CCW training with "simrange"™ classroom exercises
Now approved to offer SB2 Compliant LASD and OCSD CCW Classes. See FAQ for details
Now approved to offer SB2 Compliant LASD and OCSD CCW Classes. See FAQ for details
Roger Harvey is a POST (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) Firearms Instructor, NRA Training Counselor (Trains Instructors) and coaches the U.S. Military Pentathlon Team for World Championships. He has 3 podium finishes as a former competitor (3d Paris, 1968, 2d Hanover, 1971, 2d Rome, 1973), and has coached numerous World Champions. He is a former University Professor with a MA in Kinesiology (Motor Learning). He is a retired Army Colonel with 24 years experience supervising combat training. He was awarded the Legion of Merit (The Army's second highest award for distinguished service) as Deputy Chief of Staff - Training in a command of over 10,000 soldiers. While working at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, then Major Harvey designed and conducted training workshops for numerous Army commands, including the 82d Airborne Division.
Our $30,000 SimRange Simulator has over 600 professionally-acted training scenarios designed to simulate real-life CCW situations, giving students the opportunity to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. We believe that training in realistic scenarios is the best way to prepare for real-world situations.
The simulator is also available to train for practical shooting competitions (IDPA, USPSA, etc.), Steel Challenge, and even American Trap training with student's own shotgun (or one we provide) using our laser ammo .
We understand that every student has different needs and goals. That's why we offer customized training programs to meet your specific needs. Our instructors will work with you to develop a training plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
We've trained Olympians AND families with children as young as 8.
Our $30,000 LaserSHOT Simulator has hundreds of CCW scenarios. Challenge your split-second decision-making ability, Are you 100% sure the situation called for the use deadly force? (Being wrong can mean 20-years to life in prison.) How fast can you draw from concealment and shoot accurately? Elevated Heart Rate guaranteed!
Book a 2-hour class* for $200. Its $200 no matter how many shooters you bring (maximum 5), or just shoot on your own (NOT a Class) for $50/hr. (not more than 4 shooters per hour).
*Classes including coaching and detailed After Action Review (What did you do right, wrong, or didn't do at all?)
This is basically the same as the CCW Training, but with practical shooting targets, not CCW scenarios.
You can book a class for up to 5 shooters for semi-private coaching from the current US Armed Forces Pistol Coach Train just like seven "Team USA" podium finishers from the 2023 CIOR Military World Games in Helsinki, Finland.
OR, you can just shoot on your own. Save your ammo and train like the pros. $50/hour (not more than four shooters scheduled per hour). NOTE: This is NOT a class. Shoot just like you do at the range, except we display a variety of electronic moving AND stationary targets.
Book a party in our simulator classroom. Girls' Nite Out? Family Fun! Out draw your buddy. $200 for two hours where you can shoot AND socialize. NO ear muffs!
Women deal with different threats then men. I coached the US Armed Forces Military Pentathlon Team, including the 2023 Gold Medalist in the Female Category. Our Women's Self-Defense Course is designed to help women learn how to defend themselves in a variety of situations. This is simulation training - NOT lectures. You will draw and defend yourself against professionally acted, real-world situations that women face every day.
Do you want to participate in practical matches like Handgun Challenge, US Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), International Practical Shooting Association (IPSA), International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). Get started with simulation training, or train like World Champion Max Michel who also trains with a LaserSHOT Simulator.
LaserSHOT has a wide variety of courses of fire simulation exercises used for Law Enforcement and Military Qualifications, NRA classes, various other local, national and international matches, Guard Training Associations, etc.. .
Issuing CCW permits is still in the hands of local law enforcement (County Sheriffs, Chiefs of Police, etc.), but they can only issue permits to applicants meeting CA DOJ qualifications IAW S.B.2. As of Jan 1, 2024, Basic Gun Safety is approved to offer LASD and OCSD CCW training. Check with your issuing authority if you are applying through an LA County City (e.g. Long Beach PD).
SB2: NEW CCW APPLICANTS APPROVED AFTER JAN. 1, 2024 MUST COMPLETE 16 HOURS OF TRAINNG. RENEWALS: 8-HRS. SEE FAQ DETAILS BELOW.
NO NEED TO REGISTER ON THIS WEB SITE. JUST CALL AND I'LL FIND A CLASS DAY/TIME THAT WORKS FOR YOU. Private and Semi-Private options available if published dates do not work for you.
We also offer FFL services which you can book online.
I DO NOT offer security guard training.
