Took the bravo 1 course today. Roy and Nick were awesome as instructors. My confidence level with my pistol (never say weapon) is much higher than it was before. Can't wait to schedule more classes with them. Highly recommended to any and all who are interested in firearms courses. Smaller class mean more personal 1 on 1 time with these highly skilled instructors. I have tried some other training courses and much prefer my time here. I also feel like i got more out of the course by practicing with actual SWAT team members. read more

If you are looking for expert training you will not be disappointed with Expert Firearms. Roy and Sammy are so knowledgeable. This was an excellent 2 day training course. I have had some shooting experience in the past but never an actual training lesson. I learned how to handle a pistol with #1 safety and security. I learned how to marksman shoot, rapid shoot, load a magazine properly, how to clean a gun plus so much more! They also have some pretty great stories to share. I'm so glad we got to do this training. Definitely planning on taking more lessons in the near future. I left that class feeling way more confident and comfortable. Thank you guys so much. read more

Expert Firearms Training - Target - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

Just took Roy and Nick's CCW course. I learned a lot and plan on coming back on a regular basis to maintain and grow my skills.

Just finished my 16 hours CCW training course with Roy. It was a great class! That man has a lot of knowledge about firearms and gave us the legal info as well as cool stories that he personally encountered while serving as a PO. Very informative class and I left there as a better shooter. The class was small enough to get one on one help and to really engage with the instructor. I highly recommend going to EXPERT FIREARMS TRAINING read more

Expert Firearms Training - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

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I took the Bravo 2 course in February 2025, and it was great! I loved all the conversations, tips, and tricks--very practical stuff I don't think I'd learn even from my law enforcement friend. I told Roy I was skeptical that he could fix certain aspects of my shooting skills, which I'd been trying to improve for a decade. I was wrong--he helped me fix them during the course! Fast forward to today, a month later, and I definitely hope I can take the course again to reinforce my memory. I also appreciated the personal attention due to the small class size. Thank you, Roy, for such a great learning experience. My plan for the next few months is to bring my wife to take the Alpha Basic course while I wait for my CCW process to complete. Then, I'll take the CCW course once all the paperwork goes through. read more

Second time doing his class. Class room and range training is top notch. Highly recommend.

I did the CCW certification class with Roy and Nick. The first day was classroom with a ton of great training and stories from Roy. Second day was laser training, holster draw training, and 4.5 hours of range time. There was only 4 of us students which I really liked. I was definitely the more novice shooter of the 4. Roy was able to see I was having issue with a small flinch when pulling trigger. He helped me rectify that and was shooting so much better at the end of the day. The range training was great because it really helps prepare for a real life situation with confidence, and not just train to pass the CCW like a lot of other trainers, although I did get a 170 out of 180 on my first pass through :) read more

Just took their CCW training. The instructors were amazing with their wealth of knowledge and experience. With today's drive for online trainings, I have to say there is no substitute for the quality of training in person. The drills and coaching from the instructors were second to none. I feel much more ready for the upcoming responsibility. And knowing they are still around to answer questions is great. Will definitely be taking more trainings from this team. read more

I took the course with Roy & Sam which was the equivalent of Bravo 1. This course was highly engaging and informative from start to finish. Roy has a wealth of experience to draw from given his SWAT background- he not only gave you the information you need to know, but tied it to real world scenarios which made them all the more memorable. Same thing with Sam. Both these gentlemen are incredibly knowledgable and kind- I will 100% be coming back to take Bravo 2! Thanks Roy & Sam! read more

Another great session with Roy. I have to say that training with Roy and his team is fun and effective! I took his CCW renewal course again and before I knew it it was the end of the day! Over 500 rounds down range and feeling like a better shooter. Thank Roy. read more

I have trained with a several different firearms instructors over the years. Like every other business, there are people who this job well and there are people who just don't. Expert Firearms is the former. During my first call with Roy Bryson in mid-2023, I knew that he was the real deal. I arranged to take a class with him and my initial impression was confirmed. He knows what he is doing with the weapons, has the critical understanding of the laws - both spirit and letter and has the ability to impart the knowledge to his students in a non-condescending, enjoyable and highly informative way. I have since returned to Roy for 1:1 training. We spent eight hours on the range, working at various distances. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced shooter, Expert Firearms will have you covered. Easy to work with, good and fair pricing and obvious pedigree. read more

