A concealed-carry license class makes a fantastic gift for family and friends, or for yourself! 

(Must be minimum age 18 to take class).

Please advise us for whom you are purchasing when you register for the class.

ATTENTION ALL 18 TO 20 YEAR-OLD KENTUCKY RESIDENTS*

With the change in Kentucky law (KY HB 312 effective July 14, 2026) we are now pleased to offer our KY Concealed Carry Deadly Weapons License class to Kentucky residents age 18 and older!  While so-called "constitutional carry" (no permit required) exists in Kentucky for those who are age 21 or older, Kentucky residents who are 18 to 20 years-old MUST obtain a Provisional CCDW license in order to be able to carry concealed.  At the point they become 21, they can then transition to the Standard KY CCDW license.

Due to state regulations at this time, DOCJT CCDW license classes offered in Kentucky are unable to offer concealed-carry classes to 18 to 20 year-olds, HOWEVER this particular class here at Bud's Gun Shop is approved by Kentucky State Police (KSP) to do so.

HERE ARE VERY IMPORTANT THINGS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--NO EXCEPTIONS!

1.  YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD, OR OLDER, ON OR BEFORE the day of class.
2. THOSE WHO ARE 18 TO 20 YEARS OLD MUST BRING AN UNLOADED HANDGUN WITH THEM IN A CASE, BOX, OR RANGE BAG (semiautomatic pistol or revolver). PAY ATTENTION: Bud's is not permitted to loan, rent, or sell a handgun to 18 to 20 year olds.   Note that this is not the case for those 21 or older.  If you show up to class as an 18 to 20 year- old with no handgun, you will not be permitted to attend the class and will be issued a refund or permitted to take the next class offered.  
3. 18 TO 20 YEAR OLDS MUST ALSO BRING WITH THEM 50 (FIFTY) ROUNDS OF FACTORY AMMUNITION IN THE CORRECT CALIBER FOR THE HANDGUN THAT YOU BRING TO CLASS WITH YOU.  Per Federal law, Buds's is prohibited from providing handgun ammunition to 18 to 20 year-olds.  Note that this is not the case for those 21 or older.  If you show up to class as an 18 to 20 year- old with no ammunition, you will not be permitted to attend the class and will be issued a refund or permitted to take the next class offered.  
4. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT AS AN 18 TO 20 YEAR-OLD CLASS ATTENDEE, ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE BY A QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR SHOWING THAT YOU HAVE PASSED THE CLASS DOES NOT MEAN IMMEDIATE ISSUANCE OF A PROVISIONAL KY CCDW LICENCE BY KENTUCKY STATE POLICE.  Kentucky State Police are in the process of building out system details regarding issuance of PROVISIONAL KY CCDW licenses to 18 to 20 year-olds.  There exists the potential of a delay of several weeks to several months before Kentucky State Police are able to process Provisional licenses.
5. FOR EVERYONE:  BE SURE TO CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH ALL OF THE REST OF THE DETAILS BELOW REGARDING THIS CLASS!

If you're considering obtaining your Kentucky CCDW permit, now's the time! Classes are held in our conference room and our state-of-the-art indoor ranges.

The cost is $99.  The material covered is serious, but the class is as entertaining, fast-paced, and enjoyable as possible.  Class starts promptly, so be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early!

You must pay online with your credit card to ensure your seat!

Regarding our concern for safety throughout the entirety of this class, you must be able to understand, read and write English.  Without this ability, it would be difficult to successfully complete the training course and understand the applicable laws. This knowledge is crucial for safe and responsible firearm ownership and carrying. 

These days a lot of people are asking "Why bother with a CCDW license when Kentucky has instituted 'Constitutional Carry' for those who are 21 or older?"  (Note that 18 to 20 year-olds MUST obtain and carry with them a PROVISIONAL KY CCDW license in order to conceal carry a handgun).

That's a fair question, but here's a few points to consider...

