The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. Nehemiah 4:17

Firearms Training - The Tactical pastor

About Us

Tactical Pastor specializes in personal security training ranging from firearms fundamentals and introduction to customized firearms training for individuals and groups. We also offer South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) approved CWP classes.

Class info

Intro to Handguns

A three (3) hour class. Limited to five (5) participants. $200 per person; includes gun and ammunition.
One hour of classroom instruction covering the following topics:
Overview of firearms safety
Safe firearms storage
Gun safety around children
Firearms basics: Revolver vs semi-automatic overview; nomenclature, types of actions, loading and unloading.
Shooting Fundamentals: dominant eye test, stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, follow through, breath control.

Two hours of range introduction utilizing a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver.
Practical application and live fire exercise where the student will fire from various yardage positions required for the SLED CWP course with both handgun types.

This class is generally for those who have little to no experience with a handgun.

Handgun 101

A three (3) hour class. Limited to six (6) participants. $150 per person (bring your own gun/ammo) or $25 handgun rental and ammo prices vary based on current market price. If renting a handgun, inquire about available makes, models and calibers.
One hour classroom instruction covering the following topics:
Shooting Fundamentals: dominant eye test, stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, follow through, breath control.
Positions of fire
Drawing and holstering
Loading, unloading
Reloading (emergency and tactical)
Clearing stoppages

Two hours of practical application of handgun skills to include dry and live fire drills from various yardages and positions.

This class is generally for those who have some experience with a handgun and are looking to improve their basic skills. 100 rounds of ammo needed.

SLED CWP

A six (6) hour class. Limited to 10 participants. $100 per person (bring your own gun/ammo) or $25 handgun rental and ammo prices vary based on current market price. If renting a handgun/ammo, inquire about available makes, models and calibers.

Four (4) hours of classroom instruction covering the following topics:
Statutory and case law regarding deadly force
SC laws governing firearms and concealed weapons permits
Proper firearms storage practices that deny access to children
Prohibited carry locations
Liability and responsibility issues relating to firearms
Proper interaction with Law Enforcement Officers
The four cardinal firearm safety rules
Handgun safety, manipulation, and operation
Basic handgun marksmanship
Proper concealment techniques and drawing from concealment

** There is also a required written examination covering these topics.

Two (2) hours of range live fire exercise covering the required course of fire qualification. 25 rounds of ammunition required to complete this course of fire.

Custom Private Classes and Group Instruction

These classes are completely customizable and specific to your needs. Family or friend groups, corporate events and even birthday parties. Check with us for details and pricing.

about wes

Wes is a current pastor and former state and federal agent that specialized in firearms and tactical training. His background in special weapons and tactics (SWAT), as well as his personal experience in high-risk arrests and warrant service, gives him a unique perspective on personal defense and handgun combat. Wes has trained with members of our nation’s elite special forces and counter-terrorism teams as well as some of the best competitive pistol shooters in the world.

Top 10 Things Tactical Pastor Says

Just because it feels weird, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
A hit in the eye with a .22 is better than a miss with a .45 all day long.
If it’s worth shooting once, it’s worth shooting four or five times.
It’s like God made your hands to hold a pistol.
It’s a Jedi mind trick thing.
You can’t miss fast enough to win a gun fight.
If it’s not within arm’s reach it’s not worth a damn.
If somebody kicks in your door at 2 AM they are NOT there for the toaster.
If you are the designated driver you can be the designated shooter.
Just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

FAQ

How much does a CWP class cost?

The cost for a CWP class is $100 per person. That fee includes all paperwork and fingerprints to submit to SLED.

Do I have to have a gun of my own to take the class?

No. You do not have to have a gun and ammo. For an additional $75 fee we will provide a gun and ammunition for you to qualify during the class. *This fee is subject to change based upon replacement cost of ammunition.

Do I have to be a South Carolina resident?

Yes. And no. If you are not a South Carolina resident you need to be a “qualified nonresident“ which means you own property in South Carolina. If you do not live in South Carolina and do not own property in South Carolina you may not apply for a CWP in South Carolina.

How old do I have to be to take a class?

You must be 21 years of age to apply for a CWP in South Carolina. There is no age limit for our private classes and private instruction. We have hosted birthday parties for individuals as young as 13 years old.

How much does private instruction cost?

The cost of a private class varies. Generally, a private CWP class is $1000 (not including gun/ammo charges) for up to 10 participants. The cost of other classes, such as Handgun 101, or private instruction vary depending on class size and nature of the training.

What other types of classes do you offer?

We currently offer Class options for beginners and those seeking a concealed weapons permit. In addition, personal instruction and customizable private classes are available. See our class descriptions for further information.

Testimonials

Thanks for a great class with Tactical Pastor LLC with an awesome instructor. I'll admit I was a little nervous before the class but the instruction was so good that it made me very comfortable. Even stayed after to try some new weapons. Got a 100 on the written and the shooting so not sure where it could improve. It's a well oiled machine. Definitely recommend it to any skill level.

Aaron Washington

Awesome CWP training today! Having a well versed instructor with many years of experience in law enforcement proved very beneficial for this class. Thanks for the tips and hands on instruction. If you are looking for CWP training I highly recommend Tactical Pastor LLC!

Ronnie Cumbee Jr.

Wes is an amazing instructor! I am a beginner when it comes to gun ownership and he was so patient and really took time with me. The classroom instruction was spot on and the range instruction very one on one. I passed! Would highly recommend this CWP class! Thank you Wes!

Mary Commons

Great instruction from a fantastic teacher! I feel like a better, safer shooter. Thanks to Wes I am more confident in my skill level. I can’t think of a person better to learn from.

Joe Holdren

Very thorough, patient - answering each and every question w/o making anyone feel hurried. Lots of 1/1 instruction making each participant feel confident in their ability. Highly recommend Tactical Pastor for any level instruction needed.

Alicia Owens

We had a great experience and learned a wealth of information about firearm handling and safety!

Eric Norton

Phenomenal experience and a very knowledgeable instructor, will schedule classes for our office again.

Andrew Vu

This class was relaxed but informative. Wes is a very capable instructor and worked with every member of the class to make sure we were comfortable at the range. I highly recommend this class.