Description from the
NRA. . .
Short Description:
Course Goal: Teaches the basic knowledge, skills and attitude necessary
to carry a concealed pistol for personal defense. The NRA CCW Course is intended
for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or
NRA-affiliation. This instructor-led only course gives you direct instruction
from an NRA-certified instructor from beginning to end and may be conducted in a
classroom and on a shooting range with an Instructor.
More Details: NRA CCW: NRA CCW takes place in a traditional classroom
and range environment. This course may be completed in a single day format or
over several days with smaller blocks of instruction. To sign up for the NRA CCW
Course click on the “Find A Course” icon. This opens the Course Listing page
where you will select the NRA Basic CCW and scroll to the bottom of the page to
enter details that refine the search criteria to generate a list of available
courses. After selecting a course you will enter your information in the
registration fields. The course Instructor will contact you shortly thereafter.
Course topics include: Firearm Safety (Mandatory), Pistol Nomenclature and Selecting a Pistol for Self-Defense, Basic Defensive Pistol Skills, Drawing from Concealment, Loading and Stoppage Remediation, Mindset, Carry Modes and Pistol Con
cealment, Firearm Cleaning, and Sport Shooting and Training Activities. Course length is determined by the Instructor, to meet your State’s requirements for a CCW permit. Additionally, students may complete live fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification while on the range with an NRA Certified Instructor. Students will receive reference books, take a NRA CCW Student Examination and receive a course completion certificate bearing the signature of the NRA Secretary and your NRA Certified Instructor.

To sign up for our Instructor Led Only course click on this link “Find A Course”. This opens the Course Listing page where you will select the Basics of Pistol Shooting-Instructor Led. After selecting a course you will enter your information in the registration fields. We will contact you shortly thereafter.
If you don't find a course listing that works for you, please reach out to us directly at steve@olypenfirearms.com. Much of our instruction and course offerings are based on working with people to provide the instruction and/or courses they want.
Equipment Requirements for the CCW Course
![]() | Handgun. The student will need a serviceable handgun suitable for concealed carry. |
![]() | Holster. A belt holster made of leather or Kydex which fits the handgun properly, securely and completely covers the trigger guard. Acceptable holsters include AWIB, IWB and OWB. Retention devices are optional, but must be used if present. Unacceptable designs include: Crossdraw, Small of Back, Shoulder, Ankle, Bra, Pocket, Blackhawk Sherpa, Uncle Mike & similar nylon holsters, IPSC/USPSA race holsters, or any design which results in the muzzle sweeping others during the draw stroke or reholstering of the firearm. |
![]() | Belt. A sturdy belt for the holster. |
![]() | Magazines & Speed Loaders/Moonclips (aka ammuntion carrying devices). Semi-autos will need at least 2 magazines. Revolvers will need at least 2 speed loaders, moon clips or speed strips. |
![]() | Magazine Carrier. We suggest having at least one belt-mounted spare ammunition device carrier, however carrying spare ammo carriers in a pocket is acceptable. |
![]() | Eye Protection. Eye protection must be worn at all times on the range. Prescription glasses are OK. |
![]() | Ear Protection. Hearing protection must be worn at all times during all live fire. Electronic hearing protection is highly recommended as this type amplifies voices, while protecting from the loud noise of gun fire. The Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff is both highly rated and affordable, as well as available at Amazon. |
![]() | Baseball Cap. A cap with a bill or brim that covers over the eyes is highly recommended. The bill or brim helps prevent hot brass from getting between the glasses and an eye. |
![]() | Closed-toe shoes. The live fire session will be outside on uneven terrain. |
![]() | Outerwear. We will be outdoors for several hours during the live fire session, so attire suited for the anticipated weather. |
![]() | Ammunition. A minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition; 200 rounds is better. |
![]() | Spares. Stuff happens, even with the best of equipment. Bringing a spare handgun, mags, holster, and ammo to fit the spare gun is highly recommended. |