Cpdefense

CPDefense brings serious credentials to the classroom. Owner and instructor Chris Pongratz spent decades training U.S. Coast Guard members, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs before moving into civilian firearms instruction. His background includes:

• •Weapons Specialist certification (U.S.C.G.)
• •Certified Firearms Instructor (U.S.C.G. and I.L.E.A.)
• •Certified Concealed Carry and Home Defense Instructor (USCCA)
• •Certified Women's Handgun and Self Defense Instructor (USCCA)
• •Police SWAT Team Leader experience
• •Legal Elements of Self Defense training

• •The Basics - Handgun knowledge, handling, and proper care for people starting from zero

• •Your Legal Responsibilities - Understanding self-defense law and your actual legal rights

• •Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals - Practical skills for carrying and using firearms inside and outside your home

"Chris was able to understand how his students were motivated to learn in different ways and he then adjusted his message to meet that way." — Steve J.

"Small class size allows for one-on-one questions and instruction, helpful for new gun owner. Already signed up for additional training." — Brandon W.

Students consistently note that CPDefense delivers information relevant to today's world, covering topics other instructors skip. Classes are structured to build confidence alongside knowledge—from disassembling and cleaning your firearm to proper stance and sighting technique.

CPDefense operates on a simple principle: every student is different and deserves instruction tailored to how they learn best. That means zero judgment for beginners and genuine advancement for experienced shooters. The goal is producing responsibly armed, educated, and safe gun owners.