I had such a great experience at the Intro to Handguns course at The Firearms Academy of Seattle. What I liked most was that they didn't just teach how to shoot, they also went over the laws and the ethical and moral side of owning a firearm. It made everything feel a lot more responsible and intentional. As a beginner, I really appreciated how they broke everything down step by step. Stance, grip, aim, and safe handling were all explained in a way that was easy to follow and not overwhelming. The best part though was the real-time feedback and one-on-one time with the instructor. They explained the why behind things and asked questions, which helped everything click way faster. I also really liked how the exercises built on each other. Each time we practiced loading and shooting, it felt more natural, and by the last exercise it was way less intimidating to think about having a firearm on my person. I'm already excited to go back and take another class. My confidence with owning and handling my firearm honestly went up like 75% in just one day. I seriously wish I had done this sooner! read more

Firearms Academy of Seattle - Shooting target - Gun/Rifle Ranges Near Me

great place to train and learn how to be safe and efficient with your firearm, they also focus on legal and moral obligations. I have taken my wife and will soon be taking my daughter. read more

I've completed four different classes with FAS and each were well worth it. Started with Intro to Handguns that I took with my wife, then I carried on with Concealed Carry 101 and 102 and just completed Defensive Handgun. With every class my skills, understanding and comfort have steadily improved. The classroom instruction is relevant and what I needed to know about the legal, physical and psychological ins and outs of carrying a firearm every day. I have pages of notes. The range exercises helped me progress and reinforce the skills I learned during previous exercises. The basic fundamentals are now all there and they helped me keep focussed on them during progressively more challenging exercises. Belle and her crew are solid instructors and have helped me unlearn all my bad habits so I can really learn about handguns. I've learned that I have a lot to learn and look forward to the next class. read more

Took several classes here over the past year and won't be returning for more. For one, the owner/operator of the range - who is supposed to oversee the safety of the students performing dangerous activities - was themselves participating in the classes, which I found very strange. Several times, other students muzzle swept and behaved in an unsafe matter, which should have been an immediate disqualifier, but the RSO/owner was too busy doing their own drills to notice and correct their actions. The range itself is nothing special, just a few berms and covered stands. There is no handwash station with de-lead soap and we had to use the woods to relieve ourselves. On a very cold night class, the RSO brought out a small propane heater, then proceeded to sit in front of it instead of sharing with other students or having enough heat to go around. What made the experience even worse was the fact the RSO kept smoking cigarettes around the students and, at the end of each day, made the students pick up brass on the ground, even though we paid a significant range fee on top of the cost of the course. After hours of shooting, I'm tired and want to go home, not spend a half hour bending over and crawling through mud - get a machine or hire someone else to do the dirty work. The only redeeming value in this "academy" are the world-class instructors which visit to teach: they are truly skilled and probably worth putting up with these facilities if you can't train with them elsewhere. read more

The Intro to Handguns class was very thorough and informative. It's started with a presentation on legal information and the moral responsibilities that come with carrying a handgun for self defense and protection. It was led by the Director herself Belle McCormack. After the classroom information we moved to the range where Belle and her very experienced instructor team gave personalized attention and coaching to each individual. Instructors helped teach the fundamentals of marksmanship, handgun manipulation, and range safety. Everyone of the staff at Firearms Academy of Seattle were consummate professionals. All were very welcoming, polite, and professional. I would highly recommend taking this class even if you have previous firearms experience such as myself. Thank you Belle and Staff for a wonderful experience. read more

Greedy money grubbers. Even if you are an advanced shooter who has had formal training in the use of firearms and has been carrying and using all types of firearms for decade, with credentials to prove it, they still won't allow you to enroll in an advanced class. They expect you to start at the beginning, and progress through the series of classes. All they want is your money, there is no other reason or it. read more

I loved the Intro to Handguns class. It is a great, low stress starting point for any level of pistol handling, no matter your experience. The classroom information was very informative and starts you thinking and looking at situations differently. Then you move out to the range to learn more about the mental process of shooting accurately, then the physical aspect of shooting. It's all very clear and concise, plus you have a coach on your shoulder giving you pointers. And I mean pointers, not nit picking your shooting abilities. If you are doing good, they push you a little more, if you are struggling, they break things down a little more. You will get a lot out of this class. read more

having gone to other classes, i would say they do a great job. just completed a week long pistol class, learned alot, instructors cared about me learning and improving. the owner/ lead instructor was fun and informative. dosnt pull punches. class size was small, this was not a run as many numbers through type training. she did push everyone to improving. as well as being mindful of who needs extra help i would say be prepared for the class, and dont quit on yoursel. thanks for the week of gun fun read more

