[Greell]

So I decided while im at the range looking to try out some guns, I might as well get some training with an instructor (as required by georgia law in order to get a CCW)

Any Idea how much training is required, and how much taking the classes would cost? I know all places and people have their prices, but any idea on what is a good average cost?

[Baba Louie]

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/basictraining.asp

Greell, check out the above link and see who/what they have by way of classes listed in your area.

It would be hard to pinpoint any costs other than a basic pistol/handgun type class but I'd budget a minimum of $100-150 for good minimal, initial training. Later, once you've selected and purchased a handgun (or two, there's good rationale for having a spare/backup) additional training, both range time and legal issue training time will be money well spent. As will be money spent on extra accessories, i.e., good gear for carry, spare magazines, etc. Keep your equipment simple and spare (hardware) and your mindset well tuned (software).

It's easy to spend several hundred dollars for quality training and thousands on gear/ammo, when weighed against the question "What value do you place on your self defense?"

Can you ever train enough or learn and know too much? The more you learn the sooner you realize how little you know. Weird... huh?

[nwilliams]

Most ranges can hook you up if you ask them about it. You may even find that someone who works at the range might be willing to give you some lessons if you offer to pay, or they can recommend someone. It really depends on where you are located and what classes are available in your area, I'm sure there are people on this forum who know of places in Georgia where you could go.

As far as training for the CCL test, I wouldn't worry too much about that, its very common for people who are getting their CCL to not have any formal training prior to taking the class. When I got my CCL there were actually people in the class who stated they had only shot a gun a few times and they still passed. We had to shoot 10 rounds at a target that was practically arms length away and as long as you didn't miss the target completely you passed, it was kinda a joke.

However my feeling is that if you're going to carry a gun for protection then getting some quality training is a great idea. There are lots of people out there that carry for protection but never get proper training or even go to the range to practice.

As far as cost goes, it just depends on what's offered in your area. I've taken many quality all day classes where I live for around a hundred bucks. I also live close to Gunsite which offers multiple day courses that can cost from around $900 up to $2000+ depending on the course.

BTW you may also be surprised how much you can learn from training videos, its a good way to pick up useful tips that you can take with you to the range and practice on your own.

[k-frame]

Greel, check out www.packing.org - it has information about Georgia CCW requirements. Based on that site, you need to supply:

* Photo ID
* Proof of residency

A Georgia driver's license OR a Georgia State ID card is best for showing both ID and proof of residency. If you do not have either, check with your local Probate Court to see if they will accept a Voter registration card or other forms of ID.


Training doesn't seem to be required although, as you have seen in other threads, it's a darn good idea.

I have a training suggestion if you live in Gwinnett County (no, it's not me, but someone who gave me good instruction). Send me a PM if this interests you. If you live in another county you can almost certainly find instruction at a range near you.

But do check out http://www.packing.org/state/georgia/

EDIT: Text deleted. My mis-read of Gwinnett county regs...pls disregard my earlier gibberish.

Added: Cool georgia-specific packing site & forum:

www.GeorgiaPacking.org

[Greell]

Thanks for the responses!

I checked packing.org, because thats where I got most of my info, coulda sworn on there it said it requires some sort of training!

and yea even if it doesn't, I don't intend to be that one dumb guy that doesn't know what he's doing with a gun, I would rather get educated properly, than be clueless and a possible danger to those around me! lol.

[k-frame]

Well, there's a requirement - in Gwinnett at least - that resident aliens have to also present a valid hunting license, which means the applicant has (presumably) been through the Hunting Safety courses. But that was the only training requirement that I could find and it applied only to non-US citizens. And it seemed to apply only to that county but I'm not sure about that part.

[VHinch]

GA has no statewide training requirement for a CCW.

Kudos for realizing the benefits of proper training however.