"Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight"  -- Psalm 144:1

"When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace"  -- Luke 11:21

"he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."  -- Luke 22:36

Home > About > What People Are Saying

What People Are Saying about Shield Personal Safety Training - Customer Reviews

Firearm Safety, Information, Education and Training   •   Personal Safety & Crime Prevention​

Here are quotes from emails and posted reviews of past clients:

"if you're looking for a great coach look no further. The class was thorough, serious yet Armand has a great sense of humor, focused. During the shooting part, Armand was right behind me coaching me every step of the way. As soon as my gun was loaded and I was ready to shoot, my adrenaline went up and fear, and Armand was right there to support me through that. I loved how laid-back the environment was and at the same time focused."  - A.P., Yelp review, 10/24/22

​"I've taken several classes from ShieldPST and all of them have been top notch. The class sizes are small, so it's very easy to ask questions and get clarifications on new concepts. My first class was Pistol I, where Armand went thru basic firearm handling for beginners. Armand is very patient and always emphasizes safety for all live fire drills. My most recent class for Concealed Carry had a wealth of information. The several live fire drills were extremely beneficial (something you won't get from Youtube videos). I would recommend ShieldPST to anyone interested in firearms training."  - S.R., Google review, 9/19/22

​"If you are even thinking that you may handle a firearm in the future for any reason, you need to take Armand's Basic Pistol class. I came in feeling slightly nervous having never really handled a firearm and I left feeling very confident and secure in the knowledge I had gained. Armand makes things easy to understand and he is incredibly kind and patient. You will not be disappointed! I definitely plan to take more classes in the future."  - M.L., Yelp review, 7/24/22

​"I took Basic Pistol Training class with Mr Ticsay on July 17, 2022.  I have been around guns for most of my life and still learned a lot about gun rules and safety.  Armand is very knowledgeable and certainly professional.  I am thankful that I landed in his class and plan to register in more classes in the coming weeks."  - P.B., Google review, 7/23/22

​"Took the basic pistol training on 06/12 and cannot recommend Armand and his team enough. I am not a gun enthusiast and actually wanted to learn how to properly shoot and be proficient in my technique (I'm an actor). I have never held a gun in my life and honestly, would prefer not too lol. Armand took the time to answer everyone's questions and was so patient, I cannot recommend this course enough. I definitely look forward to more classes with Armand. Also, I passed the FSC test with 100 %. The real deal here."  - L.S., Google review, 6/14/22

​"If you are on the fence, or maybe just a little unsure about signing up for your first firearms course at Shield Personal Safety Training (Shield PST) ...my advice to you is, “don’t hesitate and sign up today, you won’t be disappointed!”. Armand and his team are there to help you every step of the way, from novice to expert, you won’t feel left out. Armand is not only a wealth of Information and a highly trained certified instructor; he and his team are also an absolute joy to be around as well. They offer tons of encouragement, and constantly give you tips on how to make improvements to get the results that you are looking for."  - J.L., Google review, 5/19/22

​"thanks for putting on such a great [Defensive Pistol Shooting Skills] class. You gave me way more stuff to work on than I thought possible, and your explanations have stayed with me...I really admire your patience with all the members of the class, and especially the care taken to make certain we all stayed safe"  - P., 5/16/22

"Really great [Basic Pistol Shooting] class. Armand is very knowledgeable."  - A.A., Google review, 3/21/22

​"I went in feeling uncomfortable about handling a firearm, I left feeling very comfortable and knowledgeable about handling and owning one. Armand is the best in the business"  - K.N., Google review, 3/5/22

​​"Enjoyed the [Utah CCW] class and instructor. It is always good to learn something new and reinforce current knowledge"  - M.W., USCCA review, 2/2/22

