In an ideal world, constitutional carry would be the law of the land. You may be required to have a permit for self-defense handguns. There is no doubt that concealed carry classes are becoming more popular. You can get this training from many instructors. We will discuss a variety of topics you might be expected to cover in your course.
The Basics of Firearm Handling should be the starting point for a Concealed Carry Class
Safety with firearms is important in all courses, no matter what discipline. Always keep your muzzle in a safe place. When you are ready to fire, keep your finger away from the trigger. Don’t load the camera until you are ready.
A fourth rule may be added to your arsenal. It is to identify your target and know what lies beyond it. This rule is related to rule number 1, with some additional considerations when using a gun for home defense or self-defense.
Your instructor should stress the importance to reevaluate what “safety direction” means for your particular situation. For example, in home defense scenarios. Do you live in a one-story home? Apartment complex? Are you in the basement Is your child’s room across the hall?
Understanding Your Firearm
If you don’t know how a gun works, it won’t do you any good. There are many things you can learn about firearm function. These include how to lock the slide on a handgun, unlock the magazine, and access the revolver cylinder.
Knowing how your gun works will help you in the event of malfunctions. You can also take the firearm apart for cleaning.
You will often spend a portion of your lesson on ammunition function. You will learn about important components like the primer, headstamps, case, bullet, and many more. You will also learn what happens when you press the trigger on your handgun.
The differences between self-defense ammunition and target ammunition will be discussed. They will/should also discuss how to match the ammunition to your gun.
Learning Proper Defensive Shooting Skills
Although defensive tactics are different from those used while plinking at a range, it is important to know the basics. The following factors will affect where your shots land on the target: sight alignment, sight picture and respiratory pause.
If you are faced with a life-or death situation, fine motor skills may be affected. Adrenaline kicks in and you may experience tunnel vision. These factors and many more are important to understand and simulate in your training program.
Proper stance is essential, as well as a good grip. This will help you maintain control of your gun, as well as how to minimize felt recoil and differences in grips when dealing with revolvers -vs. semiautomatics.
Keep your firearms safe from unauthorized users
No more are you able to keep your gun in your bedside table. Technology has advanced and there are many options for safe storage, both at home and on the road.
We will discuss options such as trigger guard locks and action locks, standard keys access safes, biometric safes, standard key access safes, and other safes. We will also discuss the pros and cons of each type.
The topic of holsters, and how to safely carry them while out and about, will be covered. It will be possible to demonstrate terms such as IWB (inside your waistband) and OWB (outside your waistband). We will also discuss various carrying positions such as shoulder carry, appendix, and more.
The Laws Concerning the Use of Deadly Force
Most likely, laws pertaining to the deadly force use will be extensively discussed. It is important to have a gun lawyer who is familiar with gun law before you ever need one. This is a call that you will never have to make. It is better to be prepared than sorry.
Other topics such as the importance and management of conflict will be covered.
You cannot carry firearms in many areas, sometimes called “sensitive locations” and you need to know where these places are. Some areas that are considered sensitive include hospitals, the post office, and other government buildings. Each state has its own concealed carry laws so it is important to be aware of where you can take your concealed weapon on a road trip.
Live Fire Training
Last but not the least, concealed carry classes will often include live fire training. This will allow you to put everything you have learned to the test. They will hopefully catch any bad habits before they become permanent.
You may have to take a written exam following your course. You will likely receive a completion certificate after passing your test.
CCW courses can seem intimidating at first, especially for a new gun owner. You can be a responsible gun owner by signing up for and attending a CCW course.
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Personal Defense World published the article What You’ll Learn in Concealed Carry Class.
