Note:
Proper safety equipment is required on the range at all times for all courses.
Tuition for the full 15 hour new-license course is $150 + NMGRT, the four-hour renewal is $50 + NMGRT, and the two-hour refresher is $25 + NMGRT.
For live-fire exercises, you will need a reliable handgun, preferably one you’re familiar with, and one you intend to carry once you have your license. The NM CHL law requires that you qualify with a handgun of at least .32 caliber. I would recommend that you bring a serious defensive handgun in caliber 9mm or greater.
Any safeties and/or decockers on your handgun must function as designed. Every gun brought to the class will be safety-checked and test fired by an instructor. Guns that are determined to be unsafe will be disqualified.
For semi-automatics, bring at least three magazines. For revolvers, bring at least two speed loaders.
For CHL qualification, bring the largest caliber handgun that you intend to carry, in the categories of semi-automatic, revolver or derringer. You do not have to qualify with every handgun or every caliber you intend to carry; your license will list the largest caliber with which you qualified in the three categories of semi-automatic, revolver and derringer. You are allowed to carry any caliber equal to or smaller than the caliber in which you qualified.
Bring a practical, concealable strong-side (forward facing) holster that attaches securely to your belt. Cross-draw and shoulder holsters are not allowed because of safety considerations. The holster should be constructed so that you are able to draw and re-holster your handgun using only your strong hand. You should have enough ammunition carriers to accommodate your spare magazines or speed-loaders.
Your holster must cover your pistol's trigger and trigger guard when the gun is holstered, and must hold the gun securely so that it will not fall out accidentally during tactical movement. If a holster has a security device, such as a thumb-break strap, it must be secured every time the gun is holstered.
Wear a sturdy gun belt. Dress belts will not adequately support your holstered handgun and spare magazines or speed loaders. Pants must have belt loops that accommodate your gun belt, and the gun belt must be secured in these loops.
Bear in mind that this is a concealed carry class, so you should plan to train while wearing the same type of gear that you will normally be wearing when you carry your handgun.
25 rounds per firearm will be required per qualification for each firearm you want to be listed on your license. High-quality commercially manufactured ammunition is recommended. You are encouraged to bring more ammo than you expect to use. Anything left over can be used for practice.
Good quality hearing protection is required while on the range. This can be your choice of ear plugs or ear muffs or both. Electronic ear muffs are highly recommended.
Eye protection is required anytime you are on the range. Prescription glasses are OK if they provide adequate coverage and protection; however, polycarbonate wrap-around safety glasses are preferred. These can be purchased at sporting goods or hardware stores for under $15.
Bring a baseball cap or brimmed hat to protect your face from hot ejected brass.
Bring a garment that adequately covers and conceals your handgun, such as a sport coat or a vest. Footwear should be appropriate for a harsh environment and provide for freedom of movement; hiking boots/shoes or athletic shoes are good examples.
You will be participating in outdoor range exercises. Weather and temperatures can change abruptly, so dress accordingly.