TRAINING

Elite Armory is proud to be able to provide you with high quality training from highly proficient and experienced instructors teaching the most current techniques to help develop you as a shooter whether your need be personal defense, marksmanship, or competition. Please contact either of our locations for a class schedule or 1 on 1 training.

MEET OUR INSTRUCTOR – Bradley

Bradley was introduced to firearms at a very young age which sparked his passion for shooting. He joined the military and served as a Military Police officer from 2013-2019. While in the military he completed the police academy and was assigned to work the roads. He was later transferred to a combat support role and completed the mounted gunner courses to serve as a gunner. He also served as a member of the QRF (Quick Reaction Force) and completed regular training with his team.

Bradley is a DOJ certified Firearms Safety Instructor, has extensive firearm knowledge and has taken classes from well renowned instructors. Because of his background, thirst for knowledge, and relentless determination to improve, he has been able to blend both a self-defense and performance mindset.

Bradley has 15 years of shooting experience and loves to teach new and experienced shooters alike. He currently spends hours each week honing his craft and shooting an average of 2,000 rounds a month. He is always looking for better ways to improve his shooting skills to then bring these techniques to the classroom. Bradley operates on the mindset of “always a student” which drives him to take multiple classes from other top instructors every year.

MEET OUR INSTRUCTOR – OWEN

Owen started shooting and collecting at age 13 and got his passion for firearms and history from his grandfather and father. He started shooting at the San Leandro Rifle and Pistol Range's Junior Optimist Club with Olympic style target rifles and then competed in Cowboy Action shooting at age 16. His love of history, film, and firearms has driven his personal collection over the years toward historical firearms as well as being involved in living history events and reenactments.

Owen has acted in several theater productions throughout his life from some early, Kid’s Take the Stage productions to CALSHAKES summer program production of Julius Cesar as well as CSUEB’s production of Cymbeline. History has also been the focus in his academic career. Owen earned his degree in US History at CSUEB, where he graduated and earned two department awards for his academic achievement in both World History and Public History.

Owen has almost a decade of experience in the firearms industry and is an NRA and California DOJ certified handgun instructor with a passion for teaching about firearms and their historical significance. He has a keen ability of picking out firearms inaccuracies in film and his knowledge and experience lends itself well to consulting for historical accuracy and realism. Also sharing in Bradley’s mindset of “always a student” which has enhanced his shooting experience and abilities. Owen consistently trains on both modern platforms and historical firearms as well as archery.

WHAT CLASSES SHOULD I TAKE?

For new and returning shooters with minimal shooting experience, we recommend taking our Intro to Handgun Course . After completing the Intro to Handgun course, we recommend taking a few range days to practice and ingrain the knowledge and skills you learned. If you would like a refresher or want more instruction but are not quite ready for more advanced shooting, we also offer 1 on 1 Training .Once you feel comfortable, have completed the Intro to Handgun Course and are ready for some more advanced training where we blend self-defense and performance shooting, Defensive Handgun is where you want to start. If you are interested in taking one of our classes, please visit either of our locations to sign up and reserve your spot. Details for each class is below.

Intro to Handguns

During the Intro to Handgun course, you will learn how to safely operate your firearm, the fundamentals of grip, proper sight alignment and we will focus on giving you a foundation for good shooting mechanics. These fundamentals will help you build good habits as you progress as a shooter.

This class requires nothing but a good attitude.  We have eye and ear protection as well as firearms you can use.  If you are using our firearm, you will need to purchase our ammo.  You are welcome to bring your own firearm(s) and ammo as well as your own eye and ear protection if you prefer.

1 on 1 Training

1 on 1 training is just what it sounds like. You will have the instructor and his undivided attention for one hour! Bring the firearm platform of choice (pistol, rifle or shotgun). 1 on 1’s are recommended for shooters who have already taken the Intro to Handgun Course as our focus during the 1 on 1 will be to help fine tune you as a shooter and push you to the limit of your shooting capability without any distractions. To do this, you need a basic understanding of shooting to take full advantage of the 1 on 1. You will have more of an opportunity to practice recoil control through rapid fire and this will help lead into the Defensive Handgun course. We do not currently offer a dedicated rifle or shotgun course but if you are a proud new owner of a rifle or shotgun and want to get instruction on how to operate and shoot your firearm, taking a 1 on 1 is the way to go.