• The purpose of a class with a KSP-approved CCDW instructor is not only to teach you principles of marksmanship.  It informs you about laws regarding the possession of and employment of firearms in a self-defense situation as well as many other considerations.  Don't carry a deadly weapon without knowing where, when, why, and how to do so!  This is critically important information.
• There are also advantages when traveling to or through some states.  States offering reciprocity with regard to a concealed carry permit from another state are under no obligation to recognize other "constitutional carry" states in lieu of a permit; some do not offer recognize 18-20 year olds with a license OR for constitutional carry in their state.
• The purchase of a firearm from a KY firearms dealer is generally streamlined by the possession of a valid KY CCDW license.
• Please note that the Kentucky concealed-carry laws apply to all deadly weapons, not just firearms, and Kentucky clearly defines what constitutes a deadly weapon.  For example, a blackjack, sap, or brass knuckles are considered deadly weapons, but not necessarily a "pocket knife or hunting knife" per se.
• In the event you wind up in court because of having defended yourself, would you rather face this experience as a Kentucky-licensed concealed carry deadly weapons license holder who has a record of training regarding relevant Kentucky statutes, and training in firearms marksmanship, passed a written test and a live-fire qualification, or not?

We conduct our Kentucky Concealed Carry Deadly Weapons Course in accordance with guidelines and regulations as approved by the Kentucky State Police.

*Click link below for Eligibility and detailed information:  YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD and A RESIDENT OF KENTUCKY.  CHECK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

http://kentuckystatepolice.org/ccdw/ccdw-home/qualifications/

We typically offer the course on a Saturday or Sunday in one, six-hour classroom session, followed by a written test, firearm and ammunition inspection, and then live-fire range qualification.

• For the KY Concealed Carry Deadly Weapons Course, you will need:
• Government-issued Photo ID, such as a Kentucky Driver's License--THIS WILL BE CHECKED!  You must be at least age 18 and a current Kentucky resident. 
• Handgun -- MUST BE UNLOADED and encased in a container, bag, or holster.
• Magazine (if applicable) -- MUST BE UNLOADED 
• At Least 50 Rounds of FACTORY AMMUNITION (Hand-loads or Reloads are not authorized)
• Ammunition is available for purchase on site at Buds Gun Shop & Range (except for 18 to 20 year-olds who must bring 50 rounds of factory ammunition with them--no exceptions).

Course Length: 6 hours classroom, plus brief break for lunch, then open-book written exam, firearm and ammunition inspection and live-fire range qualification.  Please consider bringing a sweater or light jacket as classroom temperature will be cool.  You must be on time for this class.  Check the start time and arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start of class.   Stair-access only to our 2nd-floor classroom.

Course Location: Buds Gun Shop and Range, 1105 Industry Rd, Lexington, KY 40505. Buds is closed on Sundays, but Buds' personnel will meet you at a side door when classes are held on Sundays.

Class Time: Days and hours availability are posted in the drop-down menus above.

Cost: $99.

VERY IMPORTANT:

*You must sign up for the class online as each course date fills up quickly.  When you sign up, if you are paying for additional people besides yourself, OR paying for another person to attend, please provide those names in the "Ship to a Different Address: Order Notes" section of your order.  Also, two or three days before the class, begin checking your e-mail inbox for an important informational message specific to the date of the class you will be attending.  If you don't see it, remember to check your junk folder too.

PLEASE NOTE ONCE AGAIN: IF YOU PLAN TO PAY FOR SOMEONE IN ADDITION TO YOURSELF, PLEASE INDICATE WHO THE OTHER PERSON IS WHEN YOU SIGN UP.  THE NAMES YOU REGISTER WILL ALSO BE PRINTED ON YOUR CERTIFICATES UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE CLASS.

For questions email the instructor: [email protected]

Click for Bud's Gun Shop KY Cancellation Policies

Customer Reviews:

"Very informative.  Felt like we covered many different aspects of firearm use.  I would not want to own a firearm without taking this class.  Doug and Jason were phenomenal.  Very knowledgeable, great speakers, the day actually flew by."  --Jessica C.

"Absolutely great!  Very informative and professional.  Would recommend for anyone!  Superb command of subject matter and presentation." --Matthew W.

