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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs Page

At Stoneridge Tactical Academy, we’re not just teaching you to shoot—we’re forging confident, skilled defenders who are prepared for any scenario. With over 100 new classes added for 2026, there’s never been a better time to take charge of your training and elevate your shooting skills to the next level!

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FAQs?

You are not alone in asking these questions.  At Stoneridge Tactical, we want to make sure you have the answers to popular questions asked by folks like you.  This page will give you those answers and why Stoneridge is the leader in firearms training in Oregon.  If you have a question, you can contact us directly for answers.  If your question is often asked, we'll add your question to the list and provide and answer so others can benefit from it.

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​​​Q. What is the best firearms training class for someone who has never handled or fired a gun before?

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A. If you've never handled a firearm before, the best place to start is with a professional instructor who will teach you the right way from the very beginning. You don't need to own a gun, have any shooting experience, or know anything about firearms to get started. In fact, we prefer that beginners learn proper safety and handling techniques before developing bad habits that can be difficult to correct later. A good beginner's class should teach you how firearms operate, how to handle them safely, how to load and unload them, and how to develop the basic skills needed to shoot accurately and confidently.

 

At Stoneridge Tactical, we offer two excellent starting points. Our Basic Handgun Orientation and Safety Course is a three-hour, hands-on class without live ammunition, designed to help new students become comfortable handling a handgun. It's just $25, and you don't even need to own a firearm. For those ready to experience actual shooting, our Beginning Handgun 101 is a five-hour, $175 course that teaches firearm safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, and practical shooting at the range. Our experienced instructors work with beginners regularly, and we understand that everyone learns at a different pace.

 

Our recommendation? Start with professional training before you purchase your first gun. We also offer private lessons at competetive rates starting at 2 hours.  You'll make better decisions, develop better habits, and gain confidence knowing that you're learning from experienced instructors. Visit Stoneridge Tactical to see our upcoming classes and reserve your place. We'd love to help you get started!

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Q. Do I need a concealed handgun license or permit to carry a firearm in my state?

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A. The answer depends on which state you live in and where you intend to carry your firearm concealed and who you are. Some states allow qualified adults to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit (retired police officers, US Marshals, judges, etc), while others require a license. Oregon requires a concealed handgun license to carry a handgun concealed in public, although certain exceptions apply. Around 26 cities in Oregon dissallow "statutorily loaded" firearms carried openly, without a CHL.  But that is not the case in all of Oregon.  That is only those areas that have written prohibitions on the books for doing so. Oregon also has restrictions regarding where firearms can legally be carried, including some "Public Buildings" and other designated locations per SB 554 and ORS 166.370. It's important to understand that legally owning a firearm and legally carrying that firearm in public are two entirely different things.  Stoneridge instructors have been teaching since 1991 and are well-versed in these laws and will teach you as well.

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At Stoneridge Tactical, we offer a 4-hour Oregon Concealed Carry Certification Course specifically designed for people who want to understand the legal requirements and apply for their Oregon Concealed Handgun License. Our four-hour classroom course costs just $45 and satisfies Oregon's handgun safety training requirement for a license application. We also provide detailed information about applying for an Arizona and Utah concealed permits, which expands the number of states in which you can legally carry to 35 states. 

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We even offer a 1-hour online course.  Completing our courses provides the required training certificate; the actual license must be obtained from the sheriff's office in the county in which you reside. Before carrying a firearm, make sure you understand the law. An honest misunderstanding can result in serious legal consequences. Our instructors will help explain your responsibilities in language you can understand. Visit our "Concealed Carry Classes" Training page and register for an upcoming class. For just $45, it's a worthwhile investment in understanding your rights and responsibilities.

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Q. What is the best handgun for a beginner who wants to learn shooting fundamentals and eventually carry concealed?

