Glad I read the reviews. We were scheduled for the class and it was only $20... my immediate thought is it's too good to be true so I did some research. Claims that DPS doesn't honor his classes/certificates are true. He's not registered through USCCA either (they hold a higher accountability standard). We ended up canceling Friday, received a confirmation same day but not a refund which granted it is a weekend so I'm giving grace on that. But then this morning got a voicemail stating that he was bitten by a rattlesnake and needed to cancel the class.... I'd find a different CCW class.... Edit to add screenshot of DPS phone call read more

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I was just reading the response by Gerard V to a review that said DPS doesn't honor certificates from Safe AZ Firearms, here is his response "DPS does in fact recognize our certificates. We have been doing classes for 14 years, if that were true, we would all be in prison by now. There are literally over 80,000 people who have their permits through classes that we've taught. Also, there is absolutely no way you could have verified anything through DPS as they are closed on weekends." The guy is such a sketchy clown, I took the Concealed Carry class taught by Gerard himself, attached are the responses I got from DPS and the NRA regarding his certification after I didn't receive my Concealed Carry, keep in mind he is the business owner! He touts his 80k satisfied customers in some of the reviews, if you click the link of his many positive reviews all you get is "Page not Found". He is correct on one thing though, taking money from someone under false pretenses is a crime and any one who does should go to prison for that. Also, he claims the person who wrote the review is lying, his usual response, by saying DPS is closed on weekends so there's no way he could have called. Looking at his screenshot he called on the 15th, a Friday. I'm still waiting for Gerard to make good on the judgement of a small claims suit he lost for taking my money and not providing the documentation to AZ DPS, which now i understand why he didn't! NOT a reputable person or company by any means, find a reputable business or there's a good chance you'll just lose your money, or like me, have to take him to small claims court. read more

Safe Arizona Firearms Education - AZ DPS - Firearm Training Near Me - mesa, Arizona

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This is a scam, 100%. We signed up for this course on a Saturday morning. The "company" didn't return phone calls or emails before the class. The day of class we were texted to tell us he was 30 minutes late. We went to the class and seriously, the guy is knowledgeable, but if you can pick the information out of his jokes. I was fine until I looked at the emails they sent stating that our completion certs we there. Nope. No cert. Can't file with DPS. Paid $20 cash for fingerprint cards, and somehow I feel like they'll be rejected. I have reached out several times since the completion of this "course." Crickets... Update in response to owner's response. I'm happy to send the email and phone log. read more

Great Class. Very knowledgeable instructor. I would highly recommend. All questions answered. Instructor has a great sense of humor.

was able to get class very easy Gerard got me class my certificate after the class was done within like three or four hours. The instructor Bryce Redondo was very knowledgeable and got my fingerprints done quickly. Very good class very good people it and getting everything set up. Thanks for process easy. read more

This gut Gerrad is a joke. Well he also told plenty of bad jokes and way too many stories that nobody really cared about. It was like he was using up time. Instead he should have covered more on the AZ laws and Castle laws but basically his jist was to scare everyone by saying you will go to jail if you pull your gun. Your best option is to protect yourself with the insurance. We actually had to ask about the Castle laws which he knew VERY little about. My fingerprint card was rejected due to poor quality so my $60 to send them in was wasted, he probably pocketed it all, plus my $20 was wasted. I contacted him several times n signed up for the next class as instructed by him but he was "no call no show" He told me I wasn't signed up n neither was the other guy but yet we both have confirmation emails saying we did. After ghosting me for several weeks I decided to file a complaint with the BBB. WOW I wish I would have found those complaints before signing up. He finally texted me n said, " I was going drop off a $20 money order but after reading your negative review I decided not to. Have a Disney day." Really?? But yet he NEVER responded to my many messages even the saying I am being forced to file a complaint with the BBB. NOPE NOTHING...then all of a sudden he replies?? He's soooo unprofessional that it's unreal. Like get some integrity buddy. YOU messed up...YOU failed to reply and now I'm the bad guy?? Lol there are other classes out there so just avoid HIS joke of a class. read more

