March 10th, 2024
6minute read
You took the leap and registered for your first CCW class.
You probably spent some time researching concealed carry classes online and maybe talked with a few friends or neighbors.
After finding the right concealed carry course, you took the plunge and signed up.
If you are lost as to what to bring to a CCW class, this article is designed to get you on the right path. From earmuffs to the right handgun holster the author offers excellent advice.
Where to Start?
When you signed up, the instructor may have provided you with a list of items you need.
If so, read through the document to find the items needed.
These Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic earmuffs are perfect for the shooting range. They attenuate loud noises while amplifying quiet ones like voices. Plus they fold up for easy storage.
Handguns are typically either a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol.
You should know the difference between the two.
note: I recommend checking out this article ongun lingofor more information.)
Clothing requirements at a concealed carry class are fairly standard. You’ll need closed toe shoes or boots and a sturdy gun belt. You should avoid low cut shirts as they can allow hot brass to burn you.
I recommend having a basic understanding of how the firearm works.
Chances are, you will be shooting several hundred rounds of ammunition each day of the CCW class.
If you are new to concealed carry, a larger gun will be easier to shoot all day.
The author recommends using a full-size pistol and OWB-style holster for your first concealed carry class. Shown here is her Springfield Armory, Inc. M1911 pistol and a Kydex holster.
Save compacts for low round count practice and concealed carry.
Ammunition
Every firearms instructor should provide an approximate number of cartridges you will need for the class.
For training that exceeds the state minimums, round counts of 250 or more are very common.
No matter how many you are told to bring, always bring extra.
You dont want to run out of ammo while everyone else continues shooting.
Likewise, another person in class might come up short and need an extra box of 50.
Its not like it will go to waste if you dont use it that day.
Getting the right ammo is critically important.
Just because you bought a 1911 doesnt mean it will chamber .45 ACP.
Guns are made for a wide range of handgun cartridges.
Additionally, many of the cartridges have similar names adding to the confusion.
If you have any doubts about the ammunition, ask the store where you purchased your gun for assistance.
They will confirm you buy the correct ammo.
Most manufacturers include one or two extra mags with their guns.
However, I like to have at least five extras.
Two I keep just for concealed carry while the rest are for the shooting range and training.
Again, like with the ammunition, it doesnt hurt to have extra.
Sometimes magazines stop functioning properly and things break.
Eye and Ear Protection
Your vision and hearing are precious.
Once diminished, you are unlikely to regain ther full function, so guard them closely!
ensure your eye protection meets ballistic protection standards.
Ive had near-misses with ricochets and it could have been much worse without proper glasses.
Ballistic-rated eyewear can be tinted for outdoors on a bright day.
you could even get prescription eyewear that will protect your vision in an accident.
For ear protection, I highly recommend electronic ears.
Whether inside the ear or muffs, they make a huge difference during a concealed handgun training course.
More then once Ive seen students forget to put them back on when the gunfire starts again.
Get the best hearing protection you’re able to afford.
You will not regret it.
I always use a sturdy belt when wearing a holster.
Be cautious of standard leather and dress belts; they tend to wear, stretch and crack.
Fumbling on the draw or while re-holstering is a disaster waiting to happen.
Quality gun belts are available for purchase at many local gun shops as well as numerous places online.
Properly Fitted Holster
Bring a holster conducive to the bang out of training you are attending.
Understandably, many people use inside the waistband holsters, leather holsters, belly bands, etc.
for their daily carry.
You dont want your focus to change from practicing new shooting skills to struggling with a holster.
A quality Kydex or plastic outside the waistband (OWB) holster is money well spent.
It enables you to easily return your gun quickly and securely.
I recommend you ask before bringing your gun into the classroom.
I also suggest that you arrive early enough to fill out paperwork and get settled in.
Knowing you have all the items you need for your pistol class will make it all the more enjoyable.
After successful completion of the class, you may wish to consider signing up for additional training.
Should you’re gonna wanna defend yourself, you will never regret the additional training.
