Courses

Below you will find the information for the courses we offer. Unless otherwise stated and/or scheduled for private training our courses are held in a private classroom setting at Bass Pro Shops:
8181 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC 28027.

We also offer private instruction and if you can’t come to us we’ll come to you! If you don’t own a firearm yet don’t let that stop you from learning, we offer a complete rental package.

Please take the time to read the information on the course you are interested in before enrolling. Individuals will receive additional information on the course upon registering. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us: info@practicalarms.com

Before attending any course please note these important rules:

  • Never bring a loaded firearm into the classroom
  • If you wish to use your own firearm for training, please leave the ammunition in your vehicle and be sure to unload the gun and magazine before coming to the classroom
  • Never bring ammunition into the classroom

Courses Offered

Click on the course title or picture for a full description.

Introduction to Handguns (Ladies Only)

This is a beginner-level course introducing you to the fundamentals of operating a handgun, from loading and storage to assuming a confident shooting stance. This course is perfect for the new handgun owner or someone looking for a refresher on the basics of handgun skills.

Lesson covers:

  • Gun safety instruction
  • Awareness of your surroundings
  • Shooting fundamentals: Grip, Stance, Sight Alignment
  • Different types of handguns (pistols vs. revolvers)
  • Selecting the correct firearm
  • Where you can carry on your person

You will actually be able to hold different types of firearms to help you understand the differences. This introduction to handgun class is a 3 hour class. This is a non-shooting class and taught in a safe learning environment. The current promotional price is only $69.00.

For a limited time only you can bring a girl friend for FREE!

Click here to register

Selecting a Firearm - Range Time (Ladies Only)

Do you find the process of selecting a firearm intimidating or overwhelming? There are so many things to look at: brand, caliber, reliability, recoil, revolver vs. semi-auto etc…

This class takes away all of the non-sense wherein we break down the selection process in a practical easy to understand format.

No one wants to spend $600+ on a firearm only to find out later that it’s not comfortable to shoot.

This class allows you to actually test drive different firearms before making your purchase. You will be able to shoot 5 different firearms (revolvers & semi-autos) to help you determine the correct firearm selection.

  • Revolver – .38 special (S&W, Ruger)
  • Semi- Automatic: .380 cal., 9mm (Bersa, Beretta, Glock, Kahr, Ruger, Springfield, S&W, Sig Sauer)

This selecting the correct firearm course is a 3 hour course. The current promotional price is only $69.00 and includes the following: firearm rental, range time, eye protection, target, instruction, 25 rounds of ammo and assessment sheet to score/rate the firearms. Additional ammo sold separately.

Click here to register

NC Concealed Carry

The North Carolina Concealed Carry Course is open to law abiding U.S. Citizens who are at least 21 years of age and wish to carry a concealed handgun for their personal or family’s safety. In this course, you will gain the required knowledge of handgun safety, along with learning about responsible carry and how to gain the needed proficiency skills with a firearm. Also there will be instruction on the laws and the obligations of the concealed handgun carrier. Upon the successful completion of this course you will receive a certificate from the NC Justice Academy which will be needed to apply for a Concealed Carry Handgun Permit with the Sheriff’s office in the county you reside.This Permit course will be a minimum of eight hours as required by the State of North Carolina.Click here for up to date eligibility requirements

Lessons:

  • NC State Law relating to the use of lethal and deadly force.
  • When can/can’t use justified self defense.
  • Handgun safety.
  • Proper cleaning and storage of handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that reduce the possibility of accidental injury to a child.
  • Loading and unloading your firearm along with accurate shot placement.
  • Prohibited carry locations as a NC CCH permit holder.
  • Proper selection of a concealed handgun and carry options.
  • Instruction on where and how to apply and the related documents for a permit.
  • This course combines classroom and live fire range time.

Included in the cost of the course are targets, state documents, and other course materials required when applying for permit.

You need to bring: A handgun along with at least 50 rounds of Target Grade ammunition (NO RELOADS) along with hearing and eye protection. A valid and correct NC Drivers License or NC State ID card must be presented during the course. Students completing this course will receive a certificate from the NC Justice Academy in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

The NC CCH course is 8+ hours with a course fee of $150.00. The current promotional price is only $95.00.