My husband and I took the class in June 2024 in Flagstaff. The class itself was great and the instructor was very knowledgeable. We paid the $100/person to have our applications, fingerprint cards, and fees brought to DPS. My husband's CCW went through no problem, mine however was returned to me as not having the application fee. I contacted Gerard on several occasions via email, text, voicemail, and whatever I could get my hands on. He would sometimes reply to my messages, told me that he was having issues with his phone, he was out of state, and more excuses. His last excuse was that his instructor dropped off the face of the earth as it was MY responsibility to contact him because taking apps to DPS is something that the instructor does on their own, thus not making him liable for my missing application fee. Gerard even gave me the alleged phone number of the instructor, so I could find him. I physically met with Gerard when he was facilitating a class back in Flagstaff (mind you, I found him) and showed him my receipt and returned application. He again came at me with excuse after excuse and stated it wasn't his fault, I needed to contact the instructor (which I had tried numerous times). Gerard also "suggested" to get my bank to refund the money. My bank would not refund the money after 60 days of the transaction. I advised Gerard, but have again been ignored. While meeting with Gerard in Flagstaff, he said he would give me a "discounted" price for my trouble and he would resubmit my application. I just wanted my CCW so I paid him AGAIN. My CCW has come through, however Gerard has not returned any additional phone calls, texts, or emails. I filed a complaint with the BBB and he hasn't even responded to them. I am a medically retired federal law enforcement officer just trying to do the right thing, continue my education and my family's. I don't need the CCW, but learning is always beneficial. I cannot believe the runaround I have received from Gerard. He basically insulted me, my intelligence, as well as the law enforcement profession. I have NEVER written a review, positive or negative as it's just not something I do. Unfortunately, Gerard prays on folks who want to do the right thing. read more

he is not an instructor !!!! do not trust him with your business . he will steal your money . The fact he thinks that we got our certificates and our moneys worth of being scammed is hilarious.. as in fact we WERE scammed . We DID NOT get our certificates or CCWs as we were promised. He is a fraud & the NRA parted ways with him as he was reported multiple times for the same things I am saying. I have updated my post multiple times in an attempt for my money back as it is clear that won't be happening. I also made a police report as it is theft & a scam to be running a business. USCCA also reported they do not work with him anymore for again the same exact reason of theft& scams. Please be warned if you go with him. He will in fact STEAL from you. read more

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I've been waiting to review this horrible organization! You could improve in many ways: First example Gerard could sell products that work and that aren't expired ( 1 Stun baton quit in 5days and 5 pepper spray's didn't work - $175 for 6 worthless items. Fingers printed is a joke, you line up like cattle, one person who's a hit and miss for almost 200 people, our was a very small American Legion on Franklin St in Tucson. Class instructor and question and answer session was also something out of a kindergartener play. Nothing serious really, test was for a 5 year old and no organization at all. Then you sit there and look at someone who is not professionally dressed with red finger nails painted on a finger and a toe. Finally after you have heard the instructor's BS and pay over $100 just for the course fingerprints and other, you have to wait and wait to get your CCW paperwork ! WHY : because they wait until they have done about 4 more classes elsewhere on their schedule and turn all 800 applications AT ONE TIME. So you're waiting and waiting then you call Gerard to find out what's taking so long , you get a sob story then he says I'll get on it for you and call the place who actually does them. After no response in 60 days from Gerard I called. THEY COULDN'T FIND our APPS. Find a week later CCW issuing department said they JUST RECEIVED IT ( 5 months LATER ) I asked for confirmation they sent it to me and 3 weeks later we finally received them. Please people STAY AWAY FROM Safe Arizona Firearms CCW CLASSES. Absolutely NO ONE should have to wait that long and deal with a disorganized company and instructor for lack of a better word. You have been warned if you want to be frustrated for 6 months then use them. Oh and in closing when I went to contact Gerard HE was upset and HE BLOCKED ME ON FACEBOOK for saying I left an unkind review. Well this review is what actually happened IN MY OPINION AND FACTS AND EMAIL BACKING THIS UP ! They should be removed from this type of program, they SHOULD NOT HAVE PASSED ME I MISSED TO MANY QUESTIONS BUT ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY FOR THEM. YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WARNED SO YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. I HAVE THE RIGHT TO MY OPINIONS AND TO POST THEM read more

