Southern Ohio Defense LLC is Southern Ohio’s premier concealed carry firearms trainer. Our instructors teach the shooting fundamentals to make you a better shooter. No experience? No problem! We welcome new shooters! Our concealed carry classes cover everything you need to apply for your concealed carry license.
U.S. LawShield® provides quality and affordable legal defense coverage for responsible self-defenders and firearms owners. We’re giving peace of mind: Try out the membership experience free for an entire month—no setup fee, first 30 days free! Cancel any time.
We are located in Waverly, Ohio.
Concealed carry classes are $125 Each person that completes the class will receive a FREE NRA membership and a $25 gift certificate towards the purchase of a firearm. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required when registering for a class. The $50 balance (cash/correct change) will be due the morning of the class. *Individuals who do not attend the class they registered for must re-register and pay another deposit for a different class. Deposits hold your spot in the class and are specific to each scheduled class.
Our concealed carry classes begin at 8am sharp and will end at approximately 4:30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete your registration. Ohio requires a minimum of six hours class time and two hours of range time. Our concealed carry classes meet the requirements set by the state of Ohio.
You will be required to bring a pistol with 50 rounds of ammunition. Any caliber is fine to use. You will need a MINIMUM of 2 pistol magazines. *More than 2 magazines is preferred!
You may use a revolver as well.
A pen and paper to take notes during the classroom portion.
Eye and hearing protection.
*You will not need a holster for the shooting qualification.
*Firearms are not permitted inside the classroom. They are to remain in your vehicle until the qualification.
*Your pistol must be in a closeable bag or case when you arrive at the range.
Your lunch and drinks. We will have a working lunch.
Sun screen, rain gear, warm clothing, gloves, waterproof shoes, and hand warmers when appropriate.
We will complete the two hour live fire portion of the class at an outdoor range. We shoot rain or shine! You must dress for the weather.
We prefer that you use your own pistol and encourage you to bring one to the class. We do have a limited number of .22 caliber & 9mm pistols for you to use if you do not have one yet. You will need to purchase 50 rounds of either .22 long rifle (copper plated) or 9mm ammunition if you plan to use one of our pistols. You must let us know that you need to use one of our pistols when you register for a class.
You have to be 18 years of age or older to take the class. The certificate that you will receive upon the completion of the concealed carry class will be valid for 3 years. You have to be 21 years of age to apply for your concealed carry license.
*Please note: Anyone under 21 would not be legally able to transport a pistol to class. This is not a problem at all. They will use one of ours. There are no extra fees for using one of ours. If a friend or family member 21+ is also attending the class that day, they can transport a gun for the underage person.
You will need to call your Sheriff's office for an appointment (if required). You may go to any Sheriff's office that is adjacent to your home county to apply for your Ohio concealed carry license.
Here is a list of items that you'll need to take with you to the Sheriff's office:
*Driver's License
*Application (filled out)
*2"/2" passport photo. Some Sheriff's require this with the application while others do not. It is always best to call to see if a photo is needed.
*The certificate that you earned for the successful completion of your concealed carry class.
*Sheriff's application fee of $67
*Veterans will not be charged the application fee and should take their DD214 as proof of service.
*Valid for 5 years from the date issued.
*Your concealed carry license will need to be renewed every five years.
*You will need to complete another application & make an appointment with your Sheriff's department.
* $50 license renewal fee
* Renew your license BEFORE it expires!
*Your training certificate is valid for 3 years from the date that you completed your concealed carry class.
We choose not to train pregnant women on our range due to the possibility of hearing damage to the baby and the exposure of toxic substances which are a part of shooting. However, you are welcome to complete the 6 hours of class time then come back to complete the shooting portion after the birth of your baby.
In November of 2018, a new Ohio law took effect that allows active duty, retired, and honorably discharged service members to apply for their OHIO concealed carry license without taking a training class. We recommend calling your local sheriff with any questions in regards to this. Service members are welcome to take our training to be updated on Ohio self defense and firearm laws and to get some range time with our instructors. Many do!
*Veterans will not be charged the application fee and should take their DD214 as proof of service.
Replacement certificates are only available to those who have successfully completed the Southern Ohio Defense concealed carry training course. We go back through our records to verify that you have met all requirements before creating the replacement certificate.
The date on the replacement certificate will be the date that the course was originally completed. Replacement certificates are $35 each and are sent through the USPS.
When can I legally shoot? The law of deadly force in Ohio.
https://www.uslawshield.com/ebooks/Use%20of%20Force/Ohio%20Use%20of%20Force.pdf
The Castle Doctrine: Ohio Edition
https://www.uslawshield.com/ebooks/Castle%20Doctrine/OhioCastleDoctrine.pdf
Surviving An Active Shooter Incident: 5 Steps To Stay Alive.
https://www.uslawshield.com/ebooks/Defender%20Reports/Special_Report-ActiveShooter.pdf
Surviving A Road Rage Incident:
https://www.uslawshield.com/ebooks/Defender%20Reports/Special_Report-RoadRage.pdf
Travel Guide For Gun Owners:
https://www.uslawshield.com/ebooks/Defender%20Reports/Special_Report-TravelGuide.pdf
Waiting for your new concealed carry license? What you need to know in Ohio:
Ohio Banks: Debunking the carry myth:
It is important to stay current on Ohio law in regards to carrying a concealed firearm.
Save when you join the NRA or renew your membership with our exclusive NRA recruiter rates!
Now is an IMPORTANT time to sign up for the NRA or to renew your membership! The NRA just announced that for a limited time you can get a one year membership for $30 (regularly $45) or a 5 year membership for $100 (regularly $150).
We have gift certificates available for all occasions. Contact us if you would like to purchase one. Each gift certificate is good for any of our concealed carry classes.