Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I am a new gun owner and looking to take a basic safety course to apply for my concealed carry permit. I feel so blonde for asking this, but do I bring firearm?!

Most (if not all) basic firearm safety/ownership classes do not require you to even own a firearm. Having said that a provision of the NRA basic safety course is that there not be any live ammunition in the classroom for "safety" reasons. (While I have mixed feelings on that matter that is a topic for a different thread.) The instructors that I have talked with are usually more than willing to let you bring your firearm to the range portion of the class (if there is a range portion, some don't have it i.e. the Utah permit class doesn't require range time) and help you improve with the firearm that you already own (just be prepared to bring your own ammunition also). But those same instructors that I have talked with will also make available for your use a couple of different firearms that they own in case you are looking to try something before you make that first purchase.

If the course is going to require you to bring a personal firearm it should state that in the description. The best way to confirm the policy of the instructor is to call him/her directly or their office in some cases. Those that do require you to bring your own firearm will also usually include an estimated round count that you should bring as well. These will usually be the higher level courses that assume a basic working knowledge of your firearm and marksmanship skills.

I highly recommend choosing a firearms instructor that is recommended to you by a friend or colleague that has taken the class before. Some instructors are great at marketing, but can't teach. And some instructors that have a great knowledge base and are able to easily pass that on, but don't know the first thing about marketing. In this business I find a personal recommendation from someone you know to be the best option.

Generally no, you do not need a firearm. Furthermore, most instructors wouldn't want one there.

The safety course covers the very basics, but usually focuses more on CC issues rather than generic firearm issues. If you are really new to firearms, getting some additional training from knowledgeable shooters or taking more advanced training classes is highly recommended.

Thanks all. I'm not new to firearms, but am new to the ownership responsibilities of one. I'm planning on taking a class from Proactive Shooters which was recommended by a number of you for the Richmond area. I think I'm better off leaving it at home for the first course, and knowing where to go from there in regards to other courses I may plan to take. Thanks all!!