Gun Choice of CC Class?

L

L_Killkenny

New member
Iowa is finally a shall issue state, should kick into effect around the first of the year. Anyway, I'm kinda thinkin about getting a permit. Now keep in mind, this is more of a convenience issue with me while transporting and hunting. I doubt I'll carry on my person on a regular basis although vehicle carry will be a regular thing. I know there is no regs in the new bill as to what I can carry and I'm not limited to one gun that has to be registered as THE carry piece. I've numerous options ranging from .22 semi's to centerfire SA's to centerfire DA's (REVOLVERS). To tell the truth I'll probably just grab a .22 unless someone here has a valid reason not too. Obviously if I don't take the .22 a centerfire DA is the logical choice. But part of me thinks it would be fun to use a SA unless it poses a significant risk or a handicap for passing the class.

I have no idea about the structure of the classes or the testing. About the only thing I've heard about it is it's dang easy. Basically some class room time followed by range time at spitting distance and large targets. Is there caliber and size limits on what a person is allowed to use for most of the classes out there? What about SA's? Significant handicap?

Now I reiterate, this is not about a SD gun only about CC class choices.

LK
 
I did mine with a Ruger 22/45,,,

IIRC only one person was not using a semi-auto pistol.

In Oklahoma if you take the class and use a revolver,,,
Then all you can legally carry will be a revolver or a derringer.

If you take the class with a semi-auto pistol,,,
Than you can carry any of the three types of handguns.

This is something you might want to check in your state.
 
I did my class with a 22 (provided by the instructor) and don't see anything wrong with it if it doesn't limit you in your state. I believe that if you are picking between DA and SA centerfire pistols then the SA will be more advantageous than DA/SA and a toss up between SA and DAO. So, just shoot whichever one you're more comfortable with.
 
CC qual, calibers...

If your class or IA state regs allow it, I'd use the smallest caliber you can get the highest score with(if the test or CC license isn't pass-fail/no recorded score). In my state, a training class or approved service(LE-military-corrections) is required. Armed security quals have a min of 178 out of 240 every year(on a fairly easy course with only .380acp/.38spl/9mm).
I normally get 228 out of 240 but some instructors are starting to cut corners and only allow 2 strings due low ammunition supplies and the higher costs. :(


Clyde
 
We had to shoot 50 rounds to qualify. Licence is non dependant on the type of pistol used. My Scottish blood said "why use up a box of CF when RF will do?"
 
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I used my 380 Bursa , here in Texas , the smallest caliber to qualify with is 32.
Glad i asked befroe class, I had my 25 auto in the car. :)
 
Check Before going to class

Texas has the same:

*Take class with revolver -- only licensed for revolver

*Take class with pistol (semi-auto) --- licensed for both revolver and pistol.

Since I haven't signed up yet, I don't know if there is a caliber restriction/floor.
If none: I'd use my Ruger Target .22 pistol.

If there was a caliber 'floor': I'd use my .45acp since I don't any any 9mm or 40 caliber pistols.

Use the firearm that is easiest to pass the test with and that gives you the most options for carrying.
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You do need to check to see what the training consists of. In addition to shooting, we had to do a little cleaning. Field stripping a Ruger MK II is no easy matter so you may want to find out about this. :)

Shooting was easy. I believe it was 5 of 7 shots at a very short distance (max. of 5 yds) at a target bigger than a NRA 25 yd slow fire target. I thought about shooting smilie faces but didn't want to look like I was a smart-A.
 
As others have said, it depends on your state's laws.

I'm in Kentucky and you do not have to test with the gun or type of gun that you plan on carrying so I tested with a S&W 686 .357 shooting .38s. To me, the 686 was an accurate gun that I shot well in single action mode so it was a logical choice. I typically carry a 1911 or a Ruger LCP or occasionally a snubnose.

For your range test, if using a .22lr revolver won't limit your potential carry choices in the future by all means use one if you are comfortable with it.
 
I'd go with whatever gun you are going to carry/car-carry. Its best to get training and more familiar with what you will actually use. PA doesn't require class or qualification, but I would certainly take my carry gun if it did.


In the last class I took, Defensive Pistol Fighting, I was one of about 14 people. I had elected to use my Glock 36 (6+1 45acp) as it was the gun I carried most often. Everyone else in the class had 1911's, Beretta 92FS, and other full size guns. Sure, I could have taken my 1911, or any of my other guns, but I wanted to get familiar with what I would actually be likely to engage with; I doubt many of those who were in that class actually carry those guns, especially given the holsters and belts they were using.
In the end, I got some great practice in, learned a few new things, got to shoot some manners in which the range usually prohibits, and had a great time, all with a gun that I regularly carry, at the cost of a few extra reloads compared to those with 14+ capacities. I just consider it extra practice for a combat reload or malfunction clear :)

I think I may retake Defensive Pistol and plan to take Advanced Def. Pistol (which I missed due to my schedule the last 2 times its come around) this year, and will likely do so with my Sp101 .327, which is my main carry gun nowadays. Won't be as effecient as one of my auto's due to reloading and lower capacity, but again, I want training on what I actually carry, not on what stays in the safe until I take to the range because I have smaller guns to carry.
 
I'd go with whatever gun you are going to carry/car-carry. Its best to get training and more familiar with what you will actually use. PA doesn't require class or qualification, but I would certainly take my carry gun if it did.


