Where can I learn more about your group? We're a group of five instructors who love to shoot and love to teach people to shoot. We held our first classes in 2004 and have since taught thousands. Check out our blog, email, follow us on Twitter @advancedshootin or call (513) 549-4045.

How do I sign up for a class? On our schedule page, pick the class you want and click "register." Use the online payment system or email info@cincinnaticcw.com and ask us to hold you a spot for the class you want. If you'd rather register by phone, call (513) 549-4045. If you register via phone or email you can pay in cash at the class. 

I signed up with another group and they cancelled at the last minute. Will you do that? When you've registered for an Advanced Shooting class you can be sure we'll hold the class. Only dangerous weather stops us. We have several instructors--so even illness/family emergencies don't stop us. 

Does taking the Basic Pistol class get me my Concealed Handgun License? The NRA Basic Pistol Class fulfills the Ohio Law requirement for training necessary to apply for your Concealed Handgun License (CHL). At the end of the class you'll be given a certificate that you take to your local sheriff's office. Your sheriff issues the license; we provide the training necessary to apply for your license. You can also apply for a Florida Concealed Carry license with this class. 

Where are you located? We're a small group of instructors and to keep costs low (and not charge a lot for classes), instructors work out of our homes and we teach at public meeting spaces or at instructor's homes. We shoot on private land and public ranges, depending on the class. When you sign up for a class you'll be sent directions to the classroom.

Why are your classes so cheap? Because we want everyone who wants to learn how to shoot or obtain a concealed carry license to be able to do just that, regardless of financial situation. We don't put the classes on to make money; we've got day-jobs for that. We do it so people can get their licenses to carry. The world's a safer place when the good guys can stop the bad guys - more than not firearms experience allows for this. You'll receive the same instruction, materials and attention (or more) as you would with the more expensive classes. We've issued thousands of certificates and our biggest source of students is referrals.

Where do we shoot? Sometimes we shoot on private land, sometimes at a public range. Some classes require that you pick up a range pass, others have a range fee (never more than $5 for students, $10 for non-students).

I already have a CHL and need to be re-certified after my second renewal. How do I do that? There's some debate on what the rules will be, as the first batch of 2nd-renewals hasn't happened yet. But it appears that applicants will need to bring proof of re-certification of range-time only. We'll be offering classes geared to re-certifications-only in 2010. Email for details. 

Some classes have a time then +web. What does that mean? A few classes have classroom content online. We go over major items covered at the range, so the web-portion is optional but recommended. You'll need a broadband internet connection and a computer. The link will be sent to you when you register for the class.

What should I bring to Basic Pistol (CCW, CHL) class? A notebook, a pen, your handgun (if you have one), and 150 rounds of factory loaded ammo (you can also buy ammo from us at the range). You'll also need $5 for the range fee. We shoot in the early afternoon, just after we go over all the safety and pistol basics. The range time is outdoors, so dress appropriately. We'll car pool to the range from the classroom site.

I don't have a gun - what ammo should I bring to use your guns? For the Basic Pistol class, we suggest you bring at least 50 rounds of 9mm Luger, at least 50 rounds of 38 special, and at least 100 rounds of 22 LR, all FMJ (full metal jacket). Good places to buy ammo include Dick's and Walmart. DO NOT BRING AMMO OR GUNS INTO THE CLASSROOM, LEAVE IT IN YOUR CAR. If you don't know what to buy, we'll explain what you'll need and you can go out at lunch. Transport your gun according to Ohio law--locked up with ammo in a separate compartment. The best way to do this is put the gun in the trunk, in a locking box, and the ammo in your glove box. You can also buy ammo from us at the range.

I don't live in Ohio, but I want to carry in Ohio. How do I do that? Ohio recognizes the concealed carry licenses of several states, including the nation's most popular license, Florida. Our NRA Basic Pistol class lets you apply for a Florida non-resident concealed carry license. We'll give you the details during the classroom time on day one. If you live in Kentucky, you already have reciprocity. If you live in Indiana, you'll need a Florida license.

Are you qualified to teach the class? All our concealed carry classes use NRA Certified Instructors. The certificate issued at the end of the class is valid in every sheriff station in Ohio. If you fail to get your Concealed Carry License due to the class not meeting the requirements of Ohio law, your money will be refunded. All classes taught by experienced instructors, certified in their area of expertise. 

Where is the class held? How is the Basic Pistol class structured? We usually hold all 12 hours in one day for public classes. We start out at a classroom location, typically a public meeting space, car pool to the range, then go back to the classroom to finish up and take the written test.

Do you offer two-day classes for concealed carry?  We've found most people want to get it all done in one day. We break up the day into three segments to keep you busy and entertained. But we do offer 2-day for private classes.

Are the Basic Pistol (concealed carry) certificates you issue good anywhere in Ohio? Yes.

I'd like to bring my wife/husband/child/whatever to Basic Pistol, can I? Yes. A $10 range fee per additional person is required. If the person requires certification, materials, etc. they will be charged the normal fee.

Do we get a break or do we sit there for the whole time? We break for meals and every hour.

Will it really take 12 hours for Basic Pistol (Concealed Carry)? Yes. But we've been doing this a long time-- we make it interesting. 

I have a physical disability, will that be a problem? Please notify your instructor if you have special needs.

Can I use my .22 LR or is here a caliber limit for Basic Pistol? Any real firearm (handgun) can be used.

What other classes do you offer? See our full list of scheduled classes here, 

Can I leave feedback after attending a class? Go here to fill out a survey. We appreciate feedback!

How do I join the NRA? Email us and you can join or renew for $25 ($10 discount!). 

I'm coming from out of town, what hotels are near by? Depends on the classroom location, but there's always a hotel near. Let us know and we'll help you make arrangements.  

I called another group and got some guy's house-- is this normal? Most instructors do not have a "system" or group that supports them. That doesn't mean their classes aren't good-- we've just found we can serve our students better by having a wide range of experience/talents and dedicated resources (a group phone number, website, emails, etc.) We do not have a physical building, as this would raise our costs dramatically, but when you call our number an instructor will answer "Advanced Shooting, this is XX." The system we have in place has worked well to serve students and allow us to offer classes at some of the lowest prices around. 

Where do I go to shoot after class to practice? There are a lot of great gun ranges in the Cincinnati area, but our favorite public range (doesn't require membership) is Spring Valley in Waynesville. Let us know if you want directions. If you're talking private, there's a long list, but you have to be a member or go with a member. 

Where can I find more information on the things we discuss in the class? Check out our link list here.