Security officer and handgun training in Longview, Texas
Get your Texas security license or your License to Carry from an instructor who has taught Texans to shoot safely since 1995.
- TCOLE-certified firearms instructor
- NRA Certified Range Safety Officer
- Former Dallas police officer and constable
- Locally and veteran-owned since 2011
Upcoming classes
Classes run on a set rhythm every month, so you can plan ahead. Call to reserve your seat.
4.6 from 18 Google reviews
Classes
Every class is recognized by the State of Texas and taught by Don Radcliffe.
Level 3 Armed Security Officer Class
The highest commission a Texas security officer can hold. Laws, procedures, defensive tactics, semi-automatic handgun and shotgun qualification.
Level 2 Non-Commissioned Security Officer Class
The one-day class for unarmed security officers. Start in the morning, finish the same afternoon.
Level 3 Requalification
Keep your commission current. Held on the second Tuesday of most months.
Texas License to Carry (LTC) Class
The state-required class for a Texas License to Carry, formerly called the CHL. Held the second and fourth Saturday of every month.
Permitless Carry Training
Texas no longer requires a license to carry, but the law did not get simpler. Learn where you can carry and what the law expects of you.
Private and Basic Handgun Training
One-on-one or small-group lessons on your schedule, including basic handgun for first-time shooters.
The laser training range
Our classroom has a laser range, which Don says is the only one in East Texas.
New shooters practice grip, sight alignment and trigger control on the laser range before they ever fire a live round. Don has seen live-fire scores improve by up to 30% after about 10 minutes on it, and first-time shooters get ready to qualify for their LTC in the same short session.
About the LTC classMeet your instructor
Don Radcliffe teaches every class himself.
Don is a former Dallas police officer and former Dallas County constable. He has been a Texas handgun license instructor since September 1995 and a Texas Level 3 security instructor since June 2010. He is a TCOLE-certified firearms instructor and NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, holds an Intermediate Peace Officer certification and is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie public speaking course. His range safety officer is also NRA certified.
More about Don and the academy
What students say
"Friendly atmosphere and comfortable training room."★★★★★ Google review
"Very hands on and to the point."★★★★★ Google review
"I am new to the gun thing, and this class was so informative!"★★★★★ Google review
"Don Radcliffe is one of the most talented teachers I have ever learned from. His academy is a huge asset to East Texas."Keith Rothra, via Facebook
Common questions
What does it take to qualify to be a security guard in Texas?
Any felony conviction disqualifies you, and you cannot have any convictions within the last five years. Texas DPS makes the final eligibility decision.
Do I have to have my own weapon?
No, you do not need your own weapon.
Is ammunition provided?
No, ammunition is not provided. Bring your own.
What are the class hours?
Level 3 requalification and Level 2: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Level 3: 8:00 am to about 5:00 pm. License to Carry: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.
How do I sign up?
Call (903) 238-5483 or send the form on our contact page so we can reserve your seat. Payment is made at the time of class, by cash or check.
Students come from all over East Texas
We are on Old Hwy 80 in west Longview, inside the Macoto Dojo. Students drive in from up to 100 miles away.
5914 Old Hwy 80, Longview, TX 75604
Inside the Macoto Dojo
- Longview
- White Oak about 5 mi
- Gladewater about 12 mi
- Kilgore about 12 mi
- Hallsville about 18 mi
- Gilmer about 25 mi
- Marshall about 27 mi
- Henderson about 28 mi
- Jefferson about 35 mi
- Carthage about 38 mi
- Tyler about 40 mi
- Lindale about 45 mi
- Mineola about 50 mi
- Mount Pleasant about 55 mi
- Jacksonville about 60 mi
- Nacogdoches about 70 mi
- Texarkana about 85 mi
- Lufkin about 90 mi