I'm not sure there are many words that are adequate to describe the training, the partnership, the ethics, the professionalism, the follow up with care that the owners of this company showed their students. It takes a lot to impress me, and they went above and beyond, even past their own business, referring to another business, that was more than willing to educate and help out in other matters. Taking this step in your life is something you do with thoughtful consideration, and is not for the faint of heart. So, if this is what you choose to do, these are the people you want to do it with! Thank you John & Heather (and team)! read more

Awesome Experience!!!! Went here yesterday with a group of people and it was an experience that everyone should have! We were all pretty much average or below shooters before this class. John taught us the basic fundamentals on how to build sturdy triangles with our arms, bodies and legs to increase accuracy. Our groupings tightened up immediately after learning the fundamentals of shooting accurately. We all felt very safe and learned a whole lot about body mechanics and how they effect accuracy. All of us had a great time and are trying to arrange an Advanced Shooting Class soon. Please go do a class with John. It is a most wonderful experience! We will be back soon!! read more

Excellent class, worth my time and money. Critical points were emphasized in a simple common sense way. Great shooting instruction. I was doing stuff I was unaware of . Defense shot is highly recommended. read more

It's a bummer that there are only 5 stars on yelp. I'd like to rate these guys higher. If you're planning on taking a shooting class you should really do it here. Zero stress. Fun! Safe. John and the team have a wealth of experience and they don't go through things all hard-core. They are obviously experts and share that expertise in an easy way that is truly enjoyable. When I take shooting courses or recommend courses to friends I only recommend Defense Shot. I give fair opinions on other places I've been but rave about this place. read more

Amazing training. We take two classes per year. Defense shot always makes us feel welcome and respected. We really appreciate how safety is paramount, training is thorough, and we feel very confident in our responsibility, ownership and skills as CCW holders....don't go and retire on us!! read more

Instructor does a great job working with people of all skills. Not intimidating- highly recommended.

I've completed several courses and John is fantastic. He offers really effective tips and training. The reviews speak for themselves, attend Defense Shot with confidence. I have recommended people to John and everyone has walked away singing his praises. You won't regret it and it just may save your life. Update: Feb '20 John continues to perfect his craft, his courses and training have only improved over time. He has a wealth of KNOWLEDGE that he shares with you and will improve your shooting ability regardless of experience. I've taken both the intermediate and advanced classes and I could not be more pleased with both the knowledge shared and improvement and confidence in shooting ability coming out of these courses. (The value of content and experience provided is easily worth more than the cost of the classes.) Thank you John (and family) for your service and the value your providing to your community!! read more

I've had three classes with John. The advanced course is where it's at! We learned dynamic shooting around and over barricades, doors, shooting on the move, and shooting from the hip at targets within arm's length under direct supervision. You cannot practice these techniques on your own at a commercial gun range. John gave an informative lecture on many topics, such as how to clear rooms in your home, how to use a vehicle for cover, and how to shoot partially-concealed targets. A CCW class and a fundamentals class alone are not enough training for new concealed carriers. John's advanced class was an eye-opener for me. read more

Ive taken three courses from DefenseSHOT now.. John and his family team are fantastic! So knowledgeable and friendly. John also went above and beyond to help me with some unexpected scheduling issues fir my CCW Refresher course when he didn't have to. I will get all my firearm training from DefenseSHOT and I will always recommend them to anyone who asks. (And even those who don't.) read more

I highly recommend Defense Shot for all of your Firearm training and CCW Licensing. I took the Multi-State CCW Class. John's great instruction along with the assistance of John Sr, Heather, and Eric presented a thorough professional class, including, safety, tips, techniques, recommendations, and a detailed process to get through the paperwork for the licenses. The class was very informative and fun. They have a nice firing range for qualification. You should definitely buy there book "I Want My CCW" I received my Utah License in 41 days, Arizona License in 59 days, and my California License in 6 months. Check out their website! Tracy read more

What a wonderful place to get comfortable and learn the safety of guns. I grew up in a family that hunts and had shot a .22 a few times when I was young. For years I wanted to take a gun class and just never got around to doing it. Well, I finally did and John & John were awesome. They put me very much at ease and I learned so much. I'm taking my CCW from them and also the Intermediate class. It was fun to be outside to learn too. Just stellar guys and great company. read more

Defense Shot is the premiere firearms training, education, and certification group in the Sacramento Area. John Daniels, a long-time Sheriff's Deputy, does a top-notch job of instructing, both in the classroom and on the range. Unlike many gun trainers, he doesn't have the ultra-macho, over-the-top tactical attitude that is unfortunately a true stereotype in the gun community. He's a very friendly family man, and won't be intimidating to new shooters. I'm an advanced shooter with untold thousands of rounds through my guns and numerous IPSA certifications, and I still go to Defense Shot several times a year to shore up and refresh my skills. Conversely, my mother (in her late 60's) had barely touched a handgun in her life when she decided to get her CCW, and came out of Defense Shot's beginning class with a solid foundation and a new-found confidence. read more

John is a great teacher. Best place to learn to shoot and get your CCW.

