Columbia’s Premier Firearms Training Academy

SC CWP & The Concealed Lifestyle — Columbia SC Concealed Weapons Permit Class

SC CWP & The Concealed Lifestyle is our premier South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit class in the Greater Columbia area — a private-group class for shooters who are already comfortable operating a handgun. It goes beyond the SLED-required curriculum to prepare you for the day-to-day realities of legally carrying concealed: mindset, decision-making, and responsible everyday habits.

Group Rate: $85/student — 8-student minimum.

Why Would I Want a CWP With SC Being a Constitutional Carry State?

SC CWP & The Concealed Lifestyle — Columbia SC Concealed Weapons Permit Class

This is not a shooting class. Students are expected to have at least a fundamental level of proficiency in shooting and operating a pistol to pass the SLED shooting qualification. Not sure you’re ready? Start with our Beginners Pistol + CWP or Beginners Pistol class first.

Who this class is for

  • Shooters with existing handgun proficiency who want their South Carolina CWP
  • Families, friends, coworkers, church groups, or neighborhood groups who prefer training together (8+ students)
  • Anyone who wants CWP training that goes beyond a “rubber stamp” free class

What’s more important: free, or true quality training that actually prepares you for the concealed carry lifestyle?

If you want a few-hour class that’s worth nothing, our class isn’t for you. If you’re looking for 5-star, comprehensive training that’s actually worth paying for, this is the class you’re looking for.

SC CWP & The Concealed Lifestyle is a unique class unlike any other CWP classes offered in the Greater Columbia area. It’s only offered to private groups of 8 or more — the welcomed alternative to large, public classes full of strangers. If you’re looking to get your CWP but prefer an elevated, private experience with family and friends, this is the class for you.

Benefits of a private-group class

  • Enjoy being with a group of like-minded people who share the same values
  • Great for friends and family, company work groups, or team-building events
  • Church groups and neighborhood community groups welcome
  • Receive the individual attention you deserve
  • No fear of embarrassment among strangers
  • Choose a day that works best for your group
  • Food and refreshments can be brought in
  • A higher tier of training tailored to your group’s needs

Class description

This class goes beyond the SLED-required course and qualification exam by preparing and guiding the student for the concealed carry lifestyle. This isn’t your typical CWP class. You’ll leave with a completely different mindset that helps eliminate you from becoming a victim in the first place.

What you’ll learn

  • South Carolina law and the law of self-defense
  • Firearm safety
  • Conflict avoidance and situational awareness
  • Shooting-fundamentals reinforcement
  • The concealed carry lifestyle, and more

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.

What to bring

A pistol you can operate independently, a holster, ear and eye protection, and at least 25 rounds of ammunition.

  • Gun rentals (pistol, holster, eye protection, ear protection): $10
  • Ammunition available for purchase in class: 9mm, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, .22 LR

FAQs

Do I need to already own a handgun to take this class?
No. A pistol rental (with holster, eye and ear protection) is available for $10, and ammunition can be purchased in class. You do, however, need to be comfortable operating a handgun before enrolling — this is not a learn-to-shoot class.

Does passing this class mean I’ll get my CWP?
Completing the class fulfills the training portion of the requirements. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) reviews and approves all CWP applications — Safe Family Defense does not issue permits and cannot guarantee approval.

What if I don’t pass the shooting qualification the first time?
You have one opportunity to retry the shooting qualification once you’ve attained the required skillset. There is a $25 fee for the retry.

Prohibited firearms: Sig Sauer P320 including all variants, Hi-Point, Lorcin, Standard Arms, Jennings, Bryco, Jimenez Arms, Charter Arms, Rohm, AMT .380 Backup.

Book Your SC CWP Class — Reserve a private-group class for 8 or more, or contact us to schedule your group.

Class Details