Defensive Pistol/CCW
Defensive Pistol Shooting Fundamentals - Essential skills for CCW carriers and self-defense
Please use your FULL name when registering for the courses. We use our scheduling software to download and create the certificates after all courses. If you have a middle initial enter it as well to avoid duplicate entries. This is IMPORTANT to have your certificate complete. Do NOT use short versions of your name. Thank you.
Current SB2 Information Bulletin
CA DOJ · 2025-DLE-06 · CCW Sensitive Places Update
Course Overview
This Defensive Pistol Shooting fundamentals course is essential for shooters to develop the skills necessary to efficiently utilize pistols in self-defense.
This is not a learn to aim course. Students should already have a basic understanding of aiming and firearms safety prior to attending. If you wish to attend a basics of pistol shooting course, please contact us.
Training Will Cover
Safety and Proficiency Considerations
Students will perform light physical activities such as walking, sitting and kneeling. For students with medical considerations, the curriculum will be accommodated. Students will be expected to have a baseline understanding of their pistol, how it operates and how to aim prior to attending course. If a student does not have the skills required to attend, their course enrollment fee can be applied to a basics of shooting course.
The target audience for this course is new concealed carriers, or students who own a pistol for self defense.
Equipment Requirements
Required:
- Cover Garment
- Eye and Ear Protection
- 350 Rounds
- CCW holster
- At least 1 spare magazine
Optional:
- Flashlight (optional)
Students may attend training with an outside the waistband, duty style holsters. This course is geared towards CCW holders.
Commonly Asked Questions
How much experience do I need to have in order to attend this course?
This course is designed to take shooters with a reasonable degree of proficiency with their pistol and introduce them to concepts they need to understand as it relates to defensive shootings. Students should have a clear understanding of the universal safety rules, understand basic pistol marksmanship, or have taken a basics of shooting course.
Course Requirements
Course is concealed carry focused but may be attended open carry. All stages will be fired from holsters. Call ahead if you are not sure what holster is acceptable.
Why Southwest Training Center?
Training Meets or Far Exceeds Standards
Training meets or far exceeds the baseline training standards you will get at other training centers.
Legal Protection
Having training will help you if you find yourself in court having to justify your experience.
Train for When It Counts
You must train for when it counts. Choosing Southwest Training Center guarantees you are training among the best in the industry.
Range Location & Map
Lopez Canyon Shooting Range, Sylmar, CA
Directions and address will be provided upon booking a course. It is approximately 10 minutes' drive from our classrooms.
Important Notes:
- • When you are driving on the dirt keep speeds under 10mph.
- • For classes and qualifications, we will be on the lower ranges. As soon as you cross the wooden bridge, we are immediately to the right on the first driveway.
- • You may bring your equipment to the bay, do not uncase until instructed to do so. Firearms may not be hand carried from the car.
- • Do not load magazines until instructed to do so.
Facilities Available:
- • Private range, there is no access for public shooters.
- • Women's and Men's restrooms available.
- • Shade and seated areas.
- • Wheelchair ramp ADA accessible.
- • There are no ammunition vendors on site. All rental or range equipment must be requested ahead of time. Eye protection and hearing protection first come, first served.
Google Reviews
5.0
282 Google reviews
See what our students say about us on Google.
"I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for CCW training. I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this. Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward. Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning. Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students. Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I’d absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training."
"Great experience! This is the second time within the past 2 years I attended training here with the same amazing experience. I greatly appreciate all the genuine efforts our instructor Ony put in our training. Ony answered hundreds of our questions and instructions he provided us with were priceless and precisely on point. I can state with confidence that me and all my peers in training had awesome time. STC also nicely updated classrooms with big screens and very comfortable ergonomic chairs. This training center is my all training go to place!"
"I recently completed a training course at Southwest Training Center and had a wonderful experience. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, informative, engaging, and genuinely kind. Even though the class days were long, the time went by quickly because the instructors kept the class interactive and interesting throughout the training. The course covered important safety procedures, laws, and real-life scenarios that really encouraged critical thinking and discussion about possible outcomes. I appreciated how the instructors created a comfortable learning environment where everyone felt involved and encouraged to participate. The class was organized very well, and the snack options were a thoughtful touch. I also liked that the range was nearby and provided a more private setting. At the range, the instructors really walked everyone through each step clearly, which made the experience feel comfortable, easy to follow, and very well organized. Overall, I had an excellent experience with Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, informative, and engaging training."
Student Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Attended this course? Share your feedback to help others.
Get In Touch
Ready to start your training? Contact us today to schedule a course or ask any questions.
