Can we come into your range and shoot?
We are strictly a training company and not a walk-in range or retail store. We teach our live-fire training classes on a private, outdoor range, which is open to our students that are registered in training classes.
Do you ever conduct any training classes at your business address, located at 1336 Moorpark Road, Suite 201, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360?
No we do not. This is strictly our mailing address and the location to which we are registered as a corporation with the State of California. Your course flyer will always list the specific training location and address. When you register for a class, we will send you a course syllabus which describes the training location, directions, and other things you’ll need to know about the venue.
How do I sign up for a training class?
You can select and register for a class online on our interactive course calendar, or you can call Brian at 310-720-2028. He can answer your questions and sign you up for any classes.
Can I just show up at your range on the day of a class?
You’ll first need to register and pre-pay your course tuition. After you register we’ll send you detailed information about your upcoming classes.
Why can’t I just show up without pre-paying for a class?
Because we maintain a maximum four-to-one student/instructor ratio for live fire classes (three-to-one for low-light training), we’ll need to know ahead of time so that we can plan for the class and assign the appropriate level of staff. We’ll also send you registration materials in advance to accelerate the administrative requirements at the start of the day.
Do you offer private or semi-private training?
Yes, we offer all levels of private (one-to-one) and semi-private (one-to-two) training sessions. We typically schedule these on weekdays in either half-day or full-day increments. Please call Brian to schedule private training.
How much do you charge for a training class?
Please check the course flyer for the specific class that you’re interested in as the tuition may vary among different courses. Generally, however, we charge $250 for an eight-hour group class (maximum 1 to 4 ratio).
What do you charge for a private class?
For our half-day private training (1 to 1 ratio) the tuition is $500 ($100 per hour/four-hour minimum, plus $100 range rental). For our half-day, semi-private training sessions (1 to 2 ratio) the tuition is $350 per person (no additional range rental fee).
Do you ever teach private training classes on weekends?
Only on rare occasions. We reserve our weekend training dates — which are dedicated for group classes — a year in advance. Occasionally we get a weekend range opportunity open on short notice. If you have let us know that you’re interested in doing a private session on a weekend we can save the date for you and let you know.
Can I take one of your handgun classes if I don’t own a pistol?
Yes, we have a limited number of rental pistols available for people that are taking our classes. Rental pistols will be available on a first come, first served basis, so please let us know early if you’ll need one. You will need to provide your own factory ammunition.
Can you issue me a California Firearms Safety Certificate?
Unfortunately we cannot but you can take the test and purchase a firearms safety certificate (necessary to purchase a handgun or long gun) at most gun dealers in the state.
Do you offer the required training for concealed carry permit applicants?
Yes, we do. This is a sixteen-hour training class which we teach over two days. It’s a comprehensive course, taught by law-enforcement instructors who adhere to a maximum four-to-one student/instructor ratio.
I’ve been shooting all my life but haven’t taken any formal training. Do I need to take the Basic Class?
We highly recommend that you do. Tactical and defensive firearms training isn’t the same as recreational target shooting. You’ll need to develop a strong foundation of gun handling and manipulation skills that we rarely see in shooters coming from a background of no formal training. Also, self/family/friend taught students commonly have years of engrained negative shooting habits which require correction. Two of our instructors have begun in our basic class so it’s always great to start with a strong foundation.
What firearm should I buy or bring to the range?
A lot depends on personal preference, which gun is ergonomically comfortable for you, relative ease of learning and operation, and your intended uses for the firearm. If you’re thinking of purchasing a handgun but don’t know which to buy, please call us. We’ll share with you over the phone a short philosophical decision matrix which will likely help narrow your field of options.
What holster do you recommend?
First, the most important consideration is to choose the correct belt to which you’ll attach your holster. Make sure that you get a sturdy but comfortable belt that’s designed specifically to support the weight of a holstered firearm, extra magazines, and other related equipment. For concealment and general range use we recommend a 1 ½ inch wide (1 ¼ inch wide if you’ll be wearing a dress suit) belt, constructed from a double thickness of quality leather or other material to give it strength and stability and to prevent your holster from shifting. For this reason, it’s important to match the size of your holster’s belt loops with your belt width.
Regarding holsters, we’ve taught hundreds of people to operate pistols from holsters and always start out with a strong side, outside waistband (OWB) holster. The skill set that you’ll develop using an OWB holster will later translate—with modification—to other types of holsters, such as inside waistband (IWB) and pocket holsters. Other holster considerations (either personal preference or mission priority) may include the cant, retention level, build material, attachment system, concealability, weapon-light accommodation, etc.). Ultimately though, comfort, safety and ease of operation should be your primary concerns.
Are there any holsters that you do not recommend?
We don’t recommend, or allow in our classes, the Blackhawk Serpa family of holsters, or any other retention type holster that requires the use of the trigger finger to release the pistol from the holster. Beyond that, we do not allow in classes (but may allow for specific training in private sessions) shoulder holsters, cross-draw holsters, ankle holsters, fanny-packs, or soft (collapsible) IWB holsters.
Will you customize a group class for my work place, church group, military unit, etc.)?
Yes, we love to design and teach special custom training courses for groups. We have experience working with corporate team-building groups, military units, pre-deployment government contractors, church organizations, law enforcement groups and security companies. If your desired training doesn’t involve live-fire, such as certain civilian active shooter responses courses, then we can conduct the class at your facility or another offsite training venue. We recommend that you contact us well in advance so that we can reserve range time or other training locations.
Is there food available for purchase at the range?
We hold most of our shooting classes at A Place to Shoot, which offers no food concession. You will need to bring all the food, water and beverages that you’ll require for a full day class.
Can I purchase ammunition from you at the range?
A Place to Shoot, Angeles Shooting Ranges, Oaktree Gun Club and other public ranges sell retail ammunition to shooters and will continue to do so. MV Tactical & Firearms Training, Inc. is not in the business of selling ammunition and will be prohibited from doing so by California law beginning January 1, 2018.
I’ve seen electronic hearing protection in stores and on the internet. Are there advantages and do you recommend using them?
Yes, we strongly recommend the use of electronic hearing protection. They are built to provide a higher level of noise protection and they amplify low ambient sounds which allow you to better hear range commands and other important information. We highly recommend using electronic hearing protection and have found models incorporating the following features to be the most useful: 1) Gel earpieces for comfort and sustainable use, 2) external battery compartment door for ease of battery change, and 3) automatic shut-off to prevent battery drainage and discharge during transport or storage.
Should I prepare my spouse, family member or friend for their upcoming class by giving them some informal instruction?
We usually achieve the best results when students enroll in our basic class without previous informal coaching or instruction, however well intended.