"I took the CCDW class Bud’s offers and it was very informative. The class is very long, but there is never a dull moment. All the information you receive is important and Doug and Jason do a great job. Whenever I visit Bud’s, the staff is also very friendly and helpful."-- Ashley W.

"10/10; excellent!"  --Dennis S.

"I'm new to firearms; this class was very informative.  I feel more comfortable with my firearm after taking this course.  Doug was very professional and knowledgeable on all topics discussed."  --Savanah C.

"Wonderful & knowledgeable, instructor [Doug] was awesome.  I learned a lot; lots of interaction and interesting."  --Allison P.

"I had a good experience with the class today.  The instructor [Doug] had an excellent grasp of the material and was a strong presenter."  --Kevin R.

"Very informative!  [Doug was] very knowledgeable and able to answer any question."  --Levi H.

"Overall experience amazing; 10/10.  [Doug displayed] expert knowledge." --Leslie B.

"Extremely thorough.  The day flew by considering the huge amount of information presented.  [Doug had] complete command of subject matter and the flawless ability in communicating information."  --George P.

"Great, informative, easy to follow and retain.  Doug was very knowledgeable with some humor."  --Kelly C.

"This was a great experience!  [Doug and Jason] were knowledgeable, great communicators, and made the material accessible and fun."  --Melissa P.

"It was very informative, concise, and presented useful information on many of the grey areas and confusing aspects of carrying a concealed weapon.  Doug was not only informative and concise, but he was thorough in his discussion, very friendly and approachable, and an excellent instructor."  --Raven P.

"Great experience, learned a lot.  So glad I did it.  [Doug was] well organized and very articulate.  Made sure we understood all the topics."  --Petra D.

"Very well presented; teaching adult classes is difficult and Doug handled it very well.  He showed great in-depth knowledge and consistent presentation."  -Shad S.

"Very educational.  [Doug was] expert and was extremely knowledgeable."  --Daron M.

"It was well organized, instructed, and instructor was thorough with material.  Doug is very knowledgeable on subject matter, and a great communicator of material." --Jack B.

"Very cool and learned a lot of information.  Doug was excellent.  I'm very lucky he was my instructor." --Jacob B.

"Excellent class.  Excellent speaker--quality information; knew his stuff.  Presentation was very, very good!"--James C.

"Very informative and thorough.  Doug presented the material and kept me interested the entire time, thoroughly going over the information, allowing us to ask questions and keeping the class involved.  JR did great at showing the class how to clean guns and get us laughing."  --Bradley W.

"Very happy.  Great legal overview and well organized.  [Doug is] expert."  --Andrew R.

"I've learned a lot.  [Doug] explained and broke things down the best way possible."  --Damon C.

"The class was very effective and I learned a lot.  [Doug] answered every question asked."  --Rhonda D.

"Positive, very good instructor, very detailed experience.  [Doug was] super knowledgeable."  --Jacob A.

"Very professional, structured, but relaxed and extremely interesting.  [Doug had] excellent command of subject matter.  Clear.  Concise.  Relaxed."  --Kellie M.

"I liked the setup of the course, much more involved and organized compared to other states conceal carry classes.  [Doug] did very well with presenting material--concise and clear."  --Chelsie G.

"Excellent--exceeded my expectations!  [Doug was] extremely competent--interesting also.  A real pro." --Dave J.

"Amazing experience; very knowledgeable." --Haley T.

"I think it was a very informative class and I learned valuable information.  [Doug] was very knowledgeable and kept my interest."  --Julie L.

"Very informative.  Mr. Ramsey did an awesome job explaining everything."  --Joseph W.

"Awesome; very well taught.  [The instructors] made the class very fun." --Zach R.

"The class was fun and informative.  Very easily understandable and the instructors did a great job at keeping us engaged while learning the course."  --Sean C.

"It was very informative.  [Doug] spoke confidently and presented the material in a timely manner."  --Cesar A.

"It was very good.  [Doug and Jason] were excellent." --Curtis F.