Find California CCW Instructors

Redding, Tehama 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.

Chico, Tehama County

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.

Redding, Tehama County

Firearms Academy of Redding has been providing firearms training, self defense and CCW instruction to Redding, Shasta County and Northern California for over 30 years. The academy offers CCW training for residents of multiple California counties including Shasta, Tehama, Trinity, and others, as well as non-resident permits for Florida and Arizona. Owner and instructor Joel Northrup is POST certified and approved by the Shasta County Sheriff's Office, with classes taught in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Corning, Tehama County

Michigan Firearm and CPL Training LLC operates nationally, teaching California CCW and Michigan CPL classes with a focus on safety and defensive skills. The company specializes in training beginners and boasts that 100% of students give five-star ratings. They offer both initial and renewal courses, as well as ongoing weekly defensive pistol training sessions.

Shingletown, Tehama County

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.

Tehama County

Morgan Bischoff leads Star Crossed Firearms as an NRA, DOJ, and Range Safety Officer certified instructor based in Northern California. The operation holds CCW course approval from 14 counties across the region: Butte, Contra Costa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yuba, and Yolo. Bischoff teaches at a private outdoor range with monitored class sizes to maintain instructor-to-student ratios. The 16-hour initial CCW course runs $300 over two days and covers firearm safety, ammunition knowledge, malfunction remediation, proper defensive mindset, and controlling dangerous encounters. Eight-hour renewal classes cost $175, while a two-hour multi-state CCW course is available for $125. Star Crossed also offers non-resident California CCW training with hybrid or in-person formats depending on county requirements. Beyond CCW certification, the instructor provides courses tailored for women, real estate agents seeking situational awareness training, and general shooters at all levels. Course offerings include pistol familiarization, rifle and shotgun introductions, range days, and Firearm Safety Certificate instruction. Private lessons are available for students seeking individualized attention. Student testimonials highlight Bischoff's approachable teaching style, with several noting the value of working with a female instructor in what can feel like an intimidating environment for newcomers.

Tehama County

Angel's Firearms Instruction was founded by Dan Angel in 2017, specializing in CCW and long range rifle training. Dan brings over 30 years of firearms experience as a former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper and retired sheriff's deputy with 25 years of service. A.F.I. features instructors who are active or retired law enforcement officers with diverse backgrounds including SWAT operators and homicide detectives. They offer CCW classes for multiple Northern California counties including Nevada, Siskiyou, Placer, Butte, and Sacramento counties.

Cottonwood, Tehama County

Instructors: Ben Cornelius; Kevin Johnston; Thomas Rosina

Biggs, Tehama County

Instructors: Dan Azevedo

Eureka, Tehama County

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.

Tehama County

Black Oak Training, Inc. is a comprehensive firearms training organization offering CCW initial and renewal courses, add-a-gun services, and specialized programs including New Shooter courses, marksmanship training, holstering instruction, and NRA Range Safety Officer certification. They also provide CCW application assistance and FSC study materials, with additional services like situational awareness training, civilian TASER training, and seasonal hunting day-trips.

Redding, Tehama County

Eric Forsberg and Jeff Wallace lead Echo Whiskey Tactical Training, a veteran-owned firearms training business serving Lassen and Tehama Counties from their Redding location. Both instructors hold State of California Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) certification and NRA instructor credentials. The company's instructors are seasoned law enforcement veterans who bring real-world experience from involvement in multiple critical incidents. Echo Whiskey Tactical Training offers both initial CCW courses (16 hours) and renewal courses (8 hours), with training hours varying based on the issuing jurisdiction's requirements. Their curriculum covers California and Federal concealed weapons laws, the legal definition of self-defense, and societal issues relevant to carrying concealed firearms. Beyond CCW certification, the company delivers tactical pistol training courses, workplace violence and active shooter response training, and private firearms instruction. Private courses require a minimum of eight students and two weeks advance notice to schedule. The company also serves as an authorized training provider for individuals seeking the State of Arizona non-resident concealed weapons permit. Prospective students can reach the instructors at 530-690-5599 or info@echowhiskeytactical.com to inquire about upcoming classes or arrange private training sessions.

Redding, Tehama County

Greco's Firearm Sales is a full-service firearms dealer and CCW training provider operated by instructor Rick Greco in Redding, California. The business combines firearm sales, custom AR-15 builds, and comprehensive CCW instruction with a focus on personalized customer service. Rick offers both initial 16-hour CCW classes and renewal courses, with students consistently praising his thorough, patient teaching style and ability to help shooters qualify on their firearms.