I'm extremely satisfied with the firearms skills training at this school. The classes are affordable, the high quality of instruction is a real price value. At this school civilians can learn self defense firearm skills and about the legalities of carrying a gun for self defense. There are also rifle and tactical classes. You can learn about firearms, get help choosing a firearm to suit the full picture of your lifestyle, even get help selecting accessories. Classes are information rich, the days are long, skills will be built. For Northies, some of the classes can also be taken at Norpoint Shooting Range in Arlington, WA. Given a choice (and good weather) I prefer outdoor instruction at the main Onalaska location. The school offers women's only classes where women can get help with physical and mental female concerns that men can't address as well as another woman can. If you're interested in learning competitive shooting you can do that here, too. The owners started the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network for the purpose of "educating members about the legalities of using deadly force for self defense and how to interact with the criminal justice system after a shooting." Check out the FAS website and take some classes. Nearly impossible to be disappointed. read more

There are a lot of operations around that claim to teach defensive firearms use. Many are run by "Mall Rangers" who are legends in their own minds. This is not one. Marty and Gila Hayes have put together a quality world-class operation in the Northwest. When I started my first class, I was not at all familiar with firearms. I didn't know how little I knew about firearms but, more importantly, the legal aspects of self defense. Using a combination of their own experience in law enforcement, the input of a number of nationally-known instructors, and Marty's legal education. A cadre of instructors with a number of different backgrounds have been assembled to give the students a good background in fundamentals and specialized shooting. Whether a new shooter or an experienced shooter looking to hone and refresh skills, FAS is a great resource. read more

Firearms Academy of Seattle - Aerial view of range. - Gun/Rifle Ranges Near Me

FAS is Shangri-La to me. It is one of the best firearms education schools/facilities in the country, with a solid program, quality instructors and staff, a great location, and a constant rotation of some of the top traveling instructors in the world that pass through. It has become a second home of mine where I have procured some of my closest friends. Their relentless attention to safety is one of the most unique features of the program and can easily be viewed as a negative aspect by newer, less experienced shooters. The reason for this is that they are preparing you for higher-level classes that are inherently more dangerous and require significantly greater level of control, and by ingraining safe gun-handling to the extreme at an early stage, results in a more safety-conscious shooter at a later, more elevated stage of training. (I suspect that this is why they require even "experienced" shooters to take at least one "intro" course, before allowing new people into more advanced courses.) Simply put, I love this place, I feel safe there, and I grow there as a person and shooter every time I step on the premises. Now under new ownership, the school is always striving to stay on top of the changing times of firearms training and products, with the goal of making all of their students the most proficient that they can be with their weapons. They have programs in defensive pistol, rifle, and shotgun with a specialized program in precision rifle shooting. (Incidentally, I wanted to address a misconception about the name: "The Firearms Academy of Seattle." When the school was founded, it was, in fact, located in the greater Seattle area. However, the changing politics of the area and the times drove the school out of King County into a more suitable location about 90 minutes south in Onalaska. The name was never designed to mislead people on its location, but rather is a casualty of radical politics.) If you own a firearm, you owe it to yourself, your loved ones, and your community to be come competent in its operation, and this is certainly the place for you to achieve that! Hope to see you on the range! read more

I recently went to FAS for their Level 2 Defensive handgun course. I was impressed by the inclusive atmosphere at the academy and also the high importance given to safety throughout the two days of instruction. The course instructors (Rick and Tom) were very professional, knowledgeable and completely approachable. There were no 'stupid' questions and the atmosphere was one of positive learning. I gained a great deal during the two days which I can take away and improve on both practically and also in the area of self-defence law. I will certainly be returning for more training here and I can only highly recommend FAS to anyone looking for solid, real-world firearms training. read more

Firearms Academy of Seattle - Gun/Rifle Ranges Near Me

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This place is phenomenal. I've taken a couple courses in pistol and rifle instruction, and the instruction here is by far, the best. The instructors (Belle in particular) can very carefully articulate what needs to be accomplished, both from a technical perspective, and a 'what-you-should-feel' perspective, which greatly improves learning. Even though it is a group setting, the instructors took careful measures to provide a lot of individualized, actionable and specific feedback to students during each exercise. Highly recommended. read more

I guess precision rifle is a pretty demanding skill and I can't comment on the other review. But if you're interested in learning the basics of handgun use, selection, skills and all the legal, moral and practical implications, there are few choices as good as here. I'm not a gun guy, but I do carry one in the real world. Going here helped impart some real and practical skills for a reasonable price. I was impressed with the skill level of the instructors as well as their teaching. I didn't go for an extremely technical class, I went for the defensive handgun class and for two days, I learned a lot. I've seen comments about watching DVD's at the school, not a bad thing when you have a basic understanding of the legal issues involved. 'Consistency of training.' You only watch during lunch, it does not take up time spent on the range. Having a relaxed and humorous ex-police firearms instructor (not pompous or overbearing, thanks Nick) and a competitive shooter (who is also a firearms use related lawyer, thanks Brian) made the class fun and useful. Now I have to wait till next year to get my wife and mom to go too. read more

