EXCELLENT... in the truest sense of the word. Tom Nguyen has developed a training program that exceeded my expectations and has left me eager to go back and do everything else in the curriculum. The ENTIRE beginner's course is built around learning the principles of firearm SAFETY, and Tom and his crew never let you forget why. The attention given to safety and critical thinking from the top rendered me fully trusting of my instructor and her team, which was also critical to my positive experience. I have so much more I could say about LA Progressive Shooters, but I will finish with two critical points for me: First, I chose LAPS very deliberately because I wanted to work with people committed to progressive values, and I found them here -- if you feel intimidated or politically repulsed by typical American macho, conservative gun culture, rest assured you will be at home with LAPS. It is the antithesis of all that. Second, I wish very much that I had done the Pistol 101 course before I ever picked up a gun. If you pay attention and follow instructions, you will be shooting 'holes in holes', as promised. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read more

I recently completed the Pistol 101 course at Burro Canyon with Tom from L.A. Progressive Shooters, and it was a transformative experience. To be completely honest, I started this class with a significant amount of fear regarding firearms. However, the patient, safe, and professional manner in which we were taught immediately put my mind at ease. Tom does an incredible job of prioritizing safety above all else, ensuring that every step is understood before moving forward. His teaching partner Val added such a wonderful, welcoming touch to the class. Her presence and guidance made the experience feel even more approachable and inclusive. Because of their combined efforts, I walked away with so much more confidence than I ever thought possible. If you have been hesitant or nervous about taking that first step, I cannot recommend this course enough--you will be in great hands. read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

Had a good experience at the basic handgun 101 class. I've never shot a handgun and was nervous. They were kind but firm about safety rules. They took time to go through everything. I wish I could go through more repetitions of some of parts of it, but even with four hours there was a lot of content to get through. As a queer and first time shooter, I felt fairly welcomed and supported in the class. read more

This class was honestly amazing. Tom and his two other instructors were very nice, very calm and very patient with everyone. They were very clear on explanations and took their time to make sure everybody understood each step. They were very knowledgeable and honestly made the entire group feel very safe. Me and my husband went and we were both very very entry-level. But we both left extremely confident and just blown away at how much we ended up learning and just one 4 hour intro class. read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - Targets - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

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First, thank you Tom for an amazing experience! As someone who's only experience with guns was through media/pop culture - I was happy with the training! If you're someone who knows nothing about pistols or don't care to buy one but want to know pistol safety and the "feeling" of using a pistol - I recommend this class! There are many options to choose from but if you're not sure where to start - I recommend the Pistol 101-A: Friendly Intro to Firearms online video!! This will give you a good idea of how you want to proceed while also learning the 4 rules of firearm safety. I took the 4-hr Pistol 101: Safety & Fundamentals training afterwards and honestly time flies when you're learning and having a good time with the instructors and classmates. Also, shout out to my classmates for being supportive and warm, really diverse group! If you do take the in-person trainings at the gun range, I would say please be patient and careful with the driving since it has some curvy areas and wifi is wack up there plus some construction. Definitely take water and snacks!! (FYI; don't put any sweet perfume before the training because the bees wouldn't leave me alone!) read more

I took Tom's Pistol 101-B: Accuracy & Best Practices in Azusa and had a great experience. Tom is a great teacher and really knows how to explain and demonstrate what he's trying to teach you. He doesn't just say "do this" or bark directions, but breaks things down into steps and helps you figure things out for yourself and is there to support you. Thing that really stood out to me about Tom and the class: - The class is very fast paced and packed with a lot of info. You really have to pay attention and be intentional about applying all the tips and coaching he gives you. The class was taught concurrently with his CCW class and we had around 12 people in the class. Despite this, he gave us all 1 on 1 time to help observe our form and gave advice on how to improve it. - Tom makes the class really fun with his sense of humor - he will call you out on things, especially if you tell him you have a lot of experience. For instance, during our class he kept making jokes about someone's pistol because it costed a lot of money, but it was all in good fun. Don't be a jackass and I'm sure you'll learn a lot and have a good time. At the end of the course everyone shared the biggest thing they learned and I could tell everyone had a great time based off of their responses and earnestness. - Tom is a really good at teacher, like that one college professor or high school teacher that really put in the effort to make sure his students were learning and trying their best. Overall, Tom and his team were very friendly and I highly recommend taking a course with him if you're able to, you'll learn a lot! read more