Redding, Tehama County

Jones' Fort Gun Shop has anchored Redding's firearms community since 1962 as a family-owned business serving Shasta County gun owners. Lead instructor Marshall Jones brings nearly 50 years of firearms experience to his CCW courses, which participants describe as "extremely informative and fun." As both a gunsmith and firearms instructor, Marshall pairs technical expertise with practical teaching, addressing both first-time applicants and experienced shooters. The shop's staff brings diverse shooting backgrounds—from tournament trap shooting and antique military rifle collecting to concealed carry specialization—creating a knowledge base that spans collector firearms, modern defensive handguns, and California regulatory compliance. Beyond CCW instruction, Jones' Fort operates as a full-service gun shop offering new and used firearms with a proprietary 1-Year Jones' Fort Warranty, gunsmithing services, consignment sales with guaranteed purchase backup, and assistance navigating California's evolving firearms regulations. The business maintains an event calendar and blog covering topics like local squirrel hunting opportunities, reflecting its integration into Redding's shooting community. Staff member Jacque specializes in concealed carry gear selection, while Patrick and John contribute shotgun expertise and curio-relic knowledge. All employees bring firsthand hunting and shooting experience to customer consultations.

Tehama County

K2 Defense Academy provides professional, family-friendly firearms training by NRA and DOJ certified instructors in Northern California. They offer CCW certification classes for both initial certification and renewals, along with comprehensive NRA certified courses including Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, and Personal Protection training. The academy serves Shasta, Tehama, Butte County and surrounding areas, focusing on empowering individuals through firearms and less lethal products training for personal safety and confidence.

French Gulch, Tehama County

Instructors: John Laws

Redding, Tehama County

NorCal Defense is based in Redding, California and specializes in firearm training with an emphasis on the legal carrying and use of handguns. They offer CCW training that is certified and accepted in Tehama and Shasta Counties and the City of Red Bluff, as well as advanced pistol courses. The company helps people achieve greater personal security through classroom and range training, emphasizing that awareness and proper mindset are key to keeping yourself and your family safe.

Shasta Lake, Tehama County

Northern Firearms Instruction is a team of highly experienced NRA Firearms Instructors operating throughout California since 2007. They are authorized to teach CCW courses to residents in over 50 California counties and cities, with classes held at various Sportsman's Warehouse locations and other venues. NFI specializes in California CCW courses for both new and experienced shooters, maintaining strict instructor-to-student ratios and using 100% NRA credentialed instructors who must update their certifications yearly.

Redding, Tehama County

Instructors: Chris Haggerty

Elk Creek, Tehama County

Instructors: Robert Johnson

Redding, Tehama County

Instructors: Tyler Thompson

Redding, Tehama County

Instructors: Ryan Watters

Red Bluff, Tehama County

Frank Caltabiano operates State of Jefferson Firearms Training from Red Bluff, serving Glenn, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity, Lassen, and Shasta counties across northern California. Caltabiano holds California CCW instructor certification #207 and has been teaching firearms safety classes since the late 1980s, with the business established circa 1995. He maintains NRA certifications as a Pistol Instructor, Personal Protection Instructor, and Chief Range Safety Officer, and currently serves as Vice President of the Tehama Shooters Association. The company recently added certification to teach in Lassen County and now offers non-resident California CCW permit classes for out-of-state applicants seeking California credentials. Classes take place at 26950 Manton Road in Red Bluff, where the facility combines classroom instruction with private range access. Initial 16-hour courses cost $295 and typically span two days, while 8-hour renewal courses run $150 and usually complete in a single day session starting at 7:45 AM. Both formats cover firearms law, use of deadly force, and range qualification with all firearms intended for the permit. Students provide their own ammunition—minimum 50 rounds for primary firearms in initial courses, 20 rounds per gun for renewals—along with eye and ear protection. Caltabiano also holds law enforcement instructor certification and competes in pistol and rifle disciplines, bringing active shooting experience to the curriculum.

Tehama County

Instructors: Marshall Jones III

Foresthill, Tehama County

Instructors: Erik Vandagriff

Palo Cedro, Tehama County

Zombie Arms & Ammunition is a veteran owned and operated company that provides firearms training and CCW courses in Northern California. They offer Two Day Initial and One Day Renewal CCW courses taught by NRA and POST Certified CA DOJ Instructors, including classes taught by an onsite female instructor. Their classes meet requirements for Siskiyou, Shasta, Trinity and Tehama counties and include lunch and refreshments.