All semi-automatic handguns MUST have the mechanical ability to allow for the receiver slide to be locked to the rear in a ‘safe’ condition. No gun that does not have a receiver slide mechanism that locks the slide to the rear in a safe condition will be allowed in class.
I am interested in obtaining my CCW permit. Are there any training prerequisites of which I need to be aware?
Yes. You MUST be an INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL SHOOTER. We do not accept novice, inexperienced shooters, or people who are unfamiliar with their handgun(s) in this course for safety reasons. If you fall into one of these categories of people, we strongly suggest that you sign up for either our concierge private training, or obtain training with another vendor of your choice.
What is an “Intermediate-Level Shooter?
An intermediate-level shooter is someone who is thoroughly familiar with their firearm(s) and holster system(s) and has NO problems drawing, firing, reloading and re-holstering in a safe and effective manner and can work without difficulties in a group range environment.
Attesting that you are an “Intermediate-Level Shooter"
NOTICE: For class safety, all persons registering for either the CCW or CCW Renewal Courses MUST now attest that they are an INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL SHOOTER to be accepted into the classes. The range staff will be observing and vetting shooters during the weapon manipulation and dry-firing portion of the class(s). Any student not demonstrating that they are thoroughly practiced and familiar with their weapon(s) and holster system(s) and can operate safely in a group training environment of the range, will be dismissed from class and their tuition will NOT be refunded.
NOTICE - If you plan to apply for a CCW permit and are a novice shooter and decide upon using Street Safe Defense as your trainers, the prerequisites for registering for the CCW class are: (1) being an intermediate-level shooter; (2) successful completion of and certificate from a basic firearms training class; or (3) spending enough time with our instructor and getting certified through our private Concierge Training instruction program.
How do I apply for a CA Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit?
The California State Carry Conceal Weapon (CCW) permit is approved and authorized by the Sheriff’s Department authorized by the Sheriff’s Department or city in which you reside. Each individual county or city has its own requirements. Once a county or city authorizes your CCW permit, that permit is valid in every city and county in CA; even if that city/county does not allow their residents to have a CCW permit. For Riverside County, follow the link below to view the specific requirements.
Street Safe Defense also provides the training for the Arizona + 32 states CCW permit. This course is taken at the same time as the CA CCW permit class at no additional cost. The AZ Department of Public Safety program automatically authorizes you a CCW permit if you successfully pass their background investigation. The AZ CCW permit is good in 35 other states as well, but CA is not included in that 35-state list.
How long does it take to get a CCW permit?
This is strictly based on the work load, personnel and backlog of the local Sheriff’s Department or city to which you are applying. We recommend that you contact them directly to address this question.
I have a disability. Can I still take the CCW class?
Mobility – Accommodation and ability to take the CCW class for safety reasons depends upon the nature of your disability. We can accommodate most mobility issues including wheel chairs. If you can walk, you must be able to stand and move safely while manipulating and firing a handgun without the support of a cane or walker.
Vision – Those with vision impairments must have correction vision to be able to safely and accurately identify and fire accurately at a target from at least 45 feet away to qualify on our CCW course.
Hearing – For safety reasons, those with hearing problems must have their hearing corrected (hearing aids) to accurately hear all directions, instructions and range commands while also wearing hearing protection.
Medications – Those people who are on prescribed psychotropic medications are RESTRICTED from taking any of our firearms courses.
Prescription Pain Medications – Those taking prescription pain medications must present a letter from a CA licensed physician attesting that you are safe to take our courses before registering for a class. Those who fail to disclose that they are on prescription pain medications and receive a certificate of training will have that certification revoked.
Medical Marijuana – Those people who have applied for or possess a CA Prop. 215 Medical Marijuana card are prohibited from possessing firearms in CA and are RESTRICTED from taking any of our classes. (CA State Law, 2017)
What if I sign up for a class and then can't make it?
Although we do not give refunds, we realize that sometimes life happens. If you find you are unable to attend a class for a valid reason, you MUST contact us at least 48 hours PRIOR to the class and we will work with you to reschedule you into the next available class. Unfortunately we must limit the reschedules to 1 per registration. You must cancel at least 48 hours prior to any scheduled class date. No-shows will result in a forfeit of your registration fee.