Click here to register

Intermediate Handgun

The Intermediate Handgun Course (IHC) is a great firearm class for someone who has recently obtained their concealed carry handgun class and looking for additional training.

The IHC is the enhancement of basic handgun skills and the introduction to tactical strategies. This course serves as a building block for the Advance Tactical Course (ATC) which is a fast paced shot, move, and communication under stressful conditions training course.

The IHC is intended for the civilian who desires training in the defensive use of a handgun. As a prerequisite to the course, the student must have already completed the NC Concealed Carry course and possess a valid NC Concealed Carry Permit.

The IHC will expose the student to proper handgun manipulations, marksmanship fundamentals and tactics using minimal classroom time and extensive live fire exercise. This course will involve drawing from a holster and include one-shot drills, multi-shot drills, failure drills along with shooting with one and two hands. This course will provide concerned citizens with the skills and tactics necessary to gain a significant advantage over aggressive attackers during life-threatening encounters.

Lessons:

  • Gun safety instruction
  • Pistol Components
  • Learn to engage from a variety of positions (standing, kneeling, prone)
  • Cover vs. concealment
  • Firearm malfunction drills
  • Shooting with strong and weak hand
  • Tactical and emergency reloads
  • Tactical holster draw
  • Reactive fire drills
  • Learn to engage while moving (forward, backwards, laterally)
  • Simulate real world situations to prepare for the unexpected

Required Equipment:

  • Semi-automatic handgun (minimum 9mm)
  • Quality retention hip holster
  • Magazines – 2+
  • Holster for magazines
  • Comfortable concealed clothing
  • Target Grade ammunition- 350 rounds (NO RELOADS)
  • Hearing and eye protection
  • Knee and Elbow Pads (optional)

A valid NC Concealed Handgun permit must be presented during the course. Students completing this course will receive a certificate from Practical Arms in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

This course has a limited number of participants for focused attention and is on the range the entire course.

The IHC is 7+ hours with a course fee of $250.00.  The current promotional price is only $125.00.

Click here to register

Advanced Tactical Handgun

The Advanced Tactical Course (ATC) is a fast paced shot, move, and communication under stressful conditions training course.

The ATC is an enhancement of the Intermediate Handgun Course (IHC) and continuation of tactical strategies as learned in the IHC. This is an advanced handgun course. The course is designed to help the student learn to shoot from real life scenarios they may encounter in day to day activities.

This course provides a 2 hour refresher and builds upon the lessons learned in the IHC. This course is less instructional and requires more movement and communication while shooting from greater distances.

As a prerequisite to the course, the student must have already completed the IHC course.

Lessons:

  • Learn to engage from a variety of positions (standing, kneeling, prone)
  • Cover vs. concealment
  • Firearm malfunction drills
  • Safety Circle
  • Transitional target drills
  • Engaging the treat while moving
  • Shooting with strong and weak hand
  • Tactical and emergency reloads
  • Tactical holster draw
  • Unconventional Firing Positions
  • Reactive fire drills
  • Learn to engage while moving (forward, backwards, laterally)
  • Simulate real world situations to prepare for the unexpected

Required Equipment:

  • Semi-automatic handgun (minimum 9mm)
  • Quality retention hip holster
  • Magazines – 2+
  • Holster for magazines
  • Comfortable concealed clothing
  • Target Grade ammunition- 350 rounds (NO RELOADS)
  • Hearing and eye protection
  • Knee and Elbow Pads (optional)

Students completing this course will receive a certificate from Practical Arms in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

This course has a limited number of participants for focused attention and is on the range the entire course.

The ATC is 7+ hours with a course fee of $350.00

Click here to register

Basic Pistol Course

The Basic Pistol Course will familiarize you with the correct operation and maintenance of semi-automatic pistols and revolvers, along with teaching you how to handle and shoot them safely. The course is perfect for the new handgun owner and serves as an introductory skills course for other more advanced defensive or competitive handgun courses. The core basics of pistol marksmanship are the lifelong building blocks for many other hunting or pistol shooting sports. The ultimate goal of the Basic Pistol course is to teach the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for owning and using a pistol safely.

Any person of good character who is not legally disqualified from possessing a handgun in the U.S. can attend this course. All persons of less than 21 years of age may only take this course with their parent or with an adult guardian.

