Gun For Hire’s Beginner Firearm Course

Beginner Firearm

If you’re a new gun owner wanting to learn how to respect and use a pistol, rifle or shotgun, this is your first step. This is Gun For Hire’s exclusive flagship course which is only available at Gun For Hire. The education goes way beyond the typical text book because of our highly trained instructors who have decades of experience in civilian, law enforcement and military training.

Not only do you learn the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and operating a firearm safely, you  hear first hand examples and life lessons from the best in the industry. This course is about 2 hours long and includes classroom and range time. In addition to skills and attitude you’ll learn the rules for safe gun handling, parts and operation, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, range rules, and continued opportunities for skill development.

Course Details:

• You must have your own firearm and at least 1 box of ammo. The material is suitable for all, including appropriately supervised, mature children. Minimum age is 13 years old with an adult or chaperone.
• The length of the course is approximately 2 hours
• This course is held at Gun For Hire 1267 McBride Ave. Woodland Park, NJ 07424

What to Bring:

• One Firearm – Firearm must be registered to you. 
• Ammo Counts: If you need additional ammo it can be purchased when you visit the range.
     • Beginner Pistol – 100 rounds 
     • Beginner Rifle – 100 rounds 
     • Beginner Shotgun – 50 rounds of buckshot / 5 rounds of slug 
• Ear Protection
• Wrap-around eye protection. Side shields will be provided and are mandatory for those who do not bring wrap-around eye protection. Brimmed hats are strongly recommended.
• Please wear comfortable clothing. No open-toed shoes.

What We Will Cover:

• To teach the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and using a firearm safely.
• Pistol, rifle or shotgun knowledge, safe gun handling, ammunition knowledge, fundamentals of shooting, two-handed shooting position, firing the first shots, cleaning, storage, pistol sports and activities.
• Course Completion: Students will receive feedback on all live-fire exercises.

January 2026

mon05jan10:00 ammon12:00 pmGun For Hire Beginner Firearm Private Course 10am-12pm Monday January 5th10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Gun For Hire Headquarters, 1267 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424 Event Organized ByTony Urena

mon05jan12:30 pmmon2:30 pmGun For Hire Beginner Firearm Private Course 12:30pm-2:30pm Monday January 5th12:30 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Gun For Hire Headquarters, 1267 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424 Event Organized ByTony Urena

mon05jan3:00 pmmon5:00 pmSold Out!Gun For Hire Beginner Firearm Private Course 3pm-5pm Monday January 5th3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Gun For Hire Headquarters, 1267 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424 Event Organized ByTony Urena

tue06jan10:00 amtue12:00 pmSold Out!Gun For Hire Beginner Firearm Private Course 10am-12pm Tuesday January 6th10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Gun For Hire Headquarters, 1267 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424 Event Organized ByTony Urena

tue06jan5:00 pmtue7:00 pmGun For Hire Beginner Firearm Private Course 5pm-7pm Tuesday January 6th5:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Gun For Hire Headquarters, 1267 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424 Event Organized ByTony Urena

wed07jan10:00 amwed12:00 pmGun For Hire Beginner Firearm Private Course 10am-12pm Wednesday January 7th10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Gun For Hire Headquarters, 1267 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424 Event Organized ByTony Urena

wed07jan12:30 pmwed2:30 pmGun For Hire Beginner Firearm Private Course 12:30pm-2:30pm Wednesday January 7th12:30 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Gun For Hire Headquarters, 1267 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424 Event Organized ByTony Urena

wed07jan3:00 pmwed5:00 pmSold Out!Gun For Hire Beginner Firearm Private Course 3pm-5pm Wednesday January 7th3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Gun For Hire Headquarters, 1267 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424 Event Organized ByTony Urena

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Course Pricing
$200 for One-on-one
$350 for Semi-private. 
Maximum 2 people per instructor.

Course Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

Reschedule or Cancel 2 or More Days Before Your Course:
100% refund to the original payment method, or you may transfer into the next available qualifying date.

