I couldn't recommend James Murphy more highly for CCW training. He is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and professional, and his extensive military and law enforcement background shows in the quality of his instruction. James always made time for questions and made sure everyone thoroughly understood the material before moving on. He was approachable, polite, and generous with his knowledge, sharing practical tips and insights throughout the course that added a lot of value. What stood out most was how much he cared about making sure we understood what we were learning. If you're looking for an experienced instructor who takes the time to teach thoroughly and makes you feel comfortable asking questions, James is an excellent choice. Highly recommend! read more

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James is the man!, almost been going to him for a decade now. He's very knowledgeable, entertaining and just a wealth of knowledge. I've taken many instructional classes and James is down to earth and not one of those FUD gun guys who make your life miserable. Whether you're new to training or experienced I couldn't recommend James enough and send all my friends his way. Stay safe Brother, thanks again. read more

Just completed my CCW course with James. The 100% five star reviews don't lie. James has a way of making the course interesting and interactive. It's evident he truly cares about an individuals fundamental right to carry. I found the curriculum, training, and certification process extremely informative and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to take their 16 hour initial course. I definitely learned way more than I ever bargained for. Thanks again, for a great experience! read more

I would definitely recommend this class. James is an excellent instructor who is very knowledgeable with personal firearm protection. I really appreciated the smaller classroom size and the time James took to review materials and the questions he answered. read more

The Best CCW Course I could have asked for! James was an incredibly great teacher, acting patiently and thoughtfully throught the entirety of my 16 hour course. He answered any and all questions I had, and really took the time to make sure all the laws and penal codes were understood. Aside from being a great teacher James is also one hell of a good person. I'm very happy to have done my training through him 10/10 would reccommend to anyone who is looking to get their permit. read more

PPFT Personal Protection Firearms Training - Laser Firearm: James used to help work on my precision - Firearm Training Near Me - San Diego, California

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I took my 8 hour training course with James & it was awesome! We spent time in the class room learning everything you need to know including Penal Code, Gun Safety, and a lot of other information essential to being well prepared and equipped if you are going to conceal carry. We then proceeded to learn skills and strategies that will help you in a real life scenario. Then at the range he teaches you with hands on advice and offers for you to come back and train with him! James is personable and professional. I was able to speak with him on the phone 3 times before I even took the class. I highly recommend anyone getting their CCW to take the course with James Murphy. I will be returning to get my renewal in 2 years! read more

I took the CCW course with James. He is awesome. Highly recommend. He made the process very easy :)

Invaluable training! James, will go through everything from the fundamentals of firearm safety to examples of real life scenarios and how to prepare yourself. If you're reason for attending training is to improve your skills, gain more knowledge in personal protection or even obtain CCW training - then you've come to the right place. The best training that you hope you never have to use. He will help you improve your skills on and off the range. Thanks again, James! read more

I took my eight hour CCW training with James eight hours felt like two. I learned a bunch, had a great time. he answered all my questions. he's very professional and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him. read more

I completed a class with James this week and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. James is so knowledgeable and experienced. He walked us through the course curriculum efficiently and made sure to answer any questions. James has real world experience with firearms in defensive scenarios. He made me feel very comfortable moving from the classroom to the range to apply the shooting techniques learned. He was always encouraging and helped me hone my skills. I would recommend James to anyone looking to improve their knowledge and shooting proficiency! read more

James is a true professional when it comes to firearms training. He far exceeded my expectations!! He only trains a maximum of 3 students per class, so you get plenty of personal attention in class and at the range, customized to your skill level. The classroom portion was well organized and presented at a pace that allowed for follow up questions. Also did some laser simulation shooting in class, so it wasn't all books. However, the fun began at the range! James showed a genuine interest in making me a better shooter! We covered everything from the very basics to advance shooting techniques, some unique to him and suited for real life self defense, not just target practice. This I appreciated the most. Going back next month for another class.Highly Recommend! read more

Mr James it is a great instructor and very knowledgeable of his craft, I recommend him to everyone that are thinking in getting your CCW it is worth every penny! read more

