Looking for firearms instruction in Los Angeles? Look no further Larry is an absolute expert and a…read moregreat teacher. We met up with him at Angeles shooting range and he gave my family a very generous 2 hour private lesson. All levels of gun experience were represented so he went through basics, got us all speaking the same language regarding gun safety and then taught us to shoot our guns his way. Wow! It was like magic. In one lesson we were hitting the center consistently. It was really impressive the way he broke it down to the simplest mechanics and was able to get such great results with each of us regardless of our experience level. Aside from being a consummate professional regarding guns and training he also was a helluva nice guy. Plus he had a perfect voice for firearms instruction. I know it's weird but on a gun range it's loud and people are wearing earplugs. A clear authoritative voice that cuts through the clamor to keep me focused is an asset I appreciated. I will definitely be taking some of his group classes in the future and recommend On The Level Firearms Instruction enthusiastically to you :)

I actually took Rifle Instruction from the Owner/Operator/Instructor LARRY back in the begining…read moreJune for a hunting trip I took at the end of June. He does his instruction out of Angeles Shooting Range which is amazing. Larry taught me how to use a new hunting rifle and scope that I have never used that I impulsed bought in the excitement of my first hunting trip. Although I have experience in sidearms and shotguns I have never fired or operated a nice hunting rifle and scope. As I was on a timeline I asked Larry if I could get some private instruction. He offers it and boy was I glad. He not only taught me how to use my hunting rifle but also how to properly zero in my scope and also checked its mounting. the rifle I bought was a .308 caliber so he brought his .22LR rifle so he could properly instruct me on how to operate my new firearm. I will never forget what he said, "If I learn to shoot properly and with the basics using the .22LR I can apply this to the larger caliber rifles and it will work!" Oh Boy was he right. He took the time and patience to teach me how to breathe, properly pull the trigger, check meld EVERYTHING! Even some things like websites regarding ammunition velocity etc that were way over my head for a beginner. Needless to say I was very happy with his instruction and I went on my hunting trip. I employed everything Larry taught me and I was able to hunt my first Deer. I will never forget the experience as it was perfect and it was made perfect because of Larry's instruction. I took one shot and it was a perfect kill shot. The shot was so good the Hunting guide was so impressed that a city slicker did so well at such a distance. I thought he was kidding but when other more experienced hunters came back and they had missed their shots with their fancy guns I knew my guide was not kidding! And I also knew that what Larry had taught me in two hours of private instruction will stay with me for the rest of my life. If fact much of what he taught me I pass on to my friends which Larry told me is what makes this instruction invaluable. I even went out and purchased my own Remington .22LR takedown to practice as much as I can the things he taught me I cannot wait to take his other classes and have more private instruction from him. My instruction and hunting trip was back in June and I am just writing this now because I find it very important to let him know and everyone that wants to know how good this guy and his firm is. now that I have written it I can sleep better at night!! THANK YOU LARRY!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Larry is the Man and On the Level Firearms Training is LEGIT!!!

My son and I took a course with Gil Vargas Firearms Training Associates, and I honestly can't say…read moreenough good things about the experience. Although I have owned firearms for home defense, I never really felt that I had mastery, competence, or confidence with them. Going to the range with friends was one thing, but I was usually just following their lead. Training with Gil completely changed that. My son is 24 and I'm 55, and taking the course together turned into a great father-son experience that I think we'll both remember for a long time. More importantly, we both walked away feeling more confident, competent, and safety-conscious. Gil has a teaching style that I think he was simply born for. Some people naturally know how to put others at ease, and Gil is one of those people. He was patient, thorough, approachable, and never made us feel uncomfortable asking questions. He took something that had always felt a little intimidating to me and made me want to learn more. He covered the material thoroughly while keeping everything understandable and practical. By the end of the course, I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had never gotten from simply going to the range. If you're new to firearms, intimidated by them, or just want to become safer and more confident, I would highly recommend Gil Vargas and GVFTA. We will absolutely be continuing our training with him.

