Hammer Down Firearms Training

Hammer Down Firearms Training runs pistol, shotgun, and rifle courses in the Rochester area with a philosophy that sets them apart: they limit classes to 12 students with 6 instructors present during live-fire range time. That ratio matters when you're learning to handle firearms safely.

Their flagship offering is the 18-hour NY State Concealed Carry Permit Course, split across two days:

• •Day 1: NRA Basic Pistol (8.5 hours, 8:30am-5:30pm)
• •Day 2: Day 2 NY State Concealed Carry Training

You can take the days in any order. Cost is $160 for the NRA Basic Pistol course. The training covers:

• •Safety fundamentals (always the primary focus)
• •How pistols function and common malfunctions
• •Shooting fundamentals and proper technique
• •Live fire on the range (plan for 50 rounds)
• •Firearm cleaning and maintenance—you'll disassemble and clean your own gun
• •Legal use of force (NY Penal Law Article 35)
• •Defensive mindset and practical carry considerations

If you have a valid NY State permit, bring your own firearm, 50 rounds, and a cleaning kit. Don't have a permit yet? They provide guns, ammunition, and supplies for a $20 cash fee.

By the end, you'll have all the required paperwork and certificates needed to apply for your permit. They set aside time during Day 2 to answer application questions—leave blank anything you're unsure about and they'll walk you through it.

Their state-of-the-art virtual range simulator is a game-changer for skill building without ammunition costs. The setup includes:

• •Realistic training pistols for immersive practice
• •Mantis X laser training system with instant computer feedback on every shot
• •Projectile range drills using realistic pistols with reduced recoil and noise
• •Computer-analyzed shooting skills that identify exactly what needs work

This is available for Pistol Skills Practice sessions (no permit needed) and lets you develop marksmanship and defensive techniques with professional instruction and zero ammunition expense.

Pistol: - NRA Basic Pistol (8.5 hours, $160) - Pistol Skills Practice—Virtual Range (no permit required) - Intermediate Concealed Carry (advanced, invitation-required) - Dynamic Concealed Carry (advanced, invitation-required after completing Intermediate) - Private Pistol Instruction (custom one-on-one or group programs)

Shotgun: - Home Defender Shotgun Course - Private Shotgun Instruction

Rifle: - NRA Basic Rifle Class - Private Rifle Instruction

Intermediate and Dynamic Concealed Carry courses aren't open enrollment. You need demonstrated safe gun handling and accuracy to qualify, plus an HDFT instructor's approval and invitation. These live-fire action classes have specific safety, accuracy, and consistency requirements.

Training happens at two locations depending on season and range availability: - Genesee Conservation League in Penfield, NY - American Legion in Scottsville, NY

The course location is listed when you register online. After you sign up, you'll get a confirmation email plus detailed instructions from Hammer Down with the training site address and what to bring.

• •Phone: (585) 340-7525
• •Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• •Location: Rochester, NY area

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