NRA Personal Protection Inside/Outside the Home

[Charles L. Cotton]

I have received the final version of the NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home (PPOH) course material, so I can now start scheduling classes. I’ve said this before and I’ll repeat it - the NRA Training Division did a great job on this course! I need some input from you folks who have expressed an interest in taking the class, so please give me your thoughts.

The NRA Personal Protection in the Home Course (PPIH) is a pre-requisite to taking PPOH, but the NRA has created an evaluation form that can be used to verify that a person is eligible for a waiver of the PPIH pre-requisite. It’s more than just gun handling, but that is the primary focus because of safety issues related to drawing and shooting from a holster or purse. Please do not ask for a waiver, if you do not possess very good gun-handling skills. You guys who are experienced shooters and will be taking the course with a wife or girlfriend that doesn’t share your level of experience should think twice before “testing out� of PPIH. Both of these courses are excellent for couples to take together.

Marc and I have taught PPIH in both ladies-only and co-ed formats, so there are a number of people who have already met the pre-requisite. Most of the people who have sent either a PM or an email wanting to take the course have not taken the PPIH course and will be taking it as well as PPOH, unless PPIH is waived.

There is some duplication in the two courses, including the 2 ½ hour legal portion of the classes. I would like to schedule the legal portion on a weeknight and it could be attended by people taking PPIH and PPOH, or PPOH by itself. This will avoid anyone having to listen to the same presentation only a week or two apart. The only way this works is if the classes are taken close together. This plan is pending NRA approval.

The PPIH is an 8 hour course and PPOH is either a 9 hour or a 14 hour course. A student taking the 9 hour version will have about 2 hours on the range and will receive a Basis Certificate upon successful completion. The 14 hour course includes 5 additional hours on the range and earns the student an Advanced Certificate.

Obviously, we aren’t going to spend 14 hours in class and on the range in one day. When Marc and I teach the PPIH course, we typically schedule it on a Friday evening from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm and 5 to 7 hours on Saturday, depending on whether people want to do additional range drills. With PPOH, I think it would be beneficial to break the course up into two weekday evenings and all day (8 hrs.) on Saturday, with most of that time spent sending rounds down range. The alternative is to schedule two Saturdays of about 7 hours each. Here is where I need input from you folks. Would most people prefer to get it done in one week using two weekday evenings and a Saturday, or would you prefer two Saturdays? (If the NRA approves teaching the legal portion once for both courses if they are given in close proximity time-wise, then this will save 2 ½ for a person taking both courses, but only if we schedule evening classes.)

I’m making this a poll for simplicity sake, but I would like your comments.

Thanks,
Chas.

Fees: PPIH = $65
PPOH = $85

[Skiprr]

I wanted to wait until a few votes came in so I could tell if I was the Lone Ranger, but it looks as if others would find Saturdays easier, as well. For me, it's only because I live and work a healthy distance from PSC; making it there during weekday rush hour would be unpredictable, and I feel like I'd need to allow at least two hours drive-time. If all the traffic would go away, weekdays would be a slam dunk.

[Lumberjack98]

I wanted to wait until a few votes came in so I could tell if I was the Lone Ranger, but it looks as if others would find Saturdays easier, as well. For me, it's only because I live and work a healthy distance from PSC; making it there during weekday rush hour would be unpredictable, and I feel like I'd need to allow at least two hours drive-time. If all the traffic would go away, weekdays would be a slam dunk.

Agreed.

Saturdays work best for Katie and I.

[GlockenHammer]

I voted for the Saturdays just because chopped liver and I are usually booked during the week. We can do Friday evenings, though. I'd really like for both of us to take both courses together. I appreciate you trying to make this work.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thanks for the input and I understand the travel concerns, especially during the week. I'll schedule it for two Saturdays.

