Multi-State Concealed Weapons Classes

Would you like to be able to legally carry a concealed weapon in more than 30 states? Our courses meet or exceed the training requirements to do just that! We offer the convenience of one-stop shopping for Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, Wyoming and many other states' CCW permits by providing everything you need to get those permits right here on-site. Not only will you receive top-notch, certified professional training but we also provide free, in-house fingerprinting and Notary service for our students when required.

Our Multi-State CCW classes contain crucial information about firearms laws, the use of lethal force, situational awareness, resolving disputes, civil and criminal consequences of a shooting and some information on courtroom procedures. An in-depth discussion of standard safety procedures is included as well as some additional safety concerns for those that carry a handgun on a regular basis. We also provide a comprehensive review of weapons, holsters and ammunition during the class to help you choose a weapon and the means of carrying and concealing it.

While all the information above is certainly essential, we are also concerned about your survival, so the basic mechanics of the gunfight will also be addressed in the more advanced classes. The presentation of the weapon, accurate delivery of shots, clearing malfunctions, ammunition management and securing your immediate environment is every bit as important as the liabilities of the shooting.

AVAILABLE NOW!! 

                                                                                  NEW!

Two new classes are now available at SWSA!

• 4-hour, non-shooting CCW class........ $50.00
• 6-hr CCW class, includes shooting........ $95.00
  

The 4-hr class will be held alternately in 2 - 2 hour segments held on 2 consecutive evenings or 1 - 4 hour class. Both are adequate for AZ, FL and a host of other states' permits.

The only thing you will be required to bring for the non-shooting class will be a good attitude and the means to take notes. Firearms will be provided for safe handling exercises. This class is perfect for the more timid shooter to ease into the handling of the gun or for the more experienced or those whose tight schedules do not allow taking the longer courses.

The 6-hr class will consist of about 4 hours of classroom time and 2 hours of live-fire shooting. You will need a safe and serviceable handgun and 25 rounds of commercial, new ammunition and the required safety equipment.  (See STANDARD EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS near the bottom of this page.)

Derringers, mini-revolvers, single-shots and anything made by Bryco(Jimenez), Raven, Lorcin or Jennings are specifically disallowed for all handgun classes that include shooting!! Others may be prohibited at our discretion.

You will also need a strong-side, hip holster w/belt, that will safely carry your weapon. Shoulder holsters, cross draws, fanny packs or gun purses will not be allowed. The best holster for you and your needs is a personal decision and there are dozens of choices. This class will help you make the proper decision on a means of concealment so that you don't spend a lot of money on something that you're not happy with.

All personal defense classes including Multi-State CCW, PDH, MPR, PRS and Applied Dynamic Responses include discussion time not only on the individual weapons systems but on situational awareness, justification of the use of lethal force, civil and criminal liabilities and more.

New Mexico CCW (15 hours) - $175 (Private class up to 4 students, $250 ea. After 4, regular prices apply)

NM mandated 4-hour Renewal - $75  (Private class up to 4 students, $100 ea. After 4, regular prices apply)

NM mandated 2-hour Refresher - $40  (Private class up to 4 students, $60 ea. After 4, regular prices apply)

 ATTENTION! 

As of 31 December 2011, the requirement to use a centerfire caliber of at least .380 for ALL, defensive handgun classes has been lifted (except the NM CCW class) due to continued high prices of ammunition. QUALITY rimfire handguns will be allowed but all other requirements will remain the same. Training with .22 handguns is infinitely better that not training at all and in some ways can be even better due to the greatly reduced recoil and muzzle blast of the rimfire cartridge.  We would like to see you use your carry caliber for at least part of the class but it will not be mandatory.

The rifle classes already allow rimfires so nothing will change there.

 DEFENSIVE FIREARMS CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

DEFENSIVE HANDGUN SKILL BUILDER

The DH Skill Builder is a 1-day class that is perfect for the beginner or as a refresher for returning students. SAFE and proper handling techniques and procedures including the presentation, reloads, and malfunction clearing and more will be thoroughly covered and you will learn to shoot both quickly and accurately from 3 to 15 yards. Equipment requirements are the same for this class as all the Defensive Handgun classes. A minimum of 200 rounds of new, commercial, jacketed ammunition will be needed.

PERSONAL DEFENSE HANDGUN I

You have no control over WHEN, HOW or WHERE you may be attacked or how many assailants may be involved so, DON’T BE A STATISTIC! When you have completed our Personal Defense Handgun program, your accuracy and gun handling skills will be substantially improved and you will better understand the necessity of making quick, sound, tactical decisions. 

