Master the Fundamentals: Basic Pistol Course

This comprehensive course equips you with the knowledge and skills for safe and responsible pistol handling.

Take your first steps towards becoming a clay-crushing champion!

This introductory course covers everything you need to know to get started with sporting clays:

• Safety First: Learn essential range safety protocols and proper gun handling etiquette.
• Shotgun Fundamentals: Grasp the basics of shotgun operation and function.
• Form & Fit: Master proper stance, grip, and positioning for optimal control.
• Leading the Way: Understand the concept of lead and different lead techniques for various targets.
• Eye on the Prize: Determine your eye dominance and its impact on shooting.
• Ammo Awareness: Explore different ammunition types and their applications.
• Target Talk: Learn to read and understand various clay target presentations.
• Calling for the Bird: Discover proper commands for controlling the target release.
• Mounting Mastery: Practice smooth and efficient shotgun mounting techniques.
• Hold & Break: Develop a steady hold point and refine your trigger control for clean breaks.
• Swinging for Success: Master the art of swinging the shotgun smoothly through the target.
• Shotgun Selection: Gain insights into choosing the right shotgun for your shooting style and clay disciplines.

Equip Yourself for Everyday Protection

This course prepares you to safely and responsibly carry a concealed firearm for self-defense.

Strengthen Your Bond & Confidence: Couples Basic Pistol Course

This couples-oriented course provides a fun and engaging environment for you and your partner to learn essential pistol skills. It's perfect for couples who are new to firearms or want to develop their skills together.

What you'll learn:

• Firearm Safety Fundamentals: Reinforce the four cardinal rules of safe gun handling and build a strong safety foundation.
• Parts & Operation: Understand the basic components and operation of a pistol.
• Proper Grip & Stance: Master a comfortable and stable grip and stance for optimal control.
• Loading/Unloading & Chamber Checks: Learn safe procedures for handling and maintaining situational awareness.
• Sight Picture & Trigger Control: Develop a clear sight picture and refined trigger control for improved accuracy.
• Live-Fire Practice: Put your newfound knowledge into practice in a safe and controlled range environment, with instructors providing personalized guidance.
• Communication & Teamwork: Learn to effectively communicate and work together when handling firearms, fostering trust and confidence as a team.

Master Your Carbine: In-Depth Maintenance and Function

This comprehensive carbine maintenance class equips you with the knowledge and skills to keep your carbine functioning flawlessly.

Level Up: Introduction to Carbine Fundamentals

This course provides a solid foundation for confident carbine handling and marksmanship.

What you'll learn:

• Safety First: Reinforce safe firearm handling practices and range etiquette through a comprehensive safety review and briefing.
• Building a Strong Base: Refresh your knowledge of carbine fundamentals, including proper grip, stance, and firing positions.
• Knowing Your Carbine: Learn carbine nomenclature (naming of parts) and understand its unique handling characteristics.
• Safe Handling Procedures: Master safe loading/unloading, chamber checking, and clearing techniques for your carbine.
• Dialing It In: Explore sighting systems (iron sights, red dots, scopes) and practice sighting in/zeroing your carbine for optimal accuracy.
• Zeroing Techniques: Learn various zeroing methods and apply them to achieve proper sight alignment.
• Engaging Your Target: Practice target engagement from a low ready position, developing smooth transitions and accurate shot placement.

Requirements:

• 100 rounds minimum

• All shooting courses at a minimum; Proper range attire, eye/ear protection, functioning carbine with 1 type of sight(s).

  Important Note: ANY WEAPONS OR SUPPORT GEAR WILL NOT BE WORN INTO OR AROUND THE SHOP, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO HOLSTERED FIREARMS, LONG GUNS, VEST, PLATE CARRIERS, ETC. 

Mark Tiedemann

Mark T. comes to us with over 30 years of operational experience involving training of firearms, tactics and operations in high-risk environments. Serving in the US Army as a Military Police combat team leader, stationed in Frankfurt, West Germany. He was shift supervisor in the Frankfurt Military Community responsible for law enforcement, Post, General Officer, Chief of Staff security and training of personnel for field operations. Mark retired from the City of Va. Beach Police Dept. serving as a primary small arms instructor, Mobile Tactics Team Leader, SWAT officer, primarily as a Sniper/Counter Sniper. Mark worked with Blackwater (Academi/Constellis) as a Firearms and Tactics Instructor and Armorer Instructor for the Mossberg 500/590 shotguns and AR15 weapon platform. Instruction involving tactics and usage of pistol, carbine, shotgun, Precision Rifle, Critical Incident Response and CQB classes to Individual, local, state and federal agencies, US and allied military units.

Jim Kelley

Jim relocated to Florida after a career in the Boston Police Department. Jim has served as an instructor and instructor-trainer in several varied fields, ranging from 9-1-1 telecommunications to motorcycle operation. He holds several certifications from the NRA and USCCA, and has been nationally recognized for his creativity in developing firearms training for couples. Jim believes that humor is essential to learning, and his students agree, giving him a 5-star rating with USCCA. Before joining Total Impact, Jim was the Director of Training at a major gun retailer in MA, and earned a 5-star rating from the National Shooting Sports Foundation during his tenure. Jim schedules regular classes at Total Impact, and is available for private lessons, as well as consultation for church and home security.

Cathy Kelley

Cathy is a certified NRA and USCCA instructor, and specializes in women's defensive carry. She believes that women face different challenges than men when deciding to carry a firearm, and has trained large and small groups in the science of defensive pistol use. Cathy believes that "finding your why" is essential, when empowering other women. Cathy often teaches couples sessions with husband Jim, and is available for private lessons, firearm fitting, and training for women's groups.

James Music

After whipping up culinary masterpieces for over 30 years, Chef James traded his bustling kitchen for the sunny shores of Florida. His passion for precision, however, didn't fade away. After years of the demanding restaurant life, he craved a change of pace and a connection with the outdoors. Florida's sunshine and vibrant shooting scene provided the perfect backdrop for his next chapter. Now, James utilizes his focus and attention to detail, honed in the kitchen, to guide students in the art of clay shooting. His classes cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned shooters looking to refine their technique. Whether it's the thrill of shattering a clay target or the satisfaction of mastering a new skill, James helps his students discover the joy of this exciting sport.

Eric Wilder

Eric is a Retired 22 year veteran of the US Army and Coast Guard. Most of his career was spent as a Helicopter Mechanic and Crewman on OH58, CH47, HH65 and MH60 Helicopters. Career highlights include service as a Unit Armorer in the 101st Airborne Division, Search and Rescue Flight Mechanic/Flight Mechanic Instructor and Precision Marksman for the Coast Guard’s Airborne Use of Force Doctrine. Eric has been an NRA Certified Instructor since soon after his retirement in 2016 with well over 1,000 students to his credit. Prior to moving to Florida in 2021, Eric was the Lead Instructor at Cape Gun Works in Hyannis, MA. His experience and understanding of his students allows him to practice patience in the classroom and on the range and will put you at ease.