Student Experiences

A black Glock 17 Gen 4 semi-automatic pistol with markings Austria, 9x19, and Glock on the slide.

★★★★★

William V. - Oakland, CA

“I didn’t grow up around guns, and though I’ve been shooting for years now, the tool in my hand still feels less like a hammer and more like a grenade. After just one class with Adam I’m surprised at how much more comfortable I feel with it.

I own a gun primarily for self defense and am overtly aware of how badly it would probably go for me if I ever found myself in need of using it. But again, just one class with Adam and I suddenly feel like I might actually stand a chance in a life or death situation now.

I was a little uneasy about taking a group class with people I didn’t know, but at no point once I got there did I feel unsafe. Adam is extremely focused on safety before everything else and is incredibly patient and meticulous. I felt he ran the entire class in such a way that one of us getting shot would have required an act of God or malicious intent. I personally made a few dumb mistakes, but Adam noticed and reacted immediately each time before I’d even had the opportunity to present a danger. He did this without anger or agitation and without making me feel stupid or called out, but instead with gentle corrections and reminders delivered kindly and with thought. He didn’t just tell me what to do and what not to do, but he explained the reasoning behind it so that what he was saying really made sense and what I learned really stuck.

During drills he again was patient with each student, letting all of us go at whatever pace we were comfortable with. I asked so many questions, and not only was he not annoyed, he was happy to answer them all because the better we all understood the safer we all were. In the end I surprised myself with how well I actually did during drills. Adam’s thorough explanations and skillful demonstrating made everything seem a lot less daunting and a lot more possible.

I found him to be an excellent instructor, and came from the experience having learned a lot, improved a lot, gained a lot of confidence, and also had a lot of fun!

So like me, take one class with Adam, and like me, it won’t be your last one.”

A black semi-automatic pistol with textured grip and slide on top.

★★★★★

Ben H. - Pacifica, CA.

"I am honored to recommend Adam Johnson, who is by far the best firearms safety instructor I have ever had the privilege of learning from.

Adam's safety-first approach to firearms training is truly unique and unmatched in the industry, and he puts exceptional thought and effort into crafting educational experiences tailored to each client's specific needs—whether for professional certification, legal defense requirements, personal education, skill enhancement for competition, or just having fun while being safe.

Beyond his technical expertise in enhancing proficiency and ability with firearms, Adam is a genuinely kind, generous, and caring individual who is a true standout Second Amendment advocate making our country a better place through his dedicated work. He is not only an outstanding instructor but also a humble, principled, and exceptional human being whose combination of expertise, character, and teaching ability is rare and invaluable.

I am proud to be his student and deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone who is supremely qualified, exceptionally safe, engaging, and masterful at his craft—I cannot recommend Adam highly enough for any and all firearms training needs.”

A black semi-automatic handgun with a textured grip.

★★★★★

Ben R. - San Leandro, CA

“I’m pretty new to handguns and wanted to take a class so I could get a solid base with the fundamentals.

My wife, a friend and I met up at a well known gun range where Adam had a classroom and private range set up for us. We started in the classroom with an introduction to firearms, going over safety, the fundamentals, safety and safety - it was surprisingly informative and felt very professional. I was able to ask questions as they came up. Adam clearly had the knowledge and mastery I was looking for.

When we went to the range Adam had a number of shooting drills and exercises that I found fun, straightforward and very helpful From drill to drill I was able to focus on various aspects of my shooting (grip, sight alignment, posture etc). Being able to shoot a number of rounds and have Adam help me interpret where my shots landed and what it meant gave me insights I wouldn’t have figured out myself for years. I came out of the class feeling like I had enough skills and knowledge to know what I’m focusing on during my next range visits, and confident that I had the fundamentals.

I’d recommend taking a class with Adam to anyone interested in working on fundamentals or leveling up their shooting with professional guidance.”

Black semi-automatic handgun with textured grip and slide markings.

★★★★★

Anoop G. - Newark, CA

“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Adam as both a volunteer and co-instructor at our boutique firearms retail and training organization. Beyond our professional collaboration, I’ve personally benefited from his thoughtful coaching and dedication. Adam is deeply committed to student success—he consistently invests time in helping individuals grow, refine their skills, and reach their full potential.

He brings a calm, balanced presence to the range, which is especially valuable for first-time shooters. His patient approach and emphasis on fundamentals create a strong foundation for learning. Adam’s focus on continuous improvement is evident in everything he does, and it significantly enhances the student experience.

Whether it's guiding a new shooter through their first experience or refining advanced skills for experienced practitioners, Adam adapts his instruction with precision and care. His ability to read the student, adjust his approach, and deliver feedback that’s both actionable and encouraging is rare. Adam doesn’t just teach—he mentors, motivates, and models excellence. His presence on the line elevates everyone around him, including fellow instructors. He’s the kind of professional who makes you better just by being in the room or on the range!” 

Tan-colored semi-automatic handgun with black trigger and slide release.

★★★★★

Barry W. - Walnut Creek, CA

“If you are considering using a gun defensively, you must train. If you ever actually need your gun, it will be in some unexpected scenario. You need a trainer who will introduce you to various scenarios and exercise you in them. Adam will do that and do it exceptionally well.

