Why Fred's Training?

Fred’s Firearms Training is led by a team of highly experienced instructors with deep military and law enforcement backgrounds. Fred Smith, Mike Radford, and Phil Harris bring decades of real-world experience as U.S. Marines, SWAT operators, tactical team members, and firearms instructors.

Since 2008 our instructors have successfully trained thousands of students in CCW courses, handgun fundamentals, and advanced Rifle and handgun skills. We are committed to providing professional, practical, and safety-focused instruction that prepares responsible citizens to confidently and lawfully carry a firearm.

Meet the instructors

Fred Smith - Owner/Instructor

Fred Smith brings 25 years of military, law enforcement, and firearms experience to Fred’s Firearms training. A former U.S. Marine and Department of Energy Protective Force officer, he later served with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and spent six years on the SWAT team.

Mike Radford - Range Master

Mike Radford brings 24 years of law enforcement experience to Fred’s Firearms training. He spent 18 years on SWAT as an operator, team leader, and commander, has taught both overseas and locally. Mike is passionate about providing top tier training to his students.

Phil Harris - Instructor

Phil Harris was born and raised in the Central Valley and has carried a firearm professionally since age 18. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he joined the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, where he currently serves on the tactical team as a sniper/observer and firearms instructor.

Fred's Firearms Training Courses

Initial CCW Course (Zoom)

Text saying 'INITIAL CCW' in red on black background.

This is a 16 hour course from 5:30pm to 9:00pm on Thursday via ZOOM and qualification at the range will be scheduled for the following Saturday (Full day, 8am-5pm) & Sunday (Half day, 8am-11am). Certificates will be issued after successful qualification on Sunday.

Renewal CCW Course (Zoom)

Red text says CCW RENEW on black background.

This is an 8 hour course from 5:30pm to 9:30pm on Thursday via ZOOM and qualification at the range will be scheduled for the following Saturday (Half day, 8am-11am). Certificates will be issued after successful qualification on Saturday.

CCW Add a Gun

Handgun Awareness

Text saying 'ADD A GUN' in bold red on black.

No class is required to add a new weapon to your permit in between the two (or three) year renewal. Once you reserve your spot, just bring your weapon on the designated day, qualify, and you are done.

Handgun Awareness

A 3 HOUR introduction to the use and operation of your semi-automatic pistol or revolver. We will discuss safety, proper grip, loading and unloading, and basic principles of shooting.

**Great for beginners, or those wanting to become more comfortable with their handgun

CCW Class FAQ - Please Read Before Booking

Please reach us at fredsfirearms@gmail.com or call the store at 209-840-2126 if you cannot find an answer to your question!

We Strongly recommend that you begin the CCW Application/Renew process prior to booking a course, Click HERE for Stanislaus County CCW application and HERE for Escalon PD CCW

Which Counties/Departments do you do CCW Classes for?

We currently offer Stanislaus County and Escalon Police Department CCW classes. Please click the link above to find out more about their CCW process - its strongly recommended you BEGIN that process before booking your class.

How long is my certificate and Permit good for?

The certificate is valid 6 months from issuance. This is why above we STRONGLY recommend you start the CCW process prior to taking the course!

CCW's are valid for 2 years for classes prior to Jan 1 2027 and 3 years for permits after Jan 1 2027.

What Time is the classes

For Renew CCW - Zoom Classroom portion occurs Thursday at 5:30pm and range portion is on the following Saturday for a half day from 8am-11am.

For INITAL CCW (NEW) Zoom Classroom portion occurs Thursday at 5:30pm and range portion is on the following Saturday for a full day from 8am-5pm and half day Sunday 8am-11am.

How do I use Zoom?

Required to join the Zoom Training:

- Computer with a webcam and microphone or

- Tablet with webcam and microphone

- Smartphone (Google or Apple)

If you need assistance on using Zoom, please visit the following website for guides on it's use.

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

What is REQUIRED on Range Day?

For CCW and Handgun Awareness classes:

- Handgun (additional magazines and loaders suggested)

- Outside the pant hip holster (Must fit your firearm)

- Pants with belt loops and a sturdy belt and CLOSE TOED Footwear REQUIRED

- Eye and ear protection (Electronic Hearing STRONGLY recommended)

- 100 rounds of ammunition for renewal course and Handgun awareness for main weapon, 250 ROUNDS FOR INITAL (NEW) CCW for main weapon - additional 50 rounds for other qualifying weapons

- Long pants and close toed footwear are required.

-All items required can be purchased at shop.fredsfirearms.net or in store at Fred's Firearms!

When will I get my Certificate?

Certificates will be emailed after successful qualification is completed. (Please be patient, it may take us longer to process large classes)

How many guns can I qualify with?

Stanislaus County max is 5, check with us for other areas.

Can I bring a friend or family member to watch?

No. For safety reasons, only enrolled students and instructors are permitted on the range during instruction.

Do I need to bring a lunch?

You are welcome to bring a lunch. There will also be sufficient time to leave the range and eat off-site during INITAL courses. Bringing Water is strongly recommended.

What if I arrive without all required equipment?

All listed equipment is required for your course. Students who arrive unprepared may be excused from training. We sell all equipment required, PLEASE contact us to purchase your gear!

Can my eyeglasses be used as eye protection?

Yes. Standard eyeglasses may be worn as eye protection during the range portion of the course.

What are the age requirements?

CCW Courses: Students must be 21 years of age or older.

Handgun Awareness (Handgun I) Students must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also registered for the class.

Can I take the Saturday and Sunday portions on different dates?

No. The two-day initial course must be completed on consecutive days.

How many qualification attempts do I receive?

Students are allowed up to three attempts to qualify with each firearm.

Will class be rescheduled if it rains?

No. Classes are held as scheduled and will proceed rain or shine.

Why Fred's Training?

Meet the instructors

Fred Smith - Owner/Instructor

Mike Radford - Range Master

Phil Harris - Instructor

Phil Harris - Instructor

Fred's Firearms Training Courses

Initial CCW Course (Zoom)

Renewal CCW Course (Zoom)

CCW Add a Gun

Handgun Awareness

Handgun Awareness

Handgun Awareness

Handgun Awareness

Handgun Awareness

CCW Class FAQ - Please Read Before Booking

Training Photo Gallery

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