Christopher Giannella
Instructor # 4178860 | Alpha Firearms LLC
Certified with the USCCA since 9/21/2025
Certification Renewal Date 9/21/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Range Safety Officer
- Marksmanship Simplified: Foundations of Handgun Coaching
- Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- Emergency & First Aid
My Biography
I possess a lifelong dedication to the field of firearms, stemming from a rich family history of marksmanship, including a grandfather who was a distinguished competition pistol marksman. Over the past 16 years, I have meticulously honed my own marksmanship skills and, recognizing a need for exceptional instruction, established this company with the strong support of my esteemed past mentors. Our company motto, 'Every great marksman started as a beginner,' embodies our commitment to accessible and effective training. Whether you are new to firearms or a seasoned marksman, I am dedicated to providing expert instruction and personalized guidance within a low-stress, supportive, and understanding environment. I consider it a privilege to serve as your guide into the world of responsible self-defense and the dynamic sport of firearms
Current Classes Available
Request a Class
Students that successfully pass the training will receive a Certificate of Completion from one of our Certified Instructors, which is expected to fulfill the training requirements for the current NJ CCW Permit.
Due to recent multiple charges, and active litigations, the curriculum, requirements, provided training and information are all subject to changes.
The CCW class is not intended for new shooters, students will be required to pass a strict live-fire qualification of 50 rounds at various distances and shooting stands. The maximum shooting distance is 15 yards. Students that fail their first attempt will be granted a second chance, but it can potentially be on a different date.
This class fulfills the following requirements:
- Certificate of course demonstrates familiarity with safe handling and use of handguns. 2)Use of Force Certificate
- Holster Familiarization
- CCARE Protocol Live Fire Qualification (live-fire qualification) for ONE FIREARM with FBI-Q Target or equivalent.
All students are required to have the following:
- NJ FID Card (Preferred)
- A firearm suitable for Conceal Carry and an extra magazine. (Rental firearm is available)
- Proper and safe hip holster (IWB or OWB), no shoulder or band holsters. (bring BELT)
- Valid Photo ID
- Students must be 21 years old or older.
- A minimum of 100 rounds of factory ammo.
- Garment (jacket, vest, or similar) to practice clearing the garment when drawing from the holster.
DURATION: Class duration is 4 hrs, but it can extend up to 2 hrs due to the live-shooting qualification.
What to bring?
- Please bring a valid photo I.D. 2)Firearm intended for carry, with an additional magazine
- Hip holster, (IWB or OWB)
- Belt
- A minimum of 100 rounds of factory-made ammunition (caliber according to the firearm) per handgun you intend to qualify with.
- Please wear comfortable clothing — no open-toed shoes.
- Any Medications that you might require during the course (please consider that class length time is subject to be extended)
- Light lunch, preferably avoid food with a strong smell, like tuna sandwich.
Self Defense Firearms Basics Basic Shooting Fundamentals Safety Rules Understanding The Function of Your Firearms Proper Grip Shooting Stance Aligning The Muzzle to the Target Target Focus Front Sight Focus Proper Trigger Control
Holster Work Malfunction Drills Reloads, Reloads Under Stress Moving and Shooting,”Getting of the Line” Target Transitions Situational Awareness
Basics of HOLSTER DRAW, run through two drills of the CCARE Shooting Qualification, the reloading drill, and the mindset needed to ace your NJ CCARE Shooting Qual.
A relaxed women's only Introduction to basic pistol. We will go over proper grip, trigger control, and sight picture. How to clean and maintain your firearm.
Taking fundamentals from basic pistol And Pistol 1, we will implement defensive pistol techniques of drawing from a holster shooting and moving, shooting from behind cover, multiple targets while moving, and timed courses.
Class will focus on data and the psychology, the "run ,hide, fight" survival blueprint, workspace/classroom fortification, emergency medical and triage fundamentals and interacting with law enforcement.