
Southwest Training Center operates out of Pacoima, California (BSIS TFF #1576) and handles the full spectrum of firearms and security training for civilians, professionals, and law enforcement. They run courses at their classroom facility in Pacoima and use Lopez Canyon Range in Sylmar for live fire...
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Full description and what we offer
Southwest Training Center operates out of Pacoima, California (BSIS TFF #1576) and handles the full spectrum of firearms and security training for civilians, professionals, and law enforcement. They run courses at their classroom facility in Pacoima and use Lopez Canyon Range in Sylmar for live fire qualifications.
Concealed Carry Permits - LA County CCW: Initial (16 hours, 2 days, $350) and renewal (8 hours, 1 day, $200). Approved for LA Sheriff's Dept, LAPD, Burbank, Glendale, and other LA County agencies. No "just cause" requirement anymore—all LA County residents can now apply. - Utah Non-resident CCW: 4.5-hour classroom course ($235). Adds reciprocity with 30+ states including Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and Washington. Includes training, fingerprinting, passport photos, application review, state fees, and mailing. - Defensive Shooting Fundamentals: 8-hour course ($275) covering carry, draw, and pistol manipulation for self-defense. All skill levels welcome, no CCW required.
Firearms Training - NRA Basic Pistol - Pistol Marksmanship Workshop 1 - AR-15 Shooting Fundamentals - NRA Range Safety Officer certification - Glock Armorers Course (law enforcement)
Law Enforcement & Security - LEOSA/HR-218: 2-hour course ($75) for retired law enforcement to carry nationwide - BSIS Guard Card with Powers to Arrest - BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit - TASER, pepper spray, and baton permit training - Emergency Medical TECC-LEO (Tactical Emergency Casualty Care) - NAEMT TECC for first responders
Support Services - Live scan fingerprinting on-site - Firearms Safety Certificate courses - Private training available
Initial Course (2 days, 16 hours)
Day 1—Classroom (8 hours): Personal and home protection, self-defense firearms basics, defensive shooting fundamentals, legal use of force, shooting aftermath, gear and gadgets, skills building.
Day 2—Classroom & Range (8 hours): Additional classroom instruction with written exam. Range qualification at 3, 5, and 7 yards with B27 target (17/24 rounds required at each distance for primary firearm; 7-10 rounds at 5 and 7 yards for secondary/tertiary firearms). Up to 3 handguns per permit.
Ammunition Requirements - 80 rounds for primary firearm (factory ammunition only) - 30 rounds per additional firearm (no reloads) - Bring your own magazines/speed loaders
Renewal Course (1 day, 8 hours) Refresher on safe handling and firearm qualification. Same range requirements and ammunition specs.
Why Range Shooting at Lopez Canyon? The outdoor facility is restricted to club members and course participants—not open to the public. Located 10 minutes from classrooms with covered bays, seating, restrooms, and parking. Cell reception is spotty once you approach. Low-clearance vehicles can access; drive slowly and don't disturb wildlife.
Utah permits recognize reciprocity with 30+ constitutional carry states (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming) plus Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington (age 21+).
Southwest recommends California residents get both Utah and Arizona non-resident permits to cover 39 states total.
5-year permit, renews online.
| Item | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eye/Hearing Protection | Required | Rentals available |
| Firearms | Yes (CCW courses) | Bring all guns to be listed on permit |
| Ammunition | Yes (CCW courses) | Factory ammo only, specific round counts |
| Photo ID | Required | For live scan if needed |
| Closed-toe shoes | Required | No V-neck shirts; dress for outdoor range |
| Snacks/Water | Bring | Range isn't near convenience stores |
Training meets or far exceeds baseline standards at other centers. Having solid training helps if you end up in court justifying your experience. You train for when it counts.
They emphasize that choosing Southwest Training Center means training among the best in the industry.
Classroom: 10285 Glenoaks Blvd #6, Pacoima, CA 91331
Shooting Range: Lopez Canyon, Sylmar, CA
Private training and group courses available. Call about upcoming schedules—they often have courses already scheduled beyond what's posted.
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