Find California CCW Instructors

American Canyon, Solano County

Threat Scenarios is the training division of 29 Outdoor Gear, LLC, a full-service FFL and approved CCW training provider at 3431 Broadway A5 in American Canyon, California. The Defensive Handgun II course follows the NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home (PPOH) curriculum over 16 hours across two weekend days, combining eight hours of classroom instruction with eight hours of live-fire range training. Day one is held in American Canyon for all students; day two is in Richmond for initial and modification applicants, with exact addresses provided to registered students about two weeks before class. Classroom instruction covers firearm safety and handling, California transport and storage laws, where CCW holders may carry, permissible use of force and lethal force in self-defense, mental health resources, defensive mindset, holster selection, and legal aftermath considerations, ending with a written exam. Range training emphasizes draw, accuracy, cover use, and stress-response drills under instructor supervision. Certificates are issued by 29 Outdoor Gear upon completion. Training is approved by Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, and San Francisco Sheriff's Departments plus City of Napa, Central Marin, Novato, Mill Valley, Ross, Winters, Martinez, and San Francisco Police, with recognition from Sacramento, Yolo, Alameda Sheriff's and Sunnyvale DPS among others. Instructors hold CA DOJ CCW credentials at minimum, with staff carrying NRA, DOJ, BSIS, POST, and USCCA certifications. Co-founders Jerry Kunzman and Brad Engmann lead a team including Steve Harris, Marco Innocenti, Craig Wong, Bryan Lum, James Yeom, Stephen Newell, Kevin Holman, and Josh Leong. Two-day initial courses cost $475, eight-hour renewal sessions $275, and modification qualifications $175. Classes run Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to approximately 6:00 pm with online booking through Threat Scenarios.

San Diego, San Diego County

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.

Brea, Orange County

5150 HEAT, LLC is a Firearms Training Academy focusing on new shooters, good people who want to defend their home, and experienced civilians interested in obtaining or renewing their Concealed Carry (CCW) License. They also train police and military personnel. Their standards are high because they've been teaching police academy recruits and in-service police officers since 1980, having instructed thousands of men and women at the professional law enforcement level. They offer both traditional in-person classes and online CCW courses, with weeknight and weekend options available.

San Benito County

6th Nation Gun Club is owned by Dane and Dana Hanson, who collectively bring over 17 years of experience in defensive shooting with 8 years dedicated to teaching. They are NRA certified in pistol, rifle, shotgun, PPIH, and PPOH, as well as DOJ certified CCW instructors. Classes are held at their exclusive outdoor shooting range located 45 minutes southeast of Hollister, CA, accessible only by membership or through their classes.

AAO is a certified California CCW training provider serving the Bay Area and surrounding counties, offering both in-person and online CCW courses. The company is staffed by experienced instructors including law enforcement veterans and DOJ certified trainers. They provide comprehensive CCW instruction with personalized approach, offering 16-hour initial courses, 8-hour renewals, and additional services like red dot system training and firearm safety courses.

ACAM SOCIETY LLC is a firearms training company established in 2021 that offers both online and in-person CCW courses compliant with California's SB2 requirements. They provide a hybrid approach with 15 hours of online instruction plus 1 hour of live-fire qualification for initial courses, and specialize in training for real estate professionals. The company is approved by multiple counties including Madera, Fresno, and Kings County.

LINCOLN, Placer County

Alpha Shield CCW provides approved CCW instruction for Placer, Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter and Nevada Counties. They offer new CCW license training, renewal classes, and gun add-on qualifications with online booking capabilities.

Basic Firearms Training is a veteran-owned training provider in Sacramento County offering California CCW courses, BSIS firearms and security officer skills training, and retired law enforcement qualifications. They provide practical, safety-focused firearms instruction with certified instructors who teach shooting fundamentals, safe handling, and confidence-building skills using proven training methods. Their courses meet or exceed California certification standards and include Senate Bill 2 compliant CCW curriculum.

