Me and my two cousins took a class with Don and everything he says makes perfect sense, I can tell he's extremely experienced through his life of dealing with weapons, he teaches you so much more then just shooting, he teaches you how to think about things your not thinking of and how to prepare yourself for everything! I felt safe because he takes control of his course and everyone in it. He meets everyone before they go out to the range which for me is a huge PLUS! TAKE YOUR COURSES HERE SO YOU CAN BE BETTER ALL AROUND! read more

I recently took a class called "ground zero" with Don. It was fantastic. He broke down complex topics such as ballistics in a straightforward way. We spent time going over the foundations of accuracy involving stance, grip, sight picture, and sight line, and then headed to the range where we did a lot of practice and I had the opportunity to shoot several different pistols, a 12 gauge, and a modern sporting rifle. This was an excellent class and I'd highly recommend it to anyone wanting to take a course on the fundamental principles of firearms. read more

Amazing experience, Don and team are experts in the field. You will leave with a greater knowledge and respect for guns. Don is a great resource. read more

Took this class on Friday May 29 2020. I had heard about this place from a client of mine. I always wanted to do it to get more familiar with my fire arm but ... I procrastinate and get lazy. After I heard what my client had said about Don , I had to take the class. I choose to do a private class with Don and his son Alex. Now going in I'm a white belt with fire arms. I feel in any situation when you go in not knowing something you may have a fear of looking silly for lack of knowledge. In my situation that was certainly the case. From the first moment I sat in his classroom to going to the field I never felt uncomfortable . If a moment came up when I didn't know what I was doing , Don would say" This is why you're here , to learn and get better". It's broke down very fundamentally and very easy to pick up and learn. He's just a very good teacher and knows how to read you and figures out how you learn best. He used as lot of golf analogies with me so I could better understand. I absolutely loved working with him and his son. Definitely will be taking the class again. It was so much fun and haven't stopped sharing to friends that they need to go. read more

This is a great training program from individual classes to group monthly membership. Open range Kinetic tactical training differentiates this program from a fixed standing shooting forum to scenario movement and cover drills. CCW classes and certification are also available. read more

First, Protection Plus Tactics is awesome. I shopped a ton of reviews from different training places in Placer and Sacramento County and decided on PPT. Don (owner) is a freaking great instructor, which comes from his extensive military and professional training. At first, he seems a little aggressive, but it's because he cares about what and who he is teaching. He built a great confidence in me in just the first class. I highly recommend you give Protection Plus tactics a try. And definitely sign up for more than one class. This training is not a one and done. Check out the Freedom Pack. read more

My family of beginners completed our private training with Don and his son Alex. It was an exceptional experience, from the videos prior to the lesson, in class hands on training, and the training at the range. Don and Alex were wonderful, patient, calm, supportive, professional, courteous, and encouraging. Don is a gifted instructor with a wealth of knowledge. I felt the training was worth every penny. Our experience exceeded our expectations. We will take all the information we have learned and spend some time at the range to become more proficient. We will return to take additional private/ advanced lessons from Don. Thank you Don and Alex! Ernie C. read more

Best place for any tactical training in the area. Don runs his classes organized, responsibly, honestly and patiently. I wouldn't go to anyone else for tactical training or ccw training. Don covers every detail and then some. Great atmosphere. Great people. Look no further than these guys for your tactical training !!!! read more

Tried Don and Alex for my renewal class and was highly impressed with their knowledge and passion. Don has a military background and it definitely comes out. He's intense and passionate, and if you do something wrong on the range he's gonna let you know! Almost being at the wrong end of a muzzle I definitely appreciated him being aggressive and quick to jump in and correct the other guy. I'll be looking at more classes through Protection + Tactics in the future. read more

Wow! As an Air Force Veteran and former federal agent, I have been through a lot of training. Initially, I went to Don to update my carry permit. We booked a private class for both my husband and I. From the outset, it was apparent that Don knew his stuff. I learned some new things from Don and when he wanted me to change something, he had a logical reason for the suggestion. Excellent instructor - clear in his concepts and highly skilled. Practical advice designed to keep you alive when confronted with an adversary. I will definitely be booking more time with Don in the future. Works well with both men and women. Very professional and safe training with an emphasis on practical skills. I highly recommend this business for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge on firearms, gun safety and tactics. read more

My husband and I did a three-hour private pistol class with Don and I've taken his CCW Permit class and plan to continue with advanced pistol and additional classes as needed. I really like that Don works with everyone on their level, making sure they truly understand from having the right mindset for handling a lethal weapon to safety measures, drills, real life situations, disarming techniques and more. I like the option for private lessons and small groups, and love the private range! Thanks to Don both my husband and I have a new awareness of the many responsibilities that go with gun ownership. Whether you are new to firearms or looking to improve your skills - call Don at Protection Plus Tactics. read more

