Find California CCW Instructors

Tulare County

ACAM Society LLC is a firearms training company established in 2021 that offers both online and in-person CCW courses compliant with SB2 gun laws. They provide flexible scheduling with courses available by appointment and specialize in serving real estate professionals who need personal protection training. The company is approved by multiple California counties including Madera, Fresno, Fresno PD, Kings, and Tulare County for in-person courses only.

Tulare County

Foothill Training is a California-based firearms training company led by a highly qualified instructor with POST Advanced Instructor Certification, SWAT qualifications, and multiple specialized certifications. They offer concealed carry permit training in a relaxed outdoor environment on their 5-acre facility, which includes obstacle courses and room clearing areas. The company provides both initial 16-hour CCW classes and 8-hour renewal courses, with meals included in their training programs.

Tulare County

Matthew Haywood operates Hard Focus Firearm Training with a focus on defensive shooting techniques that exceed minimum CCW standards. The company holds CCW certification approval across seven Central Valley counties: Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, San Benito, Tuolumne, and Stanislaus. Hard Focus offers 16-hour initial CCW courses and 8-hour renewal courses priced at $150, with renewal training structured as five hours of classroom instruction covering current legal aspects and concealed carry methodologies, plus three hours of live-fire range work. All shooting drills are conducted from concealment using holsters, and students must qualify with each firearm listed on their permit, with the option to qualify up to three firearms per session. The renewal course requires 150 rounds of quality ammunition and mandates specific equipment standards including quality holsters that cover the trigger guard, with prohibited equipment clearly outlined (no Serpa-style holsters, clip draws, or nylon holsters). Hard Focus also provides Utah Non-Resident CCW training and private instruction options. The company partners with Firearms Legal Protection, offering students access to discounted legal defense coverage for self-defense incidents.

Clovis, Tulare County

John Lewis Professional Firearms Instruction operates from Clovis, providing approved CCW training for multiple Central Valley law enforcement agencies including Fresno County Sheriff, Fresno Police Department, Madera County Sheriff, City of Madera, Tulare County Sheriff, Kings County Sheriff, Merced County Sheriff, and Mariposa County Sheriff's Office. John Lewis developed his firearms instruction path after formative hunting experiences at age 13 with a mentor who served as both a Marine and later as Constable of Merced County. Lewis further honed his expertise working in the gun department at Herb Bauer Sporting Goods, where colleagues encouraged him to pursue professional instruction. The company emphasizes personalized training with small group or private instruction formats under the philosophy of staying "Forever In Training." JLPFI's initial 16-hour CCW course costs $425 and includes client interviews, penal code instruction, threat assessment, aftermath protocol, range drills from 3 to 10 yards requiring 150-200 rounds per weapon, one hour of mental health presentation, and a 30-question exam. Eight-hour renewal courses are priced at $225 and require 100 rounds per weapon. The instruction model focuses on developing both shooting fundamentals and defensive mindset, with emphasis on holster draw, everyday carry practices, trigger work, and proper stance. JLPFI also offers New Owner Orientation for any firearm type, Advanced Firearms Instruction for skill refinement, dedicated one-on-one private instruction, monthly membership options, and FSC Instructor Certification courses from the Clovis location on North Willow Avenue.

Tulare County

Next Step Training LLC is led by instructors Jeff and Marni Watkins, combining law enforcement and educational backgrounds to provide comprehensive firearms training. They offer CCW courses that satisfy SB-2 requirements for multiple California agencies including Fresno County Sheriff, Kings County Sheriff, Tulare County Sheriff, Hanford PD, and Lemoore PD, with a bonus non-resident Arizona permit option. The company provides both public and private training options in handgun, rifle, and shotgun disciplines, emphasizing safety and personalized instruction to build confidence and competence.

Fresno, Tulare County

Police Science Institute and Range Pistol Club was established in 1991 as Central California's first independent school for security and law enforcement, blending theoretical coursework with hands-on professional skills training at its Fresno facility. The Institute operates under certifications from multiple oversight bodies including the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Department of Justice, P.O.S.T., and the National Rifle Association. Faculty consists of master instructors affiliated with active law enforcement agencies, ensuring students receive training that meets state licensing requirements across security, investigative, and law enforcement professions. The onsite full-service indoor firearms range at 5133 North Gates Avenue doubles as both a retail showroom selling handguns and accessories and a training venue for CCW permit courses. The Institute offers California CCW initial permits priced at $190, CCW renewals at $75, Utah non-resident permits, and specialized women's classes, all bookable online with walk-in availability during scheduled sessions. Students preparing for California's additional training hour requirements complete supplemental material covering SB2 compliance topics including less lethal self-defense, mental wellness, and dry-fire techniques before attending in-person classes. Beyond CCW instruction, the Institute maintains a comprehensive security training program including BSIS guard card certification courses running every Monday at 9:00 AM with walk-ins welcomed, exposed carry firearms permits, mandatory and elective courses for licensed guards, and TASER and baton training certification. The organization's mission prioritizes exhibiting the highest professional and ethical standards while making public safety-related opportunities accessible through innovative programs and officer safety research, actively striving to place graduates in full-time positions within the security and law enforcement industries.

