Education Over Assumption: JJ Bittinger’s Hot Shots CCW Class Brings 30 Years of Law Enforcement Insight to the Range
ASHLAND — As debates continue across Ohio about “constitutional carry” versus traditional concealed handgun licensing, one Ashland instructor is cutting through the noise with straight talk, legal clarity, and hands-on education.
At Hot Shots Shooting Center, 2112 S. Baney Rd., veteran lawman JJ Bittinger — with over 31 years of law enforcement experience — leads monthly CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) courses that do far more than meet minimum state standards. They blend real-world policing experience with advanced simulator technology and legal education that could mean the difference between staying safe and breaking the law.
“There’s a big misconception out there,” Bittinger said. “Constitutional carry lets you carry without a permit — but that doesn’t mean you understand the law, or that you’re covered in every situation.”
Understanding Constitutional Carry vs. CCW in Ohio
Under Senate Bill 215, which took effect in June 2022, Ohio became a “permitless carry” state. The law allows qualifying adults (21 and older, legally allowed to possess a firearm) to carry a concealed handgun without a license. This is commonly referred to as constitutional carry.
However, as Bittinger points out, it doesn’t erase every legal distinction.
“If you enter a school safety zone with a loaded gun in your car and you don’t have a concealed handgun license,” Bittinger explained, “you’re committing a felony. The weapon can’t leave the vehicle. But if you have a CHL, you’re legally allowed to drive into that zone — still keeping the gun secured inside your vehicle, of course.”
He’s referring to Ohio Revised Code 2923.122, which restricts the possession of firearms in school safety zones but provides an exception for those holding a valid Concealed Handgun License (CHL) under ORC 2923.125.
That difference alone, he says, is enough reason to seek proper training and certification.
The Reciprocity Advantage
Another key reason, Bittinger added, is interstate reciprocity.
“Not every state recognizes constitutional carry,” he said. “But many states honor Ohio’s CHL. So if you’re traveling across state lines with your firearm, that license might keep you out of serious trouble.”
According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the state currently holds reciprocity agreements with over 35 states, meaning Ohio license holders can legally carry concealed in those jurisdictions. Those relying solely on constitutional carry may not enjoy that same protection.
Beyond the Range: Real-Life Scenarios and Legal Wisdom
Hot Shots’ CCW students get more than lecture notes and static targets. Using Hot Shots’ MILO interactive simulator, Bittinger runs trainees through high-stress, split-second decision-making scenarios: home invasions, parking lot robberies, and public hold-ups — all designed to simulate the pressure of real-world encounters.
“We can teach anyone how to shoot,” Bittinger said. “But the real question is: when can you use your gun — and when shouldn’t you? That’s what this class is really about.”
Bittinger dives deep into Ohio’s self-defense statutes, including the Castle Doctrine (ORC 2901.09) and Use of Deadly Force (ORC 2901.05), emphasizing that even inside your own home, lethal force must meet the threshold of an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death.
“Just because someone breaks into your house doesn’t automatically mean you can shoot,” he explained. “There still has to be an imminent threat — the law is clear on that.”
A Full Day of Firearms Education
Bittinger’s typical class runs 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., usually on the second Saturday of the month. The state requirements are 6 hour classroom and 2 hours live range, and the day covers firearm safety, proper storage, legal responsibilities, and live-fire qualification. The program ends on the outdoor range — but the classroom time is where students say the real learning happens.
Bittinger stresses, even if you decide not to get a CCW, you should get formal training with your weapon.
One recent participant, Cameron Guegold, praised the experience:
“The CCW class at Hot Shots with JJ was highly educational,” Guegold said. “It focused on real-world responsibility and scenario-based training that really improved my confidence and decision-making.”
More Than Guns: Awareness and Alternatives
Beyond the CCW program, Bittinger and the Hot Shots team also offer situational awareness, unarmed self-defense, and non-lethal defense courses — including pepper spray and Taser training.
“Not every situation calls for a gun,” Bittinger said. “Sometimes the right tool is pepper spray or just good judgment. We teach that, too.”
Hot Shots even runs youth gun safety sessions, teaching children what to do if they ever find a firearm.
“Education removes curiosity,” he said. “When kids understand safety early, they’re far less likely to make tragic mistakes.”
A Mission Rooted in Responsibility
Bittinger’s philosophy is simple: Education beats assumption.
“Ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse,” he said. “The more training you have, the safer you — and everyone around you — will be.”
Hot Shots Shooting Center lists upcoming classes at hotshotshootingcenter.com
