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- ⭐ FREE CWP CLASS ⭐
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- AT HOME PISTOL COURSE
- ADVANCED PISTOL COURSE
- FIX SHOT COURSE
- INTERM. PISTOL COURSE
- LADIES PISTOL COURSE
- MARKSMANSHIP COURSE
- PISTOL LOW LIGHT COURSE
- SEATED POSITIONS COURSE
- SELF DEFENSE COURSES
- TACTICAL W/SPOUSE COURSE
- TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE
- YOUTH PISTOL COURSE
SOME THINGS ARE WORTH THE DRIVE.
Preparation Isn't Measured in Miles. It's Measured in Readiness.
Thousands of South Carolinians own a firearm.
Far fewer have the confidence, judgment, and skills to protect the people they love when it matters most.
That's why students travel from across South Carolina and the U.S.A to train with Curtis R. Harwell at The Carry Guy Firearms Shooting Academy.
Because when your safety and your family's future are on the line...
Convenience should never be your standard.
It should be preparation.
ARE YOU READY?
🔴 VIEW ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION HANDGUN COURSE
Why Students Make the Drive
✔ 35+ Years of Professional Instruction
✔ SLED Selected Concealed Weapons Permit Instructor
✔ Small Classes. Personal Coaching.
✔ Private Outdoor Training Facility
✔ Real-World Defensive Mindset
✔ Safety • Knowledge • Skill • Attitude
✔ Rain or Shine Training
✔ Students From Across South Carolina
This Isn't Just Another Shooting Class.
Anyone can teach you how to hit a target.
Very few instructors teach you how to think under pressure, make sound decisions, and prepare for the moment you hope never comes.
At The Carry Guy, every lesson is built around one mission:
SEE. DECIDE. SURVIVE.
Whether you're purchasing your first handgun or refining years of experience, you'll receive practical instruction designed to build confidence—not false confidence.
This is professional training focused on responsibility, judgment, and protecting innocent life.
Foundations
Master safe gun handling, marksmanship fundamentals, firearm manipulation, and defensive mindset.
Build confidence from the ground up.
Skill Development
Improve accuracy, efficiency, movement, target transitions, and defensive shooting techniques.
Train with purpose.
Defensive Performance
Pressure-tested drills designed to improve decision-making, consistency, and confidence.
Because performance matters.
Why Choose The Carry Guy?
Because experience matters.
Because preparation matters.
Because confidence is earned.
When students leave our range, they don't just leave with tighter groups.
They leave with better judgment.
Better awareness.
Greater confidence.
And a clearer understanding of the responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm.
That difference is worth the drive.
South Carolinians Are Making the Drive.
See why responsible gun owners from across the state continue to choose The Carry Guy Firearms Shooting Academy.
Are You Ready?
The best time to prepare is long before you ever need the skills.
If you're serious about becoming a safer, more capable, and more confident gun owner, we'd be honored to train with you.
Join the thousands of responsible South Carolinians who have chosen professional instruction over convenience.
Train with Curtis R. Harwell
The Carry Guy Firearms Shooting Academy
SEE • DECIDE • SURVIVE
People don't come to The Carry Guy because we're the closest. They come because they're serious about being prepared.
THE ARE YOU READY?™ PATH
Your Journey Doesn't End With A Permit.
It Begins With Preparation.
Owning a firearm is a responsibility.
Carrying one is a commitment.
Mastering the skills to protect yourself and the people you love is a lifelong journey.
At The Carry Guy Firearms Shooting Academy, we've created a clear training pathway designed to build confidence one step at a time.
Whether you're purchasing your very first handgun or refining decades of experience, every level builds upon the last.
Because true preparedness isn't achieved in a single class.
It's earned through consistent training, sound judgment, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
The question has never been whether you own a firearm.
The question is...
ARE YOU READY?
🟢 FOUNDATIONS
Build Your Foundation With Confidence
Every great shooter begins with the fundamentals.
Learn firearm safety, responsible gun handling, marksmanship, defensive mindset, and the essential skills every responsible gun owner should possess.
This course is designed to give you confidence—not false confidence.
