"Rick Paxton is a knowledgeable and thorough when teaching gun safety and self defense. He is also compassionate in the classroom and recognizes the breadth of experience and capability. He teaches the subject while interjecting humorous and real accounts of situations he has seen or heard of that make the material come to life in the classroom.

If you are interested in proper and safe handling of weapons, and increasing your chances in dangerous situations, you can trust Rick to impart very helpful training that is appropriate to you rather than generic information you can read in a book."

Cheryl S - Leland, NC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Rick truly cares about personal defense with emphasis on safety. He is knowledgeable and skilled, and encourages all questions in an open, friendly environment. Highly recommend his classes."

Krystyna O - Leland, NC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Not having handled a firearm in many years I decided to take the concealed carry class offered by Rick Paxton. A bit anxious about what was involved and expected I found Rick to be very thorough and knowledgeable about the course he was teaching.
This was well worth the two days spent in the class. I would highly recommend Rick for his knowledge and professionalism. Everyone was treated alike regardless of whether you were a current firearms carrier or a rookie like me. Thanks Rick for the opportunity. "

Bob C - Leland, NC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the class and shooting range.  Very informative and thought provoking.  A day well spent.  Many Thanks.
Landis M - Wilmington, NC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
His "safety first" teaching style put us all at ease and allowed us to learn, with confidence, all he had to teach. Having obtained my Conceal and Carry permit, I carry with the "respect for the weapon" and "safety first" attitude that Rick instilled in us. I am looking forward to continuing my firearms education with him.

Jim F - Banner Elk, NC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I started looking for individuals to give the concealed carry course it turned out there were many choices. After doing a little investigating Rick Paxton's name came up time and time again and after taking the course I found out why... HE KNOWS HIS BUSINESS.  The course is long and not one moment was I ever bored Rick's knowledge is quite extensive he keeps involved and keeps you asking questions, couldn't think of taking the course from anyone better.
I highly recommend Rick for your concealed carry permit course you will not be disappointed... I assure you.

Jerry D - Leland, NC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The course was very informative and detailed! Mr.Paxton is knowledgeable, I had a good time taking the course and met people with same interest. He's an instructor that is well versed in fire arm safety laws of cc. Money well spent!

Rick M - Wilmington, NC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The course was excellent.  Rick is an very effective instructor and his experience to help provide real life situations that related to the topic being presented. Looking forward to additional instruction from him.

Ray H. - St James, NC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This concealed carry permit class was informative and in depth with proper carrying recommendations and gun maintenance techniques. The common sense approach to understanding the current gun laws, with examples, helped me remember the course material for the mandatory exam.  I  recommend Rick Paxton as your instructor to those looking to take this course because of his enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject matter.

Wil C - Hope Mills, NC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I enjoyed and benefitted from Rick's Advanced class. My goal was to improve my shooting fundamentals and then get a solid intro to defensive pistol shooting - one-hand, two-hand, wrong-hand, simulated threat...Got that, and as other reviews have stated, Rick offers knowledge and enthusiasm along the way. Also had a front sight fail and learned my mag pouch wasn't up to active shooting needs .. glad to discover those issues via training vs the alternative.

- Andrew C -  Kure Beach, NC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
​"My wife and I found Rick on the sheriff's website for his conceal carry course.  Due to our busy schedule, we had a hard time finding a local course.  Then we found Rick.  He responded to our emails in a timely manner.  And he was quite willing to offer us flexible scheduling options for his course, which began in our home.  From the moment he walked through our door he was professional, friendly and personable.  During the knowledge base portion of the program Rick kept things light and informative.  We learned a lot and had fun doing it.  We really appreciated his approach to learning.  And, when we got to the range, Rick was all business.  He was all about safety, procedure and range etiquette.  We followed his example and his clear direction.   We highly recommend Rick to anyone seeking a carry conceal course.  You will not be disappointed!"
- Jeff & Diane C - Leland, NC