Prior to taking our class with Don, I was, at best, a novice at shooting, having been to a range perhaps once every five years. My wife was a rank beginner, never having touched a firearm once in her life. Accordingly, we decided that we'd better get some individual professional instruction before we purchased our first firearm. Based on his reviews on Yelp, we sought out Don Ratkowski for our first lesson and we are very glad that we did. He did an excellent job with teaching me about my two most pressing concerns - rules for handling the firearm safely/legally and how to respond to weapon malfunctions. His manner was calm, professional, and courteous. It's obvious that he loves his profession and is eager to introduce it to anyone who wishes to learn. My wife is keen to ensure that I write that she was very pleased with his instruction as well. She notes that when Don first pulled out a pair of unloaded pistols to demonstrate how they worked, she was so apprehensive that she couldn't take her eyes off of them for fear that they would suddenly misfire and kill someone! Don noticed this and was careful to patiently explain to her how firearms should be safely handled and made sure that she demonstrated these techniques when we went to the range. After four hours of patient and knowledgeable instruction, she's now confident that she can safely own and operate a semiautomatic pistol. For now, both of us will be spending some time on the range to consolidate what we've learned and when we've done that, we'll be back for more advanced classes! read more

All I have to say is WOW!! Don is a true class act and a gift from god! Don took the time to get to know us first which I felt was extremely important. You can tell Don has a TRUE passion to educate and help people. This isn't one of those teachers just out for the dollar, frankly I think that is the farthest thing from his mind. The basic skills we learned were so in depth it blew my mind. I had no clue all the different things that could happen in any situation. Don made us feel completely comfortable and had extra care/patience with my wife who "was" (No longer) afraid of guns. We learned so much just in 1 class that I feel we are far more advanced than the average gun owner. Don made it clear that he truly cared about people and their ability to protect their families. I know we are just at the tip of the iceberg of what he's going to teach us! I can't wait for Don to take us to a new a level of skill and awareness when it comes to protection for myself and my family! We will be doing many more sessions with you Don. If you are looking for the best and a guy who TRULY cares for people, call Don ASAP! read more

I can honestly say it was a defining life-long memory for my father, brother and I. I don't know why but I was skeptical when I heard about this. I wasn't sure if we needed this class, I've gone to gun classes before. Got my CCW in Utah and my father has his here in CA. Maybe I was worried it would be either too intense or not enough. BUT it absolutely blew us away. They tailored the lesson to our level of interest, and eased any reservations we had. Everything had purpose and was very well structured and professional. They were ready for anything, it even partially rained on us but they had huge pop-up tents. We had forgotten ear and eye protection. They had us covered. It was a blast. Most of all, Unbelievable professionalism. Whenever they had an opportunity to correct our mistakes or show us a better way, they did it in such a respectful and professional way. Was not expecting that. They never made us feel uncomfortable about our skill level. They have too be the most sincere yet very knowledgeable guys we've come across. Unbelievable experience. Highly recommended. read more

Protection Plus Tactics offers an outstanding training experience. Their programs are well-structured, thorough, and effective for all skill levels. You can immediately see the professionalism in the way they conduct their courses while still maintaining a welcoming, approachable atmosphere. What really sets them apart is that they are a family-run, locally owned business that genuinely cares about their students. The instructors are patient, caring, and take the time to make sure you understand every detail. They never rush the process and are always willing to answer questions and provide extra guidance. Whether you're looking to build confidence, improve your skills, or simply learn in a safe and supportive environment, Protection Plus Tactics is the place to go. Highly recommended! 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

Don is a great instructor and most importantly a red blooded patriotic American. I went to Protection Plus Tactics to obtain my CCW that I have repeatedly attempted to obtain for the last 10 years, but due to my crazy work schedule and having to travel the globe I have been unable to accomplish it. Don and his team helped direct me on the exact process and worked with my ridiculous schedule finally allowing me to obtain a CCW. Overall Don is an excellent instructor and very dedicated to his students accomplishments with their goals and expectations. Thank you Don for the motivation and success in being able to legally protect myself and my family. read more

Don more than exceeded our expectations. Not only did we learn all that we were seeking to know, it was amazingly fun at the same time. My wife and I were looking for someone who could teach us how to handle, shoot, and become completely comfortable with our handgun. Don taught us all of this and then some. He truly is a master of his craft. We are both extremely thankful we found him. For anyone new to shooting or just looking to become comfortable with a gun, Don is the guy you want. We would give him 6 stars if we could. Thanks so much Don! Sincerely, Anthony & Christelle Martin 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

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

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

Don was awesome. Nice guy, easy going yet knowledgeable in what he was teaching. Really allowed me to develop from no previous knowledge of firearms to working my way around various handguns. Can't wait for my next session. If you're looking for someone who has been there (war) and knows absolutely everything there is to know about firearm and tactical training the Don is your guy. read more

Don is the best. He runs multiple levels of training classes from beginners to expert and everything between. He will getting shooting better in your first class but if you are anything like me you will be craving for so much more. If you want to be the best you need to be trained by the best. Don is the real deal and I can promise you that you won't be disappointed! read more

This is exactly the type of small business the community should be supporting! Amazing people and amazing product selection. Helen, Drew, and Alex are all people of the highest caliber. Whatever your needs protection and tactics will take care of you and treat you fair! Them having the best prices around is just a bonus after getting to work with such great people. read more

I used Protection Plus Tactics for my CCW training and Don did an amazing job with teaching both in class training as well as the initial gun range qualification. I would highly recommend Protection Plus Tactics to anyone who is looking for hand gun training courses as well as the CCW training. read more

Finished my CCW training with Protection Plus Tactics. Very informative and safe class. Don is a very knowledgeable instructor. I look forward to taking some of the other classes he offers. Continue to educate and train yourself, it is a great responsibility. read more

I have known Don for a short time; however, being that I was in the infantry with deployments to iraq and afghanistan, when Don and I talk, I know this guy knows his stuff. Looking forward to attending your class this weekend. Great guy as well. read more

Attended the TCCC course and was extremely pleased with the class. The expertise from Austin and Jacob was apparent and the hands on active shooter scenario was extremely eye opening to the real world scenarios we might face. read more