Arizona Defensive Firearms Training (ADFT)

Arizona Defensive Firearms Training has been teaching concealed carry and firearms courses since 1992. The company was founded by Rick Barkett, a former LAPD officer, and is now owned by James Smith, a Reserve Phoenix Police Officer after 31 years of full-time service. Over 30 years, ADFT has trained more than 50,000 students—that's the real measure of consistency.

• •Why choose ADFT? Their instructors aren't just certified—they're seasoned law enforcement veterans who've worked patrol, SWAT, training academies, and critical incident investigations. When someone explains Arizona use of force law, you're hearing from people who've enforced it, testified about it, and represented officers involved in shootings. That matters.

Arizona doesn't require a CCW permit to carry concealed, but their class explains the legal framework around when and where you can use a handgun in self-defense. This is not a marksmanship course—it's about the law.

What's covered: - Rules for safe gun handling - Arizona firearms law and restrictions - Interstate/intrastate travel with firearms - Restricted and prohibited carry locations - Interfacing with law enforcement - Self-defense use of force principles

The class includes: - All required AZ DPS permit application forms - Printed course materials - Certificate of Completion (valid in 38 states) - Digital fingerprinting available onsite ($30 for two cards)

Retired Sergeant James Smith 30+ years in law enforcement. 26 years as first responder (patrol, training, rapid deployment). Supervised high-risk assignments for 20+ years. Spent 4 years representing officers in critical incidents and use of force investigations. Finished his career in the firearms unit.

Certifications: AZPOST Defensive Tactics, AZPOST Impact Weapons, AZPOST Chemical Weapons, Taser M26/X26, SureFire Low Light Instructor, Force on Force, Force Science Institute, NRA Police Pistol/Shotgun/Patrol Rifle Instructor, AZ POST Firearms Instructor, NRA Tactical Shooting Instructor.

Officer Frank Marino Army National Guard military police with service in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and counter-narcotics. 20 years with Phoenix Police Department in patrol, field training, and patrol rifle operations. 20+ years with Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) representing officers in critical incidents, in-custody deaths, and officer-involved shootings.

Certifications: AZ POST General Instructor, AZ POST Firearms Instructor, NRA Pistol Instructor, Force Science Institute, AELE Lethal/Less Lethal Force, LRIS Use of Force Seminar, Alexis Artwohl's Use of Force Seminar, Phoenix PD Tactical Handgun/Advanced Handgun/Patrol Rifle courses.

Officer Cody Smith Teaching firearms since 2012. Worked with Phoenix, Maricopa, and Peoria Police Departments. NRA Certified Instructor, Patrol Rifle Operator, SWAT team member. Teaches pistol, rifle, and CCW.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility (BASF) 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85086 (I-17 at Carefree Highway, Exit 223)

Classrooms are air-conditioned. Range facilities available for live-fire courses.

Contact: 602-200-0606 Response time: Within 24 hours (text for faster contact)

You must be: - U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien - At least 21 years of age (can attend at 20 if turning 21 within 6 months) - Not a prohibited possessor (no felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, dishonerable discharge, mental health commitment) - Not under indictment or court order - Not a fugitive or controlled substance user - Never renounced U.S. citizenship

No Arizona residency required for U.S. citizens. Non-citizens need 90+ days in Arizona.

Law enforcement exception: Honorably retired federal, state, or local peace officers with 10+ years service can obtain permits without the training course. Active-duty certified peace officers also exempt.

• •Private lessons for individuals and custom groups
• •Pistol courses for practical self-defense handgun operation
• •Rifle training (patrol and tactical)
• •Force-on-force and advanced tactics through specialized instructors

ADFT designs courses for the average gun owner—not military operators. Their students range from people in their 20s to late 80s. Everyone deserves to learn to protect themselves.