When writing reviews, one has to figure out how to best engage the audience and provide information…read morethat is critical and helpful to the readers looking for certain services. When I read a review, I look for the expertise and credibility of the reviewer to help me assess if the reviewer even know what they are talking about. When someone tries pizza for the first time, and says it is the best pizza ever, one has to take into account that they have only tried it once. Now, if they have been connoisseurs of pizza over time, and have a degree in pizzaology, their review becomes more relevant. I'm not saying my opinion is more relevant than anyone else's, I just saying it may help folks decide whether to eat a pizza or not. That being said, let me tell you about my experiences at that little pizza joint known as Raven Firearms Training (RFT). First let's talk about the location and facilities; Some of the finest country left in America; beautiful scenery and honest, hard working Americans that really leave you with the desire to move there and be a part of it all. The ranges are a unique combination of old west facades, hunting cabins and open training ranges that will excite most firearms enthusiasts. Add a heavy sprinkling of AR-500 steel targets and you can almost hear the ringing of steel as rounds go down range. So what about the Chefs? Jake and Crystal have been masters of arms for most of their adult lives and Jake was probably born with a silver rifle in his hands. Both are retired Marines (if there is such a thing) and have seen a few of the exotic locations a career in expeditionary military has to offer. They have firsthand experience in what works and what doesn't. Jake's expertise is finding that "happy spot" between rigorous military training and couch commando and developing training courses that cater to a wide variety of clientele, from first time shooters to law enforcement firearms instructors. Crystal's expertise is in developing curriculum for students, working with first time woman shooters, and keeping Jake's enthusiasm in check so as not to scare of customers. Between the two of them, they have probably attended most of the shooting schools available to the public and a few that aren't available to the public. They are both excellent instructors that can handle any class or student. Both are extremely enthusiastic about their craft but are easily approachable and respectful to all their students. Alright, what makes their pizza better than anyone else's? The secret is relevance. The training they provide is relevant to the real world threats that exist today. Some firearms training schools train to a standard of being able to put a bullet into a target at a certain distance within a certain amount of time. Some train to hit so many targets out of so many. Some teach to no standards. Well, RFT teaches to the real world threat. That includes a bit of everything above (except the no standard) along with scenarios designed to get the student to think about reactions, shot placement, ammunition management, movement to cover, etc, etc. I don't want to give away all their secrets, but after a few days of training with RFT, you will walk away with more training and knowledge than some police officers and military professionals. How big is their pizza? RFT specializes in individual, small, medium, and large pies. They pride themselves on one-on-one training and hosting factory sponsored firearms shoots and training days for law enforcement firearms instructors. How about variety? Besides their standard classes that are listed on their websites, RFT is able to work with people to improve their skills without making a whole course out of it. Some special courses are offered based on the desires of the students and all their curriculum is reviewed to ensure it is current and relevant. Some of their scenarios involve reacting to threats from a restaurant table, from a car, lying on your back, lying on your side, low light, no light, etc. If you have a need, they have a plan. Ask about the Mogadishu Special, one of my favorites, not for the faint of heart. Bottom line, I have trained in a variety of places and share a similar background to the folks at RFT, and for my dollars, there isn't a better place to go than RFT. For the cost of an average "professional course," somewhere else, you could get the same or better training with some of the nicest folks in the industry and a mini vacation in New Hampshire and still keep some of your money.

I can't recommend Raven Firearms Training highly enough…read more I went with my wife, mother, brother, cousin, and a buddy, novices all. Jake and Crystal showed us the ropes, starting with a briefing on the types of weapons we'd be using, moving on to best practices regarding safe handling and muzzle direction awareness. If there is one facet of the Pelletiers' approach to firearms instruction that stands out, it's their total commitment to safety. They are very aware of what their students are doing and how they're doing it, which, as a newbie, put me completely at ease. These two are pro's pros. All that said, for all their seriousness, they share a great sense of humor and they make the entire process a blast (no pun intended). We engaged in a wide variety of shooting exercises that, while emphasizing the very basics of gun handling and marksmanship, never descended into tedium. They are also super helpful above and beyond: when my wife's Ruger .22 started jamming, Crystal put it through its paces, testing it with magazines of her own. They agreed to contact Ruger and handle the return for factory servicing on our behalf. I swear, I feel like I've made friends for life, and I truly hope that's the case. Seriously, I cannot wait to go shooting with them again and I know my family feels the same way.

