Learned so much from this course. Sledge was awesome from start to finish on safety details as well as practical use of my new shotgun. I now feel totally comfortable to go shooting on my acreage in the Central Coast. Did a private lesson with classroom and then range practice. Highly recommend ! read more

What an amazing experience! My partner and I took the beginner basics course with Sledge. He is truly so knowledgeable and awesome. All the information given in the 3 hour class was so helpful. We were very new to firing guns prior to this course. We had bought our own firearms and went to a local shooting range to use them and I always felt scared but willing to learn. I am so glad we took this class with Sledge because I don't feel afraid anymore. I am excited to implement what I learned at the range when I practice on my own. I definitely feel way more confident and comfortable with my gun now. Looking forward to taking more classes in the future. I recommend anyone to take this course who is looking to get all their questions answered about firearm basics. Sledge was happy to answer any questions that I had. Such a valuable experience. Thanks Sledge. read more

To the basic rifle course and learned a ton from Sledge! He tailored the course/information to my current level and has a ton of experience and knowledge to share. I'll definitely be back to take more courses! read more

My wife and I took the basic pistol course with owner/instructor Edward "Sledge" Donaldson. We are complete novices at shooting and came in with little to no information and zero prior experience. Sledge was very informative and patient with us as we learned. He answered every question completely and made us feel safe and prepared as new gun owners. The knowledge, experience, and passion Sledge has for firearms and firearms instruction comes through at all times. In the future we will be signing up for the advanced classes offered through Unified tactical. read more

I just recently took the basic pistol course and was throughly impressed. Even starting with minimal firearms experience, Sledge's expert instruction combined with through explanations had me hitting the bullseye with consistency and really tightened up my groupings. Far above my expectations! I look forward to taking additional courses as I progress further along. read more

Sledge is great. This is my fifth class with him. I did the scoped rifle course with zeroing concepts. I had never shot a scoped rifle before, and before I knew it I was hitting targets 600 yards away as well as transitioning smoothly between targets at different distances. Sledge is a great instructor, I highly recommend Unified Tactical whether you're brand new to shooting or a seasoned shooter. read more

Buying a firearm and just going and using it with no sense of safety, handling, awareness, physics, aim, stance, and a lot more other basic principles is what many people who don't think it through do, just because you can. Then on the flip side, you have a section of people who are totally against firearms and a section of people who should not be having access to firearms. This post is not a review on a political stance of belief but rather a very high recommendation as to what would be your best bet when you encounter those people, who know who and who knows where - that should not have access to firearms and you either lucky or just another statistic. 10 years back I safely locked and stored away all my firearms which was a passion and hobby for me as I welcomed my new baby. After 10 years, I decided it was time to pursue my long-forgotten hobby. In getting ready, I knew the best route was not to rush to a range and try to recall what I remember - that would put me in the category of people who don't think it through. I searched carefully online for a training class to start the basics from ground scratch-handling, safety, awareness and everything basic. I found Unified Tactical and was very impressed by the bio of Instructor Sledge and the detailed classes it had to offer. My decision was sure when I read for any advanced class the basic class was a must - that showed me that the instructor needed to make sure that one had the basics before thinking they knew the basics and jumping into an advanced course. Many of us think, buy it, use it - I know the basics; but wow, you will be impressed with the quality of Instructor Sledge and the carefully curated course and personal attention to train you thru the basics all without even stepping onto the range. There is so much I thought I knew that was all new to me and so many corrections of different basics that were outdated. Instructor Sledge an armed forces veteran who served in action (NRA, DOJ and NSCCA certified), is one of the calmest, most professional, friendly and a family man who will take time to ensure that you are comfortable and learn at your pace all the basics and most importantly safety. You will learn a lot of technical stuff and a lot of basic physical stuff before you are even allowed to go out to try them and at the end of the basics, once you apply all that you will be surprised how good you can actually be in application of your learning. I would highly recommend if firearms are your passion or hobby take the basics and if you are well versed, take an advanced class, if you are one of those who are against firearms, take a basic class and you don't have to change your belief but you may definitely walk away with different thoughts. Whichever way it goes - if you are searching for a class, to learn or get better or just inquisitive about what firearms are all about; I highly and personally recommend Instructor Sledge and his classes. read more

Unified Tactical - Target practice applying basic training - Firearm Training Near Me - Lakewood, California

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Took the Basic Pistol Course at Unified Tactical today with Instructor Sledge -- couldn't have asked for a better experience. He broke down every detail clearly and made sure I understood where I was hesitant. Super helpful, professional, and patient. Highly recommend!!! read more

