This is the course you need to complete as part of the application process for the NY State Pistol License/Permit under the "Concealed Carry Improvement Act". Bear in mind that this is a NY State mandated course. If you are a new applicant, you must complete this course prior to submitting your application. Completion of this course does not guarantee issuance of a CCW Pistol License. That decision is up to the judge or issuing authority. However, no application will be accepted without a course certificate.

As of July 15, 2024: Our course completion certificate will be accepted in the following counties: ALL 5 NYC Boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island) Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Chemung, Cortland, Dutchess, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Wayne, Westchester, Wyoming, and Yates county.

All of our instructors are fully certified and experienced. Their credentials are from the NRA, USCCA, and in most cases NYS DCJS. You will benefit from a fully experienced, professional, and confident team. We are here for you!

Day one is going to be held on Saturday September 27 and day two, which includes the range session, will be on Sunday September 28. You must attend both sessions to complete the course and receive your certificate of completion.

***As a special perk, the tuition for this course also includes your first year of a Basic Membership at Pathfinder. During the course, you will also receive your range/club orientation and even your brand new membership credentials!

If you are a CURRENT license/permit holder, and you DO NOT live in NYC, Westchester, Suffolk, or Nassau counties, you do not have to complete this training course. If you DO live in NYC, Westchester, Suffolk, or Nassau counties, you must complete this training within 1 year from your current recertification date.

Topics will include: 

The application process: requirements, procedures, and paperwork

Recertification and renewal procedures

State and Federal laws for owning and carrying handguns

Safe storage laws and practices

Handgun parts and operation

Ammunition parts

Handgun cleaning and maintenance

General firearm safety

Concealed carry holster options

The concealed carry mindset

Carry and transport laws for handguns

Situational awareness

Conflict management and de-escalation

Law enforcement encounter tips and protocol

Sensitive and restricted locations -definitions

Use of Deadly Physical Force laws and circumstances

Suicide awareness and prevention signs and resources

Firearms safety, handling, shooting fundamentals

Range exercises

Official NY State shooting qualification

The Range/Club Orientation for Pathfinder Fish and Game

-         And more!

 Each participant will have to complete a written exam and pass with a minimum of 80%
 

The course tuition includes the use of a training handgun and ammunition to complete the live fire exercises and the qualification. All handguns will be in a .22 caliber.  The tuition also includes your first year's Basic Membership dues at Pathfinder!

Those who successfully pass the exam and qualification will be issued a certificate of completion to include in their application packet.

Please note: if you have a Felony or domestic violence conviction, are a drug user, a fugitive from justice, or a DWI conviction within the past 5 years, or would otherwise be prohibited from accessing a handgun, you would not be allowed to attend nor apply. Please contact us for any questions prior to registering.

Materials required:

NONE!! We will provide you with all classroom materials, eye and ear protection, a handgun for the live fire exercises, and the ammunition. No extra fees for this course. You would still be responsible for your county's application fees.

You are encouraged to bring a lunch, water, and any snacks you'd like.

 Prerequisites:
As stated above. You must not fall under any of the 'prohibited person' criteria. if you have a Felony or domestic violence conviction, had a DWI within 5 years, or have any other legal prohibitions to firearms ownership, do not register.