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OUR STORY:
The Piru Shooting Range

Embracing Freedom in the Great Outdoors

At MB Tactical, formerly known as the Wes Thompson Shooting Range and California Tactical Academy (CTA), we’re proud to be part of the rich tapestry of shooting sports history. Nestled in the breathtaking Piru area of California, our range has long been a sanctuary for those who cherish the freedom of the great outdoors and the pursuit of excellence in marksmanship.

How It All Began

Our journey started in the early 1980s when the Wes Thompson family recognized the growing need for a place where individuals could hone their skills in a safe, controlled environment. We chose a remote location, perfect for shooting sports, allowing us to provide a peaceful retreat while minimizing any impact on nearby communities.

From humble beginnings with just basic shooting lanes, we’ve expanded and evolved over the years. Today, we offer state-of-the-art shooting stations, comprehensive safety measures, and a variety of training opportunities for every kind of shooter. We’re constantly innovating, always striving to provide the best possible experience for those who come here to perfect their craft.

The Spirit of Competition: Birth of the Steel Challenge

A defining moment in our history was the introduction of the Steel Challenge, brought to life by Mike Dalton, a legend in competitive shooting. In the 1980s, Dalton’s passion for the sport led him to create a competition that celebrates speed, accuracy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Steel Challenge remains a testament to what can be achieved when you combine passion with the freedom to innovate.
FACILITIES & BAYS

A Premier Destination for Shooters

Our Vision:
Where Excellence Meets the Outdoors

The range is a premier facility that serves both recreational shooters and professionals alike. We believe in the power of the great outdoors to inspire, and we’re committed to providing a safe, educational, and community-driven environment where you can push your limits and achieve excellence.
Safety and Accessibility:
We’re dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for everyone. This means continuously updating our safety protocols, investing in the latest safety equipment, and making our range accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
Expanding Our Horizons:
We’re constantly evolving, adding new shooting bays, upgrading target systems, and offering specialized training programs. Whether you’re here for recreational shooting or professional training, we’ve got the facilities you need to reach new heights.
Education and Responsible Use
We’re passionate about promoting responsible gun ownership and safe shooting practices. Our educational programs and workshops are designed to help you hone your skills while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Engaging with Our Community:
We’re more than just a shooting range; we’re part of the community. We host events, competitions, and outreach programs that bring people together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Environmental Stewardship:
We love the great outdoors, and we’re committed to preserving it. Our sustainable practices help minimize our environmental impact, ensuring that the natural beauty of Piru is protected for future generations.

Looking Ahead:

A Future of Freedom and Excellence

Setting the Standard Nationwide

As we look to the future, we’re driven by the same values that have guided us from the start: a love of freedom, a respect for the great outdoors, and a commitment to excellence. We’re constantly integrating advanced technologies, strengthening our ties with the community and law enforcement agencies, and promoting responsible use of firearms.

A Commitment to Your Journey

Our mission is simple: to provide a place where beginners, professionals and law enforcement members can come, not just to shoot, but to grow, to challenge yourself, and to achieve excellence. We’re dedicated to maintaining MB Tactical as a premier destination, where freedom and the pursuit of excellence are always at the forefront.

Instructors

Mike Lazarus

Mike holds over 30 years’ experience as law enforcement officer. 19 years SWAT including sniper, assaulter, team sergeant. FBI certified firearm instructor. MP5 and Sub Machine gun instructor. Defensive tactics instructor. Police Academy instructor. 13 years US Army with multiple overseas deployments. Airborne, SOTIC, PSD, SRT, small arms armorer, various other military schools. Faculty member, California State University, Northridge. Faculty member, Ventura College. Hobbies include outdoor sports, hunting, competitive shooting.

Tony Mizrahi

Tony Mizrahi is a seasoned Chief Range Safety Officer and Instructor with extensive experience in tactical training and firearm instruction. Dedicated to ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all customers, including veterans, Tony blends his expertise in safety protocols with his tactical training background. His commitment extends to delivering personalized instruction that caters to both seasoned shooters and newcomers, fostering an environment where every participant can confidently advance their skills while having fun. Tony’s goal is to create a welcoming and professional atmosphere that supports the growth and safety of every shooter.