I cannot recommend James at PPFT strongly enough. I took my 8-hour CA CCW class and it exceeded all expectations. James is a no-nonsense, practical, hands-on instructor with decades of real-world experience. He teaches in a very comfortable small-group environment with abundant opportunity to ask as many questions as you can come up with, and the simple techniques he teaches at the range make you a better, safer shooter in REAL LIFE defense scenarios, not just aiming at targets. Beyond all of this, and where James really stands out, is the ongoing follow up support he provides after the class. Once a client, always a client -- he is there for you, answering questions, keeping in touch, meeting at the range, helping you to keep your skills and knowledge sharp. I have rarely if ever met a business owner of any kind with this level of dedication to his clients. James at PPFT will always be my top choice for firearms instruction. read more

I did my 8 hour CCW training with James. From the start he was great! Very communicative and helpful. The majority of the class was conducted in his office where he taught about various penal codes and educated me on the importance and responsibility that comes with carrying. A test was taken after the days lesson (that you will be sure to pass because he teaches vert well). Before we went to the gun range he taught me how to handle the ins and out of my gun as well as worked in form. Then we went to the gun range, where he fine tuned my form live in action. I definitely recommend training with James: he's knowledgeable, kind, and will make you a safer better shooter and CCW carrier. read more

PPFT Personal Protection Firearms Training - At the Gun Range with James - Firearm Training Near Me - San Diego, California

James and I had a blast while I was learning all the ins and outs of California CCW laws. He also allows you to practice before going to the range to make sure you're comfortable with the point and shoot technique needed to qualify for your CCW. He is more thorough with CCW certification training than what's needed to qualify to make sure you are proficient (ie 50 rounds vs 15 rounds). Thank you James! read more

I found James while I was researching different instructors to complete my 8hr Initial CCW Training, and I am glad I went with James/ PPFT after reading reviews, and looking over his posted background on the website. Not only did I learn about the law of carrying a CCW, but the on hands training has definitely helped me in my efficiency and accuracy to shoot. It's also a huge plus knowing that I can go through PPFT when my renewal comes up, as well has future training sessions to home in and advance my skills. Highly highly recommend James, and PPFT, wether you want to learn more about firearms and/ or shooting, as well as needing to complete your training for your CCW. read more

My wife and I took the PPFT home defense class with James Murphy yesterday in part because of the great reviews here. And he exceeded expectations in every respect - his knowledge and experience are beyond outstanding as noted in other reviews here. Even more significantly, his demeanor is exceptionally well-suited for firearm instruction - calm, very direct, weighted with decades of experience, but never overbearing. I didn't just get my money's worth, I left inspired to learn more and become more proficient. read more

PPFT Personal Protection Firearms Training - First time on the range - no problem. - Firearm Training Near Me - San Diego, California

I took an 8 hour course with James and learned so much about firearm safety and the laws around them. He was so knowledgeable and friendly. I left the class feeling very confident. He will be my go to for future training and I will be recommending him to everyone I know. Thank you James!! read more

If you're looking for CCW training in San Diego, you should contact James at PPFT; I'm not surprised he has a perfect 5-star review here! I looked into each and every licensed instructor with the San Diego Sheriff's Department and James provides the most convenient, personalized, and professional training in the county. If you're like me, you've already been waiting for over 6 months to get your provisional approval; you won't need to wait another few weeks to complete training in a large class with the other instructors- you'll likely get on James' schedule within a few days. After being a CCW license holder for 10 years, I still got a lot of value out of my training with James; details below: CONVENIENT: James conducts training (seemingly) 7 days a week and adjusts his training schedule to suit your schedule. His office is conveniently located in Mission Valley and the range qualification is held 10 minutes away at The Gun Range (TGR) San Diego in Kearny Mesa. Parking is discrete and plentiful, the classroom is comfortably setup, training aids are readily available, and he arranges a lane reservation at TGR so you're not waiting in line for a lane (which is especially bad during COVID-19). James personally manages his schedule over text and is very responsive. PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION: James provides one-on-one instruction at no extra charge. Compared to other instructors that offer classes for a dozen students once a month, James provides one-on-one training meaning he starts by understanding your background, objectives, and learning needs then tailors the content and delivery to your needs. If you're completely new or a seasoned pro, you won't waste your time with content that is aimed for the lowest common denominator or the class average. You'll also have 100% of his attention on the range which results in personalized feedback and faster progression. PROFESSIONAL & PRACTICAL: James brings a wealth of professional experience from his decades of experience with military, law enforcement, and private investigation. He's personally familiar with local agencies and businesses providing invaluable context for all CCW holders in the county. This isn't my first CCW training course but I still learned more than a handful of strategies and tactics that will make me safer and more effective. His perspectives are objective and I'm confident with my future interactions with LEOs, licensed security guards, and civilians. Lastly, the range instruction goes beyond static shooting to pass the qualification but includes much more practical shooting techniques like point shooting, shooting targets with changing dimension(size), and tracking moving targets. read more

