The State of New Jersey is at it once more. The NJ Concealed Carry regulations have undergone another revamp, specifically addressing the training requirements. These updates come swiftly on the heels of the changes made in July of this year. The good news is, this new course of fire isn’t as rigorous as the one before.

If you’re wondering about the details, it’s crucial to read the memo released by the New Jersey Attorney General. This document gives a clear picture and framework for understanding whether or not you might need to “requalify”. You can access the memo at this link: https://nj.gov/njsp/firearms/pdf/Memo_to_LE.pdf

Once you’ve perused the memo, you’ll note vital takeaways for anyone holding a NJ Concealed Carry Permit. For instance, if you haven’t completed the HQC2-Modified (this being the course of fire that the State mandated around July 1, 2023) or haven’t successfully undergone a CCARES evaluation (a course of fire aligning with the protocol) by December 31, 2023, your permit might no longer be valid.

To check if you’ve complied with the CCARES protocol during your initial TTC Qualification Course, here are the criteria you must have met:

• A minimum of 50 scored rounds per participant. (The TTC Handgun Qualification Course met this).
• Secure at least an 80% passage rate using an FBI type Q target. (The TTC Handgun Qualification Course satisfied this).
• Fire a minimum of 10 rounds each from the 15, 10, 7, 5, and 3-yard lines. If you’ve shot fewer rounds from these distances, the balance must come from farther distances.
• Safely holster and unholster during the shooting course, which includes drawing the weapon from a secured holster for firing at each mandatory distance and then reholstering after completing the round. (The TTC Handgun Qualification Course passed this).
• Show proficiency in safe reloading during the shooting course. (The TTC Handgun Qualification Course covered this).

It’s essential to know that if you’ve already cleared the HQC2-Modified, which was set from the start of July 2023 to 15 September 2023, there’s no need to requalify. Kudos to those who managed to clear the HQC2-Modified – it’s a commendably comprehensive training course!

Lastly, remember that New Jersey isn’t rolling out an entirely new course of fire. Instead, they’ve outlined minimal standards each trainer should use as their protocol. Our team has curated a course of fire based on this, and we plan to have it up on our site soon. We believe it provides a realistic gauge of the NJ Concealed Carry Permit holder’s basic standards. This course of fire has been integrated into all our CCW Qualification Courses for NJ Permit sessions.

In the meantime, Keep Training!

The post NJ Concealed Carry Training 2023: Essential Updates for September appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

Concealed Carry in NJ: Understanding the Changing Landscape

So, you’ve obtained your concealed carry permit in NJ. With the state’s evolving regulations, especially with the introduction of interim qualification standards, it’s natural to wonder where this journey ends and how much is truly enough. While we’re not just another NJ gun store or NJ gun range, we believe in the importance of training. Even if you’re an experienced gun-carrier, there’s always more to learn.

Training is different from qualification. At TTC, we focus on providing the right type of NJ firearms training so that you meet the measurable standard of a given task, the qualification. This ensures that you’re adequately prepared in the unfortunate event that you need to use a handgun for defense.

Decoding M.A.S.P.: The Gold Standard of Firearm Training

In my previous career as a SWAT and Law Enforcement training officer, a term stood out – Minimal Acceptable Standards of Performance (M.A.S.P.). Our defenders, whether in law enforcement or military, adhere to this standard. The CCP Qualification course (HQC-modified) is the state’s benchmark of these minimal standards. While the term “minimal” indicates the bare minimum, our goal is to ensure you surpass these standards:

1. Safely load and unload a handgun, whether at home or discreetly in your vehicle.
2. Master the art of safely drawing and holstering a concealed handgun, especially with concealing clothing.
3. Develop the skills to flee, move to cover, issue commands, all while managing a loaded handgun. Know when to holster and when to keep the gun ready.
4. Achieve accuracy when targeting, understanding the responsibility that every bullet carries.
5. Adapt to diverse environments – day or night, indoors or outdoors, crowded or secluded places.

Why Mere Qualification Isn’t Enough

Think about the current process: A resident can visit an NJ gun store, purchase a firearm, secure a concealed carry permit, and potentially never fire that gun. Is that the person you’d want nearby in a crisis? While visiting an NJ gun range is a start, it isn’t enough.

