Learn More about Northern Firearms Instruction

Residents of the State of California who are not prohibited or proven mentally incompetent can apply for a California Concealed Carry of Weapons Permit (CCW). Usually a local law enforcement agency with some sort of jurisdictional responsibility for the area will be entrusted by the State to screen applications and approve permits at their level. Once the local law enforcement agency has approved the application it is then issued to the local resident who is responsible for the safe and effective use of the firearm on a day to day basis. The local agency responsible for the issuance of the permit is called the “issuing agency and differs by region. For instance, in Tehama County California, the County Sheriff is responsible for issuing CCW’s to residents in the County area, yet the Chief of Police reserves the right to approve all CCW’s in the City of Red Bluff. In addition, each issuing agency approves the CCW curriculum, and local instructors who are approved to provide the curriculum.

Many issuing agencies require a face to face interview and a pretty detailed “good cause” statement to approve a CCW. The California Penal Code calls for this statement to be annotated on each and every application. This is where it gets a little tricky. Depending on the attitude and background of the local issuing agency, this “good cause” statement can be anything from “I want to protect myself” to “I have been attacked nightly by gang members in my neighborhood and am bleeding as I write this”! Generally the more rural the county, the more lenient they are in issuing permits. This is believed to be due to the fact that in large counties with small budgets there is almost no chance of deploying a law enforcement officer to a remote area before a resident is a victim of life threatening forcible crime. Conversely, the more urban the area (and therefore more easily covered) are usually the most difficult to obtain an approval for a CCW. For this reason, you should research your area and its issuing agencies to evaluate the factors involved in applying for a California CCW.

No, you do not have to have a CCW to purchase a firearm in California. In order to purchase a handgun in California you must either have a CCW or a California Handgun Safety Certificate. The California Handgun Safety Certificate is issued after taking a short test at your local gun store from a certified California Handgun Safety Certificate Instructor. Most gun stores have a few of the instructors on site to facilitate the test and therefore the purchase of the handgun. The California Department of Justice provides testing forms, study materials and certificates for issue.

What if my handgun is not registered? The California Penal Code requires you register each concealable firearm (handgun) within 30 days after you arrive In the State of California. This registration will take place as soon as you register your firearm for inclusion on the CCW. It does not have to be registered before you take any training with NFI.

At this time there are 19 other states that recognize the California CCW Permit. These states can be found at this website which monitors CCW reciprocity and recognition: www.usacarry.com. California does not recognize any other state permits and does not issue non-resident CCW’s. Proof of residency is a requirement for applying for a California CCW.

At this time there are 19 other states that recognize the California CCW Permit. These states can be found at this website which monitors CCW reciprocity and recognition: www.usacarry.com. California does not recognize any other state permits and does not issue non-resident CCW’s. Proof of residency is a requirement for applying for a California CCW.

Each issuing agency mandates the firearm which must be used to execute the range qualification for their individual region. It seems that most of the agencies mandate that you use the firearm that you are going to include on your permit to use during your range training. That being said, some agencies do not even mandate a range session to approve a permit, and some do not require you to use the firearm that you are going to list on your permit. Contact your local Sheriff’s Dept. or Police Dept. for more information on the firearms that you can use for qualification.

Most issuing agencies allow three firearms on a permit but this can also change with the region. You must contact you local issuing here to research this. Each firearm must be listed by make model and serial number on your permit and these are the only firearms you are allowed to carry in a concealed manner in public areas. Husbands and wives are allowed are to share firearms on a permit. If your firearm is not currently registered in the State of California, it will be registered once you include it on your permit.

The California Penal Code authorizes agencies to issue CCW’s based on several factors. Most of the time, a county sheriff will take the responsibility of the review of applications and approval of the permit. In larger urban areas the Chief of Police or other official will require residents who live inside the city limits to go through their office regardless of whether or not the local sheriff’s department approves permits to residents who live in the county. Below is an alphabetical listing of all populated areas in our region. Simply click the link to be sent to the issuing agency’s web site where you can download a California CCW application, make an appointment for your interview (if needed) and contact the agency directly for more support.

Most of the instructors at NFI have “daytime jobs” and understand how difficult it can be to get the time to take a 12 (for Shasta County) hour course.* Therefore we have developed a training model that is broken down into 3 modules that can be “plugged” in at different times and locations to facilitate the variation in schedules and finances. Using the NFI Modular Training Model, a student could theoretically take the first module (basic pistol) at Sportsman’s Warehouse in December, Schedule a second module (CA Penal Code research and use of deadly force) in February at the Weaverville Gun Club, and finally take the third and final module (NFI Range Training or Skill Builder) at Guns Fishing and Other Stuff in Vacaville California. Once the three modules are completed, NFI will issue a training certificate to qualify the student to apply for their California CCW. This modular concept also applies to California CCW renewals. Any NFI module will qualify you to apply for your California CCW renewal.

One thing to keep in mind is all regions are different. Many counties have a 4 hour or less training requirement. In this instance a student would only have to pay for one module ($50) and attend at any location to qualify to apply for the California CCW. Contact your local Sheriff’s Dept. or Police Dept. for the requirements in your area.

Generally speaking the first day of an NFI CCW I class is dedicated to basic pistol training in a classroom environment and the exploration of the California Penal Code in regards to firearms laws. The only thing a student will need is something to write with and a responsible attitude. The second day of the course is usually focused on range training and therefore the student will need a firearm and the prescribed number of cartridges. There are other items detailed on the packing list for each course.

The Redding Gun Club is NFI’s home firing range. Most of our firearms range training is taught at the club. The Redding Gun Club is a member’s only private club with annual dues of $100.00 for an entire family. NFI pays your daily student fees of $10.00 while you are our guest. The club includes rifle and pistol ranges, trap and skeet, competitive leagues and sanctioned events throughout the year. The difference between attending a class someplace public and on a private range such as the Redding Gun Club cannot be overstated. The learning environment that NFI is afforded based on our relationship with the Redding Gun Club and is invaluable to us and to our students.

The Redding Gun Club is located at 21777 Seven lakes Lane, Redding, California, 96003.

Phone: 530-549-4652

Hours Of Operation
Shotgun:
Wed: 1:00PM to Close
Sun: 9:00AM to 3:00PM
Pistol & Rifle:
(Members Only)
Tues: 9:00AM to Sunset Wed: 9:00AM to Noon
Thurs: 9:00AM to Sunset
Sat: 3:00PM to Sunset
Sun: 3:30PM to Sunset
Prices:
Membership: $100.00
Trap & Skeet:
$5.00 for 25 Targets