I already know how to shoot. What course is best for me?
If you have experience with firearms, our CCW course may be a good choice for you. Even if you are not interested in applying for a CCW, this course reinforces the proper handgun grip and manipulation; stance, sight alignment and trigger control; movement while shooting, and scanning for threats. This class involves significant range practice of these skills and qualification with your handguns. This class will also cover the legal aspects of using firearms for home and personal defense use.
This course is instructed by current and/or retired law enforcement professional handgun instructors and court qualified experts in firearms, personal defense, and deadly force investigations, prosecutions and deadly force.
Location: Wren’s Ranch Shooting Range, Perris (CA)
Tuition: $300 + $25 Range Fee
What do I need to bring to class?
Each class has its own list of equipment and things you should bring to optimize your experience during training. Go back to the list of classes. Then select the class you want to take. At the bottom of that class description will be a “What to bring” button. Click on that link and print out the list of what to bring.
What if I don’t have a handgun yet? Do you rent guns to participants?
No, The Street Safe Defense (SSD) program does not rent out handguns. All participants must bring their own firearms.
What size handguns am I allowed to bring to class?
We only accept the following types of handguns:
Semi-automatic pistols in .380 caliber, 9mm, .40 caliber, 357 mag, .45 caliber
Revolvers (double-action only) in .38 special, 357 magnum, .41 caliber, .44 caliber, .45 caliber
BASIC HOLSTER REQUIREMENTS
(Holsters NOT meeting these requirements are NOT allowed in class)
SSD requires that ALL students on our ranges wear and shoot from an OWB holster. All students will have one well-fitting holster for each handgun with which they are qualifying. If you don’t want to bring a lot of holsters, then don’t qualify with a lot of guns!
- Holster(s) must be made from inflexible, rigid, weapon-specific molded ballistic nylon, hard plastic, Kydex or molded, double-stitched good quality leather. The holster must not be able to bend in any way.
- Holster must be molded to fit the specific handgun so that the weapon is tightly secured in the holster.
- Holster must completely cover the weapon’s trigger guard and trigger so that you cannot access the trigger when weapon is holstered.
- Holster must be secured to the waist by a strong clip, belt loops or a paddle system.
- NO loose-fitting holsters
- NO inside the waistband (IWB) holsters
- NO ankle or shoulder holsters
Holster Types Allowed
- Threat Level One – Meets the aforementioned specifications. When handgun is locked into the holster, turned upside down and shaken, weapon does not fall out of its holster.
- Threat Level Two – Meets the aforementioned specifications. Holster has a weapon retention device consisting either of a strong strap: Velcro or snap secured; or a locking mechanism that secures the weapon into the holster to prevent it from falling out of the holster during movement
Examples of Allowed Holsters
HOLSTER WARNING!
All “one-size fits all” type holsters; flimsy, lose-fitting, cheaply made holsters. Students bringing these non-approved holsters to class will NOT be allowed to shoot on our range for safety purposes.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Clothing is important for personal and range safety when shooting handguns.
Hat:
Hats MUST be worn in class. Baseball cap with a 2”+ bill, or a fully brimmed hat. If you wear a fully brimmed hat, you must bring your own hearing protection.
Shirt:
Long or short sleeved shirts. NO tank-tops are allowed. Loose fitting shirts are best. UV shirts are preferred if it is sunny/hot outside on the range.
Pants:
Loose fitting pants are best for heat dissipation in warm/hot weather and for movement. All pants MUST have strong belt loops for a strong belt and holster.
Shorts:
Shorts are not allowed on our range.
CCW Clothing
For those taking the CCW portion of the class, you MUST bring an over-garment such as a windbreaker, coat, jacket, heavy or light shirt that you anticipate wearing when you are CCW. There are many styles of CCW clothing available on the Internet and through the NRA.
What if I am bringing a new gun to class to shoot for the first time?
Students in our classes often have brand new guns that they have never fired. We highly recommend that any new gun, or a used/older gun that you intend to shoot in our classes, be first thoroughly inspected and lubricated by a licensed gunsmith to ensure that the weapon is fully functional and has been properly maintained. Our SSD instructors will inspect all guns before each class to make sure that all weapons are safe to handle and fire. Weapons that do not pass our instruction will not be allowed on our range.
