Bay Area Tactical Group — Local services in San Francisco

Beyond the knowledge transfer, the vibes at BAT were immaculate. I applied for my CCW initial in 2023 in San Mateo County and was searching for a vendor to complete my qualifications. For context, I am an active USPSA A-class Carry Optics competitive shooter—my member number is A128082 for verification—and a martial arts instructor of 15 years. In an informal setting, I've practiced and trained with a variety of LEOs, first responders, and military personnel, from South Bay agencies to the Sacramento area. Lastly, I placed 8th out of 115 shooters in a CCW-specific competition and 2nd in my division. This isn't a flex, just context for my experience.

I was recommended to BAT by a close family friend and best man who also shoots competitively and got his CCW through Alameda County. He reassured me that BAT was simply meeting its deliverables regarding the CCW process, although he did express that there were some conflicting ideologies. However, he also said he would do business with BAT again, purely because of the positive vibe and communal environment they created.

My Class Experience My first introductory class was with Norman Ho. He spoke with an attractive charisma that made the class content easy to absorb. Norman was also very good at explaining certain laws and policies with a strong but unbiased point of view. This was important to me because, often, instructors will claim a concept is the "end-all" solution. For example, if instructors say "slow is fast," I'll tell them they are mistaken, as times and how we fight have changed. Slow is slow, and fast is fast. I don’t know when anyone won a fight with a slow punch. Good news: BAT and its instructors didn’t say or express anything like that.

My first shooting instructor was Chris. He is awesome, plain and simple. Things started off a bit intense when he instructed an incompetent student to lock back their slide as a safety protocol, and they simply couldn’t do it. Chris made it very clear that this was an important function to know as a gun owner—and more importantly, as a CCW holder. I 100% agree and was glad he did that. Once he learned about my experience, he acknowledged it and expressed that he didn’t need to give me as much attention. While I appreciated that, I also told him that I was a student first and foremost and was still there to learn, which he also appreciated. He’s a great teacher, very adamant in his teachings, and very funny.

My next instructor was Greg. While Chris was amazing, I was glad to work with another instructor for variety. Greg is a former LEO from Detroit who worked in executive protection, and he has seen some things! He was also the instructor who gave me the online PowerPoint, which I'm sure wasn’t easy, but he still made it interesting. When we did our first grouping of five shots on a 7-yard target, I essentially did a regular Bill Drill in a six-inch circle. Greg exclaimed, "Wow, you know something, don't you?" It was a nice, lighthearted joke. I gave him context on my experience but still told him I was a student first and foremost. He appreciated that, and I appreciated his acknowledgment. We passed the qualification, and we continued to converse and exchange knowledge.

Why BAT Stands Out What made me want to stick around with BAT was the cool environment and attractive energy. I just wanted to talk shop and shoot more. Just like other gun enthusiasts, we enjoyed sharing what gear we run, what holsters we rock, and our optics preferences. It was great! The important part about this overall experience is that they didn’t downplay my shooting experience as a competitive shooter; they embraced it. That's huge to me because, in the world of tactics among civilians and LEOs, implementing competitive shooting in their practice is inevitably beneficial. The only downside was that Greg challenged me to keep shooting faster, haha.

My final thought: I am confident that I will continue to give BAT my business and refer my network for as long as...

First of all, if you are like me, I too was on the fence about owning let alone being around them. They are known to be as a last resort for self defense (other tangibles involved with that) but they are also used for sport at ranges. Not only, does one learn new techniques and along with breathing and being relaxed, it's hard to find that place that'll show you that. After reading tons of reviews came across B.A.T (Bay Area Tactical). Was a bit nervous and such of course especially when carrying my gun around at ranges. Who wouldn't. Not only are they very welcoming but great at what they do. Teach! They instill the value of owning with pros and cons and such during Pistol 1. Grant it, I went in due to wanting to learn and take the training for the CCW before the new law takes effect. After their input is when I decided to take that Pistol 1 course.

