Meet Rick Archer

Rick Archer is an experienced firearms instructor, military veteran, and community leader dedicated to promoting firearms safety, responsible ownership, and quality education. With more than 20 years of professional experience in business, leadership, and instruction, Rick brings a disciplined, safety-focused, and student-centered approach to firearms training.

Rick earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and proudly served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps, including combat deployments to Southwest Asia, Somalia, and other operations. He is Special Operations Capable (SOC) Certified and a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy.

As a certified firearms instructor, Rick has developed extensive hands-on training experience. He has conducted 25+ live-fire classes, more than 150 private lessons, and trained over 350 students, including 94 CCW students. He has also trained 18 Range Safety Officers (RSOs), emphasizing safety, accountability, and sound firearms practices.

Professional Certifications & Credentials

Rick's qualifications include:

• California DOJ Certified CCW Instructor

  • Orange County Sheriff CCW Instructor

  • Los Angeles County Sheriff CCW Instructor (Sentri Institute, Inc)

  • Riverside County Sheriff CCW Instructor (Trinity Shooting Club)

  • MyCCW.us CCCW Instructor

• California Certified Firearms Instructor

• US LawShield Concealed Carry Instructor

• NRA Certified Instructor

  • NRA Chief Range Safety Officer

  • NRA Basic Pistol Instructor

  • NRA Advanced Pistol Instructor

  • NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor

  • NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor

• NAAGA Training Counselor

• Western Regional Director, National African American Gun Association

Leadership & Community Service

Rick's commitment to service extends beyond the classroom. As President of Standing in the Gap Gun Club of Orange County, he has helped develop the organization's website and Standard Operating Procedures while training Range Safety Officers and instructors.

He is also a former Board of Directors and Executive Board member of the 100 Black Men of Orange County, where he served as Secretary.

Rick serves as an ordained Deacon and Security Team Leader at Friendship Baptist Church of Yorba Linda, California, where he has spent more than 30 years teaching youth and adults through Sunday School and community ministry.

A Commitment to Safety & Education

Rick believes effective firearms training is about more than learning how to operate a firearm. It is about developing knowledge, safety awareness, responsible decision-making, and confidence through proper education and practice.

Through Archer Firearms Training, Rick is committed to providing students with professional, practical, and safety-focused instruction designed to meet them where they are—whether they are new to firearms, seeking to develop their skills, or pursuing California CCW training.

Safety. Education. Responsibility. Confidence.

These principles are at the foundation of Rick Archer's approach to firearms training.

Meet Rob Pettiford

Rob is a passionate and dedicated firearm instructor with a deep commitment to promoting safe and responsible gun ownership. With over five years of experience teaching firearm safety, Rob has built a

reputation for his engaging teaching style and practical approach to firearms training.

Rob is a competitive shooter who holds several certifications through the NRA, USCCA, and California DOJ. His approach to training meets every student exactly where they are in their firearm journey.

Beyond his instructional work, Rob is an advocate for community outreach programs that promote gun safety and responsible ownership.

He regularly participates in local events and seminars, working to foster a culture of safety and awareness throughout the community." The page also lists your certifications: NRA (Range Safety Officer, Personal Protection Outside the Home, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Basic Pistol Instructor), USCCA Pistol Instructor, California POST Certified Instructor, and California Certified CCW Instructor.