CCW Information
California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Overview
A California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license authorizes eligible individuals to legally carry a concealed firearm in public, subject to state law, local issuing authority requirements, and license conditions. The CCW process is regulated at the county level and requires mandatory training, background checks, and approval by the issuing agency.
At On Target Range, we support responsible firearm ownership by providing approved CCW training and qualification services in accordance with California regulations and Orange County Sheriff’s Department policies.
Skill Level
This course assumes a strong foundation in firearm safety, marksmanship, and gun handling.
Issuing Agency
Orange County Sheriff’s Department policies and approval steps apply to Orange County residents.
Training Requirement
California requires mandatory training for both new applicants and renewals through an approved provider.
Important Note
Requirements, timelines, and policies can change, so applicants should verify current details directly with OCSD.
Course Prerequisites
This course is designed for students who are already comfortable, experienced, and safe with their firearm before arriving for training.
Who This Course Is For
- This is not a beginner-level class.
- Students must be very familiar, confident, and comfortable handling and shooting their firearm prior to attending.
- The course includes advanced shooting drills and assumes a solid foundation in firearm safety, marksmanship, and gun handling.
Application Timing
- Students are required to apply for a CCW license through the Orange County Sheriff’s Department before taking this course.
- It is strongly recommended to wait until your application has been approved by OCSD and you have been instructed to proceed with required training before enrolling.
- If you are unsure whether this course fits your current skill level or application status, contact On Target before registering.
CCW Training Requirements
California law requires approved instruction for both new CCW applicants and renewal applicants, with course length depending on the applicant type.
State-Mandated Instruction
California law requires new CCW applicants to complete a 16-hour training course through an approved training provider. If you are renewing your CCW license, California law requires an 8-hour training course.
On Target is approved by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to offer these courses for Orange County residents.
Our Courses Cover
- Firearm safety and safe handling
- Legal responsibilities of carrying a concealed firearm
- Use-of-force laws and self-defense principles
- Live-fire qualification with each firearm listed on the license
- Mental health and firearms
CCW Qualification Process
Applicants must safely demonstrate shooting proficiency with each firearm they want listed on the license, under instructor supervision and according to Orange County standards.
Qualification Standards
- Applicants must demonstrate safe handling and shooting proficiency with each firearm intended to be listed on the CCW license.
- All shooting is conducted under instructor supervision.
- All qualification must meet Orange County standards for accuracy and safety.
- Safe gun handling, muzzle discipline, and compliance with all range commands are required at all times.
Additional New CCW Drills
In addition to the required qualification course of fire, the 16-hour New CCW course includes holster-drawing, double-tap, and rapid-fire drills using the student’s primary firearm.
This requires up to 200 additional rounds of ammunition and additional shooting time on the range.
Required Qualifying Course of Fire (Per Firearm)
Each student must successfully complete this course of fire for every firearm with which they wish to qualify.
| Total Rounds | 24 rounds per firearm |
| Target | OCSD-approved qualification target |
| Scoring Requirement | All rounds must impact within the designated scoring area |
| 3 yards | 8 rounds |
| 5 yards | 8 rounds |
| 7 yards | 8 rounds |
Permit Restrictions & Responsibilities
For the most current Orange County CCW restrictions, responsibilities, timelines, and procedures, applicants should always verify details directly with the issuing authority.
OCSD Policy Reference
For the most up-to-date information regarding Orange County Sheriff’s Department CCW policies, restrictions, and CCW holder responsibilities, please review the official OCSD resource below.
CCW License Renewals
- Orange County CCW licenses are issued for a two-year term and must be renewed prior to expiration.
- Renewal applications should be submitted through the OCSD CCW licensing website approximately 90–120 days before expiration.
- After submitting a renewal application, license holders must complete an 8-hour CCW renewal training course with an OCSD-approved provider.
- If a CCW license expires before a renewal application is submitted, the holder is no longer eligible for renewal and must apply again as a new applicant, in accordance with OCSD policy and California Penal Code § 26225(e).
Add or Modify Firearms on Your License
On Target provides a method for customers to qualify an additional firearm or requalify a modified firearm for an OCSD-issued CCW license.
What Customers Are Responsible For
- Lane fee
- One box of ammunition per qualifying caliber
- Required targets
Instructor Availability
After completing the qualification, an instructor will inspect your firearm and targets and sign off on your CCW certificate.
CCW instructors are generally available on-site during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
It is recommended to call ahead to confirm instructor availability before arriving.
Disclaimer
This page is provided as general information and should not be relied on as legal advice.
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. CCW laws and policies are subject to change, and applicants should always verify current requirements with their local issuing authority.