Tom is an amazing instructor. I took his pistol 101 and 101B Courses. I have shot a gun numerous times, but it was always with friend sharing 'how to, so no formal training. After finding Tom online, I went to his 101 course "safety and fundamentals". It was an eye opener for sure. He has a strong base for safety with real life examples as to why safety should always be a priority. During the firing practice, he has great attention to detail and truly helps with having you understand the basics. A great experience for anyone looking into formal training, or introduction into firearms. read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - Target after instruction. - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

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Tom was an excellent instructor! It is clear that safety is his #1 priority. As someone who doesn't really want to ever deal with guns, but needs to be a realist in this world, it was great knowing that I was learning from someone whose values lined up with mine. Highly recommend read more

Ok so I just finished his class for my renewal and I had a very good time. The class was for 8 hours and I learned a lot about the new gun laws for CCW holders.Tom was very open and honest and never once talked at me. His teaching skills are nothing but top notch. He showed this old dog a few new tricks and a safer way to do things. I enjoyed him so much that I am having my son go through his class. He was kind and honest and knowledgable. I renewed with 3 guns. He was very good with me and pointed out my bad habits. Like I said this guy is no rubber stamp. If you want a rubber stamp instructor this guy is not for you, but if you want a instructor who's training will likely save your life then this guy is the man for the job. Remember good training is not cheap and cheap training will get you killed or in jail for a bad shooting. Thanks again Tom I hope that I never have to use my gun. read more

Learned some critical fundamentals that never heard of and suspect is counter to outdated instructions. The improved results in one class over multiple range experience speaks for itself. Highly recommend read more

I went to Tom to train for my CCW and I highly recommend his courses. He does outdoor training so you avoid inhaling lead or being crammed into loud indoor spaces. He offers smaller class sizes, so you get personalized support, and works with right or left handed shooters. Tom focuses on safety because safety is paramount! I spent the majority of the class training in handling my weapon, and not sitting behind a desk. If you're going to be carrying or handling weapons, you want an instructor that will teach you realistically what you need to know to handle your weapon safely, swiftly and accurately. Tom will help you learn up to date weapons training and how to identify, abandon and correct outdated techniques. I was surprised by how much I improved my shooting proficiency, accuracy, and confidence after just 16 hours of training. Train with Tom! read more

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Take my advice and go to another trainer. This was the worst experience I have ever had in my years of shooting. The instructor was rude and condescending. Combative and egotistical. He started picking on me from the start with instructions that could not be understood. It was his way or no way. I wanted to leave the first minute got there. He started his lesson and stared questioning me and 1 other student ONLY. He had a clip board with the answers to the 4 Rules of Gun Safety. Instead of teaching he started to grill me and when I did not know what 4 (only 4?) rules he was talking about he started to yell at me and tell me how unsafe I was because I did not know what 4 rules out of many he was talking about. He directed the same question to students that took his class the day prior, and they could NOT answer him. Did he embarrass and humiliate them NO. Something was of off with this guy. He asked me to leave after the first break because I called him out on where my ready position on the range was. He said that the gun ready position should be pointing straight in front of you. WRONG... Thats when I knew. He told me he had to humble me. Who is he to humble me. He is supposed to teach me. This is why you need to find another instructor. Per Tom Nguyen reply: I was there for less than an HOUR! You told me that you will give me a full refund. I told you that a friend paid for the lesson and you said you will provide a refund! How dare you pass judgement on my safety of handing a handgun! I did not know you wanted the 4 rules of fun safety that I learned in the Boy Scouts. You call it disruptive because you were calling on me 80 percent of the time for the 4 rules of gun safety that you had taught 95 percent of the participants there the day before!! Even your students that took your class the prior could not answer under your strict scrutiny. Treat people FAIRLY!! I see your narrative and I did not understand about it till today. I DO NOT CARE about your Progressive view. You can see by his reply that he is not a qualified to be a Fair and Impartial Instructor. He directs PERSONAL attacks when does not even know me. I sent him TWO Emails that were TWO lines asking for the refund he promised he send on Sunday. He only sent the refund two days later because I sent him the second notice. He calls that harassment! He said I was wielding my gun around at the safety table like I was waving it around all over the place. Please, just not true. He was talking bad about other training facilities is just not professional. I saw that in the first 30 minutes of this class. Find another instructor There is a lot of professional and compassionate training facilities out there. I will keep you posted. read more

I'd never touched a gun but I felt safe and in very good hands. Given my lack of experience, I would have been proud to hit the target at all, but the steps provided resonated so well I got multiple bullseyes! read more

Great training! Thanks Tom. This was my second class with Tom and I really needed a refresher. Felt a lot more comfortable the second time around. read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

Well worth the class! The instructors are caring, hilarious careful and safe. Will likely take a class again.