​"Just completed Armand's class for my Utah CCW. The class size is small and Armand is great instructor and will readily answer any questions you have. I learned quite bit about the CCW process and - something alot of people don't think about - what to do after you discharge your firearm in a defensive situation. This was my second class with Armand, the first being the Basic Pistol Safety class. I also took my test for the Firearms Safety Certificate at that first class and I passed with 100%. Speaking of safety, this is always emphasized in his classes - as it should be when working with firearms. I have another class with him later this year and can't wait!"  - S.R., Yelp review, 1/23/22

​"Lots of good information. Thanks for a great [Basic Pistol Shooting] class."  - S.R., USCCA review, 1/16/22

"Very structured [Defensive Pistol Shooting Skills] class with lot's of useful information."  - USCCA review, 12/22/21

​"Armand did a great job. This [Basic Pistol Shooting] course is great for beginners as well as those who'd like a refresh of the basics. I have recommended this course to others."  - M.B., USCCA review, 11/25/21

​"This is the course you'll appreciate if you want an introduction to firearms and firearm safety. Armand has a relaxing way about him which sits well with the subject matter and yet he is full of information and answers to all your questions. I, myself, wanted as much information as possible before firing a gun and got plenty, so when the time came it was something I was looking forward to instead of fearing. If I was to take another class I would seek him (and his son) out again for a guaranteed relaxing experience."  - J.W., Yelp review, 11/20/21

​"The [Basic Pistol Shooting] training that Armand provides is GREAT. I highly recommend it, especially if you are a beginner shooter. Armand is really thorough and dedicated. The group was small (8 of us) and I liked it. I also liked the setting very much: outdoors, under a roof."  - P.M., Yelp review, 11/7/21

​"As a first time gun owner Armand's class is what I needed. Armand is an excellent instructor because he CARES and LOVES what he does. I didn't know what to expect but I walked out of his [Basic Pistol Shooting] class with the confidence and knowledge I needed to be a responsible gun owner. Armand stressed the importance of safety first. Don't become complacent. Treat all guns with respect. When time came for target practice, Armand and his son took two at a time. This allowed them to focus completely on us. They watched for proper handling, proper loading and unloading of ammunition. Reinforcing all the safety we had learned. I recommend anyone considering purchasing a hand gun to take Armand's class prior or immediately after your purchase. You will be glad you did!"  - G.G., Yelp review, 11/7/21

"Very organized and informative class for Utah CCW.  Armand kept a good pace going and answered everyone's questions.  I really like all the emails leading up to the class reminding me of everything I need and how to find the classroom.  I recommend doing the fingerprint option to save time and money."  - B.C., Yelp review, 10/25/21

"Took Armand's basic pistol course never having handled a gun and learned so much. Armand made everything easily understandable and safe. He didn't rush any of the information and the class size was super small so he was very hands on. Felt very comfortable handling the guns and practicing. He makes it very accessible and easy to understand. Highly recommend!!"  - G.R., Yelp review, 9/13/21

​"Armand at Shield PST presented an outstanding [Utah CCW] class! It was thoroughly engaging, and never got boring like some classes I’ve taken at other training facilities in the past."  - J.L., USCCA review, 9/13/21

​"I didn’t want to deal with a bunch of gun enthusiasts or politics, I just wanted to learn how to safely use a gun. This [Basic Pistol Shooting class] was above and beyond my expectations. I was really worried the instructor would be some macho dude who would either put down women or use them as the butt of a joke (that has been my experience with a lot of “gun dudes”)...They made myself and the other women there feel comfortable and confident and not having to cringe at any off handed remarks. They were both respectful and patient and thorough. Even if you are an absolute beginner, they’ve got you."  - T.E., USCCA review, 8/17/21

​"Going to take other training courses. The instructor was great and I learned a number of things that I had no idea about."  - M.M., USCCA review, 8/15/21

​"I learned so much and Armand made me feel very comfortable and I left confident with everything I learned."  =  A.V., USCCA review, 8/15/21

