David Thompson

Modoc County

Paco Villarreal operates 559 CCW LLC from California's Central Valley, serving Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Merced, Madera, and Plumas Counties. A California Department of Justice-certified instructor and former U.S. Marine Corps Primary Marksmanship Instructor, Villarreal built his training model on military discipline, practical application, and clear legal instruction. His 16-hour Initial CCW Course is priced at $165, with an 8-hour Renewal Course available at $125. Both offerings combine self-paced online coursework—automatically saved at each login—with live-fire range qualification, allowing students to complete classroom hours remotely and schedule range time at local facilities upon completion. In-person training includes free lunch. The company also operates a 12-course bundle for $49.99, covering firearm ownership fundamentals, and recently launched SB2-compliant training for qualified non-residents affiliated with organizations like Gun Owners of California, CRPA, GOA, or SAF. Online reviews highlight Villarreal's safety-focused instruction, patience, and accessibility. He maintains a 5.0 rating based on 183 reviews, with students consistently noting his approachability and willingness to answer questions throughout the certification process. Course content covers California use-of-force laws, safe handling, shooting fundamentals, and the legal responsibilities of concealed carry under state and county requirements. His curriculum satisfies Penal Code §26165 and Senate Bill 2 compliance standards across the Central Valley issuing agencies.

Mount Shasta, Modoc County

Rick DeRuyter retired from the Mt. Shasta Police Department after 25 years of firearms experience to focus full-time on firearms instruction through Distinguished Firearms Instruction. He holds NRA certification and California Peace Officers Standards in Training (POST) credentials. Rick and his wife Doris—who handles student paperwork and administrative coordination—have operated the training business together for over 23 years while raising four sons and eight grandchildren. The company serves Modoc, Shasta, and Tehama counties from locations including Redding and Mount Shasta, partnering with Solano's Hunters Hut for range access. Distinguished Firearms offers 16-hour initial CCW courses at $285 that include tactical, CPR, and trauma components compliant with SB2 requirements, and 8-hour renewal courses at $125. Students can add new guns to existing permits at no charge through free qualification sessions. Rick emphasizes customized, small-group instruction where students progress at their own pace regardless of prior shooting experience. The company also coordinates with independent instructors across Northern California who utilize NRA-taught professional techniques. Classes run monthly in Redding, Weed, and Etna with tactical and women-only introductory sessions scheduled periodically.

Redding, Modoc County

Firearms Academy of Redding has provided firearms training, self defense and CCW instruction to Shasta County and Northern California for over 30 years. Owner and instructor Joel Northrup is POST certified and approved by the Shasta County Sheriff's Office as a CCW instructor. The Academy offers initial and renewal CCW classes that meet the new DOJ training standards, as well as advanced defensive pistol training and non-resident CCW training for Florida and Arizona permits.