You'll Learn
• Firearm Safety
• Safe Handling
• Fundamentals of Marksmanship
• Defensive Mindset
• Responsible Gun Ownership
• Confidence Through Professional Instruction
Because every expert was once a beginner.
🟢 ARE YOU READY?™ Foundations
Your Journey Starts Here
🔵 SKILLS
Develop Confidence Through Repetition
Once the fundamentals become second nature, it's time to improve performance.
Build speed, consistency, efficiency, and accuracy while learning to perform under increasing levels of challenge.
Confidence isn't something you're given.
It's something you earn.
You'll Learn
• Grip & Recoil Management
• Trigger Control
• Reloading
• Malfunction Clearing
• Multiple Target Engagement
• Defensive Shooting Techniques
🔵 ARE YOU READY?™ Skills
Build Confidence Through Repetition
🟠 PERFORMANCE
Train For The Day You Hope Never Comes
Knowing how to shoot is one thing.
Performing under pressure is another.
This level focuses on defensive application, movement, decision-making, and applying your skills when time matters most.
Because preparation should never stop at the basics.
You'll Learn
• Defensive Movement
• Decision-Making Under Stress
• Use of Cover
• Multiple Threat Management
• Defensive Scenarios
• Performance Under Pressure
🟠 ARE YOU READY?™ Performance
Perform When It Matters Most
⚫ SPECIALIST COURSES
Expand Your Capabilities
Preparation doesn't end with handgun skills.
Develop specialized knowledge that prepares you for real-world situations.
Choose courses based on your interests, responsibilities, and lifestyle.
Specialized Training Includes
• Home Defense
• Vehicle Defense
• Low-Light Shooting
• Women's Handgun Training
• Church Safety
• Defensive Mindset
• Youth Fundamentals
• Private Coaching
• And More
🏆 MASTER SERIES
Never Stop Learning
The best shooters never believe they've arrived.
They continue learning.
Continue improving.
Continue preparing.
The Master Series represents an ongoing commitment to excellence, leadership, and responsible firearms ownership.
This isn't about perfection.
It's about pursuing mastery one training day at a time.
Because preparation is never finished.
WHY FOLLOW THE PATH?
Because carrying a firearm is about far more than shooting accurately.
It's about developing the judgment to avoid unnecessary conflict, the confidence to remain calm under pressure, and the skills to protect innocent life if there is no other choice.
Every class is intentionally designed to build upon the one before it, creating a complete training system that develops responsible, capable, and confident armed citizens.
At The Carry Guy, we don't simply teach people how to shoot.
We help them become better prepared.
Where Are You On Your Journey?
No matter your experience level, there's a place for you on The ARE YOU READY?™ Path.
Take the next step toward becoming a safer, more capable, and more confident gun owner.
Preparation is a decision you make long before the day you need it.
— Curtis R. Harwell
TRAIN WITH THE CARRY GUY
SEE • DECIDE • SURVIVE
Every Journey Begins With One Decision...
ARE YOU READY?
Curtis R. Harwell
Founder & Lead Instructor
- 35+ Years of Professional Instruction
- SLED Selected CWP Instructor
- NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
- Students from Across South Carolina & the United States
- Committed to Safety • Knowledge • Skill • Attitude MEET CURTIS
More Than an Instructor. A Lifetime Dedicated to Preparation, Responsibility, and Protecting Innocent Life.
For more than 35 years, Curtis R. Harwell has dedicated his career to helping responsible citizens become safer, more knowledgeable, and more confident firearm owners. His passion has never been simply teaching people how to shoot—it has always been about preparing them to make sound decisions when it matters most.
As the founder of The Carry Guy Firearms Shooting Academy, Curtis has trained students from across South Carolina and throughout the United States, earning a reputation for professional instruction, personal attention, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
His selection by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to provide FREE South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) classes for Orangeburg County reflects the trust placed in his experience and professionalism.
Every class is built around a simple philosophy:
Preparation is a decision you make long before the day you need it.
Whether you're purchasing your first handgun, pursuing your concealed weapons permit, or refining advanced defensive skills, Curtis is committed to helping you develop the judgment, confidence, and practical abilities needed to carry responsibly.
Because when your life—or the life of someone you love—depends on your decisions, there is no substitute for quality training.
