Private Instruction

I signed up for a Handgun Permit Course……

Now what should I do?

So, you just got all registered for you state required Handgun Permit Course, now what? How do you prepare, get ready, and what gear do you need? SO MANY QUESTIONS!! Let’s answer some of these questions now so you’re not “that” guy or gal and feel unprepared, nervous, and worried.

Before registering hopefully, you have spoken to the instructor and are sure the class you registered for is appropriate for you and your goals. You’ve shopped around a bit, asked for some advice from friends who may have taken a course, found a fair price, and a class you’re comfortable with. Not everyone wants to be a SWAT Team Operator, but they also don’t want to waste their time and money. With the vast variety of instructor’s backgrounds and philosophies these courses can vary greatly, even with the same course title. This alone could be an entire article, but let’s move on to easier stuff, like preparing for the course you are registered. For now let’s stick to discussing Handgun Permit courses, or courses related to carrying a handgun.

For you to get the most out of your permit course you should have some minimum gear. In my experience teaching these courses for years I see a pattern in mistakes students seem to make. Here are my suggestions:

Handgun

Kind of a given for a pistol course. I am not going to get in a debate or even suggest a manufacturer, but will say be sure the handgun you purchase and bring to class is a quality handgun built by a reputable company. For a Handgun Permit/Defensive Pistol type course I require at least 9mm or .38 and the student must be familiar with its operation. This means the student cannot be brand new to shooting a handgun. I do this because I feel this minimum caliber is a good choice for a defensive handgun and ammo is usually easy to find. Student experience can be as simple as an NRA basic pistol course, the Maryland HQL course, or even personal experience shooting. The only exception to this rule is if the entire class is new to handguns and I can start everyone at the same place in instruction.

The best thing for students to do before class is to get some practice time in at the range, be sure you are familiar with your firearm and how it functions. While I prefer 9mm/.38 if a student has a significant reason to need to shoot a smaller caliber, such as a medical issue, we can work something out.

Holster

JUNK HOLSTERS ARE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE STUDENTS MAKE!! “Crappy” holsters from your local Walmart are NOT appropriate. You need to get a quality holster that is made for your specific handgun. I do not allow IWB or Serpa type holsters in class. In class we are all OWB and no trigger finger manipulations to draw the handgun. DO NOT WAIT until the last minute and think the local shop will have an appropriate holster. Some good brands, to name a few:

Crossbreed Holsters
Safariland Holsters
Blade-Tech Holsters
T-Rex Arms Holsters
Galco Holsters
Don Hume Holsters
Bianchi Holsters
Tangua Holsters
Stealth Operator Holsters

There are others out there, and if in doubt ask the instructor. They should have knowledge of holsters and suggestions for the course.

Magazines or Speed Loaders

In any permit course you should be doing reloads. Most pistols come with at least two magazines, which I consider the minimum, but would recommend 3-5 if possible. Yes, they cost money, but will save you time in reloading and is something you will want as you take more training. If you are running a revolver a minimum of two speed loaders and would recommend 4-5 of them.

Magazine/Speed Loader Holster

A magazine or speed loader holder/holster is highly recommended. Again, cheap stuff is not appropriate. Most holster brands will have mag or speed loader carriers to match up with the holsters. Yes, you can always put the mags in your pocket, but do you want to be hunting around in that pocket during reload drills? Speed loaders in a pocket don’t work. Again, don’t wait until the last minute to get the gear you need.

Belt

Another aspect of carrying a handgun that is overlooked or neglected is a good gun belt. The “leather” belt from Tractor Supply is NOT a gun belt. Regularly, at the end of a course’s range time, belts are stretched, bent, or even broken. Again, holster manufacturers usually carry appropriate gun belts. I highly recommend Crossbreed Belts. A gun belt needs to be stiff enough to stick out while being held from the back center of the belt.

Ear and Eye Protection

During the course on the range the instructor will be giving commands and instructions for the drills, don’t you want to be able to hear them and understand what to do? This is very difficult if you have passive hearing protection. Get some electronic hearing protection that allows you to hear conversation but also protects your ears from loud noises such as the gunshots. I like Walker brand, but there are others. Most important is being comfortable and effective.

Sorry but if your prescription glasses are not rated as safety glasses you need additional eye protection. Be sure you have eye protection that can wrap around your eye area to avoid empty brass from sneaking into the sides of the glasses. If you are going to wear your prescription glasses get some of the safety “wings” you can attach to the earpieces to protect your eyes. Different light conditions will also dictate the type of eye protection you may wear. It’s good to have options.

Ammo

Different courses will require different round counts. The course information should outline how much ammo you will need and if there are any restrictions on certain ammo. Do not wait until the last minute to get ammo and purchase from reputable manufacturers. DO NOT bring reloads to the course. Not only does it void most handgun warranties if you use reloads it also puts everyone at risk. I recommend brass cased ammo over steel cased. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) is appropriate for training.

Range Bag

You need something designed to carry all your gear conveniently and comfortably. Do not use old luggage or a bag you use for something else, instead the range bag should be ONLY for your shooting gear. Range bags can vary in price and, unfortunately, quality. Many firearms are coming in hard plastic cases that can be used to transport the handgun, but you will need a bag for your other gear as well.

Also, BE SURE to transport your firearm legally. You probably don’t have that permit yet if you are taking the initial permit course, so know how to get the firearm to and from class legally. DO NOT walk in the course with the handgun on your belt! In my courses I have students wear their handguns, unloaded and clear, for the course. This way they get used to wear and firearm. Every instructor has different procedures. The instructor should send you instructions specific to how firearms will or will not be handled during their course.

Notebook and Pen

This is a course in which you will hope to learn something or at the least get some resources for yourself. You will probably want to write some things down and take some notes. Some courses require a written test at the end of the course, be nice to have some notes, right? Many courses also have paperwork (hold harmless, etc.) you will need to complete as well.

Comfortable Clothes

This ain’t no fashion show people! Dress for the activity and for the weather. Low cut shirts, flip flops, and sometimes even shorts (depending on the terrain) are not appropriate. I am amazed how many people show up at class with a holster and belt but wear pants with no belt loops! I would suggest a baseball hat, crew neck shirt, pants/shorts with belt loops for the belt, closed toed shoes such as sneakers or athletic shoes. Depending on the weather and if the range is outdoors or indoors your clothing choices may have to adapt. If your course also includes presentation from concealment, you will also need a cover garment.

Lunch, Snacks, Water, Etc.

These classes can be long and sometimes in the heat or cold outside. It is a good idea to have snacks for throughout the day and to stay hydrated, especially in the heat. Your instructor should have let you know if you need to bring lunch, or it will be provided. Remember you will be doing physical activity so don’t overdo it.

Lastly, Attitude

You can think what you like about training, especially required training for a handgun permit. What you must realize however is your attitude in a class will have a huge effect on how much you, and often others, enjoy the course. Showing up with a “I’m only here because I have to be” or “I already know this stuff” mindset will set you up for a negative experience. No matter your experience you can learn something in a course. Take an active role in class and learn from not only the instructor, but also the other students and yourself.

Remember, research the course, and talk to the instructor if you can so you can be sure the class is right for you. If an instructor can’t explain what they will be covering in class, it may be a bad sign. Also beware of instructors significantly cutting corners. In Maryland the law dictates the length of the course (16 hours for the initial course and 8 for renewals), an instructor should be able to fill class time with meaningful, useful information and range time drills. I hope you have a great experience in you course, leave feeling confident and comfortable, and I hope this information helps some of you to feel more at ease and be prepared for you course. As always, I would be happy to help you with any training and hope to see you in a course soon. Stay Safe.

Tony