Had the pleasure last week of spending an afternoon one-on-one with Rex at the range. What an…read moreawesome freaking experience! Rex is the real deal -- he is infinitely prepared (attitude, experience, skills, equipment, training aids, supplies, etc.) to work with any/all experience/skill levels of shooters. After a thoughtful discussion centered on my experience, objectives, and firearms, we spent three solid hours in practice drills and target shooting. Rex's positive energy and consistent, constructive feedback put me at ease right from the start. I left mentally and physically exhausted, and entirely exhilarated. Rex's instruction provided a huge confidence boost and certainly an appetite whetted for additional, more advanced training. If you're serious about shooting and self-defense, you owe it to yourself to invest in Rex's highly personalized training. You will not be disappointed.

He is very knowledgeable about guns, rules and regulations pertaining to CCW…read more He is an excellent source of information about this subject matter

I'm a first time shooter (other than a BB gun as a kid). I had a two hour lesson with Coach Don and…read moreI'm really pleased with the amount of education and hands-on instruction I received in such a short amount of time. We spent the first hour of the lesson on classroom instruction. I learned the history of the most common hand guns used, why someone would prefer one type over another, the differences between single and double action, and how different handguns suit different individuals. Don made sure I felt confident handling the different types. By the time we entered the firing range, I had learned proper stance, range etiquette, how to load a magazine, and the importance of proper technique when racking the slide. But the most unexpected thing I learned was that my nervous system (as a first time shooter) would be taxed. He explained that my first shot would likely be my best shot because once I knew what to expect I would begin to anticipate and I would have a bit of a "fight or flight" response. I never would've expected that and so when it happened, I was well prepared. Even though most people know to expect the sound and the kickback of a weapon, you're not really prepared for it if you've never done it before. Sure enough, my hands got shaky, my breathing got shallow my heart rate raised, but he coached me on how to relax and breathe through it. I was pretty proud of how well I did and I really look forward to my next lesson!

Since moving from Orange County I e been looking for a new indoor range to start practicing at and…read moresomeone suggested Smokin Barrel. I'm glad I listened to their suggestion as it's quickly become my favorite indoor range to practice at. They have a wide selection of firearms in the main shop and a decent selection of accessories for firearms, they're the only shop I've been to in the area with PDP mags on the shelves. They also have a good selection of firearms for rent on the firing lanes. Their staff are also very helpful and friendly. I've been there a few times and a younger guy named Sebastian has helped my newer friends improve their shooting with various tips about their grip and whatnot. I look forward to coming back regularly.

Got my CCW renewed here. Very professional great course. Large training center out in Moorpark for…read moreself-defense and security besides CCW's they even have their own shooting range out in Simi valley

I finished the 5-week PSS program at Covered 6 and was supposed to continue into the EP program,…read morebut they ended up canceling it last minute because of low enrollment. I had already planned everything around it--my schedule, my budget, even housing--and now I feel totally stuck. I spent a lot of time and money expecting to complete the full training, and it honestly feels like a waste. The program itself was okay, but I didn't get the sense that the instructors took safety or professionalism as seriously as they should. There were moments that felt more like messing around than real training. It's frustrating because I was hoping to start a new career, and now I'm left with half a program and no clear next step. I expected more from a school that talks such a big game.

Jennifer was absolutely phenomenal. As a complete beginner, I was honestly a little nervous going…read moreinto this, but she immediately made me feel comfortable, safe, and confident. She explains everything in a way that's easy to understand without ever making you feel overwhelmed. The class was the perfect balance of safety, fundamentals, and hands-on practice. I walked away actually understanding how to properly handle and shoot my firearm, which I didn't expect to feel so quickly. If you're even thinking about learning, especially as a beginner, I cannot recommend her enough. She creates such a calm and supportive environment and truly knows what she's doing.

My mom and I learned so much during this training! Both of us knew next to nothing about guns going…read moreinto it, and Jen was able to guide us through the basics of gun handling and safety with so much patience and an easy-to-understand PowerPoint presentation. At the end of our training we went to a range and shot at a real target -- such an eye opening experience! Both my mom and I feel more educated and safer for having gone through this training. Thank you so much, Jennifer! You're providing such an amazing service for women everywhere!

I'm really happy I found this place. I recently needed a DROS done on a firearm being shipped in…read morefrom an online retailer. Had it sent to VC Armory. A lot of dealers these days arent keen on doing that these days. I called them, and they said no problem. They notified me less than an hour after I got the UPS notice that the package arrived at their location. I showed up just a short while later to start the process. Its a nice small shop in a quiet part of town. I really appreciated how chill the atmosphere was. I think it took all of 10 minutes to get the paperwork done, and off I went. 10 days wrapped, and I went for my pickup today. Again, the shop was super chill. Took less than 10 minutes to wrap everything up. Start to finish, the process was painless. Most gun shops are typically not places I'm super comfortable at. They tend to have semi aggressive staff, customers, or both. And they also tend to be very vocal about their political affiliations. VC Armory had none of those things. That alone is going to make them my go to LGS from here on out.

I see a lot of good reviews. And I understand why. My issue was a technicality in their wrong…read moreinterpretation of the law. Here is the real problem I have with them. They do not understand all gun laws and there for make their customer jump through more legal hoops than need be. I don't expect every customer to know the laws so they are unaware VC is slightly incompetent. I even pointed out their error but they just raised their voices and yelled at me. In California , when buying a rifle, it is NOT necessary to show two forms of ID. If you have a California True ID (Golden Bear in corner with no restrictions) that is all you need. They insisted I needed more. Here's the law: Only if you have restrictions or are purchasing a hand gun or it's a PO box address etc... is a secondary ID proving address required). But they are so arrogant and elitist blow-hards they wouldn't even turn the page on the form that they used as their proof showing me. I said on the first page it states NO secondary ID required for rifles. But he refused to even look at the 1st page and read where it clearly states the secondary ID rule is ONLY for hand gun sales. So lazy. So every single rifle purchaser that had a California DL True ID with no restrictions and their address correct on the iD was and is made to show a secondary ID. Completely unnecessary so I asked them to send my "receiver(rifle) to their competitor down the street who is up on the law. And they're cheaper too (and very friendly with no attitude. VC waste their customer's time making them jump through hoops needlessly and are very argumentative when you show them the law. Shame. By the way...I had lost my registration for my car and was in the process of renewing my registration so I didn't have it as secondary proof handy and I wasn't going to stand in line at the DMV just to get a copy when they would send me my new one a couple weeks later. Nope. I rather deal with the competent FFL guys down the street. My history: Gun collector of 50 years with over 350 purchases over a lifetime. I was an FFL myself and I am very familiar with the laws. Most gun buyers will assume their FFL knows the laws. Fact: Not all ffl's understand things they read and need it explained to them. We're all human. But when they get arrogant, loud and insistent by refusing to acknowledge they misread their own DOJ documents in front of them....that's just a ignorance and incompetence. These are guys I would think should not be doing their own Taxes let alone filling out gun transfers.

Great trainer teaches you how to hit bull's-eyes with every gun in your own teaches good shooting…read morehabits in hand and safety

I contacted Dan for my first lesson in firearms training. I'm so glad I did! By the end of that…read morelesson, I was hitting the target with ease. Dan made it easy and fun. I had never shot a 9mm before and he made me feel comfortable with my weapon. I'm addicted now. I'll be taking his CCW course also. On my second lesson, he put up a difficult target and it was a lot of fun. It's more fun when you're good at it! Thanks for your help Dan!