NRA-Certified · Est. 1992

Own the right.
Master the responsibility.

PG-13 CCW Training Academy delivers serious, NRA-certified firearm safety , Approved by DOJ and concealed carry instruction across Southern California. No experience required. Every applicant walks out prepared — not just permitted.

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30+
Years Training
6
Counties Served
7
Days a Week
NRA-Certified Instructors
No Prior Experience Required
Flexible Scheduling, 7 Days
Full Permit Documentation
Peter Gharapanianse teaching a CCW class in Van Nuys
Who We Are

Training that takes the responsibility seriously.

Since 1992, PG-13 CCW Training Academy has taught first-time owners, seasoned shooters, and working professionals what it actually takes to carry legally and safely in California.

Our instructors are NRA-certified and teach in small groups, so nobody leaves with unanswered questions about the gun in their hand or the law behind it.

  • Classroom and live-fire instruction under one curriculum
  • Small class sizes with one-on-one range time
  • California-specific use-of-force and liability law
  • All paperwork completed and documented for your application
Curriculum

Eight modules. One standard.

Every course is built to the same standard we'd demand for ourselves — technically sound, legally accurate, and built for real-world carry.

01

Firearm Safety Principles

The non-negotiable fundamentals of safe handling, storage, and range discipline.

 02

Firearm Operation

Hands-on instruction in loading, function, malfunction clearing, and marksmanship basics.

 03

Carry Methods & Equipment

Holster selection, concealment methods, and daily-carry best practices.

 04

Use-of-Force Laws

California statute, case law, and the legal framework governing armed self-defense.

 05

Criminal & Civil Liability

What's at stake after the trigger is pulled — and how to stay on the right side of the law.

 06

Self-Defense Training

Situational awareness, threat assessment, and decision-making under pressure.

 07

When to Use Lethal Force

Clear, defensible criteria for the most serious decision a permit holder can face.

 08

Defense of Others

Where the law allows you to act on behalf of a third party — and where it doesn't.
Peter Gharapanianse, Owner and Lead Instructor, PG-13 CCW Training Academy
Your Instructor
“A permit is paperwork. Competence is what keeps you and everyone around you alive.”

Every course is taught by Peter Gharapanianse, a California DOJ Certified CCW Instructor with three decades of range and classroom experience across Southern California. You will not be handed a certificate and pushed out the door. You will be trained.

Peter Gharapanianse · Owner & Lead Instructor · DOJ Certified CCW Instructor
Inside the Academy

Where the training happens.

Dedicated classroom space and live-fire range time, in the same program.

Indoor range lanes Indoor Range Instructor teaching the four universal safety rules Classroom Safety briefing before live-fire training Safety Brief Students receiving their course certificates NRA Certified
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Process

From first class to carrying legally.

01

Enroll

Submit your registration and forms online in minutes.

02

Train

Complete instruction across all eight required modules.

03

Certify

Receive full documentation for your permit application.

04

Carry

Apply with confidence, backed by proper training.

Reviews

What students say.

Rated 5 stars on Google by students across Southern California.

★★★★★ 5.0

I had an excellent experience with PG-13 CCW Training Academy. The instructor was knowledgeable, professional, and made the entire class engaging and easy to follow. They took the time to answer everyone's questions and made sure we understood both the legal responsibilities and the practical aspects of carrying safely.

The course was well organized, informative, and welcoming, whether you're new to firearms or have previous experience. I left feeling much more confident and prepared.

I highly recommend PG-13 CCW Training Academy to anyone looking for high-quality CCW training. Thank you for a great experience!

Ed's S.
Google Review
★★★★★ 5.0

Where do I even begin — one of the best firearms trainings I have received. Peter the instructor is very knowledgeable. He takes his time to explain thoroughly, step-by-step. He explains the laws, the do's and don'ts, and the responsibility of carrying a firearm concealed.

I really enjoyed this class. I will definitely recommend this to anybody in the Los Angeles area or even anywhere in California. It's worth the drive, trust me — you would be doing yourself a favor.

His prices were super fair for the amount of knowledge and training you receive. Before I found him I had gone to one other place and the employees were very rude. I am so glad I found PG-13 CCW Training Academy. Definitely recommended, go check them out.

Arotin A.
Google Review
★★★★★ 5.0

I had an excellent experience with the 16-hour CCW training course. The instructor was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. Everything was explained clearly and in a way that was easy to understand.

From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed like a member of the family. The atmosphere was friendly, respectful, and comfortable, while still maintaining a very professional approach to the training.

I gained a great deal of valuable knowledge, especially regarding firearm safety, laws, rules, regulations, and responsible firearm handling. The instructor took the time to explain everything thoroughly and answer questions, making sure everyone understood the material.

Overall, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend this training to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and welcoming CCW instructor. Thank you for an excellent course!

Arsen M.
Google Review
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Location & Service Area

One classroom. Students from six counties.

All classes are held at our Van Nuys facility, 6323 Van Nuys Blvd, seven days a week by appointment. Students travel to us from across Southern California. Because your permit is issued by your own county sheriff, we cover each county's process separately below.

County permit guides

Los Angeles Orange San Bernardino Riverside Kern Ventura

Cities our students travel from: Van Nuys · Los Angeles · Long Beach · Glendale · Burbank · Santa Clarita · Anaheim · Santa Ana · Riverside · San Bernardino · Bakersfield · Ventura

Multi-State Carry

Travel with Peace of Mind Across 30+ States!

Did you know you can carry outside California? We offer official training and documentation for Arizona and Florida Non-Resident CCW permits. Through multi-state reciprocity agreements, holding an Arizona or Florida permit allows eligible law-abiding citizens to legally carry concealed in over 30 states across the country.

Non-Resident Permit

Arizona

Official training and documentation prepared with your packet.

Non-Resident Permit

Florida

Official training and documentation prepared with your packet.

Interested in expanding your multi-state carry reciprocity?
Ask your instructor during class for complete details and how to add them to your training packet!

Book a Class
Instructor coaching a student on the outdoor range

Ready to get certified?

Appointments available seven days a week across LA, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern & Ventura counties.

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