Rainey Firearms Training

Rainey Firearms Training is an NRA certified and NCDOJ certified concealed carry instruction operation run by Craig Rainey across North Carolina. The core philosophy is simple: safety first, competence always.

Rainey doesn't just shuffle students through a classroom to collect permit fees. The NC Concealed Carry course runs a full 8 hours of instruction plus range qualification—no shortcuts. That classroom time covers state law, rights, responsibilities, and proper handling fundamentals. Then you move to hands-on training with firearms before heading to the range for live fire qualification.

Complete beginners. Rainey explicitly welcomes people with zero shooting experience. The "Intro to Handguns" segment teaches proper grip, loading, handling, and stance before you ever see a range. This prevents the bad habits that take years to unlearn.

Permit renewals. If your NC concealed carry permit expired, this isn't a boring repeat—instructors cover situational awareness, home security, storage methods, and real-world scenarios beyond state minimums.

Women shooters. The training specifically addresses women's safety concerns and comfort levels. Multiple testimonials mention feeling at ease in a supportive environment rather than intimidated.

People with old firearms. Bring a gun you haven't fired in years. Instructors will check it for rust, gumming, or internal damage before you use it.

• •NC Concealed Carry Permit training (CHP certificate issued for NC Sheriff)
• •Intro to Handguns (hands-on fundamentals for beginners)
• •Situational Awareness courses
• •Women's Safety training
• •One-on-one private instruction
• •Private group classes available
• •Range Safety Officer training
• •NRA Refuse to Be a Victim instruction
• •Handgun rentals ($10 per class)

Craig Rainey teaches across all North Carolina counties. Classes are currently held in the Huntersville and Denver area with range qualifications at local facilities. After registration, you receive detailed location and logistics via email.

You cannot carry a pistol concealed in public without the permit. An NC CHP also: - Eliminates waiting periods when buying firearms - Allows same-day gun purchases (you're already background checked) - Only NC permit works in North Carolina—no other state's permit is accepted - Legally allows carrying in more public areas than open carry - Protects you legally if you're ever questioned by law enforcement

Without the permit, you're either open carrying (tactical disadvantage, draws attention) or carrying illegally (felony).

Rainey consistently hears from students that:

• •Instruction goes way beyond state minimums. Real-life scenarios, home security, storage, and situational awareness, not just "pass the test" material.
• •One-on-one range time matters. Craig personally works with each student at the range, adjusting stance, grip, and technique.
• •Patience with beginners is genuine. Retired military, former gun owners, and people picking up a firearm for the first time all report feeling confident afterward.
• •The classroom keeps you engaged. Interactive segments, real-world videos, and hands-on handling practice prevent the typical boring certification class vibe.

A retired military officer with special forces weapons training said: "I found Craig's course invaluable for learning the rights and responsibilities associated with legal and safe handgun carry. His instruction style is first class."

Multiple women wrote that they felt "comfortable and knowledgeable" instead of nervous, particularly appreciating the patient, respectful approach.

Cheaper concealed carry classes exist. Craig's take: "Just acquiring your permit doesn't mean you're any good at using your firearm or even worse, not good at how to safely handle it. That's because if you've taken the wrong concealed carry class, YOU could be the danger."

The emphasis is safety and competence, not the cheapest path to a piece of paper.

Rainey doesn't sell firearms or ammunition, but the website recommends specific gear based on what students discuss in class:

Holsters: DeSantis pocket and trigger holsters, belly band carry

Lights: Olight Mini pistol lights, solar motion sensor lights

Safes: Gunvault no-eyes speed access safes, gun safes with tumbler locks, Champion/Safeguard/Superior steel plate fire-rated safes

Accessories: Maglula speedloaders, DOT the 'i' tritium sights, shooter lube, trigger locks, door stoppers

Non-lethal: Sabre pepper spray, personal alarms

Referenced firearms (for research, not sales): SIG SAUER P365, Mossberg Shockwave, Springfield Hellcat, FN 509C

Gift certificates available. Check the website for open class dates and register early—classes fill up. After payment and registration, you'll get specific addresses, parking info, and what to bring (hearing and eye protection are mandatory at ranges).