El Paso Concealed Carry Classes

El Paso Concealed Carry Classes is run by Tom Fenton, a DPS-certified License to Carry instructor and NRA-certified pistol instructor based in El Paso's Upper Valley. Classes operate from a private, air-conditioned indoor range and classroom not open to the public.

Tom Fenton brings serious credentials to instruction. He's held a carry license since 1995 and has been teaching handgun courses for nearly a decade. Beyond firearms instruction, his background includes serving as former editor, publisher, and president of El Paso Times and as a UTEP journalism instructor. On the shooting side, he competes in five-stand, skeet, trap, and Cowboy Action matches at Fort Bliss—the latter involving timed events with single-action .45 pistols, lever-action rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. He's been shooting since age 5 and has attended the FBI Citizens Academy and U.S. Marshals Citizens Academy.

The standard course for carrying openly or concealed in Texas. The classroom portion runs 4-6 hours, followed immediately by a shooting proficiency demonstration.

Cost breakdown: - Instructor fee: $85 - Range use: $10 - Texas DPS application fee: $40 (down from $140; free for active-duty military) - Fingerprinting fee (Identigo): $10 - Total: up to $145

How it works: Classes start at 9 a.m. and include a 25-question written exam (you can miss 7 and still pass). The shooting proficiency test allows .22 caliber or larger handguns—revolvers or semi-automatics. You'll need 50 rounds of ammunition and eye/ear protection. If you don't own a gun, Fenton rents several handguns and can provide ammunition.

Important: The LTC course is NOT designed to teach beginners how to shoot. If you're new to firearms, take a prep course first.

Certificates are valid for two years. If you don't complete your DPS application within 90 days, your certificate expires and you lose any DPS payment made.

Offered in two formats:

• •Instructor-Led Only: Traditional classroom and range instruction, completed in a single day or multiple sessions. Covers gun safety rules, revolver and semi-automatic operation, ammunition selection, pistol selection and storage, shooting fundamentals, inspection and maintenance, marksmanship, and range safety. Students receive the NRA handbook, take the standardized exam, and earn a completion certificate.

• •Blended Training: Self-study eLearning module completed online on your schedule, followed by in-person classroom and range work with the instructor. You create a unique username/password and receive a Course Control Code to complete the online portion before arriving for the hands-on session.

• •Cost: $200 (by arrangement)

Half-day course ($100 minimum two students) covering basic principles for gun owners and non-gun owners. Covers: - Basic elements of gun safety (attitude, knowledge, skill) - Fundamental rules of safe gun handling - Identifying and unloading different firearm types - Different firearms and ammunition types - Cleaning and gun care - Gun storage options

Fenton's philosophy: "Guns are neither safe nor unsafe by themselves. When people practice responsible ownership and use, firearms are safe."

Half-day course ($100, minimum two students) for beginners or shooters brushing up skills. Covers handgun functions, pistol vs. revolver operation, ammunition types, dominant eye check, stance, grip, sight alignment, safe handling, cleaning, and storage. Fenton provides rental handguns and ammunition if needed. Students often pass the Texas LTC shooting proficiency test with ease after this prep course.

• •NRA Personal Protection In the Home
• •NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home
• •Texas Armed First Responder (newly added)

Fenton keeps several rental handguns available for students who don't own firearms or want to try different options before purchasing.

• •Location: Classes use a private indoor range in El Paso's Upper Valley off Westside Drive. The address is not publicized and only provided to registered students. The range is not open to the public.

• •Bring Driver's License Photo: Email or text a photo of your driver's license to speed up paperwork processing. Name on certificates must match your DL exactly or your LTC application will be rejected.

• •Gun Storage During Class: Do not bring firearms into the classroom. Store your handgun in your locked car (out of sight) during the classroom session. Fenton prefers guns to be unloaded when you arrive, though Texas law allows loaded handguns in locked, out-of-sight vehicles without a license.

• •Shooting Test Requirements: You must be able to operate your pistol with confidence. If a semi-automatic jams three times during the proficiency test, you'll be asked to change guns or withdraw from the class. Fenton will retest you at no charge once gun problems are resolved.

• •No Group Discounts on LTC: While additional classroom seats don't add cost, Fenton charges per student because of paperwork, liability, and six-year record-keeping requirements for each LTC student.

• •Phone/Text: (915) 637-5442
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Mail: 209 Noble St, El Paso, TX 79901 (administrative address only—not class location)

Courses are offered by arrangement. Check the website for next scheduled LTC course dates, or contact Tom directly to schedule private or small-group classes.