Whittington University

at the NRA Whittington Center

Welcome to Whittington University

Whittington U is the firearms training division of the NRA Whittington Center. At Whittington U you will receive hands-on training from experts in the fields of defensive firearm instruction, NRA Certified firearms training courses, precision long-range shooting, and an archery division.

Whitttington U is currently broken down into three firearm training divisions, and an archery division.

The defensive firearm instruction is provided by the WU Defensive Academy, with a main focus on safety and the defensive use of a firearm.

NRA Certified Training Courses in Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, Basic Shotgun, and Basic Muzzleloader taught by certified NRA Instructors. These classes are perfect for new firearms owners, or for those seeking to obtain Basic NRA Certifications in firearm instruction. 

The long-range shooting instruction is provided by the WU Precision Rifle Academy. Courses range from beginner to advanced, and range from 500 yard target engagements to 3,700 yards!

The Archery shooter program is where you’ll go to learn not only the basics of archery, but you will also learn world-class archery shooting techniques. This course will prepare you with the shooting techniques, mental discipline you need to win!

Each course features live fire exercises that simulate real world conditions!

Now Available

2024 Course Schedule

 

Blue Icon of a Certificate

Expert Instructors

Whittington U instructors are experts in their field of training. Don't accept anything less when it comes to your training.

Blue Icon of Two People Communicating

One-On-One Training

One-On-One Training in small groups allows personal interaction to ensure you fully understand and absorb direct knowledge from your expert instructors.

Blue Icon of a Crowd of People

Beginners to Experts

Beginners and experts alike will gain valuable life skills as they benefit from the many years and deep knowledge of important guiding principles and tactics our expert instructors bring to the table.

Explore an Academy in Whittington U

Get trained by the experts at the Whittington U Defensive Academy. Learn the essential defensive firearm handling and marksmanship skills you need to defend yourself in high-stress situations. 

Learn the essential skills for long-range shooting, shooting from alternative firing positions, shooting at unknown distances, and other long-range shooting concepts. Get trained by the experts at the Whittington U Precision Rifle Academy.

We are now offering courses in NRA Basic Pistol, NRA Basic Rifle, NRA Basic Shotgun, and NRA Basic Muzzleloading.

Upon successful completion of the course students will receive NRA certification in that discipline. 

The Whittington U Training Program is proud to now offer Archery Courses. 

Whether you are looking to refine your skills in archery to up your game, or you want to learn a new hobby, look no further.  

Whittington U Featured Class

Defensive Pistol I

Defensive Pistol I

Begin your training with our 2-day introductory to intermediate level Defensive Sidearm course. You will undergo presentation and dry-fire drills, and apply your knowledge in live-fire scenarios.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO
Defensive Pistol II

Defensive Pistol II

The Whittington U’s Defensive Pistol II Course is the Intermediate to Advanced Level Defensive Sidearm instruction, that focuses on the cognitive disconnect that occurs when the mind is under emotional duress.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO
Defensive Pistol III

Defensive Pistol III

The Whittington U’s Defensive Pistol III Course is the Advanced Level Defensive Sidearm instruction that focuses on Lowlight/No-light engagements, while employing a strong fundamental interaction with the firearm, and flashlight, along with Principles of Cover.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO
Defensive Pistol Masters: No-light

Defensive Pistol Masters: No-light

The Defensive Pistol No-light Masters Course focuses on potential engagements that can occur during periods of darkness.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO
Defensive Pistol Masters: Risk Assessment

Defensive Pistol Masters: Risk Assessment

The Defensive Pistol Masters Risk Assessment Course focuses on the everyday situations that can occur, and assessing the risks involved to enable the best course of action in a defensive engagement.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO
Precision Rifle - School of 1,000 Yards

Precision Rifle - School of 1,000 Yards

Precision Rifle introduces students to the art and science of Precision Rifle shooting with classroom and on the range instruction, with a strong focus on the fundamentals of Ballistics and Marksmanship. We will teach known distance data gathering and application. 100 to 1000 yards, and beyond.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO
Long Range Precision Rifle

Long Range Precision Rifle

The Long Range Precision Rifle Course builds on the foundation and fundamentals learned and applied in Precision Rifle. We will gather 100 yard data, build a ballistics chart and verify it with field data from 200 yards to 1 mile, and beyond. Students will learn techniques for angle fire and alternate firing positions, how to work as a team, and much more.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO
Extreme Long Range Precision Rifle

Extreme Long Range Precision Rifle

This course builds on the foundation and fundamentals of Marksmanship and Ballistics and takes it to the next level. From gathering 100 yard data to applying the skills and knowledge to achieve the thrill of extreme range impacts. With the right equipment we will take you as far as 3700 yards. This course is perfect to get you ready for ELR competitions, bring your shooting partner, or come solo.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO
Defensive Carbine I

Defensive Carbine I

One of the best carbine defensive schools in America. As with all our defensive firearm courses, our lead instructors are either combat or police veterans.

Click GO to learn more, or select a different page below.

GO

Meet Our Expert Instructors and Read Their Biographies

LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM

Continue Exploring the NRA Whittington Center 

All Whittington-U courses are taught on 360 degree ranges where dynamic movement, defensive posture and the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship are emphasized.

Shooters can take part in competitive shooting, rifle and pistol silhouette, bullseye disciplines, and even black powder muzzle-loading rifles. 

The NRA Whittington Center hosts hundreds of private and public events every year. Take a look at our schedule and plan your visit today.

Need Help Planning Your Training Need Help?

Call 800-494-4853 or email [email protected]

Whittington U - Take a Look
All-Inclusive Guided Hunt Packages
NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp for Kids
NRA Whittington Center

Located near beautiful Raton, New Mexico, the NRA Whittington Center is home to the nation’s premier hunting, shooting, and outdoor recreation facility. The NRA Whittington Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generous contributions of donors who want to preserve our heritage of freedom for the next generation of shooters and hunters.

STAY INFORMED

Get NRA Whittington Center news, events and special offers.