About Us
Upon seeing scores of new gun owners who would've never considered firearms before the pandemic and civil unrest, L.A. Progressive Shooters was founded in 2020 as a non-intimidating and inclusive community, focused on safety and education, for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and progressives new to firearms.
CLASSES in the Los Angeles area to help people learn about firearms in a welcoming and inclusive space. We want to demystify guns for the most intimidated people, empower the most vulnerable and marginalized communities, and destigmatize responsible gun ownership.
We welcome people who are curious or passionate about firearms, but tired of the stigma and stereotype of being a gun owner in liberal circles, and being the minority in conservative-dominated gun spaces.
FOUNDER
Tom Nguyen
As a refugee who fled a war, Tom understands that guns can be triggering and have traumatic associations in many BIPOC communities and has 25+ years as an educator, specializing in anxiety-informed instruction.
Tom is a CA DOJ certified instructor and achieved B ranking within 8 months of USPSA competition & competes in the US & Mexico.
When not teaching: Cat dad, cumbia, yoga and cultural & activist scenes in Mexico City & L.A.
Speaks Spanish and Vietnamese.
TEAM
Tom has mentored an amazing team of women & queer staff to lead Pistol 101, Women, Femmes & Thems Pistol 101, and Pistol 102 classes in a thoughtful, caring & detailed manner so folks are confident and safe handling guns for the first time.
We only hire people who started as clients themselves, so they understand the sensitive audience we serve, and our strict safety protocols.
All staff are professionally certified, insured and Stop The Bleed trained. Members of our team are children of immigrants and speak Spanish.