 

A. There's no single handgun that's perfect for everyone, regardless of what you might read online or hear from a salesperson. Handguns come in different sizes, weights, shapes, and designs. The choosing of a personal firearm is a very personal endeavor. The gun that fits a large person's hands comfortably might be completely unsuitable for someone with smaller hands. Some handguns are easier to operate, while others require more hand strength. Smaller handguns are often easier to conceal, but they can also be more difficult for beginners to shoot comfortably. The best handgun is one that you can handle safely, operate reliably without help, and shoot accurately. Do not believe that purchasing a firearm based on any one single criteria is a smart thing to do.  To the contrary, it should be based on all aspects.  We offer a Try Before You Buy program that provides professional guidance before spending hundreds of dollars on a firearm that might not be right for you.

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At Stoneridge Tactical, we understand how confusing handgun shopping can be for a first-time buyer. Our beginner courses introduce students to the differences between common handgun designs, how they operate, and what features to consider before purchasing. Our Try Before You Buy program allows eligible participants who have completed basic hands-on firearm training to experience different handguns at the range before making a purchasing decision. Rather than guessing what might work best, you'll have an opportunity to discover what feels comfortable and manageable.

 

Don't let someone else decide which handgun is right for you. Invest in proper training first, learn what to look for, and make an informed decision based on your own abilities and comfort. We recommend beginning with our Handgun Orientation or Beginning Handgun 101 course, followed by our Try Before You Buy program. You can learn more at Stoneridge Tactical.

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Q. How much does professional firearms training cost, and how many hours of instruction do I need?

 

A. Professional firearms training doesn't have to be expensive, and you certainly don't need weeks of instruction just to get started. However, there's an important difference between learning how to handle a firearm safely and developing the skills needed to use one effectively. A few hours with an experienced instructor can establish the right foundation, but shooting accurately is a skill that improves through continued practice and additional training. Think of it like learning to drive: completing your first driving lesson doesn't mean you've mastered every situation you'll encounter on the road.

 

At Stoneridge Tactical, we offer several affordable options. Our Basic Handgun Orientation and Safety Course is $25, our Oregon Concealed Carry Certification Course is $45, and our Beginning Handgun 101 live-fire course is $175. We even have a Women-Only Beginning Handgun course.  Our five-hour Beginning Handgun course covers the fundamentals of safe firearm handling and actual shooting under professional supervision. For students who want to develop defensive handgun skills, our Defense Carry Fundamentals course is another five-hour class priced at $175. Each class has a specific purpose, so you can choose training that matches your experience and goals. Ammunition, equipment, or range fees may be additional.

 

Stoneridge Tactical has over 840 five-star Google reviews allowing us to carry a solid 4.9 out of 5.0.  No other Oregon company has such a stellar review history.  That's because we take care of our clients!  The best investment you can make after purchasing a firearm is learning how to use it correctly. Whether you're looking for basic safety training, concealed carry certification, or practical shooting experience, we have a class designed for you. Browse our current class schedule, select the class that fits your needs, and get started with professional instruction.

 

Q. What are the laws regarding using a firearm in self-defense, and when is deadly force legally justified?

 

A. Oregon is both an "Open-Carry" state and a "Concealed Carry" state.  Owning a firearm for personal protection comes with enormous responsibility. One of the most important things every gun owner should understand is that being afraid, feeling threatened, or being involved in an argument does not automatically give you the legal right to shoot someone. Generally speaking, the use of deadly force in self-defense involves a reasonable belief that such force is immediately necessary to protect yourself or another person from an unlawful threat of death or serious physical injury. The exact requirements depend on the laws of your state and the circumstances of the incident. In Oregon, the law makes important distinctions between using physical force and using deadly physical force. Understanding those differences is essential.

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At Stoneridge Tactical, we believe firearms training should involve much more than simply teaching someone how to hit a target. Responsible firearm ownership includes understanding when you can legally defend yourself, when you cannot, and how your decisions could affect the rest of your life. Our concealed carry instruction introduces students to the responsibilities associated with carrying a firearm, while our additional defensive training helps students understand the practical decisions and consequences involved in a potentially dangerous encounter. We draw on professional firearms instruction and law enforcement experience to help students better understand these serious subjects.

