Our emphasis is always on safe, effective handling and use of a wide range of firearms in a friendly, positive training environment.

Rick – Lead Tactical Firearms Instructor

Having been a professional firearms instructor for over 30 years, Rick has taught defensive/evasive driving techniques, Red Cross First Aid, and firearms use in protective and tactical situations. He received his Virginia State Corrections certification for both pistol and shotgun in 1986, was certified as a Federal Police Officer for both pistol and shotgun in 1987 and became certified as a Federal Protective Agent in pistol, shotgun and sub-machine gun during 1992-96.

He was certified in 1997 as an FBI firearms instructor and then served as an advanced firearms instructor at the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia.

During his various assignments (“Been there, Done that”) he has provided extensive instruction all over the world for a variety of clients and the U.S. government.

Rick’s experience with shotgun and submachine gun skills in both foreign and domestic environments has given him a unique perspective on personal security, as well as an abiding respect for safe and effective use of firearms. His friendly, positive style and personal attention is the result of a broad range of firearms training with people of all skill levels.

Rick’s qualifications:

Jason – Lead Permit Firearms Instructor

Jason was an experienced information technology guru and private gun owner for over 20 years when his natural teaching abilities surfaced. Recognizing that, Jason changed careers so that he could devote himself to teaching responsible firearms ownership and usage with South Branch Armory. As Jason’s teaching abilities matured and he became an NRA, Utah, MD, & DC Certified Firearm Instructor and Range Safety Officer he also the lead instructor for South Branch Armory in civilian Permit to Carry classes.

He has taught, literally, thousands of firearm students in hundreds of classes and gets great pleasure in seeing his past students go on to become safe, responsible armed members of their communities. A strong proponent of the 2nd amendment, Jason keeps up to date on as many new laws and rules relating to gun ownership as he can and even numbers full automatic firearms among his fondest personal possessions.

While we don’t like to see him take time away from his students and permit classes he, nevertheless, spends what free time he has racing motorcycles on the track.