The Most Extensive Series of Handgun Training Classes in the Bay

Your firearm is only as good as the person shooting it. The only way to become a skilled, knowledgable shooter is to learn from those who are professional, qualified, and patient with their students. Our instructors at Mad Dog Armory will take you as far as you're willing to go.

First Shots Handgun Class

Co-Ed

This class is for those who are brand new to handguns and have virtually no experience with handling them. We start at the absolute basics with the different parts, how they function, how to safely handle one, how to load magazines, and more. This is typically the starting point for most people.

Just bring a picture ID and we will provide everything else needed. If you are needing practice with your own firearms, then that will take place in the 2nd half of the class. You must bring your own ammunition to fire your own firearms. All class attendess will meet here at the store. We at Mad Dog Armory want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn in the desired date and time that they seek for our classes.

Ladies Only

Naturally, ladies are better listeners (for the most part!) and this class reflects that ability. This is the ladies only version of the First Shots Handgun Class.

We're not all fans of testosterone, especially when trying to learn something new. Mad Dog's owner, Jillian, breaks it down for you in a way that’s easy to understand and absorb the information in this straight-forward class. So grab a girlfriend or more and join all the other women who are proving that they can also be safe, knowledgeable shooters; fully capable of defending themselves.

First Shots Combo

Save $15 in this combination course which is not only the best value, but gives you back-to-back training included in both our First Shots and the Concealed Carry courses. If you want to get your concealed carry license but are not comfortable or familiar enough with firearms, then this multi-class will both teach you the basics, as well as help you earn your certificate after you have proven your competency handling a firearm. Attendees in the First Shots Combo class will sit for the Conceal Carry class first to learn about state laws and regulations as it pertains to carrying concealed. The second class will address handgun fundamentals and safety.

For those who have basic knowldge of firearms already, you can read more about the standalone Concealed Carry Course here.

Intermediate Handgun Class

This course will go over additional safe management of your handgun, understanding lands and grooves, velocity, and twists. You will also build upon shooting fundamentals which will consist of refining sight alignment and picture, practicing dominant eye exercises, breath control, and improving your trigger control. You can also expect your shooting to improve with follow-up shots, target acquisition, and shooting at various distances.

Our instruction will help you become even more confident all-around as a shooter, teaching you important information for both casual shooters and those wanting to better protect themselves or others.

Advanced Handgun Class

Challenge yourself in taking your skills to the next level with this exclusive Mad Dog Armory handgun course, as you are put through the most involved training to test your abilities and knowledge. This course is four hours long, which consists of live-fire range time at an outdoor range off site. Practical exercises include drawing from a holster/re-holstering, moving and shooting, magazine changes during drills, 5x5 drills, simple barrier courses in two stages, and much more.

We are so confident that you will agree that this is the best course in the Bay, that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. These classes are a low students to instructor ratio and spots are filling up fast!

Dog Pound Defensive Pistol I

So, you got your Concealed Carry Permit or completed a Basic pistol class, but now what? If we’re being completely honest then we know that the class to get your permit or basic pistol class isn’t enough to really be able to defend ourselves. This class is the perfect class for you to expand your skills and increase your confidence with your firearm and the gear you intend to use for concealed carry. This class is specifically designed for the new pistol defender.

Topics will include:

Rapid firearm presentation from a holster

Techniques designed to work under stress

Accuracy at close and mid ranges

Effective reloading skills

Stress mitigation

Target Identification

Multiple threat engagement

And many more

Dog Pound Defensive Pistol II

This class is designed specifically for the Concealed Carrier. Everything in this class is taught from the position of Defensive concealed carry. If you carry a concealed firearm (and I certainly hope you do) then this class is for you. To attend this course you must be able to safely operate your firearm without assistance. This class is dynamic in nature and safety to every participant is paramount.

Topics will include:

Holster draw from abnormal positions.

Rapid sight acquisition and flash sight picture.

One Handed Shooting and firearm manipulation.

Dealing with pistol malfunctions.

Dealing with Multiple threats.

Target Identification.

Use of cover.

Shooting while moving.

Stress Management.

Dog Pound Defensive Pistol III

This class is designed specifically for the Intermediate to Advanced Concealed Carrier. Everything in this class is taught from the position of Defensive Concealed Carry. To attend this course you must be able to safely operate your firearm without assistance and have previously trained in safe holster work from concealed. This class is dynamic in nature and safety to every participant is paramount.

Topics will include:

Intuitive shooting.

Dealing with Multiple threats at very close distances.

Compressed position shooting.

Use of cover.

Moving in and out of cover.

Shooting while moving dynamically.

Stress Management.

And Many More…