​"I just took the basic pistol class I and I was very impressed with the class and with the instructor. There was a large amount of excellent information presented that was timely and useful. The instructor was very knowledgeable and gave individual attention to each student. Class-size was small and all my expectations were met and questions answered. Best of all we learned to shoot with the instructor giving us individual attention. Highly recommended."  - M.R., Yelp review, 8/9/21

"I had never fired a gun before, and to be honest, I was a bit fearful of them. I knew that I needed the knowledge to safely handle this type of weapon. Armand's [Basic Pistol Shooting] firearms training course was excellent. I felt safe and comfortable throughout the class. The curriculum effectively prepared me for the FSC exam, which I took that day and passed. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this training and would recommend Armand to all levels of experience."  - C.C., Yelp review, 8/9/21

"I was impressed by Armand's professionalism and thoroughness.  We went through everything from basic handgun types to cleaning and of course some shooting.  It was a great [Basic Pistol Shooting] class and I highly recommend for anyone looking to get started."  - A.A., Yelp review, 8/7/21

"Armand's Utah Concealed Firearm permit training class, was very informative. If you're a new gun owner and considering getting your carry license, definitely take his class. Armand is extremely nice and very patient. He has a ton of knowledge on subject, and welcomes all questions. You won't be disappointed!"  - B.B., Google review, 7/25/21

"I came to this [Basic Pistol Shooting] class as a insecure newbie, I left with a confidence and understanding of firearms safety beyond my expectations. I really enjoyed this class. The facilitators are amazing! Armand has created a thorough foundation for all future experience with firearms handling. This class opened up a perspective about personal safety and target shooting as a sport that I had not really previously considered. I plan to take further classes with Armand. It was a fun confidence building experience!!"  - G.R., Yelp review, 7/12/21

"Armand and his wife did an excellent job preparing my wife and myself for the FSC exam. Additionally, information Armand sent was excellent information on what to bring, and what to expect. This [Basic Pistol Shooting] class is great for those with no prior hand gun knowledge. Highly recommend"  - D.D., Google review, 5/25/21

​"Great [Basic Pistol Shooting] class and great instructor. The day was both informative and fun. Armand did a great job of front-loading all the pertinent use and safety information before practicing with firearms."  - J.V., Google review, 4/17/21

​"This [Basic Pistol Shooting] class was fun & informative... The instructional build-up to using actual handguns in the program should put anyone at ease, especially if this their first time using firearms."  - R.B., Google review, 4/12/21

​"What a pleasant experience taking class from Armand...was by far one of the best instructor if not the best instructor I have ever had during any of my training courses. He keeps you focused with his immense knowledge and also makes you laugh... Very detailed on the amount of information you receive. I will definitely be taking more classes from him"  - J.W., Yelp review, 3/16/21

​"Very structured and informative class. Armand really knows his stuff and cares about his students."  - M.R., USCCA review, 2/9/21

​"Armand has a way of presenting information in a very interesting and educational way.  He knows what the truly important points are and explains them in a way that you won't forget...I would highly recommend Armand for any educational needs you might need.  He's thorough, safe and definitely walks the walk.  Don't hesitate.  Just sign up and enjoy watching your skills improve."  - L.B., Google review, 1/25/21

​​"The Basic pistol shooting course was easily comprehensive and overall a very high value purchase. From hands on training and classroom style instruction,  Armand really is a thorough and knowledgeable instructor!!!"  - N.C., Yelp review, 1/13/21

​"My son and I took this training and we both agreed it was excellent.  Armand is knowledgeable and presents the material in a very organized and easy to understand manner.  We covered how to buy a gun, gun safety, mechanics and how to shoot.  We both left with a much better understanding of firearms and how to be a responsible gun owner.  I highly recommend this course."  - J.H., Yelp review, 1/12/21