We teach "students" NOT "lessons." Classes are personalized, highly interactive AND fun. Classroom module uses the same modern electronic training tools I've used to prepare military athletes for World Championship competitions for decades. Many come home with Medals (See video below of 2022 Athens World Championship).
NOTE: If you think you know everything and just want to "check the box," I'm NOT your guy!
Please reach us at roger@basicgunsafety.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
YES! S.B. 2 now requires CCW Instructors to have Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) credentials. I am a POST Certified Firearms Instructor. NRA Firearms credentials are no longer recognized by the DOJ.
SB 2 Stay Lifted. On Jan 6th, the stay of Judge Cormac Carney's ruling declaring the "sensitive places" restrictions of SB2 (where CCW holders may carry) unconstitutional was reinstated. You may once again carry as you did prior to January 1st.
The required training for renewals is now 8-hrs. New applicants need a 16-hr course. The training requirements will be the same for ALL issuing authorities (LASD, OCSD, LBPD, etc.) Tuition for 2024 is $400 for the initial course and $180 for renewal applicants. Tuition does not include the $20 range fee changed by FT3. Tuition is the same no matter how many guns you have/want on your permit. I collect tuition the first time we meet in-person (at the range for renewals or in the classroom for initial applicants).
YES!!! First of all, on Jan 6th, the stay of Judge Carney's ruling declaring the "sensitive places" restrictions of SB2 (where CCW holders may carry) unconstitutional was reinstated. You may once again carry as you did prior to January 1st. We expect more court rulings striking down tyrannical, utterly unconstitutional disregard for the Second Amendment and the decisions of the US Supreme Court. Stay on the right side of this fight for freedom. Let's see more citizens exercise of our constitutional right to bear arms, not less.
Tuition for 2024 is $400 for the initial course and $180 for renewal applicants. Tuition does not include the $20 range fee changed by FT3. Tuition is the same no matter how many guns you have/want on your permit. I collect tuition the first time we meet in-person (at the range for renewals or in the classroom for initial applicants).
I teach a 16-hr. course for initial applicants approved by the LA and OC Sheriff’s Departments. I also teach an 8-hr. course for renewal applicants. My courses are offered in 4-hr. blocks. The first module is via Zoom teleconference. You may complete this one from anywhere you have an internet connection.
All classes start at 6 pm. Each module is 4 hours. The qualification time is included in Module 4, but scheduled individually.
Both initial and renewal applicants will need to shoot the required qualification course of fire with me at a day/time to be scheduled individually – usually on a Monday evening between 7 and 9 pm or a Friday afternoon between 4 and 6 pm at FT3 Tactical, the nicest range in S. Cal. FT3 is at 8230 Electric Ave. in Stanton, near Beach and Katella.
If you are a renewal applicant, you need the Zoom module and Module 4 - Simulation Exercises, the required mental health discussion and written exam. Initial applicants will take two additional modules in my modern, climate-controlled classroom in the Zee Medical Building, 16631 Burke Lane, Huntington Beach where you will use state-of-the-art, computer-assisted training devices for dry-fire exercises. You will have hands-on training with popular gear and gadgets (guns, holsters, tactical lights, non-lethal options, etc.). You will draw from concealment with laser guns in various tactical settings against a clock. Speed and shot placement will be analyzed. You will be ready to qualify for holster-draw privileges at FT3 AND participate in practical competitions (Handgun Challenge and IDPA matches).
All approved classes cover the prescribed curriculum. How the material is presented is up to your instructor. Here's how I teach: Both the 16-hour initial course and the 8-hour renewal class is taught in 4-hour modules that may be taken in any order except the simulator module (Module 4) which must be last.
There is a Zoom module (Module 2) that covers CCW holder’s responsibilities, conflict avoidance, situational awareness, physiological and psychological considerations for self-defense and the legal aspects of conceal carry and self-defense. It also include a discussion of real-world scenarios (what would you do … if?). This is required for both initial and renewal applicants.
Another module (Module 3) covers hand’s-on exercises to develop and test your knowledge, skills and attitudes. We discuss and handle gear and gadgets. We learn to draw from concealment, engaging a threat under different circumstances, etc. We will be drawing and shooting laser guns at computerized targets. I will furnish everything you need for classroom exercises – except a belt for the holster I will loan you and an outer garment that needs to cover your firearm. This module is not required for renewal applicants.
