San Diego CCW& Firearms Training
Get Your California
CCW Permit
State-required CCW certification taught by Steven Dunning — 17+ years U.S. military, 10 years law enforcement, 30+ years behind the trigger.
Three Ways to Train With Steve
From your first California CCW permit to keeping it current — plus one-on-one coaching when you want focused range time. Every option is taught start to finish by Steve.
CCW Initial Training
The complete California CCW certification — the full USCCA curriculum, classroom plus live-fire qualification, taught start to finish by Steve.
Pay OnlineCCW Renewal
The state-required renewal course for existing CCW holders — a focused refresh of the law, safety, and live-fire qualification to keep your permit current.
Pay OnlinePrivate Coaching
One-on-one range time built around your goals — fundamentals, accuracy, or carry confidence, coached at your pace by Steve directly.
Pay OnlineWhat the Initial Course Covers
The full USCCA curriculum, compliant with California SB 2 training requirements — classroom instruction through live-fire qualification.
Concealed Carry & Home-Defense Fundamentals
Intro plus seven lessons: protection planning, firearm basics, shooting fundamentals, the legal use of force, the aftermath of a violent encounter, gear, and advanced skills.
California Legal Supplement
California-specific law: where permit holders may carry, permissible use of force, transport and safe storage.
Mental Wellness
California-required mental health training for permit applicants.
Instructor-Guided Simulations
Scenario-based decision-making under realistic conditions.
Non-Lethal Self-Defense
Pepper spray and energy-weapon options for layered defense.
Written Test
52-question exam covering the full curriculum.
Handling & Dry-Fire
Safe loading, unloading, reloading, and dry-fire repetition.
Live-Fire Qualification
Qualify on the range with each firearm you plan to carry.
Trained by Steven Dunning
Born and raised in San Diego. 27 years in uniform — 17+ in the U.S. military, 10 in law enforcement — and more than 30 years of hands-on firearms experience.
Steve teaches everyone from complete beginners to seasoned professionals, blending real-world operational knowledge with proven instruction. His approach emphasizes safety, accuracy, situational awareness, and confidence.
“Straightforward, no-nonsense training from a lifetime of service.”
Three Steps to Carry
No anonymous booking form — you deal with Steve directly from first call to qualification. Pay online when you're ready to lock in your spot.
Reserve Your Spot
Call or text (619) 541-0845 to confirm a date and what to bring, or pay online to secure your spot. You talk to Steve directly — no anonymous booking form.
Complete the 16-Hour Course
The full USCCA curriculum — classroom instruction plus live-fire range time, taught start to finish by one instructor.
Qualify & Submit
Pass the 52-question written test and live-fire qualification, then take your certificate to the San Diego County Sheriff with your application.
How to Apply for Your CCW
Your license is issued by the San Diego County Sheriff — not by us. Here is how the county process fits together, and where your training certificate comes in.
Start Your Application
Create a CCW Pro account on the Sheriff's portal and complete the online application. You must be at least 21, with your driver's license and proof of San Diego County residence ready to upload.
Background & Livescan
Submit fingerprints (Livescan) and pay the application fee. The Sheriff's Office reviews your background — typically within 90 days — before clearing you to train.
Complete Your Training
Take the state-required CCW course with a Sheriff-approved instructor and qualify on the range. That is the 16-hour class Steve teaches — call to confirm dates and what to bring.
Submit & Qualify
Upload your Qualification Certificate to CCW Pro and pay the issuance fee if approved. The San Diego County Sheriff makes the final permit decision.
Frequently Asked
The Gun Range San Diego
Steve teaches and trains at The Gun Range San Diego — a state-of-the-art indoor facility with 13 automated 25-yard lanes in a clean, welcoming environment off Balboa Ave.
Ready When You Are
Lock in a date directly with Steve — or pay online now and call to confirm your class date and what to bring.