Competitive shooting has its merits, but real-world scenarios are unpredictable. The standards set by NJ, as mentioned in N.J.S.A. 13:54-2.4, might lean heavily towards law enforcement training. However, they may not always align with the situations a civilian CCP holder might face.

Beyond the Basics: Training at TTC

Our advice isn’t just about ticking off qualification boxes. We urge you to consider additional training, especially ones that are court defendable and based on the lawful use of self-defense. Proper training results in qualification, and these qualifications set the standard.

This late summer and fall, TTC offers specialized programs dedicated to NJ Concealed Carry classes, practice qualification sessions, Revised Qualifications for current CCP holders, and a dedicated class for initial qualification for prospective permit holders. Join us and elevate your skills.

Find our full training class schedule here.

For private lessons training, go here.

The post New Jersey Concealed Carry Training: How Much Firearm Training is Enough? appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

FROM: Scott Lessig – TTC Director of Training

DATE:  25JUL2023

RE:  Revised CCW training and qualification standards from the NJSP and NJOAG

Many of you are asking for advice on whether or not you are required to complete the new training standards.  You may have also seen what other ranges are doing.  Some ranges have said that they have been told by the NJSP that their previous qualification is similar enough to the new test and are telling their customers that the previous qualification is enough. Some ranges are recommending that everyone since the Bruen decision should qualify.  We are also aware that the some of the new training forms from the NJSP forms webpage indicate that “Any requirement for classroom training and target training shall not be required for a renewal applicant who completed the instruction and training when obtaining a permit to carry a handgun issued within the previous two years.”  There’s lots of conflicting information out there.  The best advice that I can give you is to read the revised statute N.J.S. 2C:58-4 (signed into law on Dec 22, 2022) and review the Administrative Code N.J.A.C 13:54-2.4 and apply it to the training that you have received and the date that your Concealed Carry Permit was granted, and make your decision on whether or not you want to requalify.

We have a different perspective, instead of looking to see whether one should qualify or not, why not train and advance your skillset?  We are the Tactical TRAINING Center; training is what we do to prepare ourselves for what we don’t want to have to do.  We train UP to standards, not DOWN.  Our initial qualification course mirrored the Retired Officer’s Qualification Course, and we had a failure rate of about 15-20%.  Most of those who did fail, obtained additional training, practiced and then passed.  Some of those who failed, decided to go to another range with lesser qualification standards.  In the end, those who went to other ranges and got their permits, didn’t do themselves nor their families any favors.  It’s interesting that the new standards are similar to what ours had been.  The CCP holders who came to our range and passed, proved that they possess a skill and proficiency based upon a real world environment and creditable standards. “They Earned It”.   Training to the standard of a new qualification course will only enhance your skills and credibility.

Think ahead, if you are involved in an incident and your training records come into question (which they likely will), do you really want to rely on “we were told that we don’t have to requalify” or would you rather demonstrate that you passed the new standards, and have documentation to prove it?  Perhaps if you don’t requalify, you’ll second guess and you won’t carry.  Doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of obtaining your CCP?  For those who indicate that CCP is a Constitutional Right, I entirely agree.  Unfortunately, most of our political leaders in New Jersey disagree, and don’t want people to carry guns, are passing laws left and right to prevent it.  Until we get some relief in the form of case law or revisions you have to navigate this at your own legal peril.  I personally commend you for assuming responsibility for your own personal safety, don’t stop now.  Protect yourself legally, so you can protect yourself physically.

The post NJ Concealed Carry Permit Holders appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

The Tactical Training Center employs Range Safety Officers but safety is everyone’s responsibility. 

Firearms safety requires the shooter to be mindful, attentive and have the basic knowledge of your particular firearm. Knowing basic operation of your firearm includes knowing how to safely load, unload and check your firearm to ensure its condition. As a side note, a firearm’s mechanical safety can fail and never should be solely relied upon for safety. As the shooter, you are responsible for your actions and your firearm. 

If you are uncertain or uncomfortable, TTC offers several training classes and Private Lessons to assist you. 

