safety equipment may have additional fees or be more expensive overall.
State or local regulations: Compliance with specific state or local regulations can add to the cost of the course, especially if it requires additional training or documentation.
Certification and licensing: Courses that lead to official certifications or licenses, such as concealed carry permits, may have higher fees due to administrative and regulatory requirements.
Gun safety course FAQs
How long is a gun safety course?
Gun safety courses can last anywhere from 40 minutes to a full day. In-person classes usually take 2 to 4 hours, while online courses are typically 40 to 90 minutes. Some specialized courses can last 8 hours, including both classroom and extended range time to work on shooting skills.
Do I need to take a gun safety course?
State laws often require taking a gun safety course for concealed carry permits. Even if it's not mandatory, it's highly recommended to ensure safe handling, storage, and use of firearms.
Can you do a gun safety course online?
Yes, you can take a gun safety course online. These courses cover the basics like gun transportation and storage, but they usually don't include hands-on training and might not meet all state requirements for concealed carry permits.
Do gun safety courses reduce accidents?
Absolutely! Gun safety courses teach you how to handle firearms safely, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. By learning the right techniques and safety rules, you'll be better equipped to use your firearm responsibly.
Questions to ask a shooting instructor
When considering a gun safety course, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure you get the most out of the training. Ask your gun safety instructor these questions:
What is the cost of the course, and are there any additional fees?
How long is the course, and what is the schedule?
What is the course curriculum, and what topics will you cover?
What is the experience and certification of the instructor?
What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
What equipment and materials do I need to bring?
Are there any prerequisites or age restrictions for the course?
What are the safety protocols and emergency procedures?
How will you conduct hands-on training, and what can I expect on the range?
What resources are available for continued learning and practice after the course?
Are there any group discounts or special offers available?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.