Do I need prior experience to take this course?

No prior experience is required; the course covers safety and fundamentals, but students must be ready for live-fire training.

How much ammunition should I bring?

Bring a minimum of 150 rounds per firearm you intend to qualify with; 300 rounds is recommended for additional practice.

Is a holster required?

A holster is strongly encouraged for carry practice and drawing drills, though it is not strictly required.

Where is the meeting point?

The course meets at Prado Olympic Shooting Park, 22100 E Fork Rd, Azusa, CA 91702.

Will I complete the LAPD qualification?

Yes; the live-fire portion includes the LAPD-required qualification for initial CCW applicants under the jurisdiction.

What forms of ID do I need?

Bring a valid California Driver License or Identification Card and any waivers or forms sent via email prior to class.

LAPD CCW Initial Course at Prado Olympic Shooting Park: 16-Hour CCW Training in Azusa

At the edge of the San Gabriel foothills, the Los Angeles CCW Initial Course runs over two focused days at Prado Olympic Shooting Park in Azusa, California. Designed to satisfy the training requirement under California Penal Code § 26165, this 16-hour program pairs classroom hours with live-fire range time to shape responsible concealed carriers. It’s a pragmatic, skills-first curriculum: expect classroom briefings on California concealed carry law, use-of-force considerations, and interacting with law enforcement, followed by hands-on coaching at the firing line.

The course begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. on day one with classroom sessions that cover safety, safe storage and transportation, mental preparedness, and the legal boundaries that govern concealed carry in California. Instructors move beyond rote qualification; they work with students on drawing and presentation techniques, shooting fundamentals, and decision-making under stress. The second day shifts to practical drills on the range, where participants use the firearms they intend to qualify with and complete the LAPD-required live-fire exercise and qualification.

The training takes place at a formal outdoor range complex with marked firing lines, individual benches and lanes, and classroom facilities at the Prado Olympic Shooting Park. The location’s proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains gives the course a clear outdoor feel—chaparral foothills and scrub framing the range—without demanding remote travel. Expect open-air range bays with controlled target setups and an emphasis on safe movement and muzzle discipline.

Practical requirements are specific and important: bring a valid California Driver License or ID, the firearms you will qualify with, and a minimum of 150 rounds of ammunition (300 recommended for extra practice). Eye and ear protection are mandatory; ear protection rentals may be available. A holster is strongly encouraged for real-world carry practice. Students should also complete any waivers emailed prior to class and follow California laws for firearm transport to the meeting point at 22100 E Fork Rd, Azusa, CA 91702.

Why book this course? For residents and applicants under LAPD jurisdiction, it’s a recognized pathway toward a CCW permit that balances legal literacy with practical handling and live-fire competence. The format suits people who want concentrated, instructor-led training rather than a single-range qualification. It’s a sensible choice for anyone serious about responsible concealed carry in Southern California, combining regulatory compliance with hands-on confidence building.

Instructors are credentialed range professionals and law-enforcement-affiliated trainers who prioritize scenario-based exercises and individual coaching; class size is kept small to maximize time at the line and quality feedback. Bring a notebook for legal notes and marksmanship tips, a packed lunch, sun protection, and layered clothing for temperature swings in the foothills. Students often find the combination of classroom legal context and repetitive live-fire drills accelerates both competence and calm under pressure.

About Sheepdog Firearms Training

Sheepdog Firearms Training, based in Azusa, California, provides hands-on firearms instruction focused on safety, practical skills, and confidence building. The company offers a range of courses including three-hour Introduction to Firearms classes, women's-only introductions, Women's Personal Protection courses, private instruction sessions, a four-month Women's Defense League program, and informal Fun Shoot events.

Courses include classroom briefings, live-fire practice, and demonstrations of loading, reloading, and handling techniques. In several offerings firearms and ammunition are provided; private instruction allows students to choose their own gear. Training options accommodate all skill levels, from first-time shooters to students seeking targeted improvement.

Small-group and private formats emphasize individualized attention and a supportive learning environment. The four-month Women's Defense League program covers handguns, rifles, shotguns, threat recognition, and basic first aid over an extended curriculum designed for progressive skill development. Safety protocols and range procedures are standard components of each course, with practical drills and supervised live fire to reinforce fundamentals.

Fun Shoot sessions offer a relaxed setting to compare platforms and practice skills without formal testing. Private sessions deliver focused coaching for two-hour blocks. Sheepdog Firearms Training operates locally in Azusa and at nearby Chino locations for select classes. Scheduling, course availability, and specific equipment provisions vary by session and location. Prospective students are encouraged to review individual trip descriptions for duration, prerequisites, equipment, and enrollment details prior to booking. Contact information, registration steps, pricing, and age or safety requirements are published on each trip listing so participants can plan before attending with confidence today.