Here are some of our most Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have a question and don’t see it answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Ohio Conceal Carry
Do your conceal carry classes meet the legal requirements for Ohio?
Absolutely! In fact, our classes exceed the requirements set forth in section 2923.125 (G) (1) of the Ohio Revised Code.
We don’t want our students to have the bare minimum requirements. If you attend our class, we provide additional training resources and tools to help you take the next steps beyond just the basic training needed.
Doesn’t Ohio allow open carry? Why would I need a license to carry concealed?
Ohio does allow open carry, and it is absolutely your right to do so if you so choose.
However, we recommend that you exercise caution if you carry a firearm openly as it can bring unwanted attention to yourself.
Also, Ohio has certain requirements regarding transportation of firearms in motor vehicles. This means that you cannot legally open carry a firearm while in a motor vehicle. Having a Concealed Handgun License allows you to carry your firearm concealed in a motor vehicle.
Finally, even if you do choose to open carry, obtaining an Ohio CHL does not preclude you from doing so. We recommend that everyone who wishes to carry a firearm complete a conceal carry course, whether with Richardson Defense or another instructor.
How long is the conceal carry class?
The Ohio Conceal Carry class is a minimum of 8 hours of instruction. This includes 6 hours of training in a classroom setting and 2 hours of live-fire training on a range.
Additionally, our course is objective based: we don’t just do the minimum requirements. We want you to be comfortable with the knowledge of the requirements for a conceal carry license holder, as well as have confidence in your skills.
Why do you call conceal carry CHL? Isn’t it CCW?
Honestly, when you see CHL or CCW, it usually refers to the same thing.
CCW stands for Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and most states refer to conceal carry as a CCW license.
We choose to refer to it at Richardson Defense as a CHL (Concealed Handgun License), because that is how it is defined in the Ohio Revised Code. In Ohio, your conceal carry license specifically allows you to carry a handgun concealed, while other states may allow a permit holder to carry other types of weapons concealed.
It may seem like a minor distinction, but an important one to understand if you choose to carry concealed in Ohio.
Do you offer an online conceal carry class?
We do not.
While Ohio allows for a blended approach to conceal carry training (with some portions of the class online), we believe that you are best served by taking a class in person. This allows us the flexibility to address any questions or concerns you may have on the material, on a personal level.
If you are interested in taking the online version of the class for convenience, because you may not be able to devote an entire day for the class, we may be able to accommodate you. We offer custom classes, and break up the training into multiple date, so all 8 hours of the training class doesn’t have to be done in the same day.
If you would like to see if a custom class is a good option for you, please let us know.
How old do I have to be to attend?
You can register for a class if you are 18 or older. However, we recommend that you wait until you are 20 years old, as you cannot apply for an Ohio CHL until you are 21.
Once you complete the class, your certificate is good for 3 years from the date on the certificate.
Children ages 13-18 can attend the training with a parent or legal guardian that is enrolled in the class. However, they will not receive the certificate of completion or additional material provided to apply for a CHL. The cost for the class is $50, which includes firearm use and ammunition for the class.
Do I need my own gun for the class?
Absolutely not! We will have handguns available for you to use for the live-fire portion of the training. In fact, if you don’t own one yet, we recommend that you wait until after the class to purchase one.
If you do have your own handgun, you can feel free to bring and use it, as long as it is in good working order. Just let us know in the comments of the registration form the model and caliber, so we can ensure that we have the proper ammunition available for you.
How much ammo do I need to bring?
You don’t need to bring any! We will provide all of the handguns and ammunition necessary to complete the course.
However, if you wish to shoot more, we will have some ammo available at additional cost.
If you are bringing your own handgun, you’re welcome to bring additional ammunition as well, as long as it is new ammunition. Please do not bring remanufactured or reloaded ammunition.