Our NRA Certified Pistol Instructor will teach this approximately 6 hour course. Depending on the number of participants and their ability, the instructor may adjust lesson time to assure sufficient repetitions to develop skills.

Lessons:

  • Pistol Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling
  • Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamental of Safe Pistol Operations
  • Fundamentals of Pistol Marksmanship
  • Proper Cleaning and Storage of all types of Handguns
  • Firing the First Shots
  • Pistol Sports and related activities along with advice on selection of a pistol

This course combines classroom and live fire range time with up to 50 rounds fired. Practical Arms provides all targets and needed documentation along with the NRA course materials.

You need to bring: A handgun with at least 50 rounds of Target Grade ammunition (NO RELOADS) along with hearing and eye protection.

Students completing this course will receive a certificate from the NRA in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

This NRA Basic Pistol course is an 6+-hour course with a fee of $95.00.

No classes are currently scheduled.  If interested in this class click here and provide information on how we can assist. 

Basic Rifle Course

The NRA Basic Rifle Course is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for owning and using a Rifle safely. The course is perfect for the new Rifle owner and serves as an introductory course for more advanced hunting or competition rifle match training. The basics of marksmanship are the lifelong building blocks for many other hunting or shooting sports. The goal of the Basic Rifle course is to familiarize you with the correct operation and maintenance of the different types of Rifles, along with teaching you how to handle and shoot them safely.

Any person of good character who is not legally disqualified from possessing a Rifle in the U.S. can attend this class. All persons of less than 18 years of age may only take this course with their parent or with an adult guardian.

Our NRA Certified Rifle Instructor will teach this approximately 14 hour course. Depending on the class size and ability, the instructor may adjust lesson time to assure sufficient repetitions to develop skills.

Lessons:

  • Rifle Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling
  • Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamental of Safe Rifle Operations
  • Fundamentals of Rifle Marksmanship
  • Proper Cleaning and Storage of all types of Rifles
  • Firing the First Shots
  • Shooting Sports and related activities along with advice on selection of a Rifle

This course combines classroom along with live fire range time. Practical Arms training provides all targets and needed documentation along with the NRA course materials.

You need to bring: A rifle with at least 50 rounds of Target Grade ammunition (NO RELOADS) along with hearing and eye protection.

Students completing this course will receive a certificate from the NRA in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

This NRA Basic Rifle class is a 14+-hour course with a fee of $95.00

No classes are currently scheduled.  If interested in this class click here and provide information on how we can assist. 

Basic Shotgun Course

The NRA Basic Shotgun Course will familiarize you with the correct operation and maintenance of all types of shotguns, along with teaching you how to handle and shoot them safely. The course is perfect for the new shotgun owner and serves as an introductory skills course for other more advanced hunting or competitive skeet/trap shooting courses. The core basics of safe shotgun usage are the lifelong building blocks for many other hunting or shooting sports. The ultimate goal of the Basic Shotgun course is to teach the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for owning and using a shotgun safely.

Any person of good character who is not legally disqualified from possessing a shotgun in the U.S. can attend this class. All persons of less than 18 years of age may only take this course with their parent or with an adult guardian.

Our NRA Certified Shotgun Instructor will teach this approximately 11 hour course. Depending on the class size and ability, the instructor may adjust lesson time to assure sufficient repetitions to develop skills.

Lessons:

  • Shotgun Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling
  • Ammunition Knowledge and the Fundamental of Safe Shotgun Operations
  • Fundamentals of Shotgun Marksmanship
  • Proper Cleaning and Storage of all types of Shotguns
  • Firing the First Shots
  • Shooting Sports and related activities along with advice on selection of a shotgun

This course combines classroom and live fire range time.

Practical Arms Training provides all targets and needed documentation along with the NRA course materials.

You need to bring: A shotgun with at least 50 rounds of Target Grade ammunition (NO RELOADS) along with hearing and eye protection.

Students completing this course will receive a certificate from the NRA in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

This NRA Basic Shotgun class is an 6+-hour course with a fee of $95.00.

No classes are currently scheduled.  If interested in this class click here and provide information on how we can assist. 

