I had a great experience at Southwest Training Center and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for CCW training.   I recently took a CCW course. It was a full 2-day, 16-hour program, but the team did an excellent job making it both comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. The training facility itself is clean, well-organized, and comfortable, which made a big difference during a longer course like this.   Their attention to detail really stood out. Everything was explained clearly, and they made sure everyone fully understood the material - not just to pass, but to be responsible and confident moving forward.   Big thanks to Bo, Mike, and Luis - all three are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and professional. They bring real-world experience and create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning.   Also, a nice bonus... they provided lunch on day two, which was a great touch and shows how much they care about their students.   Overall, top-notch training and a great experience. I'd absolutely recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone serious about getting their CCW done right, or any other firearms or medical related training. read more

See all

I've enjoyed (or endured) a Lot of firearms training courses over the years, but Bo and Mike provided classroom and range instruction that was second to none! While I learned much of what was being taught many years ago, Bo and Mikey were both very informative and entertaining! Their pleasant personalities, engaging teaching styles and obvious expertise turned what I thought was going to be sixteen hours of "detention" into a downright pleasurable learning experience!!! I'd recommend STC training to anybody looking to fulfill the necessary requirements to obtain a CCW, or to those interested in mastering various new shooting skills. I will Definitely be back for additional defensive handgun training, as I appreciate the way these humorous and talented professionals operate! The donuts and treats that were supplied at break time were also a great surprise!!! (I was even awarded a nice little prize for acing the final exam! WoooHooooo!!!) Two Thumbs Up to the guys and gals at Southwest Training Center!!! You Rock!!! read more

I had a great experience with Southwest. Can't say anything but positive things about the entire staff. Great culture they have there - everyone is pleasant to deal with and everyone is having fun while dealing with the seriousness of handling firearms like the pros that they are. My first exposure was to Yamin and although I didn't necessarily meet her, she was super duper helpful both on the phone and via emails. She's on it! Thank you, Yamin! Basel (unsure of spelling) was an excellent instructor for both the classroom and the practical range time. He kept the atmosphere of the class engaging and upbeat despite some of the lengthier material. Humorous and he knew his stuff. I only got to hear Luis speak to the class for a small portion but he is definitely knowledgeable about gun laws as well. Did not get to see him at the range unfortunately. There was another gentleman there that I didn't get his name but he was very helpful with tips to improve my grip. At the range, I watched the instructors, Bo and Mike, encourage an older woman who was a novice to guns and she was slightly nervous as she was having trouble manipulating her fireman but they were super patient with her. They gave off no condescending energy at all (and I've seen that from other instructors before, especially towards novices and/or women). But Bo and Mike had her shooting on target and I could tell she was so happy and proud of herself by the end of the day. I really appreciated their kindness towards her, they went the extra mile! Southwest is just good people is all I can say. 10/10 recommend for your pewpew instructional needs. read more

Southwest Training Center - Lopez Canyon Shooting Range - Firearm Training Near Me - Pacoima, California

I got my CCW training two years ago and they did such a great job that I came back two years later to do my renewal! Luis Ramirez is a great trainer. He is very qualified and passes his knowledge carefully and distinctively to his students. I have learned so much from the two classes that he has been the instructor for. I highly recommend this company and Luis Ramirez to get your CCW training. read more

The Real Deal. Clear and concise information and really likable funny instructors. They made the 16 full hours go by like nothing. The room is comfortable and the presentations are legible. I took pictures of each slide for future reference. They have snacks and candy! (Look inside the ammo box on the table!) If you're serious about true learning, training and safety, you will NOT be disappointed. read more

If you're not an X Navy SEAL or trained warrior - this is your place! These guys are so knowledgeable and friendly, not what i expected at all (maybe i watch too many movies and expected them to act like drill sergeants, I dunno) They are extremely patient and will work with you on the stupidest thing you can come up with and just never get frustrated! Excellent training and they kept us laughing and happy through it all! Would highly recommend read more

Excellent trainers and school. Lots of experience and knowledgeable I appreciated and happy I took the class with them

I took my CCW renewal class here and was very impressed with the instructors (Bo, Mikey, and Oney) and the program. The instruction was very conversational with real world examples. Then we headed to the nearby outdoor range which was 15 minutes away and received good instruction. The instructors really wanted to help us improve our shooting rather than just checking the box on requalification. The free drinks at the range was a nice touch. Then we headed back to the class for the exam and more discussion. I'd highly recommend this place. read more

Good friendly instructors (while at the same time no nonsense). Good class environment. Very good range experience for CCW test.