I'm no novice shooter and carry a firearm regularly. For years my training regimen has been focused…read moreon defensive handgun shooting. When I decided I wanted to get back into teaching and recertifying as an instructor, I knew I needed to start with the basics and there's no one that I trust more than Paul at Maine CWP Training. His calm demeanor, professional approach, and intuitive instruction give you what you need to achieve your goals. Paul was able to take my military shooting skills and help me apply them to the NRA's Basic Pistol Shooting Course, helping me achieve a level 4 final qualification score but, more importantly, setting a great example for the kind of instructor I seek to be.

Paul's training was fantastic. He had a specific set of exercises, each building on the last, which…read morewas perfect for me as a beginner. After just one session, I am confident that I can go to the range to practice. Combine that with the fact that he's a great guy that I'd want to have a beer with, and you've got this 5-star review. I'll definitely take more training sessions with him.

My brother in law and I were looking for some places to learn more advanced pistol trainings. After…read morevisiting a gun show a few months ago I ran into Mike Briggs at one of his booths. After a brief conversation I took his info and a few weeks later I emailed him. Best decision I could have made. Mind you his place is in NH and I'm coming from the South Shore of Mass and I'm sure there's a few places like NET that are closer for me however the drive was worth it. Mike is professional and safety oriented while making it fun as well. I'm a decent shooter and I thought I knew some stuff but I realized fast that I have a long way to go to say the least. Lol. Already can't wait to drive up there again for my next with him. Great guy great class. If you get the chance and want to learn the correct way to shoot in a safe and fun environment then Mike is the way to go. Honestly I'm seriously impressed with the class. I know I can speak for my brother in law also as he is looking forward to coming up again. Thanks Mike see you soon!

I have been coming to White Birch Armory for many years, and it has stayed one of the most…read moredependable firearm businesses in the area. I visit mainly for my own range time and to shop in the ProShop, and the experience has always been consistently positive. As a firearms instructor, I often have students asking where they should go after completing their basic training. WBA is one of the first places I mention. I do not receive anything for sending people here. I recommend it because it has been solid every single time I've walked through the door. The retail side is one of the strongest parts of this business. The ProShop is spacious, clean, and well organized with a good flow into the ammunition room. There is always plenty to look at -- firearms, holsters, parts, accessories, and gear. The staff are approachable and willing to answer questions without hovering or trying to push a sale. Ammunition is usually well stocked, including bulk options that many shooters appreciate. White Birch also has a full lineup of training classes taught by their own instructors. While I have not taken their classes personally, it is helpful to know they offer structured training for people who want to continue building skills. The range itself is run very well. It is clean, climate-controlled, and maintained regularly. As an NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer with many years of experience on different ranges, I notice the details that matter: attentive and professional RSOs, orderly lanes, backers replaced when needed, and a check-in process that moves quickly. It creates a safe and comfortable environment for both new and experienced shooters. Something worth mentioning is the feedback I hear from my own students. Over the years, plenty of them have reached out after visiting White Birch to tell me how much they liked it, whether they were renting a firearm for the first time, buying gear, or just getting some practice in. Hearing that repeatedly says a lot about the consistency of the experience here. Whether you want to try out a firearm before making a purchase, pick up equipment, or spend time on a clean indoor range, White Birch Armory is a great place to go. They've earned their reputation by running things professionally and treating people well.

I had not shot a gun in more than 2 decades. I also would target shoot outside back then. So, my…read morefirst visit to an indoor range with a new gun had me a little on edge. Upon entry, I found it to be clean, organized and has lots of space. The process to get to the range can take a little bit of time on your first visit due to the need for reading disclosures, signatures, etc., but not too long. They are thorough. Good process and security with walking through the doors to the range. It is incredibly warm in the range due to warmer weather and the number of people shooting their guns. I will probably focus more on fall and winter visits in the future. Having an instructor in the range provided great peace of mind due to the number of people in the one room. There is ample space for each party along with a good amount of shelving at each section.

If you are looking for top-notch defensive training, look no further. They have a wide variety of…read moreclasses/courses for every ability. It's definitely worth your time!

I took my first class from Critical Defense Institute in 2017 after meeting Rob, the owner, on the…read morerange during a competition. The training I have received from Rob and his staff is amazing; their level of training an expertise is what everyone needs to be become proficient in the art of self-defense, both empty hand and firearms. Most recently, I took a rifle class, and it was nothing less than spectacular, even though it rained the entire day!

