I'll soon be moving to the state of Arizona. Can you recommend a training facility? I'll be settling in the Valley, so it will have to be within a reasonable proximity to that area. Can you also tell me how long the application prosess takes and what the actual course consists of? How is the 16 hours broken down? Two eight hour sessions? Four at 4 hours? Curious also about the number of permits currently issued in the state. I know in CT, I was told that there are about 250,000 permits issued. In a state of 2.5 million, that seems pretty substantial. 10 percent of the population legally packing heat is somewhat comforting. Although I would find it a bit more comforting if the training was as thorough as Arizona's... TIA.
Need recommendation from AZ CCW permit holders
- Thread starter Pilate
- Start date
Rich Lucibella
Staff
Many places can teach this course well. For a real experience there's only Two Choices:
1) Gunsite
2) Gunsite
Rich Lucibella
1) Gunsite
2) Gunsite
Rich Lucibella
My wife and I took the CCW course at Caswell's in Mesa. I thought it was decent. Guncite is a ways out of town, and I don't think you'll get a permit course for $60 
. I'm sure you wouldn't regret taking a course there, of course.
BTW, don't bother paying money to shoot at a range in Phoenix. There are tons of places to which to shoot in the desert, especially down near Apache Junction off route 60. One of the few things I miss about living in the valley of the sun.
Eric, former Scottsdale resident, now in Boise, ID
. I'm sure you wouldn't regret taking a course there, of course.BTW, don't bother paying money to shoot at a range in Phoenix. There are tons of places to which to shoot in the desert, especially down near Apache Junction off route 60. One of the few things I miss about living in the valley of the sun.
Eric, former Scottsdale resident, now in Boise, ID
In AZ, CCW classes are like Circle K's, (Don't worry, you'll find out what I mean when you get here. 
) there seems to be one on every street corner. Of course, Gunsite, in Paulden AZ is the best, but some of us are not able to afford it. The content of the basic course is spelled out clearly by law, so you will get the same "education" anywhere you go. It then matters if you want to pay for "options" or not. Oh, by the way,WELCOME TO ARIZONA!!!
) there seems to be one on every street corner. Of course, Gunsite, in Paulden AZ is the best, but some of us are not able to afford it. The content of the basic course is spelled out clearly by law, so you will get the same "education" anywhere you go. It then matters if you want to pay for "options" or not. Oh, by the way,WELCOME TO ARIZONA!!!Now that CCW came to be in 1994 (with approx 60,000 permits), I have noticed open carry to be quite a bit less than when I moved here back in 1984.
But, remember, open carry in Arizona is the gun or holster "wholy or partially" visible. So, if you have an inch or so of gun or holster showing, you don't need a permit.
As well, Arizona's 1910 Constitutional Convention said that the legislature could not legislate in the area of guns, anyway (See Goff). So, as the Legislature ignores original intent, so do many Arizonans ignore the legislature.
I carry openly whenever it suits my needs, either political or weather related. Maybe 1/3rd of the time. In town, on the steps of the Capitol complex, Burger King, Walmart. Open carry is rare, but its practice doesn't generate much concern except for national chain stores that have to be continuously re-educated.
You will sometimes find police who don't know the law. The Capitol police tried to check my weapon during an outside pro-Bush rally at the Statehouse a few Saturdays ago. I told them that the checking statute (ARS 13-3102) applied only to entry into a building. I was leaving at the time so I didn't push it.
The next Monday I called Capitol Police Chief Jay Swart and left a message, and then I left another message, and another. Then I called his Lt., and then his other Lt. and then his Sgts. Then I went down to the Capitol building, checked my gun and asked to see Capt Swart in person. He wasn't there. I left a message along with Goff's coverage of Arizona's 1910 Con-Con.
I never did get a call back from the Capt, but one of his Lts called me back. I asked if I would be harrassed by Officer Pineta again (kind of a cutie, btw). He told me I would not be.
Even in Arizona we have to fight for our rights. I hope that when you come here you don't get complacent because the gun laws and attitudes here are better than from where you came. Because if we get a lot of such attitudes, it will soon be just like where you came from or worse.
Rick
But, remember, open carry in Arizona is the gun or holster "wholy or partially" visible. So, if you have an inch or so of gun or holster showing, you don't need a permit.
As well, Arizona's 1910 Constitutional Convention said that the legislature could not legislate in the area of guns, anyway (See Goff). So, as the Legislature ignores original intent, so do many Arizonans ignore the legislature.
I carry openly whenever it suits my needs, either political or weather related. Maybe 1/3rd of the time. In town, on the steps of the Capitol complex, Burger King, Walmart. Open carry is rare, but its practice doesn't generate much concern except for national chain stores that have to be continuously re-educated.
You will sometimes find police who don't know the law. The Capitol police tried to check my weapon during an outside pro-Bush rally at the Statehouse a few Saturdays ago. I told them that the checking statute (ARS 13-3102) applied only to entry into a building. I was leaving at the time so I didn't push it.
