New Hampshire Firearms Training
- According to the New Hampshire Division of State Police, only residents from other states must be licensed to own or carry a gun. Applications for these licenses are available online and can be mailed in. There are certain specific restrictions for New Hampshire residents who wish to carry a concealed weapon outside of their home or office, as well as conditions on keeping a loaded weapon inside an automobile. Rifles and shotguns also do not require a license. Machine guns and other heavy automatic weapons fall under federal law, varying in restriction by the type of weapon and ammunition used.
- New Hampshire has a number of shooting ranges and so-called "sportsman's clubs" that offer target practice areas, clay and skeet facilities, and other firearms training courses. Many of these locations are privately owned and may require membership via paid monthly or annual dues. There are several public ranges with no membership required, although you may have to pay for incidental resources, such as ammunition. According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, many shotgun ranges are open to the public, even at private facilities. Private clubs and ranges generally have staff onsite to help with training, and many have a variety of weapons for rent during shooting practice.
- The National Rifle Association maintains a set of standards for firearms instruction that most training facilities abide by. Certification and/or membership into the NRA requires a certain amount of training in key firearms subjects, such as safe handling, parts and maintenance, ammunition, and shooting fundamentals. Experienced gun owners may elect to take specific training using advanced weaponry. New Hampshire is a popular state for hunting, with many firing ranges offering courses in hunter safety procedures. These courses are certified by the state and are required to obtain a hunting license.
- The amount of time needed to complete firearms training depends on the complexity of the training involved. Basic pistol, rifle or shotgun training usually takes no more than two days, with weekend courses offered frequently. Training in advanced or heavy weapons and courses dealing with specific topics, such as tactical procedure, may require more time. New Hampshire certified hunting courses require 16 hours of classroom instruction, followed by at least four hours of shooting practice.
- Gun clubs and firing ranges are located throughout the state, although a higher concentration can be found in the southeastern portion of New Hampshire, especially around Manchester and Concord. Northern portions of the state have very few facilities. Those in the southern portion of the state will find many options across the border around the Boston area, although Massachusetts licensing restrictions and laws may differ from those of New Hampshire depending on type of gun carried or used.