In the last class I took, Defensive Pistol Fighting, I was one of about 14 people. I had elected to use my Glock 36 (6+1 45acp) as it was the gun I carried most often. Everyone else in the class had 1911's, Beretta 92FS, and other full size guns. Sure, I could have taken my 1911, or any of my other guns, but I wanted to get familiar with what I would actually be likely to engage with; I doubt many of those who were in that class actually carry those guns, especially given the holsters and belts they were using.
In the end, I got some great practice in, learned a few new things, got to shoot some manners in which the range usually prohibits, and had a great time, all with a gun that I regularly carry, at the cost of a few extra reloads compared to those with 14+ capacities. I just consider it extra practice for a combat reload or malfunction clear

I think I may retake Defensive Pistol and plan to take Advanced Def. Pistol (which I missed due to my schedule the last 2 times its come around) this year, and will likely do so with my Sp101 .327, which is my main carry gun nowadays. Won't be as effecient as one of my auto's due to reloading and lower capacity, but again, I want training on what I actually carry, not on what stays in the safe until I take to the range because I have smaller guns to carry.
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Some of these responses kinda boggle my mind. It's like some didn't even read the first post.
Now keep in mind, this is more of a convenience issue with me while transporting and hunting.

Now I reiterate, this is not about a SD gun only about CC class choices.
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I may carry a different gun on different days or different guns in the same day.

What I needed to know is if I'm gonna handicap my ability to "PASS" a class by using a slow to reload (SA) or small caliber (.22) gun. From some of the post here it doesn't sound like they will look down on a .22 semi but what about the SA?

Thanks again,
LK
 
cc qualification

My older son took his training/certification using his Ruger Mk1 target and borrowed a centerfire revolver from me. I questioned his choice but it was one he was familiar with and shot well= Ruger Blackhawk 357 w/Aimpoint. He said reloading for the required 25(?) rounds was a little compromising but he shot a perfect score. When I took the course, the instructors didn't tell all of us we needed both revolver and pistol so I had to borrow a revolver. As it happened, the loaner was just like one I had so it worked out OK. I saw several people who had very limited knowledge of handguns including one older guy who said he hadn't fired a pistol since WW2. He showed up with a NIB Glock and scared the crap out of everyone. He hadn't taken it out of the box until he got to the range and had no idea how it worked!!! These individuals need more than just the basic class to be safe but I know it didn't happen.
 
Here in Arkansas,you just have to show "proficiency" with your weapon of choice,ie loading and unloading safely.
There are no requirements to field strip your handgun.
If you take the course with an autoloader,you can carry any legal handgun.
Taking it with a revolver limits you to carrying a revolver only.
Check your state laws,and take the one you shoot the best.
The course of fire is not extreme at all here,
 
L Killkenny,since every state has their own requirements,only someone who is familliar with yous states laws can give you an answer about what type of firearm you would be required to use for your cc class.While it would be much easier to pass the shooting part of the course with a 22lr it is probably not advisable to do so,even if allowed.If,God forbid,you should ever have to use a firearm for defense,you can bet that some of the things that some personal injury attorney is going to want to find out is,what gun did you qualify with and what was your score.This is part of the reasoning that goes into having police officers qualify with every gun that they carry,including the ones they use off duty.I carry and qualify with a Glock23 and would take the test with the other guns that I occasionally carry if it was possible.Here in Texas,we must qualify with a 32 cal.or larger handgun.Those who use a semi-auto for qualification can carry either revolvers or semi-auto's.Those who use revolvers can only carry revolvers.Most qualify with semi-auto's so they can have more freedom in choosing a CCW.
 
Semi-Auto or Single-Action, or Semi-Auto Single Action

L-Killkenny said:
Some of these responses kinda boggle my mind. It's like some didn't even read the first post.
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Go easy on people who mis-read your original post. When I read it, I wondered if SA meant Single-Action or Semi-Auto.

I dredged through the context and concluded you meant Single-Action from your mention of "handicap" in the phrase "fun to use a SA unless it poses a significant risk or a handicap for passing the class" and the distributive property in the phrase ".22 semi's to centerfire SA's to centerfire DA's (REVOLVERS)."

If I didn't get the context, I could have gone either way.

My advice. Take the test with whatever you are assured of passing with (unless it bears on provisions/qualifications on your license). Take your training with whatever you will be have with you most of the time.

Lost Sheep
 
Local range, owned by friends of mine, have trained thousands if not tens of thousands of CHL's. TX CHL course is quite easy, folks who have never fired a handgun almost always pass. Only folks who fail are the ones who won't follow instructions. If someone's intended carry gun is a revolver they'll furnish a Glock so that they won't have to get a license limited to revolvers.
Best selling carry guns to students? Ruger LCP's, LCR's, KelTec P3AT's. Sometimes the minimalists prevail and the NAA revolvers are pretty hot. Single stack 1911's? Can't recall one but Glocks sell well as special order items. Pepper spray is a good seller as well, so are fanny packs.
 
L_Killkenny said:
Some of these responses kinda boggle my mind. It's like some didn't even read the first post.
Click to expand...

My point was that you should take your test with whatever gun you plan on using for whatever your intended purpose. Posessing the permit does nothing for your shooting ability, so you should truely test your skills in the exam using what you would actually use once you posess the permit.

If you plan on using a single-action or rimfire, take the test with them. Advantages or disadvantages, they go with what you choose to carry/utilize, so you may as well get used to them now.
 
L_Killkenny, Im an NRA Instructor from Dubuque, Iowa. Our new law says that one way to meet the training requirement, among others, is to take a handgun class from an NRA Certified Instructor. It says only that. It is up to each instructor to design their course. I teach the Basic Pistol Course which focuses on Safety, familiarization with pistols and the basics of stance, grip, sighting, trigger squeeze, breathing and follow through. As of now, I don't have a shooting accuracy test. The Basic Pistol Course doesn't require that, and I teach from the manual. I've heard some instructors might add an accuracy test. My advice is that you contact several instructors and ask them what they teach and what their test will entail. If you plan on carrying, then I highly recommend you use your preferred carry gun for the class.

My .02, and good luck,
Major
 
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