Lead Instructors Archives - Albuquerque

S&H Instruction teaches New Mexico concealed carry courses in Albuquerque and Corrales, run by Heidi and Steve Chowning. Both are lifetime shooters, NRA-certified instructors, and active competitors in USPSA, Action Pistol, Sporting Clays, and 3-Gun matches—which means your instruction comes from people who actually shoot at a high level, not just instructors reading slides.

The standard concealed carry course is two days, $135. Day one and the morning of day two are classroom work covering New Mexico firearm laws, licensing procedures, and safety fundamentals. Afternoon of day two moves to the range for your qualification.

You'll shoot a marksmanship competency exam: 25 shots total—15 rounds at 3 yards and 10 rounds at 7 yards—at a 12×18 inch target. You need 4 points per hit with a minimum 72% to pass. If you don't own a handgun, they have rentals available.

Heidi Chowning is the top lady shooter at Action Pistol at Zia Rifle & Pistol Club and holds a University of New Mexico management degree. She worked in government for 25 years and serves as a board member at Zia Rifle & Pistol Club. She's NRA-certified as Range Safety Officer, First Steps instructor, Basic Pistol instructor, and Personal Protection in the Home instructor. Licensed NM DPS Concealed Carry Instructor #386.

Steve Chowning is a decorated US Navy combat veteran rescue swimmer, retired from the telco industry, and a distinguished expert in rifle, pistol, and shotgun. He holds NRA Pistol, Rifle & Shotgun Distinguished Expert certifications and is NRA-certified for the same range safety and instruction roles as Heidi. Licensed NM DPS Concealed Carry Instructor #387.

Both are USPSA Certified Range Officers and actively compete in shooting sports.

All courses are taught at Albuquerque Shooting Range Park on the west mesa near Double Eagle Airport.

> "I learned a lot and will be reviewing my notes often. For a novice it was really helpful! The entire course from a novice point of view was more informative on a range of info and more than I expected… Great job!" — Donna V.

You must be 21+ years old, a US citizen or permanent resident, and a New Mexico resident (or military/dependent permanently stationed in NM). Successful course completion is mandatory unless you're active military or honorably discharged within the past 20 years, or retired law enforcement with 15+ years service.

Your license is valid for 4 years from issue date. Military/veteran licenses are valid 5 years.

S&H also runs Two-Year Refresher Classes ($125) and Four-Year Renewal Classes ($125) for existing licensees. These involve re-qualifying with your current carry handgun and reviewing NM firearm laws and renewal paperwork.

Students consistently mention the instructors' patience, safety emphasis, and knowledge. One alumnus noted: "My instructor, Heidi, has a phenomenal ability to put everything into perspective. She is a great teacher who takes time to answer questions and offers a hands-on training method that allows everyone to feel safe and carry with confidence."

A retired military officer wrote: "You & Steve did an overall outstanding job. I especially enjoyed the collegial atmosphere in addition to the quality of instruction and wealth of experience that you & Steve brought to the course."

• •Phone: (505) 897-6700
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Mailing Address: PO Box 1322, Corrales, NM 87048
• •Course Cost: $125–$135

Register online – courses fill fast and you'll need to secure your spot ahead of time.