Frequently Asked Questions

No! I provide all firearms and ammunition for training sessions. You'll get to try various options to find what works best for you.

Absolutely! Many of my students are completely new to firearms. That's exactly what the Familiarization courses are for. No experience necessary.

It's my teaching style: SHOW you what to do, TELL you why it matters, then let you SHOOT to practice. No jumping straight to live fire without proper foundation.

Yes! Firearm Safety Team is proudly owned and operated by a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Everyone is welcome in a judgment-free environment.

Pricing varies by class: Shotgun Familiarization is $149 per person, Pistol Familiarization is $159 per person, and Rifle Familiarization is $169 per person for instruction, plus a range fee of about $30 per person paid directly to The English Pit (about $40 per person for groups of more than 4, which need advance coordination, just contact us). Sessions fit up to 4 people, each booked and paid individually. Firearms and ammunition are included in the instruction fee, so the range fee is the only thing you'll pay at the venue.

The Rimfire Sampler is our most affordable range option at $109 per person: 100 rounds of budget-friendly .22 LR across a mix of pistols, revolvers, and rifles, instead of the multi-caliber lineup used in a standard Familiarization session. It's a great low-cost way to get real trigger time. You can also ask for the all-semi-auto, all-revolver, all-rifle, or customer-choice 'Pick Six' variation when you book, all at the same price.

If you've already decided on a caliber, a Deep Dive lets you shoot 100 rounds through every pistol or revolver we own in that caliber, back to back, so you can compare grip, weight, and trigger feel across the whole lineup before you buy. Available in .22 LR ($129), 9mm Luger ($149), and .380 ACP ($199), priced by real ammo cost. We also offer a Pistol Familiarization + Crossover Revolvers option ($169) that guarantees time with our two .45 Colt/.410 Bore revolvers plus a block of .410 shotshell rounds through them.

Yes! The Pistol + Shotgun Combo ($229 per person) covers a full Pistol Familiarization and a full Shotgun Familiarization back to back in one visit, so you only pay one range fee instead of two. It's a longer session than either class alone, and it's the one place you can compare our .410/.45 Colt crossover revolvers against the real shoulder-fired .410, 20 gauge, and 12 gauge shotguns side by side.

It's our Firearm Maintenance & Secure Storage and Mantis TitanX coaching sessions bundled into one in-home visit for $99, less than booking them separately. You'll leave with your cleaning routine down, a storage plan that fits your home, and dialed-in trigger control, all in one trip instead of two.

For Familiarization sessions, bring just yourself and a valid government-issued ID. We provide eye and ear protection, and all training firearms and ammunition, so you don't need to own a firearm to get started. In the bring-your-own-firearm classes, such as Basic Marksmanship, you bring your own firearm, unloaded and in a case, and your own ammunition; eye and ear protection is still available to borrow. For clothing, wear closed-toe shoes and something that covers your shoulders (hot brass is no joke), and skip low-cut tops for the same reason. A baseball cap is a great idea to keep brass out of your face, and for outdoor sessions, dress for whatever Pacific Northwest weather decides to throw at us.

The range fee is separate and paid directly to the range on the day of your session. It's not included in the FST session price. We train primarily at The English Pit (Clark County Gun Club) in Vancouver, WA, where the range fee runs about $30 per person and covers you for the whole day. Groups of more than 4 require advance coordination and run about $40 per person. If you're booking an in-home service like a Mantis dry-fire session or a maintenance class, there's no range fee at all!

For familiarization sessions, plan on 60 to 120 minutes (up to 2 hours) at the range, plus a briefing beforehand and a debrief afterward. New visitors to the range should plan for a brief 3-minute in-processing per person at check-in. Online courses run about 90 minutes each and are designed to be thorough but not exhausting. If you've booked an in-home service like a Mantis coaching session or a maintenance class, those typically run 60 to 90 minutes depending on what we cover.

