2-Hour Live Fire Qualification Course – Content Overview

1. Course Purpose

To satisfy the mandatory live-fire training requirement for renewal of a NYC Full Carry handgun license, demonstrating firearm safety, handling proficiency, and accuracy under instructor supervision.

2. Duration and Structure

Total Duration: 2 hours (minimum)

Format: Instructor-led, live fire range session

Ratio: 1 instructor per 4 students (recommended for safety and oversight)

3. Course Components

A. Safety and Range Orientation (15–20 minutes)

Range safety briefing

Personal protective equipment (eye and ear protection)

Firearm handling rules (“4 Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety”)

Range commands and emergency procedures

Proper loading, unloading, and clearing of handguns

B. Marksmanship Fundamentals (20–30 minutes)

Proper stance, grip, and sight alignment

Trigger control and follow-through

Breath control and recoil management

Target identification and engagement distances (typically 3, 5, 7, and 10 yards)

Live demonstration by instructor

C. Live Fire Drills (60 minutes)

Minimum of 50 rounds fired (recommended)

Drills include:

Controlled pairs (two rounds, center mass)

Failure drills (two to body, one to head)

Reload and re-engagement

One-handed and weak-hand firing (if applicable)

Shooting from ready and holstered positions

Focus on accuracy, consistency, and weapon control

Continuous supervision and coaching by instructor

D. Evaluation and Qualification (15–20 minutes)

Live-fire qualification course of fire (per instructor’s standard or agency model, typically 30–50 rounds)

Students must demonstrate:

Safe gun handling at all times

Proper loading/unloading procedure

Ability to hit target scoring zone (e.g., 70–80% accuracy)

Performance is recorded on an official qualification score sheet

4. Course Completion Documentation

Each participant receives a Certificate of Live Fire Qualification that includes:

Student’s full name and date of birth

Date and location of qualification

Type of firearm used (make, model, caliber)

Instructor name, certification number, and signature

Statement verifying compliance with 2-hour live fire requirement under NYS Penal Law §400.00(19)(b)

5. Administrative Notes

Must be completed within 6 months before renewal submission

Certificate must be uploaded to the NYPD Licensing Division online portal

Only accepted from NYS/DCJS-certified instructors or NYPD-approved facilities

Registration

• All students must register in advance to attend the class.

Classroom Safety Rules

• Absolutely no live ammunition is permitted in the classroom.

• All firearm and ammunition handling will take place on the range only.

Cancellations & Payments

• All deposits and payments are non-refundable.

• However, payments may be applied to another class within 12 months of the original payment date, if cancellation is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled class.

• One (1) class reschedule is permitted within the 12-month period.

• All major credit cards accepted.

• No personal checks, please.

Provided at the Range (At No Extra Cost)

• Firearms

• Holsters

• Ammunition

• Targets

• Class materials

ITAR Compliance & Student Eligibility: The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), stemming from the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, restrict certain types of firearms training from being provided to non-U.S. persons.

Current NRA policy states “Under federal law, certain non-U.S. citizens are prohibited from participating in this course. Only non-U.S. citizens who are:

    (1) Lawful permanent residents (green card holders),

    (2) Refugees, or

    (3) Individuals who have been granted asylum

    may participate in this course.”

By paying for and/or attending this class, participants confirm that they have read and meet the eligibility conditions outlined in Vintage Arms Inc.'s Terms of Attendance & Safety Warnings.

Required Items to Bring

For Students WITH a NYS Pistol License: Bring Every Day

• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport)

• Valid NYS Pistol License or other legal authority to possess pistols in NY (e.g., police/armed peace officer ID)

• Sturdy belt suitable for holster use

• 350 rounds of factory ammunition (no reloads) in a caliber appropriate for your firearm

    → DO NOT bring live ammunition into the classroom. Ammunition and firearm are for range day only.

• Eye and hearing protection

• Optional: baseball/range hat, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Cover garment (large shirt, jacket, etc.) for concealment drills

• Dress appropriately for the outdoor range and weather conditions

• Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks — the class runs all day

For Students WITHOUT a Pistol License (Please Notify Us in Advance if You Do NOT Currently Have a License)

• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport)

• Sturdy belt for holster use

• Eye and hearing protection (loaners available if needed)

• Optional: baseball/range hat, sunscreen, insect repellent

• Cover garment (large shirt, jacket, etc.) for concealment drills

• Dress appropriately for the outdoor range and weather conditions

• Bring lunch, snacks, and drinks — the class runs all day

Free License Application Photos: We provide free license application photographs for all students as part of your class enrollment.

Class Schedule & Locations:

Lecture Locations:

• Irvington, NY

• Pelham, NY

The final location will be announced one week before class, depending on enrollment.

Range Locations (Varies by Date):

• Blue Mountain Sportsman Center – Cortlandt, NY

• Masterclass – Monroe, NY

Class Times:

Saturday

   8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Classroom)

Sunday

   8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Classroom)

   2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Range)

Additional Training & Services

8-Hour NRA Pistol Safety Course: Available upon request for those interested in additional firearms education.

Multi-State CCW Permit Services: Vintage Arms, Inc. can assist in preparing AZ, NJ, CT, and FL concealed carry permit applications, including:

• License photos

• Fingerprinting

• Application preparation

Arizona CCW Permit Benefits:

• Recognized in 50 states

• Reciprocity with 38 states - click for more information about AZ Concealed Carry reciprocity