American Defense Enterprises, Inc.

American Defense Enterprise! What an awesome time I had this past weekend. From the initial contact to the completion of the training day, everything was superb. Paula was my instructor for a good portion of the day and I gotta tell ya, what a superior lady. She knows her stuff! I loved her passion for her craft and her approach to teaching. Bill and Bernard were also fantastic. I walked away feeling more confident because of the high level techniques and emphasis on safety. I can’t wait to go back.

Our whole family went to ADE training class few weeks ago and we were so glad that we made the right decision. Me and my wife never touched a real gun in our lives and so was our 10 year son. Paula, Natalie, Bill, and Bernard were wonderful teachers. What they gave us was the unforgettable safety emphasis for beginners like us. They were professional, patient and most importantly, know how to teach. They correct you instantly where you need to improve and tell you why. Special thanks to Bernard who was tremendously patient teaching my son for straight four hours. We all had a wonderful time at ADE. Highly recommended!

We went last weekend for the basic safety course and then we joined in for the shoot house practice. Paula is a bad ass! Bill is hilarious and Natalie is sweet as pie but a trained killer.
I expected the safety course to be utterly boring but we started right on the firing line and were shooting our Glocks within the first half hour.
I took my friend who had no experience firing handguns and we both learned a lot! We plan to go more regularly to the meetups, that way we are prepped for the zombie apocalypse.

Having read mostly positive Unilocal reviews prior to booking, must say, this experience still managed to totally surpass expectations. It’s a perfectly balanced combination of intensity and personal engagement among instructors as well as a nice yin/​yang between verbal and active education. I hope and will do my best to go back at least once a month to deepen my expertise and understanding — maybe even splurging on a private or few. It is 500% worth the drive and cost. It truly doesn’t get any better or more efficient and professional than this. Hats and holsters off to Paula, Natalie, Tony, Bill and Bernard. Really special stuff. PS I went with a guy friend a few weeks ago as a birthday gift to him, but for all the badass girls out there, if you wanna unleash your inner Lara Croft, this is the place to learn.

I recently became a 1^st time gun owner — I had done some recreational shooting with friends and family in past years, but never received formal training — with my new firearm purchase I felt it would be smart to get some professional hands-​on safety and handling training. What I received from Paula, Natalie, Bill, Tony, and Bernard at ADE was just that and much more. After researching LA area training opportunities, I rang Bill and I told him my expectations for the course I was seeking. Bill took the time to explain the background of his training program and team’s approach. Based on the stellar reviews and the dialogue with Bill I signed my wife and I up for ADE’s Handgun Combat 1 course at the Burro Canyon Shooting Range. The class size was less than ~14 and student to instructor ratio was excellent — better than 3:1, which along with the highly professional approach by the ADE team, allowed the instructors to keep a close eye on everyone at all times, which made me feel safe (very important when live rounds are being fired by amateurs!) Paula led most of the main first part of the day’s program, along with Natalie and set the tone for a very positive environment — we felt welcomed, and comfortable to ask questions throughout, getting individualized feedback from all trainers throughout the day as we progressed from safety/​handling into tactical quick-​draw, sight acquisition, firing on multiple targets, and tactical reloading (all sequences 1^st in dry-​shooting mode, then with live rounds). After a lunch break, Bill led a training where our class moved onto clearing staged houses with multiple perp target setups (not your everyday gun class!) All the instructors were highly skilled shooters, but more importantly, good teachers — providing concise interactive instruction, maintaining the safety of everyone, and creating a positive environment — if you want to feel confident and become proficient defending yourself and loved ones with a firearm, (and also have fun doing it) this is a great place to start!

If you are an enthusiast, want to improve your skills or are completely new to handguns ADE is the best place for you! I’ve been shooting for 25 years and didn’t know how much I didn’t know until I took their BEGINNER Handgun Combat Training class. Incredible! Paula, Bill and their entire crew are amazing, they always have eyes on you to make sure you’re doing things right and not only is it SUPER FUN, but you’ll learn things I haven’t seen anywhere — and I have done some shooting with very qualified people from elite troops in other countries…
I loved it so much I went back for the advanced training and I’m planning on going back as often as I can to hone in my skills and… …have fun!!!
Check it out and you’ll love it, guaranteed!

I took the handgun safety course with Paula last week. She and her crew are amazing. So helpful and patient with emphasis on safety. I will definitely be back. This is as good as it gets!

