Your CCW Class Experiences

[RetiredUSNChief]

South Carolina, here.

Scheduled my CCW class only to have it canceled/rescheduled. Finally went to it...everybody else who was supposed to show up either cancelled or didn't show.

Which meant that the mandatory 8 hour training course was a BLAST because it was ALL one-on-one with the off-duty LEO giving the class! Man, we talked about anything and everything!

And then the required shooting was also great! Just the two of us, going through the required course of fire. And THEN we got to shoot for FUN! In that one day, I learned a lot about carry, drawing/firing, and such. I also learned that I have a LOT more to learn.

We went through a lot more ammo than planned.

And then I was offered 1/2 my fee refunded because of the unplanned cancelling/rescheduling of my original class, which I turned down. Life isn't so tough on me and mine that $25 will make or break me...besides, I more than got my money's worth that day.

 

[Hometeached1]

South Carolina, here.

Scheduled my CCW class only to have it canceled/rescheduled. Finally went to it...everybody else who was supposed to show up either cancelled or didn't show.

Which meant that the mandatory 8 hour training course was a BLAST because it was ALL one-on-one with the off-duty LEO giving the class! Man, we talked about anything and everything!

And then the required shooting was also great! Just the two of us, going through the required course of fire. And THEN we got to shoot for FUN! In that one day, I learned a lot about carry, drawing/firing, and such. I also learned that I have a LOT more to learn.

We went through a lot more ammo than planned.

And then I was offered 1/2 my fee refunded because of the unplanned cancelling/rescheduling of my original class, which I turned down. Life isn't so tough on me and mine that $25 will make or break me...besides, I more than got my money's worth that day.

Sounds really nice!

 

[larry_minn]

Agree. Most of the instructors I know here in MN are up front about the class not being the intro to guns or how-to shoot class. The MN classes I have been to focus on law first then safety... The wise person will know that screwing up with a gun will either cost a lot of money, your freedom or both... generally both.

Thats great. I like the ones that clearly state. "Students should know how to load, unload, shoot, safely handle firearm before taking class. This class is not a firearms training course"

What gets me is classes that are all about instructors bad encounters. So you have war stories instead of information.
I WANT info on MN carry law, More then "If you carry into capital send certified letter" and "shoot anyone who breaks plane of you house/attached garage" Then more war stories how instructor broke law, was unsafe, and will do it again.....

I would prefer a short movie on MN carry law (had one class with lawyer giving it/wish I had recorded it)

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Let's keep up with your experiences in your carry permit classes. No matter what state you are living in, the more states the better. You never know someone might be sitting on the fence and read this thread and decide to go take a class and get their permit because of something you said on here. To me, the more people we have that have a permit even if you don't end up carrying, the better. It sends a message to our local governments that we are serious about our 2nd amendment rights and a force to be reckoned with. If they keep trying to take away our rights to carry or even own a firearm, not only lose the revenue they get from the permit cost, but will have allot of angry voters come next election time.

 

[SleazyRider]

The variety and differences in training seem to reinforce one thing us moderators have been saying for years. The training one gets for their CWP should be the start of formal training, not the end.

Well said.
My daughter took the course here in New York State---a complete disgrace. It was merely an opportunity for the ego-driven instructor to tell war stories to a captive audience. Now that she's done with it, she can legally learn to shoot a firearm.

 

[mljdeckard]

I teach Utah's class. I keep it non-partisan, and try to keep politics out of it entirely. Utah doesn't require a written or shooting test, it does require that the class be four hours long. I usually struggle to keep it under four hours. The first half is my condensation of the minimum state requirements, the second half is my presentation of frequently asked questions and things I think everyone should know. Wen I have taught classes of military members, I have glossed over the weapons familiarization sections.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

More on SC CCW for out brothers and sisters in SC:


Just found this (good) change to SC law concerning CCW permits. It's effective from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014:

*Below is a temporary change in the concealed weapons permit law enacted during the 2013 legislative session. Temporary provisos are enacted in the State budget and are only effective for the State fiscal year (July 1 - June 30); unless re-enacted they expire on June 30, 2014.

62.22. (CWP Renewal and Replacement) A concealed weapons permit may not be suspended by a state official, agent, or employee supported by state funds if the permit holder has initiated a renewal or replacement application and the processing and issuance of a renewal or replacement permit is delayed for administrative reasons. A concealed weapons permit remains valid during the pendency of the renewal or replacement process so long as the application for replacement renewal is submitted prior to the expiration of the permit.

