Albuquerque

George Jackson teaches concealed carry classes at Del Norte Gun Club in Rio Rancho, NM. He's got the credentials: NRA Certified Instructor, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Certified Instructor, MAG-40 graduate from Massad Ayoob Group, and trained at Front Sight Firearms Training Institute.

Thousands of shooters have taken his classes to qualify for New Mexico's Concealed Handgun License (CHL), which is recognized in 37 states.

• •Concealed Carry Class - The foundation course for anyone wanting to carry legally. You'll learn:

• •Handgun operation (components, loading, maintenance)
• •Shooting fundamentals (grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control)
• •Firearms safety (storage, handling, transportation)
• •Legal and ethical responsibilities of carrying
• •Use of force laws specific to New Mexico
• •Physiological reactions to violent encounters
• •Range time with supervised qualification shooting

You need a 72% score on the qualification shoot and safe gun handling throughout.

• •Defensive Shooting Skills Class - For shooters who already have some experience. Focus is on practical defensive mechanics:

• •Range training in crucial handgun skills
• •Balance between speed and precision
• •Stance and movement under stress
• •Clearing malfunctions
• •Drawing from the holster
• •Multiple defensive shooting drills

• •No gun? No problem. Firearms are available to rent during the qualification portion for a small fee (bring ammo separately). Beginners are welcome—the class covers shooting fundamentals from scratch.

• •What to bring: Notepad, pen, a good attitude, open mind. If you're taking Defensive Shooting Skills, bring your semi-automatic pistol, quality holster, multiple magazines, magazine carrier, proper belt, and eye/ear protection.

New Mexico CHL requirements: - At least 21 years old (18-20 with certain military service) - US citizen or permanent resident - Pass background checks - Permit costs $78.25, valid for 5 years

"When you carry a concealed handgun, you take on an extra burden and a significant responsibility to yourself, your family and your community. You carry the means to protect life and deal out death. You will be held to a higher standard of conduct."

You can carry one concealed handgun at a time (more than one is legal but only one concealed on your person). You cannot carry in:

• •Schools or university premises (except vehicle if 19+)
• •Preschools
• •Courts (without judge consent)
• •Tribal land (unless authorized)
• •Public buses
• •Federal properties
• •Airport security zones

You can carry in national parks and wildlife areas with your NM permit.

• •Important: No alcohol while carrying. Period. New Mexico law is clear: impairment from alcohol, controlled substances, or certain medications is prohibited.

Classes are held at Del Norte Gun Club, 208 Torcido Road NW, Rio Rancho. You apply for your CHL online through New Mexico Department of Public Safety, then must appear in person at your county probate court. Expect 8-12 weeks for background investigation and license issuance.

Renewal is $30 and valid for another 5 years. You can renew up to 90 days early or 30 days late.

Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before class. Otherwise, payment applies to a future class. You can reschedule up to five times. After that, registration is canceled.

You'll get an email confirmation immediately upon registration, then text and email reminders a few days before class.