In-person range sessions are held at The English Pit (Clark County Gun Club) in Vancouver, WA, just across the river from Portland. It's FST's primary range thanks to its low day-use fee, and we'll confirm the exact time and check-in details once you book. If you've booked an in-home service like a dry-fire session or a maintenance class, we come to you in the Portland metro area, so no range trip is needed at all!

FST accepts card payments through Square (including Apple Pay and Google Pay), plus PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App, whichever is easiest for you. Card payments confirm instantly; Venmo and Cash App just need the amount plus your reference code, then a quick confirmation from us. Online courses are paid at the time of booking to secure your spot, and in-person sessions can be paid ahead of time or when we meet up. We also accept gift cards, which make a pretty thoughtful gift for someone you think would love this kind of experience!

Life happens, and we're not going to make you stress about rescheduling. Just reach out to Anth directly at Anth@FirearmSafetyTeam.com and we'll figure it out together. The more notice you can give the better, but there's no rigid penalty policy here. Open communication is all we ask for.

For in-person range sessions, participants must be 18 or older. That's FST's policy for range sessions, not the range's, and I follow it every time. One nuance: Federal law sets 21 as the minimum age to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, and Oregon law sets 21 as the minimum age for a concealed handgun license. If you're 18 to 20, you're welcome to train on any firearm type, you'll just need to wait until 21 to buy a handgun or apply for CHL. Online courses are recommended for ages 18 and up as well, but if you're under 18 and interested, reach out to Anth directly to talk through options with parental consent. And on the other end of the spectrum, there's no maximum age. Everyone is welcome here, full stop.

Certificates are issued for the Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) course only, since that's the one certificate Oregon sheriff's offices require as part of a CHL application. Your CHL certificate is emailed to you after class. Each county sheriff decides what to accept, so check with yours before you apply. Make sure you register using the exact name on your government-issued ID since that's what goes on the certificate. Familiarization sessions and the other online courses don't include a certificate. They're built for hands-on learning and confidence, not paperwork.

It depends on the class. In Familiarization and the other sessions where we provide the firearms, all ammunition is provided and the cost is already included in the session price. In the bring-your-own-firearm classes, such as Basic Marksmanship, you bring your own firearm and ammunition. No need to worry about buying the right caliber or showing up underprepared. That said, if you own a firearm and want to practice with your own ammo, you're absolutely welcome to bring it. Just reach out to Anth ahead of time so we can make sure everything is set up smoothly.

All of FST's online classes are fully live on Zoom: real instructors, real interaction, real questions answered in the moment. You're not watching a recording by yourself, you're in an instructor-led session where you can ask anything that comes up. Classes run in the evenings: Basics of Pistol Shooting on Tuesdays (6pm-7:30pm or 7:30pm-9pm), Basics of Personal Protection in the Home on Wednesdays (6pm-7:30pm or 7:30pm-9pm), and Oregon CHL on Thursdays (6pm-7:30pm or 7:30pm-9pm).

Yes. FST's Oregon CHL course fully satisfies Oregon's mandatory safety training requirement under state law. When you complete the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion to bring to your county sheriff's office as part of your application. Each county sheriff decides what to accept, so check with yours before you apply. The course covers use-of-force ethics, responsible carry mindset, and suicide prevention strategies, so you'll leave genuinely prepared, not just checked off a list. It's offered live on Zoom every Thursday for $30.

Yes. As of October 2026, Measure 114 has never taken effect and cannot take effect before January 1, 2028, so no purchase permit is required. Every purchase from a licensed dealer still requires a background check, which in Oregon is run by the State Police (FICS), and processing times can vary. There's no mandatory waiting period in Oregon, but a check isn't always instant either. Taking a class doesn't speed up the purchase process, but it does mean you'll walk into that gun store (and out the other side) knowing exactly what you're doing. Check out FST's Oregon Firearm Purchase Process page for a full step-by-step guide to navigating the process confidently.

