PIKES PEAK TACTICAL INSTRUCTOR CADRE
Discover why our clients trust us to instruct them
Our team of instructors has a combined 40+ years of experience working with firearms and self-defense tools.
ANDREW BASTIAN, OWNER
Chief Firearms Instructor & Gunsmith
TASER Self-Defense Civilian Instructor
I started shooting at 11-years old when I got my Hunter’s Safety License, and instantly fell in love with it. I started handloading shortly after since a group of family friends told me I could save money on ammo by making my own. Over the following ten years I would continue to hone my skills and continue adventuring in the outdoors with the Boy Scouts, where I earned the rank of Eagle Scout before becoming an Assistant Scout Master with my troop. I then attended college and graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology-Criminology and minors in Forensic Science and Anthropology. After I graduated, I enlisted in the US Marine Corps where I served and deployed overseas to the African continent where I spent time mentoring and training foreign allies in topics such as combat marksmanship, combat medicine and engineering and logistical operations. I continued teaching others by instructing and licensing Marines for usage of a variety of material handling equipment after returning from my deployment.
I left the Marine Corps in 2018, after which I joined my local police department where I served as a patrol officer in different divisions around the city. I started my own company, Pikes Peak Tactical, in 2021 just before leaving the police department. I started by focusing on instructing new shooters, but started working part-time with security companies and realized the caliber of training just wasn’t what it needed to be. In May of 2022 I began to instruct private security officers for licensure in the major cities of Colorado. Topics I taught/teach include Use of Force, ethical and legal considerations, and of course, firearms use. After hearing countless stories about my students being taken advantage of at larger department stores, I obtained my FFL and began to manufacture and sell firearms for them. Over the last two years I have moved from basic instruction into advanced tactical instruction, firearms and tactical equipment sales, less-lethal instruction, and even government contracting and security consultation. During the last year, I attended SDI and graduated with my Associates in Firearms Technology before getting hired as an adjunct faculty member teaching Introduction to Ammunition and Basic Ballistics.
I constantly strive to better myself and my understanding of my field, regardless of which specialization. In my spare time I love spending time with my girlfriend and my daughter, who just recently got to shoot a gun for the very first time. I am very family oriented and hope to one day expand my business to the point where I can have dedicated sales staff and instructors so that I can focus on curriculum development and spending time with my family. When I’m not on the range, or with my family, you can typically find me in my shop tinkering with ammo recipes or guns.
I am a veteran with a wide array of experiences woven over nearly two decades of service and
dedication. In 2001 I joined the United States Army. During my time I had the honor of serving on three combat deployments. Among several decorations that I received in the army, while in Afghanistan I was awarded the Gold Schutzenschnur, a weapons proficiency and qualification badge of distinction from the German Armed Forces, recognizing my marksmanship prowess. This badge not only honored my skills but further instilled in me the importance of precision, training, and a deep understanding of all firearms.
After serving my country globally, I transitioned to safeguarding local communities. I took on the role of a Deputy Sheriff for El Paso County in Colorado, dedicating seven years to law enforcement. My passion for service and tactical operations found a home when I became a member of the Special Response Team. To further my expertise and share knowledge, I earned the role on the Special Operations Firearms Instructor Team. My specialty lies in the mechanics and techniques of both pistols and rifles in highly stressful situations, ensuring safety and accuracy while under pressure.
While firearms and security have been central to my professional journey, my personal life offers a
varied landscape. I often find solace in the high-intensity game of hockey. When it isn’t hockey, I retreat to the comforting company of my fiancé and our three dogs. Our conversations often revolve around history – a subject I’m deeply passionate about. This interest extends to my collection of historical firearms, which serve as a testament to the evolution of weaponry and a reflection of pivotal moments in global history. As I continue my journey, I remain steadfast in my commitment to always further my knowledge. The world of firearms is ever-evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. More importantly, I am driven by a desire to share my experience and skills with others, ensuring that the lessons I’ve learned and the expertise I’ve garnered benefit the next generation.
RYAN BASTIAN
Associate Firearms Instructor
Owner of Sentinel Firearms, Brighton, CO
Ryan grew up in Pueblo West, CO and was raised in a law enforcement family. Ryan’s Father, Jerry Bastian, raised Ryan to have a sense of integrity, duty and honor, just as he had. Ryan graduated high school in 2009, then attended WyoTech Automotive Trade School which he completed a short time later. After graduating, Ryan worked for a couple years as an automotive mechanic where he loved getting hands on and working on with all varieties of vehicles. Ryan would later enlist in the US Marine Corps in 2012, where he served as a Motor Transport Operator for 2nd Marine Division. Ryan served four years, during which time he was able to participate in a variety of operations and training evolutions which helped him build his skill and proficiency with firearms.
When Ryan left the Marine Corps in 2016, he still felt that call to duty and service, so he begin the process to transition into law enforcement. Ryan started off as a patrol officer with a small local agency, before transitioning to a larger department in a larger city. Never getting complacent, Ryan worked and trained himself to a higher standard so that he could eventually earn a spot on his agencies Special Weapons and Tactics team. Ryan would eventually earn a spot with SWAT, where he currently serves as an operator.
Ryan specializes in Close Quarter Combat (CQC) tactics, as well as Use of Force, less-lethal and hand-to-hand defensive tactics. Ryan enjoys spending his off time with his family, and always enjoys shooting and tinkering with guns. Ryan is also the Owner of Sentinel Firearms located in Strasburg, CO and operates as a Type-07 FFL/SOT-2.
I grew up hunting and backpacking with the Boy Scouts in Colorado, until I eventually earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009. My first time shooting a high-caliber rifle was in 2003, and after that I as hooked. Once I graduated high school I attended college where I studied for, and obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology-Criminology. I continued my education and received my Master’s Degree in Business Management.
After graduating, I decided I wanted to serve my community by being a law enforcement officer, so I applied for the academy. After a long and thorough application process, I was finally selected to attend, and subsequently graduate the police academy in January of 2018. During my time as an LEO I have gotten to experience a vast variety of professional and personal circumstances that have helped shape both my personal beliefs and professional actions.
I specialize in Use of Force training as well as tactical applications of handguns, rifles and shotguns. I also have experience using and deploying less-lethal control options such as TASER CEW devices as well as impact and chemical device launchers. As a active LEO, I constantly strive to ensure I have the most up-to-date training and equipment needed both to perform my duties as an Officer, as well as an Instructor.
TONY MARTINEZ
Associate Firearms Instructor
Bio Coming Soon
GARY BASTIAN
Range Safety Officer and Engineer
Owner of Out of the Box, Ltd., Castle Rock, CO
Bio Coming Soon
