Ryan Gass

Ryan Gass is a Marine Corps veteran, gun rights advocate, and entrepreneur who established one of the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region's leading civilian firearms training organizations. Gass is an honorably discharged U.S. Marine with five years of service and is the owner and founder of Practical Training Professionals, which provides firearms safety and marksmanship instruction to civilian gun owners.

Gass's military background provided a foundation for his expertise in firearms training. His initial assignment was in Kings Bay, Georgia, where he secured the Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic, including nuclear weapons and submarines. He later served at Weapons Training Battalion East at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he trained Marines and Sailors in the effective use of M4, M16, and M27 rifles at distances from 25 to 500 yards. After transitioning to the civilian sector, Gass worked in security and firearms, including armed security at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, and began training other security officers, which led to his focus on firearms instruction.

Gass founded Practical Training Professionals to address the need for full-time, high-quality firearms safety and training for civilians. The organization has become a regional leader in practical firearms education, serving communities across the DMV area.

Gass holds certifications from organizations and agencies including the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, Maryland State Police, Delaware Attorney General's Office, Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, National Rifle Association, and United States Concealed Carry Association. He is a former combat marksmanship coach for the United States Marine Corps. Gass has spoken about his personal journey and how his military experience influenced his mission to provide quality firearms training in the DMV region.

Gass is an advocate for responsible gun ownership and civic education regarding firearms law. He regularly addresses misconceptions about firearms training and emphasizes the importance of understanding firearms laws. Gass is recognized for his commitment to continuous learning and community service, contributing to the national conversation on firearms safety and civilian preparedness.