I’ve taken 3 classes with ADE so far, and I will definitely continue to do so! I can’t put into words how amazing these guys are as people, and as instructors. I knew next to nothing about firearms when I started, but from the moment I got there I felt welcomed, safe, and cared for. These guys truly are some of the nicest people I’ve met. Period. There’s no tough macho front, or any sense of intimidation from any of them — just wide open arms looking to welcome in anyone who cares to learn.
My main goal in training was (and still is) to have fun. Boy do these guys deliver!!! This isn’t just some day at the shooting range! By the end, no one wants to leave! Everyone I talk to has an absolute blast, and many are eager to return. It’s fun and energetic, as well as mentally and physically stimulating. I didn’t know shooting could be such a blissful and euphoric experience, but these guys make it happen!!!
I think everyone should take at least one course here — anyone from a complete beginner to an experienced shooter. They have so much knowledge to give, and they give it with such warmth, acceptance, kindness and love. They’ve turned me into an enthusiast with a newfound passion that will last a life time.
Thank you Paula, Bill, and all the other instructors at ADE. You’re a ‘bang up’ crew! ;)

My husband and I took a Sunday class for beginners — and what a blast we had! I’ve never held a gun before this class, and was pretty nervous. The instructors took the time to explain everything, and I was firing like a pro in no time! By the end of the day, I was kicking the doors and firing on multiple opponents in their military/​police shoothouse. SO MUCH FUN!
The canyon is pretty remote, but the travel is totally worth the trip. Make sure to bring SUNBLOCK or you will burn :)

I had an awesome time here. Five hours of training. My group was having so much fun and we didn’t want the training to stop. The staff was amazing. I cannot wait until the next. This place is a must to try. I promise you will not be disappointed.

This is a wonderful place with a wonderful staff. I would highly recommend taking friends and family to try a lesson. I took my family and friends in a group event and we all had a blast.
Paula and Bill are excellent Instructors and tell it to you straight. They make you feel safe and comfortable in potentially dangerous environment. They assist you along the way but make the event fun and there is never a dull moment. I am going to be there the first opportunity I get.
Bottom line, if you want to get training from the best, look no further.

I tried this wonderful program 3 weeks ago, thinking that it would be great to do an intensive 4-​hour session with real pros. It was GREAT. .. in fact, it was so great that I will be going to my fourth call in 4 consecutive weekends next Sunday. i cannot say enough good things about this program and the incredible instructors. These are the kind of people you want to know an spend time with.
Living in West LA, I was a little intimidated by what looked to be a long drive, but every Sunday it proves to be a snap — both going and coming home. I am pleasantly amazed. Don’t worry about the drive.
Apparently some people also are concerned about the lack of cell service up in the in final parts of the canyon. This is a false flag. The course is very intensive and you dont want interruptions anyway, so this just makes it easy. It is really not a problem.
The price is reasonable. The value is incredible. They really go overboard to have plenty of instructors to participants. It is almost like a private training session with the pros. I am taking several of my friends next week. Maybe I will see you there!
Jim

This is above and beyond a typical shooting range experience. Paula and Bill are extraordinary in their skill level and patience with students — a rare and much appreciated combination!!!
If you own a gun or are thinking of owning one, go to ADE to get the proper training so that you can safely handle it and be helpful if ever caught in a bad situation.

Let me just say this outfit is no joke! They are Pro’s. Bill and Paula not only make you feel safe and comfortable but they give you an amount of freedom that most classes do not.
We took the class on a sunny day, Paula was sweet enough to put up a canopy for my sensitive skin as well as lend me her jacket and hand warmers. These two go above and beyond any ordinary training outfit.
Their experience and expertise is paramount in comparison to other training outfits. Their students are loyal and their roster is impressive.
For me there is no other place to train!
Thanks Bill & Paula
PT

I never write reviews but after the hospitality I experienced with this company I couldn’t help but not write one. I found this group through a meetup forum and after I got a very welcoming email from the owner Paula, I decided I wanted to make the effort to attend the class. I felt so welcome and comfortable around this group. Shooting guns can be intimidating to say the least, but not with this group. They really went above and beyond to make you comfortable and ensure safety. I highly recommend this group for any firearms practices. They are not only welcoming but extremely knowledgable, not to mention it was super fun and I met some really wonderful people. Thanks Paula, Bill and the rest of the ADE team.