Best shooting range in local SW Washington state area. Just spent a sunny sunday at FAS with a friend. Professionally run, safe conduct by pro instructors. I have used this place 3 times now, well worth its price. I got to shoot over 300 rounds of .40 from my SW MP pistol at moving targets, then at steel plates while running then at targets, then in an indoor low light enclosed range. They have every type of training scenario that you would want. What they allow you to do is NOT allowed on all other gun ranges as they would expel you for unsafe shooting. If you watch Active Self Defense on Youtube , all real life shootings occur over seconds while all parties are moving . A regular range with its tight rules means you think you will be attacked by a fixed target; this will lead to you bleeding out. Once you experience the real on the move shooting , you will realize that most gun ranges will teach you how to get killed. I am Ken Lee , I have fired over 50,000 rounds in my life. read more

I had an opportunity to take their Defensive Handgun session in mid May 2011; there was about 4 hours of classroom lecture and 15 hours of range time over two days. The instructors were excellent. I guess as a result of a scheduling conflict, the class had the unique opportunity to be lead by Marty Hayes (Founder of FAS whom does not normally teach this lower level class) assisted by Frank and Joe. Lectures where open and very interactive; they encouraged questions and were very open with their responses. I personally found the topic on legal ramification and expected aftermath of a self defense act with a firearm to be very interesting. They were very cautious about ensuring that they prefaced each comment with deferring to a lawyer for specific details; never the less, I do feel far more informed as a result of the discussion. The Range facilities were very impressive. The classroom building was comfortable for the size class we had (about 14) with good use of whiteboards, digital / computer technology, and video / audio equipment. During my session, we used the 18 position shotgun and pistol range, combat pistol range w/ steel plates, and the low light range (fully-enclosed building with adjustable lighting levels). The facility also had a well implemented target automation system to allow for moving target tracking and shooting. On the range, the instructor were very patient, worked with you 1:1 with positive reinforcement, and continuously monitored your progress to ensure that you were not becoming sloppy on your technique. Each range activity (which there were lots of them over the two day class) was first explained by the instructor, then demonstrated by the instructor, executed by the students, evaluated by the instructors, and feedback provided back to the students. I also found their safety procedures during cold range, hot range, and firearm transport between range and classroom to be top notice; the instructors were attentive and always monitoring each student to ensure they were operating in a safe manner. In terms of the techniques they taught... They fully acknowledged that there is multiple stances, hand posturing, drawing techniques, and racking methods. The instructors demonstrated all of them and then worked with each student to identify the most comfortable for that student and the type of handgun they were using. They encouraged the students to try the different techniques and find the one that worked best for them; they were very sensitive to not force a technique on a student unless they fully believed it would improve their performance or was a safety issue. They would then continue to work with you on the techniques and then throughout the activities make sure you were not slipping into bad / sloppy habits for new and previously learned techniques.. I plan on attending other sessions they offer and would recommend their classes to others. read more

I just finished Defense Handgun 2 at FAS and it was the best firearms class I've taken yet. Class size was small and we had three instructors at all times. Erik, Belle, Charles, and Brian were our cadre of instructors. They were all very knowledgable and worked with us individually to improve our skills. During the training one student had multiple safety violations (out of ignorance, not maliciousness). The instructors remained profesional and talked with the student about the issues. Safety was always the number one priority. I camped in my car on the range since it was a two day class. Once the COVID ammo shortage ends I will be buying more ammo and heading back down to FAS. read more

I am impressed by the quality of the instructors at FAS as well as their level of handgun defense knowledge. Marty Hayes is extremely knowledgeable in the area of self defense law; a great resource, I've learned a lot. Honestly, I am surprised that this place exists in the area. This is one of the special places that you read about in industry magazines. I will be going back to learn more about how to keep my family safe. read more

The Precision Rifle Class I was a complete waste of my time and 3 of us left demanding a full refund. The 400 yd range is closed. The 265 range is falling apart and overgrown. The class time was a complete joke. Marty should be ashamed to even offer this class given the complete lack of competent instruction, materials, and range infrastructure! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY! LOOK ELSEWHERE! read more

I've taken many gun classes over the years but none any better than FAS. Whether you're a beginner or want to build more skill after years of being a gun enthusiast, you won't go wrong here. The instructors are excellent, the range very safe with strict safety rules. They offer pistol, rifle, and shotgun instruction as well as weapon retention drill training. Besides, it's fun and reasonable! read more

I wanted to take a handgun retention course before I bought my first handgun, and back in the early 90's took that course from Gila and Marty Hayes. (Back then in Houghton beach, when they also taught at the sportsman where I had rented quite a bit.) I took one or two FAS handgun courses, and back when Marty first opened their new Chehalis facility I took the LFI courses (now known as Massad Ayoob group or MAG) and have never been around a more professional, amiable group of instructors then when at FAS. When I got my NRA certification, the Hayes' donated use of their range to a group of us teaching scouts. When I worked briefly as Director Communications at Second Amendment Foundation I got to know more of Gila Haye's author side ( https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gila+hayes) This is a great teaching facility with truly good people behind it. Do yourself a favor and spend some time there. -Boyd Kneeland NRA TC, WAC president read more