I want to thank you for the professionalism, organization, and commitment you demonstrated…read morethroughout the training weekend. I left with a strong appreciation for the quality of instruction and the level of care you put into the student experience. * The training stayed extremely well organized. You maintained a clear structure from start to finish, which kept everyone focused and confident in what came next. * The Program of Instruction (POI) was excellent. The flow made sense, the objectives were clear, and each block of instruction built naturally into the next. It felt intentional rather than improvised. * You minimized downtime. Transitions between drills happened quickly, and the pace kept students engaged without feeling rushed. * You demonstrated safety consistently throughout the training. Both physical safety and weapons safety were emphasized. You reminded students to hydrate, monitor their physical condition, and maintain muzzle awareness at all times. That constant reinforcement built trust and professionalism. * Cadre availability on Friday made a strong impression by making yourselves accessible, answered questions, and set the tone for a productive weekend. * Craig followed up on Monday to check on us. That personal call showed genuine investment in the students and reinforced the professionalism of the program. * The student‑to‑cadre ratio was excellent. We received individualized attention, immediate corrections, and real‑time coaching that would not have been possible with a larger group. * The pizza after training was a great touch. It created a relaxed environment to decompress, talk through the day, and build rapport. * The drinks on the firing line were greatly appreciated. Having cold drinks available kept everyone hydrated and helped maintain performance and safety.

TL;DR: This is an amazing firearms training center with outstanding, humble, friendly, and highly…read morequalified instructors. I can't recommend them enough - I bought the lifetime membership! I traveled from Colorado to Alabama to take this two-day shotgun course. Admittedly, I was a little hesitant at first to put such faith in an organization I had no first-hand knowledge of; there was a lot of unknown to me for such an investment. After I purchased the course (which included a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Semi-Automatic shortgun and other freebies ($1,149 MSRP; $1049.99 on Cabelas https://www.cabelas.com/p/beretta-a300-ultima-patrol-semi-auto-shotgun), I also purchased their lifetime membership which was offered at a very discounted rate after the 2-day course/shotgun purchase. More risk. Lastly, I was hesitant about a semi-auto shotgun (vice a pump) for my primary home defense weapon. After firing this weapon for 2 days, I am convinced it is extremely reliable (and potentially faster and definitely less complicated in a high-stress defense situation) and have been made a "believer." It's replacing my Mossberg 590A1 as my primary home defense piece. Our primary instructors were Carter, Steven, and Ammon. Carter, the lead instructor, immediately set a friendly, humble tone for the class of 12 students, all of whom (in our class's case) were fairly veteran gun owners. Every person there was also kind, humble, and a pleasure to be around. While I believe that most people are genuinely friendly, I also believe that when the tone is properly set, as Carter did, that friendliness is brought to the forefront. Great start. I also learned the qualifications of the instructors (https://patriottrainingcenter.com/about-us/). They are all very impressive with many recognized industry qualifications. The book that comes with the course is spiral-bound and 120 pages. It is an AWESOME reference, both during and after the course. We had about 2 hours of instruction and went to the range. SAFETY IS AN ABSOLUTELY TOP PRIORITY HERE. I never felt concerned, even once. These gentlemen know how to run a range, bar none. The training was fun, engaging, exciting, and challenging. I learned so much. They'll tell you at the beginning that it's "drinking from a firehose," but honestly it felt like a great pace to me. Lunch breaks were an hour, and felt generous time-wise, especially if you bring a lunch - there is a microwave and paper plates, bowls, and plastic utensils available (my experience there). For the course, Patriot Training Center sells the ammo package for $280. If you bring your own, HIGHLY recommend you purchase low-recoil buckshot and slugs (~1300 FPM, **NOT** the 1600 FPM full-power ammo!!). They recommend 00 Buck for home defense. Regardless of which ammo you personally choose for home defense, I recommend bringing THAT ammo to test against the targets - we saw a HUGE difference in shot patterns and spread from the "cheap" to the "quality" ammo (they recommend 2 3/4" Federal FliteControl (LE13300) #00 Buck **8-pellet** (not 9-pellet!!), or Hornsby Versatite Black #00 8-pellet shells. In my case, I did not know this ahead of time and had the 1600 FPM buckshot and slugs. Fortunately, the Beretta A300 is a gas-recoil shotgun which reduces recoil about 40% (per their website). FWIW, I was not sore at all after firing about 180-200 shells over 2 days (all birdshot the first day; birdshot, buckshot, and slugs the second day). Not to humble brag (lol), but I am in pretty decent shape - YMMV, so get the low-recoil stuff. As I said before, I also bought their "lifetime membership," which allows you to go back for their other courses, to include 2-day rifle and shotgun, 2- and 4-day pistol (both with and without red dot), and their 2-day active shooter response course. You can attend as many of these courses as your time allows, and as many times as you want. We had a guy in our class who had attended 10+ times already. Amazing, amazing value if you take advantage of it. To sum up, I couldn't be happier with my purchase: great instructors (as human beings), great instruction, great range, and a great experience. Highly recommend!!

amazing time in gun 101 and gun 102 with mr. Michael and Mrs. Pamela. very professional and made me…read morefeel very comfortable especially when handling for the first time! highly recommend

I'm not reviewing the range, just their Cerakote service. I took a little J-frame revolver. First,…read morethey said 4 to six weeks and it was more like 8. I had to call to get an update about it, and they had it done about another week later. The Cerakote came out ok but it looks like they applied it over the serial numbers then ground it back. The serial by the cylinder is completely unreadable. The serial number on the butt of the revolver still readable but now I have to remove the grips in order to see it, where before the serial was visible when you opened the cylinder. I didn't take the gun back because I have to way to prove it wasn't like that before. I don't know about the rest of their services but I can't recommend the Cerakote service.

