Course Descriptions

American Shooting Center is licensed by the State of California. Our instructors are certified by the State of California Department of Justice or the National Rifle Association and are graduates of the world's leading civilian and military firearms training facilities.

All courses have limited enrollment and require preregistration with payment in full. The training fee is refundable with 7 days' prior notice; cancellations less than 7 days prior to the scheduled start of class cannot be refunded.

Classes can be tailored to meet the specific training needs of individual students. Please ask us for details.

Level 1 Handgun
(1 day or 2 evenings)
Click here for the current class schedule

Recommended for:     Anybody with an interest in the safe and effective use of handguns
Experience required:     None
Prerequisites:     None
Equipment required:
  • Handgun (revolver recommended); rentals available with advance notice at no charge
  • Eye and ear protection (available at no charge)
Ammunition required:
(not included in course fee)		     100 rounds
Topics covered:
  • Basic firearms safety
  • California firearms law with respect to handguns, firearms ownership, and use of lethal force
  • Fundamentals of proper marksmanship
  • Proper selection of firearms, ammunition, and accessories
  • Live fire on shooting range
  • Proper mindset for survival

Level 2 Handgun
(2 days)
Click here for the current class schedule

Recommended for:     Individuals seeking advanced knowledge of defensive pistolcraft
Experience required:     Familiarity with firearms;
Familiarity with Level 1 Handgun course content
Prerequisites:     Level 1 Handgun (may be waived; see instructor for details)
Equipment required:
  • Handgun; rentals available with advance notice at no charge
  • Holster
  • At least two spare magazines or speedloaders
  • Magazine or speedloader pouches
  • Sturdy belt
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Eye and ear protection (available at no charge)
Ammunition required:
(not included in course fee)		     250 rounds per day
(500 rounds total)
Topics covered:
  • Brief recap of Level 1 Handgun course
  • Tactical firearms safety
  • Multiple target engagement
  • Speed shooting
  • Use of flashlight
  • Reloading under pressure
  • Shooting while moving
  • Use of cover and concealment

Defensive Shotgun 1
(1 day)
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Recommended for:     Anybody with an interest in the safe and effective use of shotguns
Experience required:     None
Prerequisites:    None
Equipment required:
  • Shotgun (12 gauge recommended, semi-automatic or pump); rentals available with advance notice
  • Sling (available with advance notice)
  • Eye and ear protection (available at no charge)
Ammunition required:
(not included in course fee)
  • 100 rounds birdshot
  • 25 rounds 00 buckshot
  • 20 slugs
Topics covered:
  • Basic and tactical shotgun safety
  • California firearms law with respect to firearms ownership and use of lethal force
  • Shotgun patterning
  • Shotgun carry modes
  • Proper ammunition selection
  • Tactical loading/reloading
  • Defensive techniques for home protection

Defensive Carbine 1
(1 day)
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Curriculum pending.

Concealed Carry Weapons Certification
(4 or 8 hours)
Click here for the current class schedule

This course is required by the state of California for those who have applied for or wish to renew a Concealed Carry Weapons permit. This course is restricted to those students who are currently applying for or renewing a CCW in San Diego County.

For new license applicants (8 hours):

Equipment required:
  • The firearm or firearms that you wish to be placed on your CCW
  • Factory ammunition for your firearm(s) - 100 rounds per firearm
  • Eye and ear protection (available at no charge)
Topics covered:
  • Basic firearms safety
  • Local and state laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm for self defense
  • Review of shooting fundamentals
  • Review of shooting requirements for permit qualification
  • Live fire exercises

For renewal license applicants (four hours):

Equipment required:
  • The firearm or firearms that you wish to be placed on your CCW
  • Factory ammunition for your firearm(s) - 50 rounds per firearm
  • Eye and ear protection (available at no charge)
Topics covered:
  • Firearms safety
  • Local and state laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm for self defense
  • Range instruction and live fire

Private Instruction
(length and fees vary)

Recommended for:     Anybody seeking professional and discreet personalized training
Experience required:     None
Prerequisites:     None
Equipment required:
  • Varies; see instructor for specifics
  • Rentals available with advance notice
  • Eye and ear protection (available at no charge)
Ammunition required:    Varies; see instructor for specifics
Topics covered:    Varies; to be determined by student and instructor

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