What to Look for in a CCW Class
Tips on Choosing a Concealed Carry Class
The CCW Instructor
I have been asked this many times so I thought I would put my opinion in this blog. Every instructor I have met is NAA certified so I’m going to assume this is always the case. It is worth asking if they are certified past the NRA basic pistol instructor class. Because the NRA offers many additional certifications, instructors who have additional training, experience and certifications bring a lot more to the class.
What’s the maximum class size? I have been to three classes, two which were for CCW. In Colorado you have to attend a class again after having a CCW for eight years. I found the class with eight individuals was more enjoyable than my original class with two instructors and 18 people.
Is the instructor friendly and helpful with those who just purchased their weapon and got lost as soon as the instructor said rimfire or centerfire? How patient is the instructor? You might be in a class with a mix of individuals who have never shot a gun and others with varying levels of experience.
How does the instructor handle a weapon? Is their finger on the trigger or raised up and pointing the same direction as the barrel. If it’s kept on the trigger, or point the barrel at you, they are breaking some of the basic gun safety rules.
Other items to look for are: Do they point the barrel at anyone? Are they unbiased on the gun manufacturers? The last thing you want to hear is the $700 pistol you just bought is “junk” in their opinion. Can they explain your state’s local gun and CCW laws?
The instructor should mention the following NRA rules multiple times:
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Know your target and what’s beyond it.
- Use the right ammo.
- What should you do when someone hands you their gun.
There are more rules but these cover most common sense and gun safety areas.
The facility/gun range
- Is it well lit ?
- Is each shooting lane protected from the other lanes?
- If you do not have ear protection, can they lend you a set of “ears”?
- Do the employees and range master act professionally?
- Do they rent guns?
- Are their rules/instructions posted?
- Do they offer “advanced” classes when you want to move past shooting at paper targets?
Before Your Concealed Carry Class:
- Read your gun manual.
- Get comfortable with your firearm.
- Go to the range a shoot a few times to get familiar with it before the CCW class.
- Contact the range where you will be taking the class and ask them if you can do anything before arriving at class.
We offer many concealed carry products at Gunner Security. Check them out!