South Branch Armory started as a continuation of training classes after the passing of Robert (Bob) Starer, founder of Historic Arms Corporation—a Virginia gun show fixture for nearly 20 years. Today, the company trains roughly 1,000 students per year in firearms safety, concealed carry permits, and...
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Full description and what we offer
South Branch Armory started as a continuation of training classes after the passing of Robert (Bob) Starer, founder of Historic Arms Corporation—a Virginia gun show fixture for nearly 20 years. Today, the company trains roughly 1,000 students per year in firearms safety, concealed carry permits, and custom AR platform builds.
The business specializes in multi-state permit training. Here's what they offer:
Covers Virginia firearm laws, handgun safety, nomenclature, operation, and self-defense law. Virginia is a "Shall Issue" state—once you pass the background check, your permit is recognized in 35 states total.
Why Utah? A Virginia permit + Utah permit = reciprocity in 38 states. Covers Utah criminal code, handgun fundamentals, and practical legal considerations. All materials, fingerprinting, and 2×2 photos provided during class.
Get both permits in one sitting. Covers Virginia and Utah laws. Fingerprinting and 2×2 photos done at class end for $30 additional (or bring your own).
Maryland requires a 16-hour class with shooting qualification—South Branch Armory built this to satisfy all state requirements while also certifying you for Virginia and Utah permits in the same weekend.
This is where students build their own AR-15 from parts. No tools required—everything needed is provided.
What you build: - Calibers: .223/5.56, .300 Blackout, or other calibers by arrangement - Components: US-made Mil-Spec receivers, barrels, full-float handguards, low-profile gas blocks - Result: Fully assembled, serialized, 100% legal federal firearm
Example pricing (5.56 NATO 16" carbine): - Total: $1,113.00 (with tax) - 50% deposit required to register: $556.50 - Remainder due at class: $556.50
Class details: - Prerequisite: Basic firearms safety knowledge - Each step explained and supervised - Ask questions, take notes - Leave with your rifle in hand (VA residents) or have it shipped to an FFL (out-of-state) - Registration closes 1 week prior - Bring ammo for testing at Panthera facility
South Branch Armory offers custom Cerakote design and application—specific pricing and turnaround not listed on website; contact directly.
All classes require a 50% deposit to secure your spot; remainder due at class time. Registration typically closes 1 week before class dates.
They're not a one-off training shop—they conduct advanced firearms training with ~1,000 students yearly. They handle all the permit paperwork and provide fingerprinting/photos in-class. On the AR-15 build side, you walk out with a rifle you assembled using quality components, with all the federal licensing handled in-house.
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