WTS Weapon Training School - Tuolumne, California

Ryan McDonnell

I needed to renew my CCW permit and WTS came highly recommended from a friend of mine. WTS sent an instructor named Stephanie who was fantastic. We accomplished all of the required drills to complete the requirements for the renewal and then spent the rest of the range time working on more advanced drills. I couldn’t be more pleased with the entire experience, I highly recommend.

Andrew Kelly

Great training. Fun and informative. I have done two classes and thoroughly enjoyed both. I am going to do the competition shooting course next. They are patient and want you to learn.

richard bryant

I have enjoyed 4 separate classes here over the last 3 years. This school is honest, deliver an experience that all ways exceeded my expectations. My wife has had fun and we both learned some great new skills and gun handling techniques. The instructors are all experienced, and very well trained by either military or law enforcement. No bad attitudes by either instructors or other attendees, go and learn.

Jimmy Newsom

Stephanie does a great job with her courses. She is very knowledgeable with a deep love of firearms, safety and the protection that the 2nd amendment offers to herself, her family and to us. She stresses the importance of knowledge of your gun, the penal codes, a sound mind, dry-fire training, safe gun handling, and proper technique and training. I hear her husband does a good job as well. Thanks Stephanie!

Professional Reviewer

Unfortunately, this business has gone down hill over the last year or so. Back when the Popke’s owned and operated this business you expected and received a high level of educated experience from the instructors, and you had a wide range of course options depending on your needs and wants.

Sadly the founders of this school have moved on and out of this state, leaving the business in the hands of people who lack the knowledge and experience to offer more than a handful of classes. Even then, those limited classes are taught from an academic standpoint, and not one of experience. Basically all you get is regurgitated information the instructors got from classes they took or from books. In fact, I’m some cases the information they provide is legally wrong, which is dangerous to an extreme.

In order to compensate for their lack of knowledge and ability they have assumed a sanctimonious and domineering attitude toward students. As an instructor myself for a number of years, I can spot the insecurity a mile away. That fake superiority works most do the time, unless they encounter someone who knows more then them. Such a person is a threat to their control. The fact is that their love of firearms is not a qualification to own this business. They are counting on people returning based on the reputation of a business they didn’t build. That only lasts so long.

I would suggest the current owners transition to a silent role, and bring in instructors from military, law enforcement, and emergency response backgrounds to do the real teaching. By doing so maybe they can save the business and actually offer real classes on real topics that matter. In the meantime, if you are in NEED of a class they offer, bite your tongue, close your ears, and attend for the credit of having gone. Otherwise, look elsewhere for real training.

Josh Browning

WTS runs a great program very professional while making the class fun and informative. Great instructors with absolutely great knowledge and very friendly.

davin reeves

Great instructing awesome instructors!
Such and informative and professional group of instructors, I highly recommend WTS!

Leslie Wilson

Great range master, John Popke, is the best! He is very thorough and patient! I HIGHLY recommend him and his school!