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The time to learn about self-defense laws is BEFORE you're ever confronted with a dangerous situation. Don't depend on television, social media, or advice from friends when your freedom and future may be at stake. Visit Stoneridge Tactical and enroll in our Oregon Concealed Carry Certification Course. You'll leave with a better understanding of the responsibilities that come with being an armed citizen.

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Q. How often should I practice shooting to become proficient and maintain my defensive shooting skills?

 

A. Learning to shoot is only the beginning. Like driving, playing a musical instrument, or participating in sports, shooting requires practice to develop and maintain your abilities. Someone who shoots once or twice a year shouldn't automatically expect to perform at the same level as someone who practices regularly. For beginners, a reasonable goal is to practice several times a month when possible, focusing on safe gun handling and consistent accuracy rather than simply firing as many rounds as possible. Short, productive practice sessions are often more valuable than long sessions without a clear purpose.

 

At Stoneridge Tactical, we teach students how to build a solid foundation based on a 5-step  process before moving into more challenging shooting activities. Proper grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and safe firearm handling are skills that should become comfortable and familiar through repetition. Once those fundamentals are established, students can advance into courses such as our Defense Carry Fundamentals 201, where they receive additional instruction in safely handling and operating their firearms in defensive shooting situations. We even have an advanced Tactical Handgun 301 course for shooters that are ready to be challenged.  We also encourage safe practice at home using an unloaded firearm, with all ammunition removed from the practice area and appropriate safety precautions in place.

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Practice is important, but practicing correctly is even more important. Repeating mistakes only makes those mistakes harder to correct. Our professional instructors can help identify problems with your technique and show you how to improve with actual copyrighted techniques theyve developed themselves. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gun owner who hasn't trained in years, or a seasoned shooter with years of recent experience, visit Stoneridge Tactical and choose a class that will help you become a safer, more confident shooter.

 

Q. What is the difference between basic handgun training, concealed-carry training, and advanced defensive handgun training?

 

A. These three types of firearms training serve different purposes, and understanding the differences can save you time and money. Basic handgun training teaches you how to handle a firearm safely, how it works, how to load and unload it, and how to shoot accurately. Concealed-carry certification training focuses primarily on satisfying the training requirements associated with obtaining a concealed handgun license and understanding the responsibilities of carrying a firearm. Defensive handgun training goes further by teaching practical skills associated with safely carrying, accessing, and operating a handgun in situations where personal protection may be necessary.

 

At Stoneridge Tactical, we offer a complete progression of handgun training. Our Basic Handgun Orientation and Beginning Handgun 101 courses are excellent for newcomers. Our four-hour Oregon Concealed Carry Certification Course helps qualified applicants satisfy Oregon's training requirement. For those who are comfortable handling and shooting their firearms, our Defense Carry Fundamentals 201 introduces safe holster use and defensive handgun skills through live-fire instruction. Students who want to continue improving can explore our more advanced handgun courses. You don't need to become an expert overnight, and you shouldn't feel pressured to take a class beyond your current abilities.

 

The right class depends on what you already know and what you want to accomplish. If you're completely new to firearms, start with the basics. If your goal is to obtain an Oregon concealed handgun license, consider our certification course. If you already carry a firearm and want practical shooting instruction, our defensive courses are worth exploring. Visit our training schedule or call us at 541-499-4706. We'll gladly help you select the right class.

 

Q. Can I learn firearm safety and basic shooting skills through an online course, or do I need hands-on instruction?

 

A. Yes, at www.onlinegunschool.com . Such a great course that the Oregon Sheriff's Association copied our format!  Online firearms courses can be an excellent way to learn basic safety rules, understand firearm terminology, and become familiar with the legal responsibilities of gun ownership. They're especially convenient for people with busy schedules or those who don't live close to a training facility. However, watching someone handle or shoot a gun is not the same as doing it yourself under the supervision of a qualified instructor. An online course cannot physically observe how you're holding your handgun, correct an unsafe handling mistake, or help you improve your shooting technique. That's why we believe online education and hands-on training serve different but complementary purposes.

