About Philly Firearms Academy

Since 2010, Philadelphia Firearms Training, has grown by leaps and bounds, training thousands of students of all levels of experience and walks of life, from across Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware.

At the Academy we specialize in new shooters, those who want to improve their fundamental shooting skills, and those interested in obtaining their Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms (AKA Concealed Carry Permits). Many are understandably fearful of navigating firearms ownership and the process of obtaining their PA Licenses to Carry. We UNDERSTAND how anxiety-provoking the first time purchasing and owning a firearm can be.

Our approach

The educators at Philly Firearms Academy realize that there isn't a "one size fits all" approach to teaching firearms and pride themselves on treating every student as an individual learner with specific needs and approaches to learning. This customized approach to teaching produces incredible results in very little time while ensuring the highest levels of safety.

We know how confusing the process of applying for a PA License to Carry Firearms can be and all of the questions, doubts, and concerns that come with the huge responsibility of considering legally carrying a firearm for personal defense. We realize how little valuable information exists to guide new shooters and know how difficult and frustrating the process of attempting to find quality firearms instruction can be, and we are here to help!. We are here to educate and guide you through every step of the process.

Veteran owned and operated

The Academy is the brainchild of US Army Veteran, Master Firearms Instructor José Morales. Instructor Morales officially established Philly Firearms Academy (PFA) in 2010 after teaching firearm safety and handling in a number of capacities for over 20 years after realizing that Philadelphia needed a hometown resource that specialized in educating and guiding its firearms owners. Since its inception, PFA has trained and guided thousands - from those new to the process of purchasing their first gun to long-time gun owners, military and law enforcement professionals, and everyone in between.

PFA operates under the guiding beliefs that along with the right to own a firearm comes the moral, legal, and ethical RESPONSIBILITY of knowing how to properly handle and maintain that firearm. That quality training is the cornerstone of firearms proficiency and that these skills can be promoted in a safe, enjoyable, and relaxed atmosphere.

One of Philadelphia's most respected firearms instructors, José is recognized for his passion to empower through education and dynamic teaching style. An educator first and foremost who specializes in firearms instruction, he is one of a handful of instructors from across the country selected to consult on the application of alternate technologies for firearms training.

José holds instructor certifications from Range Master, the US Concealed Carry Association and the National Rifle Association. He has received training from Massad Ayoob, Tom Givens, Rob Pincus, Steve Fisher, Gunsite Academy and Magpul Dynamics among others, has experience training military and law enforcement personnel and competing in the International Defensive Pistol Association.

Certifications and areas of expertise

Rangemaster Basic, Advanced and Master Firearms Instructor Certified
NRA Firearms Instructor Certifications: Concealed Carry Weapons Instructor, Advanced Pistol Instructor, Practical Pistol Coach, Rifle Instructor, Shotgun Instructor, Home Firearm Safety Instructor, Personal Protection In The Home Instructor, Personal Protection Outside The Home Instructor, Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor, Shotgun Shell Reloading Instructor, Certified Muzzleloading Instructor, CO-OP Muzzleloading Rifle Instructor, Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Appointed Training Counselor, Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor and Regional Counselor.
USCCA Certified Concealed Carry and Home Defense Instructor
Maryland Certified Handgun Instructor
Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigation Certified Firearms Instructor
MAG Certified Civilian Use of Lethal Force Instructor Glock Firearms Certified Armorer

Professional Affiliations

The PA Firearms Owners Association
Association of Defensive Shooting Instructors
The National Association for Gun Rights
Gun Owners of America
Armed Citizen's Legal Defense Network Affiliate Instructor
The New Jersey Second Amendment Society
The Second Amendment Foundation
Firearms Owners Against Crime
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership
International Defensive Pistol Association
Glock Sport Shooting Foundation
The Civilian Marksmanship Program
The Revolutionary War Veterans Association
US Law Shield Affiliate Instructor
The National Rifle Association
The NRA Business Alliance