I took the Defense Shot CCW renewal class. John gave the best no-BS and complete class I've taken. I've trained with lots of folks, and found his class to be top-notch. Give them a shot (no pun intended) and you won't be disappointed. read more

Excellent CCW course. John and his team were very knowledgeable and did a great job structuring the class. Specifically found the talk conducted by the attorney, Mike Wise, informative. John always answers his calls and emails quickly and offers great advice. I appreciated his time to help me with a situation, even though it was weeks after I took his course. I plan on signing my wife up for the defensive handgun and CCW courses. read more

Great company and range staff. Range is awesome and John/Heather are really sweet people. He has improved my technique for ccw carry. Im looking forward to the next class. read more

After researching different firearms training classes and reading all the reviews , I am so happy I chose Defense Shot. My daughter and I both took the beginner class with John and John (father/son family owned business). Having no experience with guns, I was worried I would mess up or not do it right and be embarrassed. John was so nice and explained things so well that it was easy to learn. We chose to pay the fee and try all his guns, which was awesome because now I am confident in what I plan to purchase. My daughter is a teen and they were so good with her as well! She can't wait to take the intermediate defensive shooting class and I plan to take the ccw class. Our entire 45 minute drive home was spent talking about how amazing the class was, how much we learned and how excited we are to feel so comfortable and knowledgeable about firearms now. I don't know how else to say it , other than you really have to experience their class to understand you get so much more than you pay for. Thank you Defense Shot! read more

Great people and actually learned a few things at the range. I don't say this lightly I've been shooting for over 25 years and was gladly surprised that within minutes the instructor was able to tighten my groups and point out flaws. read more

I took the intermediate class and found it very informative as well as fun. John has a great sense of humor and showed me shooting techniques I was not aware of, even though I was an 0311 in the USMC. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in learning proper shooting stances and improving their handgun accuracy. Well worth the price. He also gives a discount to veterans. read more

I took a CCW course at Defense Shot and it was by far the best weapons training I've received. I had a ccw in Montana and took several courses but was never very comfortable handling my weapons. At Defense Shot, John and his wife are patient and thorough. They want to make sure you leave their classes as confident and knowledgeable as possible. I am definitely going back for more training and will recommend Defense Shot to friends and family. read more

These folks are the best handgun and CCW instructors in the area. I've taken all of their handgun training classes and just renewed my CCW license. John is extremely patient and will work with each student to get them comfortable handling their weapons. read more

I've taken two CCW renewal classes with John and his team. It's a family run business, taught by men who've given a life of service. I don't know about you, but it is both personal and critical to me to support businesses owned by folks like that. Primarily though, John has wonderful practical knowledge, and walks you in straightforward way through a lot of different information. I think one of the best things I've liked is that he first gets you comfortable and confident shooting at distances and paces that are more demanding than the requirements, so by the time you run your course of fire for qualification, it's a breeze! Brilliant approach actually. It's left enough of an impression on me that I've signed up for the multi-state carry course, and will be signing up for intermediate and advanced courses shortly. Give John and his team a try. Be safe. Train often. read more

My husband and I took a class with John and his son. I knew the basics about guns but lacked the confidence. I was very embarrassed on how I shot when I showed up to his class. He is so easy going and teaches you so much stuff that helps. I ended up leaving his class feeling very confident. My husband was a decent shot already but couldn't shoot with one of his guns but after taking his class my husband can shoot with all of his guns with no issue. My husband and I are going to be taking another of his higher up classes after we take his class to get our concealed. John is a very nice guy and he has some amazing classes. If you are looking to take classes John is the instructor you want!!! read more

Had a amazing time at my defense shot learned a lot can't wait to take the advanced classes!

Defense Shot's CCW, shooting and safety training is absolutely fantastic. I learned more in four hours than all three previous classes combined that I have taken elsewhere. In fact, I had to unlearn somethings I was taught that were either misinformation or the wrong method to improve my shooting accuracy. I had elected to not carry my compact that I was permitted with, because I lacked confidence in my accuracy, John corrected my stance, triggering, aim and timing and I now know I will hit what I am aiming at. The grasp and explanations for CCW myths, facts, and laws are worth the time and money just by themselves, and his book "I Want My CCW" will become your handgun Bible and further cement the critical do's and don'ts should you ever need to draw your weapon. If you are considering a CCW training course, look no further. read more

Defence shot is everything I hoped it would be . John Daniels and his people are very down to earth and will answer all your questions . I have been threw three classes and to the range three times . I have emailed questions and I have received answers every time . I trust what John says he has been threw the ranks and is very knowledgeable in his field . read more

Very professional and still fun! I learned some valuable information and appreciate the thorough presentation they have. I've since referred a few family members, and have scheduled another class since the last time I took it. I suggest it to anyone looking for a gun safety class! read more

Took my CA El Dorado County CCW class. Very informative. Definitely appreciated having the lawyer presentation as part of the class. Good set up, good room (at the Holiday Inn Express in Eldorado Hills), easy pace to the class. It is a family run operation. Left the class with my certificate and knowing all of the basics. Did not take advantage of the firing range time. read more

I first took my El Dorado CCW class from Defense Shot. I was so impressed I also took his next two classes, the defensive shooting and advanced classes. I was very impressed, they greatly helped me gain a better understanding of tactics as well as better control of my pistol. I am waiting for John to release more classes. You will not regret going to Defense Shot read more