My decision to start training with DSA was the right choice without a doubt. For years I’ve wanted to learn how to safely handle a firearm. I started with a private lesson with Marshall and then I recently took a Ladies Only class. I’ve learned a ton of valuable life saving information in a very short period of time. The instruction is fantastic. The instructors keep everyone engaged and feeling safe the entire class. I feel much more comfortable and confident handling a pistol after attending their training.

They create a learning environment that helps you retain the information. The instructors help you to develop proper habits then ingrains them into your memory. They show you step by step how to safely load and unload your firearm so it starts to become like muscle memory. Their methods of teaching are direct and easily understood. I am confident I am learning the right way from the beginning, which is what I intended to accomplish. I went directly to the subject matter experts, the instructors at DSA.

DSA also provides an arsenal of pistols for you to shoot. Dozens of guns were made available to us on training days so I could decide which one I wanted to seek out and purchase. I’ll continue to sign up for more advanced training. I am 100% satisfied with my choice in attending the training offered by DSA.

I would recommend this class without hesitation and with much enthusiasm. I learned so much and became much more comfortable with my pistol. As a side note: DSA allows you to shoot several different types of pistols in the class, and I enjoyed all of them too. At first, I was nervous and unsure about handling and firing my weapon. After a few minutes of coaching, I shot about three full magazines through my gun. Immediately I became more calm and more comfortable and really started to enjoy it.

The instructors were great. They are funny and super informative. Marshall and Kai were amazing with how much information they provided without overwhelming me. They were patient and helped us understand the why, when, where and how, for many different situations. Hopefully, I will retain all the info and be prepared for dangers I may encounter.

Maggie was helpful too. She inspired us as she mingled with all us classmates. She eased my nerves as she spoke with us on the line. DSA helped me to realize I must practice on my own if I want to continue to be comfortable with firearms. I plan on taking another class with Marshall and Kai.

An attempted break-in at our home prompted me to take this course. I realized that if my husband hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have been able to protect myself and my kids. A Rogers County Sheriff’s Deputy recommended Defensive Shooting Academy. I was relieved to find the Ladies Only course as I’ve had minimal experience with guns and wanted an in-depth explanation of safety, handling, proper shooting technique, and practice. I received this- and more- through this course. The lecture portion also included managing unknown contacts and “what to do/say” scenarios specifically for women. The two main instructors gave detailed information, backed by statistics and experience in an easy-going and fun way.

The practice section allowed for incremental steps from practicing stance and grip with dummy firearms, moving to live firearms. I thought I would only practice with the pistol I brought, but many different types of firearms of different size and calibers were available and we were encouraged to try any or all of them. The instructors brought in additional assistance for the firing range portion. This allowed for more individual attention, which was important for me as I wasn’t comfortable even handling a live firearm without someone close to make sure I was doing so correctly.

Of course, a 1-day 10 hour course of any kind is not going to be sufficient training for anyone new to firearms, but it is HUGE for me to find a level of comfort and empowerment in operating a firearm considering the level of fear that I had before this course. I brought a small .22 pistol to the course (which I was uncomfortable with) and left knowing I could (and wanted to!) own and handle a 9mm. I will definitely continue learning and training, but this course was a CRUCIAL step for my mental game regarding confidence in handling a firearm.

Thank you, DSA for offering this course and giving me the confidence I needed to begin training with firearms.

I found DSA through a friend who invited me to join him for the ACP level 1 course. I was completely new to handguns and was a little nervous about what to expect and if this would be the right fit for me.

I cannot say enough positive things about the DSA team. Safety was the #1 priority for everyone – that was crystal clear. I was amazed at how the team was able to personalize the hands on experience to my skill level while providing opportunities to learn more as I observed them and other more advanced shooters in my class.

Not only did I learn a great deal, but my shooting improved incredibly from beginning to end.

If you are willing to take the first step to try and learn something new, Marshall and the DSA team will meet you more than halfway to give you a top-notch and challenging experience, while making you feel safe and comfortable throughout the class.

Going from “I can’t” to “I can”.  The team at DSA understands everyone learns differently. With respect, they nurture the novice shooter and push the learned. I have taken multiple classes with this group and each time walked away with new ideas and concepts on how to present, cover, conceal, and defend myself and my castle. Before my first class, I personally had a great fear of firearms, but after 16 hours of guidance my confidence and attitude regarding pistols changed. These are humble teachers, with a unified goal of making you feel safe and prepared. And while one class does not a master make, with each session they present abundant firearm defense skills and safety handling techniques for you to take home, practice, and improve.