AR-15 Training

Basic Marksmanship & Safety

These courses cover basic fireamrs safety and marksmanship.  In the Military you can go on to advanced subjects.

NRA.  The National Rifle Association runs basic safety and rifle markmanship programs around the country.  Contact them for details.

The United States Military (U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, ROTC, The National Guard, the Reserves).  A great place to learn how to shoot an M-16 (the AR-15s Military cousin).  Besides serving our country, you get paid to learn marksmanship, get a chance to shoot full auto, and learn basic (or advanced) tactics.  If a full time commitment is out, you can serve part time in the Guard or Reserves.  For those in college you can learn in ROTC (Mil1 & 2) without a service commitment, and get a taste of military life.

DCM/Hi-Power/Service Rifle

These courses introduce you to the sport of High Power competition.  Marksmanship, shooting positions, and equipment will all be covered.  AR-15s currently rule at the National Service Rifle matches held at Camp Perry.

Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore.  Runs a 5 days (1day a week over several weeks)  introductory course on shooting High Power matches.  Course runs during the February to March time frame, and is focused on the beginners.  Clinic includes classroom time, range time, and practice competitions.  They will also help you get into an AGC High-Power League Team if you so desire.  See the Calendar for details.  $25 fee, open to the public.

Chesapeak Rifle and Pistol Club.  Runs a 5 day High Power clinic that aims to help all High power shooters from Beginers to Seasoned shooters.  Clinic is run from March to April, you may attend one or all the days.  There will be competitors from International, National and State levels there to help you.  Clinic includes classroom and range time.  See the Calendar for details.  FREE, open to the public.

"Tactical"/Urban Rifle

While there are 'basic' and 'advanced' level courses they all focus on one thing, teaching the use of an AR-15 as a defensive tool.  Basic courses focus on markmanship, quick magazine changes, and use of cover.  Advanced course add to this and usually include tactics, building clearing and use of the rifle at night.  It is not uncommon to expend in excess of 500 rounds at one of these courses, some require 1000 rounds minimum.

Firearms, Instruction, Research and Education Institute, Inc. (FIRE Institute).2313 E. Carson St. - Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA  15203
(412) 381-8035, email: fireinstitute@greystonelaw.com
Note the Pennsylvania Firearms Development Corp (PFDC) has transferred all of their training assets to FIRE.  FIRE sponsors several firearms training courses annually in Western Pennsylvania.  Professional instructors from around the U.S. are brought to the Pittsburgh area annually for three-day courses in basic pistol, basic carbine, and a two evening course in night/low-light pistol.  Other courses are offered semi-annually, including level II pistol, level II carbine, and basic shotgun.  For specific course information call or send an e-mail message to fireinstitute@greystonelaw.com.

Defense Training International, Inc (DTI) P.O. Box 1542, McMurray, PA 15317 , phone (970) 482-2520, email: mailto:dtipgh@yahoo.com .  This group runs courses from John Farnam in Corapolis PA.  Courses cover handguns, rifles, shotguns, and emergency medicine.

Trident Concepts Research Group.  Runs courses on site (in AZ) and around the country.  You can contact them about holding a course at your location.  Jeff Gonzales, the group's Director of Training, is a contributer to this site.  They are considering holding courses in the Fredericksburg, VA area.  Jeff also holds classes in DE.

Chuck Taylor's American Small Arms Academy.  Runs courses on-site in Arizona and around the country.  Every year he runs courses up in CT (about a 6 hour drive from Columbia, MD) so you don't have to spend a lot on airfare or a lot of time driving.

COMTAC.  This school is based in Maryland, but runs many of its courses at its facility at Warrior Ridge (Bedford County, PA).  They also run a Tactics Study Group the 2nd Saturday every month for 7 hours (cost is $25); while handgun focused, the tactics and mindset (software so to speak) can be applied to ARs.  Details can be found on their website or call (301)924-3854.

InSights Training Center.  Runs courses all around the country.  Their East Cost training center is in Harrisburg, PA (at the West Shore Sportsman Association).

OPS - Options for Personal Security.  They run courses at facilities around the country, and James Yeager, their SE Director, is a contributer to this site.  OPS can bring their courses to local facilities.  The courses most AR shooters would be interested in would; Precision Rifle and their Tactical Rifle course.  Other courses include handguns, shotguns, hand-to-hand, and executive protection. Call toll free: (877)636-4677

Marksman's Enterprise (run by Jim Crews).  Travels around the country teaching his courses (posts openings in classes on AR15-L).  If you can get a few friends together Jim can teach a course at your site.  Jim is a contributer to AR15-L, and his book Some of the Answer: Urban Carbine is a Must-Have for all AR-15 shooters (see the review in our Books section).

Gunsite Academy.  Pauleden, AZ.  A nationally recognized leader in firearms training, they have unique facilities (like indoor shoot houses and field ranges).  Training at your local site is also available.

Cumberland Tactics (run by Randy Cain).  Randy is a nationaly recognized rifle instructor and thought highly of on AR15-L.  He teaches both 'Urban Rifle' styles courses and a precision marksmanship (sniper) course.

The United States Military (see above - under "Basic Marksmanship").  While Army & Marine Corps initial training will teach you how to shoot an M16 and basic (individual) tactics.  You can choose specialties that will teach you more, and attend advanced schools for the ultimate in training (all while YOU get paid).