PDH I is a 2-day class that is designed for both the beginner and the experienced shooter. This class will help to form that good, solid foundation on which to continue to build your defensive handgunning skills. The first day will begin with an in-depth discussion of the shooting fundamentals and how to achieve excellent accuracy. You’ll then move into loading and unloading, recoil management , trigger-control and accuracy drills and progress into presentation from the holster, reloads, malfunction clearing and much, much more including failure-to-stop drills.

You’ll be shooting from distances of 3 to 25 yards and be safely presenting your weapon from the holster AND firing multiple, well-placed rounds faster than you would have ever thought possible. Your presentation speed, accuracy and weapon-handling skills will be significantly improved by day’s end.

The 2nd day will include advanced trigger control and accuracy drills that can improve even the most experienced shooter's accuracy on single, multiple and distant targets. This class will begin with teaching you to shoot very well and with a degree of precision and then start moving "outside of the box" and get further away from the "range mentality" that shooters develop under the strict, regimented range procedures that are firmly engrained in most recreational/competition shooting. Rapidly acquiring your targets and making the intellectual decision whether or not to shoot can be more important than the shooting itself. Room entry and clearing and other basic tactics will help you to secure your home and protect your loved ones when help may not be immediately available. The intensity and repetition involved in this class will help you to start building the muscle memory that is so crucial to your performance under stress. Remember that YOU are ultimately responsible for your own security!

During breaks and at lunch, we will conduct lethal force and situational awareness lectures relevant to personal defense.

Required equipment:

Semi-automatic handgun, .380 or larger OR a double-action revolver, .38 Special are recommended! Derringers, mini-revolvers, single-shots and anything made by High Point, Bryco(Jimenez), Raven, Lorcin or Jennings are specifically disallowed!! Others may be prohibited at our discretion.

At least 3 magazines, speed-loaders or speed-strips that fit your weapon and a suitable, single or double magazine carrier.

500 rounds of commercial, new FMJ ammunition. No reloads or anything manufactured by "American Ammunition"!

A quality, strong-side, hip holster w/belt, that is made for your weapon. Shoulder holsters, cross draws, fanny packs or gun purses will not be allowed.

Comfortable clothing and shoes.

 *****  Cost ...... $395.00  ****

This is a mildly physically intensive class. Temperatures may go from one extreme to the other so bring any additional items of personal comfort that you may need such as a jacket or raincoat, sunscreen, lawn chair, etc. It would also be to your benefit to take notes during the lectures.

You will need to bring a lunch and/or snacks. We will take several breaks and stop for 1 hour for lunch but you will be required to remain on the range until the class is over. No exceptions except in case of emergency

This class is a pre-requisite to PDH II.  As of 15 Sept 2008, DH I and II have been combined into a 2-day class. This makes it less expensive and more efficient for the students.

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PERSONAL DEFENSE HANDGUN II  

PDH II will refine the defensive handgun skills that you acquired in PDH I to a level that you hadn’t thought possible. Your increased speed, accuracy and weapons handling will be obvious to your friends and your total confidence and awareness will be apparent to those that would do you harm.

The things that you learned in PDH I and much more will be done faster and at a longer distance, all from a concealed holster. Accuracy drills will be conducted out to 50 yards (where conditions allow) accurately with a handgun. You will learn how and when to quickly and safely employ a number of new shooting positions and we’ll take room clearing to the next higher level. We'll be moving further "outside the box" with unconventional shooting positions and rapid decision making.

This is a 2-day class that will include a night-shoot. A 2-hour rest break will be afforded in the late afternoon to rest and get a bite to eat, then, as the light starts to fail, shooting will continue and low-light techniques will taught and employed for 3-4 more hours. The exact completion time of the night-shoot will be dependent on the season.

The equipment that is required for PDH II is the same as PDH I with the following additions:

• A quality, hand-held, tactical flashlight with extra batteries.
• Additional food for your evening meal if you want to remain on the range. You will be allowed to leave for this break.
  
• Knee and elbow pads are recommended.
• 600 rounds of ammunition
  

You must have satisfactorily completed PDH I to attend this class!

Cost ... $450.00

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3-day Personal Defense Handgun

While the Multi-State Concealed Weapons class and Personal Defense Handgun I and II normally take a full 5 days, we offer a consolidated version of the 4 classes via our Mobile Training Course that is shorter and substantially less expensive considering your savings in travel and lodging costs.