Was a bit apprehensive at first of whether to register for the Basic Pistol Course (BPC) having only shot a firearm once in my life and never a handgun. But after some soul-searching and research, I decided to take this class and chose Unified Tactical Defense because of its wide range of knowledge, vast experience, and convenient time (Sunday from 11 am - 2 pm). Football season ended the weekend before. Instructor Sledge introduced himself and provided background re: his experience and outlined what the 3-hour course would involve including safety, handling, usage and storage. Sledge was very knowledgeable of the law and well versed and organized in his approach for safety and use. The 5 students spent the first two hours in the classroom with the remaining hour spent in the indoor range with Sledge's guidance and counsel. He was very supportive and recognized everyone's tendencies and was able to provide immediate constructive feedback. I highly recommend this course regardless of your knowledge or skill level as Sledge is able to provide you insight no matter what your experience has been. Surprisingly, I don't know what I enjoyed more - the information I gained or the excellent results I had with my target practice. I'll be back with Sledge to take additional courses and continue to practice safety and usage. read more

Unified Tactical - Firearm Training Near Me - Lakewood, California

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As an educator and new pistol owner, I was adamant about receiving top-notch instruction in gun safety, usage and compliance. Sledge at Unified Tactical provided everything I needed and more. His knowledge and experience with firearms immediately reassured me that I was in the right course with the right instructor. He was clear, took his time, encouraged us to ask questions, and was always willing to repeat concepts that were unclear. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone with limited knowledge of firearms to take this course. I look forward to receiving the next level of training from Sledge. read more

Went in nervous af and came out ready to shoot it up lol! In all seriousness bc firearms are no joke... Did the BPC with the only knowledge of firearms was from movies ‍ it was a 3hr course. First half was inside a classroom with legit hands on training. Super informative things that will stick with you. Things you wouldn't really think about until you see it in front of you. Hands on training to get a feel before going into the range. It seemed long in the beginning but, the more in-depth the instructor got, the more it made sense and made the class time seem shorter. Instructor invited ALL questions. Don't have a firearm? He had the answers. Don't know the laws? He had the answers. And if he didn't have the answers, he'd help find out. Second half was in the range. Ammo was included and if you don't have you're own firearm, he provided it. Depending on how many ppl were in your class, it rotates in shooting. I was in a class of 4 so I thought I was perfect. I shot in one lane with another guy and the other lane had the other 2 guys. Each time we did 3 rounds and he would access each of those. He knew exactly what was "wrong" each round and would literally fix it in that moment. Over all, this was a great experience. Something everyone should look into doing. Gun safety should be made a priority regardless of you owning a firearm or not. Instructor Sledge was great and super informative on everything. Made the class engaging and there was no biased bs at all. It was a class to learn the basics of a pistol and I got just that. Definitely planning on taking the shotgun course. Thank you UT!! Happy SAFE shooting!!! read more

Unified Tactical - Instructor Sledge getting us set up before we start the range portion of the BPC. - Firearm Training Near Me - Lakewood, California

Sledge has a wealth of firearm knowledge, but more importantly, he is a highly effective teacher with excellent communication. I took the Basic Pistol Course as a refresher after some time away from shooting and walked away 3 hours later with more useful practical firearm knowledge than I have ever had. Sledge teaches the fundamentals in a calm, patient, encouraging manner that left me feeling confident and eager to get back into a regular rhythm at the range. Looking forward to taking additional classes. Highly recommend! read more

Instructor sledge is an awesome instructor. I took the basic pistol, rifle, and shotgun class with him. He definitely knows his stuff. if anyone is looking on taking a class with him. DO IT and don't hesitate. It will be all worth it. Instructor sledge you rock. read more

Sledge is an amazing instructor! Very clear with explanations and I felt very safe and welcomed during the entire class! I would highly recommend checking them out!! read more

Recently purchased a handgun and wanted to take a safety course to feel more comfortable and gain some confidence handing a firearm. I'm so glad that I took this course. Sledge was a great instructor, very professional and patient - made me feel very relaxed. I feel so much better now handing a handgun. read more

Unified Tactical - Firearm Training Near Me - Lakewood, California

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Fantastic experience with this instructor. Extremely thorough and patient. I encourage everyone interested in learning Basic Pistol handling. read more

Ed the instructor of unified tactical is both Knowledgeable and professional. I had a great time taking the basic pistol course facilitated by him. It was my first time ever shooting a gun and first time going into an indoor range. Ed was very patient with me allowing me time to pick up the concepts of shooting and eventually, I did. All in all, I had an amazing experience and I give unified Tactical five stars. I highly recommend anyone who is interested in learning how to shoot or learning the basics of gun safety to reach out to Unified Tactical. Ed will take care of you!!! read more

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Very pleasant experience as I start to learn more about using weapons. I highly recommend them! Not only they are knowledgeable but also have a lot of patience with new students like me. read more

