Practical Defense Systems in San Diego, California

“This review is a few months late. But I took the 16 hour CCW training course that is required for your CCW California permit. This was by far the best course I could recommend. Joe made sure we weren't sitting in a classroom being bored with reading and presentations. We got hands on practical training and situational training. I was intimated being the only woman in a room of men, but Joe continued to help me feel c”

— Ms F. · ★★★★★ · 2026-1-19

“I was initially anxious about taking the 16-hour CCW class, not knowing what to expect. To my surprise, the experience was incredibly informative, engaging, and enjoyable. I'm so glad I chose Practical Defense Systems for my training. Joel Presinger and David Weiner were outstanding instructorsu2014professional, knowledgeable, and clearly experienced. They created a great learning environment and provided hands-on traini”

— Tammy M. · ★★★★★

“This CCW class was hands-down the best training experience Iu2019ve ever had. Having two instructors made all the differenceu2014they each brought their own expertise, teaching style, and real-world experience, and together they created an incredibly well-rounded, high-quality course. Joel at Practical Defense Systems combined with Dave at Secure Measures was phenomenal! Both instructors were professional, patient, and genui”

— M M. · ★★★★★

“Where do I even begin? I took the firearms permit class and Joel was a 1 OF 1 type of instructor, truly a very knowledgeable and kind man. He listened and acknowledged every question so he can answer to the best of his ability. His class was extremely informative and did a good amount of practice exercises. The shooting range part of the class was nothing short of amazing, Joel was very patient and let you take your ”

— Kael G. · ★★★★★

“Joel is an outstanding instructor with extensive law enforcement experience serving in the LBC and a true passion for professional protection and firearms proficiency. Itu2019s clear that he genuinely cares about every student who comes through his courses. Joel goes well beyond state standards, sharing hard-earned wisdom gained through real-world experience. I canu2019t recommend PDS highly enough - whether youu2019re pursuing ”

— Dustin I. · ★★★★★

“My experience with Practical Defense Systems was outstanding from start to finish. The concealed carry training was far beyond a standard class and 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”

— Glenn T. · ★★★★★

“Joel was incredible and efficient. I took the 16 hour CCW course. He does not try to take all of the money out of your account, because he feels that this is a right we, as American citizens, should have. Joel is an all-American guy, who made sure this class was an on-the-edge of your seat experience. Knowledgeable and a previous law enforcement agent. You will LOVE his class, and leave with 100 times more knowledge ”

— Rachel B. · ★★★★★ · 2025-6-10

“I had the greatest opportunity and appreciate to have been able to participate in this class. The training youu2019ll receive from it, is by far the best program out there offered to attend. Really knowledgeable, Respectful, and Enjoyable. Also with allot of surprises within the course that really keeps you entertained, awake, and very much aware. Iu2019d HIGHLY recommend going for the experience, you WONu2019T regret it at all ”

— SD _. · ★★★★★