Unlike public ranges, AAO provides a private range environment. This means no distractions, no interruptions, and the ability to focus entirely on safe, effective training in a controlled setting.

AAO maintains a 2-to-1 instructor-to-student ratio, ensuring each applicant receives personalized coaching, immediate feedback, and a safer, more tailored training experience.

Our team is committed to setting the industry standard in professionalism—from registration to certification. Every detail is handled with precision so applicants can focus on learning and building confidence.

AAO leads the Bay Area in safety standards. Our detailed safety briefing goes beyond minimum requirements, equipping applicants with a deep understanding of firearm handling, range protocols, and situational awareness.

Our medical briefing is second to none. Every applicant leaves with knowledge and confidence in emergency preparedness, ensuring they are capable of protecting not only themselves but also others if a medical situation arises.

With over 125 years of combined range and classroom experience, AAO instructors bring unparalleled knowledge, insight, and credibility to CCW training.

The AAO team has worked together for years—even before formally assembling under the AAO name. This longstanding collaboration means our instruction is consistent, efficient, and refined.

AAO is recognized for leading the entire Bay Area (and beyond) in CCW training excellence. Our applicants don’t just complete training—they leave with the confidence, skills, and mindset of responsible CCW holders.

At AAO, we understand that San Mateo CCW applicants are looking for more than just the minimum required class — you need real-world, California-compliant CCW training that prepares you to carry responsibly in your community. Our instructors bring unmatched experience, professionalism, and respect to every class — without the drill sergeant attitude.

San Mateo applicants benefit from on-the-job tactical expertise brought directly into the classroom and onto the range. Our instructors bring today’s law enforcement experience into your CCW training, giving you real-world insight into defensive carry. Whom are California DOJ-certified CCW instructor's

With 24 years of law enforcement service, our retired Range Master ensures every San Mateo CCW class runs at the highest level of precision, safety, and discipline. Who is a California DOJ-certified CCW instructor.

We are proud to have four female instructors, including one who recently retired after 25 years in law enforcement. For San Mateo applicants, this means training with diverse perspectives, relatable coaching, and instructors who understand the unique challenges of concealed carry in California. Whom are California DOJ-certified CCW instructor's

Our Lead Instructor is a long-time California DOJ-certified CCW instructor, deeply experienced in situational awareness, responsible carry, and public safety. San Mateo CCW applicants get the benefit of professional instruction that goes far beyond the state’s minimum requirements.

Every instructor on our team is a certified Red Dot Optics instructor, and two are POST-certified Red Dot Instructors. This allows San Mateo CCW students to gain modern handgun optics skills — increasingly important in today’s defensive carry environment.

Two of our instructors are certified to train other firearms instructors through the CRPA. This means your CCW training in San Mateo is delivered by those who set the standard in professional firearms education.

Every member of our instructor team is certified in trauma care training. As a San Mateo CCW applicant, you will not only learn to defend life — but also to save it in a medical emergency.

San Mateo County requires strict adherence to California DOJ CCW standards. At AAO, we don’t just check the boxes — we prepare you for the realities of responsible concealed carry in California’s Bay Area.

• Private Range Training: No crowded public ranges — your training is safe, focused, and tailored.
   
• Personalized Attention: With our 2-to-1 instructor-to-student ratio, you’re never just another applicant in the room.
   
• Trusted Expertise: Over 125 years of combined experience, all working together for years as a unified team.
   
• Professional, Respectful Training: Designed specifically for California residents who want to meet requirements — and exceed expectations.
   

👉 Whether you’re applying for your first San Mateo CCW permit or renewing, AAO delivers the gold standard of CCW training in the Bay Area.

 Our CCW Program

 DOJ & SB2 Compliant ✅

Our CCW training gives you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect yourself and your loved ones — legally and responsibly. We combine core training topics with hands-on instruction so you can carry with confidence.

• California Penal Codes & Legal Responsibilities
   
• Situational Awareness & Conflict Avoidance
   
• Mental Health Awareness & Emotional Preparedness
   
• Firearm Safety & Medical Briefings
   
• Firearm Nomenclature, Grip, Stance & Target Acquisition
   
• Drawing from a Holster & Pre-Qualification Drills
   

Why it matters: These skills aren’t just for passing a test — they’re for keeping your family safe every day.
 

DOJ & SB2 Compliant ✅

Our CCW training gives you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect yourself and your loved ones — legally and responsibly. We combine core training topics with hands-on instruction so you can carry with confidence.

• California Penal Codes & Legal Responsibilities
   
• Situational Awareness & Conflict Avoidance
   
• Mental Health Awareness & Emotional Preparedness
   
• Firearm Safety & Medical Briefings
   
• Firearm Nomenclature, Grip, Stance & Target Acquisition
   
• Drawing from a Holster & Pre-Qualification Drills
   

💡 Why it matters: These skills aren’t just for passing a test — they’re for keeping your family safe every day.

• Firearm Safety
   
• Pistol Nomenclature & Selecting a Defensive Pistol
   
• Ammunition Knowledge & Defensive Ammunition Selection
   
• Basic Defensive Pistol Skills & Shooting Techniques
   
• Drawing from Concealment
   
• Loading & Stoppage Remediation
   
• Mindset, Responding to an Attack & the Aftermath
   
• Carry Modes & Pistol Concealment
   
• Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance
   
• Safe Firearm Storage
   
• Legal Transport & Securing Firearms in Vehicles
   
• Where CCW Holders May Carry in California
   
• Permissible Use of a Firearm
   
• Lethal Force in Self-Defense — Legal Boundaries
   
• Mental Health & Available Resources (1 Hour)
   
• Written Exam
   
• Live-Fire Drills
   

👉 This positions your program clearly as San Mateo County DOJ & SB2 compliant and makes it feel like a premium, complete package.

At AAO, we’re more than just an instructor team — we’re your partners in learning. Whether you have a complex question or the simplest one, we’re always here to help.

Your success is our mission, and we’re committed to supporting you before, during, and after your training.

We make it easy for San Mateo CCW applicants to get started:

📱 Phone: 707-400-3677
✉️ Email: info@aao-co.com
🌐 Online Courses: www.californiaccwcourses.com
📅 Class Schedules & More: www.aao-co.com

Whether you’re a first-time San Mateo CCW applicant, renewing your permit, or advancing your firearms skills, AAO delivers the gold standard in CCW training.

👉 Call, click, or email today to reserve your spot — and join hundreds of Bay Area residents who trust AAO for safe, professional, and real-world CCW instruction.