



1908 Haywood Road
Hendersonville, NC 28791
(828) 595-2696
North Carolina Concealed Carry
Since 1995, North Carolina has allowed qualifying residents of the state to obtain a permit to carry a concealed handgun from the sheriff of the applicant’s home county. The permit is valid for five years unless it is revoked.

2026 COURSE DATES
January 3 and 24
February 14
March 14 and 28
April 11 and 25
May 16 and 30
June 13 and 27
July 11 and 25
August 15 and 29
September 12 and 26
October 10 and 24
November 14 and 28
December 12
NORTH CAROLINA CONCEALED CARRY COURSE
$135
What is Included in NC Concealed Carry Training Classes?
North Carolina concealed carry training classes are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and responsible mindset necessary to safely and legally carry a concealed handgun. These classes go beyond just firearm handling; they encompass legal aspects, ethical considerations, and conflict resolution techniques. The goal is to ensure responsible gun ownership and minimize the risk of accidental injury or misuse. In essence, NC concealed carry training includes instruction in firearms safety, North Carolina firearms laws, handgun fundamentals, and live-fire exercises.
Comprehensive Curriculum of NC Concealed Carry Training
The North Carolina Concealed Carry Handgun Permit course is standardized to meet the requirements set by the state. This ensures that regardless of where you take the class, you’ll receive comprehensive training that satisfies the legal mandates. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect:
Firearm Safety Rules
This is the bedrock of any responsible gun ownership training. Students learn and practice the four primary rules of firearm safety:
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Treat every gun as if it is loaded: This instills a constant awareness of the potential danger and encourages responsible handling.
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Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy: This rule emphasizes muzzle discipline and prevents accidental discharge from causing unintended harm.
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Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot: This prevents negligent discharges caused by accidentally depressing the trigger.
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Be sure of your target and what is beyond it: This focuses on target identification and the importance of understanding the potential consequences of every shot.
North Carolina Firearms Laws
A significant portion of the course focuses on North Carolina firearms laws. Understanding these laws is crucial for responsible concealed carry and avoiding legal repercussions. This section typically covers:
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Permitted and Prohibited Locations: Knowing where you are allowed to carry a concealed handgun and where it is prohibited by law (e.g., schools, courthouses, etc.).
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Use of Force Laws: Understanding the legal circumstances under which deadly force is justified in self-defense or defense of others.
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Castle Doctrine: Familiarizing yourself with the “Castle Doctrine” and its implications in North Carolina.
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Duty to Retreat: Understanding if and when you have a legal obligation to retreat before using deadly force.
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Transportation Laws: Rules and regulations regarding the transportation of firearms in vehicles.
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Interaction with Law Enforcement: Proper procedures for interacting with law enforcement officers while carrying a concealed handgun.
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Consequences of Violating Firearms Laws: Understanding the potential penalties for violating state firearms laws.
Handgun Fundamentals
This section focuses on the practical aspects of shooting a handgun accurately and effectively. Handgun fundamentals include:
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Grip: Proper grip technique for controlling recoil and maintaining accuracy.
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Stance: Stable and balanced shooting stance for improved accuracy.
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Sight Alignment and Sight Picture: Understanding the relationship between the front and rear sights and the target.
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Trigger Control: Smooth and consistent trigger pull for accurate shooting.
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Breathing Techniques: Controlling breathing to minimize movement during shooting.
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Dry Fire Practice: Techniques for practicing handgun fundamentals without using live ammunition.
Live-Fire Exercises
Live-fire exercises are a critical component of the course, allowing students to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in a controlled environment. These exercises typically involve:
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Basic Marksmanship Drills: Practicing shooting at targets from various distances.
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Drawing from a Holster: (If the facility permits and the instructor deems it safe) Practicing safely drawing a handgun from a holster.
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Reloading Drills: Practicing reloading a handgun efficiently.
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Malfunction Drills: Learning how to clear common handgun malfunctions.
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Shooting Under Stress: (In some advanced courses) Experiencing simulated stress scenarios to improve performance under pressure.
Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Techniques
While not always explicitly included, many reputable concealed carry courses are now incorporating conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. These techniques aim to avoid the use of deadly force whenever possible. This includes:
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Verbal De-escalation: Techniques for diffusing tense situations through communication.
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Situational Awareness: Developing heightened awareness of surroundings to identify potential threats.
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Avoiding Confrontation: Strategies for avoiding potentially dangerous situations.
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Understanding the Psychology of Conflict: Gaining insight into the factors that contribute to conflict escalation.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Beyond the legal statutes, responsible concealed carry necessitates a strong understanding of the ethical considerations involved in using deadly force. This section may cover:
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Moral and Ethical Responsibility: Understanding the moral implications of using deadly force.
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Post-Shooting Procedures: Knowing what to do after a self-defense shooting, including contacting law enforcement and seeking legal counsel.
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The Importance of Restraint: Emphasizing the need to exhaust all other options before resorting to deadly force.