Absolutely, that's exactly what the Familiarization sessions are designed for. You'll get hands-on time with up to 25 different handguns (pistols and revolvers), 7 rifles, or 5 shotguns before spending a single dollar at a gun store, so you can find what actually fits your hands, your goals, and your lifestyle. If you've already narrowed it down to one caliber, a By-Caliber Deep Dive session goes even further, comparing every gun we own in that caliber. You'll leave with a real sense of what caliber, size, and action type works for you, not just a salesperson's recommendation. Take a look at the Choosing Your First Firearm guide on the site for a great head start before your session.

The Mantis X10 Elite is an aerospace-grade shooting analytics sensor that attaches to your firearm at the range and detects and analyzes how the firearm moves and how it is oriented during dry fire and live fire. FST uses it because it gives you objective, data-driven feedback that goes beyond what verbal coaching alone can offer. You can actually see what's happening with your technique, not just hear about it. The in-home Mantis TitanX and Laser Academy service uses the TitanX, an inert Glock 19 replica with the same sensor components built in, plus a safe dry-fire trigger and a weighted magazine to simulate reloading, so you get the same data-driven coaching at home without live ammunition.

Anth comes to your home for a hands-on session covering field-stripping, cleaning, and lubricating your specific firearm, so you're learning with your actual gun, not a generic example. Plan on about 90 minutes; the visit is booked as a two-hour block so there's room for your questions and extra practice. You'll receive a reference binder for your exact firearms (a PDF by email once your booking is paid, a printed copy at your session) so you can maintain them confidently on your own going forward. The session also includes a storage security audit that helps you strike the right balance between quick access when you need it and keeping your firearms safely out of the wrong hands. Want to pair it with a Mantis TitanX coaching session in the same visit? Ask about the Home Readiness Session bundle.

Lead exposure is a genuine concern at indoor ranges, and it's worth taking seriously. Wash your hands thoroughly after every session, avoid touching your face while at the range, and wear clothes you're okay laundering afterward. FST's Lead Safety page covers specific steps you can take before, during, and after your sessions to minimize exposure. Outdoor ranges are open to the air, but lead still collects in soil dust there, so wash up there too.

Yes. FST's Stop the Bleed page covers tourniquet use and hemorrhage control fundamentals, because knowing how to render emergency aid at a range is a meaningful part of responsible firearm ownership. It's the kind of knowledge that most people hope they'll never need but are really glad to have. FST may also incorporate basic Stop the Bleed awareness into future in-person sessions, so stay tuned as the curriculum continues to grow.

Yes! Gift cards are available at firearmsafetyteam.com/gift-cards, paid by Square, PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. They can be used for any FST training session, in-person or online, come in any amount, and never expire. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone who's curious about firearm safety but isn't sure where to start.

Many students follow up with an Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) course, a By-Caliber Deep Dive or second familiarization session covering a different firearm type, or a focused skills session to keep building confidence. Check out the What's Next page and the Next Steps guide on the site for personalized direction. For at-home practice between sessions, the Mantis Laser Academy is a fantastic dry-fire training tool. The FST blog also has ongoing buying guides, educational articles, and resources to keep you learning at your own pace.

Each standard Familiarization session is designed around one firearm type: pistol, rifle, or shotgun, so you get real depth instead of a rushed overview. That focus gives you time to shoot multiple models within that type, ask all your questions, and actually retain what you learn. If you specifically want pistol and shotgun in the same trip, the Pistol + Shotgun Combo covers both back to back for one range fee. Otherwise, many students come back for a second or third session to explore a different platform, and returning clients receive a discount. Check the Training Options page to see exactly what each session covers.

Please check with Anth before recording anything at the range. Policies vary by facility, and some ranges prohibit photos or video entirely while others allow it in certain areas. FST wants to make sure you're having a great experience while keeping everyone comfortable and in compliance with range rules. Rest assured, FST will never share photos or video of students without your explicit consent. Your privacy matters here.