Negative feedback for Gerard! It's interresting all of the 1 star reviews for Gerard. I guess that we are all liars and just make this stuff up to make this guy look bad. This guy is nothing but a liar. This review would have been positive if he would have just followed through on his word. Yes, he does have a high rating on the USCCA website. That actually baffles me. I just lodged a complaint against him with the USCCA organization @ 877-577-4800. Here's my complaint - I paid for a friend to attend one of Gerard's 4-hour CCW classes. My friend said that Gerard sped through the class with an emphesis of buying products from Gerard. This 4-hour class lasted only 2 1/2 hours with my friend saying that only minimal knowledge was gained during this time. I'm leaving this negative feedback after 2 verbal broken promises and 3 unanswered text messages. I would not recommend this clown to anyone. I'm questing that fact that he doesn't send out certificates as a CYA measure. The DPS requires a 4-hour class for the CCW certificate. This 2 1/2 hour class hardly meets that requirement. read more

Comprehensive educational class with really bad dad jokes! But I learned so much. Attended with a friend and the class went fast but covered the most important topics read more

Steals people money never returns phone calls.never refunded my money and never showed up to do the classes..

These people are not professional nor do they run a business well. I signed up/paid for a class October, 2024. The November class was cancelled with no eta on further classes. I showed up for a class at my local IHOP, and class had been cancelled, to which I received no cancellation notification of any kind. I have tried numerous times to call, email, or text with no response. I got a hold of someone once by mistake (I think), however, he was on the road and wanted me to call him back. I paid $50 for a 6-month runaround. I should have checked reviews before all interactions, but, or course, I didn't. So do yourself a favor and don't deal with this business. There are reasons they have a low rating. If you have had good dealings with this business, good for you and consider yourself lucky. read more

Signed up for a CCW course without giving it much thought. I get a call (Mr. Violette), 10 minutes before I am to leave to the course, saying its cancelled. Now that I did a little review, I think I'll get my money back and try another course provider read more

Don't use. Took class back in august, they were supposed to send the packets to DPS. DPS never received our packets. Been trying get ahold of SAFE since end of November with Emails, calls and text messages. I even stopped by one of the classes when I was down in Mesa on business and the instructor assured me they would get ahold of me and make it right. Crickets are the only reply I hear.... Update: after I was contacted on FB messenger I called them again and was disconnected. Now I am blocked from their FB site and my review and a couple other unhappy reviews are gone... read more

Sign and paid for a CCW class that was given in October in Dennys restaurant in Laveen. Gerard left message to cancel class and has never called, message or text to reschedule. Have try to reach via text, leaving message, sending emails; NO RESPONSE. WANT MY $50 BACK. Will have to show up in Mesa I guess​ read more

I signed up for the class early, which started at 6:00 PM. got a text at 5:50 saying the class was canceled. The owner said he would contact me to reschedule. It never happened. I called him, he said he was on his motorcycle and would call me back. It never happened. I finally had to dispute my credit card charge to get my fee back. It took 2 months. What a poor example of how to run a business. Like one of the reviewers said; "I wish I had checked the reviews." read more

Talk about an amazing, educational class. Paid about 200$ total to get me and my girlfriends CCW, Gerard made it super easy and fun going through the courses, education everyone should know and thankfully you're able to get insurance while you're there. Awesome experience especially if you don't want to wait a week to get your newly purchased gun. read more

Update: We received the certificates on 12/29 and have been approved for the CCW. Gerard did call back to apologize for the delay.

Just want to say thank you to Gerald for following up on my ccw packet . It's been about 68 days when I reached out to him and the very next day I received the acceptance email. So one again thanks for doing what you did to get it moving ( I know they are slammed with packets) and letting it fall through the cracks. read more

I did the class back in June 23 2024. At Denny's located in Payson, Arizona. I passed the class. Did my fingerprints bought a Year's worth of the concealed weapons insurance that they sales pitched for which cost roughly 400 bucks for the entire year. Anyways, it has been 8 months and I still never received my concealed weapons permit. I got a hold of Arizona DPS and they never received my application. I have posted on Facebook, and received a phone number saying if you call us we can help you out. I called, I texted,and I left messages and I never received a phone call back. Then I started emailing and still to this day have never got a response. read more

My husband and I we to the class with Gerard yesterday it was very informative I really learn a lot of things that I really didn't know.I would highly recommend this class for everyone read more

