Many people are now finding that it is necessary for them to carry a weapon with them. This may be for personal protection, for hunting, or for your career. However, regardless of the reason that you carry a weapon, it is important to complete concealed weapon classes to ensure that you are protecting yourself and others.
Concealed weapon courses, in general, are short in length and tend to run around four to eight hours. They are also relatively inexpensive. The courses generally tend to cover gun parts and operation, ammunition, gun safety, shooting fundamentals, and shooting activities. They also may or may not include actual live firing, although most do not require it. Therefore, it is best to combine classes with actual live firing at a shooting range. This will ensure that you can use your weapon correctly in the event that you ever need it.
In order to use and keep your weapon on your person, it is also essential that you attain your permit and license. This means that you will need to complete a qualified permit course to ensure that you have the knowledge necessary to successfully complete the permit test. You will also need to provide a copy of the completed permit course certification in order to successfully attain your permit. Many concealed weapon class providers will also offer Permit courses to help you successfully attain your permit. From there, you can continue to take courses and visit the firing range as often as you see fit.
Most importantly, completing concealed weapon classes ensures that you are not endangering the public with your weapon. Prior handgun experience or completing basic pistol courses should give you the knowledge and experience you need to carefully carry a concealed weapon.
If you are not licensed to hold your weapon, you may be subject to criminal weapons possession charges, making it even more important to complete qualified professional training courses. Once you have submitted your application for a license, it can take up to 90 days for the license to arrive in the mail. From there, the license is valid for seven years.
Professional firearms training course providers can be found in your local phone book or online. Many offer NRA basic courses, ensuring that your course provider is meeting a number of standards for safety training courses. Make sure that your firearms training instructors are certified to teach the course.