Woburn Sportsmen’s Association
155 Middlesex Turnpike
Bedford Mass., 01730

Firearms Safety Course


The Woburn Sportsmen’s Association has provided a Firearms Safety course as a public service for over twenty years.  Our instructors have certifications in NRA Home Firearm Safety, NRA Basic Pistol, and other disciplines.

Registration and schedule

For full details on course policies and registration procedures click here: Registration

If you have any questions, please send email to education@woburnsportsmen.com

Student Certificates

Over 2,000 students have received certificates over the time the Association has been presenting this and similar courses.  Students who successfully complete the course will be issued The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of State Police, Basic Firearms Safety Certificate valid for a License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification (FID)

Note that according to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140§131(d)(iv), no person under the age of twenty-one (21) may apply for or be issued a License to Carry (LTC). 

Enrollment

Scheduled Courses generally meet on Monday & Thursday nights, or Wednesday nights & Saturday afternoons, depending on the session.  Participants must attend both classes.  A fee of $110.00 covers the cost of training materials and ammunition.  Enrollment is limited to 10 students per course.  You must be at least 18 years of age to attend or a parent/guardian must accompany.  A signed liability statement is required before a student may attend the course.

Course Syllabus

The course consists of ten hours of instruction and hands-on practice that highlight the safety principles of possession, storage and use (marksmanship) of firearms. 

We emphasize not just the knowledge, but practices and habits that will lead to more enjoyment, better shooters, and most importantly: safer shooters. 

A summary of state and federal laws which relate to the ownership and possession of firearms is presented. 

This course does not cover self defense, that is a much more involved topic that requires its own course.

This course is also not a hunter’s education course.  The WSA does host a hunter’s education course periodically, but this is not one.

As the NRA transitions to new courses our offerings are also changing.  Both of the course options described below will provide with the student with a certificate suitable for application of a Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification Card (FID).  The format of our course, depending on the session, will be either NRA Basic Pistol, or NRA Home Firearm Safety (with additions).  Both fulfill the requirements of MGL Chap. 140 § 131P(a) for a basic firearms safety certificate.

NRA Basic Pistol is approved by Massachusetts as LTC-02.  The discussions include demonstration and displays of the various firearm actions with the goal of providing the information necessary to assure that the firearms are handled safely.  A basic understanding of ammunition types and its proper handling and storage is also covered.  The course concludes with a live fire practice consisting of fifty rounds of 22 caliber ammunition fired from a semiautomatic pistol; and optionally, fifteen rounds of 38 caliber fired from a revolver.  During live fire activities each student is under the direct supervision of an instructor.

NRA Home Firearm Safety is approved by Massachusetts as LTC-07.  The discussions include demonstration and displays of the various firearm actions, rifle, pistol and shotgun with the goal of providing the information necessary to assure that the firearms are handled safely.  The basic Home Firearm Safety course is a four hour program; we supplement the basic content with six hours of additional hands-on instruction.  The course includes a live fire practice consisting of fifty rounds of 22 caliber ammunition fired from a semiautomatic pistol and, optionally, fifteen rounds of 38 caliber fired from a revolver.  During the live fire activities, each student is under the direct supervision of an Instructor.