What to Expect in Your First Concealed Carry Class
- carolinaconcealeds
- Dec 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 12

About Your Instructor

I’m Matt Clum, founder of Carolina Concealed Solutions and a USCCA Certified Instructor, approved by the North Carolina Department of Justice. With over 15 years of firearms experience, I specialize in making your concealed carry class both informative and approachable.
I understand that many people taking this course are new to carrying a firearm, so I focus on patience, hands-on training, and clear instruction. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and legally prepared to carry a concealed handgun in North Carolina.
Have questions about permit requirements or eligibility? Check out our FAQs.
1. What You’ll Learn
Our Concealed Carry Courses meet all state requirements to apply for a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) and South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP). Open to adults 21 and older, the course includes a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and live-fire exercises to ensure you leave with both the knowledge and practical skills needed to carry responsibly.
Course Topics:
✔ Firearm Nomenclature & Operation: Understanding handgun types, mechanics, and safe handling.
✔ Concealed Carry Laws & Legal Considerations: Learn North Carolina firearm laws, self-defense laws, and use-of-force guidelines.
✔ Defensive Shooting Techniques: Covering fundamentals like grip, stance, sight alignment, and controlled shooting under stress.
✔ Situational Awareness & Threat Assessment: How to recognize and avoid potential threats before they escalate.
✔ Holster Selection & Drawing Techniques: Learn proper holster use and draw techniques for real-world self-defense scenarios.
✔ Live-Fire Drills & Real-World Scenarios: Includes draw-and-cover drills, home invasion response simulations, and defensive shooting exercises.
My goal is to go beyond the basics—this is more than just a permit class. You'll leave with a practical understanding of personal defense, ensuring you're not only legally prepared but also mentally and physically ready to protect yourselfif needed.
2. Class Schedule & Structure
✔ Arrival & Check-In: 8:15 AM (Doors open)
✔ Class Start Time: 8:30 AM
✔ Classroom Instruction: Detailed breakdown of firearm safety, legal considerations, and self-defense tactics.
✔ Lunch Break: A provided lunch is included in your class fee.
✔ Live-Fire Qualification & Written Test:
1-hour range session
State-mandated qualification shoot (accuracy and firearm handling assessment)
No firearm? No problem. You can rent one of ours for just $10, which includes ammunition.
3. What to Bring
✔ Valid Photo ID (Driver’s license or state-issued ID)
✔ Comfortable Range Clothing (Closed-toe shoes, no low-cut tops, and weather-appropriate attire)
✔ Firearm & 30 Rounds of Ammo (If bringing your own)
✔ Notebook & Pen (Recommended for taking notes during legal discussions)
Optional: Eye and ear protection will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if preferred.
4. Hands-On Training: Building Confidence at the Range
Many students are first-time shooters or have limited experience handling firearms. That’s why I prioritize a supportive and stress-free training environment, ensuring everyone can practice safely and improve their shooting skills at their own pace.
During the range portion, you’ll:
✔ Practice drawing and firing from a concealed carry position
✔ Learn proper grip, stance, and trigger control
✔ Shoot under instructor guidance to refine accuracy and confidence
I provide individualized coaching to help you feel in control and prepared, whether it’s your first time shooting or you’re looking to improve existing skills.
5. Stay Safe: Firearm Handling Rules
Safety is the foundation of responsible concealed carry. Throughout the course, we strictly follow the Four Universal Safety Rules:
Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded—always assume a gun is ready to fire.
Never point the muzzle at anything you’re not willing to destroy—maintain proper muzzle discipline.
Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot—avoid accidental discharges.
Know your target and what’s beyond it—always be aware of what lies beyond your intended target.
I will actively enforce these rules during the live-fire session to ensure safe and responsible training.
Your Path to Responsible Concealed Carry
My goal is for you to leave this course feeling confident, knowledgeable, and legally prepared to carry a firearm.
For $95, your class fee includes:
✔ All instructional materials
✔ Range fees and targets
✔ Lunch
✔ Hands-on training with an experienced instructor
Need a holster, gun belt, or other concealed carry gear? Visit our shop for recommended accessories that I personally trust.