Tom is an AMAZING instructor. It was my first time ever shooting a handgun. He prioritizes Safety above all else. He has such a keen eye for details that he knew when I rushed one of the steps which led to one of my shots being away from the previous shots. He teaches that ego and pride have to be out the window. I can say now i am more confident in using a handgun after this one lesson. will be booking the next class! Tom, thank you so much! read more

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I had already taken a training course prior to the one Tom Nguyen provides and signed up for his home defense 101 course. What he did next speaks to the genuine, conscientious, and serious care with which Tom takes with his training. He sent me message to talk to me directly over the phone to ensure I had the fundamentals needed to take an involved course like the home defense using a firearm, and immediately I could tell he was a different kind of instructor. Most just take your fee, sign you up and run you through a course. Not Tom, as he is very adamant that your level is suited for a course and that not only you, but others in group's course will be as safe as possible and that it will be a very productive experience. Because of this, I decided to take his private one-on-one fundamental marksmanship course and man did it ever exceed my expectations! It is billed as a three-hour course with the first two hours being lecture and review of safe firearm handling and fundamentals. Don't think the lecture is too long as it is worth every second! You will review the four tenants of safe gun handling, the seven fundamentals of marksmanship, but unlike the course I took earlier at another provider, Tom goes into details to the point where you get best practices from your toes to the top of your head and most importantly, in your brain where you will really learn the "mental" aspect of handling and shooting a firearm which is the most important. I knew there were gaps in the initial training course I took and my session with Tom filled them and then some. I can't recommend Tom enough and especially those who would find the typical firearm instruction that is bit aggressive (and macho, let's be honest) and mostly focused on shooting, rather than the intellectual mindset and I would even go so far as to say the "Zen" of firearm marksmanship (and I don't mean it with typical platitudes this entails), so you must hire Tom immediately to be your first instructor! And again, to speak to Tom's integrity, he will recommend you take other courses with other instructors to compare and expand your knowledge. For me, Tom IS the baseline to which I will compare other instructors to. A big thanks to Tom for his great course and the firearm community needs more people like him! read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - The improvements in my shooting were immediate and measurable! - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

It was a pleasure being in Toms Pistol 101 Safety and Fundamentals class. He made it highly relatable and demystified the stereotypes of firearms. I can tell he has a passion for firearm safety and wants to share his knowledge with others. It was my first time shooting a handgun and I think I did great. Highly recommend his course to anyone trying to learn firearm safety or anyone who is looking to purchase one. read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - First time shooting a handgun - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

Today was my 2nd time taking a class with Tom and my opinion of him only gets better. His instruction is top notch. You get so much more than you pay for. I'll be back for more, Tom. Just gotta do the "other way" first Thank you so much for being a fabulous instructor but also a fabulous human being! read more

Awesome, awesome, AWESOME!!! I had never in my life shot a gun let alone seen one in real life. I took a private lesson a few months ago and it was money very well spent. You are in good hands and WILL receive proper training plus education here. He is friendly but firm and doesn't fuck around with safety or education. I am looking forward to taking another class before the end of the year. read more

Had a gun lesson in Azusa today. I improved dramatically in a few hours. Tom is as patient as he is methodical--which is very, very. He's an effective, knowledgeable, and efficient instructor. He has a way of phrasing things that makes foundational skills and processes easier to remember. He also excels at explaining why we do what we do, reinforcing body memory. As a small female with small hands, I appreciated that he taught me how to better handle my gun given those characteristics. Plus, he's an easygoing human who's always prepared and has great snacks. read more

I took the L.A Progressive Shooters - Pistol 101 course in May 2022. The experience exceeded my expectations and was worth the travel time, coming up from Los Angeles. The instructors Tom, Robbie and Melissa are very professional, safe and friendly. I felt welcome and in good hands. read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - Bullseye! - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

Tom was thorough and such a great coach. A must take class! Will repeat and take more soon. His pacing and explanation of the whole process of shooting was broken down in such a clear and concise way. This is the class to take if you are a begginer and even if you have a bit of shooting experience. My groupings at the end were so much tighter and I really truly understood what I was doing wrong. Tom is very keen and will let you know what your weaknesses are and what to work on. Again, take this class to get a solid foundation, so so worth it! read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - I didn't expect to shoot this accurately. - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