• Always keep your muzzle pointed in the safest direction. For our purposes, that is the downrange impact area. 
• Keep your finger straight and on the frame of the firearm until just prior to shooting. A common violation of this is when the firearm in lowered to assess the target. When you assess, your finger must come off the trigger. 
• Know your target and beyond. While this seems easy on the range, this is a common violation with projectiles impacting the ceiling. Prior to shooting, you should imagine the path of the bullet. If the target is too high for your position, then the bullet will impact the ceiling. A good rule of thumb is to keep your targets at eye level. 
• Know the condition of your firearm. Is it loaded or unloaded? If not actually shooting, the firearm needs to be unloaded with the action open and facing upward so everyone can see it. 
• Firearms must be cased or holstered, in the case of concealed firearm permittees until you are in your port. If you are shooting with others in separate ports and want to try each others firearms, shooters move to ports to try the firearm. Do not move firearms between ports. 

Those are some basic rules for safety. While not all encompassing, following those will put you on the right path to safe shooting. 

Along with basic safety, basic consideration of others in the range is important. Shooters are generally considerate of others but there are some unique situations that you may not realize. 

When firing a semiautomatic handgun, if the shooter is very close to the bench, his or her ejected spent shell casings may enter his or her neighbor’s port. This can be distracting to your neighbor. 

Be mindful of your allotted time and leave enough time to put away your firearms, gear and ammunition so the next shooter doesn’t have to wait. 

Please do not put any liquid in the trash. 

As stated, these rules and suggestions are not all encompassing. However following them will do a lot for safe, rewarding and enjoyable open range session. 

The post Range Etiquette and Safety  appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

Carrying a firearm should not be taken lightly and comes with a lot of responsibility.

Coming from a combat Marine Corps Infantry and police Special Weapons and Tactics background, I know the value of proper training. Not only can it save the lives of you and your family, it can potentially save you legal trouble.

For the concealed carry individual, your training needs to be relevant, realistic, challenging and most importantly reoccurring.

Carrying a firearm without proper formal training does not make you a responsible concealed carry person. In the same vein, carrying a hammer does not automatically make you a carpenter. Carrying a firearm without proper training endangers you and the lives of others.

I’d recommend your live-fire firearms training consist of not only how to operate your chosen handgun but operating with a holster in a concealed carry manner. Formal training, including tactical marksmanship, is important along with practicing at the range.

Along with a reoccurring live fire firearms training, every responsible concealed carry person needs Reality Based Training. Fortunately modern police and military training does not consist exclusively of firearms live fire. Police officers and Service members train in realistic environments that mimic what they might face on either the streets or battlefield. That way when faced with a threat or combat, they can react appropriately. Same applies to the responsible concealed carry individual.

Like live fire training, Reality Based Training needs to be reoccurring not just “one and done.” The training should be held in a controlled environment that simulates the environment a responsible concealed carry person frequents. The training should include realistic but non live firing “guns” that give marksmanship feedback. There should be trained role players who stick to specific learning objective scripts. Finally the training needs to feature both shoot and don’t shoot situations.

The Reality Based Training Series is a series of classes created to provide a clearer perspective on the Use of Force decision making process. This particular class will incorporate TTC role players to bring you the most realistic situations. The focus will be on non-lethal solutions to these scenarios with lethal options as a last resort.

The post Defense Outside the Home appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

The post Make Your CCW Application Foolproof with These Recommendations (July 2022 Update) appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

Firearms shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported.  If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, the firearm and/or ammunition shall be in a locked container other than the vehicle’s glove compartment or center console and kept farthest from the driver.

As a precaution, ammunition shall be transported in a separate container and locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported.  Ammunition magazines may remain loaded during transportation and shall be carried separate from the firearm.

For transporting on a motorcycle, a motorcycle with lockable bags is preferable.  However, saddle bags or a backpack may be utilized with the unloaded firearm in a locked container.

You may drive through New Jersey with any type of firearm or ammunition with no unreasonable deviations from your travels.  If New Jersey is the State of destination, then the firearms must be legal in this State.

Looking for more educational and training information? Check out our new Private Lessons Training Calendar right here.

