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CCW Classes, CPL Classes, & CHL Classes

Last updated on October 3rd, 2022

Search our database by zip code to find an instructor near you. Click the green button below to go to our class locator page. There you can enter your zip code to find ccw classes, cpl classes, cwp classes and chl classes in your area.

Find Classes By Zip Code

CCW Classes, CPL Classes, CWP Classes & CHL Classes

handgun in a leather holster

CCW Classes typically range from 4 to 16 hours depending on your state laws.  Your instructor will take you through firearm mechanics, general gun safety, cleaning a gun, state laws, liability issues, best carry methods and home defense.  Click here to read about your state’s specific requirements.

Firearm Mechanics

You should know how to operate several different types of firearms.  The two basic types of handguns for concealed carry purposes are revolvers and semi-automatics.  

Which type to carry is a hotly debated topic.  Let’s go into some pros and cons of each type.

ccw classes
Revolver

Revolvers are easier to operate for someone with very little gun training.  Once it is loaded all you have to do is pull the trigger.  If the cartridge does not fire, you just pull the trigger again until it fires.  

This is in contrast to a semi-auto.  If you have a misfire with a semi-auto it could take many precious seconds to clear the jamb and rack a new bullet into the chamber.  

This is not to say that revolvers are more reliable than semi-auto’s.  Revolvers usually fail miserably with a sand test.  

A sand test is when a gun is dropped in a bucket of sand or dirt or mud.  Semi-auto’s are more likely to continue shooting after this kind of abuse than a revolver.

ccw classes
Speed Loaders

A revolver is very easy to load but is generally slower to load than a semi-auto.  

There are speed-loaders available that help but those take some practice.  

With a semi-auto you can have extra magazines pre-loaded in your back pocket.  Just hit the magazine release, let the empty fall out and insert the new one.  You will also have to rack the slide but this will become second nature with some training.

Revolvers usually only hold 5 or 6 rounds.  Semi-Autos definitely win in the capacity category.  Many semi-autos that are small enough to conceal can hold 7 to 15 rounds.  

I don’t know about you but the extra capacity of a semi-auto sure gives me peace of mind.  Of course some experts argue that a typical self defense gunfight happens so fast that capacity does not really matter.

Revolvers can be shot from inside purses or pockets without malfunctions. The confined space of a purse may not allow a semi-auto to fully recycle the slide. This means a semi-auto fired in this fashion may be limited to one shot.

There is another self defense situation in which a revolver is the best choice.  When an attacker is on top of you and the only way to survive is to stick the gun into the attacker’s body.  In this situation most semi-autos will not fire because the slide is being pushed back.

ccw classes
Semi-Automatic

You may be thinking that I am trying to encourage you to carry a revolver but that is not the case.  

I actually carry a semi-auto because it is easier to shoot and I am much more accurate with it.  I like the ease of loading and the extra round capacity available.  

My every day carry gun is a Ruger LCP.  A .380 round is not known for it’s stopping power but this is what I can comfortably conceal with a tucked in shirt.  

Deciding what type of gun to carry is a very personal question and you need to shoot extensively with different guns to figure it out.

Here’s a tip I learned the hard way:

Don’t buy a pretty gun for every day carry as it will just get dirty and be a disappointment.  Buy a reliable tool made for heavy use.

While shopping for a gun you will read many comments from people who say they will only buy metal guns.  

I believe this is a stupid attitude because polymer guns have proven their reliability for years.  Consider a polymer gun because they are reliable, lightweight, cheaper, and easier to replace.

General Gun Safety

You have probably heard the rule:

Never point a gun at something you don’t intend to shoot.

ccw classes

This is the number 1 rule of gun safety and if you always abide by it you will not have accidents.  

In the realm of concealed carry we are usually talking about very short barreled weapons which makes this rule harder to follow.  

A handgun is easily turned with a flick of the wrist and therefore we have to take extra care when handling them. Your instructor will certainly instill this rule in you along with many others to make you a responsible armed citizen.

Cleaning a Gun

I’m the worst offender when it comes to not cleaning my guns but I know it is very necessary.  A dirty gun can malfunction at the time you most need it.

The main 3 chemicals you will need to clean a gun are

  • Gun Cleaner
  • Bore Cleaner
  • Gun Oil

You should also purchase some type of cleaning kit that includes a cleaning rod with bore and patch attachments.

State Laws

The four categories of state permitting policies are shown below in order from least restrictive to most restrictive.

  • Unrestricted
  • Shall issue
  • May Issue
  • No issue

Most states today are “shall issue” which means that if you meet the state’s requirements you will be issued a permit. 

Authorities in “may issue” states have discretion in who they issue permits to.  “May issue” states often require the applicant to have “good cause” to obtain a permit.  This requirement can be very subjective and allows the local authority to make a case by case decision on who gets a permit.

Training requirements also vary by state.  A few states have online CCW classes with no range time. Generally classroom time of at least 8 hours and some range time is required.  

During the live-fire portion of the class a student must demonstrate safe operation of the gun as well as shooting proficiency.  

Some states require a certain number of good hits to pass while others leave it up to the instructor to make a judgement call. The shooting test is typically done from 7 to 15 yards away.

If you plan to carry a weapon when you travel you will need to understand reciprocity.  Many states allow permit holders from other states to legally carry concealed.  Check out this map to get an idea of where you can travel with your CCW permit.

Note of Caution:

Before going on a trip you need to call the Attorney General of each state you will be driving through to make sure you will be allowed to carry in that state.  

Laws change all the time and you don’t want to rely on a website that may not have completely up-to-date information.