Reschedule or Cancel Less Than 24 Hours Before Your Course:
Receive a 50% credit of your purchase price in your Gun For Hire account, which may be applied toward a future qualification date.
This reduction is due to staffing, scheduling, and course preparation already completed.

No-Show Policy:
If no cancellation is provided, no credit or refund is available.

Rescheduling Policy More Than 24 Hours Before Your Course:
A $25 fee will apply if you need to change your date.
Please choose your date carefully.

Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Late arrivals must sign up for another available qualification date and will be charged for a new qualification session.

“I walked away with practical insights I can immediately apply!”

Had a private lesson with Victor was well-structured, informative, and tailored to my needs and weaknesses. He encouraged engagement throughout the session. Also was able to speak with Tony who was gracious enough to provide even more information. I walked away with practical insights I can immediately apply. A definitely recommend to everyone interested in learning.

Will N.

“My session with Victor exceeded my expectations!”

My session with Victor exceeded my expectations. I was nervous going in because I’m a first time gun owner, but I walked away from my session confident and comfortable with my firearm. Victor was very thorough, offering insights on safety, my stance, and my aim – all of which made me better at hitting the targets. I didn’t even expect to do as well as I did in just one session. I went back tonight for the first time since my session with Victor and was able to put everything I learned into practice. I didn’t forget a single tip or trick! I am looking forward to another session with Victor in the future.
Nikki P.

“I am extremely grateful for having Victor as my instructor!”

I am quite certain that anything I will relay to you about Victor in this email will not be enough to fully appreciate him. I had an absolutely amazing time at the range with Victor, considering that it was my first time at the Gun for Hire range and I was shooting my Glock 47 Gen5 for the first time. Victor’s amazing personality and approach to working with new gun owners goes above and beyond of any expectation I had when I arrived. He diligently worked with me to first ensure that I was comfortable handling my firearm, during which we asked me about my prior experience with firearms to better calibrate our 2 hour time. At the range, Victor’s patience with me and his steadfast approach garnered over his career with the Paterson PD made all the deference.

I am extremely grateful for having Victor as my instructor and will highly recommend him to my friends who are looking to become gun owners. As a matter of fact, I am going to book another hour with Victor as soon as time allows, in addition to seriously considering a membership at Gun for Hire. All this is a big thanks to Victor!

Ben G.

“Victor Is A Great Human Being That Is Easy To Get Along With!”

I had a great experience with Victor during my private 2hr class at GFH. We had a quick 1 on 1 classroom session to go through some of the basics of handling my new pistol and spent the remaining time in the bay. Victor was very knowledgeable, patient, and helped me improve my aim substantially. Not only that, he is also a great human being that is easy to get along with. I walked out of GFH very confident in my abilities in handling & shooting my new pistol and highly recommend Victor as a trainer.
K. T.

“Nothing short of awesome!”

I just completed the two hour private pistol class for beginners and it was nothing short of awesome! From the minute I walked in I felt welcomed and the staff was excellent. The private session with Jim was exceptional. Being new to using a pistol I was a bit nervous but Jim put me at ease. His training was thorough and we went at just the right speed. When I had questions he took time to explain things and kept me at ease. I highly recommend the course and Jim as a trainer. Thanks Jim and Gun for Hire, you guys ROCK!!
Rick F.

“I cannot say enough wonderful things.”

I cannot say enough wonderful things about my private lesson with Victor this weekend. He was overwhelmingly patient with me and made me feel safe and welcomed as a first time shooter. The facility is so clean, organized, and well run. Thank you Victor!!

Jackie S.

“Victor went above and beyond in our 2 hrs.”

