South Lake Defense
We teach self defense for anyone considering owning or carrying a firearm through classroom and live range training in our Basic Pistol and Conceal Carry course.
The course is a complete guide to understanding conflict avoidance and situational awareness, home security and home defense, handgun, shotgun and AR-15 basics, shooting fundamentals, the physiology of violent encounters, the legal aspects of using deadly force, and a complete guide on gear and gadgets. Opportunities for ongoing training available.
Basic Pistol and Conceal Carry Course Details
Course Formating
What You’ll Need
What We Provide
- Four hours of in-person classroom experience using interactive videos from the USCCA and live instruction
- Two hours of range experience where you can shoot until you feel safe, comfortable, and confident
- Proper clothing including closed toed shoes and long pants. Holster and range bag are suggested.
- Ammunition – 100; FMJ – 100; personal handgun
- Eye and ear protection
- Bagged lunch
- Note taking supplies
- Extra handguns if you do not own one yet
- Extra eye and ear protection
- Targets
- The best self defense training in the Smith Mountain Lake area
Meet your Instructors
Ben Bradburn
Ben has been an avid outdoorsman from a young age. Today, he partakes in numerous outdoor activities to include hunting, fishing and trapping. Ben has always enjoyed marksman shooting and clay target shooting – including sporting clays – and is a gun enthusiast and avid ammo re-loader.
Ben joined the USCCA in 2017 as a member and then became a certified Conceal Carry & Home Defense instructor in 2019. Becoming an instructor has allowed Ben to combine his passion for shooting with his pleasure of teaching and socializing safe gun practices.
Doug Holt
Doug has been teaching handgun self-defense since the early 1990’s when he became an NRA Certified Pistol Personal Protection Instructor. Soon after, he earned Basic Handgun and Self Defense Training permits from the state of Massachusetts. Throughout his 30 years of experience, Doug has also taught classes in basic firearm maintenance, handloading ammunition, and home security.
Now, Doug is a USCCA certified instructor in Concealed Carry and Home Defense. Doug enjoys using his decades of gun-related experience to help you reach your safety and security goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to own my own handgun?
No. If you do not own a handgun yet, we have extra handguns that will be provided for your participation in the course activities.
Will I be eligible for a concealed carry permit after completing this course?
Yes. This course prepares you to apply for a concealed carry permit (CCW), if you so desire. We are affiliated with the USCCA to provide this service. Please consult Virginia state laws with any further questions.
How long does the course last?
Your course will last approximately six hours. Time may be added or removed based on the student’s needs and the number of students in each course.
How many people can sign up for one class? Are there group rates available?
At most, ten people can register for a single class. Group rates are not available at this time; however, please email us if you have specific questions regarding group classes.
