Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) is something that many individuals choose to do for protection. This is a great option for many, but it comes with responsibilities that you must also be ready to consider. You don’t want to freeze when action is needed. To make sure you are physically and mentally prepared to draw a gun in a threatening situation, there are concealed carry classes that you can take advantage of to prepare yourself. In this guide, we will dive deeper into these classes to see what they offer and help you find one that’s right for you.
Why Concealed Carry Training is Needed
This kind of program is designed to do more than just grant a person the right to carry a concealed weapon. They are also designed to help firearm owners make smart decisions when confronted with a potential threat. These kinds of classes teach you the mindset that leads to responsible ownership, and using a class like this can actually save lives. Not only will you face a threat with more levelheadedness, but these classes also teach firearm safety, conflict de-escalation, and practical firearm skills.
Additionally, these classes will teach you how concealed carry laws differ from state to state. Programs will also teach students about their legal obligations and rights. For example, CCW laws do not protect firearm carriers on government property.
Understanding Concealed Carry Laws from State to State
Every state has different laws when it comes to carrying a concealed weapon. 21 states require you to have a permit to carry, while the other 29 do not require permits or any type of safety training. Some states also require it to be determined that you are a suitable person with a good moral center. Sometimes, these character references must be signed by up to three individuals who have known you for at least three years.
Find a Reputable Program and Instructors
Now that you understand why you need a CCW class, how do you find the programs and instructors that can help you learn? Fortunately, there are a few methodologies you can use:
Consult law enforcement: Local law enforcement will know exactly which classes are best for teaching students about CCW. Police want citizens to learn responsible gun ownership, and classes teaching levelheadedness when carrying also help reduce the incidence of gun violence. Talk to officers at your local station for advice.
Seek accredited programs: Not every program is created equal. Seek programs with national accreditation; these will also have better insights when helping you understand state-to-state CCW requirements.
Speak to firearms sellers. Most gun store staff know about local programs. You can also ask at local firearms clubs.
When looking for an instructor, consider:
Check reviews: Everything has a Yelp review these days. Consulting business reviews of individual instructors can help you find the one that best suits your needs.
Evaluate teaching style: Not every instructor’s teaching methods will gel with your learning style. You can usually find samples of their classes online in video formats.
Ensure safety consciousness: Instructors should advocate for safety and implement cogent safety rules in class. If you see unsafe behavior, find a new instructor.
If you’re looking for a concealed carry class, consider what we offer at ISFA-4 Defense Supply Company. We also offer advanced firearm training.
