One of the country’s best armed defense instructors is retiring. Here’s the official announcement:
David Maglio has been a student of the gun for the past five plus decades, starting in 1975. His first accomplishments were earning the Rifle Expert and Pistol Expert awards in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his Honorable Discharge, he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff. David was Top Gun at his Police Academy class and numerous years at his department’s annual qualifications. David retired from law enforcement after 26 years of service to his community.
I met David in September of 1994. At the time, David had only taken one other Lethal Force Institute Course before taking LFI-I. David has since taken every course I have offered. In 2004, David enrolled in the highest-level course within my curriculum, LFI-IV. David is still the record holder for the Quad Speed Qualification two plus decades later.
With my approval, David developed the MAG-30, Shooter Development Course, which has become a great success. David has one student that has taken MAG-30 seven times. David also developed the MAG-IC (Massad Ayoob Group – Instructor Course) program and both the MAG-Defensive Pistol Skills and Defensive Rifle Skills courses.
David hosted MAG-180 (formally LFI-IV) twice, once in 2018 and again in 2023. David’s accomplishments as a shooter, instructor, and host are noteworthy to say the least.
After 33 years of service to my organization, David formally announced his retirement to me last week. David requested to have a final Victory Lap this June. I have granted permission to David for his Flyby. David’s last MAG-30 Course is scheduled starting Friday, June 12, 2026, in Bonfield, Illinois. If you wish to be part of a closing chapter within the training community, you should sign up for MAG-30 on the MAG website. www.massadayoobgroup.com
Please take this opportunity with me to wish David well on the next chapter of his life. Brother David, thank you for everything. You will be missed. Enjoy your retirement with your soon to be bride, Dr. Angela Haendel.
I’m so very thankful for the instruction provided by Mas, David Maglio and other armed defense instructors. Their wisdom and knowledge is provided to the public, and our lives are much improved because of that. What they teach is desperately needed in order to fight in the eternal struggle of Good against Evil.
May God’s blessing be on David Maglio’s upcoming marriage and retirement.