The training I received from Roy was outstanding! He is very knowledgeable and passionate about his trade. The stories he had about his time on the force were vivid and real. I have a new respect for the Police force. If you schedule a training and nobody shows up, then Roy does the class 1 on 1. This is what happen to me and it was awesome to have his full attention. The classes are very small like 5 people max. I hear these horror stories with other training companies that have 10-15+ people; they have less time on the range. With Expert Firearms, I had 3 hours of pure range time. Roy even spent an extra hour more time because I was having issues and he wanted to make sure I got it right. I will definitely be taking more classes. I would highly recommend because of the quality of the training and the friendliness of the trainers. read more

Expert Firearms Training - I started all over the place (Left), getting better going to the right. Thanks to Roy's coaching. - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

You will find this training as being very informative and useful. As a novice person looking to get the right information, other than YouTube, and hands on training, these guys are the best. I wanted to learn about the basics before buying a gun. Something I would highly recommend on everyone to do. You really need to learn from a person with hands on experience. You can't ask for more from many years of ex-police and Swat, along with ex-military personnel than this. Guns are no joke. Get the training first. read more

Best of the best. Highly recommend any of the classes. I took a cc class. The course was informative and covered the basics. What stands out is his firearms training. I was able in minutes, to improve my grouping with Roy's help. If you need a cc class don't even think of going elsewhere. 5 stars. read more

It takes quite a bit to earn 5 stars from me, but hands down Roy is one of the best instructors in this business. He goes above and beyond the ccw course to teach you an actual skill or uplevel you if you already have some experience with firearms. Starting with the fundamentals and moving on to more complex topics, he makes sure to do it in a non overwhelming way. I feel like I am a better shooter now because of Roy and will be taking on more regular training with him in the future. I only wish he offered weekend instruction but like us, he also wants to enjoy his weekends. Thank you Roy. read more

Expert Firearms Training - Roy the instructor in chief - badass - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

I signed up with Expert firearms for the Bravo1/CCW program. It honestly should be mandatory for everyone to take this class! The amount of expertise, professionalism and caring that goes into this program phenomenal! They able to pickup on every little aspect of your firearms experience or lack there of in my case examples like my finger being quarter of a inch off on the trigger or shoulders being ever so slightly hunched and list goes on and on. You have personalized training from men we all should consider our superhero's there is 70 years of experience from Swat team leaders and commanders watching your every second teaching you and caring for you! I will be signing up for all the Bravo classes and looking forward to bringing my whole family !!! read more

They are the absolute best! I walked in with no knowledge at all, and after just two days of training I feel extremely comfortable handling a firearm. If you want to learn from the best and be confident this is the class for you. I recently received my Firearm Safety Certificate and will purchase my Glock 19 this week. I am so excited! I owe it all to Expert Firearms Training ;) read more

Expert Firearms Training - My favorite baby! - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

Amazing class to take for your CCW. Roy is a great instructor/ teacher and his other instructor Nick and Sam were extremely helpful in the training/ instructing too. Great one on one action they keep the classes very small in order for you to learn. Remember once you pull the trigger your life and other lives will change for ever. Get the proper training from trained retired police officers. Would recommend anyone to take any of the classes they offer. I will be signing up for more classes in the future. read more

Sooo, a few months ago I became a home owner & with all the madness in the world I finally decided to take a training so I can efficiently protect my son & I if need be. When I say it was the BEST decision I've made, it was. 2 day course & well worth $600. Very informative, the staff was nice/polite/professional, establishment was nice & clean even the ladies restroom was clean Lol. ROY my trailer was the best. Loved his delivery, the stories, his knowledge & his honesty. I would definitely recommend to ALL women, especially mothers who live alone. My nails & I will definitely be back for the next training(s). Oh, let me mention... The real fun happens in the range, it makes you want more experience just so you're on point & not oblivious to the basic rules or common sense.. Thanks Roy, we'll be in touch for sure!!! read more

Expert Firearms Training - Great decision! - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