Awesome instructor. He knows the law and explains them very well. Very knowledgeable and very experienced. Someone you can depend and trust. Very patient. Well worth the time and money. Also very good instructions at the range. Overall, I will continue to use them for all my needs and would recommend them to anyone and everyone. read more

I met James at the range last year he provided me with tips on shooting. I also inquired about my CCW. He took his time to walk me through the process and also welcomed me to follow up with him during the process if I had questions. Of course I had questions and he was patient and knowledgeable. After I was approved for my CCW I took his class and it was amazing. I recommend James for all personal protection needs. Thanks James read more

. Looking to get qualified for your CCW? Need some additional firearms training to improve your skill level? If you answered yes, then look no further. James Murphy with PPFT is hands down the best firearms instructor that I have ever worked with. In the short time we were together, his outstanding instruction improved my firearms skills immediately. He goes above and beyond what is required and helps you in practicing real life scenarios that you may encounter. I highly recommend that you book your class with him and he will ensure you become confident, comfortable and skilled with your firearms. read more

I completed my 8-hour CCW firearms training with James. He was very thorough and patient with me. He's extremely knowledgeable about firearms and the laws surrounding them. Prior to my training course, I've had experience with shooting. But James was able to find areas of needed improvement, like with my stance and breathing. I became a better shooter almost instantly. You can feel comfortable that you will receive the best training from him! Thank you, James! read more

James is an amazing instructor. He is very thorough, knowledgeable, engaging and fun. I learned so much from him in our class and can't wait to keep training with him. 10/10 recommend! read more

I had the extreme pleasure of taking an 8 hr course with James. Scheduling was a breeze, communication was open and prompt. The class size was very personal (1-3 students per class) but I lucked out and was the only one in the class. The classroom portion was interesting and engaging. The techniques taught to me were life changing. Prior to the course, I would not have considered myself a proficient handgun shooter. During the practical portion at the range, I found myself gaining more and more confidence. I typically prefer to learn stuff on my own, mostly due to pride and sometimes unwillingness to have the humility to take a course. I'm so happy that I took this course as I now feel so much better and reinvigorated with combat pistol shooting disciplines. I would recommend with reservation James as an instructor to ANYONE looking to gain certification or refine their skills. He also offers continued support even after the initial course which is an amazing offer. He is extremely knowledgeable and a great conversationalist and makes learning really fun. read more

I think it's really rare to find someone in life who truly enjoys what they do, cares about their clients and wants the best for them. Well, if you had to describe James in one sentence that's him! James made himself available to my schedule, took extra time for my questions, and didn't hesitate to stop the class and explain anything in detail that we needed. A big thank you to James for his honesty and truly caring about the success of his students/customers. I already noticed improvement in the class and am excited to keep training and getting better in the future. Great work James, keep it up! read more

Great CCW instructor. Such a fun course and great time at the range qualifying. I will be coming back for advanced firearms training and when needing to add additional firearms to my permit. James is patient, fun and seems to enjoy his work. read more

Had a great time getting some training with James. Had some days off while my son was out of school for fall break. Got my son and me some one on one training with James. Started with some basic familiarizing with the pistol, taking it apart and knowing the part names. Moved to one handed shooting and then two handed shooting. For fun James had us do some drills. James provided guns, bullets, targets, and expertise of over 40 years. Price was little expensive, but well worth it. Great bonding experience with my son and me... James told us he has CCW classes three days a week and I plan on taking one and filing ASAP. read more

PPFT Personal Protection Firearms Training - James and my son training. - Firearm Training Near Me - San Diego, California

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James is top notch. Decades of law enforcement and shooting experience. He is very generous with his time and wisdom. I trained with him to get my CCW but learned so much more and improved my shooting skills immensely. I will see him for my renewal! read more

James was a great teacher!! He is very knowledgeable with firearms and most importantly he take so much pride and care about his students. Today I was lucky enough to have James trained me. I walked out of his class feeling confident on how to use my firearm safely. Thank you so much James for helping me with my CCW firearm training. You have taught me so much and I had so much fun learning from you. I definitely will be calling you to go shooting with you sometime. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a firearms training to go with James!!! You will NOT be disappointed taking his class!!! He is simply AMAZING. read more

