If you are considering CCW training, I honestly cannot recommend Paladin enough. This was one of the best instructional experiences I've had in any setting. I walked away feeling far more confident, informed, and prepared. Huge thanks again to Dan, Theo, and Barry for an exceptional class. 5 stars without hesitation. If you are considering CCW training, I honestly cannot recommend Paladin enough. This was one of the best instructional experiences I've had in any setting. I walked away feeling far more confident, informed, and prepared. Huge thanks again to Dan, Theo, and Barry for an exceptional class. 5 stars without hesitation. read more

What an incredible training experience! From the moment I first reached out, Dan answered right away and even created a detailed training plan I could share with my department -- his professionalism really stood out. Louie, Barry, and Theo made me feel so welcome throughout the course. Louie showed true patience and care, saying something that stuck with me: "I measure my success by the success of each student." Barry was my quiet "whisper" when it came to taking each shot -- his calm guidance and expertise made a huge difference. And Theo, thank you for lending me the equipment I needed to train safely and confidently. This wasn't just a class -- it was a confidence-building, skill-sharpening experience. I'm truly grateful for the Paladin Tactical US (Concord) team. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for top-quality training! Sincerly , Claudette H. read more

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Dan and the team at Paladin offer an excellent selection of classes, from basic to advanced, enabling you to build your knowledge and skill set. I researched several programs in search of a well-rounded curriculum and chose them for their depth of experience. Their resumés are impressive, and I soon discovered that they're not only highly skilled but also genuinely kind people whose insight, real-world experience, and teaching skills provide life-long benefits. Their training is well worth the drive from SF, which, thanks to the traffic pattern, isn't bad at all. If you're seeking solid instruction and truly want to learn, that's exactly why I keep returning to Paladin. read more

"I highly recommend Paladin to anyone looking for top-tier firearm training, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. They offer a broad, ever-evolving range of courses that keep you sharp. Barry and Theo are true Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and experienced instructors--more like professors of firearms! What impressed me most was how they are able to individualize training, providing personalized coaching even within a large group session (over a dozen students). They provide excellent customer service, combining high-level professionalism with a warm, personal touch (and hilarious humor from Barry and Theo!). Paladin is, by far, the best!" read more

Great classes by some of the most experienced in the community, learned a lot, worth every penny.

If you need a CCW Permit in the Bay Area, there really is no other choice than Paladin Tactical. All of the instructors are well versed in the Sport of Firearms and tactical wise the best! The crew stemming from Dan and Barry and of course Theo made my experience less intimidating than any of the other classes in Bay Area that I attended. All five stars for the effective part as well and the reviews are true!!! CWard read more

Took the CCW Basic and Foundation class with Paladin Tactical U.S., and it was phenomenal. Huge thanks to the incredible team -- Dan Butler, Barry Grove, and Theo Trinh. They made the training approachable, thorough, and most importantly, effective. The instructors balance professionalism with a friendly teaching style that keeps you comfortable while still challenging you to grow. Safety is clearly their top priority, but they also make sure you walk away with real confidence and skills you can apply immediately. I came in to learn, and I left with so much more than I expected. I'll absolutely be back for additional training, and I highly recommend Paladin Tactical to anyone serious about learning the right way. read more

Quality pistol training for my CCW in Concord. Will be returning for my renewal. Thanks guys! read more

Just completed the CCW foundation and Basic Pistol Training with Paladin tactical. The classes were both fantastic, I would recommend to any needing to meet qualifications and wanting to better their shooting skills. I thought 16 hours of training might drag on but man was I wrong, Dan and Barry made the classes so engaging the time flew by. From the minute the classes started to the competition in final hour, it was a blast. Both Dan and Barry are extremely knowledgeable and work flawlessly as a team. The classes are very well run with safety always first. CCW foundation will give you a clear understanding of the laws concerning CCW, and the life commitment required to carry. Basic Pistol will make you a better shooter, no doubt about it. It was great to be taught by such experts and to see them in action. They can teach, make it fun, and they can shoot too! Thanks Paladin, Dan, Barry, I can't wait for my next class. read more

Paladin Tactical are the guys you need to use for your CCW training and CCW training is only one of the many other practical and advanced firearms training classes they offer. Dan and Barry have 30+ years of practical, professional real world experience with firearms, firearms training, law enforcement, the legal system, competitive shooting, gear selection and many other areas. These guys are the real deal and at the end of the training session you will have learned something new that will make you a better, safer shooter thanks to Dan and Barry sharing their knowledge, shooting skills and techniques with you. read more

I first attended the Paladin CCW1 class, which is an 8-hour training course that is required by the state of California to obtain a CCW permit. After attending CCW1 I realized I could use some additional training so I attended the Paladin Basic Pistol course, which is a very well-structured course to assist new and intermediate gun owners. The Paladin instructors are seasoned professionals, and they truly take their time to make sure classes are productive and that attendees leave with a high level of confidence when it comes to handling firearms. And one instructor is a former district attorney so you get some great insight into the various laws that surround gun ownership and gun use. I still can't believe the amount of information I learned after being a gun owner for over 20 years. I definitely recommend the Basic Pistol course if you're a new or intermediate gun owner, but I also recommend Paladin as a "go-to" organization for anybody who wants to learn more about firearms, special tactics, etc. These guys are really good at what they do! read more

