Responsible Training. Reliable Performance.

North Carolina’s trusted source for firearm training

In-Person Training


In-person training to obtain your North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit as mandated by the NC Department of Justice, Handgun Safety, Basic Marksmanship Training, Advanced Training, Defensive Pistol Classes, Private Instruction and more!

E-Learning


24/7 access to our Video-On-Demand training that includes classes such as Introduction to Handguns, our Non-Physical Self Defense class, Real Estate Agent Safety training, Travel Safety and more done online, at your own pace, from the comfort of your home.

Membership


Unlock Exclusive Perks with Our Membership Program! Get discounts on In-Person Training, Friends & Family Discounts, FREE Classes and a complimentary USCCA Membership with Elite Level Benefits Presented By: Delta Defense and much more.

ABOUT US

Walter Peterson is the owner of Performance Pistol Concepts, Fayetteville, North Carolina’s premier choice for personalized handgun instruction and concealed carry training. Every class is carefully tailored to the individual, ensuring each student builds a solid foundation in safety, confidence, and real-world performance.

Before founding Performance Pistol Concepts, Walter served with the U.S. State Department overseas. His extensive background spans decades of military and law enforcement training. Walter is also a proud combat veteran.

Beyond his government and military service, Walter has established himself as both a respected tactical instructor and a top-performing competitor on the handgun competition circuit, bringing unmatched experience and insight to every class.

Our training goal is simple: to help every student become confident, competent, and safe with their firearm while delivering the highest level of professional instruction available in Fayetteville and beyond.

our most popular classes

Don’t see the training you are looking for?

North Carolina Concealed Carry Course

✔️ 8-Hours Classroom & 2-Hours Range Time

✔️ Written Exam & Weapons Qualification Provided

✔️ Successful completion enables you to apply for a North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit

Basic Marksmanship

✔️ Quickly, safely and successfully build solid shooting fundamentals.

✔️ Developed as an objective-based approach to training, this shooting class is adaptable to YOUR needs and abilities.

✔️ Key Objectives: Firearm components, dry-fire drills, live-fire drills.

Constitutional Carry

✔️ Stay Legal – Be Prepared

✔️ Carry With Confidence

✔️ This class is ideal for new gun owners, those new to carrying, or experienced shooters who want to ensure they’re fully informed under the new law.

Real Estate Agent Safety

✔️ How to identify job-related activities that put agents at risk of an attack.

✔️ Situational Awareness – Learn the finer points of tuning into your environment.

✔️ Legal use-of-force – What criteria must be met before an agent can use reasonable or deadly force – and the consequences that might follow.

✔️ Defensive Options – Armed, unarmed and less lethal.

Private Training

We offer individual private handgun instruction designed to meet you exactly where you are in your firearms journey. Whether you’re brand new to handguns or looking to sharpen your existing skills, our one-on-one sessions give you the attention and guidance you need to grow with confidence.

Our personalized approach means we adapt each lesson to your comfort level, learning style, and goals—whether that’s building a strong foundation in firearm safety, improving accuracy and handling, or preparing for real-world defensive situations. You’ll never feel rushed or overlooked; instead, you’ll gain practical skills in a focused environment where your questions are answered and your progress is the priority.

With private instruction, you’ll leave each session not only a safer shooter, but also more confident in your ability to handle your handgun responsibly.

Contact us today to learn more about our private handgun instruction services and take the next step toward becoming a skilled, capable, and confident handgun owner.

