Basic CCW Course

Description

The course is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and mindset to carry a concealed pistol for personal defense. It is intended for novice shooters who have undergone at least one formal training session and are adept at safely handling firearms. Participants should be able to consistently perform single and multiple shots both from the ready position and when drawing from a holster. New shooters may join the course, but should be aware that it could be demanding.

Topics Covered

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

Lesson One: Firearm Safety (1 hour)
1. Identify the main causes of firearm accidents.
2. How the three fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling apply when carrying or using a concealed pistol.
3. How the NRA rules for using or storing a gun apply when carrying or using a concealed firearm.
4. The importance of carrying and using a pistol responsibly and ethically.
5. Special safety considerations that must be observed when carrying or using a concealed pistol.
6. The various techniques for storing a pistol safely.

Lesson Two: Pistol Nomenclature and Selecting a Pistol for Self-Defense (1hour)
1. Identify two main types of pistols.
2. Identify the main components of a pistol.
3. Identify the criteria for selecting a pistol suited to their individual self-defense needs.

Lesson Three: Ammunition Knowledge and Defensive Ammunition Selection (1 hour)
1. Identify the main components of a pistol cartridge.
2. Identify how to properly store ammunition.
3. Identify the major types of pistol ammunition.
4. Identify the difference between practice ammunition and defensive ammunition.
5. Identify additional accessories for concealed carry.

Lesson Four: Basic Defensive Pistol Skills (2 hours)
1. Identify the Fundamentals of Marksmanship.
2. Identify Elements of a Good Shooting Position and explain how they can change in a defensive encounter.
3. Explain and demonstrate the fundamentals of defensive marksmanship.
4. Explain defensive accuracy.
5. Explain the differences between cover and concealment and identify examples of each.

Lesson Five: Drawing from Concealment (2 hours)
1. Explain and demonstrate the technique for safely presenting and holstering a concealed pistol.

Lesson Six: Loading and Stoppage Remediation (1 hour)
1. Perform emergency reloads
2. Identify types of stoppages
3. Perform Immediate action drills

Lesson Seven: Mindset, Responding to an Attack and the Aftermath (2hours)
1. The levels of mental awareness.
2. The importance of mental preparation and developing the proper mindset for carrying and using a pistol for personal protection and facing a life-threatening encounter.
3. Techniques for avoiding life-threatening confrontations.
4. The psychological and physiological changes that may occur during an attack.
5. The differences between having a firearm for personal protection in the home and carrying a pistol for personal protection outside the home.
6. Techniques for controlling and responding to a violent encounter.
7. The emotional, legal and social aftermath of a defensive shooting.

Lesson Eight: Carry Modes and Pistol Concealment (2 hours)
1. Identify the various pistol concealed carry modes and the benefits and limitations of each.
2. Explain the basic principles of pistol concealment as they relate to the carrying of a pistol for selfdefense.

Lesson Nine: Firearm Cleaning and Maintenance (1 hour)
1. Identify the basic equipment needed to clean/maintain a firearm.
2. Identify how to properly clean both semi-automatic pistols and revolvers.
3. Identify what services are best referred to a qualified gunsmith.

Lesson Ten: Sport Shooting and Training Activities (1 hour)
1. Identify organizations, associations, clubs, and businesses that may help hone, enhance, and expand personal protection skills.
2. Explain methods and precautions for dry-fire practice, including drawing from the holster.

Lesson Eleven: Legal Considerations and Law on Self-Defense (2 hours)
1. Explain the general rights and restrictions under the laws of their state permitting the carrying of concealed firearms for self-defense.
2. State key legal provisions and restrictions pertaining to the use of deadly force.
3. Explain potential criminal and civil legal actions that may be taken subsequent to a defensive encounter
4. Explain the appropriate steps to take when carrying a firearm during a traffic stop
5. Explain where the students may find detailed legal information for their specific jurisdiction.
6. Explain what Castle Doctrine and Duty to Retreat 

RANGE WOULD BE SCHEDULED FOR STUDENTS

Expectations and Outcomes

Students must pass a written test with a score of 90% or higher and a safety test before attending the range session.

Students are required to qualify on the range of 80% or better for each permit they are applying for. 

Upon successful completion of this training, students will receive an NRA Training Certificate, in addition to the state/local certificate required for the jurisdiction they are applying in.

Types

Basic, Concealed Carry Training, NRA Courses

Documentation Requirements

Requirements

Prerequisite: NRA Basic Pistol or equivalent (I.e., MD HQL or any Basic Firearms Training) is strongly recommended but not required. 

Required for participants to be successful in this course, you should have the following items, either personally owned or provided.

• Quality Pistol appropriate for concealed carry – recommend minimum of 9mm or .38 Special.
• Quality Strong Side Hip Holster – recommend form fitted leather or kydex, must cover trigger/trigger guard.
• Quality Belt, designed to carry a holster and a firearm strongly recommended.
• Quality ammunition suitable for practice. Encourage students to have at least 150 rounds of ammo. Ammo can be purchased as an add-on when you register. 
• Spare magazines or speed loaders with appropriate pouches – at least two additional (3 total)
• Clothing appropriate for concealed carry
• Eye protection (Range Only)
• Hearing protection - recommend electronic (Range Only)

Note: Students must complete each prescribed course of fire for the permit they are applying for.

Time Requirement: This basic course spans 16 hours, excluding breaks and lunchtime. It is designed with a focus on objectives, offering considerable flexibility in scheduling. The stated course duration is an approximation; the actual time may differ. Experience gained from teaching these lesson plans will help in ascertaining the true length of the course. The duration of each lesson is an estimate.