Practical Defense Systems - GunGuyTV Reviews

Mark Kaul 2025.11.23

     

Best CCW training around! The instruction and simulation training were exceptional. I have taken renewal classes from 2 other instructors. They lost me as a customer because PDS is professional, patient, knowledgeable and incredibly pleasant!!! I will be a repeat customer for sure!!

Date of experience: 21 November, 2025

Useful Report

Anthony Ghandour 2025.11.22

     

CCW Joel is a great instructor! Highly recommend. See you in2 years.

Date of experience: 22 November, 2025

Useful Report

Glenn Tolentino 2025.11.19

     

Exceptional Concealed Carry Training My experience with Practical Defense Systems was outstanding from start to finish. The concealed carry training was far beyond a standard class—it was a truly comprehensive, practical, and confidence-building program. The instructors emphasized real-world decision-making skills, ensuring that every scenario felt relevant, thoughtful, and grounded in responsible firearm ownership. What really set this course apart was how interactive and fun the learning environment was. The hands-on exercises, simulations, and open discussions kept everyone fully engaged, making even the most serious topics approachable and memorable. The instructors created a comfortable atmosphere where questions were encouraged, safety was prioritized, and personal growth was evident from one session to the next. Most importantly, this training significantly strengthened my confidence in handling a firearm safely and effectively. Practical Defense Systems doesn’t just teach technique—they instill judgment, awareness, and the mindset required for safe, responsible concealed carry. I highly recommend Practical Defense Systems to anyone looking for a thorough, practical, and empowering concealed carry course. This is training done right.

Date of experience: 15 November, 2025

Useful Report

Mark L 2025.10.29

     

CCW Class Initial Both Joel and Dave are very knowledgeable and teach you things you never even knew how to solve. The flexibility in picking your classes back-to-back was a plus for me while looking for a class. I like the Milo system and would come back whenever I get the chance.

Date of experience: 25 October, 2025

Useful Report

Steven Roberts 2025.10.28

     

Top Notch! I recently completed the CA Initial 16-hour CA CCW course. Joel was nothing short of amazing. He was friendly, very knowledgeable, and a great mentor with tons of real-life experience. He and Dave made everyone feel at ease and comfortable regardless of our prior firearm experience. The class was not only informative, but also a lot of fun! In addition to learning all of the CCW required material, we also focused on skill building and improving our decision making. This has given me more confidence in my abilities. I am not only looking forward to my renewal course, but I am also planning to visit PDS before then to further my skills and learn from the wonderful team at PDS. I highly recommend Practical Defense Systems without reservation!

Date of experience: 26 October, 2025

Useful Report

jose burgueno 2025.09.22

     

CCW class Practical Defense Systems provides top-quality training with instructors who truly care about their students’ success and safety. I highly recommend their CCW program to anyone looking to get certified or to sharpen their skills. Instructors where super nice and fun.

Useful Report

Slashoom 2025.09.05

     

Amazing Training experience Amazing training. The trainer uses a great blend of information and levity which makes the training WAY more fun.

Date of experience: 01 September, 2025

Useful Report

Socrates Ibanez 2025.08.14

     

Firearms training Very professional and knowledgeable! Joel Persinger incorporates his real- world experiences and training into the class. Makes the course more palatable as he teaches the subject matter with clarity and ease by adding personal experiences and "out the box thinking". To add to the experience, Joel works side by side with David Weiner (Secure Measures). David allows students to engage in "possible real-life" scenario in a fun and safe learning environment. Overall, I highly recommend Practical Defense Systems for future firearms training. I look forward to future training with Joel and David.

Date of experience: 09 August, 2025

Useful Report

Socrates I. 2025.08.11

     

Verified

Very professional and knowledgeable! Joel Persinger incorporates his real- world experiences and training into the class. Makes the course more palatable as he teaches the subject matter with clarity and ease by adding personal experiences and "out the box thinking". To add to the experience, Joel works side by side with David Weiner (Secure Measures). David allows students to engage in "possible real-life" scenario in a fun and safe learning environment. Overall, I highly recommend Practical Defense Systems for future firearms training. I look forward to future training with Joel and David.

Useful Report

Jeffrey Utterback 2025.07.28

     

Exceptional education and experience My wife and I both took our CCW course from Joel and Practical Defense Systems and we were very happy with our decision to do so. Joel made all the information very easy to understand and his class is very interactive. In addition to the curriculum, Joel also put us through a virtual simulator that simulates real world scenarios. This is by far the best educational experience for both law enforcement and CCW applicants. Understanding when and when not to use force along with learning the repercussions of every decision you make is priceless education. Many thanks to Joel and Practical Defense Systems.

Useful Report

Khyber Noory 2025.05.28

     

Gurd

Useful Report

Jessie Wolfe 2025.05.19

     

Great Experience Joel was a wonderful instructor, I enjoyed his class, never boring or intimidating. Thank you for a great experience!

Date of experience: 17 May, 2025

Useful Report

Charles cadena 2025.05.08

     

Great instructor

Useful Report

Stsatrom@gmail.com 2025.03.07

     

Excellent instruction for anyone skill level. No nonsense, excellent information for anyone that is thinking about owning a firearm (or carrying for self defense). Practical hands on training any experience level can benefit from. No one is treated with anything other than respect, regardless of knowledge base. Highly recommended.

Useful Report

Edward Delmark 2025.02.18

     

Practical Defense Systems has it right Joel was a very good instructor. He kept the class moving and taught everyone something, even the students who had experience with firearms learned things people might not know before receiving a CCW.

Date of experience: 04 January, 2025

Useful Report

Michael Oluvic 2025.02.03

     

CCW renewal class review Joel is an excellent instructor! I have taken his CCW renewal class three times now and I have learned something new each time. I highly recommend him.

Date of experience: 29 January, 2025

Useful Report

Karin 2025.01.31

     

Outstanding course! Joel from Practical Defense Systems, taught the CCW renewal class. The course was very well constructed and covers all the elements of firearm safety, CA CCW laws and permit requirements. The CA required hours for training have doubled and Joel made the content extremely relevant and interesting with great class participation. The time moved along nicely. Also, the classes use safe interactive stimulation training for hands on practice. I highly recommend this course! Karin

Date of experience: 30 January, 2025

Useful Report

Hal 2025.01.14

     

Useful Report

Tony 2024.12.22

     

The best CCW course Joel was very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you!

Useful Report

Larry C. 2024.12.09

     

Verified

Completed my CCW safety course and range certification today. The owner and instructor Joel made the classroom very informative while adding some humor and life experiences to make it go fast. I am grateful I picked PDS for this course and will use them again for future firearm training. Highly recommended.

Useful Report