Personal Protection In the Home

The NRA Personal Protection in the Home course develops the basic knowledge, skills and attitude essential to the safe and effective use of a handgun for the protection of yourself and your family along with providing information on the law abiding persons right to self-defense in the home. This course is an advanced program for persons who hold conceal carry permits issued by their states. It allows for incorporating the members of the entire family into the safety plans and strategies for the home.

Our NRA Certified Instructor along with a State certified Conceal Weapons or Conceal Carry instructor will co-teach this 8-hour course.

Self-Defense and the Laws of Deadly Force for your state are covered along with what to do in the aftermath of a justified defensive shooting. Practical exercises in enhanced Gun Handling Skills, Safety Strategies and planning for how to respond or avoid Potential Threats around your home. Proven advice on firearm selections and ammunition choices along with additional equipment options (cell phones, lights, etc.) will be covered in the class.

Lessons:

  • Defensive Shooting Safety
  • Rules for Safe Gun Storage
  • Mental Preparations and Defensive Mindset
  • Developing Defensive Shooting Skills, Shooting Positions and Cover/Concealment

For this course you must have completed the NRA Basic Pistol Course or have a state issued Conceal Carry or CCH permit.

This course combines classroom and live fire range time with up to 100 rounds fired. Practical Arms Training provides all targets and needed documentation along with the NRA course materials.

You will need to bring: A handgun (any model other than a single action revolver), 150 rounds of ammunition along with a holster and belt. Extra magazines (or speed loaders) are encouraged but optional. You will need eye and hearing protection for this course.

Students completing this course will receive a certificate from the NRA in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

NRA Personal Protection in the Home is an 8-hour course with a class fee of $125.00.

No classes are currently scheduled.  If interested in this class click here and provide information on how we can assist. 

Personal Protection Outside the Home

The NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home course develops the basic knowledge, skills and attitude essential to the safe and effective use of a handgun for personal protection of yourself and your family along with providing information on the law abiding persons right to self-defense outside in real world situations. This course is an advanced program for persons who have completed Basic Pistol and/or Personal Protection in the Home and who have a current conceal carry permit issued by their state.

Our NRA Certified Instructor along with a State certified Conceal Carry instructors will co-teach this 9-hour Basic course.

Self-Defense and the Laws of Deadly Force for your state are covered along with what to do in the aftermath of a justified self-defense shooting. Practical exercises in enhanced Gun Handling Skills, Safety Strategies and planning for how to respond to or avoid Potential Threats in public. Proven advice on firearm selections, carry options and ammunition choices along with additional equipment options (cell phones, lights, etc.) will be covered in the class.

Lessons:

  • Concealed Carry Techniques
  • Presentation of a Firearm from Concealment (Holster and/or Purse)
  • Defensive Shooting Skills and Strategies
  • Handgun Safety
  • Legal Aspects of Gun Ownership and Self-Defense
  • The Aftermath of a Defensive Shooting

For this course you must have completed the NRA Basic Pistol Course and/or Personal Protection in the Home and have a state issued Conceal Carry permit.

This course combines classroom and live fire range time with up to 300 rounds fired. Practical Arms Training provides all targets and needed documentation along with the NRA course materials.

You will need to bring: A handgun (.380 caliber or above), 300 rounds of ammunition, along with a holster molded to fit your handgun and belt. Additional Equipment: (2) Extra magazines (or speed loaders), Knee pads, Conceal Carry garment along with eye and ear protection.

NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home – Basic is a 9-hour course.

NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home – Advanced is a 5-hour course.

(The Advanced course is conducted live on the range.)

No classes are currently scheduled.  If interested in this class click here and provide information on how we can assist. 

Basic Range Safety Officer

This course was designed to introduce experienced shooters to the basic duties of a Range Safety Officer (RSO). RSOs ensure that the users of a range follow range regulations in order to reduce property damage and personal injury. RSOs often have responsibilities to take action when circumstances require it. The RSO is the range’s official on the firing line to ensure safety and to help shooters.

Many ranges seek out volunteer Range Safety Officers and the NRA developed this course to help ranges train those RSOs. This course will empower you with the knowledge, skills and attitude essential to organizing, conducing and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.

Becoming a Range Safety Officer is similar to becoming a NRA Certified Instructor, with much harder testing and the maintaining of a certification card with the NRA.