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Before my wife and I took our class with Tom, I assumed gun safety and training was all the same. Tom covered everything from breath control to safe gun handling and posture, and was super patient in explaining how these elements contribute to both accuracy and safety. He also made us feel super comfortable as beginners to guns, which is a world I find can be exclusionary and intimidating. Thanks to him we had a fantastic first time shooting together, and noticed a huge difference from our first rounds at target practice! We'll definitely return to him for more target practice in the future :D read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

We were really glad to have found Tom. He's a fantastic instructor -- methodical, precise, he emphasizes safety, and he's extremely knowledgeable. We've taken two courses and look forward to taking more. read more

Recently decided to get a firearm for home defense and was fortunate to connect with Tom from LA Progressive Shooters. With only a couple lessons I was able to get over my trauma around guns, learn basic pistol safety and fundamentals. Most important Tom made me feel safe and provided a comfortable space for me to be able to focus and learn. After our first lesson I was hooked and have really been enjoying the practice and range time. I got so much out of our lessons that I brought my wife for her intro to handgun safety/fundamentals and Tom did a great job instructing her. I highly recommend Tom at L.A. Progressive Shooters! I'm confident with my handgun safety/ fundamentals and accuracy thanks to LA Progressive Shooters. read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - 45ft/15y - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

Integrity, that's what I think of when attending Tom's classes. He has a passion for what he teaches and it truly shows. He is firm, fair and fun in class. I've been hunting for over 30 years and am very comfortable with handling rifles and shotguns and THOUGHT I knew what I was doing with pistols and have had my CCW for over 2 years. Within 10 minutes of my first class with Tom I quickly realized how little I knew and what a disservice the initial CCW class I took at a different place was and how irresponsible I was with my lack of skill and knowledge with what I was carrying. Tom makes it his mission to graduate RESPONSIBLE CCW holders and I was so impressed and grateful for what I learned that I took his 201 class 2 months after taking my renewal just to learn more. He has integrity, so much so that he did not pass/qualify a student because of their lack of competency with their firearm and it was terrifying to realize that this person who could barely hit paper at 5 yards had been carrying this gun for 2 years. Him not passing the student might not sound that impressive but I'm not sure if many other places would've done the same thing. This is what Tom is trying to avoid, irresponsible CCW holders. Do yourself a favor and take one of his classes, you will learn a lot!! Thank you again Tom and Robin for doing a great job!! read more

I've been a gun owner for several years but since having my kids I haven't practiced , and tbh was shooting sporadically before that and never really knew what I was doing anyhow. I just took pistol 101 with Tom and it was well worth the money and time . Burro canyon is way out there but it is beautiful and fun. The class exceeded my expectations. Tom ensured I received a solid foundation on gun safety, knowledge on the mechanics of my gun, and super clarity on fundamental techniques. I feel so much more confidant and am excited to shoot again. I highly recommend taking pistol 101 with Tom! read more

Tom and his team were fantastic instructors, and were able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for students with no firearms experience to decades of experience. In a group setting, the instructors were patient with all of us with varying skill levels, and helped identify and correct our mistakes and weaknesses, while providing encouragement and praising our strengths and successes. Tom had students with no experience shooting holes in holes within an hour of range time, and outperforming more experienced shooters! I look forward to attending more advanced classes with LAPS in the near future. If you're looking for a safe and inclusive setting to learn or brush up on shooting, I could not suggest attending one of LAPS classes more. read more

I would highly recommend L.A. Progressive Shooters to anyone looking to begin, improve, refresh or refine their shooting skills. The classes are organized, attentive, and progressive. The instructors are friendly and most importantly, accessible. I've often trained with individuals who, although obviously knowledgeable, are intense and aloof. Not so with Tom and Robbie. They are knowledgeable and more importantly, humble. It isn't easy loving guns and having to wade into the waters of toxic gun culture. We love the same things, but have very different views on many matters. I can't spend a minute at the counter at any Turners without hearing the incessant whining of both the employees and the toxic right-wing customers on and on about how terrible California is, or Newsome, or Biden. They should really pull themselves up by their bootstraps and put themselves in a better position. With this organization, you'll get training. You'll get knowledge. You'll get tips to improve your fundamentals. What you won't get is a tirade about how gas prices are killing them or how they live in Commiefornia. It's a real breath of fresh air. I recently took their home defense class and it was excellent from start to finish. I've been a shooter for almost 2 decades but I was able to learn a lot and practice things that I hadn't been able to practice at indoor ranges or in a long time, as I often avoid taking lessons with militant or angry organizations. I'm glad I found this company/organization. Great people. Great classes. No whining. Give them a call! read more