Great sales, range, and member staff! A wonderful building on top of that…read more Wow, I really want to have a review giving kudos to a single person, but I'd have to list everybody that I have worked with. If I have to exclude everybody else, fine, John is awesome! He makes amazing coffee. But if I was going to be realistic, I would have a list of their entire staff in this review. My biggest complaint may be the AC in the sales section, it tends to get way too warm during the hot days, which is disappointing. The range experience is great, when I ask for something exciting to try, they always have an honest answer and something new to try out. Additionally, their RSOs are awesome when on the range, always offering their time and suggestions. It's great having an expert provide solicited advice. The club is also great, they are really making the best out of their space and offering. I do wish that they would hold non-club special events in the event space rather than the lounge, but to be honest, most members are hanging out in the range rather than upstairs in the lounge, so it spends a lot of its time with low occupancy, which is great for members that want to get some work done between range visits. I look forward to trying out their outdoor ranges, they just opened up to members and I hope to try them out soon!

Love my Sigs! This is like heaven…read more Everytime I come out to New Hampshire to visit my family I come in here to boost the economy. The staff is very knowledgeable and super friendly.

Great range, clean, service people were excellent to work with good value compared to other ranges…read more Atmosphere was clear of smoke and comfortable. We will be back again.

I say, I'd not shot…read morean automatic since my time in the service and Belmont Firearms & Range were more than happy to oblige. They have a vast array of historic and modern firearms; ranging from machine guns to pistols and rifles. For the two historic rentals and 100rds for each, I would say the pricing was more than fair as well! Only reason for not rating 5/5 is my initial interaction with the young gentleman behind the counter. He vehemently insisted I was wrong when asking for "select fire" when he was, in fact, the misinformed party. He droned on for about ten minutes treating me as a moron and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Luckily, I didn't leave as I had a wonderful time besides this. I look forward to returning upon my next visit to the area BE WARNED: Shoot low and centered on the target as they can and will charge you for every shot above the target or into the ceiling. Thankfully I have previous experience and all hits were on paper. Good show!

Great course (Advanced pistol). I've been a shooter for decades and received some good training in…read morethe past, but Ian took my skills and perspective to another level. His relaxed but focused style worked with every level of shooter. While perfectly safe, he takes you beyond a standard firing line with great shoot/move drills that give you confidence in your ability to save yourself in a real world gunfight.

I took the Pistol 1 course in Albuquerque, NM. I couldn't have been more satisfied, making the…read morewhole travel from NV worth it. Ian is well versed and knowledgeable and extremely humble as well. The course was well laid out to push everyone to their own individual limits, starting with fundamentals to more complex courses of fire. The class was a decent amount not too small and not too big as well. I feel the number of participants was optimal for every individual that they are able to learn in a group but dial down their own skills with Ian being able to coach each one by their side. I've learned an enormous amount about myself and the course that I am able to apply to the real world and to certain scenarios in my occupation. I am already signed up for the next courses in ABQ and definitely recommend everyone from all walks of life to take at least one. At the end of the day, "No one is coming to save you."

5 stars go out to Amsden Precision Arms LLC - one of the few gunsmith shops in the nation…read morespecializing in custom 1911 pistols, Glock and polymer pistol modifications along with repairs, modifications, cerakoting, and parts fabrication for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. APA Tactical, is their training division which offers fundamental and defensive training in the use of the handgun, MSR (modern sporting rifle), or tactical shotgun. Their instructors are AMAZING with extensive Military and Police backgrounds and they are kind and patient. So... I bought my handgun and accessories from Amsden Precision and I'm also receiving extraordinary training! This is completely unlike anything I've experienced before with family & friends who say things like: "Just look at your target and shoot!" I had my first one-on-one this week and discovered the importance of developing excellent habits early on if I want to become proficient in the use of firearms. APA Tactial Training courses are about precision and patience. They don't rush anything, working with your pace through demos and hands on learning at the range. The training is tailored towards your skill level - whether beginning or advanced. Amsden Precision Arms is highly recommended and if they can't find that rare missing part to Grandpa's rifle, guess what? they will make one for you! They are very active on FB and are easily reached by phone or messenger. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/AmsdenPrecisionArms/