Where are the SSD classes held?
At this time, all of the range portions of our classes are held at the Wren’s Ranch Shooting Range in Perris, CA. The SSD website provides you with GoogleMap directions from your location. Each SSD class listed has a “hot link” to Wren’s Ranch. Just click on "Wren’s Ranch" and the directions will automatically pop up for you.
I already have my CCW permit and need to re qualify to renew my permit. How do I do this?
The State of CA requires that when renewing your permit, you must take a minimum of 8 hours of training in CA state laws, legal liability and then re-qualify with your permitted handgun(s).
I just want to add another gun to my CCW permit. What does this cost?
We charge a fee of $35/gun + $25 Range Fee to qualify a new gun for your CCW permit.
Can you help me fill out my paperwork for my CCW permit?
No, We cannot.
Can you provide me with any suggestions on how to write a statement of need for a CCW permit?
No. We suggest that you contact the Sheriff’s Department, or refer to their website for this information.
Can you assist me with the CCW process by explaining it to me?
No. We are training providers for handgun safety and proficiency. We do not assist anyone with the CCW permit process. Please take time carefully reading the CCW permit process by downloading and printing out the CCW permit information and application paperwork. If you are having difficulty understanding the application language and/or permit process, ask another CCW permit holder to assist you, or call the Sheriff’s Department for further assistance.
Can you tell me what the CCW permit interview process consists of?
The class discusses the types of questions and information that are discussed during the CCW permit interview process. Each interview may be different, however, depending upon the applicant’s background and the interviewer. Our classes inform students on the CA State laws relating to handgun safety, legal liability, deadly force and personal safety. Our training manuals and written testing process also covers all of these issues.
Is your program insured?
Yes. The Street Safe Defense Firearms Program is a division of Martinelli & Associates, Justice & Forensic Consultants, Inc. which is one of the most professional and highly recognized law enforcement and criminal justice training and consulting firms in the nation for over 30 years. The firm, its instructors, the range staff, and all of our programs are fully insured for liability.
How many guns can I qualify with at one time in class?
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department allows CCW permit holders to list up to six guns on their CCW permit. The maximum number of guns you can qualify with in one SSD class is three due to time constraints. If you pay for more than three guns on the SSD website, you can qualify those additional guns in any future SSD class. New gun qualifications take place between 8:00 am – 12:00 pm on any day an SSD class is scheduled. Be on time to qualify your new gun(s). The fee for qualifying each gun is $35 and can be pre-paid on the SSD website. Make sure that you bring evidence of payment when you qualify with your gun(s).
I lost my SSD class certificate and need it for the CCW application process. Can I get another certificate?
SSD does not keep student class certificates on file. That’s why we email them to you after class. Please check your email history for the document.We will only provide you with a duplicate class certificate if you provide the following information: (1) Date and name of class taken; and (2) Evidence that you paid for the class. There is a $35 administrative fee for any duplicate/replacement certificate. Certificates are emailed back to you.
I lost my RSO Gun Qualification Form. How do I get a new one?
SSD does not keep copies of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Gun Qualification Forms. Once we fill out the forms on the range, it is your responsibility to keep them. If you need a new form, you must (1) provide us of with evidence you took and passed the CCW/CCW Renewal class; and (2) pay a $35/per gun fee to re-qualify your gun(s).
How long is my SSD CCW/CCW Renewal certificate good for?
Your CCW/CCW Renewal certificate is good for six-months with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
I already have my CCW permit, but am coming up for renewal. When should I sign-up for a renewal class?
The SSD CCW and CCW Renewal courses are very popular and most classes fill up quickly. We suggest that you sign up for your renewal class not later than three months before the expiration date of your CCW permit.
My wife/husband and I are married and have guns in the home. Can my husband/wife qualify with my handgun?
No. After the passage of SB2, spouses are no longer allowed to qualify with each other’s weapons.
I have two of the same make/model/caliber handguns registered to me. Do I need to qualify with both for my CCW permit?
Yes. No exceptions.