Christopher Ewens operates Bullseye Tactical Firearms from a private range facility in Castella, serving Redding, Shasta County, Mt. Shasta, and Siskiyou County. The operation limits every class to five students maximum, with Ewens personally instructing each session. Classes run on a private reservation schedule—students can book private instruction for three or more participants at no additional cost. The facility combines classroom and range at a single location, eliminating the multi-site logistics common to area competitors. Full 16-hour initial courses cost $320, with free add-a-gun qualification available typically within one week of course completion. Ewens has trained over 8,000 students across 40 years, including both civilians and law enforcement officers, with zero range accidents recorded during that period. The curriculum includes low-light handgun techniques alongside flashlight use—a component absent from most regional CCW courses. Instruction covers California firearms law, marksmanship fundamentals, malfunction clearing, tactical reloading, and scenario visualization. Students receive three included qualification attempts per handgun, with additional attempts available at $5 each. Courses qualify graduates for California permits and provide bonus eligibility for non-resident permits in Oregon, Arizona, Florida, and Virginia. Ewens has diagnosed and corrected shooting deficiencies in hundreds of students who previously trained with other northern California instructors. State law permits ammunition purchases directly through Bullseye without the background check fees required at retail stores. The private range environment removes distractions from unrelated shooters and eliminates wait times typical of shared public range days.

El Centro, Imperial County

Bushido Training Group is a veteran-owned firearms training company that provides California CCW certification courses exclusively for Imperial County residents. They offer the full range of CA concealed carry courses including initial 16-hour classes, 8-hour renewals, and permit modifications, taught by approved agency instructors. The company also provides additional defensive pistol courses, women's defense classes, and fingerprinting services for CCW applications.

CJ's World is a comprehensive firearms training provider based in Stockton, CA that offers CCW courses, basic pistol instruction, and security guard training. They provide both classroom and range-based instruction with a personalized approach, teaching firearms safety, legal aspects of self-defense, and situational awareness. The company also offers CPR/First Aid training and security consulting services beyond their core firearms curriculum.

Crosshair Training LLC is a Bay Area firearms and self-defense training center offering CCW training for multiple cities and counties in the Bay Area. They provide realistic training that goes beyond the square range and incorporates movement and interactive targets to prepare students for real-world scenarios. The company is a BSIS licensed training facility with DOJ certified instructors and offers comprehensive CCW classes that are CA SB2 compliant.

Contra Costa County

Dapper Defense provides CCW training and NRA-certified firearms instruction in the East Bay area. The instructor holds multiple certifications including NRA Certified Instructor (Pistol, Shotgun, CCW, Personal Protection), NRA Law Enforcement Certified Instructor, USCCA Certified Instructor, BSIS Certified Instructor, DOJ CCW Certified Instructor (#067), and COTCCC Tactical Combat Casualty Care certification. Classes are by appointment only.

Defensive Accuracy Firearms Training operates from Linden in San Joaquin County under instructors Larry Zeinke and Larry Deacon. The company provides California CCW services including initial certification, renewals, and modifications, with CCW modification/add-a-gun appointments priced at $149. Private CCW classes are available for students seeking personalized instruction. For law enforcement officers, the company offers LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) qualifications. Beyond CCW services, Defensive Accuracy maintains a robust calendar of NRA instructor training programs scheduled throughout 2026, including NRA Pistol Instructor Training in June and August, NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor Training in July, NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Basic in August, NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor in August, NRA Shotgun Instructor Training in July, NRA CCW Instructor Training in October, and NRA CCW Basic in October. The company can be reached at two phone numbers (209-931-6523 or 209-603-5771) or by email at benhike@daccw.com for scheduling and course information.

