Concealed Carry Mechanics
$600 · 2-Day Class · 10 seats
Prerequisite: Safe holster work + A-zone at 10 yds
Carrying a gun doesn't make you ready to use it. Most armed citizens have never drawn from concealment on a timer, never fired one-handed past a few yards, and have no real idea what their hits look like when it counts. Concealed Carry Mechanics covers the shooting skills I believe every armed citizen needs, built around the gear you actually carry every day.
The concealed draw. Clear the garment and get to a full firing grip, efficiently and the same way every time. We put it on the timer so you know exactly where you stand.
Grip and recoil management. A grip that holds up from the draw through every follow-up shot.
Confirmation levels. There's an exact recipe for how quickly you can accurately engage any given target size and distance, so you aren't over-confirming easy shots or rushing hard ones.
Accuracy standards. Clear standards for your hits at distance, so you know if your skills are good enough instead of hoping they are.
One-handed shooting. Strong hand and support hand at real distances, including shooting with a flashlight in your other hand.
Concealment setups. What to look for in a holster and belt, how to set them up, and how to get the most out of your gear so it conceals well without slowing down your draw.
EDC considerations. Where handheld lights and medical gear fit into what you carry and how you train.
Ten seats. Built for armed citizens who carry every day and want their skills to match the responsibility.
UPCOMING DATES
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BEFORE YOU SIGN UP
NOTE: While newer shooters will benefit from this class, this SHOULD NOT be your first training class. Students are required to have a comprehensive understanding of gun safety, be able to work out of a holster safely, and be able to hit an A-zone or 8" circle on demand from 10 yards with no time limit.
WHAT TO BRING
A modern, reliable, semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380, 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. A backup gun is not required, but recommended. Subcompacts are allowed, but will make the class significantly harder. Some of the newer offerings such as the Shield Plus, P365XL, Glock 48, etc. would be fine. Our recommendation is something the size of a Glock 19 or similar. Full-sized guns are ideal.
At least 3–4 serviceable magazines with a minimum capacity of 10 rounds. The more magazines the better. Being limited to magazines of 6–8 will make the class nearly impossible. You must be able to complete at LEAST a 10 round drill with no reload.
A high quality Kydex IWB holster that is hard-sided on both sides and fully encapsulates the trigger guard. Appendix, 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock carry are all fine. No small-of-the-back, shoulder, or cross-draw carry. Highly recommend a holster that extends all the way to the tip of the muzzle, as holstering hot guns isn't fun. No nylon, leather, hybrid, or SERPA holsters allowed.
A sturdy EDC gun belt.
Minimum of 1 magazine carrier.
A handheld flashlight, if you have one. We use it during the one-handed shooting drills. If you don't own one, let us know ahead of time and we can loan you one.
Minimum of 1,000 rounds of ammunition (500 per day).
Eye protection (both clear and tinted).
Ear protection (electronic hearing protection required).
Water and snacks.
Tools to service your optics, lights, holsters, guns, etc.
Spare batteries for optics and lights.
Rain gear/waterproof shoes (we train rain or shine).
REFUND POLICY
Refunds will only be given if Gateway Defense has to cancel a class. No refund will be given due to a student being unable to attend. A full class credit will be issued for a future Gateway Defense class by notifying brennan@gateway-defense.com no less than 14 days prior to the class date.