Ohio CCW

This is NOT a beginner’s class. This course is for students with basic pistol skills who want to build on their foundation. If you're new to shooting, we highly recommend our Intro to Pistol class first.

Our 8-hour Ohio Concealed Carry Course is led by certified instructors, and provides essential knowledge for responsible firearm ownership, self-defense, and legal concealed carry.

• Firearm Safety & Handling – Safe storage, handling, and maintenance
• Legal Use of Force – Ohio concealed carry and self-defense laws
• Concealed Carry Fundamentals – Holster selection, carry techniques, and situational awareness
• Home Defense Planning – Strategies for protecting yourself and your family
• Live-Fire Training – Range instruction to improve accuracy and confidence

Students must complete a written test and live-fire qualification to pass:

• 15 shots at 10’ – 20” target
• 15 shots at 20’ – 20” target
• 10 shots at 30’ – 20” target
• 5 shots at 40’ – 20” target
• 5 shots at 50’ – 20” target

Minimum age of an accompanied minor is 12-years old. However, this course is for obtaining an Ohio Concealed Carry License in which the licensee must be 21-years old.

1. Legal Understanding of Concealed Carry

• Understand Ohio laws governing concealed carry, including:

  • Where you can and cannot carry

  • Use of force and lethal force laws

  • The legal aftermath of a defensive shooting

• Develop a mindset focused on legal responsibility and accountability

• Learn the importance of de-escalation and situational awareness

2. Firearm Safety & Handling

• Master the four universal safety rules for firearm handling

• Understand safe loading, unloading, and clearing of handguns

• Practice safe firearm handling techniques both at home and on the range

3. Defensive Shooting Fundamentals

• Learn the difference between marksmanship and defensive shooting

• Understand proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control

• Practice drawing from concealment (when applicable and safe)

4. Home Defense Planning

• Explore strategies for securing your home and creating a home defense plan

• Learn about layered security, defensive positioning, and use-of-force options within the home

• Understand how to communicate with law enforcement after a defensive incident

5. Safe Storage & Child Access Prevention

• Learn proper storage options for handguns in the home, vehicle, and on-body

• Understand legal responsibilities related to firearm access by minors

• Review best practices for balancing accessibility and security

6. Developing a Defensive Mindset

• Build mental readiness and understand the psychological impact of using a firearm in self-defense

• Explore the importance of continued training and situational awareness

• Emphasize conflict avoidance and threat recognition

Handgun (.380 or larger caliber is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

450 Rounds of ammunition.

Note taking materials. 

The USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals course textbook is available at check out as an add-on. It is not required for the class, but is an excellent resource for all Defensive Shooting applications. From drills to legal information. It's definitely worth picking up a copy!

There are no official prerequisites for this course. However, students should have a working knowledge of basic handgun fundamentals and prior hands-on experience with safe firearm handling. If you're unsure whether you're ready—especially for the live-fire qualification portion—we highly recommend taking our Intro to Handgun course first to build a solid foundation and boost your confidence.