Tulare County

Jeremy McMillan founded Practical Training Solutions to provide firearms instruction across Kings and Tulare Counties with a straightforward mission: equip civilians with practical defensive skills. The company charges $200 for 16-hour initial CCW courses and $130 for 8-hour renewals, offering direct online booking through its e-commerce platform. McMillan designed custom challenge coins featuring the company logo within crosshairs and the motto "Training That Matters" on the obverse, while the reverse displays a skull wearing night vision and helmet alongside rifle imagery and the phrase "Become The Scary Thing In The Dark"—a Bobby Rader quote reflecting the defensive mindset taught in classes. The first fifty students attending initial or renewal courses receive one of these coins free. Practical Training Solutions maintains a documented service footprint in Tulare, Kern, Kings, and Fresno Counties, conducting courses in Porterville and other regional locations. The instructor operates with a clear emphasis on civilian self-defense readiness rather than competitive shooting or tactical fantasy scenarios. Students can purchase gift cards starting at $130, reserve class spots through the website calendar system, and access a frequently asked questions section addressing common CCW permit concerns. McMillan's approach centers on functional skill development—his coin's design and company branding consistently reference real-world defensive applications rather than recreational shooting culture.

Tulare County

559CCW provides online and in-person California CCW training led by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and DOJ-certified instructor. They offer flexible online courses with automatic progress saving, serving Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Merced, and Madera County residents. Their training covers firearm safety, California laws, and practical application, with in-person classes including free lunch and hands-on instruction.

Tulare, Tulare County

Rankin Field operates from a 1940s military flight training facility in Tulare, acquired by the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff's Association in 1997 and converted into a public shooting range that reopened in fall 1999. The facility features multiple pistol ranges, a 100-yard rifle range with shaded structures and handicap-accessible benches, and a classroom for instruction. Seven named instructors—John Threadgill, Chris Kimes, Ken Garcia, Ted Chao, Jansen Reeves, John Sargent, and Richard Lenz—teach CCW courses priced at $130 for eight-hour renewals, with tiered membership options that reduce CCW renewal costs from $130 for day-pass shooters down to $100 for group members. The range welcomes .22 rifles, pistols, black powder firearms, muzzle loaders, and shotguns. Beyond CCW instruction, Rankin Field hosts pistol competitions, maintains a dedicated Law Enforcement pistol range, and conducts specialty courses including Range Safety Officer training and holster introduction classes. The facility sells ammunition, paper and reactive targets, steel targets for on-site use, and protective equipment. Members access the range without daily admission fees, with membership tiers serving individuals ($150/year), couples ($250/year), or groups of four ($450/year with option to add two more at $25 each). Contact Ken Garcia at ken@rankinfield.org or call 559-684-8853 to schedule training.

Visalia, Tulare County

April Skye-Parsons teaches CCW classes for Tulare, Kings, Fresno, and Madera counties from Visalia, with certifications spanning California, Utah, and Tennessee. Her credentials include USCCA Certified Instructor, The Well Armed Woman Certified Instructor, NRA CCW Instructor, and NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. She holds NRA instructor ratings in Home Firearm Safety, Basic Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, and Refuse to Be a Victim. April specializes in teaching women through The Well Armed Woman program, addressing the distinct ways women process firearms instruction compared to men. She frequently receives calls from men who struggled to teach female family members and aims to create an environment where women feel comfortable learning from another woman or in women-only classes. Beyond firearms, she serves as a Volunteer in Patrol Board Member and Project Manager for the Tulare County Sheriff's Office and formerly served on the TCSO Search & Rescue team. April also offers non-lethal personal safety products through Damsel in Defense for situations that don't meet lethal force criteria. She operates by appointment only, and students can reach her at 559-679-6578 or through email inquiry.