I hope and expect to never need a gun, but I still consider my time and money spent with Adam to be well worth it. Other than the confidence building there is the enjoyment of the lesson itself. Adam is friendly, unintimidating, and full of important information. He’s a keen observer and can pick out areas needing improvement. He also listens well and incorporates your concerns and issues into the instruction. I find every lesson to be a real pleasure.

I’ve had many lessons with Adam, and he’s helped me grow as a defensive shooter and got me through my CCW qualification with flying colors. Every lesson leaves me with things to think about and work on. I’m lucky to have such a great resource.”

A black semi-automatic handgun with a textured grip, trigger guard, and safety switch, facing left.

★★★★★

Jorge B. - Antioch, CA

“I have now taken 3 total classes with Adam and can’t recommend him enough.

The first two were in a group setting in which I not only noticed his skill but his simple-to-understand way of explaining things.

I decided to take a one on one class with him after the first two group classes and my expectations were highly exceeded. Within the first half hour during a few warmup exercises and direction from Adam, I had already noticed my marksmanship slowly improving. By the end of the class Adam had my grip and stance dialed which resulted in faster and proper sight acquisition.

I can confidently say that not only do I highly recommend Adam but will be taking more classes with him in the future.”

A black semi-automatic handgun with a textured grip.

★★★★★

Bryan K. - Lafayette, CA

“I met Adam thru his volunteer role as an RSO at the public USI range. Once I learned that he offered private training, I was all in.

I felt very comfortable with his way of communicating and his respect for safety. I took the required 16 hours of classroom and range training for my CCW which was excellent. But without Adam, my coming out of holster protocols and everything it takes to navigate the CoCo county qualifier would have been inadequate for what was coming.

I feel lucky to have met him and trained with him and look forward to more training.”

A Glock semi-automatic handgun with a black finish and textured grip, viewed from the side.

★★★★★

Troy E. - Concord, CA

“I’ve been shooting for years but had never done any formal training until I took a class with A-Team Firearms Instruction.

Adam was awesome — super knowledgeable, professional, and really focused on fundamentals and safety.

The next time I went to the range, I ran through some of the drills he taught, and I noticed a real improvement even after just one session.

Whether you’re new to shooting or have been at it a while, I’d definitely recommend training with Adam.”

A black semi-automatic handgun with a textured grip.

★★★★★

Anil S. - Range Safey Officer

“Took a one day defensive pistol class with Adam. He had a nice private range setup and had two experienced instructors helping him oversee the students and do safety checks.

The class was very hands on with 6 hrs on the range drawing from holster and shooting various targets simulating real life defense scenarios. I was amazed at how much I learnt and I can say I walked out of the class a better and a safer shooter.

Highly recommended!!”

A black semi-automatic handgun with a textured grip and various tactical features.

★★★★★

Michael K. - Brentwood, CA

“I very much enjoy doing courses with Adam, he is a very competent instructor and I learn every time I go out to shoot his courses. His skill and knowledge are first rate and you can tell right off he enjoys teaching.

I am looking forward to his next course and I am also going to enroll my wife in one of his beginner courses so she can get more comfortable with my firearms collection.”

Black semi-automatic pistol with markings 'GLOCK 17 Gen 4 Austria 9x19' on slide.

★★★★★

Branden G. - El Sobrante, CA

“This is the best gun training class I’ve ever taken. Adam is extremely knowledgeable about guns and gun safety.

He also takes his time with the class so everyone has a firm grasp of the curriculum. He himself is also a very good shooter which is just very cool to see.

I would recommend this class to all beginners and experienced shooters.”

Black semi-automatic handgun with textured grip and slide, facing left.

★★★★★

Dave R. - Contra Costa County, CA

“Adam, just a quick note of thanks.

Your professional, one-on-one teaching method helped me identify and resolve key weapon handling and aiming fundamentals. Your ability to identify and then provide improvements after each round allowed me to noticeably improve my scoring.

I feel confident that I will not only pass my upcoming CCW range test, but will be a better overall sportsman.”

Image of a Glock 17 Gen 4 handgun in black.

★★★★★

William B. - Concord, CA

“Adam is a great instructor. Calm, relaxed, but serious. I took a Defensive Pistol class and safety was a top priority.

I’ve been shooting for 4 years now and drawing from a holster, moving, and engaging a target definitely improved my skills. The “real world experience” made me feel more confident as well as knowing my limitations.

Highly recommend!”

A black semi-automatic pistol with the markings "HK P2000" on the slide.

★★★★★

David A. - San Ramon, CA

“I had a great time training with Adam. He provide excellent training.

I became much better on my draw and understood some of my short comings so I can better improve.

Lots of range time. It was great!”

A black semi-automatic handgun with textured grip and trigger visible, facing left.

★★★★★

Anonymous - Glock 19 Shooter

“Adam is very thorough with his instruction and prioritizes safe handling at all times.

If you want to get in some worthwhile training, Adam is very qualified!”

A black semi-automatic handgun with a textured grip and slide serrations.

★★★★★

Richard B. - Orinda, CA

“Adam is the best. I did ccw training with him and learned sooo much.

He is totally calm, never makes you feel stupid, and is super likable .

I highly recommend him for training.

Won’t go wrong with Adam!”

A black semi-automatic pistol with a textured grip, a metal slide, and a red and white emblem on the grip.

★★★★★

Constance C. - Oakland, CA

“Adam is a patient and sensitive instructor. I feel very relaxed and confident learning about gun safety.”