The post How to Transport a Firearm in NJ appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

TTC — New Jersey’s BEST Handgun Training

This blog was created to provide some guidance for the person considering the purchase of a handgun.  Handgun purchasing and education for the new or new-to-be shooter can be somewhat intimidating and even a little complicated, especially in New Jersey.  The Tactical Training Center, LLC has established an exemplary basic handgun training program.  We also have an exemplary continuing training program, but more about that later.  The Basic Handgun class is oriented towards any new shooter and will not only put aside any mystery, but it will also save you time, money and most importantly, frustration.

The Basic Handgun Class is typically taught by former or current law enforcement officers who have been carrying handguns and teaching handgun skills for decades.  We also possess the know-how to guide you through the New Jersey Handgun Permit Purchasing Procedure.  The Basic Handgun class consists of an informative classroom session followed by a live-fire range session in an environmentally safe indoor range.

A good basic training class should consist of several educational pillars. The first and most important pillar is that the class should place safety first and establish groundwork for continuous safety.  The Tactical Training Center’s ingrained philosophy is that any accident with a firearm is totally unacceptable AND preventable by established safety procedures and methods.  Our safety protocols extend beyond the range and into your own home and personal use.

The second pillar is based upon keeping you safe and out of trouble with the law.  Many people are inherently intimidated with New Jersey’s complex legal system and the legality of purchasing a firearm, transporting, storage and use.  The TTC and all of its employees have been navigating the legal system for years and we are more than happy to equip you with the information you need to keep you free from legal predicaments and pitfalls.

The last pillar of the Basic Handgun Class provides a platform for handgun selection by conducting what we call, “familiarization fire”.  It is an important aspect to familiarize and “fit” yourself with the balance of a handgun when held.  The features of the handgun differ from type and manufacturer.  The grip, as well as the operational features such as the magazine release, slide lock, trigger, hammer, can all play an instrumental part in your safety and success.   Again, we return to New Jersey’s handgun permit system and want to save you time, money and frustration by selecting a proper handgun.  We don’t want you to select a handgun that isn’t fit for you, because it’s hard to manipulate or hard to shoot. The familiarization fire also provides the foundation for handgun operation and marksmanship skills.

The Tactical Training Center Basic Handgun class is the best start for anyone who wants to learn how to properly use a handgun.  Come to us for a safe, positive learning environment and some of the best firearms instruction you’ll find anywhere, at a very reasonable price.

See our upcoming TTC Basic Hand Gun Training Events below:

Looking for more events? View our full training calendar here!

The post How to Select a Basic Handgun Training Class appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

“Competition”, “Action”, “Performance Shooting”…..there’s a lot of fancy words for it now. I’ve become known as a “Competition Shooter” in the general sense, but my full-time career is in Firearms Instruction and Training. I own and run a company that primarily trains the Average gun owner and Law Enforcement/Military Professionals, as well as Competition shooters. Not JUST competition, even though that is where I started for me…and its where I encourage people to dabble. You don’t need to become a champion but trying the world of competition should be an experience any gun owner should feel.

So, WHY does Competition shooting stand out so vibrantly? Why does EVERYONE know who Jerry Miculek is? Well at the end of the day, all levels are shooters are measured against the performance standards of competition shooters. What is the highest level of skill that can be squeezed out of any given gun? Well, we look to the Competitors. The “Drag Racers” of the gun world, they prove what CAN and CAN NOT be done with firearms, period. Limit off human capability, gear ability, and the envelope gets pushed further every year. No ego, no “tactics” or “this is the way it used to be…” discussion…just raw skill, dedication, and pushing limits.

The comparison I like to draw to these Competition Shooters that they’re just as valuable to the gun world as race car drivers are to the car world. Why? Whether you know it or not, the guys racing things like NASCAR are doing more research and data collection on car performance than nearly anyone else. Your Tires, Fuel, Air Filters, even the sensors in your car…they all get better each year due to people who go out and push the limits. So Firstly, THAT is one of the biggest credits that should be given to the National and World Champion level shooters…showing us what CAN and CAN NOT be done, and that simply training and fundamentals are the way to get there.