Source:

http://www.sled.sc.gov/


Here is some basic SC CCW permit information, with lots of good links:

http://concealedcarrylaw.net/concealed-carry-south-carolina/


The CCW permit course is a minimum of 8 hours by law, and the basic requirements of the course is outlined in SC Title 23, Chapter 31, Article 1, Section 23-31-210, Paragraph 5(a)(i) through 5(a)(iv). All of paragraph 5 is listed below for info on acceptable alternate training avenues:

(5) "Proof of training" means an original document or certified copy of the document supplied by an applicant that certifies that he is either:

(a) a person who, within three years before filing an application, has successfully completed a basic or advanced handgun education course offered by a state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency or a nationally recognized organization that promotes gun safety. This education course must be a minimum of eight hours and must include, but is not limited to:

(i) information on the statutory and case law of this State relating to handguns and to the use of deadly force;

(ii) information on handgun use and safety;

(iii) information on the proper storage practice for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that reduces the possibility of accidental injury to a child; and

(iv) the actual firing of the handgun in the presence of the instructor;

(b) an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association or another SLED-approved competent national organization that promotes the safe use of handguns;

(c) a person who can demonstrate to the Director of SLED or his designee that he has a proficiency in both the use of handguns and state laws pertaining to handguns;

(d) an active duty police handgun instructor;

(e) a person who has a SLED-certified or approved competitive handgun shooting classification; or

(f) a member of the active or reserve military, or a member of the National Guard who has had handgun training in the previous three years.

http://scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c031.php


Cost of the course is up to the organization/individual giving the training. I've seen sites as high as $135, but the course I took was $50. Do a google search...you'll find plenty.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

More on SC CCW for out brothers and sisters in SC:


Just found this (good) change to SC law concerning CCW permits. It's effective from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014:

*Below is a temporary change in the concealed weapons permit law enacted during the 2013 legislative session. Temporary provisos are enacted in the State budget and are only effective for the State fiscal year (July 1 - June 30); unless re-enacted they expire on June 30, 2014.

62.22. (CWP Renewal and Replacement) A concealed weapons permit may not be suspended by a state official, agent, or employee supported by state funds if the permit holder has initiated a renewal or replacement application and the processing and issuance of a renewal or replacement permit is delayed for administrative reasons. A concealed weapons permit remains valid during the pendency of the renewal or replacement process so long as the application for replacement renewal is submitted prior to the expiration of the permit.

Source:

http://www.sled.sc.gov/


Here is some basic SC CCW permit information, with lots of good links:

http://concealedcarrylaw.net/concealed-carry-south-carolina/


The CCW permit course is a minimum of 8 hours by law, and the basic requirements of the course is outlined in SC Title 23, Chapter 31, Article 1, Section 23-31-210, Paragraph 5(a)(i) through 5(a)(iv). All of paragraph 5 is listed below for info on acceptable alternate training avenues:

(5) "Proof of training" means an original document or certified copy of the document supplied by an applicant that certifies that he is either:

(a) a person who, within three years before filing an application, has successfully completed a basic or advanced handgun education course offered by a state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency or a nationally recognized organization that promotes gun safety. This education course must be a minimum of eight hours and must include, but is not limited to:

(i) information on the statutory and case law of this State relating to handguns and to the use of deadly force;

(ii) information on handgun use and safety;

(iii) information on the proper storage practice for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that reduces the possibility of accidental injury to a child; and

(iv) the actual firing of the handgun in the presence of the instructor;

(b) an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association or another SLED-approved competent national organization that promotes the safe use of handguns;

(c) a person who can demonstrate to the Director of SLED or his designee that he has a proficiency in both the use of handguns and state laws pertaining to handguns;

(d) an active duty police handgun instructor;

(e) a person who has a SLED-certified or approved competitive handgun shooting classification; or

(f) a member of the active or reserve military, or a member of the National Guard who has had handgun training in the previous three years.

http://scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c031.php


Cost of the course is up to the organization/individual giving the training. I've seen sites as high as $135, but the course I took was $50. Do a google search...you'll find plenty.

Good info Chief. I wish that my health would let me travel more than a few hours from home without putting me in so much pain that I'd be down in my back for days. I have family there in SC that I have not seen since late 97. Before I became disabled it was just too hard for me to get the time or money to go there since I lived on the other side of the US in CA.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Good info Chief. I wish that my health would let me travel more than a few hours from home without putting me in so much pain that I'd be down in my back for days. I have family there in SC that I have not seen since late 97. Before I became disabled it was just too hard for me to get the time or money to go there since I lived on the other side of the US in CA.

Hmmm...you might consider a train, then. I haven't traveled by train (other than commuter type trains), but seems to me you might do well this way if you could get sleeper service to and from your destinations. This way you could lay down as much as you need.

Might be worth looking into.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Hmmm...you might consider a train, then. I haven't traveled by train (other than commuter type trains), but seems to me you might do well this way if you could get sleeper service to and from your destinations. This way you could lay down as much as you need.

