Checkpoint Tactical

Checkpoint Tactical is a disabled veteran-owned training company in Cranford, NJ running concealed carry classes and firearms instruction. The lead instructor is a US Navy veteran and retired police sergeant with over 25 years law enforcement experience, including time on his department's SWAT team and as a departmental firearms instructor for 20+ years. He's a graduate of FBI Sniper School and certified by the JHSPA and NRA.

Their core offering is 4-hour NJ Concealed Carry classes that exceed state requirements. You get:

• •Use of Force instruction (with written test)
• •Concealment techniques and holster drawing
• •Re-holstering and reloading under pressure
• •Low-light qualification scenarios
• •50-round qualification (HQC2 per NJSP guidelines): 10 rounds each at 15 yards, 10 yards, 7 yards, 5 yards, and 3 yards
• •Official NJSP SP 192 certification form
• •Instructor certificate for your permit application

Classes run 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM. They schedule dates regularly throughout 2026 and take private qualifications year-round.

"Everything taught will be documented on your certification. NJSP has made it clear what the training requirements will be. This training regimen is similar to what is required of active-duty and retired Police Officers."

They offer specialized training including:

• •Performance Pistol 1 & 2 - Advanced pistol technique courses
• •CCW Skill Builder - Shorter 2-hour refresher sessions
• •Defensive Pistol (outdoor, 3-7 PM)
• •Tactical Shotgun (outdoor, taught by retired officer with hunting background)
• •AR Rifle courses (outdoor)
• •PMO/Red Dot optics training
• •CPR/AED/STB certification (classroom)
• •Home Instruction - Firearms safety, care, cleaning, grip, stance, and tactical home assessment

You pick the location. They'll teach at:

• •Indoor ranges
• •Outdoor ranges
• •Your home (instruction + tactical assessment)
• •Your choice of paper or steel targets

William (Lead Instructor): Retired police sergeant, 25+ years law enforcement, SWAT team founder member, FBI Sniper School graduate, departmental firearms instructor for 20 years, NRA pistol instructor and RSO.

Joseph Cascarelli: Retired officer from NJ's second-largest police agency, 29 years law enforcement experience, concealed carry and shotgun instructor.

Alexandria: Owner of BIZ Fitness, current firefighter, NASM certified personal trainer, physical conditioning specialist.

For CCW class:

• •Modern semi-automatic handgun or revolver (no .22s)
• •3 magazines (speed strips/loaders for revolvers)
• •100 rounds factory ammo (original box)
• •Holster (IWB or OWB; leather or Kydex acceptable)
• •Quality belt and pants with belt loops
• •Eye and ear protection (amplified ear pro preferred)
• •Valid NJ FID Card

Don't bring: .22 pistols, Blackhawk Serpa holsters, push-button holsters, soft suede holsters, ankle/shoulder/small-of-back holsters.

This is technically a beginner class, but you must already know how to shoot safely. You'll need to pass a 60-round day-fire qualification and 40-round night-fire qualification. If you're new to firearms entirely, they'll design a custom course to get you range-ready first.

Checkpoint Tactical helps students navigate the NJSP online permit application. You'll need:

• •SBI number (fingerprinting)
• •Recent photograph (head and shoulders, light background)
• •Training record from Checkpoint (they provide this)
• •Your certification qualifies for the permit application
• •$200 application fee to NJSP
• •Four non-family references
• •Valid 2 years from approval

Since the 2022 Bruen decision, they've been qualifying students with courses that exceed new state standards. Out-of-state applicants can now apply for the NJ permit first, then get fingerprinted.

Call for specific class pricing. Extra gun on range: $25 each. Veteran and First Responder discounts available.

Location: P.O. Box 201, Cranford, NJ 07016 Phone: (908) 312-2047 Email: [email protected] Instagram: @checkpoint_tactical Hours: By appointment only—call to schedule home instruction, range time, or classes.

Monthly CCW classes (5:30 PM - 10:00 PM) on the 13th of each month, plus advanced courses:

• •Performance Pistol 1 & 2 (multiple dates)
• •CCW Skill Builder sessions
• •Defensive Pistol, Shotgun, AR, and optics courses
• •CPR/AED/STB certification

Follow Instagram for exact dates and registration.