​"When I signed up and took Armands class, I was so impressed. He really lays out all of the ground rules for the course and what to expect...The tips, knowledge, safety guidelines, and rules of laws that you need to know (specifically to California) are completely transparent and laid out...When it came time to firing rounds, he thoroughly checks on each person before, during, and after. You will definitely find which techniques work for you and the best ways to handle misfires, hang-fires, squib loads etc...I had a few malfunctions with the .22 and was able to confidently fix them with his guidance...during this pandemic he takes every step imaginable to keeping everyone safe. If you have any concerns about taking the course due to COVID, do not worry. It is outdoors and proper procedures are all in place."  - K.M., Yelp review, 1/12/21

​"Armand was a great instructor and definitely highly recommended...We are planning on buying some guns for home protection and Armand taught us everything we needed to know, from storing it safely, to how to hold the pistol the correct way. He teaches you lots of valuable information. His wife is also a pleasure to talk to and knows her stuff too. Due to Covid they also have strict guidelines to follow and makes you comfortable taking the course knowing that they take all the safety precautions sanitizing everything."  - J.E., Yelp review, 1/10/21

​"I took Armand's "Basic Pistol" Course (Level I) and it was great! For someone who's never held anything but toy guns before this, it was a great class to learn firearm safety and get comfortable holding a real firearm... Armand is an extremely knowledgeable, patient instructor and I highly recommend this class to anyone that wants to learn gun safety and basic firearm skill."  - A.H., Google review, 12/16/20

​"Great instructor, patient and informative, and clearly very knowledgeable.  I liked this [Basic Pistol Shooting] class and the location too. I'll be back for the next level."  - M.J., Google review, 12/14/20

​"Armand is an absolute professional. His training was to the point and very informative. I look forward to more of his training in the near future."  - S.N., Google review, 11/17/20

​"Really great class, informative, funny and efficient. Highly recommend!"  - T.W., Google review, 11/9/20

​"I had a wonderful time...Learned a lot in his class. He patiently went through everything to ensure you understood the importance of safety...I'm happy I took this class!"  - L.R., Yelp review, 11/9/20

"My family & I took the Basic Pistol class with Arman[d] he was awesome took his time answered our questions he didn’t rush at all he asked how we were doing throughout the class. It was a good experience... We will be taking more classes with him."  - J.B., Google review, 10/25/20

​"it was a great experience!!...Armand is very knowledgeable and good at painting a picture in your mind, making it easier to remember and apply the information presented...an excellent, non-stressful learning environment. I look forward to taking more course with them."  - L.M., Yelp review, 10/5/20

​"I enjoyed this class and plan to sign up for future classes!!!"  - A.G., USCCA review, 9/30/20

"Armand was an excellent instructor and my wife and I fully enjoyed our experience."  - USCCA review, 9/27/20

"Armand is a great instructor. The 6 hours course was well paced and full of useful information. He definitely has quite a bit of teaching experience and it shows. I will definitely sign up for the next class once it is announced. If you are new to using handguns or just want to refresh your knowledge I highly recommend Armand's classes."  - M.R., Google review, 9/14/20

"We are considering a handgun for personal/home protection and I wanted to get both of us comfortable with firearms before purchasing. Armand was very professional and made us both extremely comfortable with pistol safety, clearing, cleaning, handling & operation...I strongly recommend Shield Personal Safety Training and am hoping to take more courses from Armand soon!"  - J.S., Yelp review, 9/13/20

​"Great class!  Armand is very thorough and you can tell he puts a lot of effort into the class structure and material.  The course was insightful, and covered everything I was hoping it would.  Highly recommend for beginners with little to no experience."  - S.O., Yelp review, 9/13/20

​"Excellent class and thorough instructor!!!"  - L.B., USCCA review, 9/11/20

"Excellent class. The instructor was very thorough with the information and hands on training. Also very safe practice during this pandemic. I would highly recommend this class."  - A.A., USCCA review, 9/11/20

"Knowledgeable, personable, proficient, and engaging.  That's how the training went and that's who Armand is.  Glad I took the class...time well spent and quite informative.  If you want someone who is genuine and well rehearsed in firearm safety and training, Armand is the Guy.  Highly recommended..."  - D.H., Yelp review, 7/29/20

