NRA Basic CCW

Description

This NRA Certified Concealed Carry course provides comprehensive instruction for individuals seeking to responsibly carry a concealed firearm in Maryland, DC, and other participating states. Students will learn essential firearm safety rules, proper handling, storage, and operational techniques, as well as state-specific laws and regulations regarding concealed carry.

Course Level: Beginner
This NRA CCW course is designed for individuals with little or no prior firearms experience. It provides foundational knowledge of firearm safety, handling, legal requirements, and concealed carry practices.

Course Goal:
To equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and judgment required to safely, legally, and responsibly carry a concealed firearm in Maryland, DC, and other states with recognized reciprocity, while fostering confidence in handling, situational awareness, and decision-making under real-world conditions.

Time Requirement: 
The NRA CCW course duration ranges from 1 to 16 hours, depending on state-specific requirements, not including breaks or lunch. The course is objective-driven, providing maximum flexibility in scheduling. The stated length is an estimate, as actual timing may vary based on class size and instructional pace. Instructors gaining experience with these lesson plans will better determine precise course timing. Estimated durations for each lesson are provided as a guideline.

Topics Covered

Lesson One: Firearm Safety – 1 hour

• Identify the main causes of firearm accidents.

• Apply the three fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling when carrying a concealed pistol.

• Apply NRA rules for storing and using a firearm.

• Understand the importance of responsible and ethical firearm use.

• Recognize special safety considerations when carrying a concealed pistol.

• Learn techniques for safely storing a pistol.

Lesson Two: Pistol Nomenclature & Selecting a Pistol for Self-Defense – 1 hour

• Identify the two main types of pistols.

• Recognize the primary components of a pistol.

• Determine criteria for selecting a pistol for individual self-defense needs.

Lesson Three: Ammunition Knowledge & Defensive Selection – 1 hour

• Identify the main components of a pistol cartridge.

• Understand proper ammunition storage.

• Recognize major types of pistol ammunition.

• Differentiate practice ammunition from defensive ammunition.

• Identify additional accessories for concealed carry.

Lesson Four: Basic Defensive Pistol Skills – 2 hours

• Master the fundamentals of marksmanship.

• Learn elements of a proper shooting position and adaptations for defensive scenarios.

• Apply fundamentals of defensive marksmanship.

• Understand defensive accuracy principles.

• Distinguish between cover and concealment with practical examples.

Lesson Five: Drawing from Concealment – 2 hours

• Demonstrate safe techniques for presenting and holstering a concealed pistol.

Lesson Six: Loading & Stoppage Remediation – 1 hour

• Perform emergency reloads.

• Identify and remediate common stoppages.

• Execute immediate action drills.

Lesson Seven: Mindset, Responding to an Attack & Aftermath – 2 hours

• Understand levels of mental awareness.

• Develop the proper mindset for carrying a firearm for personal protection.

• Employ techniques to avoid life-threatening confrontations.

• Recognize psychological and physiological responses during an attack.

• Differentiate home defense from carrying outside the home.

• Apply strategies to control and respond to violent encounters.

• Prepare for the emotional, legal, and social aftermath of a defensive shooting.

Lesson Eight: Carry Modes & Pistol Concealment – 1 hour

• Identify various concealed carry modes with benefits and limitations.

• Understand principles of effective pistol concealment.

Lesson Nine: Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance – 1 hour

• Identify basic cleaning and maintenance equipment.

• Learn proper cleaning techniques for semi-automatic pistols and revolvers.

• Determine which services require a qualified gunsmith.

Lesson Ten: Sport Shooting & Training Activities – 1 hour

• Identify organizations, clubs, and resources to enhance personal protection skills.

• Learn safe methods for dry-fire practice, including holster draws.

Lesson Eleven: Legal Considerations – 2 hours

• Understand state-specific rights and restrictions for carrying concealed firearms.

• Recognize key legal provisions regarding the use of deadly force.

• Explain potential criminal and civil consequences following a defensive encounter.

• Know proper steps to take during a traffic stop while carrying.

• Locate detailed legal information for your jurisdiction.

• Define relevant legal terminology.

Expectations and Outcomes

Students must successfully complete the live-fire qualification for each permit they are applying for. Each jurisdiction has its own specific requirements that must be met.

The Instructor is responsible for determining whether a student has successfully met all learning objectives. Certification is based on demonstrated:

• Knowledge – assessed through written or oral examination

• Skills – assessed through practical exercises and range performance

• Attitude – adherence to safety, responsibility, and ethical firearm handling

Note: Participation alone does not guarantee issuance of a Course Completion Certificate or Range Qualification Certificate.

Types

Basic, Concealed Carry Training, NRA Courses

Requirements

Prerequisite:
Participants must be at least 21 years of age (or meet the minimum age required by their state for concealed carry). Students should have no disqualifying criminal convictions and be legally eligible to possess a firearm under federal and state law. No prior firearms experience is required, though basic familiarity with handguns (NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting or Equivalent) is beneficial.

Required Items for Course Success:

To successfully complete this NRA CCW course, participants are expected to bring the following:

• Quality Pistol suitable for concealed carry – minimum recommended caliber: 9mm or .38 Special.

• Strong-Side Hip Holster – form-fitted leather or Kydex; must fully cover the trigger and trigger guard. Inside Waistband (IWB) holsters are not permitted.

• Supportive Belt designed to carry a holster and firearm.

• Ammunition suitable for practice and qualification – at least 200 rounds recommended.

• Spare Magazines or Speed Loaders – minimum of two additional (for a total of three), with appropriate pouches.

• Clothing appropriate for concealed carry.

• Eye Protection – required on the range.

• Hearing Protection – electronic protection recommended on the range.