Concealed carry insurance isn't required by law, but it's strongly recommended for anyone who carries. Some membership programs pay for a lawyer after a defensive shooting; read the contract before you buy one. FST's Concealed Carry Insurance page breaks down and compares the major providers, including USCCA, US Law Shield, and CCW Safe, so you can make an informed choice. The Oregon CHL course also covers the legal and mindset side of carrying in depth.

FST's shop carries reference books, including the NRA's Basics of Pistol Shooting, Basics of Shotgun Shooting, and Basics of Personal Protection guides, along with FST logo stickers and car magnets. Online checkout is being finalized, so the shop is temporarily offline. In the meantime, reach out to Anth directly if you'd like to grab a book or some merch.

Absolutely, the Community Resources page lists Oregon-based and national LGBTQIA+ firearm organizations, ranges, clubs, and advocacy groups so you can find your people. FST also maintains a newsletter with local events, new resources, and fresh content to help you stay connected. Building community is just as important to FST as the training itself, and Anth genuinely wants students to feel like they belong to something bigger than a single class.

Yes! Basic Marksmanship (Bring Your Own Firearm) is built for exactly that: graduates of Familiarization who've bought their own first pistol and want to build real skill with it. Bring your own firearm and ammunition and we'll work on marksmanship fundamentals: grip, stance, trigger control, and getting truly comfortable running your specific gun. It's $99 for a 1.5-hour block, or $60/hour for a custom-length session (contact us to arrange). The usual range fee (~$30/person) still applies, paid at the venue.

Yes! A range session fits up to 4 people. Book your own seat first: when you do, you'll get an invite link on the confirmation screen and in your confirmation email. Send it to your friends, and each of them books their own seat in your session and pays for themselves. For a group of more than 4, email me first so I can coordinate with the range; the range fee is about $40 per person for larger groups.

Yes. Every range and in-home session is private: once you book a time, it comes off the public calendar and only people you invite can join. Come on your own for one-on-one instruction, or bring up to 3 others. Online classes are group classes on Zoom.

Parking is always free at The English Pit. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. I'll meet you in the parking lot for a short conversation before we head in, and first-time visitors to the range do a quick check-in of about 3 minutes per person.

Range sessions need at least 7 days' notice, in-home sessions 3 days, and online classes 1 day. You can book up to 60 days out, or 90 days for online classes.

Sessions run rain or shine. The English Pit has covered shooting lanes, so you'll be out of the rain while you shoot. It is an outdoor range, so dress for the weather.

The English Pit, where I teach range sessions, isn't a good fit if you use a wheelchair or walking is hard for you: the shooting lanes are down a steep gravel path into the pit, with some uneven, trail-style steps. If that's you, email me before you book and we'll talk about what's possible. On the shooting itself, seated positions, rests and other supports are normal tools; the Body Mechanics page has more.

Each session is built around one type: pistol, rifle or shotgun. You'll shoot several models within that type. The armory has 25 pistols, 7 rifles, and 5 shotguns, and the Firearms page lists every one.

Email Anth@FirearmSafetyTeam.com or use the contact form on the site. I usually reply within 24 to 48 hours.

Three steps. First, take an approved safety course: mine is live on Zoom every Thursday for $30, and you get a certificate when you finish. Second, apply with your county sheriff. Multnomah County takes applications online (check your own sheriff's page for how your county handles applications): you complete the application and upload your certificate, and the sheriff's office takes your fingerprints. Third, pay the sheriff's fee, about $115 for a new license. You must be 21, and the license lasts four years. The Oregon CHL page walks through each step. Rules and fees change, so confirm the details with your sheriff's office.

Yes. Anyone with a valid state-issued ID or driver's license is welcome to train with me, wherever you live. In-person sessions are at The English Pit in Vancouver, WA, just across the river from Portland. One note: my Oregon CHL course is only useful if you live in Oregon or regularly travel into the state, and an Oregon CHL is not valid in Washington.