We cover Firearms Fundamentals for proficiency in both precision and defensive shooting in a first module (Module 1). This is part of the initial course only. I teach this module the same way I coach members of the United States Military Pentathlon Team for World Championships. After this 4-hr. module you are likely to be the best precision shooter at any range you go to. Students like this module whether they are new to firearms or already expert shooters. This is required for initial applicants, but optional for renewals for an extra $120. NOTE: This same Firearms Fundamentals Class is $200 for non-CCW applicants.
The final module (Module 4) for all applicants includes the final exam, the required block on mental health, and simulation training with my SimRange Simulator where you will engage with life-sized, professionally acted, real-world threat situations requiring your understanding of the rules engagement for the use of deadly force. You will need to draw and shoot (a laser gun) when justified. You may also use less than deadly force or take action to disengage entirely. If you draw from concealment and shoot, your shots will be evaluated for speed, accuracy and lethality. The legal and ethical aftermath will be discussed after each scenario with a chance to hear the opinions of a "jury of your peers" (your classmates) who will be be coached to consider the elements of proof necessary to convict you of charges you may face after a shooting (e.g. brandishing a firearm, kidnapping, manslaughter, involuntary homicide, voluntary homicide, attempted or actual first, second, or third degree murder). This experience WILL elevate your heart rate! You will also experience tunnel vision and learn the importance of scanning and assessing for secondary threats. I am not aware of any other CCW classes in Southern California using LaserShot (TM) SimRange (TM) simulations.
I have over 600 (Judgmental Training Software) simulation scenarios. You may want additional simulator training which may be arranged after your class ($25/hr.) for groups of 4 or more. I also offer simulator training with other exercises for students preparing for practical shooting competitions (IDPA, Steel Challenge, etc.), or otherwise just wanting to work on defensive shooting with realism you can't get from practice at most ranges.
My priorities are safety, confidence, competence, AND fun! I am a former university assistant professor (kinesiology – motor learning) and was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Training in an Army command with 10,000 soldiers. I have a LOT of training experience. I am the current marksmanship coach of the US Department of Defense Military Pentathlon Team and a former competitor with three podium finishes in World Championship competitions. I was at the Olympic Training Center for 4-years. I know how to shoot and how to coach you. Read my Yelp reviews.
If you just want to "punch your ticket" and think you already know everything - I'm NOT your guy!
Both LA and OC Sheriff’s Departments are swamped with applications. It usually takes several months to complete the application process and be given the “OK” to take the required training (conditional approval). Google “CCW Long Beach, CCW Los Angeles or CCW Orange County. Then look for the Police or Sheriff’s Department web site. Their site will walk you through the application process. It is tedious, but not complicated. I offer to help folks apply if they can’t figure it out. I’ve never needed to do that. NOTE: You’ll see private web sites in your search. Some are helpful, but I recommend just going straight to the Sheriff’s Department or City Police Department site for the county/City you live in.
It can take a year for LA initial applicants. If you are renewing, I suggest you start the process 120 days before your current permit expires. The first thing Initial applicants should do is start the application process with the Sheriff’s Department. You do not need to wait for approval before taking my class. The Sheriff’s Department will approve my training as long as it is not more than 6-month old – even then exceptions may be granted. If you are told your class is out-of-date I will give a refresher class at no charge. I will also refund your tuition if you are not approved, but unless you have a serious problem with the law (felony conviction) there is a 99% chance you will be approved.
Once you are conditionally approved, it isn’t uncommon that you will be given a short window to get your training (typically 2-weeks). If my class is full or you otherwise can’t finish my training by your deadline, you may ask for an extension. Extensions are typically granted. You just need to be able to tell them the date of your class. I teach classes every two weeks, so you’ll be fine. Just don’t wait until the last minute to try and find a class.
I also offer private and semi-private classes where you may pick the class dates. Semi-private classes for 4 or more are the same cost as my public classes. The “catch” is that YOU need to organize the class and make the arrangements for them all. (I have only 1 point of contact). For example: You have 4 folks that want an initial class on a Saturday. The organizer coordinates the date/time with me and you’re all set. Tuition for each student is $400. If you want a semi-private class but don’t have a group of 4 or more, that’s OK, but I’ll still need to collect $1,600 from the group (e.g. Students in a class of 2 pay $800 each). Private renewal classes are $600. Private initial classes are $1,100.
Yes. But,. I've never had a student fail the qualification course of fire after the basic course. If you still want to develop further skills, I offer a 4-hour experience in a $30,000 simulator where you will interact with professional actors in various threat settings. You will need to assess each situation, make "shoot, no-shoot" decisions and defend your actions as you would against criminal and/or civil consequences. The evaluator has 30 years of experience as a retired law enforcement officer facing the realities of many "use of deadly force" encounters. This experience WILL get your heart-rate up! That training is $75.
