I would highly recommend Carol at The Cognitive Defender! She is a very knowledgeable, exceedingly…read morepatient and thoughtful instructor. I not only learned a lot but had a great time. The small class size made it not feel like being in a class so much as learning with friends. I thought I would get bored with the classroom material but it was actually very informative and engaging. The range time was invaluable and fun!

From the owner: The Cognitive Defender offers a variety of classes that will increase your confidence and…read morecompetency with firearms. This instruction will enable you to become informed, armed, and ready self-protectors. Classes include: Women's Basic and Intermediate Pistol, Concealed Carry and Home Defense, Intro to Handgun, and Legal Self-Defense. The Cognitive Defender offers handgun classes in both women's only and co-ed formats, and each class is tailored for smaller groups so everyone can get the individual attention they need. Each class will help you gain the skills you need to become a self-protector. Intro to Handgun, Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals, Legal Elements of Self-Defense, and Countering the Mass Shooter Threat are all co-ed. If you are interested in a handgun class, please email us and we will contact you within 48 hours. If a class doesn't fit into your schedule, private instruction is another option.

For an outdoor state, with lots of hunting, I've found a rather large dearth of good, outdoor…read moreranges. Plenty of indoor ones which, I suppose, makes sense due to the wet weather. But honestly, I want rough terrain, the ability to move about and shoot at different elevations, and the flexibility to set up tactical scenarios. The Albany Rifle and Pistol Club achieves all this and more. I was able to spend a day shooting here with some co-workers and, although I had toured previously, this was the first chance I got to actually use the facilities. The set-up is definitely intended for police, military, and experienced shooters. Not to say that they wouldn't welcome new and learning shooters, but I strongly, STRONGLY suggest that if you are new to the sport/defense, you have someone experienced with you if you come here. I didn't shoot on any of the indoor benches or the skeet shoot or rifle ranges, but instead headed up with the guys to the North tactical ranges. Twelve different shooting bays are stationed around a small hill, and it's first come/first served. We were able to snag a range all the way at the end, load up some barrels, and set up our targets. We spent a good day shooting, without any distractions from other shooters and without having to wait for the firing line to clear so that we could reset targets. There are a number of range rules, but rangemasters are not present on each range, so it's up to you to be safe. I prefer this, myself. The price is a little high, especially upon initial enrollment, but the price goes down from there. There are also incentives for members of law enforcement and there are a number of classes and events that are hosted here. An excellent place to go shoot in the Willamette Valley, definitely.

Excellence is what I think of when I think of The Albany Rifle and Pistol Club. I haven't been a…read moremember here, but my father has for the last 19 years, and would continue being a member indefinitely, except he will no longer be a resident of this area (very soon). He loves both the long range area and the many short range areas (I would say he has used them all with me, so alone he is familiar, and happy with, everything there). I would recommend this place to anyone in the area.

Great folks to work with, only wish I had signed up sooner. Tactical hand gun 1 class was a blast,…read moreyet very educational. Patrick M, our instructor, has the rare ability of instilling a confidence of yes you can do this as we went through the drills. I highly recommend DFI. JOHN E

Getting ready to send my baby girl off to live in the dorms at university, away from home for the…read morefirst time. Lately, she has felt a bit uneasy (as have her parents). Her father and I thoroughly researched the whole pepper spray scene. We all know of people who have their canisters and have simply taken an online or youtube class. That was not thorough enough for us. A 4-hour class was only $100, very well worth it. I got to watch, and my daughter was able to practice and hear of real-life scenarios from an expert who has been in numerous situations. She walked out of there today feeling very empowered. Like me, she may never have to use the spray in her entire life. But she feels that she has been well informed and prepared for so much more than she'd imagined. (She has watched some of the videos and say they don't prepare her as thoroughly as the class did.) We are going back to take the self-defense class together.

This place is great. Super safe, fantastic customer service and the firearm rental options are…read moresuper coo. James did a great job of explaining the safety procedures and SOPs while keeping it fun. Put this on your radar anytime you are in the Salem area. James is the man!

First time shooting at this range, the staff is extremely friendly and I would definitely go back…read more Thank you.

My experience here was Awesome! The service was quick and knowledgeable. They help guide me being a…read morefirst time gun shooter. Great selection of guns and affordable prices too. The value here is tremendous I just picked up a new habit . 10/10

My son and I used the Northwest Arsenal facility back in late March 2025. We stopped by…read moremid-afternoon on a weekday so it was empty when we arrived, but got pretty busy by the time we left. The range was clean and well maintained. Staff members were nice and helpful. I did find the range fees were a bit high for the two of us using just one lane, but "it is what it is".

The instructor was excellent and very knowledgeable and helpful. Very thorough with instructions,…read moretook time to explain if you had questions and stayed after training was done and let us practice.

Such a great class, the lecture gives you a lot to think about when getting your CHL. The…read moreinstructor is great and easy going, he'll answer any questions you have during the lecture portion and the shooting portion. The class overall is a really good idea for anyone interested in getting their Oregon CHL and I would recommend it.

I received a great product, in a timely manner, and Edwin is both a kind and knowledgeable…read moregunsmith. He helped me after the sale too. Great value exchange for my time and money! The Tool Shed is worth your time and money.

Visited for the first time back in March 2024, and I was impressed with Edwins honesty. He offers…read morefair prices and transfer fees, and can procure you with the firearm of your choosing with his system. You might have to wait a little bit to get what you're after, but the prices he offers are far better than the bigger stores stocked to the gills with shelves full of firearms. He is very knowledgeable about a vast array of firearms, gun laws, and such. Also, a great conversationalist. Most stores feel very standoffish towards their customers, but not him. He cares aboout his customers and asks the right questions to provide you with the products that will fit your needs best instead of just trying to sell you whatever he can like most stores would. 10/10 would recommend.