Concealed carry specific training in MD/VA

[DirtyBrad]

I live in Maryland now, but will likely be moving to VA by next year. I'm looking forward to a hassle-free CCW. In the meantime, I've begun application for a non-resident VA permit. I have a bunch of friends in VA and spend a lot of time there.

The Virginia training requirement seems like they'll take just about any kind of instruction. The only stuff I found on a quick search of NRA.org were basic courses or personal protection in the home. Nothing against these, but I'd like to find a course specific to CCW. Ultimately, I'd like firearms training specific to CCW, situational training, special responsibilities for those carrying, legal training, and whatever other CCW-specific topics I'm not aware of.

I realize that this is a process, not just one course. Could you guys recommend your favorite course in the area (DC suburbs) that would make a good first step while also satisfying my permit requirement?

Thank you very much.

 

[Bubbles]

Piedmont NRA Instructors

I'd recommend the "Personal Protection in the Home" class for CCW training. The hour-long talk w/ the defense attorney on lethal force laws in VA is worth the cost of the class.

 

[DirtyBrad]

Thanks, Bubbles. That looks like a great start. Anyone else? I'd love to hear recommendations for the next stages as well.

 

[John Hicks]

They teach classes at the NRA HQ Range as well. Every 6 weeks or so there's usually a notice and sign up sheet. ~$100, at least that used to be the price.

Even the hunting safety course is enough to get your CCW. Other than safety and trigger control, I'm not sure how that would help you out with CCW, but it meets the requirement in VA.

Oh, and when you get to VA: welcome back to the real world

good luck,
jh

 

[DirtyBrad]

Thanks, John. I'll check that out.

On the one hand I wouldn't mind just taking the easiest, cheapest class I can to quickly satisfy the requirement. On the other, I want to be responsible and get training that will actually help me be a better CCW-holder, not just go over things that I've already been taught.

Personal protection sounds like a good start, especially with the legal stuff. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[Smurfslayer]

Generally speaking

...You should take the Basic Pistol class first, before Personal Protection in the home. BP is a fundamentals class, and of course for a seasoned shooter, will be a bit slow paced. Nevertheless, if you take the class with the right mindset, anyone can gain from basic pistol. You may have developed bad habits, you may find another stance works better for you... what have you.

Personal Protection will cover some more advanced topics, and the legal section is nice. However, if you haven't had basic pistol, or some equivalent shooting experience you should take BP first.

Yeah, I know... that's more expensive, but we want safe, responsible and accurate permit holders...

I haven't had NRAHQ's carry class, but I have taken their intermediate class, and it is very good. You will definitely leave a better shooter.

HTH

 

[DirtyBrad]

Smurfslayer,

Thanks for the input. I'm not seasoned by any means. I've only been shooting for a couple of years (and not enough lately). While I feel comfortable with safety rules, I agree that I never want to be complacent or think that I know it all. I have no problem taking Basic Pistol.

Perhaps I'll do that. Start with Basic Pistol, then do Home Protection, then something else. I'm sure between my classes and you guys I'll come up with some great specific CCW classes to take after that.

I think maybe a goal of a class every month or two months would be worthwhile and affordable.