My Promise to Every Student
When you train with me, you won't be treated like just another number in a classroom.
You'll receive professional instruction, honest guidance, personal coaching, and the respect every responsible student deserves.
My mission is simple:
To develop responsible citizens through preparation, training, and the preservation of innocent life.
That mission guides every class I teach.
ARE YOU READY TO TRAIN WITH CONFIDENCE?
Join the hundreds of responsible citizens who have chosen The Carry Guy to help prepare them for one of life's greatest responsibilities.
Curtis R. Harwell
Founder & Lead Instructor
- 35+ Years of Professional Instruction
- SLED Selected CWP Instructor
- NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
- Students from Across South Carolina & the United States
- Committed to Safety • Knowledge • Skill • Attitude
ARE YOU READY?
WHY TRAIN WITH THE CARRY GUY?
Professional Training. Proven Experience. A Commitment to Excellence.
At The Carry Guy Firearms Shooting Academy, we believe your training deserves more than convenience—it deserves excellence. Whether you're taking your very first handgun class or advancing your defensive skills, every course is built on one mission:
Developing responsible citizens through preparation, training, and the preservation of innocent life.
Every lesson is designed to build confidence, improve judgment, and prepare you to make sound decisions when it matters most.
⭐ 35+ Years of Professional Experience
Learn from Lead Instructor Curtis R. Harwell, who has spent more than three decades teaching responsible firearms ownership, concealed carry, and defensive handgun skills. Experience matters—and so does learning from someone who has dedicated a lifetime to helping others prepare.
🎯 Private Outdoor Training Facility
Train in a professional outdoor classroom designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and realistic learning environment. Our private range allows students to focus on learning without the distractions often found at crowded public facilities.
👥 Small Class Sizes. Personal Instruction.
We intentionally keep most classes small so every student receives individual coaching, personalized feedback, and plenty of hands-on instruction. You're never just another face in the crowd.
🛡️ Selected by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Curtis Harwell was selected by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to provide FREE South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) classes for Orangeburg County. That distinction reflects a commitment to professionalism, responsibility, and quality instruction.
🇺🇸 Students Travel From Across South Carolina and Throughout the United States
Our students routinely drive one, two, and sometimes several hours because they understand one simple truth:
When your life may depend on your training, quality is worth the drive.
People don't travel here because we're close.
They travel here because training matters.
✅ Safety Is Always First
Every class begins and ends with one priority:
Safety.
We teach more than marksmanship. We teach mindset, responsibility, sound judgment, and the skills necessary to safely own, carry, and use a firearm. Our goal isn't simply to help you become a better shooter—it's to help you become a more responsible and prepared citizen.
Our Commitment to Every Student
When you train with The Carry Guy, you're not just attending another firearms class. You're investing in knowledge, confidence, and practical skills that can last a lifetime.
Our commitment is simple:
SEE • DECIDE • SURVIVE
Train with purpose.
Carry with confidence.
Live responsibly.
🔴 READY TO EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE?
Reserve your seat today and discover why students from across South Carolina and throughout the United States choose The Carry Guy Firearms Shooting Academy for professional firearms training.
ARE YOU READY?
FEATURED COURSES
Training Built for Every Level of Experience
Whether you are handling a firearm for the first time, preparing to carry responsibly, or advancing your defensive skills, The Carry Guy offers professional instruction designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
Every course is built around four priorities:
Safety • Knowledge • Skill • Attitude
FREE SOUTH CAROLINA CWP CLASS
Start With the Knowledge Every Responsible Carrier Should Have
Our FREE South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit class provides the required instruction, written testing, and shooting qualification needed to apply for a South Carolina CWP. Students learn safe firearm handling, current South Carolina laws, self-defense principles, concealed carry responsibilities, ammunition basics, malfunctions, maintenance, holster selection, and concealment techniques.
Class Length: Approximately 6–8 hours
Class Cost: $0.00
Best For: South Carolina residents and qualifying property owners seeking their CWP
BASIC HANDGUN
Build the Right Foundation From the Beginning
The Basic Handgun Course is designed for new shooters, returning shooters, and anyone who wants to strengthen the fundamentals.
Students receive professional instruction in firearm safety, handgun operation, loading and unloading, grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, recoil management, and safe live-fire practice. You do not need prior experience to begin.
