Beginners Pistol + CWP Class in Columbia SC

We get multiple calls each week from folks who’d like a Concealed Weapons Permit but have no experience with a handgun. Traditionally these students take our Beginners Pistol course first, then return for our CWP class — two separate classes, two days, two tuitions. So, we created Beginners Pistol + CWP: an all-in-one class that teaches beginners how to shoot AND covers the material required to earn a CWP, all in a single day.

Beginners Pistol is geared toward people new to handguns who are interested in learning gun safety and how to shoot well.

The CWP portion is an abbreviated version of our popular CWP class covering just the SLED-required material necessary to pass the exam.

What you’ll learn

• Causes of gun accidents
• Four cardinal rules of gun safety
• Parts of a pistol
• Pistol maintenance
• Proper firearms storage
• Ammunition and malfunctions
• Loading/unloading a semiautomatic pistol
• Shooting fundamentals
• South Carolina law
• Self-defense law
• Live fire on a shooting range
• CWP shooting qualification — 25 rounds

Students receive a comprehensive resource packet to take home that summarizes the class and includes the completed application with instructions on how to process it with SLED.

Class details

• Duration: 8 hours of training
• Class size: held at Mid-Carolina Rifle Club, geared for no more than 8 students at a time (exceptions can be made)
• Firearm and ammo: a .22LR pistol is provided along with 50 rounds of ammunition. Additional .22LR ammunition is available for purchase for $10/box.
• Bringing your own? You’re welcome to — holsters are required in that case.
• Higher-caliber rentals are available, and ammunition in 9mm, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, and .38 Special can be purchased in class.
• The class promptly starts at the time indicated.

FAQs

Is this the right class if I’ve never touched a handgun?
Yes. The class is built for people with little or no handgun experience. You’ll cover safe handling and shooting fundamentals first, then move into the CWP-specific material and qualification.

Do I need to bring a handgun?
No. A .22LR pistol and 50 rounds of ammunition are provided. You’re welcome to bring your own — just bring a holster if you do.

How is this different from taking Beginners Pistol and the CWP class separately?
It combines both into one class, saving you a second class day and a second tuition. Some students prefer that continuity; others prefer to take Beginners Pistol first, practice for a while, and return for the CWP class later.

Reschedules: enrolled clients are permitted to reschedule one (1) time. Failure to show up to the rescheduled date forfeits any tuition or deposits already paid. Safe Family Defense LLC reserves the right to reschedule any class due to low enrollment or severe weather.

Prohibited firearms: Sig Sauer P320 and all variants of the P320, Hi-Point, Lorcin, Standard Arms, Jennings, Bryco, Jimenez Arms, Charter Arms, Rohm, AMT .380 Backup, Remington R51, Diamondback DB380, Bersa Thunder 380CC, SCCY.

Reserve Your Beginners Pistol + CWP Seat — Book online to lock in your date.