The best shooting training is not the most advanced option, but the one that is properly matched to you. The level should reflect your real experience, safe habits and the goal you want to achieve.
Do not start with the course name. Start with the goal
Two people with a similar number of visits to a shooting range may need completely different training. One wants to organise the fundamentals, another wants better repeatability, a third is preparing for the PZSS patent and a fourth simply wants to try shooting safely for the first time.
Choosing the right level should therefore begin with two questions: what can I already do, and what do I want to learn next?
Basic level: for complete beginners and people returning to the fundamentals
Basic training is the right choice if you have never shot before, have very limited experience or feel that the fundamentals you learned in the past are no longer reliable. It is also a sensible option after a long break.
At this stage, safety, commands, stability and deliberate execution of simple tasks are the priorities. If this is your first contact with shooting, start with our guide to a first visit to a shooting range.
Intermediate level: when the fundamentals already work
This level makes sense if you train regularly and basic behaviour on the firing line feels natural. The objective then becomes organising technique, analysing recurring errors and understanding your own results more clearly.
This is a good time to work on one or two specific problems rather than simply “shooting more”. Our article on improving pistol accuracy may be useful here.
Advanced level: training should solve a specific problem
Advanced training does not mean that everything must be faster. It should have a clearly defined objective and be built on safe habits developed earlier. This allows the instructor to focus on more demanding elements without constantly returning to the basics.
The PZSS patent is a separate objective
A person preparing for the patent should choose training focused on the examination requirements rather than ordinary practice aimed only at improving the result. On Target has a separate preparation route for the PZSS patent.
If you are at the beginning of that process, read our guide to the PZSS shooting patent in 2026.
Owning your own firearm does not automatically make you advanced
Having your own equipment says something about experience, but it does not solve technical issues. A person can shoot regularly and still have one recurring error that limits progress. A good instructor evaluates behaviour and needs rather than ownership or seniority alone.
How should you describe your level to an instructor?
You do not need specialist terminology. Simply explain roughly how many times you have been to a range, when you last trained, whether you own your own firearm, whether you are preparing for the patent and what you would most like to improve.
This gives a much better basis for choosing the right session than simply saying “I am intermediate”.
What if a group has mixed experience levels?
This is common during company sessions and private group events. The programme can be divided so beginners receive a safe introduction while more experienced participants do not have to follow exactly the same scope. You can read more in the offer for companies and groups.
The best level is the one that creates progress
Training that is too easy will not develop you, but training that is too difficult can reinforce chaos. The right level should be challenging enough to reveal an area for improvement and organised enough for that work to be carried out safely.
Choose your training at On Target
The On Target offer includes basic, intermediate and advanced training, separate preparation for the PZSS patent and sessions for schools, companies and groups. See the full shooting training offer.
If you are not sure which level to choose, write to us or call. A few details about your experience and goal are enough for an initial recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether I am already intermediate?
The best criterion is not the number of visits, but repeatability, safe habits and awareness of your own mistakes. An instructor can assess this during the first part of a session.
Can I return to basic training after a long break?
Yes, and it is often a very good decision. Returning to the fundamentals allows you to check whether your previous habits are still stable.
Does PZSS patent preparation replace ordinary technical training?
Not always. Patent preparation has a specific examination objective, while technical training may focus on different areas of development.
What should I write in a message so the right training can be recommended?
Give your approximate experience, the date of your last training session, your objective and whether you own a firearm or are preparing for the patent. That is enough for an initial recommendation.