Course Length: 2 hours
Course Cost: $100
Best For: New gun owners, first-time shooters, and students seeking greater confidence
INTERMEDIATE HANDGUN
Turn Basic Skills Into Consistent Performance
Intermediate Handgun Training is for students who understand the fundamentals and are ready to improve accuracy, control, speed, and confidence. The course focuses on refining grip, trigger control, recoil recovery, target transitions, presentation, follow-up shots, and practical shooting performance. This is where basic knowledge begins becoming dependable skill.
Course Length: 2 hours
Course Cost: $100
Best For: Shooters who have completed basic training or already understand safe handgun fundamentals
ADVANCED DEFENSIVE HANDGUN
Train to Think, Move, and Respond Under Pressure
Advanced Defensive Handgun Training moves beyond static target shooting and introduces students to the judgment, movement, and decision-making required in a defensive situation. Training may include defensive presentation, movement, use of cover, multiple threats, one-handed shooting, malfunction response, and practical decision-making under controlled pressure. This course is not about shooting faster simply for the sake of speed. It is about learning to act safely, responsibly, and effectively when the situation demands it.
Course Length: 2 hours
Course Cost: $100
Best For: Experienced and properly trained shooters ready for defensive application
🔴 ADVANCE YOUR DEFENSIVE TRAINING
WOMEN’S FIREARMS TRAINING
Professional Instruction in a Supportive Learning Environment
Our women’s firearms training is designed to provide a comfortable, respectful, and encouraging environment for women at every experience level. Students learn firearm safety, handgun operation, shooting fundamentals, concealed carry considerations, personal protection principles, and practical confidence-building skills. The course is structured to answer questions, remove uncertainty, and help every student progress without pressure or intimidation.
Best For: First-time shooters, women considering firearm ownership, and experienced shooters seeking focused instruction
PRIVATE LESSONS
Personalized Training Built Around Your Needs
Private lessons provide focused, one-on-one or small-group instruction tailored to your experience, goals, firearm, and learning pace.
Whether you are purchasing your first handgun, struggling with accuracy, preparing to carry, rebuilding confidence, or developing advanced skills, your training is designed specifically for you. Private instruction allows more time for individual coaching, questions, correction, and repetition.
Available For: Individuals, couples, families, and small private groups
Best For: Students who prefer personalized instruction or need help with a specific skill
FIND THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU
Not sure where to begin? Start with the course that matches your current level—not the level you hope to reach. Strong defensive skills are built on strong fundamentals.
ARE YOU READY TO BEGIN?
Choose your course, reserve your seat, and take the next step toward becoming a safer, more knowledgeable, and more confident firearm owner.
SEE • DECIDE • SURVIVE
ARE YOU READY?
The Decision You Make Today Could Make the Difference Tomorrow.
Every responsible firearm owner begins with a decision.
A decision to become better prepared.
A decision to protect the people they love.
A decision to train with purpose.
At The Carry Guy Firearms Shooting Academy, we don't simply teach students how to shoot. We develop responsible citizens through preparation, professional instruction, and the preservation of innocent life. Whether you're pursuing your South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit, learning the fundamentals of handgun safety, or advancing your defensive skills, your journey starts with one simple step.
Reserve your seat today.
Because when your life may depend on your training...
Quality is worth the drive.
TRAIN WITH CONFIDENCE. CARRY WITH PURPOSE. LIVE PREPARED.
SEE • DECIDE • SURVIVE
YOUR NEXT STEP STARTS HERE
✔ Professional Instruction
✔ Small Class Sizes
✔ Private Outdoor Range
✔ 35+ Years of Experience
✔ SLED Selected CWP Instructor
✔ Students from Across South Carolina & the United States
Don't Wait Until You Wish You Had Trained.
Preparation isn't something you do after life becomes uncertain.
Preparation is a decision you make long before the day you need it.
Join the hundreds of responsible citizens who have chosen The Carry Guy to help prepare them for one of life's greatest responsibilities.
Professional Firearms Training Worth the Drive
Your family won't care how far you drove. They'll care that you were prepared.
RECOMMENDED BY THE CARRY GUY
