New Mexico CCW Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: 15-hour New License Course
Q: What Do I need to bring to class with me?
A: Information on equipment to bring to class is
here. A printable checklist of
required/recommended equipment is
here.
Each student must have his/her own equipment.
Q: What if I have little or no experience firing a handgun?
A: This is not a beginning firearms class. You should have a basic familiarity with firing a handgun in general and, specifically, the handgun you bring to class. If you have little or no experience firing a handgun, I would recommend that you take a basic firearms class before attempting this class. The NRA Basic Pistol or FIRST Steps Pistol class would be a good place to start.
Q: What if I don't own my own handgun?
A: You don’t have to actually own the handgun you bring to class. However, getting your concealed handgun license is only one part of a continuing process of training, practice and education. If you don’t own a gun, you probably won’t practice regularly. If you don’t practice, your shooting skills will deteriorate. If your shooting skills deteriorate, you will potentially be dangerous to yourself and others when carrying a firearm in public.
Q: What kind of handgun should I bring to class?
A: Your handgun should be of modern manufacture,
9mm caliber or greater, and must function as designed to factory specifications. Low-profile, fixed,
night
sights are preferred. Adjustable, target sights should be avoided. If possible, your handgun should be
test
fired and sighted-in with the ammunition you intend to use.
Handguns must be clean and properly lubricated
DO NOT bring a single-action revolver or derringer for live-fire exercises.
Q: I'm taking the course along with another person. Can we share one firearm between the two of us for the live fire exercises?
A: No.
Q: Do you loan or rent firearms for the class?
A: No.
Q: How many spare magazines or speedloaders will I need?
A: You are encouraged to bring a minimum of three reloading devices (magazines or speedloaders) for your primary handgun. A minimum of two are required. Belt-mounted magazine pouches/carriers are recommended.
Q: How much ammunition will I need?
A: You will need to bring approximately 250 rounds for the live-fire exercises and 25 rounds (per qualification attempt) for each firearm of the largest action type/caliber you would like listed on your license. A good source for ammunition is here.
Q: What is the format of the class?
A: The class spans two days, for a total of fifteen hours as required by NM Law. The first day (8:00am until 5:00pm), is spent in the classroom. The second day (9:00am until 5:00pm), is spent on the range conducting qualifications and live-fire exercises. There will be one hour for lunch each day, along with regular breaks.
Q: What is the class schedule?
A: The approximate class schedule will be:
Saturday, 8:00am to ~5:00pm
| 8:00am to Noon | Classroom |
| Noon to 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm to ~5:00pm | Classroom |
Sunday, 9:00am to ~5:00pm
| 9:00am to Noon | Live-fire exercises |
| Noon to 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm to ~5:00pm | Live-fire exercises |
Q: What is the qualification course of fire?
A: According to New Mexico law:
An applicant or licensee shall demonstrate competency in the safe use of each category [semi-auto and non semi-auto] and highest caliber of handgun for which he or she seeks certification by firing the handgun with live ammunition at a target no larger than 12 inches wide and 18 inches high.
An applicant or licensee shall fire 15 rounds from three yards and 10 rounds from seven yards.
An applicant or licensee shall score 4 points for each shot that hits within the scoring line and zero points for each shot that hits outside the scoring line. An applicant must obtain a score of 72% to pass the competency demonstration.
Q: Is it OK to qualify with a single-action revolver?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the course withdrawal policy?
A: The course fee is due at time of registration and is non-refundable. I you are unable to attend this
class, your fee
can be applied to the next available class that I teach or you may apply it to a private firearms lesson
with me at the rate of $45/hour. The private lesson will be held at a date and time convenient to both
our schedules.
Q: What is the course cancellation policy?
A: The minimum enrollment for this course is six students. Should that enrollment minimum not be met ten calendar days before the class date, the class may be cancelled. Enrollees will have the option of having their course fee refunded or it can be applied to the next class I teach.
Frequently Asked Questions: 4-year Renewal / 2-year Refresher Course
Q: What is the NM requirement for the 2-year Refresher Course
A:Twenty-two to twenty-six months after the issuance of an original or renewed license, a licensee shall complete either the online refresher course approved by New Mexico Department of Public Safety, or a two-hour instructor-led refresher firearms training course approved by the New Mexico DPS.
Q: What is the NM requirement for the 4-year Renewal Course
A: “Original and renewed licenses are effective for four years from the date of
issuance by the [New Mexico DPS].”
"A licensee seeking renewal of a license shall
satisfactorily complete a refresher firearms training course approved by the [New Mexico DPS] that
includes at least 4 hours of classroom and firing range instruction on the subjects specified in
Subsection A of NMSA 1978 Section 29-19-7."
You can apply for renewal of your Concealed Handgun License from 60 days before expiration of your
license until 60 days after expiration.
The certificate you will receive upon successful completion of the course will be valid for 90 days.
Q: What Do I need to bring to class with me?
A: Information on equipment to bring to class is here.
Q: How much ammunition will I need?
A: You will need 25 rounds for each qualification attempt (see the qualification course of fire, below)
Q: How many spare magazines or speedloaders will I need?
A: You are encouraged to bring enough reloading devices (magazines or speedloaders) to hold the 25 rounds required for each handgun you wish to qualify.
Q: What is the format of the class?
A: This is a combined Renewal + Refresher class: the Renewal class starts at 12:00 Noon, the Refresher class starts at 2:00pm. The class will end at approximately 4:00pm if all qualifications are completed.
Q: What is the class schedule?
A: The approximate class schedule will be:
Sunday, 12:00 noon to ~4:00pm
| Noon to 2:00pm | Review of NM CHL core topics |
| 2:00pm to 3:00pm | Review of Federal/State/Local Law |
| 3:00pm to ~4:00pm | Live-fire exercises/qualifications |
Q: What is the qualification course of fire?
A: According to New Mexico law:
An applicant or licensee shall demonstrate competency in the safe use of each category [semi-auto and non semi-auto] and highest caliber of handgun for which he or she seeks certification by firing the handgun with live ammunition at a target no larger than 12 inches wide and 18 inches high.
An applicant or licensee shall fire 15 rounds from three yards and 10 rounds from seven yards.
An applicant or licensee shall score 4 points for each shot that hits within the scoring line and zero points for each shot that hits outside the scoring line. An applicant must obtain a score of 72% to pass the competency demonstration.
Q: Do I need to qualify with the same action types/calibers listed on the back of my license?
A: 4-year renewal: No. 2-year refresher: Yes, unless you want to go through the additional handgun endorsement process (section 10.8.2.18).
Q: Is it OK to qualify with a single-action revolver?
A: Yes.
Q: What kind of payments do you accept?
A: Preferred payment is by credit card using PayPal. Payment can also be made by cash or check - please contact me for details.
Q: What is the course withdrawal policy?
A: The course fee is due at time of registration and is non-refundable. I you are unable to attend this
class, your fee
can be applied to the next available class that I teach or you may apply it to a private firearms lesson
with me at the rate of $45/hour. The private lesson will be held at a date and time convenient to both
our schedules.