PRIVATE PROTECTIVE SERVICES
BOARD CERTIFICATION

Want to get your certifications?

Obtain your certification in a state-of-the-art facility from Industry Leading Instructors. Blackstone’s top tier Instruction Department is now an official training site for state required PPSB Certification Courses.

What is PPSB?

The purpose of the Private Protective Services Board (PPSB) is to administer the licensing, education and training requirements of individuals, firms, and corporations in private protective services within North Carolina.

A PPSB certification is a requirement for individuals in private protective services, security officers, armored car officers, and more.

Which Certifications are offered?

Blackstone’s Training Department is an official training site for the following certifications:

  • Armed Initial Certification
  • Armed Recertification
  • Unarmed Certification
  • Armored Car Certification
  • ASP Baton Certification
  • OC Pepper Spray Certification
  • Handcuffing Certification
  • Rifle Certification

PPSB Certifications at Blackstone

The training department at Blackstone Shooting Sports is comprised of exponentially professional and experienced Instructors. Our State Certified PPSP Instructors are guaranteed to provide accurate and in-depth information in an applicable and engaging manner.

Blackstone Shooting Sports is the nicest and largest range and training facility in the Carolinas. Our 27 lane climate-controlled range is completed updated and located in the same building as our 2 spacious classrooms. Located right outside of Uptown Charlotte, Blackstone has all you need and more.

For more information or to enroll, contact our Instruction & Curriculum manager, Shane Caughey at 704.675.2334 or [email protected]

Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Charlotte Instructor Team

Shane Caughey

In 1992, Shane began his career with the Gastonia Police Department, serving as a member of the SWAT team. Currently, Shane is the Lead Firearms Instructor for the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy at Gaston College in addition to his work here at Blackstone Shooting Sports. He loves to work with people at a variety of levels on any skill!

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After acquiring my first hand gun, I went to Blackstone to try it out. They were very pleased to show me everything I needed to safely operate the gun. A special shout-out to James for his time and patience. Became a member and scheduled a concealed Cary class this weekend. Looking forward to more practice at Blackstone!

5
Jim Francisco
{

Very very clean place & fabulous customer service, great prices on everything, I just love this place that I became a member.

5
Weldon Mcbride
{

The two sales reps that helped me become a member, gave me much respect, and answered all of my questions that I had.

5
Johnny Watson
{

I’ve been a member for a few years now and recently was able to join their steel target shooting event. Stephen and Eric were great tutors, their empathy, enthusiasm, clear communication and knowledge made a huge difference. Furthermore, the engaging personality and best practices shared by the Team turned this event basically into a private class on how to become a better shooter, plus all the fun of these types of courses.

5
David R.

PATRICE

Patrice, born and raised in California, moved to North Carolina in 2018 with her wife and son. Patrice is a certified North Carolina security trainer and was awarded Pistol Expert during her 8 years in private armed security. She is a firearms enthusiast, but even more so has a passion for instructing new shooters.

Book a Lesson with Patrice

CALVIN

Calvin is a retired police Captain and currently is a full-time college instructor. He is a certified Firearms Instructor and Concealed Carry Handgun Instructor through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards. His hobbies, besides shooting, are fishing, reading, cycling and scuba diving. He enjoys the shooting sports and is excited to help you!

Book a Lesson with Calvin

STEPHEN

Stephen is a firearms instructor for the state of North Carolina, responsible for firearms and tactical development. With over 22 years of law enforcement experience, the majority of his career has been spent on tactical teams. Stephen has numerous certifications and enjoys helping firearm Firearm enthusiasts to become safe and more confident in their abilities.

Book a Lesson with Stephen

ERIC

Eric was born and raised in Stanley, North Carolina. He graduated with his Masters from East Carolina University and went on to serve the Gastonia Police Department for 15 years. Eric is currently the Sergeant over the training bureau and lead firearms instructor for the department. Additionally, Eric served on the Gastonia Regional SWAT team for 13 years and now sits as one of the Team Leaders. He is passionate about firearms and excited to train with you!

Book a Lesson with Eric

TAYLOR

Taylor, born and raised in Gaston County, began his career with the Mount Holly Police Department. After a few years Taylor transitioned into a K9 handler and firearms instructor with the state of North Carolina. In 2015, Taylor was assigned to a Focus Mission Team with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and help with firearms instruction. Currently, Taylor serves as a patrol officer, firearms instructor, and Public Order Bike Officer.

Book a Lesson with Taylor

JIM

Jim is a former Captain of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. With over 30 years total experience in Law Enforcement and 16 years as a GLOCK firearms instructor, Jim is an expert marksman. Jim holds more than 10 competition titles for handgun, rifle, shotgun, and submachine gun. He is devoted to the shooting sports and ready to help you achieve your goals!

Book a Lesson with Jim
{

After acquiring my first hand gun, I went to Blackstone to try it out. They were very pleased to show me everything I needed to safely operate the gun. A special shout-out to James for his time and patience. Became a member and scheduled a concealed Cary class this weekend. Looking forward to more practice at Blackstone!

5
Jim Francisco
{

Very very clean place & fabulous customer service, great prices on everything, I just love this place that I became a member.

