
First State Firearms Training operates out of Delaware with two NRA Certified Instructors—Jeff Johnson and Dave Johnson—who bring together military service, firearms industry experience, and a commitment to responsible gun ownership. Jeff Johnson started shooting at five years old and served eight y...
Own Delaware Concealed Carry Course?
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Full description and what we offer
First State Firearms Training operates out of Delaware with two NRA Certified Instructors—Jeff Johnson and Dave Johnson—who bring together military service, firearms industry experience, and a commitment to responsible gun ownership.
Jeff Johnson started shooting at five years old and served eight years in the Delaware Army National Guard's 153rd Military Police Company, deploying to Iraq with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He earned his Excellence in Competition badge and Governor's Twenty tab for marksmanship, worked as a Range Officer for Delaware's Division of Fish & Wildlife, and has been teaching since the company's founding.
Dave Johnson is a retired Air Force officer (1969-1990) with a Civil Engineering degree who qualified Expert in handgun, rifle, and machine gun. He operated Johnson's Sporting Goods as a federally licensed dealer for twelve years and has over a decade of retail firearms experience before transitioning to full-time instruction.
This is the foundational course that meets both Delaware's Handgun Qualified Purchaser Permit AND Concealed Carry of a Deadly Weapon (CCDW) permit requirements in a single training session. Delaware law requires identical training for both permits—no separate Permit to Purchase class needed.
Course Structure: - Classroom instruction covering firearm safety, shooting fundamentals, and Delaware/federal law on handgun ownership, transportation, storage, and use of force - Interactive shooting simulator exercises - Live-fire instruction and practical range exercises at Alex Acres Rifle & Pistol Range (Galena, MD) - Full day, single location - Appropriate for beginners and experienced shooters alike
What You Need: - Handgun (rental packages available) - At least 2 magazines - 100 rounds of ammunition - Eye and hearing protection - Appropriate clothing and hydration
Maryland requires sixteen (16) hours of training total. First State's Delaware course covers the first eight hours, and this add-on completes the requirement.
Course Structure: - Advanced classroom instruction with scenario-based exercises - Interactive Use of Force Simulator training - Live-fire qualification and practical application at Alex Acres - Second day of training (Delaware course must be completed first) - Renewal Option Available: If you already hold a Maryland Wear & Carry Permit, select the renewal track to complete eight (8) hours of refresher training in one day - Military exemption: Current and prior military members are exempt from Maryland's training requirement
Materials Required: - Handgun (rentals available) - At least 2 magazines - 100 rounds of ammunition - Eye and hearing protection - Appropriate clothing and hydration
For residents and non-residents seeking NJ concealed carry. This course meets New Jersey's Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation (CCARE) Protocol.
Course Structure: - Two-hour live-fire course at Alex Acres - Typically offered upon request or as an add-on to the Delaware course
Materials Required: - Handgun (rentals available) - At least 2 magazines - 100 rounds of ammunition - Quality belt-mounted holster - Eye and hearing protection - Appropriate clothing and hydration
For experienced shooters looking to sharpen advanced skills. This is not a beginner course—students must already understand firearm safety, shooting fundamentals, and know their own firearm.
Topics Covered: - Proper gear selection and placement - Ready positions - One-handed and two-handed holster draw - One-handed and two-handed reloads - Malfunction clearing - Retention shooting - Shooting while moving and from cover
Course Structure: - Four hours of dedicated range time at Alex Acres - Small class sizes for personalized instruction
Materials Required: - Your own handgun (no rentals) - At least 2 magazines - At least 200 rounds of ammunition - Quality belt-mounted holster - Quality belt-mounted spare magazine pouch - Eye and hearing protection - Appropriate clothing and hydration
One-on-one or small group instruction fully customized to your experience level and goals. Perfect for first-time shooters or experienced carriers refining specific skills.
Course Structure: - Two hours of dedicated range time at Alex Acres - Fully customized to your needs - Contact to schedule
Same-Day Multi-State Training: Combine courses on the same day. Add New Jersey to your Delaware course with additional ammunition (50 rounds) and a quality belt-mounted holster. When combining Delaware + Maryland, you'll complete all 16 hours required for Maryland in two days.
First State also provides resources and guidance for: - Florida Concealed Weapon License (CWL) – Non-residents can take the Delaware course and use it to apply - Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) – Non-residents can take the Delaware course and use it to apply - Both Florida and Arizona permits allow carry while in Delaware
"The CCDW class was both informative and engaging. Jeff and Dave weave in anecdotal stories to help explain the laws and challenge our instinctual reactions compared to the reactions of responsible gun owners. It was nice to be a part of the class and it helped make the time go quickly. When we got on to the range, Jeff and Dave made these 2 first timers feel comfortable with the gun." — Nikki M.
"Awesome concealed carry training class. Jeff and Dave are very professional and led good discussions. The simulator situations make you aware of how to react in possible real-life scenarios. I would take this class again just for the simulator. Highly recommend them for your concealed carry training." — Rodney S.
"Outstanding instruction from real professionals. Fluent in carry laws from numerous states. I have had a WA and TX CHL previously so Jeff was able to color in the differences immediately. Range instruction was excellent one on one instruction. I am extremely happy i went with First State Firearms for my concealed weapons firearms training." — Rease G.
Don't own your own handgun? First State includes rental packages at checkout that provide everything you need: firearm, ammunition, and protective equipment.
Gift certificates available for any course.
Contact at least 24 hours prior to reschedule. No refunds provided.
📞 (302) 834-0333 📧 [email protected]
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