Victor Lopez, Sierra Element

A 20-year USMC Scout Sniper veteran with extensive military and law enforcement experience. He served as a scout sniper team leader in Iraq and as a precision rifle instructor in Afghanistan. Victor has also trained allied militaries in Southeast Asia and competed in the US Army International Sniper Competition, finishing 9th worldwide. In addition to his military service, he's been a Los Angeles Police Department officer since 1999, specializing in firearm instruction.

Tom Trevor, Burbank Muzzle Loaders

Tom Trevor is the President of the Burbank Muzzleloaders, where he passionately promotes the art and tradition of muzzleloading. With years of experience in shooting sports and historical reenactments, Tom is dedicated to educating enthusiasts about safe and responsible firearm practices. Under his leadership, the Burbank Muzzleloaders foster a vibrant community, hosting events and workshops that celebrate marksmanship and history. His commitment to preserving these traditions inspires both newcomers and seasoned shooters alike.

Jennifer Porter, MFI

Jennifer Porter, a seasoned SoCal firearms instructor with over two decades of experience, offers comprehensive training in handgun, rifle, and shotgun disciplines for students of all ages and skill levels. As a certified DOJ CCW Instructor, VCSD Concealed Weapons Instructor, and certified instructor for various shooting disciplines, she provides expert guidance and a safe, supportive learning environment. Recognizing the unique needs and learning styles of women, Jennifer offers specialized women's shooting classes designed to empower and encourage participation. She also works with the Disabled Shooting Services Program, the NRA "Woman on Target" program, and provides essential self-defense and safety skills for non-shooters. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to ongoing education, Jennifer ensures her students receive the highest quality instruction. Her dedication to staying informed about legal aspects of the sport fosters a safe and ethical learning environment.

Yoni Farber, ITAC Security

Yoni has over 18 years of experience in security. He started his career serving as Commander & Sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the paratrooper unit where he commanded dozens of soldiers. After completing his service, he served as a security officer for the Israel Ministry of Defense providing security and executive protection for high-ranking officers, and government officials, and delegations. At the Israel Ministry of Defense, Yonatan was recruited to an honorable special undercover combat unit for the Israeli Police where he performed combat and intelligence operations. In this unit, he performed a few leadership roles in instruction, combat, and strategy.

Brian Fitzpatrick

Retired in 2012 after a thirty-four year police career in Los Angeles County, California. He holds an MA degree in History from the California State University, Northridge and a BS degree in Public Safety Administration from William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. Brian has worked patrol (officer, field training officer and sergeant), K-9 unit, major crimes surveillance, US Customs Service task-force, street-level and major narcotics, special problems unit, and detective bureau (investigator and supervisor). Brian is the department’s only two-time Medal of Valor recipient.

Marc Alabanza, Banzai Operations

Marc Alabanza has over 14 years of experience training thousands in the fitness and wellness industry, creating award-winning programs at renowned retreats like The Ashram in Calabasas, The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, and GroundSea Fitness in the Berkshires. His expertise also includes firearm safety courses, pistol training courses, and CCW training.

Dennis Haggard

Formerly Law Enforcement Officer with California Highway Patrol. Specialties in Physical Methods of Arrest/ Defensive Tactics, Force Options Training, Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Advanced Highway Drug Interdiction, CPR Instructor, certified EMT, additional advanced training relating to gangs and auto theft investigation.

Ron Clayton

Ron has 30 years’ experience with a local Southern California Sheriff’s department with a wide variety of assignments to include Custody, Patrol, SWAT, Detectives and Academy instructor. While assigned as an instructor at the academy, he taught firearms, tactics, use of force and arrest and control to both academy trainees and in-service personnel and continues to instruct firearms as a collateral assignment. He is a California POST certified instructor in Handgun, Rifle, Less Lethal Munitions, Red Dot Optics and Impact weapons and an FBI certified Firearms Instructor.

Robert Vogel

Robert is a Professional Shooter who has won 3 World and 24 USA National Championships in three disciplines of practical shooting and holds numerous records in such events. He has also been a Police Officer in Ohio for over 20 years with 8 1/2 years as a full time officer…..during which time he was a SWAT team member and department firearms instructor.

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