Reviews

I used 2A for my original CCW application and again last week for my renewal. Alisha is, hands down, one of the best firearms instructors you’ll find. I hadn’t been shooting much recently and had picked up a few bad habits that caused me to pull my shots. She identified the issue immediately and corrected it on the spot. As long as Alisha is at 2A, I won’t train anywhere else. I highly recommend 2A for all your firearms training needs.

This review is specific to Alisha Curtin. I come from an Army SOF background, shoot competitively, and generally dislike shooting in indoor or typical civilian range environments. Going into the course, I was honestly just expecting to check the box. I assumed we would grind through the SDSO requirements and I would concede to whatever it took to get a California CCW. Alisha challenged that expectation almost immediately. Even as a well known local shooter with extensive credentials, she never tried to sell herself as someone who had all the answers. There was no ego in her instruction. Instead, she stayed relatable and focused on what actually matters for real world CCW, not just meeting minimum standards. She taught from experience in a way that connected with everyday or even novice shooters. Her background as a school teacher showed. She spoke to people, not at them, and avoided the typical PowerPoint driven lecture style. She took the time to understand where each student was starting from and built from there, keeping the instruction grounded and practical. The shooting portion felt fluid and intentional rather than a checklist of drills. There was structure, but it adapted naturally to the students and scenarios as they came up, which made the environment feel purposeful instead of restrictive. I would recommend Alisha without hesitation, including for my own family.

Great Instructions by a great instructor. Alisha Curtin was the instructor who surpassed all my expectation. This was my second time taking a course with this company. The first time was good, but this time was great. Alisha was beyond helpful. She knows the laws like the back of her hand, and she is an expert in shooting techniques. Thank you 2nd A firearms Training.

Top-notch instruction, very professional, great people. Thank you, Alisha, for the awesome experience and passing on your knowledge and skills.

Very good class. It wasn’t all death by power point which is nice went over a lot of scenarios and we had an open discussion how we can go about things. Instructors are real knowledgeable and answered any questions I had. Very decently priced compared to any CCW courses around San Diego can’t beat the price with them.

I took the 8-hour initial CCW training from 2nd A Firearms Training. Paul Gooding was the instructor. As he made clear the actual written test and shooting qualification are so easy essentially anyone can pass it. But he spent a lot of time not just on safe firearms handling and proper shooting technique, but also on the consequences of carrying concealed in public and the use of a firearm in self-defense in general. Paul is very highly qualified to teach the course and I got so much more out of than simply what it takes to pass the CCW test. There is an additional bonus in that their office is right next door to The Gun Range which is a great indoor range if you have not been there. I will be back to 2nd A for additional training.

Bill was awesome for the ccw training class. No egos no wasted time. He listens and teaches very well. Very knowledgeable about firearms, safety and shooting .. I will be taking all my classes with bill from now on. Thanks boss !

Had the pleasure of completing my training with them. The staff is really kind and professional. Shout out Bill and Alisha

I attended their 8hr CCW class, Alisha, the instructor was awesome. She is very knowledgeable and makes the information easy to follow. Would recommend 2nd A Training to anyone in search of a good firearms training facility

I was ready to buy my first handgun. I wanted to be a responsible and knowledgeable gun owner. I am so glad I went to 2A and talked to Paul before going to a gun store. Paul spent a lot of time explaining proper handling and fitting of a pistol. I learned what felt comfortable in my hand before the name of the gun. The knowledge I gained from Paul was more than I imagined. I will bring my whole family to Paul (to hear his firm but fair voice, instead of mine) so they all understand safe gun handling. Even if they never own a gun. I highly recommend 2A Firearms Training.

My son and I just finished the 2nd A gun safety course (part I) with Paul. The training was excellent and Paul's instruction methods got us up to speed within two hours. We learned the safest way to handle a hand gun, from picking it up and clearing the chamber to loading and applying proper grip, the best stance while aiming the gun. My son hit the bulls eye, right off the bat.

Had the pleasure of completing my CCW training with them. The staff is really kind and professional. Shout out Bill and Alisha

Came here for my renewal and Paul has a wealth of knowledge and is patient with educating you on all aspects of gun safety and handling. Do not hesitate to schedule your training I highly recommend this firearm training

Paul was an excellent trainer for my CCW 16 hour class. I will be doing 1 on 1 training in the future with him. tough but great!

I recently completed my first CCW course at 2nd 'A' Firearms Training, LLC, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. The instructors, Alisha Curtin and Paul Gooding, were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and professional. They took the time to ensure that each participant understood the material thoroughly and felt confident in handling firearms safely. The course was well-structured, and the hands-on training was both comprehensive and engaging. I am grateful to the entire team for their dedication and support. I highly recommend 2nd 'A' Firearms Training, LLC to anyone looking to take a CCW course. Thank you for an excellent learning experience!

John did I a great job teaching us safety and firearm handling

I have worked with both Alisha Curtin and Paul Gooding at 2A. They are friendly, responsive and time with them is well spent. I recently met with Alisha for a CCW mod - she has a great eye for detail and within the span of 30 minutes she was able to make a measurable impact on my accuracy. She also was able to make some extraordinarily helpful suggestions for CCW gear tuned to my specific needs.
If you're looking for fantastic thoughtful instruction 2A is the way to go - can't thank Alisha enough!!