An awesome experience. Don’t let the fact that you have no cell phone coverage and you’re shooting with people you don’t know stop you from the time of a lifetime. Paula, Doug, Tony and the rest of the crew are so friendly, warm and truly concerned about making sure you shoot with accuracy as well as have a great time! I took the Combat Gun class and can’t wait to take another one.

I started beginning classes at American Defense Enterprises recently. The instructors are wonderful. Very patient and methodical training for various life threatening situations one might find themselves in. I can now feel comfortable that I could protect myself and family even though I am still a beginner. I plan to continue with my training. It is essential to learn to protect yourself in these dangerous times.

This was my first time shooting a gun and my experience was incredible! Paula and Bill were phenomenal instructors. They made sure we were safe and comfortable at all times. We trained for about four hours and I left feeling extremely comfortable with guns and learned a lot!
I highly recommend American Defense Enterprises, Inc.
I know I will be returning and attending different classes!

I’ve been using Unilocal for years without leaving a comment, but I love Paula so much I decide to give her my first one;)
My favorite movies were all spy-​related when I was a kid, so I always wanted to learn to use guns. When I found ADE on Unilocal,my excitement was beyond words. But despite the super great ratings on Unilocal,it still seemed kind of intimidating for me, because their website isn’t the most transparent one in terms of how their classes work and how much they cost.
So I gave them a call, and I was so glad I made the call. Paula answered the phone and immediately answered all my questions:
1. They used to hold classes in the LAX shooting range but stopped that a while back when they realized that place greatly limited their comprehensive training methods.
2. They now only have classes in Burro Canyon, Azusa. The driving is a bit tricky, but they give you very clear direction files, which worked out great for us and the trip was very worthy.
3. Most of their classes last 4 hours, either 11am-​3pm or 4pm-​8pm (low-​light classes?). Our morning class went from 11am to 1:30pm, then a 15-​minute lunch break (you should bring some sandwich or other real food), then moved on to more fast-​paced stuff until 3pm.
4. Their price for 4-​hour-​classes is $ 150 per person, plus ammo ($ 20 per bag of 9 mm, normally takes 2 – 3 bags per person, so $ 40 – 60 for ammo). But Paula is super reasonable, so do ask for some special discount if you go with friends;)
Other tips I can think of:
1. They do accommodate learners of all levels. I had never touched a gun before, while some of my friends went to shooting ranges regularly, but we all ended up having great fun.
2. They taught super awesome tricks. My husband, who also never held a gun before, was able to shoot a dozen bullets through one single hole on the target board right from the beginning. Never see that coming, especially from a nerd like him lol.
3. They have a great trainer-​trainee ratio. We had 9 trainees that day, and 3 – 4 trainers were with us at all times. I was very nervous at first, but when I left I felt very safe and comfortable handling guns, thanks to their detailed and thorough instructions.
4. Paula is not only a great trainer, but a wonderful photographer as well. She gave instructions from time to time, and when other trainers were up, she run around us to take photos from all angles. I really couldn’t have asked for a better trainer:)

One of the things that I really appreciate about ADE is the high quality instruction that they offer. Their focus on fundamentals and safety is commendable while their ability to challenge and improve even elite shooters is unsurpassed.
What to expect your first time out: if you are shooting with them at the Burro Canyon location, wear layers! The temperature can range from pretty chilly in the early mornings and evenings while getting fairly hot in the afternoon. Wear a baseball style hat and jeans with a heavy belt as well. If you own comfortable hiking books wear them but you can get by with tennis shoes too. Additionally, bring a light lunch and water you’ll be parched and hungry after all that learning and shooting!
If you do not own your own weapon, don’t worry. A high quality gun will be provided by the ADE instructors at no additional fee. You will have to pay for your own ammunition but I find that their prices are the same if not lower than fair market value. If you have your own ammo you can bring it as well. When it comes time to pay at the end of the day, it’ll be faster for you if you bring a check or cash. They will accept credit card payments but because the reception is pretty weak in Burro Canyon, it can sometimes take a while for the payment to process.
In terms of your class, your instructors will always review general gun safety. Beginners can expect to spend more time in this area than advanced shooters. The instructors are great at making beginners feel comfortable handling weapons. You will be taught how to properly stand, draw the weapon, acquire the target and correctly pull the trigger. More advance shooters can expect to have their skills pushed by learning tactics, running speed drills while shooting at different angles and shooting in static and non-​static situations. ADE also teaches house clearing and shooting in low level light situations which is critical for those wishing to learn home defense.
You will have a great time shooting with ADE and your skills will improve as well as your confidence handling fire arms.