Train smart. Respond confidently. Stay ready.
Practical Defense Systems, in cooperation with Secure Measures, offers firearms training on a professional simulator, the same kind of system trusted by law enforcement and military professionals nationwide. You train with simulator firearms that have realistic recoil, in a safe, controlled setting with no live ammunition.
Shooting skills and sound decisions under pressure are perishable skills. If you do not practice them, you lose them. Our three classes build on each other, so you can start where you are and keep growing.
Your Training Path
Select Class details under any class to see what you will learn.
1. Basic Pistol Safety Fundamentals
Start here. For first-time gun owners.
This is a simulator class. There is no live fire.
New to firearms? This is the place to begin. In two hours, you learn gun safety and the basics of handling a pistol, then put them to work on a virtual range. You use a simulator pistol with realistic recoil, so you build good habits from day one in a safe, low-pressure setting.
Class details
- Firearm safety rules and safe handling
- Shooting practice on a virtual range
- Building confidence before you ever step on a live range
Please note: this class does not issue the California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC).
Length: 2 hours | Price: $99 | Location: San Diego
2. Tactical Pistol I
For firearm owners who want to protect their home and family.
This three-hour class takes you from the basics to real decisions. You work through home and personal defense scenarios on the simulator, where the situation changes based on what you say and do. You learn to slow down, think clearly, and act within the law when stress is high.
Class details
- Home and personal defense response strategies
- Situational awareness and threat recognition
- Using movement and cover safely
- Giving clear verbal commands and using de-escalation
- Legal and ethical considerations, and lawful shoot or no-shoot decisions
Length: 3 hours | Price: $149 | Location: San Diego
3. CCW Reality Lab
Our top-tier class. It steps up from Tactical Pistol I, adds the shotgun, and is the only class that uses the AUFIRE system.
Carrying a concealed firearm is a serious responsibility. The CCW Reality Lab gives permit holders a safe place to practice the decisions that matter most, before they ever face them for real.
Class details
You train with both a pistol and a shotgun, and both simulator firearms have realistic recoil. On the simulator, with the AUFIRE system, you work through realistic scenarios that react to what you say and do. You feel how stress changes what you see, how you think, and how fast you act. The lab teaches avoidance first. Deadly force is the last option, used only when no other choice remains.
AUFIRE, short for Accuracy Under Fire, is a wearable system with FDA-cleared muscle stimulation technology. The moment you take a hit in a scenario, it triggers an involuntary muscle contraction. You feel the consequence, safely, and you learn to keep thinking and acting when your body wants to stop.
Making good decisions under pressure is a perishable skill. This lab is where you keep it sharp.
Best for: CCW permit holders and civilians committed to carrying responsibly.
Length: 4 hours | Price: $395 | Location: San Diego
Common Questions
What is firearms simulator training?
Firearms simulator training uses a professional simulator and simulator firearms with realistic recoil. You practice shooting skills and decisions under pressure in a safe, controlled setting, with no live ammunition.
Is there live fire in these classes?
No. All three classes use simulator firearms. There is no live fire and no live ammunition.
Does the Basic Pistol class give me the California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)?
No. Basic Pistol Safety Fundamentals teaches safety and handling basics on the simulator, but it does not issue the FSC.
Which class should I take first?
First-time gun owners should start with Basic Pistol Safety Fundamentals. Owners who want to protect their home and family should take Tactical Pistol I. CCW permit holders and people preparing to carry should take the CCW Reality Lab.
What is AUFIRE?
AUFIRE, short for Accuracy Under Fire, is a wearable system with FDA-cleared muscle stimulation technology. When you take a hit in a scenario, it triggers a safe, involuntary muscle contraction, so you learn to keep thinking and acting under stress. It is used only in the CCW Reality Lab.
Where are classes held, and how much do they cost?
Classes are held in San Diego. Basic Pistol Safety Fundamentals is $99 for 2 hours, Tactical Pistol I is $149 for 3 hours, and the CCW Reality Lab is $395 for 4 hours.
Do I need to bring my own firearm?
No. You train with the simulator firearms provided in class.
Who teaches the classes?
Professional instruction is provided by Practical Defense Systems, in cooperation with Secure Measures.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Whether you are protecting your home, carrying concealed, or picking up your first firearm, we will help you find the right class. Fill out the form and we will get back to you.
Looking for de-escalation training for your team or organization? See our de-escalation programs.