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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’s passion for firearms began at a young age and has since evolved into a lifelong pursuit of excellence in shooting and instruction. He proudly served as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. military from 2013 to 2019, where he gained valuable real-world experience in firearm safety and defensive tactics.

A dedicated competitor, Bradley is registered with the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and competes in matches twice a month. He holds a Grand Master Class classification—ranking him in the top 2% of USPSA shooters nationwide.

Bradley is a DOJ-certified Firearms Safety Instructor with over 15 years of hands-on shooting experience. He brings a unique approach to teaching by blending a strong self-defense mindset with high-level performance shooting. His training includes instruction from some of the most respected names in the industry, and he continually refines his techniques by attending multiple advanced classes each year.

His commitment to improvement is evident: Bradley shoots an average of 2,000 rounds per month and dedicates hours each week to training. He firmly believes in the philosophy of being "always a student," constantly seeking better methods and insights to share with his students.

Whether you're a first-time shooter or looking to take your skills to the next level, Bradley’s approachable style, depth of knowledge, and passion for teaching make him an exceptional guide on your firearms journey.

MEET OUR INSTRUCTOR – OWEN

Owen is a certified firearms instructor and historical firearms expert with nearly a decade of industry experience. His journey began at age 13, when he was introduced to shooting and collecting by his father and grandfather—an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for firearms, history, and their intersection in American culture.

Owen began his marksmanship training with Olympic-style target rifles through the San Leandro Rifle and Pistol Range’s Junior Optimist Club, later transitioning into Cowboy Action Shooting by age 16. His interest in historical authenticity has shaped both his personal firearm collection and his active participation in living history events and reenactments.

A seasoned educator, Owen holds an academic degree in U.S. History from California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), where he was awarded departmental honors for excellence in both World History and Public History. His background in theater—ranging from youth productions to classical performances with CALSHAKES and CSUEB—complements his ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and engagingly in both classroom and consulting environments.

As a certified NRA and California DOJ Handgun Instructor, Owen offers a unique blend of technical skill, historical insight, and educational experience. His classes appeal to students who not only want to handle firearms safely and proficiently, but who also appreciate the stories, technology, and context behind the weapons they train with. His keen eye for historical detail also makes him a valuable consultant for film, theater, and museum projects seeking authenticity and accuracy.

Owen shares in the philosophy of “always a student,” continually sharpening his skills with both modern platforms and historical firearms, as well as traditional archery. Whether you're new to firearms or a seasoned shooter looking to deepen your knowledge, Owen brings a depth of expertise and a passion for teaching that makes learning both informative and enjoyable.

Discover the connection between past and present through precision, safety, and storytelling—with Owen as your guide.

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, Advanced Fundamentals Handgun Course 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.

ADVANCED FUNDAMENTALS HANDGUN COURSE

Ready to take your shooting to the next level? This Advanced Fundamentals course is designed for shooters who already understand the basics and want to dramatically improve their speed, accuracy, and overall performance.  This class is taught by Brad, a Grand Master competitive shooter in United States Practical Shooting Association, bringing the same techniques used by top competitive shooters to help you elevate your skills.  Throughout the course, Brad will break down the key elements that separate average shooters from high-level performers, with a strong focus on efficient technique and real performance gains.

 

What You’ll Learn

  • Refining and strengthening your grip for recoil control
  • Developing proper vision and target focus
  • Improving trigger discipline and consistency
  • Learning how to blend speed with accuracy
  • Target transitions for faster engagement
  • Fundamentals of movement while maintaining control and precision

 

This is a high round count, performance-focused class with most of the training taking place on the range, allowing you to immediately apply what you learn. Students should expect to fire a minimum of 320 rounds in this 4 hour class. This class is ideal for shooters who want to push beyond the basics and start performing at a higher level using proven techniques from a USPSA Grand Master competitor.

Required Gear

  • Your personal handgun
  • Minimum of 2 magazines (4 recommended)
  • Eye protection
  • Ear protection
  • Notepad for taking instruction notes

Optional but Recommended

  • Holster (must demonstrate safe handling ability and is subject to instructor approval)
  • Magazine pouch
  • Hat (trust us—no one likes hot brass in the face)
  • Water

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