I've been wanting to grab a lesson from Tom but due to distance and scheduling it took me a while. Im so glad I decided to follow through and book that session. I learned so much today, things that have been taught to me were reiterated by Tom in a much more easy and clear manner. Tom is patient and passionate about what he does. I would highly recommend his classes to anyone looking to learn or expand their knowledge on firearms. Also, I brought my new optic and Tom got it "Zeroed in" and showed me how to use. A nice Bonus! Thanks Tom, I'll be back !! read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

I have always been afraid of gun culture but was curious to learn about shooting. I took Toms beginner class about gun safety and learning how to shoot. It was a very valuable class. When we went to shoot, I was expecting to have a swiss cheese target, but thanks to Toms teachings and encouragement, I was able to shoot on target. I was so amazed! Tom makes the experience of shooting a gun very methodical. There's no intimidation. I will continue to hone my shooting skills under Tom's tutelage. read more

Pistol 101 with Tom is an excellent class in gun safety and fundamentals. The lecture portion was highly informative, engaging and well paced. It's collaborative, Tom makes you work for those answers and gets you involved, which I really appreciated. At the range, I felt safe and confident operating the Glock under his watchful eye, combined with the knowledge gained during the lecture. I could see and feel the improvements throughout the session and he was constantly providing feedback of where I went wrong and how to learn and grow from it. I can't thank Tom enough, he is an amazing instructor and I look forward to taking more classes with him in the near future. read more

What can I say about Tom that hasn't been said before? 1st. He is such an approachable person/coach/teacher. My biggest fear of getting into firearms was how insanely macho and "high school football coachy" instructors are. Not Tom. 2nd. He had a very methodic way of explaining things, and giving reasons as to why he's teaching you this particular set of ways. The results within his teaching me what to look for, how to breathe, how to even slowly pull the trigger were night and day. My groupings were so much tighter than when I first got in there. 3rd. He cares about community and making the gun community a safe place for BIPOC, and that in itself is reason enough to support a dude like him when the majority of the gun community can unknowingly make you feel very alienated. It is the best money you will ever spend! read more

Me and my mom took Tom's home safety course and his Pistol 101 course. I had gone shooting before and Tom was very good about correcting my mistakes without making me feel stupid. My mom hates guns and was very reluctant to take the class but in the end was glad that she did. Tom is an amazing instructor and makes the class into a very friendly and approachable experience. Cannot recommend enough! read more

Been shooting for many years, however didn't know what I was doing. My shots were all over. Tried looking a U Tube which helped a little. However one lesson with Tom and my shooting improved dramatically. He is very knowledgeable about all aspects of shooting and very patient. As an instructor he's very accommodating and points out what you're doing wrong positively. The larger target was taken before Tom's instruction (the shots are all over the place), the smaller target was taken after Tom's instruction (the groups are tighter). Big improvement plus now I somewhat know what I'm doing and what I need to do to improve. read more

L.A. Progressive Shooters - Before Tom's instruction - Firearm Training Near Me - Artesia, California

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Very positive experience working with Tom and his friendly intro to firearms.

I have taken several shooting classes before from other instructors and Tom was by far the most helpful. Tom first saw me shoot and I was shooting very large groups on paper. He analyzed my stance, hand placement and gave me dry fire drills then limited me to 5 round drills. By the end I was shooting holes with in holes. His class had several people and it was great learning with a few others. He made sure we all felt comfortable and followed all safety rules. The tips he gives each one of us, he made sure we all listened to we can all learn and applied ourselves. Tom is a very personable, professional, clearly is very knowable about firearms, firearms safety and skilled with shooting. He is definitely worth the lesson and I am excited to take more lessons from him. read more

Tom With LA Progressive is the person to see if you're looking for a SAFE, comfortable and ego free firearms instructor. I've now taken 2 lessons from Tom both were very impactful and informative. Im looking forward to my next class. read more

My wife was very apprehensive about owning and operating a firearm. We both had very limited shooting experience. Tom and Robbie were fantastic teachers and hosts. By the end of the day we both felt knowledgeable in essential safety habits and fundamental shooting techniques. It was a great experience for both of us and we look forward to taking more classes with Tom! read more