I am a 55 years old, I am the Assistant Chief of the Elmwood Park Fire Dept, full time communications officer with NJ Transit Police 3 grown kids, a wife lol and 4 dogs! With all this on my plate I have never really had time for myself. Last week I decided instead of letting my fire arms collect dust in a safe, I decided to put shooting in my things do do list. I do wast to take the CCW course but decided before I do that I would want to be comfortable handling and firing my guns first. So I booked a 2 hr 1 on 1 beginner course, I had the pleasure of my first course on Thursday Sept 5th from 5pm-7pm My instructor was Victor Rivera, and WOW what a great instructor and person he is. We started with getting to know my gun (sig p320 compact) and he showed me every working park of the gun. We then went into the range and made me feel very comfortable and making corrections there they were needed, at no time did he ever make me feel uncomfortable. Victor went above and beyond in our 2 hrs. I was so excited about finding an enjoyable experience that I joined right away with the Red, White and Blue package, I plan on taking many more classes and would also like to continue working 1 on 1 with Victor and would like to know how I can go about that? I would also like to tell you that everyone that helped on Thursday was aces, everyone was friendly and helpful. Thank you so much for that. I look to be a regular at you range.

Greg T.

“I would highly recommend Victor as a top-notch instructor who prioritizes safety and delivers high quality training.”

Earlier today I had the pleasure of taking the Beginner Pistol (private) firearms training course with Victor Rivera and I cannot recommend him highly enough!

From the moment I arrived, I felt completely at ease thanks to his professionalism and welcoming demeanor.

Victor is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. He took the time to explain every detail, ensuring that I not only understood the mechanics of using a firearm but also the importance of safety. His teaching style was engaging and supportive, made the learning experience very enjoyable and stress-free.

One thing that really stood out was his ability to tailor the training to my skill level. In my younger years in Miami, I grew up shooting. However, it’s been over 30 years since I did any significant shooting, so I truly appreciated how Victor broke down the concepts into easily digestible information. By the end of the course, I leaned a tremendous amount, felt more confident in my abilities and more comfortable handling a firearm.

Chaim N.

“Excellent Private Lesson.”

Anthony, just wanted to let you know that I had an excellent private lesson with victor. He gave me the basics of gun handling and I am so much more comfortable with my weapon than I was prior to seeing him. He was quite clear, patient and attentive. You are very lucky to have someone like Victor on your staff and I plan to follow up in the future with another private lesson with him.

Bill C.

“The minute I walked in we were greeted and welcomed like family.”

“The minute I walked in we were greeted and welcomed like family. I never thought businesses did that anymore it was truly refreshing for my son and I to experience that type of environment. Even the owner came over and welcomed us to the family. We’re new gun owners and didn’t know much about what we bought. I was a bit embarrassed but that was put to rest the minute we met the instructors. Not only did these guys know there stuff they knew how to deliver it to the entire class. I am truly fortunate we began at Gun For Hire. Next up Holster draw! Anthony please feel free to use this on your site or email” – Sincerely John & Sebastian

Sebastian L.

The Best Firearm Instructors

If you’re looking for the best Firearm Instructors delivering the best Firearms Education, Gun For Hire is incomparable.
Since 1992, we have been the Gold Standard for Firearms Training. Our Instructors have over 375 combined years of Military and Police training.
NRA Fact: So many students have trusted us to train them that we are only second to the Boy Scouts of America.
If you have any questions regarding Gun For Hire Courses or you would like to schedule a private lesson, please send Tony Urena our Director of Training an email. We look forward to welcoming you to the family!

Tony Urena Director of Training

Tony is a United States Navy Veteran as well as a Veteran Law Enforcement Officer with over 25 years of experience. During his illustrious career, he was the training officer for his department and was responsible for their bi-annual qualifications and training for approximately 100 law enforcement officers. Tony was also state-certified in all aspects of firearms training, which included handguns, shotguns, sub-guns, semi and automatic rifles, as well as scoped rifles. In addition, Tony was qualified to testify as a firearms expert, as well as in the “Use of Force”. Tony is also a high-level martial artist, with well over 30 years of training, and was a state-certified Defensive Tactics Instructor.

You will not find a more loyal and passionate group of instructors that are so committed to ensuring you feel safe, comfortable and excited. Not only do they have the decades of on the job training they also have decades of teaching and interacting with every level of student.
Let’s get started! Make the call, stop in or shoot us email! We are looking forward to welcoming you to the family.