Distinguished Firearms Instruction is led by Rick Deruyter, a retired Mt. Shasta Police Officer with over 25 years of firearms experience who now dedicates his expertise to beginner through advanced firearms training. Rick and his wife Doris—who manages student paperwork and logistics—have spent 23+ years married and share a passion for the firearms training industry alongside their family of four sons and eight grandchildren. The company is both NRA Certified and California Peace Officers Standards in Training Certified. Distinguished Firearms serves Northern California's Shasta, Lassen, Modoc, Tehama, Trinity, and Siskiyou counties, conducting classes in Redding, Weed, and Etna at various ranges. The business offers a 16-hour, two-day initial CCW certification course priced at $285 that complies with California regulations and SB2 changes, including tactical, CPR, and trauma training components. Eight-hour renewal courses cost $125 and include all range fees. Rick emphasizes customized instruction tailored to individual student abilities in small group settings, allowing students to set their own comfortable pace whether they've never fired a gun or possess extensive shooting experience. The company also provides free new gun qualification sessions for existing permit holders seeking to add firearms to their CCW licenses—students need only call in advance to arrange qualification timing. Distinguished Firearms partners with Solano's Hunters Hut in Mt. Shasta and operates an online booking system where students can register and pay deposits directly. Rick can be reached at 530-524-7594 or rick_deruyter@hotmail.com for questions about applications or class specifics.

Down Range operates from 13407 Garner Lane in Chico as Northern California's premier indoor firearms training center, featuring the region's only 25-yard range accommodating pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The facility handles calibers up to .50 caliber at velocities of 4,200 fps or less, providing controlled environment practice for handgun, rifle, and shotgun users. A team of instructors including Brian Gonsalves, Rhiley Harrison, Stephen Dyke, Sean Evans, Damian Georgiou, and Rob Kearbey delivers California CCW initial and renewal courses alongside advanced pistol training and specialized programs for women and youth. Down Range serves Glenn, Lassen, Plumas, Shasta, Tehama, and Yuba counties from its Chico location, which operates Monday through Friday from 6am to 8pm and Saturday through Sunday from 7am to 9pm. The facility houses a full-line firearms retail store offering ammunition, accessories, optics, holsters, and shooting gear, with an on-site gunsmith providing firearms repair and customization services. Following its acquisition of Uniforms, Tuxedos and More, Down Range now operates as the North State's only full-service uniform supplier for police, fire, EMS, and professional service workers, handling embroidery, heat press, and screen printing for public safety academies and businesses. Membership programs offer shooting and training benefits with retail and online discounts, while the facility's "Bargain Cave" features discounted tactical equipment and shooting accessories. Contact options include phone at 530-896-1992 or email at Registration@DownRangeChico.com, brian@downrangechico.com, or info@downrangechico.com.

Grover Group Training is a California DOJ-approved CCW training provider trusted by over 30 sheriff's offices and police departments across Northern California. They offer hybrid delivery combining virtual instructor-led lectures with live-fire qualifications, with courses led by certified instructors holding credentials from California DOJ, NRA, USCCA, and California POST. The company also provides FFL01 firearm transfers and specialized law enforcement training as a POST-certified instructor.

Hammer Stryke Self-Reliance Training, Inc. is a California Corporation providing advanced firearms training and CCW permit courses for central California counties including Mariposa, Madera, Merced and Stanislaus. Their instructors have backgrounds in military, law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medicine. The company emphasizes comprehensive training beyond minimum requirements, offering not just qualification but practical skills development for real-world scenarios.

Riverside County

L & L Firearms Training, LLC is a California Department of Justice approved CCW instructor serving Riverside County and several cities including Murrieta, Hemet, Menifee, Banning, and Beaumont. They provide both in-person and online CCW training options, with courses that satisfy training requirements for Arizona, Florida, and Oregon permits at no additional cost. The company offers a 10% discount for active and retired military, law enforcement, and first responders.

