CCW & Firearm Training

CCW Class & Multi-State Permit Info

Good news! I’ve found a highly recommended CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) class through a trusted gunsmith I’ve been working with. For those interested, this page serves as a reference for anyone considering joining me. This page will cover the process of obtaining both a California CCW (county-specific) and the popular Utah non-resident CCW, which provides reciprocity in over 30 states, including places I visit like Nevada and Idaho.

We are aiming to schedule the class sometime between May and June, giving us all time to purchase a firearm (if needed) and get some range time before the class. This will be a private event (though likely within a larger public class), so please only invite friends, spouses, or trusted people—this isn’t meant to fill the class with random attendees.

Class Info

Location:

El Dorado Hills, CA

California CCW Class (Initial & Renewal)

Approved for the following counties:

El Dorado

Placer

Sacramento

San Joaquin

Yolo

Note: If you live in Sacramento or San Joaquin County, it’s recommended to complete your sheriff’s interview before taking the class. The instructors can help guide you through the process.

Initial California CCW Permit:

16-hour course — $275 (includes $20 range fee & qualification with up to 3 handguns)

Renewal every 2 years

Renewal California CCW Permit:

8-hour course — $195 (includes $20 range fee & qualification with up to 3 handguns)

Additional handgun qualification — $15 per firearm

Important: California CCW permits are issued by your county sheriff but are valid throughout the state (except in restricted areas).

Utah Non-Resident CCW Permit (32-36 States, including Nevada & Idaho)

The Utah CCW is an excellent addition if you travel, offering legal concealed carry in 32+ states.

Cost: $175

No shooting required (classroom only)

Approx. 4-hour class

Valid for 5 years ($25 renewal)

You do NOT need a California CCW to get the Utah permit.

States covered include:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

How to Join

If you’re interested in joining us, please reach out. Again, this is intended to be a trusted group, so feel free to invite close friends or family who are genuinely interested, but let’s avoid filling the class with random participants.

I’ll keep this page updated with final class dates, sign-up details, and any additional info as we get closer.

Purchasing a Firearm in California

Buying a firearm in California is a bit of a process, but with the right approach and a reputable local dealer, it can go smoothly. Here’s what you need to know if you’re getting started:

Credentials

You will need to take a Firearm Safety Certificate test in order to receive the FSC to become eligible to buy a firearm. This is mandatory and generally costs $25 and can be given at any FFL (Gun Store). This is the one time I suggest you go to a big box store such as Bass Pro or Sportsmans Warehouse as they have signage all over with a large majority of the answers in plain view, however if you read the study guide once, you will know the mostly common sense answers. Once you pass this test, you will be given a laminated card with your info. DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD. You need this card for every firearm purchase during its 5 year span. This is outside of a Background Check or a Live Scan request. 

Where to Buy

Skip the big box stores like Big 5, Turner’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Bass Pro. Instead, find a well-established, independent gun shop (FFL) that has a reputation for great service and, importantly, one that supports “Release on Undetermined” status. This is crucial if you get stuck in a delay.

For my local recommendations, check out J&G Gunsmithing in Granite Bay. Tell them I sent you — just mention “the car wash and donuts guy.”

The Purchase Process

1. Find a reputable FFL and purchase or order your firearm.

2. Your 10-day waiting period begins.

3. If this is your first firearm purchase, there’s a strong chance the California DOJ will place you on Delayed status.

Important:

A delay is NOT a denial. It just means more time is needed for background verification. You’ll likely receive:

• A call or email from the gun shop.

• A letter from the DOJ suggesting a Live Scan (fingerprinting).

While getting a Live Scan can be helpful to clear up future delays, it is NOT required to complete this purchase.

4. Contact your FFL and ask how they handle delays. Quality shops will “Release on Undetermined” after 30 days if no further DOJ action occurs. So, your 10-day wait becomes more like a 30-day+ wait, which is frustrating—but that’s the reality in California.

Optional: COE (Certificate of Eligibility)

If you want to get ahead of potential delays, you can apply for a COE (Certificate of Eligibility).

It’s valid for one year.

It performs a deeper background check that might prevent delays, but it’s not guaranteed.

Ammo Purchases

Once you’ve legally purchased a firearm through a California FFL within the past 5 years, you’re eligible for instant ammo purchases (in any caliber). You just complete a quick check and can leave with ammo the same day — usually within 10-20 minutes.

If you haven’t purchased a firearm in the last 5 years, buying ammo means:

A background check.

10-day wait.

Possible 30-day delay.

Online Firearm Purchases

I haven’t personally bought a gun online and had it shipped to an FFL yet, but I may try in the future and document the process. For now, I recommend starting with trusted local shops like J&G Gunsmithing to keep things simple.

Long-Term Goals & Firearm Training

My goal with all of this is simple:

To become safe, competent, and confident with firearms through proper education and hands-on experience. To trap and clay enough to succesfully upland and waterfowl hunt. To show those around me how to navigate the seemingly insane processes for owning firearms in California. 

Classes

These classes are the most affordable and local path I’ve found to build a solid foundation, and I highly recommend them if you’re serious about improving your skills the right way.

If you’re interested in joining me for some of these courses down the line, stay tuned! I’ll post updates here as plans come together.

Training Roadmap

Protecting Your Home and Family – $99 (first family member, $49 each additional)

This is a must-do class for anyone wanting to understand home defense. It’s designed for ages 14 and up and covers:

How to prevent home intrusions and violent crime

Developing a family defense plan

Legal rights in home defense situations

Hardening your home against being targeted

Length: 3+ hours (classroom only)

Basic Pistol with Defensive Shooting – $225 (plus ammo, includes range fee)

Start here if you’re new or just need a refresher. This class is all about mastering the basics, including:

Safe firearm handling

Proper grip, stance, and sight alignment

Defensive shooting fundamentals

Shooting 150 rounds on the range

Ages 14 and up welcome

Rental handguns available for $30 if you don’t have one yet.

Intermediate Defensive Handgun Shooting – $225 (plus ammo, includes range fee)

Once you’re comfortable, this course takes you from basic target shooting to real defensive shooting. You’ll learn to:

Shoot quickly and accurately under pressure

Engage multiple assailants

Develop instinctive shooting skills without relying on sights

Fire 150 rounds on the range

Advanced Defensive Handgun Shooting – $250 (plus ammo, includes range fee)

Prerequisite: Intermediate Defensive Shooting

This is the ultimate next step for advanced defensive skills. The class covers:

Multiple assailant engagement

Emergency reload drills

Shooting from behind cover

Low-light and simulated night shooting scenarios

Another 150 rounds on the range

Why Take These Classes?

Whether you’re getting a CCW, looking to defend your home, or just want to be a responsible firearm owner, these classes provide structured, professional instruction to make sure you know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it safely.

For me, this is about getting to a base level of real-world competency, and I couldn’t ask for a better, local, and affordable way to make that happen.

More details to come as I schedule these—reach out if you want to join!

Current Status

I will be taking the first CA CCW class sometime from May to June. Currently i am waiting to pick up my S&W M&P 9 Shield from J&G Gunsmithing. Once I pick up, its time to go train at the range. Once I can qualify, I will book the class. 

If you want to join:

Buy or have a handgun.

Let me know ASAP

Join the class