Please reach us at support@prefdef.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No. Our firearms training programs are designed for all experience levels, from first-time gun owners to experienced shooters seeking advanced skills. Instruction is tailored to help each student build confidence, competence, and safe firearm handling habits.
Specific requirements vary by course, but students are typically encouraged to bring a firearm (if applicable), eye and ear protection, wear range appropriate clothing, ammunition, a valid photo ID, and any required documentation. Course details will be provided before training.
Our courses focus on firearm safety, safe storage, marksmanship fundamentals, range etiquette, firearm operation, situational awareness, and responsible firearm ownership.
Course length varies depending on the program. Introductory courses may last a few hours, while advanced firearms and defensive training classes may require a full day or multiple training sessions.
Yes. Private firearms instruction is available for individuals seeking personalized coaching, focused skill development, or additional confidence-building in a one-on-one environment.
Our approach combines safety-first instruction, practical application, and individualized coaching. We focus on developing responsible firearm owners through professional training, hands-on learning, and real-world skill development.
Regular training helps maintain proficiency and confidence. We recommend ongoing practice and periodic professional instruction to reinforce safe firearm handling, marksmanship, and defensive skills.
Yes. All instructors are certified through either the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), or the National Rifle Association (NRA), and/or the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission (NC DOJ/NCJA) (as may be appropriate for the North Carolina Concealed Carry Handgun Training Course, and carries a certified Criminal Justice Concealed Carry Handgun Instructor designation), and have either military, law enforcement, government, EMT, or other pertinent background designations/certifications.
Yes. All instructors that present training carry valid Professional Liability Coverage/Insurance.
Yes.
Yes. Specifically, the Smokeless Range 3.0 is available and often used for first time shooters or beginners, during Use of Force Scenario/Simulation Training and Marksmanship Fundamentals Training with Laser and/or Recoil Enabled Laser Training Pistols when appropriate or scheduled as a course of instruction.
Yes. We do teach or provide training for mature-minded children and youth that is age appropriate. This training is conducted only with the consent and in the presence of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). However, an initial assessment of the child's readiness will be conducted after a Parent-Only briefing has been accomplished.
As to whether the partnered facility is far away is subjective and can only be answered by the person desiring to make use of it. Often times, the determination is needs based, when considering distance. Depending upon the type of training you desire or the goals and objectives you are attempting to meet or accomplish; what may be many miles away for others, could be just local to you! Distance is relative to your needs, goals and training objectives. Additionally, the range is outdoors where Live Fire, Shoot-On-The-Move, and Draw-from-the-Holster drills can be conducted, but is also co-located where a small classroom building is used for Indoor Education and Simulation Training as well. Many find this more advantageous in the development and/or honing of their skills.
No. We do not offer FOF or Simunition training.
Yes. Several types of discounts are offered from time to time and periodically. Some discounts are static while others are periodic and meet with short expirations, or cut-off times. During registration, if there is a discount listed be sure to capture it when doing so. At times, there are ALUMNI, LEGACY, and SMALL GROUP discounts offered, which are course dependent. Ask the Instructor for the details.
Yes. The preferred registration is 7 business days prior to the class start date. On rare occasions registration fall within the 2 business days. Though registrations are accepted 1 business day prior, it does not guarantee the same preparation that is afforded those who register early; under this circumstance course fees must be completed prior to the class start; however, there is no guarantee that individual classroom materials will be available.
The pre-registration allows time for all administrative functions to be completed prior to the student's arrival. Due to accountability measures, walk-in's are not usually accepted. This is particularly serious: These are firearms education and training course(s) and all deference and due diligence is given its due regard to ensure that each student is provided quality instruction from certified professional instructors and safety officers. And documented evidence of their training is recorded, and certificates are issued as a testament.
Great question! The task of preparing for student arrival is of paramount importance to ensure that each student have a positive educational and training experience. Each registered student have paid their course fee and have a guaranteed seat. This also ensures logistical measures have been taken to meet any special needs that some students may have. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure classroom materials are procured and are made available for each registered student.
Generally, No. Given the nature of our education and training, walk-in's (if accepted) can only be allowed under the most exceptional of circumstances. Furthermore, the walk-in will not be guaranteed course support materials, nor will the course fee be discounted, which would be unfair to the potential student/client, but also to the students who complied with the registration requirements. Therefore, walk-in's are highly discouraged. Prior planning and accountability is of utmost importance and is necessary for proper course-time and student-management. Please refer to the Admin/Training policies for more information.
In the State of North Carolina, you must be 21 years old to be issued a Concealed Handgun Permit. Therefore, we require an individual to be at least 18 years of age before being allowed to register for our Concealed Carry Handgun Training Course.
Yes. In the State of North Carolina, if your permit expires; you will have to re-take the NC Concealed Carry Handgun Training Course. Apply for renewal prior to its expiration to avoid the requirement to retake the course.
No. The State of North Carolina, TO DATE, has no such online training apparatus available. You must physically attend an instructor-led, in-person, State approved 8-hour training course from a NC Criminal Justice Concealed Carry Handgun Training Course Instructor.
In the State of North Carolina, you must initiate your application online. Go to the Sheriff's Office website for the County in which you reside, follow the instructions to-the-letter, pay the required application fee, print out the application (do not sign it until you are physically present at your local Sheriff's Office-where they have notarial services available), be sure to bring all required documents with you to your appointment to complete and submit your application for processing. If you have ANY questions, contact the Sheriff's Office in your County of residence for specific details and/or instructions. Be sure to take the original Certificate of Training, and Valid Identification with you to your appointment.
You can contact us directly through our website to learn about upcoming courses, private instruction, or scheduling options, and training recommendations based on your experience level.