Self-Defense
Pistol Training
CCW Training Academy specializes in scenario-based self-defense pistol training, with Tactical Pistol I and II at the heart of our instruction. Led by Alan B. Densky, a former deputy sheriff and NRA Certified Pistol & Nationwide CCW Instructor, serving Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties.
Tactical Pistol I and II are primarily group courses at Ares Range. Private instruction covering this material may also be arranged there. Separate beginner, private in-home, and blended online concealed carry options offer additional starting points.
Tactical Pistol
I & II
Tactical group courses.
Ares Range only.
Private options: ask us.
Basic Through Advanced
Pistol Training
Private pistol lessons.
Build safe handling.
Train at home or range.
Concealed Carry
Training
Learn online at home.
Private options, too.
Live fire in person.
Self-Defense Pistol Training in
Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties
CCW Training Academy specializes in self-defense pistol training, especially Tactical Pistol I and II. Our instruction develops safe gun handling, defensive skills, and judgment through practical, scenario-based training. Tactical Pistol I and II are primarily group courses conducted only at Ares Range, with dates dependent on enrollment and advance range reservations. Their material can also be taught through private pistol training at Ares Range by arrangement. Separate in-home and home-defense instruction is available for other training goals. Beginner pistol lessons and blended online concealed carry courses offer additional starting points. CCW Training Academy is a DBA of CCW Instructor, LLC, founded by Alan B. Densky, serving Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties.
Private in-home firearms training is available throughout Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties. The instructor brings the recoil-enabled training pistols and computerized laser-target system to the student’s home. No live ammunition is used indoors. Concealed carry firearms training is one of our specialties.
Private In Home Training
Learn Firearm Safety and Pistol Skills in the Privacy of Your Home
Private in-home firearms training allows beginners, nervous students, couples, and experienced gun owners to learn without the pressure, noise, or distractions of a public shooting range. Instruction is paced to the student, so no one is rushed or embarrassed.
Using recoil-enabled training pistols and computerized laser targets, students can practice safe gun handling, stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, defensive decision-making, and other essential pistol skills. No live ammunition is used inside the home.
When the student is ready, live-fire instruction can be scheduled at one of our training ranges in Leesburg or Ocala.
STUDENT REVIEWS
What Students Say About CCW Training Academy
OUR TRAINING PROGRAMS
Find the Right Firearms Training for Your Experience and Goals
CCW Training Academy offers a clear training path from concealed carry firearms training certification and beginner pistol instruction through group or private live-fire, home-defense, and advanced scenario-based training. Beginners receive patient, step-by-step instruction, while experienced shooters can develop faster gun handling, stronger defensive decision-making, and practical skills for real-world encounters.
Not sure where to begin? Our complete training guide compares the available courses and explains the recommended progression.
WHY TRAIN WITH US
Practical Firearms Skills for Real-World Self-Defense
Paper-target practice alone does not prepare someone to recognize danger, make lawful decisions, move effectively, draw from concealment, and respond under pressure. CCW Training Academy combines safe gun handling and accurate shooting with defensive decision-making and scenario-based exercises.
Training is matched to each student’s experience and abilities. Students are never rushed or embarrassed, but are steadily developed into safer and more capable defensive shooters.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Firearms Training in North Central Florida
Do I still need concealed carry training in Florida?
Yes. Being legally permitted to carry a firearm does not mean someone has learned safe handling, accurate shooting, defensive decision-making, or when using force may be legally justified. Proper training helps responsible gun owners understand both the firearm and the serious responsibilities that come with carrying it.
What should a beginner look for in a firearms instructor?
A beginner should look for a qualified instructor who is patient, explains skills clearly, provides supervised hands-on practice, and never rushes or embarrasses students. The training should cover firearm safety, handling, marksmanship, and practical defensive considerations—not merely the minimum needed to receive a certificate.
Which firearms training course should I take first?
That depends on your experience and goals. A new gun owner may begin with firearm safety, beginner pistol instruction, or concealed carry certification. Experienced shooters may be ready for private live-fire, defensive pistol, or tactical training.
Can I receive private or in-home firearms training?
Yes. CCW Training Academy offers private instruction at local ranges and in-home training using recoil-enabled pistols and computerized laser targets. In-home instruction is especially helpful for beginners, nervous students, couples, and anyone who prefers to learn privately before beginning live fire.
Where is live-fire pistol training conducted?
Live-fire training is conducted at selected ranges in Leesburg and Ocala. The best location depends on the student’s location and the type of training requested. Holster work, movement, multiple-target exercises, and rapid defensive shooting require an appropriate range.
Is basic pistol training enough to prepare me for self-defense?
Basic pistol training provides the necessary foundation, but defensive readiness requires more. A capable defensive shooter must also learn safe gun handling under pressure, drawing from concealment, movement, judgment, legal considerations, and how to recognize and respond to rapidly changing threats.
FIREARMS SAFETY & SELF-DEFENSE ARTICLES
Practical Information for Responsible Gun Owners
Read practical articles about concealed carry, firearm safety, defensive pistol skills, Florida gun laws, situational awareness, and preparing for real-world self-defense.
Best Eye and Ear Protection for Shooting: A Complete Range Safety Guide
Protect your eyes and hearing at the shooting range. Compare safety glasses, prescription lenses, earplugs, electronic earbuds, and earmuffs to find the right protection.
Beginner Pistol Training: What to Expect From Your First Pistol Lesson
Nervous about your first pistol lesson? Learn what to expect—from firearm safety and proper handling to live-fire practice—in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment.

Armed Robbery Self-Defense Tactics
Most armed-robbery advice ends with “just comply.” Compliance may be the right choice, but it is not a guarantee of survival. This article examines how a trained defender can use feigned compliance, body positioning, distraction, and OODA-loop disruption to create a brief counterattack opportunity when a robber is already at close range.
