Golden Seal Enterprises

GSE Core Course

GSE Basic Pistol
w/ VA CCW

GSE Basic Pistol w/ VA CCW

This course is designed to develop safe firearm handling skills. The student will learn the basic fundamentals of shooting and how to safely draw their weapon out of the holster.  The student will also develop a solid foundation of shooting skills.  The student will quickly gain experience, confidence and increase their skill level with their handgun.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Handgun Safety certificate to submit to the County Circuit Court in your jurisdiction to obtain your concealed handgun permit. Students will also receive a GSE Basic Handgun Course certificate.

Eligibility Requirments

  • Must be 18 years of age unless accompanied by a legal guardian.
  • Must be United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States.

Topics Covered in this Course

  • Code of Virginia Firearms Laws
  • Rule(s) for the Use of Force in Self-Defense
  • Firearms Safety
  • Negligent Discharge Prevention
  • Fundamentals of Marksmanship & Pistol Shooting
  • Pistols (makes, models, actions & components)
  • Types of Malfunctions and Corrective Actions (immediate action & remedial action)
  • Proper Care and Maintenance
  • Ammunition Identification
  • Practical Pistol Handling and Operating
  • Positions and Presentation to the Target
  • Live Fire Range Exercise

Course Type: GSE Core

Course Cost: $150*

Course Duration: 8 hours

*There is a 4% surcharge applied to credit card payments.

Certificates provided upon completion of this class meet the training documentation requirements of Virginia Code 18.2-308 for concealed carry permit applications.

Related Courses

Course Information

The course will be conducted at 230 Aviation Drive in Winchester, VA 2206.

Class begins at 8am on the day scheduled*. The door will be closed at 8:15am. It is recommended that students arrive 15 minutes early.

There is a one-hour lunch break. You may bring a lunch and use GSE’s refrigerator, microwave, and break room or you may go out for lunch. Intermittent breaks are given as scheduled by the instructor.

*Refer to your registration form for specific dates.

  • Photo ID.
  • Note taking materials.
  • Handgun.
  • 1 magazine for pistols.
  • 50 rounds of handgun ammo.


Students should leave firearms and ammo locked in their vehicles when checking in. Our parking lot is monitored for security purposes. The Instructor will advise students to retrieve their firearms and ammo at the appropriate time. No live ammunition is authorized inside the main building.

GSE offers the following handgun rental options for students:

  • Glock 19 (9mm)
  • Glock 22 (.40)
  • Beretta M9 (9mm)
  • Smith & Wesson (.38)


The rental fee is $30 per class.

Rental includes: Weapon holster, magazines/speed loaders, and pouches.



All rental requests should be made in advance.

Students are still required to bring the appropriate ammo when renting a firearm from GSE. If you have any questions about which type of ammo you need for your desired rental please contact us, we understand that not everyone is familiar with the various options available. Steel-cased ammo is not authorized for use with rental guns.

  • Instructors.
  • Classroom.
  • Range.
  • Targets.
  • Eye and ear protection if needed.
  • Certificate of completion.

Course attire should be presentable and appropriate to the type of course you are taking. Logos/Designs should be non-offensive and neutral in nature.

Our range is semi-enclosed but not temperature controlled. While we do have space heaters for the winter, students are advised to dress seasonally appropriate. 

Course payment is due the day of your course. You may pay with cash, check, or any major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover).

Please be advised that there is a 4% surcharge applied to credit card payments.  

No weapons are authorized to be carried during this course. If you are a sworn law enforcement officer bound by general order to carry off-duty, please identify yourself to the lead instructor upon entering the building.

If inclement weather is expected on the day of training, GSE will decide to cancel/delay class start time no later than 6am the morning of the training. For students outside the area, please pay attention to the forecast in Frederick County as it often differs from areas east of the Shenandoah Valley.

This will be an educational experience and a great time for everyone involved. If you have any further questions, please contact us. Thank you and we look forward to training with you.

Karl Dear
Director of Training
Golden Seal Enterprises, Inc.
VA DCJS Training School #88-1476

Golden Seal Enterprises
The Gold Standard in Private Security Training & Services