Laws in the various states require somewhat different standards and proficiency requirements for earning a Concealed Carry permit or license. Some states do not require a permit or license to conceal carry a firearm, such as Arizona and Vermont. Since Vermont does not issue permits, there is NO training requirement there, but, of course, this author recommends that anyone who decides to carry a concealed firearm obtain as much training as possible and practice often to be a responsibly armed citizen.
Required Proof Of Live – Fire Proficiency & Mandatory Class
Some states allow “Open Carry” of a firearm, e.g. Alaska, while others, like Florida, do not generally allow Open Carry. However, in my state of Florida, for example, the law at a minimum requires you to complete an approved Florida concealed carry class and submit proof of your competency with a firearm in live fire in order to qualify for a concealed carry weapon license. So, it is a mandatory requirement in Florida, as well as certain other states, that you demonstrate live-fire proficiency by shooting a handgun to get a concealed carry license. This is not true in some other states, but laws change frequently, so double-check with your state. Some states offer an enhanced concealed carry license, like Idaho, and there is a base license with basic requirements and more involved requirements for the enhanced license. During our COVID-19 pandemic at this time, only two states have laws that prohibit carrying a firearm while wearing a mask to protect others from COVID-19, California and Illinois. And Illinois clarifies and says it is not illegal as long as the mask wearer is not committing a crime while wearing a mask.
Practice… Practice… Practice
So again, I recommend as much training as possible and frequent practice, both formal and informal training and practice on your own. However, at this time and it is estimated for at least the next 6 months, ammo will be in short supply. And we still need to practice and train. So, I have a drill using only 15 rounds to help with this shortage. Here is a fundamental concealed carry drill I use for practice, in addition to other drills to practice specific skills. Some of our new students use it for very basic concealed carry practice to test their overall accuracy and precision hits and drawing their handguns. Remember, safety first always!
Col Ben’s Concealed Carry Drill – Description
- At a self-defense distance of seven yards
- Draw from concealment & place three hits on each of five circle targets
- The shooter fires 15 total shots on five5 circle targets
- Complete all 15 shots in 20 seconds
- Goal: Test your accuracy, precision, and speed for safely drawing and getting three hits each on five circle targets (total of 15 rounds), using 4.5 inch, 3.5 inch, 3 inch, and more challenging 2.5 inch circle targets at the tactical, 7-yards distance.
Col Ben’s Concealed Carry Drill – Timing Is Optional
My drill is for beginners and experienced shooters, so you can time the drill or not. But if you time the drill try to complete it in no more than 20 seconds. When just beginning, I suggest you not time the drill, but practice it until your comfortable with it, for safety reasons. Then when you feel more confident and safe, start timing it. More experienced shooters can move out to a distance of ten yards and then 15 yards and slightly raise the time to complete it, perhaps 24 seconds or so at perhaps ten yards, etc.
Col Ben’s Concealed Carry Drill – Goal
At first as a beginner, your goal should be to try to draw and get at least 12 of your 15 shots (80%) on targets at seven yards to minimally pass in 20 seconds or less.
Experienced shooters should try for 15 seconds or so. Or, try for 90% on targets. Or, go for both 15 seconds and 90% on targets. The point is to start slow at a conservative distance, so you do not get discouraged. This can be a very challenging drill, but have patience because it is worth it for your personal protection. Remember, safety first always!
Download, Print, And Share Col Ben’s Concealed Carry Drill & Targets
Permission to Download, Print, and share “Col Ben’s Concealed Carry Drill” is granted when my website address and copyright are included and kept on it. Click here to download the 5 Targets for my Concealed Carry Drill so you can print them and try my concealed carry challenge.
You can also download and print “Col Ben’s Concealed Carry Drill” and targets by going to my website.
Continued Success and BE SAFE!
* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.
© 2020 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For copyright information, contact Col Ben Findley at [email protected].