The next Monday I called Capitol Police Chief Jay Swart and left a message, and then I left another message, and another. Then I called his Lt., and then his other Lt. and then his Sgts. Then I went down to the Capitol building, checked my gun and asked to see Capt Swart in person. He wasn't there. I left a message along with Goff's coverage of Arizona's 1910 Con-Con.
I never did get a call back from the Capt, but one of his Lts called me back. I asked if I would be harrassed by Officer Pineta again (kind of a cutie, btw). He told me I would not be.
Even in Arizona we have to fight for our rights. I hope that when you come here you don't get complacent because the gun laws and attitudes here are better than from where you came. Because if we get a lot of such attitudes, it will soon be just like where you came from or worse.
Rick
I took my from S.H.O.T.S in Prescott Valley.I allso took my renewly from him.He teachs a good class and is in the proccess of building a training facility on 640 acres about 30 miles east of Kingman on interstate 40.Course cost is 100.00 plus the state fees.
You see quite a few open carry up here in the Prescott area but not as much as you used to.The good thing is that you don't have to worry about printing.Many states you have to worry as they consider that open carry.
Let me know when you get to AZ and get settled in.Many places to shoot up here and its a good getaway from the heat of summer in Phoenix.Can show you places to shoot and if you would want to meet J.J.Jolly who owns shots I can arrange it.I can allso take you out to gunsite if you want.Its only about 30 mi from me.I can't aford to take any training there but you might be interested.
You see quite a few open carry up here in the Prescott area but not as much as you used to.The good thing is that you don't have to worry about printing.Many states you have to worry as they consider that open carry.
Let me know when you get to AZ and get settled in.Many places to shoot up here and its a good getaway from the heat of summer in Phoenix.Can show you places to shoot and if you would want to meet J.J.Jolly who owns shots I can arrange it.I can allso take you out to gunsite if you want.Its only about 30 mi from me.I can't aford to take any training there but you might be interested.
Thank you all for the help. I'm looking at around March for my arrival in AZ, and beemerb, I just may take you up on the offer, as I have only a couple acquaintances in the entire state, and they are mostly gun-ignorant. I'm wishing I was already there considering all the recent snowfall here and the snowfall to come. I even had a tree branch fall on my "Beemer" (any relation to you, beemerb?) and leave a nice dent on the hood. Hate the northeast... Thanks again.
JestersPlace
New member
Backing up Eric above - I took my course at Casewell's in Mesa also. I was VERY impressed with the course. I don't know how other places (other training centers) do it though. The price is pretty much the same wherever you go, but I feel you can't go wrong with their service and knowledge.
At Casewells, some of the material only covered on paper was taken a step further- and actually performed live. The CCW class directs that you must do live fire and all, but we did much more.
The owner of the shop helped us all out a lot. We were taught some great drawing techniques. He had a couple of us draw red guns on him, as we normally would if attacked, and he stripped each subject of the red gun before it was even drawn. He showed us how to make this nearly impossible. Also, they showed us some new grip styles. (New for me anyway)- about half the class noted a dramatic shrink in group size when trying new grip style.
I also found all the instructors very knowledgeable. There was a lot of open discussion about law and "what if" situations. I feel much more comfortable now- I have clear lines drawn as to when I should, and should not heistate in drawing if attacked.
The store is also an indoor range- great for summer days. Membership is not required, but for well under $100 a month, your range fees are cut to $2. (Normal range fee there is like $12/hr or something).
In AZ, the CCW class must be 16 hrs. They give weekend classes (8 hrs each Sat and Sun), and a night class (which I took due to working on weekends) that ran from 6PM - 10PM Mon-Thurs. They have a lot of other great classes too. Everything from how to strip your Glock all the way down, to basic handgun, to advanced tactical- which is a whole weekend of shooting - I hear you burn up a case or so.
Good luck, and welcome to the valley.
-Jest
P.S. Challenge: I shot a perfect 100 on the live fire excersise with a brand new Glock 26 that I had only put 20 rds through. The shop owner ran the live fire that night, he said he doesn't see that much - especially when someone is shooting a brand new gun. (This was my 1st Glock, purchased for its small size and cover-abillity in AZ shorts and T-shirt weather).
At Casewells, some of the material only covered on paper was taken a step further- and actually performed live. The CCW class directs that you must do live fire and all, but we did much more.
The owner of the shop helped us all out a lot. We were taught some great drawing techniques. He had a couple of us draw red guns on him, as we normally would if attacked, and he stripped each subject of the red gun before it was even drawn. He showed us how to make this nearly impossible. Also, they showed us some new grip styles. (New for me anyway)- about half the class noted a dramatic shrink in group size when trying new grip style.
I also found all the instructors very knowledgeable. There was a lot of open discussion about law and "what if" situations. I feel much more comfortable now- I have clear lines drawn as to when I should, and should not heistate in drawing if attacked.
The store is also an indoor range- great for summer days. Membership is not required, but for well under $100 a month, your range fees are cut to $2. (Normal range fee there is like $12/hr or something).
In AZ, the CCW class must be 16 hrs. They give weekend classes (8 hrs each Sat and Sun), and a night class (which I took due to working on weekends) that ran from 6PM - 10PM Mon-Thurs. They have a lot of other great classes too. Everything from how to strip your Glock all the way down, to basic handgun, to advanced tactical- which is a whole weekend of shooting - I hear you burn up a case or so.
