Chris Konowal aka Chris “Kona Coffee” is a firearms instructor currently working in the greater Philadelphia area. For the last 5 years, Chris has specialized in firearm instruction for beginners, employing firearms for self-defense, and coaching competitive shooters. He has an Professional Pistol Craft InstructorCertification, and an Advanced Defensive Shotgun instructor Certification from Rangemaster LLC., Sage Dynamics Red Dot Pistol Instructor Certification, USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals, USCCA AR15 Fundamentals and additional NRA Certifications including Pistol Instructor and Chief Range SafetyOfficer.
Since 2019 Kona conducted over 8000 private lessons as well as group classes in rifle, pistol, and shotgun. He routinely conducts “low light live fire” and “force on force” shoot-house scenarios for real world applications and administers testing for New Jersey and Maryland concealed carry qualifications. Chris, “Kona Coffee,” has competed in Action mulit-gun for 15 years. He holds three Rangemaster casino coins, and he has completed course work from nationally recognized instructors in topics including cqb, night vision, first aid, vehicle operations, and long range shooting.
I am always challenged and engaged and learn more about myself and my goals with every lesson I book! Great approach and good basics make great shooters!!
Chris is always prepared for my needs as I have progressed over the past 3.5 years. He has proven to me that he has the “critical eye” which is capable of discerning what and where improvement is needed. He is very well equipped to move the student from drill to drill as there seems to be a special orderly “flow” of challenges. Chris has a nice personality and has been enjoyable to work with.
Chris is an outstanding gun training coach—extremely knowledgeable, professional, and detail-focused. He doesn’t just tell you what’s wrong—he shows you exactly how to fix it with clear demonstrations and explanations. Whether it’s grip, stance, or trigger control, he corrects every mistake and makes sure you understand why. I’ve improved a lot thanks to his guidance. Highly recommended for anyone serious about shooting.
I’ve trusted Chris to provide introductory firearms instructions for all my kids. One son has a sensitivity to loud noises (even through ear protection) and Chris came up with a suppressor so my son could concentrate on proper load, charge, sight picture and trigger pull. Helped bring me into 21st century by helping me break from Weaver to isosceles while ensuring proper grip on pistol. Helped iron out a consistent deviation from center by using red dot as Chris pointed out that progressive lenes can cause consisten issues with sight picture. Bottom line, whether a new shooter or looking for skill improvement, you won’t find a better, more patient and effective coach.
Leveled up on pistol caliber carbine today. Kona is like a cheat code. I thought my stance was good, but during 1 hour class, he broke down my stance/grip and got me double tapping the same hole with 20ms splits. Amazing.
Chris is a very professional instructor. He has a river of knowledge when it comes to firearms. I took the intro to Pistols class with him as I am looking to start a career in law enforcement. He immediately knew where to focus when it comes to teaching me the basics. He is very thorough and detail oriented. He made sure I had no questions before going into the range to shoot. I actually felt very confident now in myself to purchase my first firearm. I recommend it to everybody and if you are looking for a sign to sign up for a class with him, this is your sign. Worth every penny and I will be doing more classes with him.
First of all, Chris is undoubtedly an accomplished firearms expert. However, he is more than that. He is an excellent teacher who is humble and patient, and knows how to scaffold firearms instruction to meet the needs of his students, from the absolute beginner to the veteran shooter. You will not find anyone better at his craft than he, and I enthusiastically recommend lessons with him!