As an artsy girl-child of the 70's, I never wanted to buy a firearm. But after crime started going up in my neighborhood--people getting shot and held up in their driveway at gunpoint--I started looking into firearms the way one would look into fire extinguishers in a high fire area. You hope to G-d that you never have to use it in an emergency. You don't want to ever have use it in an emergency. But if emergencies are happening near your home, you need to be prepared and trained for if one occurs. My goal is always to be safe and proficient--to learn gun safety, maintenance, and marksmanship the way one would learn first aid--as lives depend on it. It took me more than a year to fire the pistol I bought because I didn't want to load or clean it until I was in a class with a well-vetted instructor. I didn't even know where to begin to look for an instructor because I find gun culture intimidating and sometimes unpleasant. So the search was on and it was a long one. When I called Roy Bryson at Expert Firearms Training, I interviewed him extensively because I was hiring him for one of the most important jobs of my life. I was starting with zero knowledge so I wanted someone who would lay a solid foundation that I could build on going forward. I was searching for a calm and caring instructor with master-level lifetime experience. Someone who will be strict, detailed, and focused while not being a dick waving jerk because I'm a know-nothing civilian. Over the course of two days, my husband and I spent 16 hours in a classroom and on the range with Roy and Nick. We now feel confident that we can handle and maintain our firearms with safety and proficiency. That is huge! For the two of us, we spent $1200 total for that time and we felt we got a bargain. With all the hard work and attention they both put in, they should have charged more. They watched our every move and assisted us with grip, form, stance, technique, and even mindset. You'd be surprised how important mindset is. They were constantly present and observant, ready to correct and offer detailed and helpful advice. That level of attention can only come from one place--the heart. These guys truly care about their students, safety, and humanity at large. They are not there to train wolves. They're there to train sheepdogs who will help guard the kind and peaceful flock from the wolves. I hope to one day be considered one of their puppies as my husband and I are going to practice what we have learned and take more classes with them to advance our skills. read more

I grew up with guns thinking I knew how to handle them. However after taking his course, I have learned that I wasn't handling the gun properly. Over the two-day course we went over the safety rules and proper handling and the range. By day 2, I surprised myself on how well I did. Roy provided so much support on the range and by learning how to properly handle a gun definitely improves your aim. I have to recommend this course to anyone. Taking a one-day in class course for a 4-Hour period and 2 hours on the range is definitely not enough for an average gun owner! read more

Expert Firearms Training - Day 2 - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