I signed up and attended the Paladin Basic Pistol course taught by the instructors at Paladin Tactical in Concord. I highly recommend this course and this school. They will teach you not only the basics of your firearm but also how to shoot accurately clear a jam, to clear your holster smoothly, the proper way to pull a trigger, how to eject a magazine and insert a new one in one quick nation, proper stance, and more. It is an 8-hour course that will equipt you in the safe and proper handling of a firearm. The two instructors were awesome. Highly knowledgeable, and extremely competent. I highly recommend that if you have a firearm, spend the money to take this course from the experts at Paladin. read more

Excellent class, held by extremely competent and knowledgeable instructors in Dan and Barry. I took the enhanced CCW course, which I highly recommend over the standard. If you want to shoot and learn practical CCW fundamentals this is the course to take. read more

Subject Matter Expert I took the CA CCW class and it was a very good experience. The class was very casual and easy to follow. The class covered all aspects from the law, judgement, and firearms and equipment choosing. I could appreciate the small jokes here and there as well as the seriousness in which they took gun safety. For anyone looking to take a class I would highly recommend Paladin Tactical for their expertise, price, and willingness to work with people of all level. I look forward to future classes with them. read more

Basic pistol and CCW review: Excellent training from knowledgeable instructors. Curriculum very well constructed and thorough. No time is wasted on filler. Strong emphasis on the importance of safe gun handling and setting a solid foundation of the basics.Very professional and relaxed atmosphere. Great experience! Will be taking more classes with them in the future. read more

Excellent excellent excellent. The trainers are more then real life experience. If you are a gun owner take just even there basic pistol class, education and practical knowledge is what they are about. This honestly should be mandatory for anyone who owns a gun , they make you a better gun owner. read more

I have taken 2 courses so far from Paladin CCW 1 and CCW 3. I would strongly encourage every shooter to take their CCW 3 class and if you are looking to get your concealed carry license take CCW 1. I have taken classes at other schools and this is by far the best training. read more

CCW1 class was very informative, both Dan/Barry were knowledgeable. The content covered in the class specifically the "guard rails" of law related to concealed carry or self-defense, have been comprehensive and useful. Barry provided valuable insights on the topic. Emphasized the importance of knowing when to use firearms in a self-defense situation, not just how to shoot. This is a critical aspect of ccw or self-defense, as responsible gun owners must be able to make informed decisions about when to use their firearms. I recommend CCW1 class, it will be useful learning experience for anyone interested in ccw or self-defense. The combination of informative content and knowledgeable instructors make for a great educational opportunity. CCW2 class was fun! Dan was great covering first aid/casualty care. You'll experience many considerations when low-light comes into the picture including extreme close-quarter scenarios or how to clear a room in total darkness. Dan's FBI background provides insights on adversarial role play with the use of AirSoft pistols along the follow-up review/discussions on the participants reactions or lack thereof. How situational awareness may help prevent bodily harm or death to you or your family. This is a must if you want to continue to improve on self-defense. CCW3 improved my basic pistol knowledge and handling. Helped me to understand and apply proper grip, stance, sights, trigger control as well as reloading with efficiency and speed. Dan and Barry complement each other on knowledge and experience. Sampled strong/weak hand only as well as cross-dominant and cant shooting aim. Thank you Dan/Barry! Charlemagne read more

Did my CCW 8 hour course here. Definitely more than just the mandatory stuff. Great day and I learned a lot. I've been shooting for a while and it held my attention and was full of real world knowledge and experience. read more

Recently had the privilege to attend Basic Carbine and Intermediate Pistol courses. Dan, Barry and crew are great instructors. They maintain patience while providing insightful ways to improve, always in a positive fashion. Eyes are always on your every move, not only for class safety but making sure they are not missing any opportunity to tighten up your draw. They do push you, expect you to challenge yourself through various timed drills, in order to succeed and improve. They definitely have the background, they know what they are doing and want to share important fundamental tactics to improve our self defense. I have trained rather regularly with Threat Scenarios, still do, but with a lull in their schedule and some free time on my hands I decided to mix it up and check out Paladin. I came away more than impressed, and will continue to mix in some training with Paladin. They offer some weekday training too, which is conveniently blended in with weekend offerings. These are real good dudes with wisdom to share, they are here to help us out, not clown on us for not having the level of expertise as they have earned. Highly recommend Paladin, you not only learn in class but have fun training too. read more

I went to Paladin Tactical for my Solano Country CCW class. Dan and Barry pack a lot of very useful information into their class. We learned a great deal about the law and how it works in California for CCW...the classed asked quite a few questions and all were answered really well. We also learned about the gear we should use and what we should avoid. They had people from 5 different counties there that day and I thought they did a great job keeping everything clear for each county(lots of differences between counties...even for the range test). Also got some great instruction from Dan on the range...little stuff that definitely helped me be more accurate. I absolutely plan on doing more of their classes in the future...I feel I could get a great deal of benefit from their knowledge and plan to take advantage of that. If you're looking for a good place to start your CCW journey or just learn how to handle and shoot firearms I definitely can recommend Paladin Tactical US. Big thumbs up. read more