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NEW CHANGES FOR 2023:

• Expanded use of multimedia in classroom presentation: videos allow you to learn from real-world news stories and other examples.

• New classroom location: you will enjoy learning in the new venue as much as we enjoy teaching there.

• New range location coming in 2023: closer, easier to find, more convenient, better amenities.

• New scheduling available: see the Tu/W/Th offering in May, and the Sunday offering in August.

• Updates and revisions: we are always finding ways to make our presentation even better.

• This class can now be re-taken at a very low cost!  Read about MoD.Handgun.1—Retake HERE.

• Upward mobility: continue training to an exciting new level with MoD.Handgun.2, coming in June!

 

SUMMARY:​

• This is our introductory handgun course.  Your study and training will cover a lot of ground, but in a methodical, manageable way.

• MoD.Handgun.1 satisfies training requirements for the Idaho Enhanced or Standard Concealed Weapons License, and the Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL).

• Our state-required Idaho law instruction is delivered by a distinguished pro-2nd-Amendment criminal defense attorney.  Should you ever have to act in self-defense, you will be thankful for his expert guidance, as presented in this Ministry of Defense class!

• Includes our original presentation on lawful interstate travel.  Many licensed concealed carriers inadvertently commit crimes—even felonies!—while on the road, and many DAs are eager to prosecute you!  Only Ministry of Defense helps you identify and avoid these legal landmines.

• Minimum duration is eight hours, as required by the state.  Realistically, time from sign-in to dismissal tends closer to 10 hours.

• Students must fire at least 98 rounds to complete the class, as required by the state.  We encourage you to bring extra ammo if you want more practice and instruction.

• Topics and skills:

  • Safe handling of firearms in general, and basic use of handguns in particular

  • Principles of awareness, personal security, and defense of self and loved ones

  • Idaho law pertaining to defensive use of firearms, deadly force, justifiable homicide, etc.

  • Questions to ask before traveling with firearms both in and out of Idaho

  • The importance of having a defense plan that complements your morals, religious considerations, personal beliefs, abilities, and limitations

  • How to avoid a fight; how to win a fight if you can't avoid it; fight aftermath

• To maintain safety and maximize individual instruction, we observe a strict student-to-instructor ratio.

 

VENUE:

• Unless otherwise noted, our classroom is centrally located near the intersection of Eagle Road and I-84.  After the classroom portion, we move to the seasonally-appropriate range for live-fire exercises.

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WHAT TO BRING:

    (This section lists only course-specific gear.  See our FAQs for other required and recommended items.)

• Your handgun—either a revolver or modern semi-automatic, in good working order

  • Please make sure your firearm is unloaded and bring it to class in a case or "gun rug"—NOT in your bare hands!

• At least one magazine for your semi-automatic handgun.  Revolver users may bring a speed-loader if they wish.

• At least 100 rounds of factory new ammunition​.

  • FOR SAFETY REASONS, WE DO NOT PERMIT USE OF RE-LOADED OR HAND-LOADED AMMUNITION.

  • Steel-core ammunition damages range equipment and is not permitted.

• Approximately $10-20 for range fees, payable directly to the range, when applicable.

• Seasonally, when we conduct range activities indoors, you will need at least three dummy rounds (aka, "snap caps") for your firearm's chambering.  DUMMY ROUNDS MUST BE READILY DISTINGUISHABLE FROM LIVE AMMUNITION.

 

CLASS POLICIES:

• All MoD students are required to submit a photo of their driver's license or passport prior to training.  This is for class security and to ensure critical accuracy of the state documents we must prepare for you.

• Idaho residents: our instructor credentials are sufficient state-wide, but the Idaho Enhanced Concealed Weapons License is administered at the county level.  If you train with Ministry of Defense and reside in a county other than Ada or Canyon, let us know; we will make sure our credentials are on file in your county when you arrive with your application.

• Non-residents of Idaho: you are eligible to train and apply for an Idaho Enhanced Concealed Weapons License if you have a current concealed weapons permit from the same state that issued your current driver's license.  For example, if you have a current Oregon drivers license and a current Oregon concealed weapons permit, Idaho will issue your IECWL on completion of your training and application.  Be aware that you will need to appear in-person at an Idaho county office on at least two separate instances—once to submit your application and fingerprints, and once to pick up your IECWL.

• Please note that Ministry of Defense does not issue concealed weapons licenses; we provide training, and documentation stating that you have completed the training.  You will then present the documentation, along with your application and any required fees, to the appropriate office (usually the sheriff department) in your home county.

• Ministry of Defense makes no guarantee with respect to when or whether any student will be issued an IECWL.  We do not offer refund or any other remedy whatsoever in the event that you decline to submit your application, or in the event that your application is denied.  The student is responsible for any and all fees that their county may require as part of the application process.

• CWL application forms will be provided by Ministry of Defense.  There are questions on the application, and the answers you provide will affect your eligibility.  See the application HERE.

• For medical reasons, we regrettably decline to invite or allow pregnant women to participate in our live-fire activities.  If you are pregnant and wish to take this class, please do!  But kindly allow us to find a time outside of your pregnancy to help you complete the live-fire requirements at no additional charge.