I have changed my mind about not offering the 9 hr. version of the PPOH course. While I firmly believe everyone would benefit from the additional 5 hrs. of range drills, I also believe it is not my place as an NRA Certified Instructor to say I won't offer the 9 hour "Basic" PPOH Course if that is what someone wants to take. It is also possible that someone could have a schedule conflict arise that would prevent them from coming to the second Saturday to complete the course.

So, I'm going to schedule the first Saturday to cover the entire 9 hour "Basic" PPOH material, including about 2 hrs. on the range. The second Saturday will be the additional 5 hrs. on the range. Upon completion of the first Saturday, participants will have earned the "Basic PPOH Certificate" and they will earn the "Advanced" Certificate upon completion of the additional 5 hrs range time on the second Saturday.

I also need to see how many people will need to take Personal Protection In the Home first, so I’ll start another thread and poll to gauge the need for the PPIH class. It will be a one-day, 8 hr. course.

Thanks again for your input.

Chas.

[Skiprr]

Thanks for organizing all of this for us, Charles.

[GlockenHammer]

Any developments on schedules?

[Charles L. Cotton]

Any developments on schedules?

No, April is the problem. I need a 1st and 2nd Saturday in a month for PPOH. PPIH is only 8 hrs., so that can be done in one day. I'll get back on the PSC calendar and see what I can do.

The "scores" on the poll weigh heavily for 2 Saturdays, but there are 5 people who prefer one Saturday and 2 weekday evenings. That's almost enough people to run a class in that format, so if we get one or two more I'll run two classes; one in each format. Candidly, the weekday evenings + 1 Saturday is much easier to schedule at PSC, but I'll keep trying on the 2 Saturdays.

Chas.

[razoraggie]

Any ideas on pricing for these sessions? My wife and I would love to attned and can make the time, but how about the fees? Just curious.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Any ideas on pricing for these sessions? My wife and I would love to attned and can make the time, but how about the fees? Just curious.

PPIH = $65
PPOH = $85

Chas.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Okay, I finally have a schedule for the NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home and NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home classes. Both classes will be held at PSC in Friendswood.

PPIH - Saturday, April 7th - 8 hrs.
PPOH - Saturday, May 5 - 9 hrs (2 hrs. range time)
Saturday, May 12th - 5 hrs (all range time)

There are a number of people who preferred a PPOH class comprised of 2 weekday evenings and a Saturday. I will schedule a class for those folks as well, if they don't want to get into the May 5th & 12th PPOH class.

Send me an email if you want in the class and I'll give you the information about when and where to send the course fee as well as equipment, directions, etc.

Chas.

[RedRaider]

Charles,

Just wanted to know what time the PPIH class starts and ends next Saturday? Also, what do we need to bring? Thanks.

Wes

[TraCoun]

Just wanted to know what time the PPIH class starts and ends next Saturday? Also, what do we need to bring? Thanks.
Wes

RedRaider,
I run the PP Inside the Home class with Charles and will answer your questions.

We will start at 8:00 AM and go to 5:00 PM, with an hour out for lunch.
We need to start at 8:00 AM to be able to get the range work in.

As far as what to bring:

Your gun, plus at least 100 rounds of ammunition. It's easily possible you might use more ammo than that (the practical is a MINIMUM of 98). If you bring 150 rounds it will be more than enough.

For a semi-auto, at least 2 magazines (if you have them), 3 would be better.

For a revolver, 2 or 3 speedloaders (if you have them - don't buy them just for this class).

A holster. We will NOT be drawing from the holster, but just for the ease of moving around the range it will be very helpful to have. If you don't have one and can't borrow one, you get get fairly inexpensive nylon ones (Uncle Mike's and similar).

A hat or cap with a brim.

A closed-neck shirt.

Other clothing appropriate for the weather, and suitable for light physical activity -- comfortable and able to take a bit of activity.

It might also be helpful to bring a water bottle.

If you have any more questions let either Charles or me know.

Thanx,
TraCoun

[RedRaider]

Thanks, I'll look forward to meeting you guys Saturday.

Wes

[Skiprr]

Marc:

Report to the blue building at 08:00, or elsewhere?