Charlottesville

Virginia Gun Class in Charlottesville handles concealed carry training through instructor Rick Laughlin, who holds certifications from the United States Concealed Carry Association, NRA, and Washington, DC's CCW permit program. Complete the class, and you're eligible to apply for Virginia's Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)—valid across 36 states.

• •Concealed Carry Class - The entry-level course covers handgun operation, shooting techniques, and firearms safety alongside the legal and ethical weight of carrying a concealed weapon. You'll learn:

• •Personal protection planning and conflict avoidance
• •Four Universal Safety Rules
• •Handgun components, loading, unloading, and maintenance
• •Proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control
• •Legal use of force (reasonable force vs. deadly force)
• •Physiological reactions during violent encounters
• •Holster types and firearm security
• •Virginia carry law and 36-state reciprocity

"Carrying a loaded gun is not meant to bring some excitement into your life. When you carry a concealed handgun, you take on an extra burden and a significant responsibility to yourself, your family and your community."

• •Defensive Shooting Skills Class - For shooters with prior experience. This is range-based training focused on:

• •Speed and precision balance
• •Drawing from the holster
• •Clearing common malfunctions
• •Defensive shooting drills
• •Stance and movement in dynamic situations
• •Home defense and concealed carry tactics

Equipment required: Semi-automatic pistol, quality holster, multiple magazines, magazine carrier, suitable belt, eye and ear protection.

The curriculum breaks down into six practical sections:

1. Personal Protection Plans - Situational awareness, color codes of awareness, environmental observation 2. Handgun Basics - Double action vs. single action, revolver and semi-automatic operation, ammunition malfunctions 3. Shooting Fundamentals - Grip, stance, point shooting, sight shooting, flash sight picture, trigger control 4. Legal Use of Force - Reasonable force definition, deadly force law, the force continuum, when it applies in homes and property defense 5. Violent Encounters and Aftermath - Fight or flight responses, stress physiology, immediate post-incident steps, dealing with police 6. Gear and Gadgets - Holster retention levels, belt systems, lights, lasers

Classes meet at Holiday Inn Charlottesville (1200 5th St, Charlottesville, IL). Registration is online through the website—you get immediate email confirmation and text/email reminders before class.

Once certified, apply with your local circuit court. The permit costs up to $50, valid for 5 years. Virginia doesn't require a shooting qualification test to get the permit. Renewals can be mailed in between 90-180 days before expiration.

Rick Laughlin brings multiple certifications: - US Concealed Carry Association Certified Instructor - US Concealed Carry Association Training Counselor - NRA Certified Instructor - NRA Certified Range Safety Officer - Certified Washington, DC CCW Permit Instructor

Rick offers private instruction by appointment, though these operate independently from Virginia Gun Class.

Contact: - Email: [email protected] - Web: charlottesville.gunclass.com - Facebook: fb.com/VirginiaGunClassCharlottesville