Firearms laws, justification in the use of lethal force, situational awareness, resolving disputes and criminal and civil liability are a few of the crucial lecture topics. Early in the class we’ll provide an in-depth look at the shooting fundamentals and how to achieve consistent, pinpoint accuracy on demand. You’ll then move into trigger-control, recoil management, accuracy drills and progress into lightning-fast presentations from the holster, malfunction clearance, ammunition management and much, much more including failure-to-stop drills, engaging multiple assailants, concealment techniques and shooting on the move. This 3-day class includes a night shoot at the end of the 2nd day and then some close-quarters scenarios and more advanced training will be offered on the 3rd day. Enough props are provided to learn the basics of room entry and other tactics.

This class will involve a considerable amount of shooting with a total of 800 rounds being expended. Your speed, accuracy and total confidence with your weapon will exceed your highest expectations and your friends will marvel at your new-found skills.

You may save the costs of lodging, fuel and 4-5 days of your time by taking this consolidated mobile class, and you can get all the training benefits of the series in 3 days for the low price $795.00!!  You’ll sacrifice nothing in quality simply because the time saved is due to NOT having to sit through all the lectures and classroom topics multiple times.

An added benefit of the mobile class is that our training meets or exceeds ALL the requirements of the States of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Wyoming, and many others for you to obtain a concealed weapons permit. You can also renew some existing permits. We provide applications and finger-print cards for NM, AZ and FL and we can do your fingerprints on-site for you for some states.

Combine the equipment list for PDH I & II and include 800 rounds of ammunition for this 3-day class.

******   Cost-$795   ******

Our 3-day Personal Defense Handgun class can be brought to your area. See details at: Have Training, Will Travel!

MULTI-PURPOSE RIFLE SKILL BUILDER

The MPR Skill Builder is a 1-day class that is perfect for the beginner or as a refresher for returning students. SAFE and proper handling techniques and procedures including the presentation of the weapon, reloads and malfunction clearing and more will be thoroughly covered and you will learn to shoot both quickly and accurately from 5 to 50 yards. Equipment requirements are the same as for MPR. 200 rounds of new, commercial ammunition will be needed.

MULTI-PURPOSE RIFLE (MPR)

The handgun is the most popular firearm for personal defense simply because it is small and portable thus making it more practical to have on or near us at all times. Handguns that are well-suited for self-defense are dramatically inferior to just about any long-gun. Most long-guns provide power, range and accuracy that is far beyond the capabilities of the defensive handgun. The problem with many rifle classes is that you are expected to bring a battle rifle or “assault” style carbine of some description. Many of us don’t have our AK-47 or M1A slung over our shoulder when we take the kids out camping or hunting. Multi-Purpose Rifle is a 2-day class specifically designed with the average citizen with the average rifle in mind. While your fighting rifle is more than suitable for MPR, your deer gun or recreational rifle will also be adequate. Any caliber (including rimfires), any action type (including single-shots) and any sighting system (including scopes) will be welcome.

Many people will falsely proclaim that the use of lethal force at distances exceeding a few feet or yards will be labeled murder instead of self-defense. While it is true that the overwhelming majority of lethal force situations do happen at very close ranges, there is still the possibility that you may be confronted by one or more attackers armed with rifles, especially in rural areas. It is certainly possible to encounter drug dealers, fugitives, illegal aliens or terrorists in the some of the same areas that we might take our family for a weekend of camping and fishing. Is it unreasonable to assume that you may have to defend yourself if you should inadvertently cross paths with someone that is hiding from the law or protecting a "cash crop"?

When you complete Multi-Purpose Rifle, you will be able to safely, rapidly and accurately engage targets from 3 to 200 yards. We will begin with the basics and assist you in gaining the skills, speed and ability to not only shoot like you've never thought possible but to shoot on the move, engage multiple targets, reload, clear malfunctions and much, much more.

The following list of equipment is required for the Multi-Purpose Rifle class:
•    Any rifle of any caliber with sling. All action types except full-auto are accepted.
•    At least 3 magazines or stripper clips for semi-autos and a suitable carrier. Other action types will need a suitable ammo carrier other than your pockets. This can include sidesaddles, stock cuffs or belt pouches.
•    700 rounds of commercial, new, jacketed ammunition.
•    Comfortable clothing and shoes.
•    Knee and elbow pads are strongly recommended.

PERSONAL RESPONSE SHOTGUN SKILL BUILDER

The PRS Skill Builder is a 1-day class that is perfect for the beginner or as a refresher for returning students. SAFE and proper handling techniques and procedures including the presentation of the weapon, reloads and malfunction clearing and more will be thoroughly covered and you will learn to shoot both quickly and accurately from 5 to 25 yards. Equipment requirements are the same as for PRS. You will need 50 rounds of birdshot, 20 rounds of #4 or larger buckshot and 10 slugs.