Lessons:

  • Introduction to the NRA Basic Range Safety Officer Course
  • The Role of the NRA Range Safety Officer and Range Standard Operating Procedures
  • Range Inspection and Range Rules
  • Range Safety Briefing
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Firearm Stoppages and Malfunctions
  • Test and Review

NRA Range Safety Officers should be experienced shooters, involved in many aspects of target shooting, training, and range supervision. The NRA encourages active shooters to learn more and become responsible for the safety of fellow shooters through this program. There will be practical exercises with all types of firearms in this course, even if a shooter’s discipline does not require experience with those types.

This course does not include range time (class room setting only).

Students will receive feedback on the practical exercises conducted during the course. There is a short written test on the lesson material at the end of the course. A 90% score is required to obtain certification. In addition, certification will require mailing in the appropriate documents along with a $25 fee for processing.

Students completing this course will receive a certificate from the NRA in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

NRA Range Safety Officer class is a 9+- hour course with a fee of $120.00.

No classes are currently scheduled.  If interested in this class click here and provide information on how we can assist. 

Refuse to be a Victim

Refuse To Be A Victim® seminars promote awareness and prevention of criminal confrontations. Seminar topics include home, automobile, phone, technological, travel and personal security. Seminar participants are presented with a variety of common-sense crime prevention and personal safety strategies and devices they may integrate into their daily lives. The seminar is three to four hours long and open to the public.

The seminar is not about guns, nor is it about joining the NRA. It simply provides participants with the information about awareness and prevention of criminal confrontations. You will get the tools you need to develop your own personal safety strategy, including information and practical demonstrations on:

  • The Psychology of the Criminal Mind
  • Home and Phone Security
  • Automobile and Travel Security
  • Personal and Technological Security
  • Self-Defense Tools and Training Options

This program has been endorsed by members of the law enforcement community nationwide.This class is helpful in thinking through risky situations and access the tools needed before entering a situation.

There are no prerequisites for taking this course, and the material is accessible to appropriately supervised mature children. You are not required to own a firearm to attend this course.

Course Time: 3 – 4 Hours

Students completing this course will receive a certificate from the NRA in addition to printed materials useful for future reference.

Refuse to Be a Victim Fee: $45.00 per person

Please contact us for special pricing regarding seminars for Church groups, Women’s organizations and Community Watch programs.

No classes are currently scheduled.  If interested in this class click here and provide information on how we can assist. 

Gun Retention/Survival Techniques

The Practical Arms Gun Retention/Survival Techniques Class is designed to prepare the student for potential deadly threat encounters involving at least one firearm. In this training, students will learn to develop the necessary mindset in dealing with an aggressive assailant who is determined to take control of your firearm. In addition, students will learn and practice firearm protection techniques from a holstered position. Students will also learn and train in techniques of “last resort” where the assailant has a firearm and the student is caught by surprise.

Any person of good character who is not legally disqualified from possessing a handgun in the U.S. can attend this class. All persons of less than 18 years of age may only take this course with their parent or an adult guardian.

Our instructor, David Clinard, is a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer veteran of nearly 10 years and taught firearms instruction, officer survival, defensive tactics, and collapsible baton to the police officers at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Academy. In addition, David holds a 5th degree black belt master level instructor certification and has owned and operated martial arts schools around the U.S. for the last 30 years.

Lessons:

  • Fundamentals of the Survivor Mindset
  • Ideal Holster Concepts
  • Firearm Protection/Retention Techniques
  • “Firearm Takeaways” from an assailant

Practical Arms Training provides all of the necessary equipment for the successful completion of the class.

You need to bring: Regular, comfortable clothing with a belt. Students will participate and demonstrate “physical techniques” in a “hands on” classroom environment. Students are obligated to inform the instructor of any injuries or illnesses before participation will be granted.

Students who complete this course will receive a certificate of completion from Practical Arms Training and resource materials useful for future reference.

The Gun Retention/Survival Techniques Class is a 3+ hour class with a fee of $75.

No classes are currently scheduled.  If interested in this class click here and provide information on how we can assist. 

Private Training

Practical Arms offers customized private training geared to you and/or your groups specific requirements. We also offer private group training for 5 or more students. Please contact us here for additional information along with how we can assist you with your private training session.