Good luck, and welcome to the valley.
-Jest
P.S. Challenge: I shot a perfect 100 on the live fire excersise with a brand new Glock 26 that I had only put 20 rds through. The shop owner ran the live fire that night, he said he doesn't see that much - especially when someone is shooting a brand new gun. (This was my 1st Glock, purchased for its small size and cover-abillity in AZ shorts and T-shirt weather).
Jeff Thomas
New member
Caswell's
The name of the business is Caswell Shooting Range, and the Urban Firearms Institute - http://www.caswells.com . Excellent indoor range, great instructors and terrific simulators (one of my favorite experiences in the program).
Their memberships are quite reasonable - 'The Edge' is about $210 per year - see http://www.caswells.com/memberships2000.html
Caswell's is located in Mesa, around U.S. 60 and Mesa Drive.
Gunsite is a great school for advanced firearms training of all kinds, but it is not the best choice for Phoenix-area residents seeking CCW training, IMHO. Gunsite is in Paulden, AZ, which is north of Prescott - I'd guess that is 2.5 hours out of Phoenix. However, they also offer weekend training from time to time at the Ben Avery Range in north Phoenix.
Welcome to AZ - you're going to love it here. And, you'll offset a liberal or two from CA ...
Regards from AZ
The name of the business is Caswell Shooting Range, and the Urban Firearms Institute - http://www.caswells.com . Excellent indoor range, great instructors and terrific simulators (one of my favorite experiences in the program).
Their memberships are quite reasonable - 'The Edge' is about $210 per year - see http://www.caswells.com/memberships2000.html
Caswell's is located in Mesa, around U.S. 60 and Mesa Drive.
Gunsite is a great school for advanced firearms training of all kinds, but it is not the best choice for Phoenix-area residents seeking CCW training, IMHO. Gunsite is in Paulden, AZ, which is north of Prescott - I'd guess that is 2.5 hours out of Phoenix. However, they also offer weekend training from time to time at the Ben Avery Range in north Phoenix.
Welcome to AZ - you're going to love it here. And, you'll offset a liberal or two from CA ...
Regards from AZ
Thanks again. This is one of the many things I need to get ironed out before I head out there. I hope I can find advice as competent as this regarding those other things... Maybe I'll have to post in the General Forum...
Jeff, 3600 posts? I guess I'd have to trust advice from someone that knowledgeable. When do you find time to shoot?
Jeff, 3600 posts? I guess I'd have to trust advice from someone that knowledgeable. When do you find time to shoot?
Jeff Thomas
New member
Pilate, there's knowledgeable, and then ...
... there's 'just been around awhile'. I was lucky to find this board early on in my education about firearms. I've studied quite a bit, but truth is ... my knowledge is much more 'book larnin' than hands-on.
I learn something new here every day, and most of the members here are way ahead of me. I like to help with questions like yours, where I can help a bit, and, in a sense, pay TFL back a small amount for all the help I've received. And, that's the magic that Rich has created with this forum ...
Welcome to AZ.
... there's 'just been around awhile'. I was lucky to find this board early on in my education about firearms. I've studied quite a bit, but truth is ... my knowledge is much more 'book larnin' than hands-on.
I learn something new here every day, and most of the members here are way ahead of me. I like to help with questions like yours, where I can help a bit, and, in a sense, pay TFL back a small amount for all the help I've received. And, that's the magic that Rich has created with this forum ...
Welcome to AZ.
A buddy and I went to Gunsite to get our training and it was great. They were even nice to us guys from CA. I don't think that we could have had a better experience anywhere for this type of class, but I have only taken 1-2 day courses locally so can't compare it ot the other high dollar schools. The 2 day CCW class is priced (I think by law) modestly with others that we saw advertised, around $100 if memory serves me some 2 years later. The specialized training classes seemed to run a couple hundred or more per day depending on the class level as they get smaller and more expensive as you advance.
BTW: it is rather strange to read how great Arizona is today when you remember that the old time gun writer Jack O'Conner left Arizona to move to Idaho because AZ had about 500,000 people at that time and was 'ruined'. There must a couple million CA liberals by now in addition to everybody else. I guess it has something to do with Einstein's theory.
BTW: it is rather strange to read how great Arizona is today when you remember that the old time gun writer Jack O'Conner left Arizona to move to Idaho because AZ had about 500,000 people at that time and was 'ruined'. There must a couple million CA liberals by now in addition to everybody else. I guess it has something to do with Einstein's theory.
Pilate.
This is not a CCW training facility, but it is a good place to shoot anyway. It is the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. It costs $4.00/day to shoot. Such a deal!!!!!
Their website is:
http://www.gf.state.az.us/frames/other/benavery.htm
Where in Arizona are you planing to come to????
This is not a CCW training facility, but it is a good place to shoot anyway. It is the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. It costs $4.00/day to shoot. Such a deal!!!!!
Their website is:
http://www.gf.state.az.us/frames/other/benavery.htm
Where in Arizona are you planing to come to????