16-Hour Initial CCW Class
For first-time CCW applicants. Covers safety, laws, handling, and live-fire qualification.
$—
Forza Defense Training operates as Orange and San Diego County's premier concealed weapon training provider, led by CEO and founder Gina Vertucci alongside instructor Laurie LaRock. The company's CCW courses hold acceptance and approval from both Orange County Sheriff's Department and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Instructors trained by NRA and USCCA deliver the 16-hour initial certification course (12 hours classroom instruction, 1.5 hours dry fire, 2.5 hours live fire qualification) and 8-hour renewal course (7 hours classroom, 1 hour live fire qualification) at Iron Mike's range. Vertucci founded the company from competitive shooting passion rather than law enforcement or military background, emphasizing family atmosphere alongside safety protocols. Her grandfather taught her to shoot in local mountains, and her grandmother's Italian phrase "mantenere la Forza" (maintain your strength) inspired the company name. Training methodology centers on real-world defensive scenarios rather than static target shooting. The company conducts classes at multiple ranges: private indoor sessions at FT3 Tactical in Orange County, private outdoor instruction at Mike Raahauge's in Corona, and monthly outdoor pistol range skills classes at Raahauge's requiring holster proficiency. Course offerings span beginner handgun fundamentals through defensive pistol tactics, intro to holster work, CCW clinics for permit holders, and competitive shooting preparation for IDPA, USPSA, and IPSC events. Students can book private lessons in 60 or 120-minute sessions, with the monthly outdoor class priced at $129 for two hours requiring 150-round count. Client testimonials highlight Vertucci's patient instruction building confidence in new shooters while pushing experienced students' skill development. The company maintains direct booking capability through their website at forzadefense.com, reachable at 714-406-2828 or support@forzadefense.com. Instructors: Gina Vertucci; Laurie LaRock
, San Diego County
Forza Defense Training operates as Orange and San Diego County's premier concealed weapon training provider, led by CEO and founder Gina Vertucci alongside instructor Laurie LaRock. The company's CCW courses hold acceptance and approval from both Orange County Sheriff's Department and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Instructors trained by NRA and USCCA deliver the 16-hour initial certification course (12 hours classroom instruction, 1.5 hours dry fire, 2.5 hours live fire qualification) and 8-hour renewal course (7 hours classroom, 1 hour live fire qualification) at Iron Mike's range. Vertucci founded the company from competitive shooting passion rather than law enforcement or military background, emphasizing family atmosphere alongside safety protocols. Her grandfather taught her to shoot in local mountains, and her grandmother's Italian phrase "mantenere la Forza" (maintain your strength) inspired the company name. Training methodology centers on real-world defensive scenarios rather than static target shooting. The company conducts classes at multiple ranges: private indoor sessions at FT3 Tactical in Orange County, private outdoor instruction at Mike Raahauge's in Corona, and monthly outdoor pistol range skills classes at Raahauge's requiring holster proficiency. Course offerings span beginner handgun fundamentals through defensive pistol tactics, intro to holster work, CCW clinics for permit holders, and competitive shooting preparation for IDPA, USPSA, and IPSC events. Students can book private lessons in 60 or 120-minute sessions, with the monthly outdoor class priced at $129 for two hours requiring 150-round count. Client testimonials highlight Vertucci's patient instruction building confidence in new shooters while pushing experienced students' skill development. The company maintains direct booking capability through their website at forzadefense.com, reachable at 714-406-2828 or support@forzadefense.com. Instructors: Gina Vertucci; Laurie LaRock
All classes meet California DOJ and local sheriff requirements. Students receive a certificate of completion and range qualification results on the day of training.
For first-time CCW applicants. Covers safety, laws, handling, and live-fire qualification.
$—
For existing permit holders. State-required refresher with live-fire qualification.
$—
2nd A Firearms Training is a San Diego-based firearms training company that provides professional and affordable training in the safe, responsible and ethical use of firearms. They are staunch advocates of the Constitutional Right to keep and bear arms and specialize in CCW training, basic and advanced pistol courses, and instructor training. The company emphasizes empowerment through education and takes pride in training both students and professional instructors.
Arc Angel Defense is a family, veteran owned and operated San Diego based business with 20+ years of security experience. They offer CCW training approved by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, along with security officer training and armed security services. The company provides military, veteran, and law enforcement discounts and offers bilingual instruction in Spanish.
Discount Gun Mart is a well-established Southern California firearms institution with over 40 years in the business, offering both initial 16-hour and renewal 8-hour CCW permit courses at their two San Diego County locations in San Diego (Morena Boulevard) and Santee (Magnolia Avenue). With indoor shooting ranges at both locations, students can complete their classroom instruction and live fire qualification all in one place. Backed by a knowledgeable and experienced staff, Discount Gun Mart is known throughout the region for their customer-first approach and extensive expertise in all things firearms.