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Just finished Bravo II Pistol Training this week! Excellent training that just puts you in a different category of shooter. I took Bravo One at the beginning of September. The entire bravo series is dedicated to learning about "Home Defense" shooting (Combat Shooting). It's the next step after you've mastered the elements of Pistol basics (safety, gun components and accessories, basic marksmanship) and takes you to the next level including: Review of safety, gun components and marksmanship, etc. Bravo One really "dials in" your marksmanship. You'll get a better perspective on your sight picture and aiming. You'll learn how to really work your trigger without thinking about it while keeping those sights on target. Then you'll go into an intro to aiming while on the move. The laser pistol (not a real pistol with laser sights) was an excellent tool to use while in the classroom. If you've been shooting already (and are used to recoil) it's a pretty effective indicator as to how you'll shoot on the range! The range time is spent with a quick round of marksmanship. To see how much I improved was amazing. I had problems with the trigger. I learned how to let what happens to happen with the trigger when focusing on marksmanship. The best part of Bravo One? POINT SHOOTING!! You are focusing on lighting up a target area with multiple round in a short period of time. You are going through as much as a full mag as quickly as possible, while staying in an 8 1/2 by 11 area. Fun. You learn to shoot with only the front sight and without using the sights at all. Again, you'll be surprised how quickly you improve. Actually, the best part of Bravo One would be when I went to the range a couple of week later. My groupings were MUCH tighter at 4.5 to 8 yards out (see attached photo). Before the class, I would always start with my shots way down in the bottom left quadrant of the target...then a few way above to the left. Not this time! It also mean, less time at the range for me and also, less ammo spent! :D Bravo Two This course is taking your increased confidence and proficiency to the next level! There is in depth practice on how to handle the various ammo and firearm malfunctions that you could face during the firing of your pistol. There is also a heavy emphasis of the physiology of a person involved in a combat shooting scenario. The number of things that can happen to your mind and body are amazing, sometimes disturbing, but knowing what they are and why they happen are key. One of the things that can happen to you during a firefight? Your brain can shut out certain harmful sounds (the report of your ammo) and keep non harmful sounds like the action of your firearm. But not hearing the sound of your ammo igniting could hide a misfire or other malfunction. So we're taught to focus on the recoil instead of strictly sound. Another thing that your body can do is give you tunnel vision. This helps you focus on the main target, but could mask other threats. So we learn to move, while not losing the primary threat; but also to do a quick scan to the left and right to assess other threats. Okay, I'm going long here...so let me get to the rest of Bravo II. Brief Marksmanship review. Magazine changes in a combat situation. More fast point shooting on the range. Point shooting with 3 - 5 magazine changes at a fast pace. Your confidence will increase after the Bravo series. You'll remember safety. I actually had some hot brass land on my arm during time on the range...I followed through on the proper technique to get the brass off, without freaking out and waving the gun all over the range! You'll gain a better understanding of yourself as a shooter and you'll know what to work on. And you'll know how to assess what you're doing wrong. You'll gain a better understanding of how to train at the range and at home and you'll learn what tools and techniques you'll need to train and excel! Roy (the lone instructor for my Bravo One class) and Nick (who joined Roy for Bravo Two) are a pleasure to learn from. Both are highly experienced SWAT operators. They're not hardasses who are there beat you down and intimidate. They are a couple of guys who are eminently qualified to do what they do and abundantly confident based on their actual life experiences. They have GREAT stories about their experiences on the range and at on the scene as operators. Listen to the stories, because you might get some nugget of wisdom about safety, marksmanship, being alert or just being a human being. I'm looking forward to Bravo III and am going to also take the Basic Carbine course so that I am able to use my AR15 the right way! read more

Expert Firearms Training - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

This was my second class with Roy and once again, he nailed it! As a former Navy small arms and anti-terrorism instructor, I can attest to the wealth of knowledge these guys bring to class and to the range. Whether I was drilling with sights on a silhouette or point shooting without sights at a five-and-a-half-inch target Roy was there with expert guidance at every pull of the trigger. Not a range-day goes by that I don't recommend these guys to someone. I'm looking forward to more training. Thanks again, Roy. read more

Expert Firearms Training - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

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We've taken several classes from Roy and he's always provided a safe, supportive environment to learn how to use our weapons. We will continue to work with him and recommend that if you need instruction to Definitely give him a shout!! read more

Needed to get my training done and they happened to have a class the next day which was great. The instructor, being a form SWAT member, was able to give us an understanding of what high pressure situations we might encounter, how our bodies would react, and how to work around those conditions. Further, ample time was used in properly presenter a firearm from a concealed position, what we should say, and that it is always best to avoid the situation if possible. I can stress this enough, these guys are legit and worth every ¢. read more

First and Foremost, sign up immediately if you're looking to gain comfort or enhance your firearms skills. Regardless of level/experience, Expert Firearms Training is where you need to invest your time. I spent 2 days (16 hours) with Roy in his Alpha class, and could not be more pleased with the outcome! I'm 10000000% more confident with my firearm handling and shooting. He's an incredible instructor, who's highly skilled and patient. This man is truly a game changer when it comes to teaching safety, precision, and tactical-combat work. I'm looking forward to taking my training to the next level with his Bravo courses. Roy, you're THE MAN! It's no surprise you have 5 stars all around. Thank you. read more

My dad and I took the beginners firearms course and we loved it so much we plan to continue our training by taking the bravo course next. Roy was our instructor and he is great. He was very patient, kind and funny. His many years of service as a law enforcement officer working with a K-9 unit, a multi city S.W.A.T team, and an officer instructor, he is able to provide you with invaluable training and personal insight. He made sure we got the most out of our time and answered all our questions. He made us feel at ease and we are 100% confident with the training we received. You definitely get what you pay for and more! Best dad/ daughter day yet! read more

Expert Firearms Training - Elite armory Gun Range Expert Firearms training - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

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I had a fun learning about safety training and learning about shooting at Range.Our instructor did a great presentation about safety regulation about how to protect your firearm and protect yourself.As a Beginner I learned a lot about safety training in this course! Thanks read more