Tulare County

Instructors: Arsie Banut

Tulare County

Instructors: Vance Wedeking

Tulare County

Concealed Coalition is a nationwide concealed carry training provider offering both online and in-person courses taught by certified instructors. They combine digital learning with hands-on classroom experiences, featuring a network of trainers, classroom partnerships with national brands, and gun range alliances. The company emphasizes experiential, scenario-based training designed to be engaging and educational for students of all experience levels.

Tulare County

Instructors: Eric Olson

Coalinga, Tulare County

Instructors: Greg Estrada

Fresno, Tulare County

Instructors: Sam Carter

Tulare County

Instructors: Richard Mendoza

Tulare County

Freedom Firearms operates in Madera and Tulare counties under Rick Field, a Law Enforcement Certified Firearms Instructor who combines SWAT law enforcement and Army Combat Medic experience in his teaching approach. Field's career spans military service and law enforcement, bringing front-line operational knowledge to his curriculum. The training company offers tiered instruction beginning with fundamentals of marksmanship at the range, progressing through CCW preparation courses, and extending to advanced tactical work that includes handgun and rifle scenarios. Field's methodology emphasizes what he describes as a holistic view of firearms education, incorporating legal requirements, ethical considerations, and practical defensive applications rather than focusing solely on technical shooting skills. Student testimonials from Fresno, Clovis, and Coarsegold credit Field's ability to diagnose technical errors quickly and his detailed explanations during advanced handgun sessions. The company serves students across skill levels from new shooters establishing baseline competency through experienced practitioners seeking tactical scenario training. Freedom Firearms maintains inquiry-based scheduling through direct contact channels, with Field personally conducting the instructional programs throughout the two-county service area.

Tulare County

Jesus and Adolfo Galardo operate Gallardo Firearms Training as a veteran-owned family enterprise founded in August 2013 in Porterville. The brothers bring complementary military backgrounds—Jesus from Army Infantry and Adolfo from the Marine Corps as an infantryman—along with subsequent careers in law enforcement that began in 2015 and 2018 respectively. Both instructors teach CCW initial and renewal courses for Tulare County and Kings County, plus advanced offerings including Low-Light Handgun, Dynamic Handgun Fundamentals, Carbine/Pistol 2 Gun Fundamentals, and Intro to Competition Shooting. The family tradition traces to marksmanship fundamentals learned from their father. Classes meet at Hillside Community Church in Porterville, while competition events utilize Gallardo Farms. Their mission statement emphasizes Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude in responsible gun use and ownership. The GFT logo features six stars representing the four Galardo brothers and their parents, crossed rifles with barbed wire symbolizing Combat Arms service, and Army Infantry Blue coloring that doubles as a nod to law enforcement. Customer reviews consistently mention the no-nonsense approach, informative content, and willingness to work with scheduling needs. Both brothers actively compete and maintain firearms instructor and range safety officer certifications. The operation provides loaner pistols, rifles, and shotguns across all calibers for students without personal firearms.

Tulare County

Instructors: Ralph Garcia

Tulare County

Instructors: Albert Chan; Wade Roberts

Exeter, Tulare County

Instructors: Ryan Ritter; Nick Alvarez

Tulare County

Instructors: Robin Corley

Tulare County

Instinct Defense specializes in firearms safety instruction and home defense strategies with a goal of providing knowledge and skills to protect yourself and loved ones. They offer group and private courses ranging from basic/intermediate pistol training to advanced courses, CCW initial and renewal classes, and specialized training including women's classes and night vision instruction.

Tulare County

Instructors: Jabin Cunningham

Tulare County

Kimes Firearms Training offers firearms instruction and CCW classes for Tulare County residents. They also provide guidance for those interested in getting involved in competition shooting sports.

Tulare County

Instructors: Todd Cota

Tulare County

Instructors: Arnold Serna

Selma, Tulare County

Instructors: Devon Fullner

Lindsay, Tulare County

Instructors: Thomas K Cribbs

Bakersfield, Tulare County

Powers Firearms Training is a family-owned operation serving Kern County for over 50 years, run by Craig and Becky Powers alongside instructors Brent Hughes and Leslie Lee. Based in Bakersfield at 20238 Woody Rd, the company extends its reach into Inyo and Tulare counties. Their course catalog includes CCW certifications, Ladies/Co-Ed Beginning and Intermediate Handgun classes, Defensive Firearms training, and Security Officer Firearms qualifications. Beyond standard offerings, they customize individual and group instruction to meet specific student needs. The business provides flexibility through online training courses that students can complete at their own pace, followed by in-person range qualification sessions. Multi-state permit options come at no additional charge for those seeking reciprocity beyond California. The five-decade presence in the community reflects continuity in firearms education, with the Powers family maintaining operations across Central California's eastern counties. Students can book directly through the company's website or contact the team at 661-871-7273.

