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Training
Expert Instructors
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Mission
Empowering Self Defense
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Values
Integrity and Respect
Ian McKnight, founder of Advantage Personal Defense and Tactics, has spent much of his life developing his knowledge and skills pertaining to personal and organizational security and tactics. Additionally, Ian has also developed through training and experience, an extensive background in firearms, range operations and an array of personal lethal and less than lethal weapons and the laws governing their use and possession.
For many years, Ian served as the armorer/rangemaster and firearms instructor for a local law enforcement agency. He was responsible for developing and conducting department firearms and weapons training and qualificaton standards for its officers. He now contracts with several local law enforcement agencies for Range Operations, Firearms Instruction and Armorer Services.
Key Career Highlights
- California POST and FBI Certified Rangemaster and Tactical Firearms Instructor
- Certified NRA Firearms Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer
- California POST Active Shooter Response Instructor
California POST and FBI Certified Rangemaster and Tactical Firearms Instructor, NRA Certified Training Counselor, Certified NRA Firearms Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer, California POST Certified Patrol Rifle, California POST Active Shooter Response Instructor, Shotgun and Handgun Instructor, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. California POST Certified Concealed Carry Tactics Instructor, California POST Certified Rangemaster, California D.O.J. Certified CCW Instructor, CCW class instructor for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office employee-issued CCW licenses. Rangemaster / Firearms Instructor / Armorer, Morro Bay Police Dept. (13 years) Instructor / Rangemaster / Armorer, Certified LE and Civilian TASER Instructor, Certified LE Pepperball Instructor/Armorer, Certified Simunitions Force on Force Instructor, Front Sight Distinguished Graduate. Member National Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association, Association of Defensive Shooting Instructors & the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors. Former adjunct firearms instructor for Allan Hancock College Regional Law Enforcement Academy (2005–2011). Retired from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office November 2024 after many years of service.