About Dan Wells Gun School
Dan Wells Gun School, located in Santa Maria, California, represents over three decades of dedicated firearms instruction and professional development. Operating since January 1988, the school has established itself as a trusted resource for responsible firearm education across California’s Central Coast and Central Valley regions.
Owner Danny R. Wells brings substantial expertise to his teaching, having spent more than 30 years educating students in the safe and effective use of firearms. His credentials span multiple disciplines - rifle, pistol, and shotgun - making him a versatile instructor capable of meeting varied student needs. The school’s mission centers on ’educating, preparing and qualifying the good people of California’s Central Coast and Central Valley, in the safe and effective use of firearms.'
The curriculum encompasses several specialized programs designed for different needs and skill levels. The BSIS Basic Firearms Course, a comprehensive 16-hour program, meets California’s specific regulatory requirements for basic firearms training. For those seeking concealed carry permits, the California CCW Firearms Safety Course (16 hours) provides essential legal knowledge and practical skills. The school also offers introductory courses for those new to handguns, advanced qualification programs for retired peace officers, and specialized firearm safety instructor training - indicating a commitment to developing the next generation of qualified instructors.
Operating from the Santa Maria Gun Club facility, Dan Wells Gun School maintains multiple professional certifications that underscore its commitment to legitimate, regulated instruction. The school holds BSIS licensing, California P.O.S.T. (Peace Officers Standards and Training) certification, and NRA credentials. These certifications are not simply decorative - they represent adherence to strict standards and legal requirements that Wells enforces in each class.
The school’s approach reflects a philosophy that firearms instruction requires professionalism and accountability. Every student who successfully completes a course receives a formal certificate, recognizing their achievement and demonstrating their commitment to proper training. For individuals in California seeking legitimate, legally-grounded firearms instruction from an experienced professional, Dan Wells Gun School offers a credible and established option with nearly four decades of track record.