I took this NRA course as a refresher and to gain knowledge I did not previously possess. I took an NRA certification course 20+ years ago to get my Connecticut pistol permit and we never even picked up a gun. Bobby covered way more in this class than I was ever taught before. It was done in a relaxed atmosphere but extremely professional. The small class size made the course seem a lot more personal and tailored to me than other, large scale courses I have been in. Bobby is friendly and obviously very knowledgeable but never made it seem like he was a teacher preaching to a classroom, very casual and very informative. I would suggest to anyone interested in obtaining their pistol permit (and everyone should want to, exercise your right!) look no further than Blue Cord and Bobby for your NRA course. It is also a great veteran owned business! Thanks Bobby for your time, knowledge and your service to our country! read more

Bobby has got to be the most patient person ever to teach this class. What a wonderful demeanor and a great teacher. I took the NRA pistol permit class with my son. This husband and wife team are two of the most responsive people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Ultra responsive to my many email questions (I am a newbie) and when we got to the class and Bobby began instructing us, I knew we were in very good hands. Very supportive, informative, and safe. I could not be happier with how the class and range instruction went. I was expecting a harsh experience, and it was the exact opposite. I highly recommend them for anyone looking to get their permit, or improve their shooting skills. Update 9/18/18 I worked with Laurie on an FFL TRANSFER. She was amazingly helpful and efficient. I could not be happier with the process. This husband-and-wife combo is top notch and highly recommended! read more

So I met Bobby several months ago after a recommendation for a pistol instructor. I got my pistol permit Nov 2025, and spent several months learning on my own. Then decided I needed some real one on one training, so glad I connected with Blue Cord. Bobby is a great instructor, extremely knowledgeable, relaxed/patient, knows how to progress you through the initial stages of learning firearm safety and basics, and upward into real defensive training. The lessons are fun, I've learned quite a bit in the 6-7 lessons I've had already, and looking forward to many more. He's also an FFL/firearms dealer, so any firearm purchases you want to make he can handle that, which I have done too. Both he and Laurie run the business very well. Take a class, or several, you won't be disappointed! read more

A great choice! The classroom and range training is well suited for all experience levels. It had been 20+ years since I handled a firearm and I was apprehensive about the training required to become licensed. Not to worry -- the classroom instruction was excellent, a comprehensive overview of the law interspersed with useful anecdotes and examples. The range training was also fantastic, with Bobby spending the time to teach proper technique to each person, providing helpful corrections whenever necessary. The participants represented a wide range of experience levels, from ex-military to first-timers, and all were treated with equal patience. Highly recommend. read more

I took my CT pistol permit class with Bobby. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, emphasized safety, and I felt comfortable asking any questions I had. He also clearly went over the next steps in obtaining my permit and probably saved me a few weeks in understanding the process. The class was great so I followed up with a few private lessons on being a better and more confident shooter as well as how to properly clean and care for my firearms. He's really super easy to talk to, down-to-earth, and very helpful. I also use BCF as my FFL and as my first stop for new gear. Laurie and everyone at the store are really nice too. read more

Bobby Carr is top notch! Great instructor, patient and helpful with newbies. Small group setting, and he works with you until you feel confident. He was an instructor and Range Officer in the army, with experience in Iraq. I took the CT pistol permit course this spring and liked it so much I immediately signed up for the Utah Permit course the next weekend. Now I am permitted for CCW in both states, with reciprocity for 37 others. He is also a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer with a nice selection and can receive guns ordered or transferred from out of state, which I intend to make use of. Thanks, Bobby and Laurie! read more

I took the combination course (CT/Utah) and thought it was excellent. Bobby is a knowledgeable, smart instructor and seems to genuinely care about making sure students understand and retain the course material. He was great at both the classroom portion, as well as the hands on portion (in both the classroom and range). I'd highly recommend this course to anyone looking for the basics and I intend to use them for more instruction in the future. This is also a family business and his wife Laurie was also a pleasure to deal with in scheduling and coordinating the day (We booked a private class). read more

I took the CT pistol permit training course with Bobby and was really happy with it. Bobby is a fantastic instructor: extremely knowledgeable and offers invaluable perspective as an Iraq War veteran. He is also very patient and genuinely enjoys teaching and answering questions, creating a very comfortable and enjoyable learning environment. I learned so much during the in-class portion... as someone who never shot a pistol before I felt very comfortable and prepared by the time I got to the shooting range to apply what I had learned. Highly recommend training through Blue Cord Firearms. read more

