Things to know before taking a CCW Class

[dairycreek]

I took my CHL course in Oregon over 25 years ago. It was a two day affair and much of what I learned stands me in good stead to this day. It was a great course. My advice is to pay attention, learn what you can, and apply your lessons. Good luck.

 

[Pweller]

The best, and most obvious, thing to do is to contact the place where you will be taking the CCW class and ask them what they would advise. I think there is a lot of variation on the classes between states, so what is necessary here may not be necessary where you live.

I had a few new shooters in the class I was in - I'm not sure that they had ever shot a gun before. They passed, though it is easy in AZ.

 

[bigfatdave]

I had a few new shooters in the class I was in

There was a nice lady in the class I took who was surprised that brass had to be removed from the revolver she was renting after she had fired it.
I'm fairly sure that she and her boyfriend/husband were using the CC class as a basic pistol course following a home invasion scare or something similar. I also remember that after a few 5-shot strings on the firing line, she got her groups tightened up nicely and embarrassed a lot of the experienced shooters on the line. I saw her rolling up her target with a big grin, I'd bet it ended up on the wall or fridge at home.

Just a reminder that you may encounter someone just getting started shooting at a CC class, and if they don't hamper the class, that's OK. They have the same right to a carry permit as the experienced shooter, the ex-cop, or the recently discharged vet.

 

[Tirod]

Expecting to learn what is legally required can leave you learning just the basics your state requires. I don't honestly think the minimums are what anyone should have as their end goal.

You should know your weapon and already have it's manual of arms. Shot it some, too. New owners deserve better than to be snickered at by others at a qualification, and shouldn't endanger the money for the class by failing to know how to load and shoot.

An awareness of your peculiar state's interpretations and no-go areas is valuable. It's not just a list of what bars to avoid - but what times, places, streets, etc., right in your community. Be aware what neighborhoods have drug dealers, drive by shootings, and strong arm break-ins. Without a significant reason to be there, you are just cruising for victims to shoot. Ask any DA.

Whch surrounding state's share reciprocity is need to know information. You don't want to ruin a quiet trip with a wrong assumption.

Learning how much more a CCW licensee has to accept in the way of insults, because they are required to back down, and prevent escalation. Provocation and brandishing a firearm are two fast ways to lose the license or worse.

A read through Massad Ayoob's In The Gravest Extreme, and other books he's written on the subject. It's good clear writing with no sales pitches for the latest equipment or technique - it clearly explains when and why you can't shoot as much as can.

I got my CCW after 22 years in the Army Reserves and holding a MP MOS mobilized. Much of the CCW was a good refresher - and at the pace information is presented in a one day class, someone learning things new really needs more repetition. Having some of the above already familiar and known leaves you time to listen for what you don't - which is more and better training, and what you are paying for.

Those who read up ahead benefit from a better education. Then you can smile with some quiet knowledge at the macho blowhards reciting wrong information and poor tactics.

The unpleasant truth is that if the gun needs to come out, the round should hit the perp within seconds. The decision that life was in danger and someone needed to be stopped should occur before the gun is touched. It's not like on TV at all.

CCW isn't a one time test, it's a lifelong accumulation of new habits and knowledge, which never ceases to provide new lessons. It's also an immense responsibility in the application - and where you never want to be wrong.

"Ooops" won't fix it.

 

[Boris Baninoff]

I finally purchased a gun after my daughter was born. I'm an older, first-time parent, and horrible scenarios haunted my idle thoughts and sleep. They all had a common theme: Violent home invasion.

I enrolled in a local CCW course to familiarize myself with the Castle Doctrine here in Ohio. During the law portion of the course, I guessed that every possible angle (realistic and improbable) would be covered with a classroom full of diverse minds asking the questions. I guessed right. The students were creative, but the instructors meticulously walked through each scenario until sufficiently answered, which also served to highlight and emphasize certain points. This aspect of the course was very rewarding as it made me knowledgeable with the law. I'm convinced that I could NOT have gained this knowledge by merely reading the text of Ohio's Castle Doctrine or anecdotal examples that may be embellished or entirely fabricated.

Going in to the CCW course, my intent was not to always carry, but now I do. I'm always in risk assessment-mode while in public, and I believe that's a good thing. The repercussions of carelessly wielding a gun in public with a CCL are severe, as it should be. Therefore, it would be in any potential student's best interest to take one with a solid reputation (mine was held at a policeman's lodge by instructors who were current and former law-enforcement officers).

I hope this proves to be helpful.