Just finished basic pistol course with instructor sledge and it's exactly what I was looking for. Sledge is extremely knowledgeable and as a new gun owner, I feel a lot safer than I did prior to taking his course and I am shooting a lot more accurate as well. read more

Needed an introductory class to learn about a new firearm, safety and operation. Sledge is a terrific instructor and guide - patient, thorough, understanding. Focus was on safety and building knowledge and fundamentals step by step - even when mistakes made, he takes time to educate and correct, in an attempt to create good habits from the start. It certainly helped me alleviate stress and nervousness, which helped me immensely to improve, even in a short range session. I look forward to practicing and taking another class to improve skill and ability. Highly recommended. read more

Sledge was an epic instructor. He taught how toi troubleshoot most common fire arm malfunction, taught proper stance and handling of a gun. I took the Basic Pistol Course and learned everything there is. Class is worth it. Highly recommend. read more

The outdoor class tho . The game at the end was lit. Def wll come back with a whole group . Got to shoot a sniper riffle at the end and took the fsc test . I think I have a new hobby read more

Unified Tactical - Firearm Training Near Me - Lakewood, California

Loved this class and learned a lot from Slash. Will be back to learn more. Thanks for your service Slash and taking that knowledge to help others. read more

Sledge(Ed) was nice enough to spend an entire day with my son and I and showed us the Safe way to use rifles. He is a kind man and makes shooting enjoyable! Plus he's a knowledgeable veteran! We will definitely use him again... read more

I took the Pistol 1 class with Ed, he was extremely knowledgeable and patient as I am a gun novice. I enjoyed the small class size which allowed me to get more personal attention in order to get my fundamentals down. Learning to shoot a gun can be very stressful but Ed was personable and made a tense situation more relaxing. I highly recommend whether you are a first time gun owner or someone that has experience with firearms to take this class. The wealth of knowledge that you receive will be beneficial. read more

I highly recommend using Unified Tactical to learn how to use a firearm and/or to improve your firearm skills/knowledge. Sledge is a fantastic instructor who emphasizes the fundamentals of safe firearm operation. After taking just one class I feel much more comfortable operating firearms and feel confident that I can purchase a firearm and visit the range to continue my training and development. I definitely plan on taking more training with Unified Tactical! read more

Took the Pistol 1 class with Ed, had a very good experience. I'd gone shooting with friends a handful of times, but figured I should get some professional instruction to catch any bad habits I might be reinforcing. Ed was great at assessing where I was at and providing feedback. I came away with some drills to work on, and a good idea where I want to be on basic marksmanship before getting into anything more complicated. I'll definitely be back for further pistol and rifle training! read more

Just completed the basic pistol training and we so glad I did. Instructor Sledge is patient and walks you through everything you need to know, even if you have never fired a gun before. I started out missing the target low and to the right, however was consistently hitting or close to the target by the end of the class. I would highly recommend this basic pistol training to anyone that is considering it. read more

I couldn't have asked for a better instructor than Sledge (Ed) to introduce me to handling firearms. In addition to his obvious knowledge and experience, he is very personable, friendly and patient, helping to alleviate the intimidation factor and to promote confidence. The Basic Course accomplished more than I had hoped for and I am looking forward to continually working with Ed out in the outdoor range to build proper knowledge and experience. I recommend Sledge to anyone looking to take the first step into firearms in the right direction. read more

Sledge was such a fantastic teacher! I came in having never touched a gun, and left feeling comfortable with the basics of using a pistol and feeling safe and secure around firearms. Incredibly reassuring and patient for people of all levels. read more

I booked my appointment but my brother wanted to go last minute so I emailed them the night before to ask if I could bring him and they were fast to respond and they were very welcoming to my brother n me. The instructor had an outdoor section and had alot of scenarios, we did practice with 2 other people but it was actually fun. The instructor is very savvy and doesn't play when it comes to safety. it was exciting and I think I have developed a thing for guns. I enjoyed it defitnely coming back. read more

Professional, Personable and Patience are the attributes that Ed aka Sledge provided. I am a new weapon owner and had been hesitant on relying on friends or family to learn and or be taught as this in my mind requires a professional. I looked for training in my local area an found UT. Price seemed reasonable compared to others and after class it was literally the best bang for the buck. Sledge took me through basic gun safety rules and handling, taught me the in's and out's of my specific weapon. How to safely transport, store , maintain , load and fire the weapon. For a basic pistol course he covered a lot of ground and was going at my speed , he explained targets , habits, good and bad, shot grouping and threat readiness. He left me with a great understanding and what responsibilities a gun owner has and not to take them lightly. He left me with drills to work on and handling, cleaning and things I will need for his follow on classes if I was interested. I will definitely work with Ed again. Thanks Ed, and thank you for your service as a veteran and a teacher. read more