Daily Republic Interviews 2A Firearms Academy on Solano County CCW Permit Growth

Published June 2026

2A Firearms Academy was recently featured in the Daily Republic as part of a story examining the growing demand for concealed carry weapon (CCW) permits and firearm purchases in Solano County.

Reporter Todd Hansen interviewed 2A Firearms Academy founder and lead instructor Doug Kevilus, along with instructor Ryan Lewis, to better understand what local firearms instructors are observing among first-time gun owners and new CCW applicants.

Read the Original Article: Daily Republic

Download PDF Archive: Article Arhive

Why the Daily Republic Reached Out

The Daily Republic’s article explored a growing trend in Solano County: many residents purchasing firearms specifically because they intend to obtain a California concealed carry permit.

Permit statistics can show how many people are applying, but they do not explain who those applicants are or what challenges they face during training. As a DOJ-certified CCW training provider serving Solano County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, 2A Firearms Academy offers a unique perspective because we work directly with applicants throughout the training process.

What We Are Seeing Among First-Time Gun Owners

One of the most significant trends we have observed is the growing number of first-time firearm owners entering our classes.

Many students today are not lifelong shooters. They include:

Healthcare professionals
Business owners
Retirees
Parents
Working professionals
Individuals with little or no previous firearms experience

For many of these students, applying for a CCW permit is the reason they purchased their first firearm.

As a result, they often arrive with questions about firearm safety, legal responsibilities, secure storage, conflict avoidance, and when the use of force may or may not be justified under California law.

Training Often Changes Perspectives

Many people begin the process focused on obtaining a permit.

However, once they participate in classroom instruction and live-fire training, they often develop a deeper appreciation for the responsibilities associated with carrying a firearm in public.

Students quickly learn that responsible concealed carry involves much more than marksmanship.

Successful concealed carriers must understand:

Safe firearm handling
Situational awareness
California self-defense laws
Conflict avoidance
Decision-making under stress
Ongoing practice and training

For many students, this education becomes one of the most valuable parts of the process.

The Importance of Quality Firearms Training

The increase in firearm purchases and CCW applications highlights the importance of professional firearms instruction.

A concealed carry permit authorizes an individual to carry a firearm in public, but carrying a firearm responsibly requires knowledge, judgment, and skill.

At 2A Firearms Academy, our goal is to help students develop the confidence and competence necessary to become safe and responsible firearm owners.

This includes not only learning how to operate a firearm, but also understanding when not to use one.

Key Takeaways from the Daily Republic Interview

During the interview, several important themes emerged:

More first-time firearm owners are entering the firearms community.
Many firearm purchases are being driven by interest in obtaining a CCW permit.
Training helps students better understand the responsibilities of carrying a firearm.
Safe firearm handling and decision-making are critical skills for new gun owners.
Ongoing education plays an important role in responsible firearm ownership.

About Doug Kevilus

Doug Kevilus is the Founder and Lead Instructor of 2A Firearms Academy.

He is a California DOJ Certified CCW Instructor, NRA Chief Range Officer, NRA Pistol Instructor, NRA Defensive Pistol Instructor, NRA CCW Instructor, and U.S. Army veteran.

Doug has trained hundreds of students throughout Solano County and the San Francisco Bay Area, helping individuals develop the skills, knowledge, and judgment necessary for safe firearm ownership and concealed carry.

About 2A Firearms Academy

2A Firearms Academy provides California CCW training, NRA firearms instruction, private lessons, advanced handgun courses, defensive shotgun training, and continuing firearms education throughout Solano County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Our mission is simple:

Safety. Precision. Confidence.

We are committed to helping responsible citizens develop the skills and mindset necessary for safe firearm ownership and responsible concealed carry.

Media Coverage

Publication: Daily Republic

Reporter: Todd Hansen

Article: New Gun Sales Driven by Want of Concealed Weapon Permit

Date: June 2026

We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this discussion and thank the Daily Republic for including our perspective on concealed carry permit trends, firearms training, and responsible firearm ownership in Solano County.