COBRATACTICALTRAINING DIVISION

The people behind the training

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Dave Shaw, Cobra Tactical instructorCobra verified

Primary Instructor · Assistant Instructor

Dave Shaw

Dave Shaw is a CA POST-certified Tactical Handgun Instructor, CA DOJ Firearms Instructor, NRA Pistol Instructor, and CA SB2-certified CCW Instructor (#241). He currently teaches LAPD- and Los Angeles County Sheriff-approved CCW courses through Cobra Tactical. With over 10 years of firearms training experience, Dave has completed advanced courses from recognized training organizations, including Assault Dynamics, Tacfire, Strategos International, Surefire, OpSpec, TAC-1, Trident Concepts, and Firearms Training Associates. A major focus of Dave’s training is teaching civilians how to actually fight with their pistol—not just shoot it. His philosophy goes beyond marksmanship and focuses on preparing armed citizens to protect not only their lives, but also their freedom by making sound, legally defensible decisions under stress. Dave is a strong advocate for scenario-based force-on-force training and believes it is critically important for civilians, especially concealed carry permit holders. He has logged more than 300 hours of force-on-force training using UTM, SIRT, and other non-lethal training munitions. He incorporates force-on-force and realistic scenario training to develop decision-making, communication, movement, threat identification, and the ability to perform under stress—not simply shoot holes in paper. As part of his comprehensive approach to concealed carry and defensive firearms training, Dave also emphasizes firearm safety, medical preparedness, and understanding the legal responsibilities that come with carrying a gun. He is certified in TCCC/TECC and advanced CPR/AED and provides training in concealed carry, defensive handgun, force-on-force, and home defense.

Current credentials

  • CA DOJ CCW INSTRUCTORCA DOJ BOF · Valid through May 1, 2028
  • CA FIREARM SAFTEY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM DOJ INSTRUCTORCA DOJ BOF · Valid through Dec 17, 2029
  • CA POST TACTICAL HANDGUN INSTRUCTORTACFIRE · Valid through Feb 12, 2031
  • NRA CERTIFIED PISTOL INSTRUCTORNRA · Valid through Jan 31, 2027
Eric Larson, Cobra Tactical instructorCobra verified

Primary Instructor · Assistant Instructor

Eric Larson

Founder & CEO | Lead Firearms Instructor Cobra Tactical Training Division U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Sergeant (E-5) with eight years of service as an 0341 Mortarman, Eric Larson brings more than 15 years of firearms instructional experience and over two decades of professional firearms-industry experience to Cobra Tactical Training. During his Marine Corps career, Eric served in positions ranging from gun crew member and Forward Observer through Squad Leader, Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Platoon-Level Training NCO. His service included a nine-month Western Pacific deployment in support of Desert Storm, training and operations in Okinawa, the Philippines and Japan, multiple Combined Arms Exercises, and an intensive 18-day training evolution with the British Royal Marines in England in 1994. Eric's current credentials include NRA Certified Pistol, NRA Certified Rifle, NRA Range Safety Officer, and California DOJ Certified Instructor. He is a gunsmith, Type 07 Manufacturer FFL/Class 2 SOT holder, California Dangerous Weapons Permit holder, and founder of Cobra Tactical, Inc., established in 2003. Eric is also a California Licensed Engineering Geologist, bringing the analytical and risk-assessment discipline of a licensed professional to his approach to firearms instruction. His training philosophy emphasizes safety, fundamentals, technical understanding, practical application, and repeatable performance.

Current credentials

  • CA DOJ Certified FSC InstructorCALDOJ · Valid through Sep 25, 2027
  • NRA Certified PistolNRA · Valid through Aug 31, 2027
  • NRA Certified RifleNRA · Valid through Aug 31, 2027
  • NRA Range Safety OfficerNRA · Valid through Aug 31, 2027