Firearms Training

Basic to Advanced Firearms Training, LLC operates from Penryn in Placer County (CA License 121075). Pat Symons, the owner and principal instructor, brings three decades of experience in handgun safety and shooting instruction, backed by law enforcement work in California and Oregon and a BA in Criminal Justice from CSU Sacramento.

Intro to Handgun — No range time, classroom only. Covers safety rules, revolver vs. semi-auto, ammunition selection, handgun storage, and shooting fundamentals. For people considering their first handgun purchase.

Level 1 Handgun — For those with no or limited handgun experience. Includes 100 rounds of range time, basics on safe handling, storage, transportation, maintenance, and shooting stance/grip/trigger control.

Level 2 Handgun — Prerequisite: CCW permit or completed basic course. Introduces proper stance, draw mechanics using outside-waistband holsters, one-handed shooting, reloading drills, and target engagement at speed. Requires 250 rounds.

Level 3 Handgun — Intermediate-advanced. Shot from concealment with street clothing. Covers malfunction clearance at speed, strong/weak-hand transitions, Speed Rock drills, advancing/retreating movement, and 1–25 yard varied distances. Prerequisite: Level 2 completion or equivalent.

Level 4 Handgun — Third in the progression. Focuses on rapid multiple-shot placement on multiple targets with introduction to movement using inside-waistband concealed holsters.

Low Light Shooting — Evening class. Nine different handheld flashlight techniques, weapon-mounted light options, and balancing speed/accuracy in darkness. Prerequisite: CCW or Level 2 completion.

Shotgun I — One-day intensive covering safety and effective gun-handling designed to work under stress.

CCW Certification (16 hours) — Initial and refresher options (8 hours). Classroom and range, state-mandated written exam. Certified for Sacramento, Placer, and Yolo counties. Note: California Penal Code 26202 now restricts who can apply; check eligibility before enrolling.

LEOSA Qualification — Firearms qualification per USC Title 18, Section 926C(d). Contact Pat at (916) 660-2507.

Pat recently completed Bryna's law enforcement instructor certification and is now an authorized dealer. Courses include applicable California laws, instruction on Bryna products, product demonstration, and hands-on CL launcher use.

"Courses are delivered in a safe, low-key and professional manner. They are NOT TACTICAL OR HIGH STRESS."

Pat works with students of all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you're nervous about firearms or already carry, the focus stays on safety while building real shooting proficiency.

2205 Rippey Rd. #58 Penryn, California 95663 (916) 660-2507 Facebook: Basic to Advanced Firearms Training, LLC