Well, what about the AVERAGE guy? The guy reading this going “Well, I never intend to go chase down my State title. Why bother with this kind of shooting?”…Competition Shooting is where people have the BIGGEST and most profound breakthroughs not only in their physical shooting… but their mindset. Figuring out how to run their Gun SUBCONSCIOUSLY, while concentrating on a task. THAT is why Competition shooting will make you better. Sure, in a sterile environment like an indoor range, you can shoot. But what if a challenge is presented in which you have to think? Much like a home invasion, or self-defense encounter? Your Conscious mind will be on the threat, can your Subconscious run your gun? Can you Align sights and press triggers smoothly under stress? Competition Shooters can, or are at the very least are more familiar with the feeling.

That brings me to the STANDARDS of Competition Shooting. Knowing the metrics of your draw, your reload, etc. are all great marks of measuring your progress. But as far as a Practical skill…why would that be Important. Confidence. Confidence in knowing I can do something the FIRST time, at a certain Metric I’m confident of, due to repetition and experience. A very Prominent figure in the Defensive world goes to say “There 100% is a timer in every gunfight” Meaning knowing the Metrics of human Reactionary Gap, and knowing the Time of your Draw from a COLD standard…those are 2 very important numbers to know if you’re ever going to carry your pistol in a self-defense capacity. Below is an excellent visual example of why knowing your metrics are important ALWAYS…

In closing, it’s always up to the END USER to be confident and comfortable with their gun. Yes, it is your right to arm and defend yourself, but it is your DUTY to be knowledgeable and trained in the deployment of your gear. I simply present that Competition Shooting is one of the absolute best ways to master your gear and become confident in your metrics and capabilities. And at the end of the day, we can tip our hats to those guys shooting 50-100,000 rounds a year for testing what DOES and DOES NOT work under stress. So go start to Dryfire, and jump on Practiscore.com and find a competition near you. I have never met a person who REGRETS trying competition shooting….except for maybe their wallets sake….

The post Crossover Training – Why Competition Shooting will HELP you in the long run appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.

To illustrate this, I conducted a shooting experiment. Utilizing my home defense shotgun with a 20-inch barrel/ improved cylinder choke, 9 pellet 00 Buckshot and proper aiming/trigger control, I engaged targets at typical home defense ranges.

At three yards, the shot pattern was approximately 1.5 inches.

At seven yards, the shot pattern was approximately 3 inches.

On close to what I believe is the maximum likely home defense distance of twelve yards, the shot pattern was approximately 4 inches.

With those minimal shot patterns, there is a good chance that the home defense minded firearms owner would miss the threat. Prior patterning, aiming, trigger control and training with your shotgun is critically important.

To make aiming easier and to give me the ability to identify a threat during low light, I equipped my home defense shotgun with a red dot sight and weapon mount light. To keep my skills up, in addition to regular range training, I routinely conduct dry fire and movement training.

Now let’s go over some of the reasons I prefer a shotgun for home defense.

1. Stopping Power – The shotshells I used above have nine 00 buckshot pellets, which translate to approximate .33 caliber for each pellet. That shot load has a muzzle velocity of 1325 feet per second. Compare that to a common 9mm home defense round. 9mm Luger translates to approximately .35 caliber. That common 9mm home defense round has a muzzle velocity of 1135 feet per second. With a higher velocity and with a single shotgun shell deploying multiple projectiles, I think it’s hard to argue that the home defense shotgun is not very effective.
2. Ease of Accuracy – By design, long guns, like shotguns are easier to become and maintain accuracy than handguns. Once a home defense minded firearms owner obtains the skills and knowledge of shotgun use, he/she is a formidable force against home invaders.
3. Wide Range of Ammunition Available – With a shotgun, you can tailor your round to the threat or your personal situation. From small birdshot to 1-ounce slugs to less lethal rounds, there is round for every home defense situation.

A downside of shotguns is their limited range. However, home defense is generally, if not exclusively a close-range affair. Close range, it’s hard to beat a shotgun in the hands of a properly trained home defense minded firearms owner. TTC offers comprehensive defensive shotgun training from beginner to advanced levels.  Check out our calendar for the next available course.

The post The Defensive Shotgun appeared first on Tactical Training Center - Flemington, NJ.