If you're looking for a range in Alabama, I'd recommend going somewhere else. They still require a…read moreCCW permit to join, even though Alabama went full constitutional carry back in 2023. The state law clearly says no permit is needed to carry concealed anymore, but this place is sticking to the old requirement just to be extra gate keepey about 2A. It's their private property, so they can set their own rules I understand that. But the part that really stands out is how they deny ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE members if they don't have a CCW. Let get real these are the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect and defend the Constitution, including the Second Amendment. And yet they're being told they need a government issued permission slip just to shoot at this range BWAHAHAHA. That feels completely backwards and disrespectful to those who serve. Most folks aren't going to go through the extra steps classes, fees, paperwork, fingerprints, photos, and waiting periods when the state already says you're good to go without any of it. If you want a background check just run every member though any of the 1000 background check sites. It ends up just being straight gatekeeping, limiting access to only those who already got the government's approval. CCW permits have ALWAYS been unconstitutional because the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms without needing government permission slips it's a fundamental right, not a privilege granted by the state. Big miss for this range It's disappointing to see a place that's supposed to be pro-gun still doing this in 2026 Alabama, especially when it affects active duty members who just want to go enjoy their rights. If you're looking for a no-hassle spot with better vibes, try the Talladega range, Sentinals, or Hoover Tactical if you need a rifle range and if you are lucky just shoot at a friend's place if you know anyone with land no CCW anti 2a Drama. This one gets a 0/10 from me. Save your time and go elsewhere.

My name is Steve Ross. I've been a member of this range for something like15 years. There's not…read moreanother range within 50 miles that can hold a candle to it, or compare with the Jon's management team, Lee and Dave. Safety is their first and most important requirement, and if you intend to shoot there you're required to take the safety course. You may think you don't need it but a refresher is always in order. An attitude such as I've noted in a couple of posts here doesn't recommend you no matter how experienced you may think you are. All the years I've been a member at FOP Pleasant Grove I've never had a bad experience with any of the staff. My grandson learned to shoot there because I trusted the quality and safety of his instructors, The only times that left a sour note -- and they've been very, very few through the years -- it's been because some member or visitor thought the rules were for someone else. Jon -- thanks for all you do for your members, neighbors and the public. In service, amenities and cost you're the best. Please use my name if you post this review.

They requested additional info and a call in order to make a cc payment (no longer accepting checks…read morefor some reason on my order). I Provided (via that email) everything same business day (Thursday). Friday came and went, and the next Thursday and Friday came and went. I've called and I've emailed. What's going on you guys? I placed my order in October with all requested information and followed the checklist in a nice envelope and shipped it to you. Let's fix this and I'll update my review. 1.25.25 update: another 2 business days have passed and still no call or response to my follow up emails. Lowered review to 1 star.

Yesterday I bought my first M1 and I could not have been happier about the whole process. Brian and…read moreTaska were both very helpful and really helped make the experience wonderful! I could not have been happier with my rifle and the quality I got for what I paid. Great value! With the purchase of the rifle I got 2 free hours at the park as well! I ended up extending my trip by another whole day just so I could go back to the park another time! If you haven't been to the Marksmanship Park, make it a part of you visit! It's amazing!

We celebrated my boyfriend's birthday at Sentinel Firearms and had a great time! They allowed us to…read moreshoot his rifle there, which was a lot of fun. It's a smaller range with about 3-4 stalls, so you might have to wait your turn, but we didn't wait too long. Keep in mind that you need to purchase rifle ammo from them--outside ammo isn't allowed for rifles. It cost $60 for both of us to shoot, which included unlimited time and a box of 556 ammo. Overall, it was a great experience, and we'd definitely consider going back! Plus the restroom was clean!!

Went to go test out some of my new builds and no one was there even though Google said they were…read moreopen. No one answered the phone for 3 days I did call.

Took the instructors class this past week, Out of all the classes I've taken over the past several…read moreyears, this had to be one of the best training classes I've ever taken. And the NRA class counselor was the best! Thank you Carl Hirt for your expertise in instruction and your patience, you made this class a very enjoyable experience!!! Eric Bryant

Excellent instruction and excellent facilities. The instructors are highly knowledgeable and take…read morethe time to help students get the most out each class. I would recommend Hirt Defensive Solutions for ANYONE in the area.

Need an indoor place to shoot? This place is a great option! Coming up from Cartersville, I had…read morebeen wanting to give my new pistol a try and found this is the best place around that allows you to shoot at a reasonable price. The range was well kept and clean, an excellent place to try out my pistol. The staff were very attentive and friendly. The store appeared well stocked and to offer just about all you could need. I plan on returning for more target practice!

This is the best gun store/ range in the area…read more Great prices, friendly and knowledgeable people. They actually remember who I am and even remembered that my wife wanted to take some classes geared toward women.