The Concealed Carry Pistol class is specifically designed for individuals who are new to handgun ownership and want to learn the essential skills and knowledge required for responsible concealed carry. This course focuses on the fundamentals of handgun handling, firearm safety, legal use of force, and practical techniques to ensure that you are prepared to carry and use your firearm safely and effectively.

Throughout the class, participants will learn how to properly handle their handgun, maintain their firearm, and understand key safety principles both at home and at the range. The class is designed to build foundational skills through instruction, demonstrations, and live fire exercises, ensuring that participants gain confidence in their ability to carry and use a handgun when necessary.

Key Topics Covered:

- Handling Your Handgun: Learn the basics of safely handling a handgun, including proper grip, stance, and trigger control.
- Shooting Fundamentals: Master the core principles of shooting, including aiming, breathing, and trigger discipline, to ensure accuracy and control.
- Keeping Your Gun Operating: Understand the components of your handgun and how to maintain its functionality, ensuring it operates smoothly when needed.
- Firearms Safety: An in-depth review of the four cardinal rules of gun safety, as well as situational safety protocols, to prevent accidents.
- Range Safety: Learn how to safely conduct yourself on the range, including range etiquette, proper muzzle discipline, and how to respond to range emergencies.
- Use of Deadly Force: Gain a clear understanding of the legal and ethical implications of using deadly force, including what constitutes self-defense and the laws surrounding the use of a firearm in an emergency.
- Holsters: Explore different types of holsters and learn how to choose and use the right one for concealed carry. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective holstering and drawing techniques.
- Drawing/Presenting: Learn the proper methods for safely drawing and presenting your firearm from a concealed carry position, with a focus on speed, accuracy, and safety.
- Cleaning/Maintenance: Understand how to properly clean and maintain your firearm to ensure it remains in good working condition and ready for use.
- Live Fire Exercises: Participate in live fire drills to practice the skills you've learned in a controlled environment. This hands-on experience will help reinforce the principles of accuracy, handling, and decision-making.

Required Material/Gear:

A pistol, preferably semi-auto in a defensive caliber (not a .22 caliber)

IMPORTANT NOTE: As of July 10, 2025, any Sig-Sauer P320 variant (m17, m18, 320, compact, x carry, legion, etc) is banned from any training course, competition, or event that Rochester Personal Defense, LionsPride Training Group, or DFJ is conducting or has purview over.

If you have a Sig-Sauer P320 or variant, I apologize if this affects you, but I cannot risk the safety of attendees should an uncommanded discharge occur. (defined as the pistol firing without the trigger being pressed)

If a student with a P320 or variant shows up at a class, they cannot participate in the course with that pistol. They are welcome to borrow a different brand/model from another attendee, but they will not be allowed to use their Sig-Sauer P320 variant pistol in the course.

A waist mounted holster made specifically for your model of pistol (Outside, inside the waistband, or Appendix inside are all allowed.)

A good belt and pants with belt loops (important!)

At least 2, preferably 3 magazines

A magazine holder for at least 1 magazine

Eye and ear protection. We advise the 'over the ear' electronic type

200 rounds of range ammunition

A magazine loader (optional but suggested)

Range and weather appropriate footwear and clothing

Water, snacks, and a lunch. BRING YOUR LUNCH (There will be a short lunch break but not long enough to go get food)

***If you do not have any of the material listed above, please contact us prior to registering. In most cases, we can obtain what you may need. Arriving without any of the items on the list will prevent you from participating in the course.

NOTES:

Handguns should arrive to the range unloaded and cased, or secured in a holster. Please do not handle your handgun anywhere outside the range for any reason. All gun handling will be done on the range under the guidance of the instructor.

This class is designed to provide new handgun owners with the confidence and skills necessary for responsible concealed carry. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to decide to carry a firearm safely and effectively, while also understanding the critical legal and ethical aspects of concealed carry.