This class will require you to bring the firearm platform of your choice, eye/ear protection, ammunitions, and magazines.  Electronic hearing protection is preferred so that you can hear the instructor.  Most of the items you need for the class are available for sale in store.

Defensive Training

Here we dive deeper into recoil management with quicker and more accurate follow up shots, target transitions, cognitive shooting, problem solving, offhand shooting, speed reloads and more. This course is a blast! We will be putting a lot of rounds down range so you may want to stock up before the class! Elite Armory remanufactured ammo is available at both of our locations for cost effective training rounds.

This class will require you to bring the handgun of your choice, eye/ear protection, ammunition, and magazines.  Electronic hearing protection, a dump pouch, at least 4 magazines, and a speed loader are recommended.  Most of the items you need for the class are available for sale in-store.

Please stop by our Tracy or Castro Valley location to start your firearms training journey.

HOLSTER FUNDAMENTALS

Welcome to our holster fundamentals class! In this class we will cover various types of holsters, how to safely draw your firearm, and practice some dry-fire reps before going onto the range. This class is geared towards people who already have a good foundation in handgun safety as well as shooting performance and want to take it a step further and practice from the holster. This is not a class for new shooters, it is a class for shooters who are new to holster work or would like to get more reps in. Please note: Outside the waistband holsters only.  No inside the waistband holsters allowed. 

 

This class will require you to bring your firearm, a belt designed to hold weight for example 2-piece (inner Velcro and outer) belt or thick EDC (Every Day Carry) belt, approved holster for your firearm, 2 magazines, eye protection, and hearing protection.  You may also want to bring a hat, magazine holder, dump pouch, snack, and water but these items are not required.

 

Please stop by either location to reserve your spot.

FILM AND THEATER FIREARM SAFETY COURSE

Let our experienced staff train your cast and crew!

In light of California Senate Bill No. 132 Section 3 Part 13.9150(b)(3), requiring basic firearms safety for firearms use on set, Elite Armory is excited to announce our new safety curriculum. This 8hr safety course is designed as a firearms safety course for Film and other entertainment professionals. Actors will get in-class familiarization and handling of different platforms, and on range instruction with a live fire component. The outcome of the class is to empower and provide industry professionals with the tools to safely operate firearms on set to ensure safety and strengthen their performances. Students will also have the opportunity to take the CA FSC (Firearms Safety Certificate) test. Everything is provided for the students, as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the course that can be added to your professional resume.

Who is this class for?

Actors / Film & Theater Students, Faculty, or Staff /Directors and Second Assistant Directors in charge of safety / Property Masters / Stagehands / Digital Media Developers / Other Entertainment Professionals / Safety Personnel.

Testimonials:

“As an actor and filmmaker, I found the 8-hr class invaluable. I began the day in a classroom learning the way a gun works, the different types of guns, how to shoot, and weapon-etiquette in real life, which can be applied to a film set. We then moved on to the range, putting what we learned in to practice. Throughout the whole process, an instructor talked us through it. I would recommend this course to any serious actor/filmmaker looking to use firearms on set. At the end of the day, I was California-certified. I also received a film & theater-firearm-safety-course certificate. It’s useful on your résumé.”

-Will

 

“As a creative consultant and SAG/AFTRA member for over 30 years I have witnessed the significant increase in the the use of firearms in movie and TV production. Actors and stunt performers with genuine qualifiable training and skill with firearms enjoy advantages of greater credibility and respect when it comes to casting. Consequently there is a distinct need for a firearm training program focusing on the needs of performers in our industry.

From my perspective the Film & Theater Firearm Safety Course offered by Elite Armory is ideal because it focuses on the essentials: classroom introduction to firearms and safety, firing range experience with real firearms and qualified instructors and certification recognized by California law. Additionally all of this is achieved during a one day class at a reasonable course fee.

I confidently recommend the Film & Theater Firearm Safety Course offered by Elite Armory to those in our industry who recognize the  employment and safety advantages of quality firearm safety training.”

-Dennis

ELITE ARMORY PLUS GUN RANGE