Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I just moved here from another state.
A: Once you moved from another state and became an SC resident your permit from the other state is not valid in SC. You must be a resident of the state your permit is from for SC to honor it. No other state permits transfer in SC, you must take the SC CWP class to obtain your SC CWP.
Q: Can I carry a gun in SC for my protection legally?
A: You can get your Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) and carry one concealed on your person for your protection.
Q: Are there any other Fee's besides the CWP class fee?
A: No, you will go to Identtogo and get digitally fingerprinted and they'll send your paperwork in digitally to SLED at no cost to you.
Q: How old do you have to be to get your CWP?
A: 21
Q: How old do you have to be to take the CWP class?
A: You can take the CWP class within 3 years of sending in application. We suggest not taking the class until you're 20 just in case the laws change within the 3 years so you won't have to take the class over.
Q: How old do you have to be to own a handgun?
A: You can own a handgun in SC at 18. You have to buy it from an individual and not a store at this point though.
Q: What do I need to bring to class?
A: Class fee, Pistol and 50 rounds of ammo, and Drivers License.
If you don't have a pistol you can rent ours for $10 which includes ammo.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Send us an email to Info@DefenseTraining.org with your info and date you would like to attend and we'll send you a seat confirmation email.
Q: Are the class and range in the same location?
A: Yes, they are in the same location and both are indoor.
Q: Are the CWP classes 1 day classes?
A: Yes, we complete the class and range in the same day.
Q: Do you do the fingerprinting?
A: No. Due to the FBI and SLED going to digital fingerprinting we send our students to identtogo and they handle all the fingerprinting and paper work filling electronically.
Q: Do I have to own a gun to take the CWP class?
A: No, you can rent our gun for $10 which includes ammo.
Q: Do I have to qualify with the gun I'm going to carry?
A: No, SLED does not require it.
Q: Do I need to know anything about guns to take class?
A: No, we start from the beginning and go from there.
Q: Will the class be watching me shoot?
A: No, our range is indoor and is a closed door one lane range.
Q: Will I be shooting while other people are shooting?
A: No, we have an indoor range that is set up for one student and instructor at a time.
Q: How long have you been a firearms instructor?
A: Since 2007
Q: When did you start your firearms training?
A: I started actual firearms training at age 13 in 1989. My Grandfather introduced me to firearms at around age 7.
Q:How long have you had your CWP?
A: Since 1997
Q: Do you teach us the test?
A: NO, we go over everything that is on the written and live fire test and much more. We teach you what you need to know in the real world to carry your CCW and be safe in handling, defending with it, and legally carrying it.
Q: Do you just talk the whole class or do you use other means of teaching?
A: We use power point with lots of pictures, slides, and videos to help in our instruction as well as plenty of demonstration to aid in our class instruction.
Q: Is the written test real hard?
A: If you pay attention during the class and take notes you should not have a problem passing the written test. We go over everything on the test throughout the day. The test is closed book but taking notes always helps you remember and also gives you a chance to review before the test as well as when you get your CWP in the mail.
Q: Is the instructor a "hard" or military type instructor?
A: No, Spencer is a fairly laid back and easy instructor. He makes sure you learn and have ample time for any questions throughout the day.
Q: Do we get some kind of notice before our CWP expires?
A: Yes, SLED sends out reminder cards before it expires.
Q: Do you inform us of any changes in the CWP laws?
A: Yes, we post it on our facebook page so you'll want to like the page to keep up with updates.