Lock N Load Concealed Carry is a California DOJ-certified firearms training company in El Dorado Hills, instructed by Dr. David Lungren. Dr. Lungren holds certifications from the California Department of Justice, Utah BCI for multi-state concealed weapons permits, NRA Pistol and Personal Protection, and serves as a Range Safety Officer. He is approved to teach CCW courses for El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo County Sheriff Departments. With six years of military service and a retired chiropractic background, Dr. Lungren brings unique expertise from his former work as director of a Whiplash and Spinal Trauma Center, Certified Medical Examiner, and Expert Medical Witness. The company offers 16-hour initial CCW courses at $275 and 8-hour renewal courses at $195, with county-specific scheduling for El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo jurisdictions. Additional offerings include Utah multi-state CCW training (covering Nevada), range qualification for CCW gun modifications, and a three-tier defensive handgun curriculum spanning basic through advanced levels. Dr. Lungren applies the same teaching methodology he used educating thousands of patients about complex medical conditions to firearms instruction, providing personalized one-on-one training. Curriculum covers safe firearm handling and carry, shoot-don't-shoot scenarios, permissible use of force for self-defense, confrontation avoidance, defensive tactics, and post-incident protocols. Students can book classes directly online, selecting date and county-specific sessions through the company's website.

Chula Vista, San Diego County

M&M Firearms Training is a veteran-owned and operated firearms training company serving the San Diego area. They offer CCW courses required for obtaining permits, including 16-hour initial classes and 8-hour renewal courses, as well as NRA personal protection courses. The company is staffed by DOJ CCW certified instructors with Army Armorer and RSO certifications, and they provide flexible scheduling including one-on-one training options.

Madison Society Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2001 that focuses on protecting Second Amendment rights through litigation and education. The foundation provides concealed carry weapon training and certification for California, Arizona, and Utah permits. They operate as an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff, directing all donations and course revenue toward supporting Second Amendment legal challenges and amicus briefs.

Oceanside, San Diego County

Mclaren Defense is a firearms training company that advocates for Constitutional rights while emphasizing responsibility through professional and affordable training. They provide comprehensive CCW training courses, private coaching options, and specialized instruction in the safe, responsible and ethical use of firearms. The company also develops training courses and instructional videos for other organizations, offering both group classes and personalized instruction to accommodate various scheduling needs.

Medic Up Consulting LLC delivers deputy-led CCW training from Corona, serving Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. The company has earned over 80 five-star reviews for its structured, professionally focused instruction model. Ron, Juan, Randy, Victor, and Matt lead a team that combines active and retired law enforcement backgrounds with practical defensive training. Classes are fully SB2 compliant and include no additional firearm fees beyond the advertised $425 for 16-hour initial certification and $275 for 8-hour renewals. The training integrates medical skills with firearms instruction, incorporating Stop the Bleed techniques, tourniquet application, wound packing, and CPR-AED training. Students consistently note the team's emphasis on safety, with reviews highlighting zero safety incidents during live-fire qualifications. Beyond CCW certification, Medic Up offers specialty courses including Night Pistol Training for low-light/no-light engagements, Home Defense Shotgun and Pistol courses, Practical Pistol training, and Utah Non-Resident CCW workshops. The company also provides streamlined gun modification services, with students completing add-ons in approximately 30 minutes. Instructors maintain a welcoming environment where students report feeling comfortable asking questions at any skill level. The training style balances professionalism with approachability, creating what reviewers describe as a family atmosphere while maintaining strict safety protocols and delivering real-world legal guidance from law enforcement professionals.

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.

Oceanside, San Diego County

NANPOR Security Academy & Services is a veteran-owned security training organization established in 1985, serving San Diego County for over 35 years. They offer Guard Card, Firearm, CCW, Baton, and various security and personal defense training courses. The academy emphasizes a blend of tradition and innovation, with a diverse staff of instructors and comprehensive security training packages designed to meet varying training levels and security needs.

Personal Protection Academy is certified as an official CCW vendor by many Southern California municipalities and UT/AZ to administer both classroom and firing range portions of CCW initial or renewal applications. They serve Riverside County, San Diego County, and cities of Murrieta, Menifee, Hemet, Banning, and Beaumont, as well as offering multi-state CCW certification for UT & AZ that covers 36 states. The academy emphasizes that this is not a beginner's class and requires students to be proficient with gun handling and safety.

