Find sheriff-approved CCW instructors and approved concealed carry training classes in Mendocino County. All instructors listed below are approved by the County Sheriff's Office to provide valid training certificates for new applicants and renewals. Compare pricing, locations, and class options.

Approved instructors
5
AVG 16-HR-INITIAL
$240
AVG 8-HR-RENEWAL
$120
Kim Milani is a female-owned firearms instruction business serving Mendocino County, offering both initial 16-hour and renewal 8-hour CCW permit courses that meet Mendocino County Sheriff training requirements. With over 5 years of instructional experience, Kim's approach is tailored to each student's needs, with a maximum class size of 12 and a 1:4 RSO-to-student ratio to ensure hands-on, safe instruction. Kim is passionate about producing safe, qualified permit carriers and offers a uniquely comfortable environment for women new to firearms training.
OUR PROGRAM: Under the authorization of the presiding Sheriffs for Mendocino, and Lake Counties, we provide the necessary training, for RESIDENTS of those counties, seeking to obtain, renew or modify a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit. The student will be presented with a summary of legal requirements & implications of lawfully carrying a loaded, concealed handgun in public, with emphasis on conflict avoidance, respect for others, responsible gun ownership and safety. We train the student in essential handgun handling and shooting skills, however applicants should have a basic knowledge of their weapon before attending the class. Upon completion of the course, the student should have a clear understanding of California laws pertaining to the use of force and concealed carry of firearms. While directly observed in exercise and course of fire, the student shall demonstrate the ability to safely carry, handle and fire their chosen handgun, through performance in technique and marksmanship. INSTRUCTOR: David Goodman is a United States Marine Veteran, serving as a Combat Marksmanship Instructor where he trained Marines in both rifle and pistol marksmanship. He further refined his skills after graduating from the Advanced Instructor Course to become an Edison Range Primary Marksmanship Instructor, responsible for training recruits at Marine Corps Boot Camp. After his military service, he transitioned into law enforcement training, becoming a certified P.O.S.T. SWAT Sniper, P.O.S.T. Tactical Rifle Instructor, and P.O.S.T. Tactical Handgun Instructor. With over 9 years of experience teaching marksmanship, he brings a deep understanding of firearms, safety, and real-world application to every class he leads. David has dedicated his career to teaching safe, effective, and confident firearms handling. His goal is to help responsible citizens gain the skills, mindset, and legal knowledge necessary to carry with confidence. Four years ago David began teaching CCW classes alongside Ron Prickett, a retired Police Sergeant. Upon his retirement from instruction, Ron passed on Mendo CCW to David to continue the standard of training that Ron built. PRIVATE OFF SITE COURSES ARE AVAILABLE, CALL OR EMAIL TO DISCUSS DETAILS: 707-485-2481 / team@mendoccw.com It should be noted that a CCW class is not always for a beginner. It is generally designed for and intended to be a venue for applicants with a basic understanding of shooting and gun handling techniques. To that point, for less experienced persons, preparatory training could prove beneficial, increasing the applicant's confidence and probable success. If this is something you are interested in, please contact us. Check out our RESOURCES and F.A.Q.'s page for other information and links. For more information on the CCW application process, click the specific link below, for your county of residence. Mendocino County SO CCW, Sonoma County SO CCW, Lake County SO CCW.
Bigfoot Firearms Training Academy is the largest civilian firearms training facility in the region with over 10 years of experience, training up to 1,000 civilians annually. They offer CCW classes for both first-time applicants and renewals, along with a wide range of skill-building courses including handgun, AR-15, and shotgun training. The academy prides itself on an intimidation-free teaching approach tailored to building confidence for students of all skill levels.
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Instructors: Bob Nishiyama
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Edward Davies serves Mendocino County as part of the CCW Instructor Cadre at Redwood Practical Shooters, an IDPA and NRA-affiliated shooting club operating at the rustic 8-Mile Range near Fort Bragg. The club delivers both initial Basic CCW training and Renewal CCW courses multiple times annually, with two-day Basic CCW classes scheduled in March, June, and September, and Renewal courses offered on Saturdays throughout the shooting season. Davies and fellow instructors also lead monthly Handgun Skill-Builder Classes on Saturdays from 11:00am to approximately 2:00pm, providing three hours of coaching for $10 for members and $20 for non-members. These skill-builder sessions welcome brand-new shooters, current and prospective CCW holders, law enforcement, and armed private security professionals in a non-competition environment. Each class begins with fundamentals of marksmanship review, progresses through holster draws and reloading techniques, then advances to individual instruction covering everything from new shooter basics to self-defense scenarios and competition skills. Students work with a cadre of instructors at an outdoor range environment among the trees, with emphasis on safe, respectful shooting practices. The club requires 150 rounds of ammunition, eye and ear protection, and a quality holster when working from the holster. Prospective students should contact Davies directly at edsguns@mcn.org or 707-357-1581, as the club operates on an inquiry-only basis and accepts new members in person rather than through online platforms.
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Estimated wait times from self-reported applicant experiences - initial, renewal, and add-a-gun - so you know what to expect from the Mendocino County Sheriff.
Median wait time
from submission to permit
No data has been submitted for this process yet.
Timelines vary by individual circumstances and change often. These timelines are estimates based on real submissions from CCW permit holders. Last timeline submitted: -