Gerard was a wonderful SAFE firearms instructor! Delivery of facts executed flawlessly. Educational and informative! His additional humor was great to boot! I appreciate his shared knowledge in CCW rules, regulations and policy; adding the USCCA information, also being educational information! read more

Took the CCW class today 3/3/2024. Gerard was very informative and kept the class engaged the entire time. His style of delivery was key to understanding the laws and regulations. He definitely connects with, relates to, and is effective at reaching his target audience. I was appreciative that he demonstrated a few self defense items and had them available for purchase. I am looking forward to future classes. Thank you again! read more

I wish I would have checked their reviews before signing up. I did their class in Kingman AZ and that was all fine, however they offered to take care of making the payment to DPS for a small fee which was also fine with me, they said that they would purchase the Money Order and take the payment in personally, a few weeks go by and I get a letter from DPS with a hand written note on my application that reads " NO PERSONAL CHECKS" clearly these clowns paid with a personal check and for someone who claims they have been in the business for over 10 years you would think they know better, but I actually believe this is a scam they do. I returned the application with my $60.00 money order enclosed so that my application wouldn't be delayed any longer, I have emailed them at least 4 times and never got a response, I was patient enough so now I will be escalating a complaint directly to DPS about their practices, if you have ever had this situation happen to you I encourage you to contact DPS as well since people with this type of moral should not be in business. read more

Safe Arizona Firearms Education - Returned application stating No Personal Checks - Firearm Training Near Me - mesa, Arizona

Went to a class and did fingerprints. Fingerprints were declined by the state for poor quality. I reached out to Safe Arizona and they did reply and say to schedule at another class and come in early to redo fingerprints. I waited over an hour at a scheduled class and even had an email confirmation. I witnessed at least 8 other people get stood up by Safe Arizona that day. No communication, instructor was a no show and never got a response on what's going on. I even called the venue to see if instructor showed up at all and they confirmed instructor was a no show that day. I feel bad for the people that didn't even get to do the class but paid for it. The state reccomened a company called field print, they did my fingerprints for $8. I gave safe Arizona over 48 hours to reply before posting this review. read more

Gerard Violette Jr is a fraud. He conducts classes at local restaurants, selling protection items, and the class lasts roughly two hours, often filled with his jokes and another person offering insurance. His mother-in-law collects fingerprints for a fee. Additionally, he proposes to submit the cards on your behalf to the DPS, charging the standard fee plus an extra charge. You for a class, cards, fingerprints, and the turning the card in all for a fee, and your cards are not turned in. He will lie and say DPS is at fault, either lost or backlogged. I was in contact with DPS who verified he never turned them in. DPS also informed me that others called in regarding this same instructor. I made a police report because his mother-in-law has my identification in her possession, he has not paid me back for all of what was paid to him. He is currently under investigation for his actions. I would suggest anyone with issues with getting money back make a police report for fraud. Mr. Violette and his mother-in-law have my info. He could've made the situation correct and sent the 300 we spent on that class and returned the information but he rather lie. Now, I'm making sure this goes to the fullest extent of the law for knowingly and willingly taking money and or personal information with no intent to turn anything to DPS. 12/6/2024 Issue resolved was reimbursed read more

Great class. Everyone was amazing. Very happy with the price as well as knowing that if anything happens. I'm covered under insurance

Great course, very educational and relatable. Instructor was not Intimidating at all an easy to talk to. Answer all questions in a understandable way. He made the whole process very easy. read more

I took the class back on May 9th 2023 at the IHOP in Lake Havasu City. I was impressed and liked the class very much. I paid for the fingerprints as well as them to submit my application. I knew it would take time. Well after contacting the AZ DPS on October 21 for the status of my application I was told there is no application under my name and when was my check for the application deposited? I told them that the persons given the class were going to handle that. I emailed the company regarding this issue and have never got a reply. I was hesitant and still gave them some time, me thinking they were pretty busy. I sent them a FB message and actually got a reply saying they will look into the matter. Still haven't received any information. Yesterday I sent them another email and still no reply. I have no idea what the next step will be. I really don't want to pursue it any further at this time. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt. Can you at least return my emails or call me at the number I listed and tell me what is going on? read more

Great class! Thank you. Gerrard was very informative and get the class moving along.