Your instructor should give you a firm grounding in where to carry and where you should never carry a gun.  Here is a list of places that you are generally not allowed to carry:

  • Federal government buildings
  • State government buildings
  • Political events
  • Schools, universities, and churches
  • Professional sporting events
  • Hospitals
  • Airports
  • Businesses that sell alcohol
  • Private property

Liability Issues

This may be the most important part of your ccw classes so listen up! 

In some states it is possible for the attacker to sue you for civil penalties even if the shooting was justified.  Learn your state laws and abide by them.  

Some states require you to retreat from a threat before using your weapon while others have passed the “Castle Doctrine”. The “Castle Doctrine” allows you to shoot without attempting to retreat first.  

Some states even grant immunity from civil suits to a justified shooter. Again, learn the laws of your state and any other state you will be carrying in.

What to expect when carrying in the real world

After reading all this you may be apprehensive about carrying a concealed weapon.  I have carried in several different positions on my body for years and have never had anyone recognize that I was armed.  

Find the gun and holster combination that fits your lifestyle and you will be more likely to carry safely everyday.  It is a relief to know that I have an option if my life is ever in danger from an attacker.  Follow your local laws and always practice gun safety.

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Last updated on October 3rd, 2022

Jason Huskey

Owner of CCWClasses.net

Jason Huskey is a family man with three kids and a wonderful wife. He’s always starting new hobbies, but his true passion lies in shooting sports. Jason has been a CCW license holder for over 10 years and carries every day. In addition to firearms, he also enjoys playing guitar and writing songs. He tries to live by the Christian values he believes in.

    More things you might enjoy…

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Boyd Gun Lover says

      March 17, 2015 at 4:20 pm

      Cleaning your gun is definitely one of best thing you could to ensure safety. And you should use a high class gun oil. And of course, make sure the gun is unloaded before cleaning or disassembling it.

      Reply
      • Patricia and Ronald Collins says

        February 1, 2017 at 11:43 am

        My husband and I would like to take the class as soon as possible. Thanks

        Reply
    2. Will Farrugia says

      May 3, 2016 at 6:50 pm

      Hi, Florida Firearms Training offers concealed weapons classes (as well as 31 other firearms courses) across five locations in the State of Florida on a weekly basis. We would love to offer our services to your site. Please advise what is the best way to get listed. Thank you Will Farrugia

      Reply
      • Jason Huskey says

        May 4, 2016 at 3:03 pm

        Hi Will
        I have just added a page where you send me your CCW class info. Just click “ADD YOUR CCW CLASS” at the top.

        Reply
    3. Rose Gandall says

      June 5, 2016 at 9:55 pm

      I’m looking for a class in my area!

      Reply
      • Jason Huskey says

        June 7, 2016 at 11:46 am

        What state are you in?

        Reply
    4. Ashleigh Hillian says

      December 26, 2016 at 7:24 pm

      If I post a location on your site will it stay published forever or will I have to post the location for every date?

      Reply
      • Jason Huskey says

        December 27, 2016 at 3:42 pm

        It will stay published forever.

        Reply
    5. tom bryant says

      January 18, 2017 at 11:51 pm

      I am looking for a class in my area 08322

      Reply
      • Jason Huskey says

        January 20, 2017 at 1:33 pm

        Just type your zip code in this page http://www.ccwclasses.net/store-locator-test/

        Reply
    6. Nikki says

      October 10, 2017 at 4:39 am

      I am looking for a class asap. What state are you in? Thanks!

      Reply
    7. Jerry says

      January 4, 2018 at 10:21 am

      To maintain a dirt free and functional gun, it is of utmost importance that you routinely clean and oils your gun in order to avoid the damages that result from frictions.

      Reply
    8. Brandon says

      November 11, 2018 at 10:57 pm

      I’m looking for a permit that Illinois will accept.

      Reply
    9. Tim G... says

      November 19, 2018 at 9:27 pm

      Great web site. Good reading / well organized. My ‘going to church pocket rocket’ is the KAHR PM9. Doesn’t even tilt my sport coat, very accurate.

      Reply
    10. Joseph Gilley says

      January 26, 2019 at 4:22 am

      Looking for cow classes around 77656 Beaumont Texas area

      Reply
    11. julie a hummel says

      May 18, 2019 at 2:09 am

      Looking for A Wisconsin concealed carry classes in South West, Wisconsin. I live in Iowa County. Thank you!

      Reply
    12. Rick Martindale says

      December 2, 2019 at 10:19 pm

      This is a great resource. I just added my class info. I am a competitive shooter as well as an NRA instructor. I am also an IDPA Chief Safety Officer. I only teach small classes up to 6 people. I give actual shooting instruction. I require my students to fire a minimum of 92 rounds to pass my class.

      Reply
      • Jason Huskey says

        December 2, 2019 at 10:27 pm

        Hi Rick, I have added your class info to the site. Thanks for what you do!

        Reply
    13. Jeff says

      March 1, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      The pricing you have listed for The Gun Store in Las Vegas on E. 2900 Tropicana Ave is incorrect. A new CCW permit is $100 and renewal is $75. Your website lists them as $75/$50.

      Reply
      • Jason Huskey says

        August 24, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        Thanks, this is now updated.

        Reply
    14. KennethEGallegos says

      November 25, 2021 at 6:43 am

      Nice post you share here.

      Reply
    15. Nordvick Arms, LLC says

      February 9, 2022 at 5:28 pm

      Are you still adding CCW classes to your site? I’ve tried to add mine several times and it is not up? Maybe you are just busy and it takes awhile? I understand that? How long does it take?

      Reply

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