"Took the class 7-26-20, it was a great decision!! I thoroughly enjoyed Armand he was a great teacher that kept us informed and explain every little detail of what we needed to do. I highly recommend this course to anybody that wants to get their CCW you will not be disappointed!!!" - K.S., Yelp review, 7/27/20

"Utah ccw course with the instructor Armand was very helpful and also his wife was a great help to the class. Highly recommend to take his class."  - I.A., Yelp review, 7/27/20

"an excellent and enthusiastic teacher. It was a really good class. He had some clear and consise insights about some fundamental things, i.e. proper grip and trigger finger position, that will last a lifetime."  - J.D., Google review, 7/26/20

"very safe and professional"  - E.S., USCCA review, 7/7/20

"Very thorough training. Armand is an excellent instructor. Highly recommended!"  - C.B., USCCA review, 7/5/20

​"a true professional. Attending his Pistol Shooting I Course has given me a foundation of skills to hone and drill in my home dryfire practice. Having never fired a handgun prior to this course, I feel confident that I have acquired valuable insight into the basic skills needed to have a fighting chance in defending my family. I'm looking forward to furthering my gun fighting knowledge in his Pistol Shooting II Course."  - J.S., USCCA review, 6/3/20

"I can echo many of the positive reviews posted and would just add that I've taken 2 classes with Armand and I would recommend them for anyone who wants firearms training without the uber-tactical vibe. Also, the classes move at a nice place and I was never bored."  - M.V., Yelp review, 6/1/20

"After looking into different basic training pistol classes, Armand's class had every thing I was looking for. The five hours of learning flew by...Armand engages everyone and really knows how to personalize a class-like experience. You'll be presented with everything from safety, gun mechanics, laws, techniques all laced in with extremely helpful personal and professional experiences. I cannot recommend his course highly enough, it's a fantastic experience and will leave you wanting to pursue his more advanced classes."  - S.L., Yelp review, 2/22/20

"What a great class and instructors. Armand and his wife are probably the most humble people in the business. His class was extremely helpful and informative. If you want great education with great people, look no further than Shield. Great work!"  - P.A., Yelp review, 11/3/19

"Clear, concise, and educational. Well structured class makes learning fun too. In my opinion, every adult should take this [Basic Pistol Shooting] class."  - A.S., Yelp review, 10/28/19

​"Excellent class...Armand has a way teaching the [Utah CCW] class that does not feel boring...Most instructors tend to be authoritative & militaristic like. Not Armand. He was polite & courteous. It was a pleasure attending his class."  - T.C., Google review, 10/27/19

​"Great training classes!  Really recommend Armand and his staff.  They're professional, knowledgeable and I felt that I actually learned something.  Very friendly people."  - H.J., Yelp review, 9/22/19

​"Armand is a very knowledgeable instructor...I was able to ask questions whenever it was needed with ease and received great responses from him...I definitely left this class with tons of info that I didn't have...and most importantly educates in a way where it isn't boring but fun..thanks Armand..!!"  - M.O., Google review, 8/11/19

"This [Basic Pistol Shooting] class is a must for any new gun owner, and this particular class with instructor Armand is excellent...a mix of classroom information and live shooting was very thorough and informative...He also adds great tips and advice that is so well worded it really sticks with you...Class sizes are small so it makes it easy to absorb all the information and have some nice Q & A's without getting way off topic...I recommend this course and instructor highly."  - T.T., Google review, 5/31/19

​"...super friendly and helpful...came into class prepared. The class moved along at a steady pace, not overly serious and dry, in fact, it was a very fun and informative course. Highly recommend Armand's course to anyone who's interested in a multi-state CCW permit or general firearm training. I am going back to take the Pistol II and Pistol III course later this year."  - H.S., Google review, 5/23/19

