What all is covered in CCH classes? Take a general class first?

Status
Not open for further replies.
A

abbyful

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2007
Messages
13
Location
Kansas City
Here's where I'm at right now: I have some experience shooting rifles and shotguns (come from a family of hunters), and am well aware of firearm safety; but I don't have much experience with handguns.

The description of the class says "basic handgun safety, manipulation, maintenance, and storage information; the legal requirements in Kansas for CCH; mental preparedness; live-fire shooting practice and qualification; and a written exam"

I'm wondering if I should take a general handgun class prior to my concealed carry class, or if it will be all cross-over information.

I actually haven't bought my gun yet for concealed carry, but I'm going to be getting a S&W 642LS. I don't want to develop any bad habits, poor stance, etc, that have to be broken, which is why I'm considering the general handgun class before the CCH class.
 
I would do the ccw class and ask the instructor (who probably does the general) what it covers that ccw doesn't .
 
Class

Hello abbyful
I'm about an hour south of Kc. just took the cch class in Kansas this Saturday. It did cover the basic's of being safe. I'm not a big hand gun shooter just wanted to take the class so I could carry in my truck and be legal...probably won't even carry on my person. You just need to have a basic working knowledge of the pistol you are going to shoot with after the class at the range. I qualified with my .22 and so did about half my class of 14. The rest were shooting bigger pistols. Get an hour or two of practice with a buddies pistol but I do believe you will need to have a gun to shoot that day if you can't come up with something to shoot then call the instructor or soemthing and make arrangements ahead of time. he might even loan you a gun to shoot at the class. I would bet that most instructors are gun lovers or cops like the class I was in he was both. He kept it entertaining and did a good job with the class. Our class started at 7am and I was home by 330 that afternoon. Good class Good day! If you have any questions that I can answer them feel free to pm me or e-mail. Take care and good luck.
[email protected]
 
abbyful,

Most CCW classes are pretty rudimentary, lasting only a few hours and often covering as much or more of the legal basics of self defense than gunhandling. I'm not familiar with the POI (program of instruction) in the Kansas CC classes and in a quick search didn't find it listed anywhere on the web.

Personally, I wouldn't look at it as an "either- or" situation. The state-mandated class is pretty much just a legal technicality, if it's like the one required here in NC. It isn't really a lot of training as training goes. "Both" is a far better idea, IMHO.

I'd suggest you think about starting off with an NRA basic pistol class, as one option. See http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/basictraining.asp to locate classes/certified instructors near you. You might also consider the Personal Protection In The Home and Personal Protection Outside The Home classes as well, as followup classes to a basic pistol class.

You're trying to accomplish two things here, as I see it. You are trying to learn to become technically proficient with a handgun, first of all- mastering the admin stuff (safely loading, unloading, cleaning, storing, handling and carrying a handgun), shooting (safely discharging a handgun downrange, dealing with malfunctions and hitting what you shoot at) and becoming completely conscious of the safety requirements involved in using handguns, to the point safety is reflexive.

That takes time and experience. I think it's safe to say 8 hours in a Kansas CC class won't really cover it all, especially if there's a block of instruction on the legal requirements of self defense in Kansas thrown in.

And that doesn't include the second thing you are trying to accomplish- learning how to fight with a pistol. That's a different set of demands from just achieving technical mastery of the handgun. And it takes a while as well.

What I am definitely NOT trying to do here is to make it appear that you're trying to do something you cannot do- far from it. You most certainly CAN do this.

But meeting the minimal training requirements for a state issued concealed carry permit just isn't enough training for anyone, IMHO. Not unless that person has had a good bit of training and experience otherwise.

Obviously it's your decision to make, and your responsibility to bear. But for me it's hard to think of any one person having 'too much training' where matters of life and death are concerned. Yes, I freely admit to being 'a training junkie'- but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

Best wishes to you, and Stay Safe,

lpl
 
Since you are a long gun user, but apparently not experienced in hand guns, I'd suggest you make sure you have all components of the NRA Basic Handgun course PLUS the appropriate CCW/CCH information. The topics you list for the CCW class sound like that class may cover it all, but to be sure, I suggest you ask. My wife and I took the NRA Basic Hansgun Course, and it wa a very full 10-11 hour day (due to the range time for about 20 students), without covering any CCW information. If thds class size is small (~5 or 6) there ought to be time to cover basic handgun plus CCW.


Craig in VA
 
Washington state requires no instruction whatever for a CCW permit. You submit an application, fingerprints (no photo). If you're legal to own a handgun in WA state, the permit is issued.

The Sheriff gives you a pamphlet when you fill out the application which outlines WA state firearms law. This lack of formal instruction is precisely the reason Oregon does not recognize the WA CCW in reciprocity.

Oregon instruction covers the basic legal issues in concealed carry: restricted areas, restricted behaviors, rules of engagement. It's not a "tactics/strategy" class. There is no "hands on" instruction. The instruction covers the basics of handgun operation/safety, but there is no written test for any aspect of firearm operation. The review exam for the classes is multiple choice, true/false, about 20 questions, and rudimentary.
 
Abbyful,

Great that you are focusing on how to become as safe and proficient as you can, rather than just getting your carry permit.

I would advise a class first, THEN the CCH class. Several reasons. First, it should give you a chance to try out several different handguns before commiting to a purchase. If possible, get with someone (as previously advised, first try the guy who does the classes) to check out recoil, fit, and operation of the 642 and some of the autoloaders available before you even take the first class..... Borrow a pistol if need be.

A basic defensive handgun course should cover safety, fundamentals of shooting, movement, operating the gun, mindset, avoidance, and tactics. As well as info on methods of carry, equipment, etc. that are not heavily discussed in CHL classes (at least here in Texas). You may find something that works better for you than a 642. Or not.

THEN take the CCH class, which (again, maybe different here than in your state) might focus more on safety, the legal side of the use of deadly force, licensing, etc. Both are important, but the CCH class is to make sure you are safe, have some degree of skill shooting, and know the when's and where's of concealed carry. It is a legal requirement. The Defensive pistol class is designed to actually teach you how and when to actually fight with your handgun. And how to avoid having to do so. The overlap I have experienced in our CHL and the Defensive Pistol classes I have taken was mostly the part on fundamentals and safety. Both of which bear constant repetition (at least for me).

Good luck. You will do fine. Welcome to the club.

Steve
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top