 

Stoneridge Tactical offers an online Oregon concealed handgun training option for eligible students who prefer learning from home. We also offer classroom instruction and hands-on courses for those who want direct interaction with an instructor. Our Basic Handgun Orientation class allows students to practice safely handling firearms without live ammunition, while Beginning Handgun 101 takes the learning experience to the shooting range. Depending on your goals, you may benefit from one or more of these options. For someone who has never handled a firearm, we strongly recommend hands-on instruction before attempting to shoot independently.

 

If your primary goal is to obtain the required training certificate, an eligible online course may be a convenient starting point. If your goal is to become a safe and capable shooter, nothing replaces practical instruction. Visit Stoneridge Tactical Academy to explore our online and in-person options, and choose the learning experience that best fits your needs.

 

Q. What equipment, ammunition, and safety gear do I need to bring to my first firearms training class?

 

A. One of the most common concerns new students have is whether they need to purchase a firearm and a lot of expensive equipment before attending their first class. The answer is no, not necessarily! It depends entirely on the course. For basic classroom instruction, you may not need a firearm at all. However, for a live-fire shooting class, you'll generally need a suitable handgun, the correct ammunition, eye and hearing protection, and clothing appropriate for spending several hours at an outdoor shooting range. Your instructor should provide a clear equipment list before your class so you know exactly what to bring.

 

At Stoneridge Tactical, our Basic Handgun Orientation course allows you to use one of our firearms during the hands-on exercises, so ownership isn't required. For our Beginning Handgun 101 course, students need a suitable handgun, at least 100 rounds of ammunition, eye protection, hearing protection, a brimmed hat, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. We have a limited number of rental handguns available for $25, and you purchase your own ammunition. Students can reserve hearing protection to borrow, and eye protection is available for purchase. Our instructors also recommend bringing snacks or lunch, depending on the class. We'll help explain the requirements before you attend so you can arrive properly prepared.

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Don't spend money purchasing equipment you're unfamiliar with simply because you think you need it for class. Contact us first, tell us what equipment you already own, and we'll help you determine what is appropriate. We're happy to answer beginner questions. Visit our Beginning Handgun 101 page or call 541-499-4706 to learn more and enroll.

 

Q. How can I improve my shooting accuracy, trigger control, grip, and ability to shoot effectively under stress?

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A. Becoming a better shooter begins with understanding why your shots aren't going where you intended. Many beginners assume they simply need more practice, but shooting hundreds of rounds without correcting your mistakes can actually reinforce poor habits. Accuracy depends on several basic skills working together, including how you hold the firearm, how you position your body, how you use the sights, and how you press the trigger without unnecessarily moving the gun. Even small mistakes in these areas can significantly affect your results. The good news is that these are skills most people can improve with proper instruction and practice.

 

At Stoneridge Tactical, our Beginning Handgun 101 course focuses on building those essential shooting skills from the ground up. We teach students how to hold their firearms correctly, understand proper sight alignment, improve trigger control, and develop a consistent shooting technique. For those who already have basic experience, our Defense Carry Fundamentals 201 course introduces additional challenges associated with defensive handgun use. It's also important to understand that shooting accurately at a stationary target and performing well during a frightening confrontation are not the same thing. 

 

More advanced training, realistic practice, and sound decision-making can help prepare you, although no course can guarantee how someone will perform under extreme stress.  The fastest way to identify and correct your shooting mistakes is to work with a knowledgeable instructor who can actually watch you shoot. Our instructors bring extensive professional experience, including advanced law enforcement firearms instruction, to our training programs. Whether you're struggling to hit the center of a target or you're ready to develop more advanced skills, we have courses that can help. Visit Stoneridge Tactical Academy, choose your next class, and discover what professional firearms instruction can do for you.