CCW Class This Sunday........... Any Advice?

Listen large. Speak small.

Armored farmer said:

Listen large. Speak small.

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You beat me to it and said it more eloquently.....I was gonna say keep your mouth shut and your ears open....The class will have a know it all that knows all about guns, ammo, ballistics, statistics, the law, self defense, and so on....don't be "that guy "

I had forgotten about mine and worked until 4:00 am before the 8:00 class. Struggled in, 100% on the test and shot a perfect score on the very easy shooting test. So, basically don’t sweat it, learn and have fun!

Don't be the know-it-all in the class. Don't fret, THAT guy will be there. Just don't be him.

Yep. Just follow the course and its prompts. There really isn't anything unexpected about them.

I'm going to restate the above suggestions another way. Listen carefully and ask a lot of appropriate questions when needed.

Chevelle SS said:

I am finally taking a CCW class so I can get my CPL here in MI. It is at a local gun shop and they are providing the guns and ammunition. There will be an NRA certified instructor and two sheriffs deputies there apparently. Class is this Sunday and wondering if any of you have any advice for me?

Thanks

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I was not the biggest fan of the late Bruce Lee.

But he did say one amazing thing that I try to follow.

When going to ANY class,you have a half glass of knowledge.

Leave it EMPTY at the door,refill it AFTER you leave.

I actually remind myself to " drink a large glass of **** " aka Shut the Freakin Door..

Many CCW courses are intended to check a legal block while putting money in the pocket of the instructor. My suggestion is go go in open-minded to get out of it what you can, then schedule yourself for a training class that's more focused on meeting you where your skills lie and elevating them from there.

Take notes

Much of what was covered when I got my CCW 3 years ago was basic gun stuff which I already knew. What was covered that I didn't know was my responsibility and reactions as a licensed weapon carrier. That was well worth the price of admission for me.

I agree with the "keep your ears open" attitude, but I want to agree even more strongly with the advice from @psyopspec to consider further training after this course. Keep in mind that a CCW course represents the absolute minimum amount of training required to carry a gun. I don't mean this as any criticism of you or the course, a good CCW course is an important first step. But for the people I most admire, training is a lifelong journey, not a destination that can be reached.

Make sure you have the appropriate gear. Don’t have an untested gun that you’re not familiar with.

Bring eye and ear protection. Listen, and follow instructions.

My state doesn't have a class requirement for a permit. Is it normal for the class to provide the firearm and ammunition? I would think part of the test would be to prove familiarity with your own weapon.

Listen, take notes, and ask questions if you are unclear on any concept or statement. The answer to a well thought question benefits the entire class. Focus on the legal aspects of CC in your state and surrounding states. Ask about prohibited areas, and public transportation. Example: a government building such as a Post Office is prohibited. The gas station I use weekly has offers USPS services, can I carry? How do you handle a traffic stop if you are carrying? What do you do if you fire your weapon? Do you need a CC insurance policy?
Now that you have your FFL, practice! Monthly if possible.

Punkinhead said:

My state doesn't have a class requirement for a permit. Is it normal for the class to provide the firearm and ammunition? I would think part of the test would be to prove familiarity with your own weapon.

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There are three basic purposes for any state-required concealed carry basic course (that is, the training required by a state for the permit or license):
1. Training in handgun safety (essentially the Four Rules).
2. Training in that state's laws and regulations regarding public carry and discharge of handguns, especially regarding self defense.
3. Demonstration of basic safe handling and marksmanship.

Note that as mentioned above, these courses are designed to meet the absolute minimum requirement set in law. Almost every instructor will recommend we all go through more advanced courses on self defense and carry, to include both classroom and range time.

States are across the board on including one, two, or all three of those purposes in their required course. For instance, for my original concealed handgun permit (CHP) in Virginia, only #1 is required (VA even accepts an online-only course for the requirement). In my new home in Arkansas all three are required. In addition, in Arkansas if you use a revolver to qualify in your course, your license is only for revolvers; if you use a semi-automatic, your license allows carry of any legal handgun. You have to research each specific state's permit or license requirements to find out what they cover.

As far as whether instructors provide guns and ammunition, I think that is an option for each instructor, and not part of any state's requirement. Some instructors may provide the gun and ammo so they know THEY are fully familiar with it and can guide the students on all aspects of handling, clearing misfires, etc. That also ensures the instructors can rely on the guns in use as being in good shape and safe for use.

Chevelle,
I'm in Wayne County and I did my CPL renewal about a year ago. Went to the Sheriff on a Wendesday and my new card arrived the following Monday so hopefully you won't have to wait too long.

Punkinhead said:

My state doesn't have a class requirement for a permit. Is it normal for the class to provide the firearm and ammunition? I would think part of the test would be to prove familiarity with your own weapon.

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As a CCW instructor in my state, in many cases I would prefer that students wait to buy a gun till after they've taken the class. That way they're coming at the firearm selection process with a little more knowledge gained from something besides internet research or whatever nonsense they were fed at the gun store.

Chevelle SS said:

wondering if any of you have any advice for me? Thanks

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Listen to what is said, always pay attention to where your muzzle and trigger finger are, and remember that a CHL/CCW/CPL class is just a rudimentary beginning. You should not consider it sufficient. Keep learning and seeking to be better. IMO, most gun owners should be spending at least $500-$1000 a year on weapons, medical and tactics training.

1MoreFord said:

I'm going to restate the above suggestions another way. Listen carefully and ask a lot of appropriate questions when needed.

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what this guy said.

But also, really analyze what is being presented.

As an instructor i have heard way to many "well my last instructor said... [something crazy]"