Might be worth looking into.

Thought about that but last I checked it was higher than a plane, and took longer than a bus. Been thinking about finding a used Class A RV to use for travel. That way someone else could do the driving while I chill out in the back

 

[Beach Nut]

I got my CCW permit in North Carolina back in 2010. It was a eight hour class taught
by a police officer/certified Glock armorer. There were eleven of us in the class, eight
men and three women. The classroom instruction included shoot/don't shoot video
demonstrations, some instruction on what happens when one is involved in a self
defense shooting, a brief walkthrough of state laws that apply to concealed carry
and some basic handgun safety training. The range portion of the course was
very easy as a another poster remarked. I had no trouble passing with flying colors.
A couple of the students shot the instructors Beretta M9 for the range session.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Let's keep up with your experiences in your carry permit classes. No matter what state you are living in, the more states the better.

I'm in Alabama. I've had a CCW permit since 1974. I have never attended a "carry permit class" nor do I know where to even find one.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

I'm in Alabama. I've had a CCW permit since 1974. I have never attended a "carry permit class" nor do I know where to even find one.

That is because AL does not require it to get the permit. But it is still a good idea to take a class that deals with the laws on carrying in the state you belong and firearm safety class helps too.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

But it is still a good idea to take a class that deals with the laws on carrying in the state you belong

I agree. I lobbied for our current carry law aka SB-286 and even authored the firearms discharge law for the municipality that I served as city councilman.

 

[jutinlee]

I took my class with Two Troops Firearms Instructions in Effingham, Ill. Greg and Kelley are great guys and very knowledgeable. They were former ISP trainers I think with 28-30 years of experience.
They kept the class entertained for 16 hours with stories from the job and personal experience carrying.
I've recommended them to anyone that expresses interest, including my own family.

I recommend them for So. Ill folks out there.
They have a facebook page but they mostly rely on word of mouth so that's why I'm mentioning them.
If they offer any further training I will gladly take their training over many others.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

I would love to take more firearm classes and I would be out shooting every day if my body and my wallet would let me. The Handgun Carry Permit is just the next step in the training I have had over the years.

 

[On An Island]

My Washington State permit didn't require a class. You just show up at the Sherriff's office, fill out the documentation, get fingerprinted and leave. They run a background check and if you pass, they send you the license.

As already mentioned, Texas takes a little more time and effort. You already have to know how to handle, load and use a pistol before you attend. We had a rather decent instructor (Sherriff's deputy) that covered a lot of ground, focusing on responsibilities, liabilities, legalities and such. There were about 20 in the class. We shot before the classwork as he didn't want someone to have to sit through the class and then fail the shooting part and have to come back for the whole thing. His way if you fail the shooting, as one person did, you can finish up the classwork and just come back for the shooting portion at the beginning of the next class. Regardless, it was a fairly painless process, and for a $59 course fee I'm not complaining.

 

[tbirdflier]

I'm from Massachusetts and we have some of the tightest gun laws in the country. To get your concealed carry license you need to have a basic gun course that is 4 hours long and no range time required.

I opted for a class that included a short experience on the range with a 22 cal. revolver and a semi-automatic, total of 20 rounds shot at a distance of 25 feet.
Nothing to write home about but it was at least some "hands on" with two live guns.

Supplied my local police department with the paper work and proof of taking my class and waited 15 weeks to get my CCL. Next step was to purchase two hand guns. First one was a Sig P238 which is 380ACP and next was a Ruger Mark III target pistol in 22 cal.

Joined a local shooting range and started shooting both guns...what a shock, I suck at hitting what I'm aiming at and I have a license to carry a loaded gun if I so choose.

I refuse to carry my Sig P238 as a concealed carry weapon until I become much more accurate with it. It's only common sense in my eyes. The Ruger 22 is a range gun for target shooting so no big deal.

My point is, that anyone who takes the minimal course to get a CCL should not just start carrying a loaded gun unless they know what they are capable of doing with it in a safe manor.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

I'm from Massachusetts and we have some of the tightest gun laws in the country. To get your concealed carry license you need to have a basic gun course that is 4 hours long and no range time required.

I opted for a class that included a short experience on the range with a 22 cal. revolver and a semi-automatic, total of 20 rounds shot at a distance of 25 feet.
Nothing to write home about but it was at least some "hands on" with two live guns.

Supplied my local police department with the paper work and proof of taking my class and waited 15 weeks to get my CCL. Next step was to purchase two hand guns. First one was a Sig P238 which is 380ACP and next was a Ruger Mark III target pistol in 22 cal.

Joined a local shooting range and started shooting both guns...what a shock, I suck at hitting what I'm aiming at and I have a license to carry a loaded gun if I so choose.