Tulare County

Instructors: Steven Mcphetridge

Tulare County

Instructors: Duke Hettick; Tim Connors

Tulare County

Instructors: Scott R. James II

Visalia, Tulare County

Shooter Ready is a veteran-owned and operated gun store in Visalia, California that specializes in home defense firearms, ammunition, holsters, and accessories. They are committed to responsible gun ownership and helping customers find the perfect firearm for their needs. The store also carries retro rifle shirts, coffee, books, and EDC gear for Second Amendment enthusiasts.

Tulare County

Instructors: Matt Tackett

Tulare County

Tactical 360 provides California Department of Justice-certified firearms instruction throughout Kern County, led by Chris Martinez who holds credentials as a USCCA Law Enforcement Instructor, DOJ Instructor, and Chief Range Safety Officer with over 30 years of training experience. The Bakersfield-based company serves law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private citizens through both in-person and online course formats. Martinez offers 16-hour initial CCW certification courses for Kern County, California, Utah, and Arizona permits, along with Kern County Sheriff's Department-approved 8-hour renewal training. The curriculum extends beyond basic permit requirements to include USCCA courses in pistol, rifle, and shotgun fundamentals, defensive shooting, and home protection tactics. Tactical 360 also provides Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Guard Card certification and renewal, exposed firearms permit courses, and the 12-hour BSIS Course of Fire required for armed security licensing. Law enforcement-specific offerings include specialized training in Taser deployment, baton techniques, and OC pepper spray application. Martinez structures instruction around simulated lethal encounter scenarios, emphasizing defensive tactics and stress-response skill development beyond what typical carry permit courses require. All training sessions require a $15 non-refundable deposit, with one-on-one instruction available at $100 per hour for students seeking individualized attention on specific tactical topics or shooting fundamentals.

Tulare County

The Firing Line has been operating as an indoor shooting range in Clovis, California since March 2012. They offer a 12-lane public pistol range plus 6 additional lanes for members to shoot small-bore rifles, along with firearm rentals, sales, and accessories. The facility provides both online and in-person CCW training with a team of instructors having over 50 years of combined experience, offering flexibility for residents in Fresno, Madera, and Kings Counties.

Tulare County

The Gun School is a firearms training company owned and operated by Danny R. Wells, who has over 30 years of teaching experience and extensive qualifications with rifle, pistol, and shotgun. They offer a variety of courses including California CCW permits, BSIS Basic Firearms, handgun introduction classes, and instructor training throughout California's Central Coast and Central Valley. The school has been operating since 1988 and serves both civilians and professionals with strict adherence to legal requirements.

Tulare County

Instructors: Jonathon Thorpe; Ron Koetsier

Bakersfield, Tulare County

Triple Threat Solutions is a veteran-owned and operated training company that provides CCW training courses including initial and renewal certifications, as well as advanced CCW courses. They offer training to law enforcement officers and military members, featuring a state-of-the-art virtual shooting range and courses designed around real-world scenarios. The company provides discounts for law enforcement, military veterans, and emergency first responders.

Tulare County

Sheriff-approved CCW instruction and renewal classes.

Tulare County

Instructors: Kevin Carnes; Jerry Diaz; Ben Liu

Tulare County

Vigilance Plus Training & Development transforms everyday citizens into their own first responders through comprehensive personal safety and self-defense training. They offer a broad range of courses including concealed carry, home protection, firearms safety, marksmanship, and emergency first aid, delivered through multiple formats including online, classroom, in-home, and on-the-range instruction. Their courses are designed to help individuals achieve high levels of situational awareness, conflict avoidance, and personal protection skills.

Tulare County

Instructors: Eric Wilson

Madera, Tulare County

Zaks Guns LLC functions primarily as a licensed firearms dealer in Madera, handling gun sales, consignments, and transfer services throughout Madera and Tulare counties. Rohi Zacharia operates the business, which has established itself as a Blue Label dealer for Glock and maintains law enforcement and first responder discount agreements with Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer. The shop processes firearm transfers from online retailers and auction sites with a $42.81 handling fee and $37.19 registration fee for standard firearms, while lower receivers carry a $10 handling fee. Ammunition transfers run $5, with approved vendors including Canoe Club USA, Target Sports USA, Buds Gun Shop, Palmetto Armory, AIM Surplus, and Rogers Sporting Goods. Parts and accessories ship-ins carry no fee. The business markets itself as California's trusted consignment firearm marketplace, emphasizing competitive pricing through its dealer relationships and transfer infrastructure.