Gil and his team provided an outstanding firearms training experience from start to finish. The…read moreinstruction was patient, professional, and tailored to meet my needs and skill level. There was never any pressure or intimidation--just clear, thoughtful guidance designed to build confidence and competence. Safety was always the first priority, and every aspect of the training was explained in a practical and easy-to-understand way. I especially appreciated the real-world guidance and useful advice that went beyond simply learning the fundamentals. The instructors took the time to answer questions, explain the "why" behind what they were teaching, and make sure each concept was understood before moving forward. Whether you are a complete beginner or have prior experience, I would highly recommend this training.

I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone…read morelooking for CCW training.   I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this.   Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward.   Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning.   Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students.   Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I'd absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training.

I had a great experience with Southwest. Can't say anything but positive things about the entire…read morestaff. Great culture they have there - everyone is pleasant to deal with and everyone is having fun while dealing with the seriousness of handling firearms like the pros that they are. My first exposure was to Yamin and although I didn't necessarily meet her, she was super duper helpful both on the phone and via emails. She's on it! Thank you, Yamin! Basel (unsure of spelling) was an excellent instructor for both the classroom and the practical range time. He kept the atmosphere of the class engaging and upbeat despite some of the lengthier material. Humorous and he knew his stuff. I only got to hear Luis speak to the class for a small portion but he is definitely knowledgeable about gun laws as well. Did not get to see him at the range unfortunately. There was another gentleman there that I didn't get his name but he was very helpful with tips to improve my grip. At the range, I watched the instructors, Bo and Mike, encourage an older woman who was a novice to guns and she was slightly nervous as she was having trouble manipulating her fireman but they were super patient with her. They gave off no condescending energy at all (and I've seen that from other instructors before, especially towards novices and/or women). But Bo and Mike had her shooting on target and I could tell she was so happy and proud of herself by the end of the day. I really appreciated their kindness towards her, they went the extra mile! Southwest is just good people is all I can say. 10/10 recommend for your pewpew instructional needs.

It's over a year later and I am now a regular. Taking the classes has been a significant part of my…read morepost-fire healing journey. Being outdoors in the mountains, with a great group of people, learning such an interesting and unique skill always turns my frown upside down. After every single class I feel grateful. I've made friends, we laugh all day long, I absolutely adore the instructors and my shooting pals. The classes have brought some joy back into my life. Love you, gun fam! Huge thanks to Dutch and his amazing team for their knowledge, patience, and all around fun energy! Highly recommend! 1000/10!

Dutch is the owner and trainer of Live Fire Learning. He has an extensive background as a…read morecompetitive shooter, an armorer in movies and TV, and is a frequent guest on news programs talking about gun safety. The classes are small because individual attention is important to him. Dutch teaches in a calm, kind, and patient manner helping both people who have never handled a gun and those returning for refreshers and more training. This is not a macho gun nut class. Safety and knowledge are the best tools when handling firearms and Dutch goes the extra mile. The class begins with a classroom session where gun handling safety and laws are covered. He demystifies guns by careful explanation of how they work, their mechanics and the different types of ammo and some simple laser gun instruction on how to aim. Then its on to the range, right outside the classroom. His assistants operate in the same manner as Dutch; non-judgmental and patient. Range operations are conducted in a very safe manner. The best part about Pistol Foundations is that he provides about 8 different guns that each person has a chance to shoot. For those who have not bought a firearm yet, this is very helpful.This is my second class with Dutch and the classes are highly recommended.

Great shot I broke a screw on one of my slides, and the gunsmith team was really helpful and he was…read morevery communicative and it was not a bad class at all. It took a couple days more than expected, but their Guns Smith was very apologetic and mounted my new Arctic due to the wait time. I'm gonna bring some of my other guns in to have a trigger job done and boarded barrel.

