Safe Family Defense
Safe Family Defense teaches SC Concealed Weapons Permit classes and firearms training in Greater Columbia with one core principle: you get what you pay for. While other instructors push students through fast and cheap, Safe Family Defense takes the opposite approach—teaching the lifestyle alongside ...
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Safe Family Defense teaches SC Concealed Weapons Permit classes and firearms training in Greater Columbia with one core principle: you get what you pay for. While other instructors push students through fast and cheap, Safe Family Defense takes the opposite approach—teaching the lifestyle alongside the law.
"One bad decision can land you behind bars for life. With stakes that high, do you think choosing the fastest, cheapest class is the best way to go?"
Their instructors bring serious credentials. Joe Shahoud has taught over 1,000 students and holds NRA certifications in firearms instruction, range safety, basic pistol, and home firearms safety. Keith Mallon spent 21+ years in the US Army and Army National Guard, plus worked SWAT, DEA Task Force, and narcotics with Greenwood County Sheriff's Office. Derek Spoor brings nearly 20 years of active Marine service, including combat marksmanship instruction to thousands of Marines and Sailors, plus competition shooting experience.
All instructors hold SLED certification to teach and administer South Carolina CWP classes.
South Carolina is constitutional carry, but a CWP still matters:
- •Out-of-state carry – Your SC permit is recognized in other states; constitutional carry isn't
- •Gun purchases – No background check delays or denials when buying with a CWP
- •Legal penalties – Carrying without a permit comes with stricter penalties if issues arise
- •Peace of mind – Proper training and permitting protects you legally
| Class | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SC CWP & The Concealed Lifestyle | $85/student (8+ minimum) | Private group only. Full-day (8am-5pm). Covers law, self-defense law, safety, conflict avoidance, situational awareness, shooting fundamentals, concealed carry lifestyle. Includes comprehensive resource packet. |
| Beginners Pistol + CWP | $129 | Combines shooting fundamentals with CWP certification. For those new to handguns. |
| Beginners Pistol | $109 + range fee | 3+ hours. Covers safety rules, pistol parts, maintenance, storage, ammo, loading/unloading, grip, sight alignment, trigger press, stance, live fire. .22LR pistol and ammo provided. Max 4 students. |
| Defensive Pistol Tactics | $225 (currently $30 off) | 4 hours. Intermediate/experienced shooters only. Dynamic self-defense scenarios. 8-student minimum for private groups. |
| Personal Training | $50-75/hour + range fee | One-on-one instruction. First hour $75, subsequent hours $50. |
Location: Mid-Carolina Rifle Club, 3435 Fish Hatchery Rd, Gaston, SC 29053 (about 5 minutes from Columbia Airport)
Phone: 803-814-3315
They teach as much about the concealed carry lifestyle as the law itself—conflict avoidance, situational awareness, and the mindset that keeps you from becoming a victim in the first place.
- •Private group classes – Not crowded public classes with strangers
- •Flexible scheduling – Choose dates that work for your group
- •Tailored instruction – Great for friends, family, church groups, work teams, or neighborhood communities
- •Resource packets – Students go home with comprehensive training materials and SLED application instructions
- •Gun rentals available – Pistol, holster, eye/ear protection for $10 if you don't own
- •Ammo available – 9mm, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, .22LR sold in class
For CWP classes, students must show at least fundamental pistol proficiency to pass the shooting qualification. If you're completely new, start with Beginners Pistol first. Beginners Pistol requires no firearm—they provide a .22LR pistol with 50 rounds included.
Prohibited firearms: Hi-Point, Lorcin, Standard Arms, Jennings, Bryco, Jimenez Arms, Charter Arms, Rohm, AMT .380 Backup
Safe Family Defense was featured on WLTX News 19 and instructors have been recognized on Lessons.com's Best Teachers of 2022 list in Columbia.