Instructors are very knowledgeable, engaging and fun. I drove over an hour each way because of the reviews STC had, and I can honestly say it was worth it! The classroom, parking and range facilities were well-kept, safe and comfortable - made the 16 hour CCW classes fly by! Highly recommend this crew! read more

Fantastic!!! Bo made the training g extremely stress free and fun. I walked away with a lot of pearls on how to use a firearm to safety and storage. He addressed all the questions regardless of the timing. The classroom was very friendly. We were able to network. At the shooting ranges Mike and Bo made it fun again with safety. I am a new gun owner, I was nervous but they recognized it and addressed my situation. Highly recommend all their training. read more

It was great class. Ony is rising star for SWTC. He is very details oriented, very patient and very helpful. I highily recomend this center for CCW training read more

This is second time I am taking class, Luise is great very knowledgeable. I would recommend this class highly.

Luis Ramirez was my instructor. Did an amazing job making sure the entire class was understanding the material. Great way of explaining things and has a good sense of humor. Definitely recommend going to him for any ccw training or any firearm training. -Mr.FN read more

I had my CCW training with Bo and Mikey last weekend and both were professional, approachable and very knowledgeable. So much so that my wife and I are going to take their shooting defense training shortly too. I would happily recommend them and look forward to training with them again in the future. read more

Took the Guard card/CA Powers to arrest training course yesterday and it was better than expected. Luis was the instructor and was very clear with instruction and used great examples to help remember important points within the course that were super useful for a 100% passing grade on exam. Luis answered all my questions and clarified areas that I needed more clarity on. I highly recommend this facility for this course and others they offer. read more

Hands down one of the best CCW license classes in southern California. Do I agree with this unconstitutional process? Absolutely not, is it designed to detract you from getting your CCW license due to inconvenience? 100% but the instructors here make it as fun as possible. Full of info, full of interactions. Basil the classroom instructor was amazing, and Bo at the range is the man! read more

They are genuinely concerned for the well being of their students. Good sense of humor, but serious too just to break up the monotony. Sometime they get the facts wrong, but quickly correct each other. read more

I took my CCW class with Southwest Training Center. This company is on the LASD approved list. The cost was very reasonable and the instruction was first rate. I had both Mike and Bo as instructors in the 2 day class and both exhibited professionalism, great knowledge and an incredible attitude. They both made sure that we understood the laws and ramifications of having a CCW permit. I highly recommend Southwest Training Center for anyone that has been approved to take the course. read more

I recently completed the required 8-hour CCW Renewal classroom and range training. Bohdan (Bo) was the lead instructor with Mike assisting at the Range. Bo brought a sense of relatability, professionalism, and comfortability to the classroom and range. Mike was outstanding as he brought his range skills to the forefront and passed those along. I would highly recommend Southwest Training Center to anyone wanting to learn and/or improve your firearm skills. read more

Hands down, the best choice I made this year was going with Southwest Training Center for me certification needs. My class instructor was Bo, a stand-up and stand-out guy. He was so thorough and brought things to our level to understand. Any questions we had were answered, and he made sure to explain it in ways we would retain the information and be able to use it in real-life situations. He covered all topics necessary and even some that weren't because he genuinely cared for us as students and wanted us to learn and be proficient inside and out. Being the first class in a new facility, I must say it was absolutely perfect. We had access to a very clean classroom with comfortable chairs and tables, an impeccable restroom, and even provided refreshments and light snacks. Don't be afraid or reluctant to go to the property as it has a great 24 hour security company providing watch over your vehicle in a locked parking area closed to the general public which was extra great for me. When we were in the Range Mike was the co-instructor who helped us, and I couldn't be more grateful for him explaining things in ways we understood. From 80 year old clients to younger females, he was able to adapt and explain things for us all to understand. It takes someone with their knowledge base to do what they do, and I am so appreciative for both of them! read more

Bo Nalepa is an excellent instructor. He explained all topics clearly. Facility was very clean and organized. We had access to clean restroom, refresher and snacks. Both Bo and Mike was extremely careful at range. 13 hours class and 3 hours range time was enjoyable . I will definitely take other classes from STC read more

Very great school and great prices, Instructors are well trained professionals who have been in the field they know what they are doing. I got proper training, I highly recommend this school read more