Sure Grip Arms
Concealed Carry Certifications
Confidence · Guidance · Proficiency
Initial CCW Permit Course
Information and Registration
Skill Level: Intermediate to Expert
A 16-hour (2-day), in-person course that fulfills California Penal Code §26165 for initial (new) CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit applicants. This course is approved for applicants residing in:
Counties: Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, Sutter, Yuba, Contra Costa, and Nevada.
Cities: Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Winters, and Woodland.
In addition, this course is a complete guide to understanding the basics of firearms ownership, safety, nomenclature, and how they apply to home- or self-defense. After this class, you will feel confident to act as your family’s first line of defense in the event of a home invasion or other critical incident.
Multi-State Reciprocity
A California CCW permit is widely recognized across the country, allowing California residents to legally carry in approximately 28 states. This typically includes: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan (resident permits only), Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah (ages 21+), Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin (ages 21+), and Wyoming.
Available Course Dates
(Day 2: The following day on Sunday)
- Saturday - July 18, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - August 15, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - September 19, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - October 17, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - November 21, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
- Saturday - December 19, 2026 · 8am - 5pm
Note: Classes are strictly limited to 8 seats. The price above covers your training, range fees, and targets. It does not include separate CCW application or fingerprint background check processing fees charged directly by your local law enforcement agency.
What You Will Learn
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Legal Framework and Mindset
- Concealed Carry Law: Understand the core legal definitions, compliance standards, and applicable state laws regulating everyday carry.
- Use of Deadly Force: Analyze critical, real-world defensive scenarios and grasp the legal boundaries governing justifiable force.
- Psychological Aftermath: Prepare for the intense stress, emotional realities, and immediate mental health steps following a defensive encounter.
- Daily Responsibility: Develop the routine habits, ethical mindsets, and ongoing vigilance required to carry a concealed handgun safely.
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Personal and Home Protection Plans
- Conflict Avoidance: Master essential situational awareness frameworks to recognize, de-escalate, or bypass threats before violence erupts.
- Comprehensive Security: Build a home defense blueprint that covers preventative security measures far beyond basic firearm manipulation.
- Proactive Preparation: Establish systematic emergency plans centered on keeping firearm deployment your absolute last resort.
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Live-Fire Range Qualification
- Holster Mechanics: Practice clean, reliable drawing and presentation techniques directly from a concealed holster.
- Cover and Concealment: Learn how to properly utilize your physical environment to maximize your protection during a critical incident.
- Manipulations Under Stress: Master efficient tactical reloads and weapon maintenance protocols while functioning under pressure.
- Uncompromising Safety: Achieve rapid target acquisition and defensive accuracy, balancing speed with an absolute, foundational focus on firearm safety.
Preparation and Knowledge
Course Prerequisites
- Possess a valid, physical California state-issued Driver's License or ID card.
- Be no less than 21 years of age at the time of course registration.
- Have your pistol(s) legally registered in your own name.
- Read, speak, write, and comprehend the English language fluently.
- Check your email and text messages regularly for critical course updates.
- Arrive early, check in on time, and have all required equipment ready.
- Demonstrate proper, safe firearm handling skills during course practicals.
What You Need to Bring *
- For Identification
- Proof of Person: Your actual physical Driver's License or ID card (photo or digital copies will not be accepted).
- For Learning
- Note-Taking Materials: Pen, pencil, and a notebook with paper.
- For Qualification
- Pistol(s): Semi-Automatic or Revolver (Check your local law enforcement authority for the maximum number of pistols allowed on your permit).
- Ammunition: 100 rounds of factory-new FMJ target ammunition per pistol.
- Magazines: 4–6 magazines (for semi-automatics).
- Speedloaders: 4–6 speedloaders or moonclips (for revolvers).
- Pouches: 1–4 ammunition or magazine pouches.
- Holster: 1 sturdy, body-mounted holster matching each pistol (IWB, OWB, Appendix, Pocket, or Ankle). Must securely cover the trigger guard.
- For Safety and Attire
- Ear Protection: Electronic hearing protection (highly recommended).
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses (prescription glasses are acceptable).
- Storage: Secure gun case(s) and/or a dedicated range bag.
- Headwear: Brimmed hat or baseball cap (to deflect flying brass).
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops).
- Clothing: Long pants and a thick, sturdy belt to support your holster.
- For Sustenance
- Food and Drink: Bring your own lunch, snacks, water, or beverages.
* Important Notes:
Student Equipment: Trainees are required to bring their own pistol(s), ammunition, and equipment. No loaners are provided.
Serial Numbers: Every pistol serial number must be clearly visible and completely unobscured by attachments or wraps.
Holster Requirements: Holsters must form-fit each specific pistol and must completely cover the pistol trigger guard.
Ammunition Restriction: RELOADED AMMUNITION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED! Only factory-new ammunition is allowed.
Cold Range Policy: All firearms must arrive completely unloaded and cased. Do not uncase any firearm until instructed by a Range Safety Officer (RSO).
Finishing the Course
Congratulations!
Upon successful completion of this course (70%+ passing score on the written exam and meeting the mandatory live fire qualification passing score required by your local issuing agency), a DOJ-Certified Instructor will provide you with your official CCW Permit Qualification Form. This will be delivered via email, or as a physical copy for select counties and cities, for you to submit to your local law enforcement agency.
Students will also receive digital Certificates of Completion from Sure Grip Arms and the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) via email. Please note that Sure Grip Arms issues training certifications only; actual CCW permits are issued solely by your local law enforcement agency.
Most importantly, you will leave with the confidence, guidance, and proficiency to protect your loved ones!
Note: Reciprocity laws change frequently. Always verify a state's current restrictions using a live resource like the USCCA Reciprocity Map before traveling with a firearm.