Don is tops in my book for this type of training! He is not a by the book guy., He believes in what he teaches and does an outstanding job. I can now get my CCW license thanks to Don. Darold C. read more

I am a newbie to guns and after being overwhelmed at the local gun shop, I contacted Performance Plus Tactics (per the gun shop's recommendation) and set up a meeting with the owner Don. Don gave me a brief intro about Protection Plus Tactics and also got feedback from me on what I was looking for. He recommended the Ground Zero private instruction where I was shown gun safety, the basic parts of the gun, and the differences in different caliber bullets and how they work. The next part of instruction was at their private range where I was able to shoot different caliber guns. Jake, the instructor, was great building on gun safety and handling. He observed my shooting and was great at instructing me on shooting the gun, correcting my tendencies, and making suggestions on what gun would be good for me. I left the class feeling more comfortable about handling a gun. I felt more confident on my next trip to the gun store. The class also opened my eyes onto more training is needed for using the gun for self-defense, so I plan on going back to Protection Plus Tactics for additional training. read more

Got my CCW years before through another instructor, needed to renew and my local gun store suggested Don and Protection Plus Tactics. Took my renewal class and all I can say is WOW!!!. Learned more in that renewal than my previous training. I am hooked on Don's knowledge and training style. I signed up and took my first private lesson this last week. First class experience all the way. I felt like I was being trained to be an "operator" but, yet, I was coached and taught with a very thorough process. I can't wait for my next lesson. read more

My son and I were lead to Protection Plus Tactics by our local gun shop after we inquired about CCW training. We first attended an evening work shop to get a feel towards the teaching style of this company. A very short way into the first meeting we both felt we had found something special. Since this time we have both completed our CCW training with Don and feel we have only scratched the surface of what knowledge can be gain through him. Training at the local gun range is enjoyable but the real training and FUN is done with Protection Plus Tactics. We look forward to many more learning opportunities. read more

Spent last Saturday with my son at Protection Plus Tactics going through the CCW training course. I have to admit I was blown away with Don Ratkowski and his professionalism. He is an amazing instructor and makes me want to go back for more advanced training. I felt nervous at first and with a quick comment and patience Don was able to calm my nerves and get me on track to relaxed and confidant shooting. Don takes control and allows the students to learn from their mistakes in an extremely safe environment. No boasting, no showcasing, no intimidation, just pure professional training. read more

If your really want to learn from a highly trainer instructor Don with Protection Plus Tactics is who you should chose. With not much experience in handling firearms I wanted to make sure that I had the knowledge and skill and I definitely learned in his one on one class. Don will take you from learning about bullets to providing a brief history lesson to properly handling a firearm. I've been around people that have had guns for years and I learned much more from his training where I feel I know more about handguns than them. I would encourage experience to non experience students to contact Don and schedule a class. I don't know what other training locations charge but what I can tell you what I learned was money well spent and I'm taking another private lesson before I move into advance training. Also i wanted to mention I took his CCW class last weekend and his private lesson before helped me be more comfortable for the CCW class. Again please take him class it's very informative, he doesn't have a ego and you are not just another number. Take care. C.M. read more

Best training you can come by. Don is not only well knowledgeable but he's a great guy to work with. I feel very safe recommending Don to my friends and Family because I know they will receive the best and safest training! read more

I've taken a couple training classes with Protection Plus in the last few months including his CCW and Alpha Pistol and feel I've leaned some important and eye opening things during the training and would recommend it to others. The classes are small and the instruction is personal and informative. A bonus is you can book a private training class that allows you to become familiar with handling firearms and gear in a safe and private environment as classes are at a private range. read more

Had the pleasure of taking my very first firearms training class with Don the other day. Don was extremely knowledgable, professional and most importantly, a great teacher in every aspect. I sought out Don as I didn't want another certified instructor but an instructor with actual real world experience, in real world situations using proven and tailored tactics. Don delivered both in exceeding my expectations and in creating a working class environment that not only teaches the how, but the why. I look forward to many more classes with Don and highly recommend him and Protection Plus Tactics for your training needs. read more

My wife and I recently finished our first class with Don. I have 10 years of prior law enforcement and my wife has minimal firearm experience. Don was great; safe, patient and clear and concise. We both felt comfortable with the training. Changes to my grip has made a huge difference in my grouping and speed. We will be continuing with further training, my wife will take the personal protection route and pursue her CCW and I will further my skills with the advanced training. I like that he interviews first to gauge the individual's skills in order to give the best advise for training. I will be recommending Don to family and friends that are interested. Thank you Don. read more