I also offer the same lever of personal coaching I give to pistol shooters preparing for world championship competition. I charge $125/hour for live-fire coaching at FT3 and $100/hr. for dry-fire coaching in my classroom.
Yes. In fact, most are (e.g Los Angeles City, Long Beach). The LA County Sheriff's Department has been swamped with CCW applications since the Bruen Case so they turned over their CCW program to most of the major, incorporated City Chiefs of Police. If you are a Los Angeles County CCW applicant, I suggest your contact your city PD and ask how they want to handle a CCW application.
That is not clear. I am an approved CCW instructor for LA County Sheriff's Department and most cities, recognize LASD CCW Instructors for their required training. Long Beach, for example, has recognized me since April, 2023. But S.B.2 has things changing almost daily with court rulings, challenges, appeals, etc. I recommend you check for their current list of approved instructors.
NOTE: If your city issues permits, you MUST get yours from them. Cities have different application standards.
I offer a wide variety of pistol marksmanship classes, including family firearm safety training, basic pistol marksmanship and advanced marksmanship training. They are offered privately as well as small group classes. See my class listings for more details.
It isn't uncommon to be required by a judge to take a gun safety class. That can happen if you are found to have a gun improperly stored, used in an unsafe manner, or carried in public illegally. The court order doesn't usually specify what kind of course you must take as long as gun safety is part of the curriculum There may be course length requirement, but not always.
I offer two options for court-ordered training. You will get a course completion certificate that satisfies the court after completion of either one. The option I recommend is my 8-hour CCW course. It covers California gun laws in depth. (violating one or more of these is probably why a person got in trouble in the first place.) It is not a marksmanship class. This course assumes you are already able to handle a pistol safety and can hit a 19" target 70% of the time at 3, 5, and 7 yards. (Most people can do that with no training at all.) In that course, we also talk about situational awareness and threat avoidance - how NOT to be in a gun fight in the first place. The other option is my 6-hour firearms fundamentals class. That class will make you a much better shooter. In fact, most folks who take that class from me find themselves to be the best shooter at any range they go to.
The question to ask yourself is: What do you want most ... to be a better shooter or to better understand gun laws and how to stay safe inside or outside your home?
California Bill 2 Signed by Gov. Newsom Makes Significant Changes to CCW Laws.
This analysis was written by Ben Hansen and reprinted by permission.
Now before you get sick to your stomach and don't want to read any more, take a deep breath and realize that there are many organizations and attorneys working to reverse much of what I'm about to outline. I do recommend that if you live in California and have a CCW, that you read through this summary in its entirety because there are parts of the legislation signed by the governor that will come into effect in January 2024. However, legal experts (and lawmakers themselves) acknowledge that much of what they passed last week will most likely be invalidated by the courts. Without politicizing this (too much), let's get right to the facts and my own personal predictions....
California Senate Bill 2 was a reaction to the Supreme Court Bruen decision that affirmed the 2nd Amendment right to self-protection outside of the home. This struck down the so-called good cause requirement in California and across the country that required concealed firearms permit applicants to prove a "need" for a permit. This news resulted in many California counties being flooded with new CCW applicants and most county sheriffs and police chiefs have complied with the new standard. Subsequently, in an effort to promote "gun safety", California legislators went to work to devise several new requirements for obtaining a permit that rely on assessing "good character" and not "good cause" and to increase the training requirements for a CCW permit as well. In parallel to this, it would appear that the motive was to also include a dozen or so new restricted areas where CCW carry will not be permitted, in order to dissuade applicants from applying or continuing to carry their guns in public.
*Important to note, lawsuits were filed the MINUTE the law was signed by the governor. Judge Carney issued a stay of most of the most egregious parts of S.B.2 on Dec. 20th, but as would be expected, CA DOJ filed another 'Emergency Injunction with the 9th Circuit Court as mush as claiming the state would fall into the sea if S.B. 2 was temporarily halted. The 3-judge panel voted to let S.B. 2 remain in effect as written. That will be challenged and the cycle will repeat, perhaps until the US Supreme Court hears the case. I am not an attorney, but for what it's worth here is my personal opinion on some of the key parts of the California law and what I predict will happen:
SECTIONS THAT WILL MOST LIKELY REMAIN:
SECTIONS THAT WILL MOST LIKELY BE STRICKEN EVENTUALLY:
SECTIONS WE HOPE WILL ALSO BE OVERTURNED:
Again, if you're a skimmer of information and didn't actually read the first part... All of S.B.2 is NOW in effect. I will do my best to keep you up-to-date.