Kevin S. Easy process. From checking a few reviews I chose Blue Cord because it was close to my house and the positive reviews. The process was smooth and I was registered in no time via their website. Class started on time. Bobby was excellent instructor and was patient. He answered all questions and never made you feel foolish for asking. At the range in Bridgeport Bobby fixed a shooting issue I had after watching me take 3 shots. By the time I got home from Bridgeport my NRA certificate was already emailed to me. WOW, that is efficiency at its best . Highly recommend!!!!!! read more

My experience with Blue Cord Firearms was truly outstanding. I took their NRA basic pistol course to qualify for my Connecticut pistol permit. Bobby, an Army veteran who served in Iraq, is an extremely knowledgeable and conscientious instructor. His class, which was both informative and entertaining, emphasized safety and the responsible use of firearms. Bobby's wife, Laurie, provided excellent customer service in setting up the class and issuing completion certificates. I strongly recommend Blue Cord Firearms to anyone interested in learning about firearms. read more

I have absolutely no complaints about my experience with Blue Cord Firearms. I recently attended the CT and UT pistol classes. Laurie was very responsive coordinating my last minute addition of the UT class over email. The class was informative yet efficient and went above and beyond to explain the ambiguities with the standard NRA materials. Bobby explained everything in great detail and helped students understand that gun ownership is not passive and that continual practice is an important part of ownership. I highly recommend BCF to start your training. read more

Highly recommend this place to start your journey into firearms related needs. Bobby is very knowledgeable, emphasis on safety first and encouraging when you're nervous. Laurie replied any of our inquiries (both by email and phone call) in a very timely manner. We attended class on Friday, 9am sharp. Completed both written and practice exam by 2:30pm. Received the email of our NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Completion Certificates by 4:11pm. Overall - very professional service with the least expensive cost. Thank you so much to both Bobby and Laurie! read more

I have taken several courses with Bob and have to say he is very knowledgeable in all aspects of his training. Very professional and always there to answer any questions I may have. Classes are small so you get to interact much better. Bob covers every detail while teaching the class and makes sure the students understand the material. His wife Laurie is also behind the scenes to make sure you get what you need. I can't recommend enough, as I am always satisfied. Looking forward to doing business with Bob and his team. William G. read more

Bobby is a courteous, knowledgeable and highly professional firearms instructor, who can quickly adapt his teaching style to any student level. Throughout our class, he demonstrated an unequivocal focus on safety, while keeping the communication open and at eye level, thus making the class environment relaxed and comfortable. I have sent my friends to Bobby for early and later eduction around firearm control, and recommend him without any hesitation to anyone looking to start, or improve their skills and knowledge around firearms. read more

Bobby is hands down the best instructor. Took his Pistol permit class a few months back and he really took the time to be informative. I was definitely nervous when I first attended the class but bobby was fantastic at calming those nerves. He made sure we were all prepared before we got to the range and showed us every possible thing that could go wrong while at the range, so we're more than prepared. I highly recommend taking this class with Bobby because he really takes the time out of his day to show you what he knows best. read more

My wife and I took the pistol class (taught by Robert Carr) together, and we are so glad that we did! He made it an equally enjoyable and informative experience. He is an extremely patient and professional instructor, answered all of our questions honestly and definitely knows his stuff! We can't recommend Blue Cord enough to anyone interested in growing their knowledge about firearms. Robert is also a big advocate for women who want to learn home and self defense. Great business run by a lovely family, 5 stars for sure! read more

I took Blue Cord Firearms CT/UT Pistol Class this past weekend. I had a great experience and am now confident I understand all the relevant firearms laws and proper safety procedures I expected to learn during the class. Bobby (Robert Carr) is a great instructor both in the classroom and on the range. I also walked away with all the paperwork needed for my UT permit ready to mail. If you're in the Stamford-Norwalk-New Canaan-Westport-Bridgeport area, I'd highly recommend Blue Cord for your pistol permit training class. read more

Blue Cord Firearms is a great business to go to take your pistol permit. Bobby is a great instructor that explains things in class in great detail and if you have any questions about anything there is no question that is considered stupid. Bobby takes the safety in the handling of firearms to the highest level. He is very laid back and easy to connect with. His wife Laurie is very helpful in answering any questions you may have. There is no other place to go when your thinking of obtaining your pistol permit. read more

I took the NRA pistol class with Bob. He was really good at making things easy to follow and making the material interesting in the classroom. Both in the classroom and at the range he was able to manage the varying skill levels of the students with ease, and without making things drag for one group or making the other group feel left behind. If you are new to the shooting sports and are apprehensive about finding the right instructor who is going to take the necessary time with you, then Bob is your guy. read more