PERSONAL RESPONSE SHOTGUN (PRS)

At closer range, the shotgun is an awesomely effective and intimidating weapon. The shotgun has the unique distinction of being the most versatile weapon in existence. By simply carrying different types of ammo, you can change the role of the shotgun from small game hunting to breeching doors and everything in between.

There is no better survival weapon.
•    Birdshot allows you to hunt small game and birds or effectively stop intruders in the home.
•    Heavier buckshot can be used for hunting medium to large game or stopping a violent felon at longer ranges.
•    Slugs can be effective on large game or 2-legged predators beyond 100 yards, destroy heavy hinges and locks, defeat hard cover or even stop automobiles if employed skillfully.
•    Non-lethal rounds can be used for crowd control or subduing a violent felon in a congested environment.
•    There are also flares, steel flechettes, noise-making bird bombs and more.

When you complete our 2-day Personal Response Shotgun class, you will be able to safely, rapidly and accurately engage targets from 3 to 100 yards. We will assist you in gaining the skills, speed and ability to not only shoot your shotgun like you've never thought possible but to shoot on the move, engage aerial and multiple targets, reload, clear malfunctions, enter and clear buildings and much, much more.

The following list of equipment is required for the 2-day Personal Response Shotgun class:
•    Repeating shotgun of your choice with sling. All action types except full-auto are accepted.
•    Suitable carrier for ammunition. Bandoleers, belt and stock cuffs are OK.
•    150 rounds of birdshot, 50 rounds of 00 buckshot and 40 slugs.
•    Comfortable clothing and shoes.
•    Knee and elbow pads are strongly recommended.

(THIS CLASS IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED LOCALLY DUE TO RANGE LIMITATIONS) 

>>> There are also a number of general safety and certified, NRA classes available. Call, write or come by for more information. <<<

Prices shown do not include tax.

Tuition and deposits are non-refundable. Money paid can be applied to other classes or class dates for up to 6 months at which time money will be forfeited. 

Private classes for 2-4 students are $350 per person per day or $200 per half-day . One-on-one training is $750 per day or $400 per half-day.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

All shooting classes require the following:

• Eye protection with side-shields or wrap-around glasses
• Hearing protection
• High-necked shirts or blouses (no tank-tops or spaghetti-straps. T-shirts are fine) to reduce the chances of hot brass entering at the neck
• Brimmed cap or hat to reduce the chances of brass and debris dropping in behind glasses from the top.
• All shooting classes require commercial NEW FMJ ammunition only. No reloads and no plated bullets.  ANY ammunition manufactured by the company, American Ammunition, is specifically prohibited! We have targets and sample evidence in our classroom to support our decision on this.
• Please consider bringing other items of comfort as weather dictates like jackets, gloves, sunscreen, etc. especially to the longer classes. Shoes with closed toes are recommended.
• You may bring your own drinks, lunches and snacks as needed.
• Please bring note taking materials to all classes.
• Class dates are published here: Class Schedule

DISCLAIMER

Although the training that you receive at Southwest Shooting Authority is safe, professional and proven, we have no control over your mindset or ability to follow instructions and heed safety warnings. We will not accept any liability for any accident or injury that you may inflict upon yourself or someone else with any weapon of any description. Likewise, we will not be held responsible for any injury or death that is inflicted upon you or anyone else by another person during a self-defense scenario that may involve deadly force.

We don’t teach you to properly enter buildings and clear rooms so that you can be a hero. Room entry is VERY risky business and is best left to Law Enforcement professionals. However, there is a reason that civilians may have to use these procedures and they are dramatically different than police use. Law Enforcement primarily enter unknown areas in search of perpetrators and/or hostages and may have to go room-to-room to do so. The civilian should have only one goal in mind and that is to safely exit the building if they feel that it contains a threat and let the police do their job from there. The problem with this is that unless you can exit from the room that you are in to a safe area or outside, you may have to go past or through other rooms that may contain a threat. The ONLY reason that one would not go DIRECTLY to the nearest exit is to secure children or other family members in other parts of the home.

Please use the information that you learn in our personal defense classes responsibly and with the knowledge that if you do not practice what we teach regularly, it will not be there for you if you need it. Like any other insurance, we hope that you go the rest of your life and never need to use what we teach but if you do need it, you’re going to need it very badly.