About Sheepdog Marksmanship Training
I graduated from Texas A&M University in 1998 and entered the Army as Field Artillery Officer. While stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, I discovered competitive shooting and became an avid USPSA competitor, quickly earning my “Master” classification. After 20+ years of service, I retired from the Army in 2018 as a Lieutenant Colonel and the Commander of the US Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Georgia. I have always been passionate about shooting and was privileged to serve with the best shooters in the world. I can definitively say, quality training produces good results.
Today, I want to take my experience and train others to be safe, responsible gun owners. Above all, firearms training is essential for any gun owner and even more important for those who choose to carry. In addition, I believe anyone can become confident and competent with whatever handgun they choose to own, but that requires training.
Methodology
Confidence and competence result from quality firearms training. This training must focus on the fundamentals of shooting first. If you can’t hit what you’re trying to, nothing else really matters until you can. Sight alignment and trigger control are the most important things we do when shooting. It sounds easy, but takes a lot of practice to achieve a high degree of success. My training focuses on the individual gun owner. I generally limit class sizes to 6 or less and can accommodate your availability based on your schedule, not mine. I am passionate about the Second Amendment, firearms training and the individual responsibility that comes with owning and carrying a handgun.
Why Sheepdogs?
First, I have two Great Pyrenees, and they are the most incredible dogs I’ve ever owned. Their innate mindset is to always be watching and aware. Secondly, retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and author, Dave Grossman, uses the analogy that there are three types of people in the world: sheep, wolves and sheepdogs. As firearms owners, we should all work on our attitude and mindset, especially if choosing to carry a firearm. Like Sheepdogs, we should strive to improve our situational awareness, be aware of the world around us and be ready to defend ourselves and those we love. We live in a pretty crazy world. Never give up your ability and right to defend yourself and those you love.
Course Descriptions
The Course Descriptions provide a basic overview of my standard training options. Contact me with your specific training requirements and we will develop training tailored to meet your needs.
Firearms Training Courses designed to meet your individual needs.
Defensive Pistol 1 – $150
This course builds on the fundamentals of shooting, but incorporates many skills necessary to carrying a handgun for use in self defense. Defensive Pistol benefits both novice and experienced shooters. Class incorporates additional aspects of shooting and emphasizes improved weapons handling, increased speed and improved accuracy. Training incorporates specific tasks such as the draw, multiple target engagements, target transitions, use of cover/concealment, and movement. A major goal of the course is to develop skills so that the fundamentals become second nature. Students should already have a firm understanding of firearms safety and shooting fundamentals. If you are a new gun owner, sign up for a Basic Pistol class first. The class lasts at approximately 8 hours and the cost is $150 due upon arrival. Class requires a minimum of 300 rounds* of ammunition, a quality holster designed for your handgun (Outside the Waistband and Kydex ispreferred) and at least 1 magazine pouch and 3 magazines. Bring lunch, water and a chair.
Defensive Pistol 2 $125
Defensive Pistol 2 builds on the skills learned in Defensive Pistol 1. Training focuses heavily on movement (both shooting and moving and shooting on the move), shooting from nonstandard positions, limited engagement windows, improved weapons handling, the defensive mindset and shooting under stress. Attendees must have previously attended Defensive Pistol 1. Same holster and magazine requirements as DP1 and a minimum of 300 rounds are needed for the course.
NRA Basic Pistol Course $125
The NRA Basics of Pistol Course is intended for all individuals, regardless of previous shooting experience, but is particularly good for new or novice shooters that have never attended a formal firearms course before. The course requires successful completion of a written test and live-fire qualification.
Course topics include: firearms safety, proper operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, ammunition knowledge, pistol selection and storage, shooting fundamentals, pistol inspection and maintenance, and shooting range safety. Students receive a NRA certificate of training upon successful completion of the course. The instructor led course typically lasts 9 hours and requires a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition*. (link for dates and to register)
NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course $150
Similar in format to the NRA Basic Pistol Course, the Basic Rifle Shooting Course focuses on firearms safety, proper operation of different rifle actions, ammunition knowledge, the fundamentals of shooting, maintenance, etc. Students receive a NRA certificate of training upon successful completion of the course. The class typically lasts 8-9 hours and requires a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition.
Texas License to Carry (LTC) Course $75
The License to Carry Course consists of a minimum of 4 hours of classroom instruction, a written test and proficiency demonstration (qualification) . The LTC course focuses on four areas: laws related to weapons and the use of deadly force, handgun use and safety, non-violent dispute resolution and safe gun storage. The entire course lasts approximately 5 1/2 hours and requires 50 rounds* of factory ammunition.
Most importantly, if you are a new handgun owner or have little shooting experience, I highly encourage you complete the NRA course or my Basic Pistol Course before applying for your LTC. Sign up now
Basic Pistol & LTC Combined Course $175
This is a combined dual course and full day of training. Perfect for the new handgun owner looking to get basic training on the proper use of a handgun and their LTC in the same day. The course begins with safety, basic overview of handguns, stance, grip, and the fundamentals of shooting. Basic Pistol concludes with live fire training on the range. Next, we immediately transition to the License to Carry qualification. The course concludes with the State’s required classroom training and written test for your LTC. The course lasts 8 hours and requires 150 rounds* of ammunition.
Individual Training & Private Classes $100 for 4 hours
If you aren’t ready for one of the classes above, this is a great way to start and develop your shooting skills. Individual training is designed to meet your schedule and training objectives. These sessions vary on time depending on what you wish to accomplish. Cost is $100 for up to 4 hours of training/person. $25 for each additional hour. Contact me to schedule.
Hunter Education Course $15
This course is designed for novice or young hunters, ages 9 years and above. The course covers the core competencies of firearm and hunting safety, hunting ethics and wildlife conservation. All materials are provided. The Hunter Education Classroom Course lasts a maximum of 6 hours of classroom instruction. This time does not include registration, breaks, test administration and certification card distribution. Courses are offered across the state year round and are taught by certified volunteer instructors. The fee for the certification is $15. I typically schedule this 3 times per year. If you have a group that needs to take the course, contact me directly.
* If you need to rent a handgun or purchase ammunition, please contact me to make arrangements. I have a variety of handguns available to rent.