Welcome
We want to offer as many courses as possible, but not all of them can fit on the calendar.
If you see a course you’d like to take that isn’t currently scheduled, please reach out — we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
Courses Offered
Conceal Carry Permit
NC Conceal Carry Handgun Permit Course
85
This Course is a mandatory 8hrs for the North Carolina Conceal Carry Handgun Permit.
SC Conceal Weapon Permit Course
85
This Course is 8hrs for the South Carolina Conceal Weapons Permit.
NRA
NRA Basic Pistol Course
85
This course is 8 hours, and teaches the safety, fundamentals, and marksmanship of both revolver and semi-automatics
NRA Basic Rifle Course
85
This course is 8 hours, and teaches the safety, fundamentals, and marksmanship of all types of rifles
NRA Shotgun Course
85
This course is 8 hours, and teaches the safety, fundamentals, and marksmanship of all types of shotguns and shotgun disciplines
NRA Personal Protection in the home
150
This course teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to the safe and effective use of a handgun for self-defense within the home. Students learn defensive shooting techniques, firearm storage for quick access, strategies for home safety, and the legal and ethical aspects of using deadly force.
NRA Personal Protection Outside the home
85
This course expands on defensive skills and mindset for personal safety in public. Students learn advanced concealed carry techniques, situational awareness, defensive shooting skills, and the legal considerations for using a firearm for self-defense outside the home.
NRA Range Safety Officer Course
85
This course develops the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations. Participants learn range inspection, safety briefings, emergency procedures, and how to ensure a safe environment for all shooters.
NRA Refuse to be a Victim Course
35
This seminar teaches proven personal safety and crime prevention strategies to help individuals avoid becoming victims. Participants learn how to enhance awareness, develop proactive habits, and create personal safety plans at home, at work, and in public — without the need for firearms training.
NRA Women on Target
35
Designed specifically for women, this fun and supportive course introduces participants to the safe handling and shooting of firearms. Taught by certified instructors, it focuses on firearm safety, basic marksmanship, and building confidence in a comfortable, stress-free environment — no experience necessary.
Instructor Courses
300
These courses prepare experienced shooters to teach others in firearm safety and marksmanship. Participants learn effective teaching methods, course organization, coaching techniques, and how to certify students under NRA standards. Instructor disciplines include Basic Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection, and more.
1st Defense
We offer many 2–4-hour workshops to help you build on your training.
Defensive Pistol, Rifle, & Shotgun
150
Level 1 teaches Marksmanship & Safety, Level 2 Defensive Concepts & Emergency First Aid, & Level 3 Low Light & Countering the mass threat
Red-Dot Sights on Handguns, Rifles, Shotguns
50
2 hour workshop
Maintaining your firearms
50
This hands-on course covers routine firearm maintenance: safe field-stripping, cleaning the bore and action, proper lubrication, function checks, and basic troubleshooting. Students will learn how to identify wear or damage, perform regular inspections, and store firearms safely to extend service life and ensure reliable operation.
USCCA Workshops
50
Practical Conceal Carry, AR-15 Marksmanship Fundamentals, Zeroing Concepts, Weapons Retention, Children's Firearm & Safety Fundamentals, Shooting from behind cover, Movement, Lowlight, College Campus Safety, Home Security & Defense, Maintaining your firearms, Home Defense Shotgun, Soft Skills for Success, Concealed Carry Lifestyle, Red dot Sights on handguns rifles or shotguns, Back to the Basics, Women's handgun fundamentals
American Red Cross
CPR/ First Aid/ AED
85
This course equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to respond to medical emergencies. Students learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and provide essential first aid for injuries and sudden illnesses. Perfect for workplace safety, security professionals, coaches, and community members who want to be prepared to save lives.
Stop the Bleed
included
This life-saving course teaches participants how to recognize and control severe bleeding in an emergency. Students learn to apply direct pressure, pack wounds, and use tourniquets effectively — empowering them to act quickly and confidently before professional help arrives.
Instructor Course
350
This course prepares qualified individuals to become certified instructors capable of teaching firearm safety, marksmanship, and defensive shooting skills. Participants learn lesson planning, student evaluation, range supervision, and effective communication techniques. Upon successful completion, graduates are certified to teach NRA student courses within their discipline.
Security State Certifications
These courses meet the training and certification requirements set by state regulatory agencies for security professionals. Participants receive instruction in legal authority, use of force, emergency response, report writing, communication, and professionalism. Upon successful completion, students earn the credentials necessary to obtain or renew their state security officer license.
SLED Primary Basic
150
8 hr course
SLED Primary Plus
150
8 hr course
SLED Armed Recert
150
4 hr course
NC PPSB Unarmed Guard
150
16 hour course
NC PPSB Armed Guard
150
3 day course
NC PPSB Recertification
150
4 hour course
NC PPSB Firearms Add/Change
50
2 hr plus $15 range fee
AsP Baton/ Handcuffing
150
8 hr course
oc/ Pepper spray
150
8 hr course
church security Workshop
50
4 hr course, in house scenario based training, and range
Defensive Handgun for the security professional
175
This quarterly 4-hour intensive course builds advanced handgun skills, tactical mindset, and legal/ethical decision-making required for armed security work. Emphasis is on threat assessment, controlled and accurate shooting under stress, retention and reholstering, movement and cover, low-light techniques, and use-of-force documentation. Training is scenario-driven and designed to improve real-world performance and safety.
Thank you for choosing 1st Defense Training — empowering safety and confidence through professional instruction.
Security you can trust, Training you can count on.
Copyright © 2019 1st Defense Training, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
NEW LOCATION
We are now located at:
2 Caldwell Dr Belmont, NC 28012
Our Training Facility is in the blue building beside the store. For parking, enter in the first entrance - come through the open fence, and parking available behind the blue building.
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