Great trainer and patient with students. You will learn different shooting and firearm techniques from James while shooting with him. Thank you for all your help sir! Shawn read more

Did my 8-hour CCW class with James this afternoon. First off, I like the guy. Former law enforcement like me. Also a former-Marine and today it was the USMC birthday (hoorah!). While I once had a marksman certification, I haven't been shooting in more than 2 decades. So I was rusty, to say the least. James helped me a lot and he takes his training extremely seriously. Still, he's personable and an excellent instructor. I highly recommend his services. 5 stars. read more

For anyone interested in learning how to properly and safely handle a firearm James Murphy of Personal Protection Firearms Training is your guy. I was referred to James last year by the owner of SoCal Guns and I couldn't be more grateful for the referral. I am a novice gun owner; I bought my first gun late last year and have been training with James fairly regularly ever since. James is kind and patient and he never makes me feel bad or stupid about not being a more skilled marksman. He's very encouraging which I find helpful as I can become very easily discouraged when I'm attempting to learn a new skill. Whether your a novice gun owner like me or a skilled and experienced gun enthusiast James Murphy can get you to your personal next level with Grace, ease, and a sense of humor. Highly recommended! Thank you James! read more

James Murphy is an incredible instructor for the CCW program in San Diego. He has decades of experience with things that you are going to need to know. Not only gun safety, but also multiple legal aspects of owning a weapon. I highly recommend James without any reservations. read more

James Murphy at Personal Protection Firearms Training (PPFT) is a highly skilled professional. He is a extremely competent instructor. His flexibility and adjustments during the Handgun Safety Course had me fully engaged in the course. It was three of us taking the course, within the context of the curricula he identified the areas each of us had trouble with and took the time to develop an approach which enabled us to fully understand appreciate and practice lessons learned. James is a interesting conversationalist, able to clearly convey the principles of handgun safety and marksmanship. I would highly recommend anyone to take firearm training from James Murphy at (PPFT). read more

Had to renew my CCW training required for the Sheriff to submit on the Permitium system. Found this business on the County of San Diego Sheriff Instructors List. Easy to contact, by phone or text. Great first time with Instructor James. Having a military background myself, related well to James who is a prior Marine himself. Very approachable, great personality with plenty of related experiences relevant to weapons, and pertinent laws which made the classroom portion interesting leading up to the written test. There was a repeat student of his in there with me, which didn't detract from my experience at all but added nicely to discussions. The other student has been with James from the beginning of having his CCW and their years long relationship showed. When we shifted to the range, James was very patient and articulate. His calm demeanor kept the firearms training regimen at the range fun and motivating. read more

If you are looking for a CCW class or any firearm training, PPFT is the way to go. James was a great teacher and was extremely knowledgeable. I am very happy to have been able to work and learn from him and I would recommend using him to anyone that is interested in any firearm training. read more

I just purchased my first gun in many many years and wanted to get up to speed on the new firearm that I purchased and familiar with the law regarding owning a firearm. The gun shop that I made the purchase from referred me to James Murphy the owner of PPFT. When I receive my firearm after the required waiting period, I gave JAMES a call and he replied very promptly to set up an appointment with me. I was offered several choices with regard to the training and scheduled appointment promptly with JAMES. JAMES turned out to be an amazing instructor and communicator. He has a wide range of knowledge of not only firearms but also the law and how it applies to gun ownership. James took the time to start with classroom training and firearm orientation and then to the gun range (the fun part). I am so satisfied with this first training session that I plan on scheduling several more with JAMES so that I feel completely at ease with my new firearm. I highly recommend JAMES and PP FT to give you do you confidence to own a firearm safely and efficiently. Great jobs PPf read more

I did the firearm training with James (not CCW) and I am super happy with the result. I am now much more confident in my handling of the firearm, and I feel I would be able to use it properly if I ever need to. James is super knowledgeable, patient and takes time to point out how to improve your technique while pushing you at the same time. I would totally recommend this training to anyone who just got a firearm and want to get to a point where they feel confident using it, cleaning it, and who want to also be familiar with the legal/practical framework involved if you ever need to use it to defend yourself. read more

Mr. Murphy is an excellent firearms instructor. I have taken a few classes from other instructors and James Murphy is not just there to check the box and run through a syllabus. I could tell he truly wanted to teach me and see me improve. With his experience, he could tell what I was doing wrong and offered techniques to improve my performance. Listen to his advice and you will benefit imensely. read more