Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m afraid of guns! Is this training for me?

A: Yes! We’re very beginner-friendly. Apprehension about firearms is normal, and fear mitigation is a core part of our training. This is one of the many things that sets us apart from typical gun schools. Helping a fearful client become confident and competent is one of the most important things that we do. Don’t just take our word for it. Read what our clients say here and on Yelp or view our Testimonials Page.

Q: Is Left of Center Gun School LGBTQ+ friendly?

A: Yes. LOC welcomes people of every sexual orientation, gender identity, and ethnicity. Whatever brings you here, we will treat you with respect and care. Our goal is simple: to help you feel safe, competent, and confident with a firearm.

Q: Do I need to own a gun to train with LOC?

A: No. We provide a wide selection of firearms to train and shoot with, many equipped with reflex optics for easier accuracy. [See further down for a comprehensive list of available firearms to train with.]

Q: Is this “combat” training, and do I need to be in shape?

A: No! You won’t be clearing rooms or engaging multiple targets under stress. Our courses teach beginners the fundamentals and mindset needed to safely handle firearms. Many clients discover that shooting is simply an enjoyable, relaxing hobby.

Q: Does Pistol Shooter 1 teach the handgun skills I need for home defense?

A: Yes, at an introductory level. Pistol Shooter 1 is a comprehensive course, but to develop and maintain the more advanced handgun skills needed for home defense, further training is required.

Q: I don’t have strong hands. Will that make learning to shoot difficult?

A: No. Part of our job is finding a handgun that works for you. Some are easier to operate than others, and we’ll match you with one you can comfortably train with.

Q: My hands are small. Do you have guns that will fit them?

A: Yes. Semi-automatic handguns generally come in three sizes: small (sub-compact), medium (compact), and large (full-frame.) We carry all sizes so we have the right fit for you.

Q: Do you offer private one-on-one instruction?

A: Yes. Any course or service can be delivered privately, at our studio, your home, or another location of your choosing. See our Private Instruction page for details.

Q: Do you train families and children?

A: Yes. We regularly host family sessions, both at our studio and on the range, and have safely trained children in the 8-12 year old age range as well as numerous high schoolers. Kids can learn the same standard of firearm safety as adults. Reach out and we’ll help design training for your family.

Q: Does LOC host social events like birthdays or bachelorette parties?

A: Absolutely. We typically begin with a short safety lesson at our studio followed by a trip to the range. Alternatively, we can set up our pavilion tent for a full event on a private range. We can even arrange a cake for a surprise party.

Q: Can I bring my own gun to class?

A: Yes. It’s always a good idea to train on your own gun if you have one. Just note that live ammunition is never permitted in the classroom. Please leave it at home or in your car.

Q: What’s the best gun for a first-time buyer?

A: The best gun is the one you shoot best and enjoy most, which you’ll discover by test-firing several. We have an excellent and comprehensive resource for first-gun buyers. Read our blog post, “So You’re Thinking About Buying Your First Gun in California?”

Q: I’m interested in a gun specifically for personal protection. Can you help?

A: Yes. Pistol Shooter 1, Shotgun For Home Defense, Carbine For Home Defense, and Private Instruction all include guidance for gun buyers interested in personal protection. Tell us your goals, and we’ll suggest a path to help you find the right platform, make, and model.

Q: What do I need to know about CA law before shopping for my first gun?

A: Many popular rifles, shotguns, and handguns sold elsewhere in the U.S. are illegal in California. Long guns are subject to specific state restrictions, and in general, handguns must appear on California’s roster of Handguns Certified for Sale. All our long guns are California compliant, and the lion’s share of our handguns are on the roster. If you like what you shoot in one of our courses, it’s very likely you can buy it legally at a local gun store. If a particular handgun isn’t on the roster, it may still be available through the used gun market. Click on this excellent article “How to Navigate the California Used Gun Market” for details.

Q: Do you sell gift certificates?

A: Yes! See our Gift Certificates page for details.

Q: Can you host a course at a location of my choosing?

A: Yes. We’re mobile. Our home base is in Silverlake, Los Angeles, but we regularly teach elsewhere, from small apartments to large estates. We handle all coordination with your local range. Gather up to 4 participants and contact us for a quote.

Q: Do you offer CCW (Carrying a Concealed Weapon) training?

A: No, but we can refer you to an organization that does.

Q: What is a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), and do I need one?