Not only was it refreshing to learn a bit more of ownership but was a great opportunity to learn shooting techniques and self discipline when at ranges. Things that most often times people overlook. From the moment I walked over, they were friendly and respectful.

After the classroom training, we were taken in smaller groups to the range where we learned to shoot properly and how to handle misfires. Depending on ones knowledge, they'd give you advanced forms and tips which apparently I was good to go for that. After the course, we were asked if we'd like to partake on Pistol 2 which we (made a friend and instantly became brothers-which at times its needed to push each other to strive to get the adequate training needed).

During this course not only did we go through shooting motions and techniques but also due to our quick learning (this is where getting to know fellow training partners helps), we touched a bit on Tactical forms. Went through different scenarios from knowing ones space, knowing about after the threat has been assessed and is no longer a threat being vigilant of all and being safe for all as for ones self. The instructor that day by the name of Rob, not only was he friendly but kept the training session calm, friendly but on every tiny mishap (finger on trigger when not on slide or so) was the best. He was very informative and gave one many scenarios and had us complete each section in a timely manner. From all the learning and in the informative yet fun way, time flew by quick. Did I mention they are accommodating too? Had to get out early due to having to work later in the evening which he worked with me.

Not only am I just reviewing or recommending them to anyone who reads this, but planning on taking all of their course. I'm not even into rifles (yet) but after experiencing their training and teaching techniques, it would be dumb if I didn't.

It's hard to find those that care about teaching and have the passion to show others the do's and don't in a way that everyone from any background and any knowledge about the matter would understand.

Can't wait to take my kids when they become full teenagers. Might be the only people I entrust them to show what I've learned thus far.

Thank you Dennis and team at BAT especially Rob. And NO, wasn't asked to do this. Check my reviews, I only do it when it's...

Review for BAT (Bay Area Tactical) “Excellence isn’t an option—it’s the standard.”

I’ve been handling firearms since I was seven years old, with nearly five decades of hands-on experience in both law enforcement and military firearms training environments. Despite the years, I don’t claim to know it all—there’s always room to grow, refine, and evolve. The pursuit of mastery is a lifelong journey, and I’m always moving forward.

By chance, I connected with the BAT Team prior to diving into the complex world of California firearms licensing—and that connection proved to be a game-changer. From CCW to BSIS Exposed Firearms Licensing, they were laser-focused, no-fluff, and mission-driven. They provided clear direction, streamlined the process, and ensured that every requirement was handled with surgical precision. Simply put: they delivered.

What sets BAT apart is that they aren’t just a training company—they’re a one-stop tactical solution. Everything I needed, from licensing training requirements, was under one roof. Their cadre? Without a doubt, one of the most professional, squared-away teams I’ve encountered. A wealth of real-world experience—First Responders, LEOs, Military, and Security Professionals—ensures their instruction is rooted in reality, not theory.

They don’t just run you through drills—they instill judgment under pressure. The training emphasizes that when our tools come into play, it’s because every other option has been exhausted. They train to eliminate Option Paralysis, providing decision-making frameworks that ensure all factors are considered before any life-altering choice is made. That kind of mental prep is priceless.

Another standout feature? Their ability to rapidly assess students and tailor instruction to match capability and pace. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been downrange a few times, BAT ensures you're training at the right level to keep pushing forward.

And it’s not just firearms—they offer a robust lineup of medical courses that align perfectly with real-world scenarios. That’s the kind of full-spectrum readiness I integrate into my own training philosophy, and I’ll be attending more of those sessions without hesitation.

Bottom line: My experience with BAT has been phenomenal. They’ve earned my trust and respect, and I hope I’ve earned theirs in return by showing up, putting in the work, and being a student worthy of the training they provide. I intend to remain a student for as long as they’ll have me. If you're serious about training, growth, and professional development—look no further. BAT brings the heat, the discipline, and the mindset required to thrive in...