5
Weldon Mcbride
{

The two sales reps that helped me become a member, gave me much respect, and answered all of my questions that I had.

5
Johnny Watson
{

I’ve been a member for a few years now and recently was able to join their steel target shooting event. Stephen and Eric were great tutors, their empathy, enthusiasm, clear communication and knowledge made a huge difference. Furthermore, the engaging personality and best practices shared by the Team turned this event basically into a private class on how to become a better shooter, plus all the fun of these types of courses.

5
David R.

Terms & Conditions

Thank you for choosing Blackstone Shooting Sports! If you have any questions regarding a recent purchase, or product, please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable Guest Support Team; chat with a team member 7-days a week from 10am until 9pm.

[email protected]704.414.6020
“Live Chat” available on our website Blackstoneshooting.com

Visa / MasterCard / Discover / American Express Accepted

Buyer Responsibility & Legal Ownership Limitations

It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that the item being purchased is legal to own in your city / state. Verify with your receiving dealer if you are not 100% sure that it is legal. – Magazines that violate capacity restrictions will not be shipped or substituted.

You must be 18 or older to purchase a rifle or shotgun and 21 or older to purchase a handgun.
You are responsible for compliance to your local and state laws.
Be aware of restrictions on extended magazines and certain types of AR-15 style rifles.

Not for sale where prohibited.
Firearms:
Blackstone will not sell or transfer a firearm to any of the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Guam, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Virgin Islands. In addition, we do not conduct any international sales. **Last updated 01/01/2023 (subject to change)

Automatic Knives (OTF & OTS):
Blackstone will not sell or transfer any automatic knives to any of the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Guam, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Virgin Islands, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia. **Last updated 01/01/2023 (subject to change)

During checkout you specify a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) near you who transfers the firearm to you, after successful background check if needed.
FFL can be your local Gun Shop, Gun Range or Pawn Shop willing to perform the transfer.

“Local Store Pick Up” in Charlotte, NC. *Sales tax may apply.
Blackstone Shooting Sports
2001 Wilkinson Blvd.
Charlotte, NC, 28208

The buyer is responsible for all FFL’s transfer fee/s upon pickup which is generally $15-30. “Local pickup” at our Charlotte location is free of charge.
For all FFL transfers, the firearm dealer (that we are sending the item/s to) must send us their valid license (FFL) by emailing ([email protected]). Blackstone is not responsible for any lost items shipped via USPS, FedEx, and UPS.

Ammunition Sales

All ammunition will be shipped FedEx or UPS ground; no air freight allowed.
Ammunition and firearms must be shipped separately.
Always make sure you order the correct ammunition for your specific firearm.

Federal law requires that you must be at least 18 years old to purchase shotgun and rifle ammunition and 21 years or older to purchase handgun ammo.

Check your state and local laws for any other restrictions before ordering.
Ammo Shipping Restrictions: Blackstone does not ship ammo to CA, IL, NY, NJ, MA, DC, CT, or P.O. Boxes

Return Policy & Warranty

We fundamentally believe you will be thrilled with the products you purchase from Blackstone Shooting Sports. That’s because we go out of our way to ensure we get you the exact products you need from the best brands in the industry. We understand, however, that sometimes a product may not be what you expected it to be. In that unlikely event, we invite you to review the following terms related to returning a product.

If you need to return an item or cancel an order, simply contact our Guest Support Team at 704-414-6020 or by emailing [email protected] (be sure to include your order #). Feel free to use the live chat function on our website for the fastest support. All inquires received during business hours are answered same day!

*All canceled and returned items are subject to a 10% restocking fee.

Please allow 1-5 business days to credit back to your original form of payment.

Damaged/Used Product: Unless there is a verifiable manufacturer’s defect with the merchandise, no returns will be accepted on damaged or used products. This includes firearm parts that have been previously installed.

GENERAL PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Returns Within 30 Days: The original method of payment will be refunded in full. Merchandise must be in new condition with all original packaging, documentation, accompanying accessories, and a receipt.

OPTICS
Returns Within 10 days: The original method of payment will be refunded in full. Merchandise must be in new condition with all original packaging, documentation, and a receipt. Non-cash transactions:

Restricted Items

AMMUNITION
Due to safety and liability concerns, Blackstone does not accept any returns on ammunition that have exited the facility. All online ammunition sales are final.

NEW & USED FIREARMS
Blackstone does not accept any returns on firearms. We will assist with all recalls, warranty claims, or manufacturer defects with firearms previously purchased from Blackstone.

KNIVES
Blackstone does not accept any returns on knives. This is to ensure every knife purchase from Blackstone is 100% factory sharp, blemish free, and warrantied by the manufacturer. We will assist with all recalls, warranty claims, or manufacturer defects with knives previously purchased from Blackstone.

Tax Information

North Carolina residents will be charged a 7.25% sales tax.

Questions / Contact Us

Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 9pm

Contact Information:
Please contact us with any questions or concerns 
We respond to inquiries same-day during business hours

For fast service please reach out to our Guest Support Team:
[email protected] 704.414.6020 

Blackstone Shooting Sports | 2001 Wilkinson Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28208 | 704-414-6020