Worst experience at any gun store I've been to. Do not trust them with your gun…read more Their communication is horrible. Their records often inaccurate. The gun smith says one thing -- their shop sales person another -- their manager a third. I initially had them set to work on a Nighthawk custom 1911. Simple job adding an RMR optic. When I realized it would void the warranty, I went into the store and asked them to ship the gun to nighthawk. They confirmed no work had taken place and they would send it. 3 visits later + several phone calls and emails -- it took them 2.5 months to mail the gun. Eventually, with me having to handle it. 2.5 months. To ship something. Nothing unstandard. Each time I'd visit or call they'd say they had it under control. One of the times I called in, they informed me that they had finished cutting the optic into the guns slide. Which is exactly what I asked them not to do, since it would void the lifetime warranty. Luckily their computer system is so bad and their communication so inaccurate that it turned out they were wrong - they hadn't worked on the gun. and it still hadn't shipped. Then after waiting 2.5 months to send the gun - Nighthawk receives it, and notes that the gun wasn't shipped with my Trijicon RMR. Again -- now I'm waiting for the RMR to ship in. On april 24th the manager Will said he would send it. I confirmed and sent him an email. No response. Finally following up yet again, I see he put it in the mail a week after my request. Followed up again to get tracking. Avoid them at all costs. Total clowns. No apologies for their horrible service on the phone. Excuses and BS. Told me the original gun smith wasn't at the company anymore -- but that doesn't excuse the timeline, lack of communication, or bad service.

Great certification course for education of safe gun usage. Safety is priority and will remove…read morepeople for not following the rules, keeps us all safe. Will be doing more classes.

Honestly feel pretty lucky to have found this outfit. Found it because it was on the CCW list for…read moreLASD. I took CCW and basically enjoyed the instruction so much that I did Rifle 1 and Rifle 2 in the following weekend. Any experience level is welcomed and fostered. Safety is the top priority. The drills done in each class are unique, fun and educational so much so that you don't notice time flying.

Had a great experience! Bobby is a great teacher and very passionate. He emphasized safety and…read morecorrected my groups mistakes as we went, which I really appreciated. My accuracy improved quite a bit with his coaching, and he's super patient and helpful. Also, he's a super chill guy and keeps it interesting with his stories and humor. We were with him over 4 hours but it flew by. If you want to learn how to properly shoot and not have it be stale and boring, definitely book with Bobby.

great class, super informative and fun. Really like shooting outside instead of the tradition al…read moreindoor range!

I've attended several CCW qualification classes, and this was by far the worst experience I've had…read more Instead of focusing on CCW laws and proper instruction, a large portion of the class was spent listening to the instructor talk about his personal life--his first wife passing away in a ski accident, meeting his current wife on a dating site, her proposing to him, his mother's cancer, not being able to share a bathroom with his wife, her job at Cedars, becoming a police officer at 18 but not being able to buy his own firearm, being a Taekwondo champion who lost to an Olympic medalist, owning over 30 Glocks, and on and on. Roughly half the class time was spent listening to stories about how great he believes he is, rather than learning the laws surrounding concealed carry. We didn't even get a proper lunch break because so much time was wasted waiting for him to take cigarette breaks. The remaining time was spent being told there is only one correct way to hold a firearm--his way. If you didn't comply exactly, you risked being disqualified. He openly bragged about how many students he disqualifies each session. In my opinion, if a student is disqualified, it reflects a failure in instruction--especially when the issue isn't safety, but not conforming to the instructor's personal preference. He also went off on tangents about not feeling comfortable shopping or spending time in his own neighborhood in Sylmar, saying he prefers to shop in Santa Clarita because he believes his area isn't safe. On top of that, he aggressively pushed Glock firearms, claiming they are the only worthwhile option--conveniently mentioning that he also sells a Glock cleaning course. Overall, this class was a waste of time and money. If you want to actually learn CCW laws and receive professional instruction, save your money and find a real instructor--not someone more interested in talking about himself than teaching. STAY WAY - FAR, FAR AWAY - SAVE YOUR MONEY AND LEARN FROM A REAL CCW QUAIFICATION INSTRUCTOR

I just finished my required 16 hours of training to obtain my CCW permit, and I can't say enough…read moregood things about Simon and the entire Double Tap team. Simon was an outstanding instructor -- not only did he connect with everyone in the class, but he also shared his personal life experiences and adventures in a way that tied perfectly into the lessons and information he was teaching. He went above and beyond explaining laws and regulations, incorporating role-playing scenarios that helped us better understand how to handle real-world situations. After the 8 hours in the classroom, we moved on to the firearms course, and that's where Simon's team really shined. The entire experience felt structured, professional, and focused on safety above all else. His team made everyone feel comfortable, offering encouragement and tips to correct small issues Simon pointed out along the way. I could go on, but I think you get the idea -- this was an incredible experience. Five stars for Simon and the Double Tap team!