​"Armand, held a very professional "Basic Pistol Shooting" course...Armand explained each aspect in a straightforward easy to understand manner...The class is setup to make students gain confidence through hands on training and repetition which translated to safer gun handling and better accuracy...I left the class with a much better understanding of pistols (both semi auto and revolver) and how to safely handle them. I would highly recommend Armand to anyone who wanted to learn how to safely/properly use a firearm."  - B.K., Yelp review, 5/8/19

​"It was a pleasure taking this class. He has a very informative and safe presentation. I really enjoyed it. I liked the ammunition education, malfunction education and range etiquette sections. He truly enjoys teaching."  - M.B., Google review, 5/7/19

​"Just completed [Pistol] Level 1 with Armand. Highly recommended and well worth the time and money. Professional program that is very detailed. Especially liked the time Armand took to explain and hands on train proper way to grip the gun, line up sights, breathing, loading and unloading. Improved my accuracy right away. You will be happy you attended."  - S.W., Google review, 5/7/19

"I have had the pleasure of taking all three [pistol shooting] courses (I, II, III) that Armand from Shield Personal Safety Training had to offer. I find he is surely knowledgeable and has great patience to work beginners to advance shooters. He really does take the time to go through everything to make sure you are safe and fully understand what is expected of you at each drill. I would suggest these courses from the beginner to experienced shooter."  - J.K., Google review, 4/2/19

"you are the best. Your expert patience was inspiring."  - B. 4/2/19

"You did a great job with the material. I thought 4 hours was going to be long, but you made the time go quickly. I also learned a lot yesterday. I will keep an eye out for your upcoming courses as I do want to take more."  - M. 2/24/19

"I highly recommend Armand not only because of his expert skill but because of his patience and non-confrontational learning methods. Armand will spend the time necessary with you and adapt as necessary to make sure you get the most out of your training."  - B.B., Yelp review, 12/10/18

"I've had two classes with Armand. He is a very thorough and knowledgeable instructor and I would highly recommend his classes if you are thinking about owning a personal firearm."  - A.C., Google review, 8/27/18

"Armand was very knowledgeable, well organized, and explained the various topics in detail. I will definitely recommend and take his other courses."  - A.B., Google review, 8/19/18

"Armand was very knowledgeable and explained the class so all could understand.  From the advanced shooter to the beginner.  I highly recommend this class"  - M.B., Google review, 8/12/18

"top-notch instructor, very thorough and professional...started out as total novices, but after this course we’re both competent handling different types of firearms, and under Armand’s expert guidance we developed an excellent shot, too!"  - A.C., Google review, 7/4/18

"Everyone got individual attention and answers. Armand is the Best Trainer I've ever met, very friendly person! He is so knowledgeable in different fields such as home defense, field shooting and law questions. Everything was explained in easy way based on real samples. Everybody had fun."  - A.O., Yelp review, 4/17/18

"Very professional instructor and a nice guy. I thoroughly enjoyed the CCW class."  - M.B., Google review, 2/25/18

"the class was thorough, informative, and relaxed. I definitely feel much more confident regarding the safety and use firearms and I will definitely recommend the class to my friends."  - R. 1/29/18

"thank you for your time and a really good class. I think you did a great job going over as much detail for people that really are new to guns and the basics."  - J. 1/29/18

"Armand is great! The class was informative and fun...would highly recommend it!"  - M.K., Yelp review, 1/23/18

"The class was amazing it's a welcoming and friendly environment...Armand is an amazing instructor he is friendly, patient and answers all questions that anybody might want to ask..."  - C.S., Yelp review, 1/21/18

"I had a positive experience and I really enjoyed taking the course with you. I felt that you handled the class really well"  - J. 1/21/18

"Thanks for a great class. You were well organized, clear and concise."  - P. 1/21/18

"Very informative and Armand makes it fun. You will become far more prepared to use your gun in an actual life threatening situation God forbid should you ever need it."  - C.G., Yelp review, 7/25/17

"Well prepared and great presentation."  - J. 7/9/17