Best online concealed carry course??

[ggent001]

hey there. Looking to get my concealed carry permit. I've seen some online courses. Are these good to take? What price is reasonable for these courses. Thanks a bunch,
Geoff

[ProShooter]

I personally don't think very much of them, but of course I am biased in that response so I'll let some other members chime in with their thoughts.

[MountainCat]

hey there. Looking to get my concealed carry permit. I've seen some online courses. Are these good to take? What price is reasonable for these courses. Thanks a bunch,
Geoff

I can understand someone taking an online course if they are already familiar with guns and just need to get the documentation. For someone who is not familiar with guns, an online course would be a big mistake IMHO. In the latter case, an instructor and range time would be more appropriate.

I don't know how much the online courses are but IIFC they are not priced much differently than classroom instruction. It's $30 at the pistol club near me and that includes some live fire.

What part of the State are you in?

[ggent001]

I live in the Norfolk area.
G

[ProShooter]

We're based in Richmond and we'd be happy to help you out if you decide to take our training courses.

[newdovo]

I agree that actually going to a class/training is best, particularly one that includes info specific to carrying a gun for defensive purposes (as opposed to a hunter safety class), concealed carry, and Virginia gun law. As noted earlier, if you're up on this and just need documentation, here's the one I took:
http://www.concealed-carry.net/

It covered the basics and fulfills your legal requirement for $39.99.

Parry

[allingeneral]

TheWife just took the course at Concealed Carry Institute (same place as linked in newdovo's post) and it was about an hour long with a 20 question multiple choice test at the end. You have to get 75% correct (15 out of 20) in order to pass, then print your PDF Certificate of Completion. The cost was $39.99.

I do agree with people who say that an online course by itself isn't enough, but it certainly can't hurt.

[robruffn]

there is a pretty cool website call http://www.safeorsorry.net they offer online firearm training Nationwide. You can take both your basic and your concealed carry class online, and print the certificate right after your done with the test. It is legal and solid training...

there is always nay Sayers, but there always was, for any online training. I think firearm training online is great and well needed. its really a stepping tone anyway...

http://www.safeorsorry.net Basic + Concealed on sale for $45...

[smltooner]

I agree that actually going to a class/training is best, particularly one that includes info specific to carrying a gun for defensive purposes (as opposed to a hunter safety class), concealed carry, and Virginia gun law. As noted earlier, if you're up on this and just need documentation, here's the one I took:
http://www.concealed-carry.net/

It covered the basics and fulfills your legal requirement for $39.99.

Parry

I took this class and learned a lot, bit I agree that an in-person class is probably better.

[SgtBill]

Sorry, but unless you are an acomplished shooter then I strongly suggest that you sign up for a class where someone can show you and watch you shoot. Many people can shoot and in fact shoot for many years but may be doing one little thing wrong and this keep's them from living up to their full potential and shooting the best that they could. A good qualifyed person that can teach and catch mistakes while the person is in fact shooting and correct it cant be done on line. It has to be one on one or in a small class. Just my 2 cent's.
Bill

[gunderwood]

hey there. Looking to get my concealed carry permit. I've seen some online courses. Are these good to take? What price is reasonable for these courses. Thanks a bunch,
Geoff

I can understand someone taking an online course if they are already familiar with guns and just need to get the documentation. For someone who is not familiar with guns, an online course would be a big mistake IMHO. In the latter case, an instructor and range time would be more appropriate.

I don't know how much the online courses are but IIFC they are not priced much differently than classroom instruction. It's $30 at the pistol club near me and that includes some live fire.

What part of the State are you in?

+1

Nothing beats a good tutor if you're new. If you're an old hat and just need refreshing on the laws, the onling courses are good.

[baz]

I would take a class that lets you shoot! More practice is better. Also, the hands on experience is crucial for owning a weapon and planning on carrying it. Carrying concealed changes your life and you should invest in a great teacher/class.
I took my class in Ohio which consisted of >10 hours of class time (that was a little too much but Ohio requires it) and a couple hours of shooting (lots of people taking turns). But, I can recommend a guy at Blue Ridge Shooters Club who teaches a course there. I have shot with him a couple times; he is an excellent gentleman who is concerned with you learning, shooting well, and having fun.

[VAGunTraining]

I'm biased, but the cheapest route by far is: http://www.vaguntraining.com

[t33j]

Take a class unless you have significant prior experience with firearms.
Bob's does them. I'm sure there's somewhere in Va Beach that does them... check out The Armory for flyers.

[gunderwood]

Take a class unless you have significant prior experience with firearms.

That about sums up my feelings. If I were to move to another state, I would take the online class in a heart beat. Cheap and easy.

However, I would prefer a constitutional carry law. Generally, people who are new to firearms seek out those whom are knowledgeable and work with them to become proficient. There is no right answer as to how much firearm training any particular individual needs; you can't prescribe it by law. Any arbitrary number the legislature chooses may be infringing on a right or insufficient for training for others. Make people take responsibility for their actions and remove government restrictions on liberty.

[Kylee]

Best online concealed carry course is gonna come from Pacific NW states like Oregon. The provide online training courses for CHL's that satisfy the educational requirement for handgun safety training to obtain your concealed handgun license. And then all you have to do after that is make an appointment with your Sheriff.

[skeeterss0]

I second the endorsement of Bob's gun shop for a classes in Norfolk area. They also have a range on the 3rd floor. In Va beach, there is Colonial Shooting Acadamy on the corner of witchduck Rd & Va Bch Blvd. I'm not familiar with their courses tho.

[ProShooter]

Best online concealed carry course is gonna come from Pacific NW states like Oregon. The provide online training courses for CHL's that satisfy the educational requirement for handgun safety training to obtain your concealed handgun license. And then all you have to do after that is make an appointment with your Sheriff.

What certification does the course instructor possess?

[jdonovan]

It covered the basics and fulfills your legal requirement for $39.99.

careful with the "meets legal requirements"

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_Res ... ealed.shtm

7) Completing any firearms training or safety course or class, including an electronic, video, or on-line course, conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association-certified firearms instructor;

I'm going to pick on Jim here a moment, as he is a NRA instructor.

Being that he's a certified instructor, if he makes an online class with 1 slide that reads "do good stuff" and gives you a certificate, he and you have met the "legal requirement".

Is this a good class?

What is the student's goal. Meet the minimum to get the license? Get good training? Get legal advice? Depending on student needs and existing skills, it might be a good class.

To the OP's question.

We don't know your background, so its hard to say what you should do for classes. If you're already an experienced pistolero, then you might only need a class to meet state minimums for the permit.

If you are new-ish, then I think you are going to want about 4 classes spread across about 12-24 months.

basic pistol
advanced pistol - move, reload, draw from holster, working on doing things more quickly, putting separate skills together into fluid action
defensive pistol - do the advanced skills while using cover/concealment, flashlight, and non-traditional positions.
and a CCW specific laws/legalities class.