I refuse to carry my Sig P238 as a concealed carry weapon until I become much more accurate with it. It's only common sense in my eyes. The Ruger 22 is a range gun for target shooting so no big deal.

My point is, that anyone who takes the minimal course to get a CCL should not just start carrying a loaded gun unless they know what they are capable of doing with it in a safe manor.

Just my 2 cents...

First off welcome to the forum, and you are right you need to train and be able to hit what you aim at sometimes very quickly. To do that you have to practice, practice, and even more practice. Keep up with your practice.

 

[validballad]

I was pretty unimpressed with my CCW/CHP class. I took it at Bob's Gun Shop in VA. The teacher was teaching the class for his first time under the partial supervision of the more experienced instructor.

A lot of the material was Gun 101 information that, honestly, you should know backwards and forwards before even considering concealed carry. We learned about the difference between revolvers and autoloaders, what a generic sight picture looked like, etc.

We had a pretty brief explanation of legal use of deadly force.

My biggest problem with the class is that they totally ignored the law regarding concealing handguns in the glovebox or central console. I didn't speak up because I didn't want to upset the apple cart. But if I didn't already know the law I'd have walked away from the class thinking that was illegal without a permit. :banghead:

We had a live fire session and a very easy qualification test at 7 yards. It was rather amusing/concerning to see some of the other people in the class display an obvious lack of skill with their guns on the range. If you can't walk into the class and instantly qualify on the range without needing any help from the RO/teacher then I don't really see how you could possibly think it's a good idea to carry a gun. Some of the other women actually appeared somewhat scared of their weapons when it came time to fire them.

When I drove off I went about 500 yards, stopped in an empty parking lot, reloaded my gun and...placed it in my central console before returning home. God only knows what might have happened if I had done this in view of the instructors.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

I was pretty unimpressed with my CCW/CHP class. I took it at Bob's Gun Shop in VA. The teacher was teaching the class for his first time under the partial supervision of the more experienced instructor.

A lot of the material was Gun 101 information that, honestly, you should know backwards and forwards before even considering concealed carry. We learned about the difference between revolvers and autoloaders, what a generic sight picture looked like, etc.

We had a pretty brief explanation of legal use of deadly force.

My biggest problem with the class is that they totally ignored the law regarding concealing handguns in the glovebox or central console. I didn't speak up because I didn't want to upset the apple cart. But if I didn't already know the law I'd have walked away from the class thinking that was illegal without a permit. :banghead:

We had a live fire session and a very easy qualification test at 7 yards. It was rather amusing/concerning to see some of the other people in the class display an obvious lack of skill with their guns on the range. If you can't walk into the class and instantly qualify on the range without needing any help from the RO/teacher then I don't really see how you could possibly think it's a good idea to carry a gun. Some of the other women actually appeared somewhat scared of their weapons when it came time to fire them.

When I drove off I went about 500 yards, stopped in an empty parking lot, reloaded my gun and...placed it in my central console before returning home. God only knows what might have happened if I had done this in view of the instructors.

Before taking a class to carry people should have taken a gun safety class as well as know the ins and outs of a handgun. Sadly there are many that that go buy a handgun that know nothing about them and go to take the class having never shot or sometimes even loading them. So having handgun 101 in the instruction at least gives those people a start of their working knowledge of a handgun. I think it should be required by law to have a gun safety course before getting a Handgun Carry Permit like they do for hunting license in some states. But that is just my honest opinion.

 

[TRX]

I think my Arkansas instructor did a reasonably good job. He went over some firearms basics, the required parts of the law, and some tactical advice in six hours, then the range qualification session.

Though Arkansas training requirements are modest, it is still a lot to take in all at once, and by necessity a lot of important things got shorted for time. I might have paid for an "advanced" class getting more into law and tactics.

 

[jimbo555]

No class required in Georgia, no shooting requirement either. I like it that way.

 

[Pyzon]

I am like most old timers that interpret the US Constitution literally. The 2d amendment is my CCW license.
That said, the state of Ohio disagrees and requires schooling and shooting to demonstrate minimal competency. In my case, the teachers and students either knew it all or not a damned thing.

But, it scares me to think about all the guns that are purchased, along with a box of shells that are stuffed into that gun that is slid into a holster for carry, with the bearer never taking the time to become familiar with the first thing related to carrying a firearm or lawful self defense.

 

[Al Thompson]

Pyzon, agree that it seems better, but our local Grassroots 2A group studied the issue pretty thoroughly about ten years back and simply couldn't see a difference between states that required training and those that didn't. We specifically looked at the rate of CWP/CCW revocations (usually driven by by unlawful actions) and the ratio (less that 1% annually) seemed to hold true regardless of class time required.