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About A2 Defense

Defend what's priceless

We're the instructors who train instructors, police, professionals and civilians.

POST-certified law enforcement instructor DOJ-certified CCW instructor NRA Training Counselor
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Our story

At A2 Defense, we're more than a training service. We're a team of firearm experts committed to building the skills that keep you and your loved ones safe.

My name is Ray, founder and CEO of A2 Firearms, and my passion for defensive training runs deep. Ever since I can remember, I've had a fascination with weapons and the discipline it takes to use them responsibly. Firearms have been a lifelong interest, and I know the power they carry, both to protect and to cause harm. That's why responsible ownership and skilled training are at the core of what we do.

We teach in English, Spanish and Farsi (Persian), in person in Lake Forest, Anaheim Hills and at ranges in Chino, Corona and Riverside, and online.

Ray Alipanah, founder of A2 Defense

Credentials

Ray Alipanah, founder and lead instructor
ATF

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

  • Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer
  • Federal Firearms Licensed Manufacturer
Cal DOJ

California Department of Justice

  • Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) Certified Instructor
  • Firearms Instructor
  • Centralized List of Firearm Dealers
POST

Peace Officer Standards and Training

  • Certified Red Dot Instructor
  • Certified CCW Instructor
NRA

National Rifle Association of America

  • Training Counselor
  • Chief Range Safety Officer
  • Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Instructor
USCCA

U.S. Concealed Carry Association

  • Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals
  • Countering the Mass Shooter
  • Women's Firearms and Self-Defense Instructor
  • Legal Use of Force
U.S. LawShield
  • Training Counselor
NRA Training Counselor badge NRA Certified Instructor badge NRA Chief Range Safety Officer badge NRA certification badge USCCA Certified Instructor badge

Where we train

  • Headquarters: 22772 Centre Drive, Suite 110, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  • Classrooms: Lake Forest and Anaheim Hills
  • Ranges: Prado Olympic Shooting Park (Chino), Raahauge's (Corona) and Riverside Magnum Range
  • Online: CCW courses for Riverside County, LAPD and non-residents

Who we train

  • CCW applicants and renewals for Riverside County and LAPD
  • New gun owners and the California Firearm Safety Certificate
  • Future instructors through NRA courses and the CA DOJ CCW Instructor Pathway
  • Churches, real estate offices and other groups

Questions about a class?

Call, email or message us and an instructor will get back to you.