Loading...
Loading...
Equality in Arms Defensive Training LLC exists because the gun community doesn't always live up to "the Second Amendment belongs to everyone." Christopher Fernandez started this company to fix that. In 2008, Fernandez walked into his first gun store in Florida—nervous, overwhelmed, and completely ou...
Own Equality in Arms?
01 // DETAILS
Full description and what we offer
Equality in Arms Defensive Training LLC exists because the gun community doesn't always live up to "the Second Amendment belongs to everyone." Christopher Fernandez started this company to fix that.
In 2008, Fernandez walked into his first gun store in Florida—nervous, overwhelmed, and completely out of place. He'd never seen a gun in person. The experience was so intimidating he avoided firearms for 11 years. But by 2020, after surviving two robberies in New York City (one at knifepoint on a public bus), he remembered a feeling he hated worse than anxiety: helplessness.
Watching the Pulse Nightclub shooting impact his community, coupled with COVID-19 unrest and the sudden targeting of marginalized communities, Fernandez decided he didn't want to be a victim again. He became an NRA-certified Basic Pistol and Rifle instructor and founded Equality in Arms to help fellow Floridians become responsibly armed citizens.
"I understand your safety needs because I have lived them."
The Only Explicitly Progressive, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ Owned Firearms Training Company in Central Florida. Equality in Arms explicitly welcomes people who don't feel welcome in traditional gun spaces. That means:
Concealed Carry Permit Classes - Covers firearms safety, proper handling and storage, legal aspects of carrying - Includes live-fire session to practice marksmanship - Certificate qualifies for Florida concealed carry permit application - No prior experience required; firearm rental and ammunition provided - Bring your own pistol if you have one (50 rounds, store-bought ammunition, good working order)
Basic Pistol Instruction - For those new to firearms or wanting foundational skills - Covers situational awareness, basic self-defense techniques - Live-fire training under instructor supervision at local ranges - Performance evaluated on self-defense distance drills
Pistol & Rifle Instruction - NRA-certified instruction - All skill levels accommodated
| Event | Date | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL Permitless Carry Workshop | March 29, 2025, 12-2pm | Seminole County Public Library (Casselberry) | Free (suggested $5 donation) |
| "Shoot The Sh*t" Range Day | April 12, 2025, 9am-5pm | Ares Training Facility (Leesburg) | $25-45 (includes food, range time) |
| Carrying a Gun in Public Webinar | May 7, 2025, 7-9pm | Online | Free (live webinar) |
Certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA) as a Basic Pistol and Rifle Instructor—one of only two organizations legally allowed to certify firearms instructors in Florida. Fernandez is also a Certified Mental Health Advocate through No Limit Counseling and Education, bringing trauma-informed training to self-defense education.
With over 10 years of adult learning and curriculum development experience, plus 5 years of firearms and self-defense law knowledge, Fernandez creates a fun, supportive, inclusive, and safe learning environment.
"The Equality in Arms course with Chris was not only incredibly informative & educational, but also FUN. Chris is a FANTASTIC instructor—I walked away with so much more knowledge than I went in with & a newly gained confidence in my own defense capabilities. This is a MUST TAKE course!" — Asia A., Recent Customer
Note: Equality in Arms' curriculum and materials were not developed by the NRA. The company's opinions and positions are not endorsed by the NRA or its affiliates.
Do I need to own a firearm to take the class? No. Firearm replicas, rental firearms, and ammunition are provided for students without their own. You'll also get guidance on choosing a suitable firearm for personal defense.
What if I can't attend after registering? Cancellations with 24-48 hours notice allow for rescheduling or refunds.
Why get a concealed carry permit if Florida allows permitless carry? Several reasons: - Reciprocity with 25+ other states that honor Florida permits - Expedited background checks and bypasses the 3-day waiting period on new firearm purchases - Enhanced legal protections and clearer legal standing - Covers all legal weapons, not just handguns (permitless carry limited to self-defense firearms) - Access to restricted areas like state parks and certain businesses - Potential legal defense insurance benefits available only to permit holders
Legal requirements to enroll? - At least 21 years old - Legal U.S. resident - Legally eligible to possess a firearm (check FDLE website for prohibited person list)
Based in Orlando, Florida. Classes held at various locations throughout the state, coordinated with local gun ranges.
Subscribe for updates at their website. Equality in Arms respects privacy and never shares subscriber information.
Loading comments...