I took a class with these guys today and I was impressed with their level of professionalism and detailed information, I needed a refresher course and this was it! I highly recommend this business! They offer several other services and will be signing up in the near future read more

The class was okay but don't buy any of the junk they sell. I bought 2 Monster flashlights-stungun. The flashlight worked for less than 1 day and when I tried to get it replaced I received no responce after 3 tries. read more

The good thing about this class is the time is shorter than other classes. Other than that it felt like a scare tactic time share sales pitch for USCCA and for him to sell self defense weapons you can easily get on Amazon. Lots of toilet humor and not a lot of actual useful information in my opinion. If you get your finger prints done by John Burley (who is also a USCCA representative) double check the quality, he messed up my wife's and ignored my request for a refund at first, but with being "persistent" HE REFUNDED IT FOR ME! THANK YOU SIR I APPRECIATE! Checking Green Valley cause apparently there is a location there that does it for free! Here's the letter of denial because of his fingerprinting. Oh yeah there was only 9 people in the class too and he still managed to mess up my wife's fingerprint card. If you've been doing this for however long and in the class the presenter said they are extremely picky about the fingerprint cards, why wouldn't you have just redone it in the first place, in the class and avoided an unhappy customer? If the whole class didn't feel the way it did, like it was all about a money grab, I wouldn't have been so persistent and upset with the finger printing mishap. Again I am great full for getting a response with in 24 hours. All the reviews talk about how hard it is to get ahold of them after they have your money, so that didn't help either. So if you want a quick class (maybe a renewal) and are already pretty knowledgeable this is your class. Also I took the class the 26th of December and mailed it in myself and got it Jan 11th. For reference, maybe having a fingerprint card already for something else helped move it along, I don't know. Was told in the class it could take up to 90 days. read more

Safe Arizona Firearms Education - Proof that John Burley didn't do his due diligence, but did refund me! Thanks! It's over with. - Firearm Training Near Me - mesa, Arizona

Class was not very professional, more of a sales pitch for there personal protection equipment they were trying to sell. No certificate was issued at time of completion. They don't answer phone and leave the voice mail full. I did get a couple calls back promising that my certificate would be sent out in a couple hours but it ended up taking a couple of days after I started calling and almost a week after completing the course. I would due my due diligence in selecting a company for this class. read more

Did not receive certificate for course. Voice Mail is full and they do not respond to text messages.

I took a CCW class at a local gun store. I left feeling like I was missing a lot of information. I took Mike's class and he not only filled the gaps but provided additional knowledge the other course never even touched on. Great course read more

Went to a conceal carry class today with S.A.F.E. The presenter Gerard was very knowledgeable and gave great examples and really made me start to think seriously about our familys safety. He also has an outstanding sense of humor. This made the class fun! The company also has a large inventory of defense products at reasonable prices. He gave precise directions on how to use each item! They were also prepared to finger print more than 100 students and facilitate getting our permits from the state. Outstanding class! read more

Still haven't received my certificate.. this guy never answers I emailed and called and text . It's been over 2 weeks. This is not how you conduct business. read more

I went to a gun show in Phoenix in 2021, and this person, Gerard Violette, was in attendance. He seemed like a knowledgable gun enthusiast, had a banner and a table, seemed legitimate, and he told me he was a Veteran, so I signed up for his CCW class in Mesa in November 2021. I attended and purchased a few of his other baubles and trinkets. I paid extra to have the fingerprints done on-site. I also paid extra for him to hand deliver it down to Phoenix instead of having to drive it there myself or FedEx-ing it. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! I had heard that it could take a few months to get your CCW. So I waited. And I waited. And I didn't get anything in the mail. So I called to see what the hold-up was. They had NO record of my application. This loser, Gerard, stole my money! I have reached out to him several times to try and make it right. I texted, called, and emailed him. No answer, surprise! The dude KNOWS he stole my money. Probably got out of the class and ripped my paperwork up and pocketed the money. I'm sure he has several other instructors who are also knowledgeable. I'm specifically calling out GERARD, who stole my money. He failed on the obligation to submit my application for my CCW. Obviously, don't take this person's class or you could end up getting your application "lost" along with all of your money! Better Business Bureau is my next stop. I understand that he's a gunsmith and an FFL dealer. That's a shame. I would never deal with this guy again and all you Phoenix area and specifically Mesa yeeps, steer clear of this fraud! read more