Have Questions?
FAQ
GENERAL
WHAT IS NZ-SAFETY?
NZ-Safety is the dedicated training division of Zack’s Sports in Round Lake, New York. We specialize exclusively in professional firearm and safety training — from NYS-mandated handgun safety courses to less-lethal Byrna orientation and multi-state concealed carry permits.
I’VE NEVER TOUCHED A FIREARM. IS THAT OK?
Absolutely. Many of our students are complete beginners, and our courses are designed for all experience levels. Our instructors will walk you through everything step by step in a safe, judgment-free environment. If you’re brand new, the Handgun Fundamentals course is a great place to start.
DO I NEED TO OWN A FIREARM TO TAKE A COURSE?
No. For the Handgun Fundamentals course, we use simulated training handguns — no real firearms are involved. For the NY 18-Hour course, all training handguns, ammunition, and eye/ear protection are provided. You do not need to own or bring a firearm to any of our courses.
WHERE ARE CLASSES HELD?
Classroom instruction takes place at 313 Ushers Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. Live-fire range qualification (for the NY 18-Hour course) is held at 2138 Route 9, Round Lake, NY 12151 (at Zack’s Sports). Your course confirmation email will include the specific location and directions.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO ATTEND?
You must be at least 18 years of age to register for any NZ-Safety course. There are no exceptions for the NY 18-Hour course or Utah CCW class. For questions about younger participants in other programs, please contact us directly.
NY 18-HOUR HANDGUN SAFETY COURSE
DO I NEED THIS COURSE TO GET MY PISTOL PERMIT?
Yes. New York State requires all initial pistol permit applicants to complete an 18-hour handgun safety course (16 hours classroom + 2 hours live-fire range qualification). Our NY 18-Hour course satisfies this requirement. You will receive a certificate of completion to include with your county permit application. See our Permit Info page for a full step-by-step guide.
DO I NEED A PISTOL PERMIT TO TAKE THE NY 18-HOUR COURSE?
No. You do not need a pistol permit to take this course. The entire point of the course is to satisfy the training requirement before you apply for your permit. All training handguns and ammunition are provided by NZ-Safety for the live-fire portion.
WHAT SCHEDULE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
We offer two schedule formats:
Weekend: Saturday + Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (one weekend).
Weeknight: Tuesday + Wednesday evenings, over two consecutive weeks (four sessions total).
Both formats cover the same 18-hour curriculum. Check our Classes page for upcoming dates.
IS THERE A TEST? WHAT IF I FAIL?
Yes — the course includes a written exam and a live-fire shooting qualification. A minimum score of 80% is required on each. Don’t worry — our instructors prepare you thoroughly, and the vast majority of students pass on their first attempt. If you don’t pass, we’ll work with you to reschedule at no additional cost.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE $350 COURSE FEE?
Everything you need: 18 hours of instruction, all training handguns and ammunition for the live-fire qualification, eye and ear protection, pistol permit application forms, and your certificate of completion. There are no hidden fees.
OTHER COURSES
WHAT IS HANDGUN FUNDAMENTALS?
Handgun Fundamentals is a 3-hour, non-live-fire course using simulated semi-automatic handguns. It covers grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and the four rules of firearm safety. No pistol permit is required. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to build confidence before handling a real firearm. Learn more.
WHAT IS THE BYRNA ORIENTATION?
The Byrna Orientation is a 3-hour course covering safe handling, operation, loading, aiming, and responsible use of a Byrna less-lethal launcher. All equipment and inert practice rounds are provided. No permits or prior experience required — it’s open to everyone. Learn more.
WHAT IS THE UTAH CCW CLASS?
The Utah Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) is one of the most widely recognized multi-state permits — accepted in up to 34 states. Our 4-hour classroom-only course covers everything you need to apply. The fee includes instruction, passport photo, fingerprints, and all application documents. The Utah application fee ($87) is not included. No NY permit or live-fire is required. Learn more.
DOES THE UTAH PERMIT LET ME CARRY IN NEW YORK?
No. The Utah CFP does not authorize you to carry a concealed firearm in New York State. A separate NY Pistol Permit is required for that. The Utah permit is valuable for reciprocity when traveling to other states that recognize it.
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE LESSONS?
Yes. Private one-on-one and small-group instruction is available through Zack’s Sports. Book a private lesson here.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A CLASS?
Visit our Classes page to see upcoming sessions. Select the course and date that works for you, and complete your registration and payment online. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details. You can also call us at (518) 899-2799 or email training@nz-safety.com to register.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
48+ hours before class: Full refund or free rescheduling.
Within 48 hours: No refund, but you may reschedule one time at no additional charge.
No-shows: Forfeit the full course fee — no refund or rescheduling.
All cancellation requests must be sent to training@nz-safety.com or by calling (518) 899-2799.
DO I NEED TO SIGN A WAIVER?
Yes. All participants must sign a Training Waiver and Release of Liability before participating in any hands-on or live-fire training. You can complete this digitally during registration or in person at the facility before class begins.
DAY OF CLASS
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
For most courses, just bring yourself and a valid photo ID. All firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment are provided. Wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and a high-collared shirt (for range sessions, to prevent hot brass from entering your shirt). Bring a water bottle and snacks if you’d like — especially for the full-day NY 18-Hour sessions.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FIREARM?
For the live-fire portion of the NY 18-Hour course, you may use your own handgun if you have a valid NYS pistol permit and the firearm is registered on it. Otherwise, training handguns are provided at no extra charge. For Handgun Fundamentals and Byrna Orientation, all equipment is supplied by NZ-Safety.
IS THERE PARKING?
Yes. Free parking is available at both our classroom location (313 Ushers Road, Ballston Lake) and range location (2138 Route 9, Round Lake).
WHAT IF A CLASS IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER?
If NZ-Safety cancels a class for any reason — including weather, facility issues, or low enrollment — you’ll receive a full refund or free rescheduling to the next available date. We’ll notify you via email and phone as soon as possible.
Still have questions? We’re happy to help.
Call (518) 899-2799 or email training@nz-safety.com — we typically respond within one business day. You can also visit our Contact page.