I took the AR-15 Level 1 rifle class this past weekend (I was the only girl in the class with 9 men by the way). To say this class was amazing is an understatement. I learned so much from this class, especially the first half. This part of the class consisted of taking apart the rifle to its bare minimum, cleaning it, making sure it is properly lubricated, then putting it back together. If I can do this, anyone can. You must be very meticulous with each part as you don’t want to jam/force anything back in its place or else…..
The second half of day one was just as awesome! We were able to zero our rifles and shoot from 7, 10, and 50 yards. We were given several positions to shoot from: standing, prone, and kneeling to name a few. We also performed several different drills throughout the first day and we all ENJOYED THAT A LOT!
Now onto day two….. we went over (briefly) what we learned on day one and off to the races we went! We continued with several different drills (body/body/head) was one of them. We were actually tested on our speed (which I wasn’t the fastest, but I was accurate). One of these days the speed will come, but for now, I was all about the accuracy. For me, the entire class was great, but the highlight was towards the end of the day when we got to shoot from 130 yards. Talk about a WOW factor. The steel plates from 130 yards seemed so small. I made all my shots from both prone and standing positions. I couldn’t believe it. Without Marshall’s instruction, I could not have done this. Trigger control and breathing ARE KEY!! We were all stoked about shooting from this distance. It was awesome.
Not one time did I feel unsafe. SAFETY IS A HUGE PRIORITY AT DSA and Marshall made sure we were all handling our rifles in a safe manner. Each time we were done with a drill, we moved the selector to SAFE.
I have taken a few classes from DSA and I must say, this AR-15 class is my absolute favorite. Honestly, any class taken at DSA will become a favorite. I CANNOT STRESS enough how safe I (we) felt. If you have a chance to take this class or any other DSA class for that matter, PLEASE consider it. It is definitely worth your time and money. You absolutely CANNOT put a price tag on saving your life or the lives of others. All the instructors at DSA are top notch and none of them are intimidating. They are extremely patient with each and every one of us. There were experienced shooters in the class as well as novice shooters and EVERYONE was treated the same, with respect and courtesy.
I was a little freaked out at first being the only girl in the class, but after a bit, I was good to go. I kept up with those men like it was no big deal (lol). I’d like to think I even taught them a thing or two. HA!
Don’t be afraid to take any classes that DSA has to offer. Once you get the first class out of the way, I guarantee you will be back for more.
THANK YOU again for an awesome...
Read moreI’ve been thinking for a long time about how I can best summarize my experiences with DSA, Marshall Luton, and his instructors. I’ve been through both pistol and rifle courses with DSA.
If you have ever been a part of any organized sport then you will understand what I mean when I say, that it is the COACH that makes the difference in your development and your drive.
A good coach can get you to put in a little effort and practice, and you’ll definitely improve…
An exceptional coach will drive you to be the best version of yourself, put in the work when no one is watching, and go for broke to achieve your goals.
Marshall and every single one of his instructors I’ve had the pleasure of meeting are the definition of exceptional coaches. The passion for what they do is electric. You’ll know what I mean the minute you sit down to learn from them for the first time.
The latest course I took was the “Triple C” or Combat Carbine Course taught by an instructor by the name of Billy Smith. The only word I can think of to describe the experience is incredible. Billy is the type of instructor with no qualms about telling you straight to your face what his expectations of you are. Above all else, the number one thing you’ll understand when you step foot on his range is that safety isn’t a goal, a suggestion, or something to keep in mind. It is the law and he is the Sheriff. you WILL operate with safety at the forefront of every thought and action while you learn under him or you can kindly pack up and go home. In my experience when you deal someone who is great at what they do it will light a fire under you to seek to be great yourself. Billy is downright incredible with a rifle in his hands and when you see it for yourself, if you’re like me it’ll be all you can think about to try to learn all you can.
I could go on for days about just how great of an opportunity you have to learn with DSA but just let me say, if you have aspirations to become better with your firearms, protect those you love, and become the best version of yourself then it would be an injustice not to sign up for a course. DSA will take you and your shooting to the next level, if you’re willing to take the plunge.
A big heartfelt thank you to Marshall, Billy, and...
Read moreArmy Ranger’s review of this amazing school.
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SHOOTING ACADEMIES IN THE COUNTRY! No matter your experience level, you will improve and learn something new from just one of DSA’s courses.
I started training with DSA in 2007 and since then I have attended 12 different classes and 100’s of hours of training, to say I owe my life to DSA is an understatement. Over the last 15 years I have been thru and experienced some of the best training in the world. I served 8 years with the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and deployed 6 times to AFG in various roles and different locations throughout. I have trained and fought along side Delta Force, SEAL team 6, NATO Spec Ops teams, and other gov. agencies operators. I have also been responsible for training and guidance of other Rangers and Afghan SF.
The Special Operations Community provides limitless opportunities for those who wish to become masters of their trade. My range of duties have included all your typical weapons system within a Ranger line platoon, up to Fire Team Leader. I also served as a Recon Scout Sniper and had the honor of being selected as a personal protection detail for the Commanding General of JSOC. Needless to say, I have had the amazing opportunity to train with and serve next to some of the best gunfighters in the world, in my opinion.
In my own time, I have also sought out other "advanced" concealed carry courses and pistol courses around the country. As we all should, every course I attend I keep an open mind and make sure I take away some more "tools for my toolbag".
Marshall Luton and his cadre are ABSOLUTELY the best instructors I’ve ever come across, and that’s saying a lot! Billy Smith is one of the most knowledgeable CQB and defensive tactics gunfighters I’ve had the privilege to train with. Spend 30 mins with Billy and you will change something about what you’ve been doing for the rest of your life. His tactics, disciplines, and efficiency in communication and movement are eye opening.
If you’re serious about training and want to make yourself a better shooter or just harder to kill, come try DSA. It will be the best money you...
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