Frequently asked Questions

An applicant must…

  • Be at least 21 years old;
  • Have completed an approved firearms training class (there are exemptions for law enforcement);
  • Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident alien;
  • Be a resident of North Carolina for 30 days preceding the filing of the application;
  • Be a resident of the county in which the application is filed;
  • Not be under indictment for a felony or against whom a finding of probable cause exists for a felony;
  • Not have been adjudicated guilty of a felony in any court, unless: the felony is an offense that pertains to antitrust violations, unfair trade practices or restraints of trade, or the person’s firearm rights have been restored pursuant to state law;
  • Not be a fugitive from justice;
  • Not suffer from a physical or mental infirmity that prevents the safe handling of a handgun;
  • Not have been discharged from the Armed Forces under conditions other than honorable;
  • Not be an unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana, alcohol or any depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug or other controlled substance;
  • Not have been adjudicated guilty of or received a prayer for judgment continued or suspended sentence for one or more specified crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor within 3 years of the date of application;
  • Not have been adjudicated guilty of or received a prayer for judgment continued or suspended sentence for one or more crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor for certain types of assault and battery, stalking, child abuse and domestic criminal trespass crimes, and a violation of a protective order;
  • Not have been adjudicated guilty of or received a prayer for judgment continued or suspended sentence for one or more crimes involving an assault or a threat to assault a law enforcement officer, probation or parole officer, person employed at a State or local detention facility, firefighter, emergency medical technician, medical responder or emergency department personnel;
  • Not have been convicted of an impaired driving offense within 3 years prior to the date on which the application is submitted;
  • Not have had judgment continued for or free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal or sentencing for a disqualifying criminal offense;
  • Not currently be or has not been adjudicated or administratively determined to be lacking mental capacity or mentally ill; and
  • Meet federal law requirement

Applicants must FIRST complete a state-approved training course given by a state-certified trainer such as Performance Pistol Concepts.

Upon successful completion of the class, you will need to visit your local sheriff’s office and complete the application under oath. Bring the following documents:

  • The original certificate of completion from a firearms course
  • North Carolina driver’s license or ID card and proof of residence
  • Military personnel must bring forms 1380E (active duty) or DD-214 (discharged)
  • Naturalized citizens must bring your Naturalization Certificate or a valid U.S. passport
  • Citizens born outside of the USA to U.S. parent(s) must bring your documentation from the Department of State
  • Lawful permanent resident aliens must bring a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card

The sheriff will take two sets of fingerprints.

Sign a release authorizing disclosure to the sheriff of any records relating to your mental health.

Pay the fee.

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX

You will be notified if your application has been approved.

Your first fee is the investment in your required training. Performance Pistol Concepts offers the course for $100 per person.

  • ~$90 for Initial Permit, Varies by County
  • Valid for Five Years from Date of Issue
  • 45 Day Processing from Date Mental Health Records are Received
  • ~$75 for Permit Renewals, Varies by County

Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. At least 45 days prior to the expiration date of a concealed carry permit, the sheriff will send a written notice to the permittee explaining that the permit is about to expire.

If the holder of the permit applies to renew the permit before it expires, the permit will remain valid beyond the expiration date of the permit until the permittee either receives a renewal permit or is denied a renewal permit by the sheriff.

If the permittee does not apply to renew the permit prior to its expiration date, but does apply to renew the permit within 60 days after the permit expires, the sheriff may waive the requirement of taking another firearms safety course; however, the person may not carry a concealed handgun under this expired permit.

You should begin filing an application for renewal with your county sheriff’s office at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the original permit.

A concealed handgun permit holder who is or will be deployed for military service is allowed to apply with the sheriff for an extension of the concealed handgun permit up to an additional 90 days after the permittee’s scheduled deployment is to end. 

FREE RESOURCES FROM THE USCCA

A serious threat can arise at any time, and we want you to have the critical information you need to stay safe.  

That’s why we provide these free resources—lifesaving self-defense guides available to everyone—because the cost should never be a barrier to gaining the knowledge needed to protect yourself.

6 MUST KNOW TIPS

Every gun owner needs to take advantage of what the USCCA offers and understand what will most likely happen in the aftermath of a self-defense incident.

Click the link below to get your FREE 6 Things You Didn’t Know Would Happen When the Police Arrive guide:

3 PRINT-AT-HOME DRILLS

Looking for new ways to improve at the range?

Click the link below to learn defensive techniques to improve your speed and accuracy – and increase your lifesaving capabilities!

12 KEYS TO SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

Don’t be an easy target for criminals!

Click the link below to discover the crucial tactics YOU NEED TO KNOW to not only avoid – but survive a life-threatening situation!

Download Here