About
I like the satisfaction of knowing that I got to spend the time needed with new gun owners to insure accidents dont happen and that they are able to enjoy the sport of shooting as I have. I have been involved in the sport for 36 years and had advanced tactical and combat training.
I focus mainly on Basic Safety, Range Safety, and knowledge of student's SPECIFIC firearm. I am also a training gunsmith so I have the knowledge to break down and reassemble most common firearms.
Knowing that my lesson may prevent accidents from occurring and helps keep the public safe. There are a lot of new and first time gun owners and I feel that the firearms community has not always been accomodating to them. Everyone is welcome to learn on my range. It is the reason I built it.
Students are not judged on their abilities or their political beliefs. I have found that many of the furearms clubs can be a bit harsh because of their stern political affiliations but I teach anyone who wants to learn. Shooting is a sport for all and should unite people and bring them together not divide them. This is my philosophy.
Highlights
Reviews
Jeraldeen M.
Sandra S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I work with no more than two sstudents at a time with one Firearm. This allows me to taylor each lesson to the specific firearm the student purchased. I like to do this for safety reasons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
36 years experience. Blackwater Training Academy-Bodyguard training and basic tactical. NRA Certified Instructor Program
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
75 per person for basic safety training and range practice. This includes basic safety and range procedures, breakdown, cleaning and storage of their specific weapon and technique and grip positioning. This is for a full 8 hour class plus range time and video viewings. I can tailor a class to suit your needs and if you cannot afford to pay full price I am willing to make arrangements. The truth is I would show anyone what they needed to know regardless of payment, but range maintenance and my time are worth something to I try to give students a lot for what they pay
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching when i noticed that some of the older shooters in my forum were quite rude to some of the new gun owners while I try to welcome them to the sport so they can get as much enjoyment out of it as I have. One club was particularly rough on democrats and members of the LGBT communities and I thought this was uncalled for. I told myself what Bruce Lee told someone about his students. "I teach whoever wants to learn." As Lee was an ambassador of his herritage and his country through martial arts so do I hope to be through the sport of shooting.
What types of students have you worked with?
Mostly military and women's self defense but the right answer is just about everyone. From updating skills of an old scout sniper using modern optics to teaching children safety and assisting them with their first shot
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Becoming active in the shooting community. I used to keep my skills very much to myself until others began looking to me for guidance
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Give them a phone call and feel them out. I respond well to say, R. Lee Ermy with his rigid, classic drill instructor style but that is not at all how i teach. Every student is different and I go off of feeling and ability. Some people are naturally good and others take a little bit of instruction. But that is why i only teach one or two at a time. It allows me to feel the students out and instruct them better.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
First and foremost is learning basic operation of the weapon you selected. Knowing how your weapon operates is crucial in recognizing common sense safety. Knowing how it works inside and out is critical and I spend a lot of time on this.
2nd is range safety and rules because these apply everywhere. Most of the concepts in gun safety are common sense. But common sense comes with experience. Memorizing a few basics like a 3 pt check system to see if the weapon is loaded is critical.