Personal Protection / CCW

This is a comprehensive course for anyone considering owning or carrying a firearm for self defense. The instructional materials are based on the popular USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals curriculum and satisfies the training requirement for the Maryland Wear & Carry Permit application (when taken with NRA BOPS) and renewal.

This course advances the mindset for the responsible defensive firearms owner by focusing on and understanding:

  • conflict avoidance
  • situational awareness
  • the physiology of violent encounters
  • legal aspects of using deadly force (including knowing what to do in the aftermath)
  • gear, gadgets, and ongoing training
  • applicable MD and federal laws

You’ll also develop your own personal and home protection plan and shoot the MD Wear and Carry qualification course of fire.

What You’ll Get

What to Bring

  • Pen or pencil
  • Highlighter (you’ll highlight some things in the book)
  • Firearm*
  • 200 rounds of factory ammunition (can be purchased at the range)
  • Firearm cleaning kit**

* You must shoot a firearm in order to qualify for the MD Wear & Carry permit; therefore, one is required. If you do not own a firearm (yet), you may rent one at the range.

Duration:  8 hours

Prerequisites:  NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (required for MD CCW application, not required for renewal)

Cost:  Starting at $250 (varies by location; see course schedule)

USCCA Instructors

Lesson Topics

Lesson One: DEVELOPING A PERSONAL & HOME PROTECTION PLAN

  • Why is Conflict Avoidance so Important?
  • Situational Awareness
  • The Color Codes of Awareness
  • Observing our Environments
  • More on Conflict Avoidance
  • Planning for Home Defense
  • Mental Exercises

Lesson Two: SELF-DEFENSE FIREARMS BASICS

  • Properly Clearing Semi-Automatics and Revolvers
  • Additional Safety Considerations
  • Ammunition Malfunctions
  • Understanding Ammunition, Ballistics, Take Down Factor, Gauge & Calibers
  • An Introduction to Home Defense Shotguns, and the AR-15 Platform
  • Tasers and Pepper Spray

Lesson Three: DEFENSIVE SHOOTING FUNDAMENTALS

  • Muscle Memory
  • Proper Grip
  • Stance: Body and Arm Positions
  • Point Shooting
  • Sight Shooting
  • Flash Sight Picture
  • Trigger Control

Lesson Four: THE LEGAL USE OF FORCE

  • Legal Definitions of Reasonable Force and Deadly Force
  • Understanding the Use of Force Continuum
  • The Legal Use of Deadly Force
  • Defense in the Home
  • Defending Property

Lesson Five: VIOLENT ENCOUNTERS AND THEIR AFTERMATH

  • Understanding Fight or Flight
  • The Physiological Reactions Associated with Extreme Stress
  • When We’re Left with No Other Choice
  • When the Right to use Deadly Force Ends
  • The Immediate Aftermath
  • Dealing with the Police

Lesson Six: GEAR AND GADGETS

  • Explaining Holster Retention
  • Types of Holsters
  • Other Gear Including Belts, Lights and Lasers

Lesson Seven: SKILL BUILDING

  • Properly and Safely Conducting Dry Fire Exercises
  • Self-Led and Instructor-Led Range Exercises from Beginner to Expert
  • What’s Next?

Students: Home Study Materials (password-protected page)