Please do NOT give up hope and continue to keep your licenses current. Criminals care nothing about these laws, so as long as we have some ability to carry legally in public, we should continue to exercise those rights to protect our families and loved ones. Don't let misguided lawmakers dissuade you from believing there's no point in having a license due to the new restrictions. If there's any good news in any of this, thousands of more people are getting CCWs in California every month and their voting power and voices may eventually turn the tide.
Instructional Classroom: Zee Medical Building, 16631 Burke Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 ///////////////////////////// Simulator Classroom: Real World Shooting, 15617 Graham Street, Huntington Beach, California, 92649
By appointment only
The Premiere Firearms Academy in Southern California. OC and LA Sheriff's Department approved CCW courses taught every other week. Call for schedule.
NRA Personal Protection in the Home and Personal Protection Outside the Home offered on demand.
Private coaching, group shooting activities, and "date nights" (I furnish firearms, and ammo, PLUS safety supervision/instruction as requested). Family Firearms Safety Training is also popular. The Family Firearms Safety Training is designed to professionally help families with children to safety have firearms in their home. It includes age-appropriate dry and live-fire exercises. Dry-fire exercises are typically taught in your home (I bring laser guns, etc.) with time spent on safe handling, shooting fundamentals, proper storage and home defense considerations with children present. Cost $650 (Includes rifle, pistol and shotgun rental, ammo, and live-fire experience with various firearms on a public range (your family will NOT be the only ones shooting). Offered on demand.
Each CCW Issuing Authority has different shooting standards for qualification. You will need to make an appointment to shoot your qualification at FT3 in Stanton with your instructor who will explain the course-of-fire you will need to shoot. Your instructor will give you the certificate of qualification you will need to send to your issuing authority as soon as you pass. He will need ALL of the information on this worksheet BEFORE he meets you at the range. You must complete all of the blocks of his form and email it to roger@basicgunsafety.com at least 24 hours before your appointment to shoot. If you do not do that, your instructor cannot have your certificate printed and ready sign and present to you after you qualify.
NOTE: You may click and save this form to print and make hand entries to copy and email to Roger. We recommend, however, that you send an email and ask for a fillable version of this file.
We offer NRA Instructor-level training on demand for Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection in the Home, and Personal Protection Outside the Home.
We train FFLs, gun store owners, pawn shop owners, and others who need to be California DOJ Firearms Safety Certificate Program instructors so they can conduct the State-required Firearms Safe Handling demonstrations and issue CA DOJ FSC certificates.
As an NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, I train and certify Range Safety Officers so they can safely supervise public and private shooting facilities. We teach NRA RSO classes for range owners, law enforcement firing range administrators, and youth camp owners/operators who offer marksmanship programs, including the Boy Scouts of America (Scouting BSA). We have Boy Scout Camp shooting range design and range SOP publication experience. We have California Police Department experience with both range operation and SOP review.
I currently coach the United States Military Skills team for their annual World Championship competition. I offer the same coaching for other competitive bulls-eye pistol shooters.
We are a Federal Firearms LIcense holder (FFL) and offer FFL services for on-line gun sales and purchases, private party transfers and other firearms transactions approved by the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms. Fee: $75 + CA DOJ fee ($37.19). PPT: $10 + CA DOJ fee ($37.19). NOTE: Local sales tax of 7.75% of purchase price is also collected by FFL. Contact me prior to having a seller or other FFL ship a firearm to Basic Gun Safety.
NOTE: It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that purchases are CA Compliant. There is a $100 service charge to return -compliant guns to the seller
Col. Roger Harvey (US Army - Ret.) led the US Military Pentathlon program from the Pentagon and later from the US Olympic Training Center for 6 years. He has three podium finishes in international competition (Rome, Hanover, Paris). He is a retired University Professor in kinesiology (motor learning).
World-class shooters spend 10 hours dry-firing for every hour with live ammo. We use state-of-the-art dry-fire exercises and equipment (laser guns, Mantis-X accelerometer, LaserShot Judgement Training Simulator, etc.) before your first shots - so it is not uncommon for a new shooter who has never even HELD a pistol to shoot their first 5 shots better than marksmen with decades of experience.
SAFETY FIRST ... then COMPETENCE, CONFIDENCE, AND FUN!
Carrying a firearm for personal protection without carrying personal liability insurance could cost you your entire life-savings.
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