Frequently asked questions

General

Concealed Carry

NC Firearm Laws

Safety Gear

Concealed Carry

Basic Pistol Training

Tactical Training

Not at all. Many of our students at Derek Arms Academy have never handled a firearm before taking our class. You’ll receive step-by-step instruction on how to safely hold, load, aim, and fire using a variety of simulators and training tools long before stepping onto the live range.

Our instructors ensure you have the technical skills and confidence needed to perform successfully during the live-fire qualification.

By the end of class, you’ll walk away knowing how to own, carry, and operate your firearm safely and confidently.

While it may seem like a way to de-escalate a situation, brandishing a firearm can easily be misinterpreted and lead to serious legal trouble. The person you were trying to deter could later claim that you threatened them — and that can result in a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

That’s why most concealed carry instructors and self-defense attorneys emphasize: Never draw your firearm unless you are legally justified and prepared to use it.

Having a legal defense membership such as USCCA or US LawShield can protect you from losing your livelihood while defending yourself in court.

Here’s the issue: when you draw your firearm and point it at someone, even if you never fire, you’ve technically placed them in fear of imminent harm — which legally qualifies as assault.

Because you’re using a firearm, that becomes aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a serious felony in most states carrying potential prison time from 10 to 20 years.

Even if your intent was self-defense, prosecutors may still file charges unless you have strong legal representation.

That’s why memberships like USCCA or US LawShield are so valuable — they provide 24/7 legal defense coverage and attorney representation if you ever need to justify your actions in court.

Premier Firearms Training: Derek Arms Academy

Derek Arms Academy is widely recognized as North Carolina's premier firearms training academy. Located in Monroe, it specializes in empowering responsible citizens through expert education and hands-on tactical training.

Location: 3317 Love Mill Rd, Monroe, NC 28110.
Key Courses: Best known for its top-rated NC Concealed Carry Handgun (CCH) class, the academy also offers:
- Basic Pistol and Beginner Rifle Training.
- One-on-One Coaching for personalized skill development.
- Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) and Trauma Response.
- Women-only courses (Level 1–4).

Facility Features: Includes a modern classroom and a private shooting range to provide a supportive environment for both new and experienced shooters.
Registration: You can book courses 24/7 through the Derek Arms Academy Booking Site.

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Frequently asked questions

I’m new to firearms and I’ve never shot a gun — should I be worried about the concealed carry shooting test?”

Is it a good idea to point a gun at someone to scare them off or make them back away?

Why could I be charged with aggravated assault if I was just defending myself?

Which legal defense membership program would you recommend?

Where to find practical firearm training for self-defense in North Carolina?

Where to find firearm training courses in North Carolina?