San Clemente, Orange County

San Clemente Firearms Training LLC is an Orange County and San Diego County Sheriff Department's approved CCW training provider located in San Clemente. They offer initial and renewal CCW courses, multi-state CCW training for Arizona, Florida, and Utah, and private lessons starting at $125 per hour. The company provides both group and private CCW courses tailored to individual needs.

Shasta Defense offers CCW initial and renewal firearm training classes in Shingletown, California serving Shasta and Tehama counties. Led by Nathan Zeliff, a California Attorney at Law and certified DOJ and NRA firearms instructor, the company emphasizes small class sizes with more individual instruction. Their training programs meet new DOJ standards and are approved by both Shasta and Tehama County Sheriff's Offices.

Concord, Solano County

Split Fire Firearms Training is an approved training company serving Northern California since 2010, specializing in CCW certifications for most North Bay area counties along with Alameda, Napa and Sacramento County. They offer NRA Basic Firearms Training, Concealed Carry Certification, and Advanced Firearms Training for civilians as well as law enforcement and government employees. Classes include both online components via Zoom and hands-on range training at United Sportsmen Inc. in Concord, CA.

Twin Cities Rod and Gun Club schedules CCW training on the second Saturday of each month at their 1125 Market Street classroom in Yuba City, serving residents of Yuba, Sutter, and Colusa counties. NRA certified instructors lead state-approved courses for both initial permit applicants and renewals. The club charges $261 for the full 16-hour certification course and $85 for 8-hour renewals, with pricing structured to reflect member and non-member rates. Applicants may include up to three firearms on their permit at no additional charge, with a $5 fee per gun for each weapon beyond the initial three. All training sessions take place at the club's Market Street facility in Yuba City, where students complete the classroom instruction and live-fire range requirements specified by California DOJ standards. The monthly class schedule provides regular availability for Yuba County residents seeking CCW permits, and the club's established location in Yuba City centralizes access for applicants from the surrounding three-county service area.

Van Nuys, Los Angeles County

American Academy of Protective Training (AAPT) is a California-licensed security training facility that offers comprehensive firearms training programs for civilians, security professionals, and law enforcement. They specialize in California CCW courses, NRA basic firearm training, and tactical defensive training with a focus on developing combat mindset and reflexive conditioned response. AAPT emphasizes practical, realistic training delivered by professional instructors with national recognition in firearms training and tactical strategies.

Jonathan Chavoor leads McGrew & Associates Inc., a Bay Area training facility primarily specializing in security guard credentialing and BSIS-mandated coursework. Operating from Santa Clara at 275 Saratoga Ave Suite 104, the company has built its reputation over years of delivering Guard Card, exposed firearm, baton, OC pepper spray, handcuff, and Taser instruction to over 20,000 security professionals. McGrew & Associates holds BSIS licensing credentials as a security officer training facility (TFF 1669, TIF 2452, TFB 1404, TIB 2048, TIB 1986) and claims recognition as a 2016 Outstanding Community Educator Award Winner. The facility offers California CCW courses alongside its core security guard curriculum, with pricing showing a $25 additional caliber fee for firearm training. The company's BSIS Exposed Firearm Training follows a two-day format: eight hours of classroom instruction covering moral and legal aspects, nomenclature, weapons handling, and shooting fundamentals, followed by six hours of live-fire range qualification. Students can rent firearms and purchase ammunition on-site, or bring their own equipment with documentation of BSIS-authorized calibers (.380, 9mm, .40, .45, .38, .357, 10mm). McGrew & Associates serves San Benito County from its Santa Clara base, maintaining direct booking capability through phone (408-647-4567) or email (john@mcgrewpi.com). The facility markets package pricing for bundled guard certifications and promotes its ability to complete entire Guard Card processes—including Live Scan fingerprinting and state applications—in a single day.

NorCal Tactical is a firearms retailer and training provider located in Sutter, California that offers both group and private concealed carry courses. They provide initial and renewal concealed carry classes, basic firearm training, and additional firearm endorsements. The company operates as both a gun store with constantly changing inventory and a training facility, emphasizing personalized customer service and the ability to source firearms not in their current stock.