I've been on the search to take a class but wasn't sure whom to sign up with. My husband and I met Roy at the Antioch Gun Show in December 2022. Talking to Roy about how he teaches his beginner class for two days impressed me. His teaching plan, background, and experience made me choose his company to sign up for his January class. My husband and I were the only students he had, but I enjoyed having the one-on-one experience of learning the fundamentals and trying out different handguns that worked for me. My husband already knew how to shoot but taking his class made him a better shooter by learning the fundamentals and tips. Roy said I was a challenging student on the first day but drastically improved on the second. I was very nervous but learned to be more comfortable by the second day slowly. Roy is excellent, patient, and flexible in helping you learn the gun safety rules and fundamentals of pistol shooting. I was very nervous around guns initially, but I finally feel comfortable enough with knowing the basics and having the confidence to go to the shooting range to practice what I've learned. My husband and I plan to sign up for his Bravo class after practicing a few more times at the range. I recommend taking this class 100%. read more

Expert Firearms Training - Classroom - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

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If you are considering firearm training, don't look any further than Expert Firearms. I've taken several classes over the years and they all pale in comparison to what Roy was able to teach me in 8 hours. I enrolled in the Bravo course and learned a couple of new things during the seminar. Roy is a great instructor with a wealth of experience as an officer and SWAT member. To say he's is extremely knowledgeable is an understatement. His drills instill confidence and he prepares you to be ready for real life combat situations. I've tried many methods and instructors to improve my shooting, but after one hour at the range, I shot better than I ever have. Class is in Tracey and the staff there is friendly and knowledgeable as well. Range fees and ammo are reasonable given current ammo prices. The indoor range is air-conditioned, which is a huge plus. The bottom line is this - Roy and Expert Firearms should be your first and last call as it relates to firearm training. read more

As someone in the Bay Area looking to get into long range bolt-action shooting, my initial searches for instruction didn't yield much. After diligent digging through yelp reviews, I decided to reach out to Expert Firearms. Roy quickly responded with great enthusiasm for the format I had chosen to learn on. Through our email exchanges, he encouraged me to select a training date at USI Concord when it was closed to the general public. When I showed up to train, I found we pretty much had the range to ourselves, which made for a really relaxing environment. Everyone I met that worked for USI was really friendly and encouraging, so I'd also like to thank them. In the 8 hrs I spent with Roy, he helped me set up my rifle and scope, introduced me to the fundamentals of long range shooting with specific emphasis on the caliber I am shooting (he came prepared with printouts of caliber specific ballistic data, .308), and took me out to the range until I went crosseyed looking through a scope. I really appreciated how Roy was able to adapt his training to my previous experience, which consists of shooting .22 rifles and researching the nitty gritty of accurate shooting. If he saw that I was familiar with a concept, he didn't beat it to death, and instead focused on putting bullets down the range. Added bonuses were: stories from his carreer as a swat sniper and introduction to the AR platform which he is a pro at. I look forward to training at longer ranges with him soon! read more

My wife and I did the CCW certification class with Roy and Jimmy. The first day was purely classroom with a ton of great training and stories from Roy, which put the training into even better perspective. Second day was the last bit of classroom, laser training, holster draw training, and 4 hours of range time. The trainers go into great detail and have a keen eye for anything you may be struggling with. Roy and Jimmy noticed we needed to adjust our grip which helped. The range training is awesome because they run you through different scenarios, different types of targets, and prepare you for your ccw qualification. Oh and Jimmy kept his word to Roy and was on his best behavior. read more

Wow! I haven't been around a firearm in many years. I knew I needed training on the new Henry I just purchased. And I stumbled across Expert Firearms Training. I contacted Roy via email late one evening and I was signed up for training the next day. Today was my 8 hour class. I learned so very much. Roy, The Captain and Sam were so very patient with me. I was extremely nervous. They put my mind at ease, I listened and I learned. I'm a proud owner of my Henry, American Beauty, now I can honestly tell you I now know how to SAFELY use my firearm. Thank you all very much. read more

