FIREARMS

A group of police officers wearing masks and helmets standing and walking on a city street, with buildings and trees in the background.

GEAR

A black drone flying outdoors in front of a cloudy sky.

sUAS

When NJ modified existing law to make Concealed Carry more accessible to the citizens of New Jersey, many people reached out to me asking how much my Concealed Carry Qualification Class would be. Most people were looking for a fast and inexpensive way to get the documents signed so that they could carry their firearm. As someone that has been carrying a firearm concealed for 12 years, I immediately recognized a major problem with that. Carrying a firearm, whether as a Police Officer or Responsibly Armed Civilian, is an enormous responsibility. While I completely agree that carrying a firearm to defend life is a right, there are people that lack the training to be an asset.

The state announced a list of requirements including the Civilian Carry Assessment and Range Evaluation (CCARE). This consists of a firearms safe handling PowerPoint, Use of force training, and a shooting qualification. The shooting qualification itself requires very little marksmanship and the use of force training is unengaging. There were also many topics that I feel play a large roll in daily concealed carry that were not covered. Ultimately, I recognized that the states requirements were were subpar and that if my loved one was to get their concealed carry permit, I would want them to be much more prepared.

Preparedness is the foundation of the Blue Trail Consulting Concealed Carry Program. Making sure my students have the information and equipment they need to make a split second use of force decision is my goal. Because of these values, I require my students to achieve passing scores on two additional qualifications and pass a Use of Force Written Test. In addition, students must participate in additional blocks of instruction to include Stop the Bleed Training, Low Light Shooting Techniques, and Force on Force Reality Based Training Scenarios. Again, the purpose of the additional requirements is to ensure that the students are actually prepared to carry a firearm and use it legally in a use of force incident.

Because students arrive at training with varying skill levels, all Concealed Carry Training is conducted in Private Sessions. These sessions can be done solo or with a private group.

Below are each of the Blue Trail Consulting requirements that students are required to pass.

The Firearms Safety & Awareness Training is required by the state and was intended to be completed by the applicant during the application process. This training covers the basic rules of firearms safety and provides instruction on how firearms operate. Most students are aware of the basic rules of firearms safety when they come to the range so this block of instruction is typically short. Having said that, covering it provides the student with the opportunity to ask questions.
The Use of Force Training provided by the state is a few pages long. The training is a list of definitions that attempt to explain the levels of force and when they can and cant be used. While it is a great document for students to be familiar with, it does not leave students with a comprehensive understand of use of force. This portion of class can be time consuming and usually leads to discussion between students regarding use of force and all of its complexities. We also touch on the many ways students can remain safe and out of legal trouble in this block of instruction.
The CCARE Protocol is the qualification constructed by the state to ensure Concealed Carry Permit holders are effective with their firearm. It is very easy and should be re-evaluated. The qualification is listed below.
The participant must perform the following strings of fire from each of the following distances: 3 yards, 5 yards, 7 yards, 10 yards, and 15 yards:
- On command, from a secured and concealed holster position, draw and fire 5 rounds. Holster a safe, decocked, if applicable, weapon.
- Repeat the string of fire twice, firing a total of 10 rounds.
- Reload if required and holster a safe, decocked, if applicable, weapon.
- At the end of the course of fire, clear all weapons, and holster a safe and empty weapon.
The Use of Force Written Test is not a requirement by the state. This is a test that I constructed to ensure that students have a complete understanding of UOF. After reviewing the material together, students are more than prepared to pass the test.
The HQC-1 is not a requirement from the state to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit. The HQC-1 is the qualification that all Police Officers in the state are required to pass twice a year. The qualification is 60 rounds and you are required to score a 48 to pass. I believe this qualification incorporates many concepts that are important for anyone that is carrying a firearm to understand. The qualification is below.
- Target: Standard FBI "Q" Target
- Total Rounds: 60 rounds
- Passing Score: Minimum 80% (48 out of 60 hits inside the scoring area)
Course of Fire Summary
25 Yards 6 Rounds
15 Yards 14 Rounds
10 Yards 10 Rounds
7 Yards 12 Rounds
5 Yards 10 Rounds
1 Yard 8 Rounds
Total 60 Rounds
The Modified SWAT Qualification is not required by the state of NJ. This qualification requires the shooter draw their weapon and shoot quickly while maintaining accuracy. The qualification is listed below.
3 yd – 2 body 1 head – 4.5 sec
5 yd – 2 body 1 head – 4.5 sec (X2)
7 yd – 2 body reload 2 body – 7 sec
7yd – 1 head from holster – 5.0 sec
7 yd – 1 head from ready – 4.0 sec
10 yd – 1 head from holster – 5.5 sec
10 yd – 1 head from ready – 4.5 sec
15 yd – 1 body reload 1 body kneeling – 7.0 sec
25 yd – 1 body from holster - 4.5 sec (X2)
Movement: From the ready shooters will start at the 25 yard line and move to the 3 yard line. On each command they will fire two rounds. One command is given before the 10 yard line and one command is given after the 10 yard line. (4 Rounds Total)
Headshots must be in the outside permitter of the head above the center A Zone: 7 total
Total is 25 rounds / 20 hits required to pass
Low light shooting training is not a requirement of the state. This is training that I believe is extremely important. Understanding when to activate a weapon mounted or handheld light can be the difference in a UOF incident. Students will also learn multiple techniques for shooting while manipulating a handheld light.
Stop the Bleed Training is not required by the state of NJ to obtain your concealed carry permit. This training focuses on improving the capabilities of the civilian in treating a gun shot wound. Students will learn life saving techniques and understand how to use the equipment in an IFAK.
Force on Force Reality Based Training Scenarios are not required to obtain your concealed carry permit. I’ve added this training to my concealed carry program because I believe it is invaluable. Understanding how you will preform and the decisions you make under stress is vital. Students will go through multiple Use of Force scenarios where they will be forced to make difficult split second decisions.

Testimonials

“I thought that I was ready to carry a gun until I took Brian’s CCW Class. I could not believe how underprepared I was and how little I knew about using force on another person. I am so glad I didn’t go to one of the indoor range classes and just do the state qualification. I cannot recommend this class enough to anyone looking to get their CCW in NJ.” - Mark S.

“I've had the opportunity to train with Brian several times now. He's a phenomenal instructor, who can not only explain the "how" to you, but also the "why" behind what he's teaching you.” - Anthony N.

Concealed Carry Program Registration

FIREARMS

GEAR

sUAS

Firearms Safety & Awareness Training

Use of Force Training

(CCARE)

Use of Force Written Test

Police Qualification HQC - 1

Modified SWAT Qualification

Low Light Shooting Training

Stop The Bleed Training

Force on Force Reality Based Training Scenarios

Testimonials

Brian@BlueTrailConsulting.com