February 2, 2026

First Shots Courses are “Power Hitters” at Mission94 Firearms Education Center

By Tim Barker

Looking back to the beginning, Chris Meter admits he had his doubts about the value of the First Shots^® program.

This was in 2024, when Mission94 Firearms Education Center in Kenosha, Wis., opened its doors for the first time. Meter, the operations manager, remembers thinking the NSSF^® training program would be little more than a “nicety” that might provide a little boost while the store found its legs.

Those doubts have long since faded away: “These classes have turned out to be power hitters,” Meter shared.

Consider that Mission94 started by hosting the introductory pistol and rifle classes a couple times a month. But driven by strong demand, the pistol class is now offered six times a month. And they are debuting the brand-new suppressor course, with plans to offer it at least twice a month.

Today, Meter sees First Shots as the gateway to Mission94.

“It’s the perfect description, considering the things this leads to. Four-to-six out of 10 students typically seek more training with our institution after participating,” he said.

Creating Lifetime Customers

Meter attributes the successes both to First Shots and the store’s welcoming approach that’s designed to help newcomers get past any negative preconceived notions they may have about gun stores and gun owners. A good experience in class brings them back for more of what the store is offering.

“This is where they’re buying their firearms. They’re buying their accessories, bags, eye protection, ear protection, optics, cleaning kits and all of that,” Meter said. “When we bring one person into the First Shots class, we consider it bringing in a new person who may become a customer for life.”

The NSSF program provides most of the tools and resources needed to put on a class, whether the focus is handguns, rifles, shotguns or suppressors. Support includes targets, ammunition, eye/ear protection and a First Shots handbook for each participant.

Whatever the topic, Mission94 has been impressed with the First Shots approach.

“We had developed our own class before this,” said Jennifer Nienhaus, Mission94’s training manager. “But one of the things we like about the First Shots material is it’s very detailed and complete. At the same time, it’s well written for new shooters and beginners with a limited knowledge base.”

That’s why it was so easy to add the new First Shots suppressor class, with more customers — inspired by the change in the tax stamp prices — expressing interest in learning more. Like other First Shots courses, this one will start in the classroom, followed by range time and the opportunity to shoot several suppressed firearms.

“We want to be able to provide our customers and our students with more information to help them make informed decisions about their suppressor purchases,” she said.

And while ranges are welcome to adjust class curriculum, Mission94 hasn’t found a need to do so. Instead, they’ve added some extra time onto the end of the class to help students answer a key question: “What’s next?”

“We have the opportunity to work with them on their next steps in their shooting sports journey,” Nienhaus said.

With every class, the goal is the same — to help students have a great first experience with firearms, or one that erases any lingering anxiety from a previous experience. They want course graduates to see firearms as a potential part of their lives going forward.

“I want them to have a higher level of comfort that makes them want to come back and try this again and think about where they want to go,” she said. “Maybe it’s someone who is looking at recreational shooting. Do they want to do hunting? Are they looking for self-defense? This class can be a starting point for anyone, no matter what direction they’re going to go.”

“Four-to-six out of 10 students typically seek more training with our institution after participating.”

— Chris Meter, Mission94 Operations Manager

Keys to Success

Both Meter and Nienhaus see First Shots as a program that sets you up for success from the start, thanks to the course materials, supplies and assistance with promotions. Still, there are things any range can do to increase the chances customers will respond in a positive way.

Let’s start with the guns the students will be shooting. It’s helpful, they say, to have every participant using the same gun and that those guns will function well. For Misson94 it’s the .22-caliber FN 502. The consistency and lack of malfunctions help keep the focus on the fundamentals.

“You’re working with the same firearm with all of the students, and you’re not having to adapt things like grip functionality for different students,” Nienhaus said. “You don’t have that extra layer of confusion when you have a brand-new student who’s trying to figure out why their gun operates differently than someone else’s.”

Sticking with .22 also makes sense for a beginner’s class, said Meter.

“When you have somebody who already is incredibly nervous and skittish, you don’t want the person next to them using a 10mm,” he said.

And like other successful shops, they stress the importance of creating a welcoming environment for students. Remember, for many of them, this may be the first time they’ve even held a gun.

“Especially if you have women or groups who don’t traditionally feel welcome in the firearms community, this is your chance to show them differently,” Nienhaus said. “You can show them there’s no judgment and this is a safe place.”

Meter also urges ranges to take a hard look at the training staff. Do you have trainers who will be patient with rookies?

“You don’t need the hard-ass law enforcement or military instructor in this class,” Meter said, while pointing out his own staff includes several instructors with extensive military and law enforcement experience.

The key is they understand the tone that needs to be set in the class.

“One of our trainers is a Vietnam vet. He’s a Silver Star recipient and retired Army colonel,” Meter explained. “But he has a very soft, grandfatherly approach. You want to ease people into this. You can’t just show up out there and start acting like you’re dealing with a bunch of 19-year-old infantrymen.”

Is First Shots Right for Your Range?

Do you want more customers? Is your facility equipped to introduce first-time shooters to safe and fun shooting? Do you have instructors and range safety officers who enjoy working with new shooters? If you answered “yes” to each of these questions — your facility is ready to reap the benefits of hosting a First Shots introductory course.

There are courses available for introductions to rifle/pistol, clay target shooting and suppressors.

An additional incentive to consider: Funding, which was previously limited to marketing efforts, is now available to qualifying NSSF member ranges, instructors and shooting sports organizations to help cover a variety of expenses related to First Shots hosting efforts. Hosts are eligible to receive $15 per First Shots participant, up to a maximum of $1,500.

To learn more or to sign up as a host, contact Ann Gamauf at [email protected] or Zach Snow at [email protected]. For more information on First Shots, visit the First Shots welcome page on the NSSF website.