It started when the LA riots broke out in 1992. I was a young father with a wife and two small boys. Police were overwhelmed. The National Guard had not yet been deployed. I looked out our 2nd floor apartment window and saw some cars filled with sketchy looking youth cruising our quiet block in the Mid-Wilshire area. One passenger looked up, saw me, and our eyes locked. My thought was, if he decides to bust down our front door, I have nothing to defend my family with. Shortly thereafter, I acquired a shotgun, some shells and no knowledge of how to use it. Thank G-d I never had to.

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Flash forward, 2015. The Hypercacher Kosher Supermarket terror attack in Paris. Four Jews killed. Fifteen held hostage. Another moment of realization, this time that Jews are being singled out for attacks and murder. I walk to synagogue on Shabbat and am identifiable as Jewish. Several times I had drivers shout insults at me as they slowly cruised by. I acquired a handgun and ammo but knew I needed training. For years it sat locked in a secure location because I was afraid of having to actually use it. Enter Bullets & Bagels, or should I say, I entered Bullets & Bagels when a friend told me about it.

Today my wife and I are both members, and are so grateful for this outstanding organization.  It's not exclusively Jewish membership, but the vibe is definitely haimish.

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Fred Kogen, the President of the club, is an MD and certified mohel. He and all the instructors, range safety officers and volunteers stress safety and responsible firearm ownership above all. The  gun ranges we use are exclusively for Bullets & Bagels events only, for the duration of the event. We socialize, nosh, enjoy a guest speaker and the mandatory safety briefing, then enter the range to train with the outstanding staff. It's a wonderful environment in which to learn, to overcome fear or hesitancy of handling guns, to make friends, and to experience becoming pro-active in our personal and community safety and  defense. The change in mindset from potential victim to prepared and trained defender is powerful. 

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I urge anybody thinking about owning a firearm, or one who already has one but needs proficiency, to join Bullets & Bagels. Ready, Aim, Schmear!!

As a Gentile approaching retirement and wanting to develop a new hobby, I had resurrected a youthful interest in developing my shooting skills.  Attracted by the CMP offering of Army surplus 1911A1s, I learned that I needed to join a CMP affiliated club.  What distinguished Bullets and Bagels was their welcoming website, as well as what I took to be a sense of humor.  With a motto like  “Ready, Aim, Schmear”, I thought these men and women were people I could relate to, and I have never been disappointed.  Club President Fred Kogen has gone out of his way to make me feel at home, particularly after I joined without knowing any club members – I just showed up.  Their instruction in safe and accurate shooting practices has been a great help, and their meetings are a fun opportunity to network and socialize.  Inspired by a guest speaker, I was even moved to spend three weeks in Israel supporting the IDF through Sar-El, which proved to be a profound experience.  I cannot recommend Bullets & Bagels more highly.

Gratefully, I joined Bullets & Bagels two years ago in July-2023. I reinvigorated a childhood pastime (Junior NRA) and for target shooting after 50-years of inactivity. I floundered a bit at the range alone or with a friend, and in perusing the Internet I happened on Bullets & Bagels Structure & Discipline, just what the doctor ordered, entertainment,  camaraderie, and safety. Thank you to a wonderful organization, that I am so happy to be a part of as a proud member

The Bullet's & Bagels Basic Pistol Combined Class was very well done! The instructors were highly professional, and the small class size allowed for individualized attention necessary in this kind of training. No question was left unanswered, and instructors ensured that everyone was ready to handle firearms and comfortable with the process before proceeding to the next level. The location was great, but be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen! I would recommend this class to anyone who has never handled a pistol and for those who need a refresher! Professionalism was at its best, but it was also a lot of fun! Thank you, Justin, Jim and Miriam for your great support!