John Russo
Firearms & Tactics Instructor
Retired Law Enforcement Sergeant / SWAT Sniper / Gunwriter
John Russo is a seasoned firearms instructor, lifelong outdoorsman, and highly respected law enforcement professional with over 32 years of service in Southern California. As a Police Sergeant, he has held numerous specialized roles, including SWAT Sniper, Child Abuse Detective, Homicide Unit Supervisor, and Training Manager
John led his Department’s Firearms Training Unit for nearly three decades, providing expert instruction to law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilians alike. His teaching is backed by extensive credentials, including certifications from the NRA, NLEFIA, IALEFI, and CA POST, along with numerous instructor and armorer certifications across a wide range of weapon systems.
Beyond the range, John is an accomplished writer and founder of the online magazine Guns and Game, with over 100 published articles covering topics such as firearms, training, hunting, and law enforcement.
A firm believer in the Second Amendment and responsible gun ownership, John brings a rare combination of tactical expertise, real-world experience, and instructional clarity to every class he leads.
Jay “Bubba” Norris
Firearms & Tactics Instructor
Retired Law Enforcement Detective / U.S. Navy / Gunwriter
Jay “Bubba” Norris brings a powerful blend of military and law enforcement experience to the Critical Training Concepts team. Originally from Georgia, Bubba served in the United States Navy as a helicopter search and sescue (SAR) swimmer, aerial door gunner (M-60/M-240E), weapons tactics instructor, and squadron NATOPS instructor. His primary platform was the SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk.
Following his military service, Bubba transitioned into law enforcement in Southern California, where he served as a patrol officer and Gang Enforcement Unit member before being promoted to Detective. He specialized in gang investigations and auto theft before moving to the Department’s Training Division. There, he served as a Quartermaster, Background Investigator, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer, and Lead Firearms Instructor.
Bubba spent over 18 years on the Firearms Training Unit, instructing law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians. He holds instructor credentials from the NRA and CA POST, and is a certified armorer on multiple weapons platforms, including Glock, Sig Sauer, 1911 pistols, Remington 870 shotguns, and the AR-15 weapon system.
Now retired from law enforcement and living in Oklahoma, Bubba enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, shooting, and perfecting his BBQ skills. His real-world experience and relaxed but knowledgeable teaching style make him a favorite among students of all skill levels.
Travis Gibson
Firearms & Tactics Instructor
World Champion Competitive Shooter / MGM Targets
While Travis has been an outdoor enthusiast and shooter his entire life, he didn’t REALLY start shooting until later in life. In 2004 he went to work with his father Mike Gibson at MGM Targets. After working there for a couple of years Mike finally talked him into going to a pistol match. At that point there was no turning back.
Travis shot pistol matches for about a year and then started shooting 3-gun competition as wellas long range matches. Over the years Travis has won numerous state, national, and world championships. His accomplishments in the competition arena, along with being in the firearms industry with MGM Targets, has afforded him the opportunity to do a lot of instruction. Travis is a top notch instructor on many topics, including MIL/LEO pistol and carbine, ladies and junior shooter clinics, competition shooting and long-range rifle shooting. Being able to help students become safer, more proficient at shooting and more knowledgeable about their firearms is one of Travis’ favorite ways to help build a proactive 2 nd amendment
community.
Tom
Firearms & Tactics Instructor
U.S. Marine | Retired Law Enforcement Officer | SWAT Master Breacher
Tom brings over 33 years of combined military and law enforcement experience to the Critical Training Concepts team. A former U.S. Marine and Southern California police officer, Tom is a highly respected firearms and tactics instructor with deep expertise in both combat and law enforcement operations.
He began his career in the United States Marine Corps, serving in numerous combat operations, including his first tour in Mogadishu, Somalia. Throughout the Global War on Terror, Tom conducted missions across the Middle East and around the world in support of U.S. operations abroad.
After his military service, Tom joined a Southern California police department, where he graduated from the prestigious San Diego Sheriff’s SWAT Academy. He served for several years on the SWAT team as an Entry Team Member and Master Tactical Breacher—specializing in all forms of breaching including explosive, mechanical, ballistic, thermal, and hydraulic techniques.
During his law enforcement & military careers, Tom graduated from numerous instructor level courses and held multiple specialized roles, including:
– Certified Firearms Instructor
– Chemical Agent Instructor
– MACTAC (Multi-Assault Counter-Terrorism Action Capabilities) Instructor
– Armorer
– CBRNE Trainer (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive)
– CQB (Close Quarters Battle) Instructor
– TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) Certified
– Designated Marksman Course Graduate
– DHS Dignitary Protection Course Graduate
– SAWIC (Small Arms Weapons Instruction Course) Course
– USMC Foreign Weapons Course
– CA POST Active Shooter Instructor Course
Tom retired as a Detective in the Special Investigations Unit while still serving as a Master Breacher on the SWAT team. After retiring from law enforcement, he continued supporting U.S. interests abroad, working in the Middle East on behalf of the U.S. Government.
Tom brings unmatched experience, professionalism, and real-world knowledge to every class he teaches.