American Firearms Gunsmithing and Training Center is capable of providing you from the very
very basic NRA courses to the extremely specialized Firearms & Security Training, not commonly
available anywhere else.
After retiring from Law Enforcement, Jan Merson saw need for Personal Protection, Firearms Safety
Training and good AFFORDABLE Gunsmithing for the general public. He sought an active career
path in offering affordable Gunsmithing and Firearms Safety Training for both the security
industry and the private sector
and has been instructing ever since.
Master Gunsmith John (Chief) Poynter is a retired Chief petty officer from the US Navy. Chief
has been involved in the gunsmithing industry for over 20 years. Chief is known for his
ability to repair or customize 1911 pistols with simplicity. At 81 years old, Chief lives by
one rule, he says if man built it, he can repair it. Chief is an active NRA and Hunter safety
instructor, and holds concealed weapons permits in CA and 33 other states. Chief competes in
shooting events on a regular basis and is still unstoppable.
Jan and Chief are also very active in community awareness and promoting Firearm Safety in our homes
and streets. Continually attending Firearms classes and seminars, Jan strives to keep himself
updated in the field of Gunsmithing, Firearms Safety Techniques, Local Government and
Handgun Laws.
The following is a list of certifications and affiliations serving as a brief overview
of Chief and Jan's background experience, education and training:
State of California Department of Corrections (Retired)
California Correctional Peace Officer's Academy
Concealed Weapons Permit Holder in 50 States.
NRA Instructor
NRA Range Safety Officer
California Department of Justice (HSC) Instructor
California Department of Consumer Affairs- Firearms Training Instructor
California CCW Instructor
Teargas & Maze Safety Instructor (Security)
Private Investigator
Private Patrol Operator
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, PC 832 Powers of Arrest
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, PC 832 Fire Arms
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, PC 832 Powers of Arrest
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, PC 832 Fire Arms
Certificate of Attendance, Region VIII Training Academy, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Standards and Education
Odessa Texas Police Academy Assistant Range Safety Officer and Armory
Odessa Police Department Field Training Officer
Odessa Police Department, Basic Law Enforcement Refresher Course
Odessa Police Department, Advanced Law Enforcement Refresher Course
Odessa College Certificate of Recognition, Peace Officer Refresher Course
El Paso County Sheriff's Department, Practical Police Course
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education
Midland College, Intoxylizer Operator Training Course
California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) Surveillance Course
National Association of Underwater Instructors SCUBA diver
National Association of Underwater Instructors SCUBA Advanced diver
Robbery Suppression Training Course
Bodyguard & Executive Protection
Jan is also a Member of The California Correctional Peace Officers Association and the Fraternal Order of Police,
California Gunsmith Association and National Gunsmith Association.
Chief
Master Gunsmith
Master Armorer
Machinist lath and mill
Concealed Weapons Holder in 34 States
NRA Insructor
NRA Range Saftey Officer
California Department of Justice (HSC) Instructor
Hunter Safety Instructor
Retired USN CHIEF
Private Pilot
Master Gunsmith John (Chief) Poynter is a retired Chief petty officer from the US Navy. Chief has been involved in the gunsmithing
industry for over 20 years. Chief is known for his ability to repair or customize 1911 pistols with simplicity. At 81 years old,
Chief lives by one rule, he says if man built it, he can repair it. Chief is an active NRA and Hunter safety instructor, and holds
concealed weapons permits in CA and 33 other states. Chief competes in shooting events on a regular basis and is still unstoppable.