Hi Paul and Bill,

Thanks for offering the CCW training. I wanted to give a shout out to my instructor, Alisha Curtin.

Alisha was a great balance of professional, knowledgeable, and personable. She reviewed the law and gave several helpful case studies. Her instruction on the range was helpful and it seemed like she wanted to help me, and not make it about her expertise.

Kudos should be given when due, and I'd highly recommend Alisha as an instructor for anyone considering an initial or renewal CCW course.

Best regards,

Jonathan

I suggest everyone get one on one training if you are new to CCW or firearms in general. I took Paul's CCW class. He was outstanding, hard on us (as he should be), knowledgeable, informative, gave great scenarios to properly sober you with the gravity of ever having to use a side arm and he suggested a follow up session with Alisha. Alisha is perfect for anyone and especially women. I needed her perspective and instruction. I feel much more confident, trained, capable and calm. I'll next take an advanced class with 2A Firearms. If you're looking for personal protection training, contact them. They are affordable and conveniently located on Balboa next to the Range.

Just got my concealed carry training class here, very professional, small class and was easy to learn and ask as many questions as I wanted to. I had a last-minute illness and I had to cancel and they were nice enough to accommodate me and move me to the next class without any issues
Highly suggested, if you can't handle someone being blunt and straightforward, you might not like the class, but if you actually want to learn, you will definitely like it

Yesterday, I completed an 8 hour firearms safety and proficiency course, which is part of the application process for a CCW permit. I was very impressed with the classroom presentation and the practical range training. The instructor for both segments, Alisha Curtin, is highly qualified, competent and an excellent teacher. The classroom instruction was thorough, relevant and presented in an easy to follow format. Range qualification was conveniently offered at a range next door. Firearm safety is emphasized during all phases of the training. I highly recommend 2nd A Firearms Training LLC and the instructor for this class, Alisha Curtin.

The training was excellent, and I truly appreciate Paul's willingness, and honesty to push through my biases. He got me to think realistically about a CCW, and the skills and mentality required for responsible carry. Obtaining a CCW is just the beginning. In the unlikely event I do have to use my firearm to protect myself or a loved one from great bodily injury, can I do it in manner that is morally & legally justified? Without getting hurt or injuring any innocent bystanders? That is the purpose of having a permit, and their are many goals to pursue (continual training, practice, education, insurance, etc.) to ensure the best possible outcomes. Paul is very intent on getting the best from his students, and his laser focus on safety and responsible carry is hugely valuable.

I just completed the 4 hour renewal course for CCW with Paul. Excellent training with an emphasis on safety and consequences. Plan on scheduling more classes with Paul to improve my performance.
Highly recommend this facility for anyone seeking knowledge on pistol handling even if not seeking a CCW.

Paul was an excellent instructor and really knows what he’s talking about. The class is very interactive.

Paul is a Trainer's Trainer. He did not DQ me @ the range, yet give me a second chance. He is firm but passionate with regards to safety.

First off i gotta say Paul Gooding is a dam good instructor. I learn so much yesterday from him about safety and how to have a firm grip on the firearm. Paul is very clear on his instructions and he dont fuck around when he tells you to keep your finger off the trigger while training. The 8 HR class went buy fast but was never a dull moment, i recommend this class to anybody who is going for the CCW or is learning how to handle a firearm I would definitely be taking some more follow-up classes with Paul in the future. Paul you Rock . Thank You. Terrence S

I am a former police officer and attended an 8 hour training course required by the Sheriffs Department. The training consisted of about 7 hours classroom firearm safety and proper use including shooting range protocols and safety- and 1 hour of actual qualification shooting on the range.
The emphasis on firearms safety and handling was a huge part of this session. Paul Gooding is extremely knowledgeable, and won't let you get away with poor firearm handling or safety violations. Coffee, snacks and drinks were provided for students, there's a bathroom 2 doors down for convenience and there was plenty of parking arriving early. When we moved to the range, the attention to detail and firearm safety was further emphasized, and rightfully so. Paul was beyond helpful on the shooting portion, and even went as far to help you adjust your shooting grip and stance to be a better shooter. I would not hesitate to book your training with these guys, or any future training which I plan to do with them. You are getting your monies worth with this class, and the amount of experience Paul has to offer make this an absolute bargain. I can't wait to do some more training with 2nd and A firearms training in the future including bringing my wife and parents for additional training. Thank you.

Bill was a great instructor, and the hands on demonstrations really helped me understand the advantages and limits of a CCW. He also was a knowledge bank of information, and was able to articulate them to the class.

I will definitely be taking more training with these guys!

Top notch. I used 2nd A Firearms Training for my initial and renewal classes. First class was with Paul, second with Bill. Great instruction and they really care about the students being able to pass. See you guys in two years!

I completed my CCW training yesterday at 2nd "A" Firearms. I was a bit apprehensive before going, but it turned out to be quite fun. Paul Gooding was our instructor. I didn't want to consume a weekend with this, so their class offering on Wednesday attracted me. There were 7 people counting myself, in a class intended for up to 10 people. Paul made the course practical, informative, and FUN. There is an indoor shooting range next door, so the shooting portion of the course was convenient, and I discovered a new range I had never visited. Paul critiqued my grip and my gun felt much more comfortable in my hands, and I shot better. For all firearms training, especially certification for CCW, I highly recommend 2nd "A." If you are lucky you will get Paul.