Coach And Instructor Spotlight
3 Lessons From Concealed Carry Renewal Classes
Concealed carry renewal courses reveal key gaps in training and preparedness among long-time gun owners.
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Lynchburg, VA
In my state, concealed carry permits expire every 5 years. But until recently, you only had to take a renewal class about every 10 years. That changed earlier this year. Now, every renewal requires a class. This has increased the number of renewal students coming through my classes significantly. You might expect that renewal students would show up sharper than new applicants. After all, theyve gone through the training before, and many have been carrying for years. But what I see in class often tells a different story. Based on my observations, here are three quick but important observations from teaching renewal students. Almost Nobody Owns a Shot Timer I always ask students if they own a shot timer. I don't think 1 in 75 of my renewal students have a timer. Thats shocking when you consider how critical a timer is to skill development. Shooting without a timer is like lifting weights without ever knowing the weight on the bar. You can feel like youre improving, but you dont know. A shot timer is the only objective way to measure speed, track progress, and add accountability to your training. Without one, youre basically guessing and furthermore you restrict yourself from being able to run about any industry standard drill or exercise since most require a timer. Its a simple tool that many serious shooters fail to use, and it is one of the first steps to measuring real improvement. Almost Nobody Carries Medical Gear Less than 1 in 50 students who walk into my class has even the basics of medical gear on themor the training to use it. This is a huge blind spot in the self-defense community. We spend time and money on guns, ammo, and holsters, but often overlook the tools that save lives after the shooting stops. Statistically, youre more likely to use a tourniquet than your handgun. Yet very few gun owners prioritize medical training. That has to change. A gun might protect you in the moment, but medical gear and the ability to use it could save your life long after the threat has passed. Almost Nobody Conducts Dry Fire Practice When I ask students about their training habits, less than 1 in 50 says they conduct any dry fire practice. Thats tragic, because dry fire practice is the single most efficient, cost-effective way to improve shooting skill. It doesnt cost a dime in ammo, and it can be done safely at home in just a few minutes a day. Renewal studentspeople who have carried for yearsshould be the ones most committed to staying sharp. Instead, most of them admit theyve barely touched their gun outside of the required qualification shoots. And believe me, the majority of these renewal students could use some practice. Dry fire practice builds muscle memory, improves trigger control, and develops accuracyall without the need for ammunition. Its an essential tool that can be done daily, making it a cost-effective solution to keeping sharp and ready. Final Thoughts The concealed carry renewal process makes it clear which gun owners stay engaged and which ones just do the bare minimum. The students who stand out as truly prepared and capable are the ones who stay active in their education whether thats subscribing to our podcast, attending additional classes, joining Guardian Nation, or otherwise making firearms training an ongoing part of their lifestyle. Carrying a gun isnt a one-and-done achievement. Its a responsibility that requires continuous learning and practice. Gun owners should regularly seek training, both to refine their skills and to stay up-to-date with any legal changes or best practices. The observations in concealed carry renewal classes highlight a critical gap in ongoing firearms education. While many focus on meeting the minimum training requirements, only a few continue to advance their skills and preparation. Its essential for gun owners to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement. The use of tools like shot timers, medical kits, and dry fire practice are foundational to building a complete self-defense strategy. As the firearms community continues to grow, its important for both instructors and students to take responsibility for advancing their training beyond the basics. Whats clear from these trends is that those who remain committed to learning and training will be the most prepared in times of crisis.