John Tobin
John Tobin
Instructor
I grew up shooting BB guns. It was not until my late teens that I handled my first real firearms. My uncle took me shooting for the first time; I tried his rifle, shotgun and pistol. Soon after that, I purchased my first rifle. I spent the next few years target shooting and eventually started shooting trap. I got my pistol permit in my twenties and started shooting with friends. Most of my early firearm education came from friends who were in law enforcement or the military.
My first introduction to Rochester Personal Defense was when they hosted a class in Syracuse, and a good friend wanted to sign up. I had seen them at the Syracuse Gun Show before, but I was hesitant to travel to Rochester for a class. We signed up, and as it turned out, Dave, Matt and Wendy were our instructors for that first class. We had a great time, learned a lot, and were really impressed by both the quality of the class and our instructors. We caught the training bug, and over the next few years, we signed up for a number of classes together and enjoyed every one. I quickly learned that for the quality of training offered…the drive to Rochester is definitely worth it!
Philosophy
I believe that seeking professional training is one of the most important responsibilities for a new or developing shooter.
I remember what it was like to be a new shooter, and I want to share the knowledge I have acquired on my journey.
Training Experience
- 2006 – Basic Handgun Safety
- 2018 – Enhanced Concealed Carry Skills w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2018 – Use of Force Laws for the Armed Citizen w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2019 – Concealed Carry 1 w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2019 – Concealed Carry 2 w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2019 – Low Light Shooting w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2019 – Critical Carry Skills w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2019 – Vehicle Defense Tactics w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2019 – Run Your Gun w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2019 – Low Light Shooting w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2020 – Adult CPR & AED, Standard First Aid w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC and EMS Tactical Group, LLC
- 2020 – Basic Trauma Care w/ EMS Tactical Group, LLC
- 2020 – Kinetic Combat Pistol w/ Handgun Combatives Training, LLC
- 2020 – Vehicle Defense Tactics w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2020 – Run Your Gun w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2021 – Combative Use of the MRDS w/ Handgun Combatives Training, LLC
- 2021 – Adaptive Combat Pistol w/ Handgun Combatives Training, LLC
- 2021 – USCCA Basic Handgun w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2022 – NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2022 – NRA Basic Instructor Training Course w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2022 – NRA Pistol Instructor Certification w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2022 – Firearms and Self Defense Laws w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2022 – Handgun Masters Program w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2023 – USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Instructor Course w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2023 – Handgun Masters Alumni w/ Rochester Personal Defense
- 2023 – Dave Spaulding’s GFSC
- 2023 – Intermediate Firearms Training
- 2023 – Active Shooter Response w/ Last Resort Firearms Training
- 2024 – Utah/Florida Multi State Permit Course w/ Rochester Personal Defense, LLC
- 2024 – NRA Range Safety Officer Course
Teaching Experience
- NRA – Basic Pistol Instructor
- USCCA – Concealed Carry & Home Defense Instructor
- NY 18 Hr Carry Concealed Training Instructor.