A: An FSC is required to possess, purchase, or borrow a firearm in California. It’s earned by passing a 30-question test (23 correct to pass) on safety and state law, costs $25, and is valid for five years. Pistol Shooter 1 includes an excellent FSC review, and LOC is state certified to administer the test. Visit our California Firearms Safety Certificate page to learn more or book an appointment to take the test.

Q: How much are your courses and private sessions?

A: Prices for our courses and services are listed below.

Additional range and ammo fees apply to live-fire courses. Courses can be bundled for savings, and LOC alumni receive discounts. See our Training Packages & Additional Discounts pages for details.

Q: What’s the best shotgun for home defense?

A: The best shotguns for home defense typically have a shorter barrel and stock than a hunting shotgun for easier indoor handling. Proper length of pull is essential for comfort and control. Our Shotgun For Home Defense course helps you dial in your fit and provides the opportunity to test fire 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410-bore options to find what works for you.

Q:Why don’t you offer AR-15 training?

A: The AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America, but it’s also a frequent subject of politically charged debate – one we’d rather not wade into as a school. If you’re interested in learning the AR platform, instructor Dave Selmo has over 40 years of experience with them and offers private lessons with range time..

Q: What firearms do you have available to train with?

A: See lists below.

Our Pistols

• Glock 22, Gen 4, .40 caliber (semi-auto)
• Glock 22, Gen 4, .40 caliber with optics (semi-auto)
• Glock 22, Gen 4, 9mm conversion (Advantage Arms)
• Glock 19, Gen 3, 9mm (semi-auto)
• Glock 19, Gen 3, 9mm with optics (semi-auto)
• Beretta M9A1, 9mm (semi-auto)
• Sig Sauer P320 M18, 9mm with optics (semi-auto)
• Sig Sauer P365 XMACRO COMP, 9mm with optics (semi-auto)
• Springfield Armory XD-M Elite, 9mm with optics (semi-auto)
• Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C, 9mm with optics (semi-auto)
• Rost Martin RM1C, 9mm with optics (semi-auto)
• Ruger LCR, .38 Special +P (revolver)
• Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O., .38 Special +P with optics (revolver)
• Sig Sauer P238, .380 (semi-auto)
• Bersa Firestorm, .380 (semi-auto)
• Girsan MC-14T, .380 (semi-auto)
• Cobra Model CA, .380 (semi-auto)
• Browning Buck Mark, .22LR (semi-auto)
• Ruger Wrangler, .22, six-shooter (revolver)
• North American Arms, .22 Magnum (revolver) 

Our Shotguns

• Benelli SuperNova Tactical, 12-gauge (pump)
• Remington 870 Police Magnum, 12-gauge tactical (pump)
• Mossberg 590, 20-gauge tactical (pump)
• Mossberg 505, 20-gauge Youth Model (pump)
• Francolin Model PAX GF3P, 20-gauge tactical (pump)
• Churchill Model 620, 20-gauge tactical (pump)
• Escort BullTac SA, 20-gauge tactical (semi-auto)
• Remington Model 11-48, 20-gauge (semi-auto)
• Stoeger Double Defense, 20-gauge (over/under double-barrel)
• Mossberg 590, .410-bore tactical (pump)
• Rock Island AG Pump, .410-bore (pump)

Our Rifles & Carbines

• Ruger Mini-14, 5.56mm NATO carbine (semi-auto)
• Ruger 10/22, .22LR carbine (semi-auto)
• Ruger PC Carbine, 9mm (semi-auto)
• Marlin 336RC, .30-30 carbine (lever-action)
• Savage AXIS II Precision, .223 Remington (bolt-action)
• Gamo Varmint Hunter, .177 caliber (air rifle)

Q: Do you offer services other than training on firearms?

A: Yes. We teach the DOD course Stop The Bleed. We teach a strategy course for home defense. We inspect inherited guns for free and help you get them properly registered, including FSC testing on-site. If you’re ready to buy your first gun, we offer a full package covering selection, purchase, and shipping logistics. We help clients legally part ways with unwanted firearms and navigate California’s paperwork for legalizing a ghost gun. On the optics side, we help you choose, install, and sight in the appropriate red-dot for your gun. We offer gun disassembly and cleaning instruction. We offer court-ordered firearms safety training with a certificate of completion, and also in-home assessments to help you think through a home defense strategy. Visit our Consulting Services page for more information.

We also foster a strong Left of Center Gun School community and host free fun social events monthly. Hope to see you there!