Expert Firearms Training - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

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These guys are the best! I was looking for an introductory firearms class and I do not regret picking Expert Firearms Training. I was trained by Roy and Nick. You can tell by listening to them, that they understand the importance of protecting yourself, family, friends, and innocent civilians. They also understand that evil exists and one of the best ways to stop evil is with a gun. I felt very comfortable with each of them and would recommend anyone who may feel uneasy about guns. The class is made up of 4 people so they can really talk to you and answer all your questions. They also have tons of stories to tell! Ask them about some. A good part of the class is learning the knowledge of guns and shooting, with some demonstrations and examples. The other part is firing a gun in the range. Which is the best part. Roy and Nick make the learning process easy, as they both have years of experience. This is why this class works so well. I love these guys and you will too. You will feel more confident after this two-day class. The price is really good too. The best part about this class is the men who teach it. The best way to learn something new is by learning from experienced and wise people. The best way to learn to defend yourselves from evil scumbags is to learn from Roy and Nick ( SWAT dudes!). I hope you give these guys your time since they will give you valuable insight and skills. read more

I have been around firearms all of my life, got my hunting license when i was 10 years old, and am a proud ccw holder, while even working in the firearms industry for about 4 years. I had an unfortunate experience of having to actually draw my concealed carry weapon and luckily I did not have to use it but I was very nervous and shaky. I was uncomfortable with drawing and even aiming as I was shaky. I was able to take Roy's bravo 1 and bravo 2 class and it made me way more comfortable and ready if the need arose, which hopefully never does, but I will be confident and ready. Roy helped me not only become a better shooter but helped me learn what it would actually take if I needed to defend myself. We talked about not only the physical and also mental behind firearms and combat training. Most definitely recommend and I'm excited for bravo 3. Thank you Roy!! read more

If you're considering buying a gun, or you already have one or several and want to hone in on your skills, THIS is place to go! I took the beginning pistol 1 & 2, and what a BLAST this class was! Not only are Roy and Nick a couple of true patriots, they are experts in the world of shooting. They have a way of teaching that makes it all really stick, and they are serious yet very light-hearted and down to earth about everything. I went into this having shot a few different guns a handful of times with very little confidence, and left feeling excited, ready to defend my family and teach my friends! This is the kind of training everyone SHOULD get! I can't wait for the BRAVO class! read more

Expert Firearms Training - When I went into this class I was barely able to get a shot on the target paper. First day to the range after the class, I'm dialed in! - Firearm Training Near Me - Brentwood, California

I am absolutely amazed with the class I had with Roy. First off I was supposed to be in a class with 4 other students (I believe they were all part of the same group) but they ended up having to back out at the last minute. Instead of cancelling my class due to having only me Roy kept the class and didn't care that I was the only one he was teaching. Roy was so energetic and really shows his passion about firearms. His lessons are well thought out and easy to follow. As a new person who has never held a firearm before I was really nervous coming into this class. His hands on instruction in the classroom really helped me overcome my nerves and feel confident when we got into the range. When it came to the range training Roy helped me understand what I needed to correct my aim and relax. I walked in never firing a gun before to the end of the second day being able to make clusters that were only 2 inches wide (maybe even smaller). After completing the 2 day training I feel like I am prepared and comfortable to handle a firearm. Thank you Roy for an amazing class!! I will be back for the advance Bravo training!! read more

Instructors put on a great class for real world scenarios with hands on training. Lots of range time with little tips that brought my grouping tighter. read more

I have now taken multiple classes from these folks, Pistol 1&2, Bravo 1& 2 (A total blast), and now the CCW training. I must say that all I can do is recommend them HIGHLY. The 16h hour CCW is definitely worth it - I learned a ton, and on the second day had a Very fun range session and qualification. I hope never, ever to have to use a carry, but with the training these folks give, if I should ever need to - I am now confident in doing so. I would have to say - go for the extra time and training, not some cut time training. I trained the last time with Roy, prior to that Nick as well. They have the knowledge, and they give you plenty of information and training to help you make yourself better and more accurate. I really like that they explain not only what you are doing wrong, but also Why that leads to larger than desired groupings. read more

Roy Bryson is the best! He will turn a novice into an expert! It was an awesome training to be taught by a SWAT veteran. Learn from the best! Can wait for my Bravo series class! read more