10 Quality Firearms Training Companies
From firearms, to medical, and physical fitness, the importance of ongoing education through training cannot be overstated. Not only are these skills perishable if not practiced, but tactics will continue to change and evolve over the years. Engaging in regular training is not just a recommended approach; it is the optimal way to remain on top of the latest developments in tactics.
For those seeking high-quality training experiences, I've compiled a list of ten top-notch firearms training companies within the industry (including one focusing on medical training). It's important to note that while this list offers valuable options, it's not exhaustive. There are many companies out there putting on quality classes that you would benefit from and enhance your skill set.
*I am not affiliated these companies in any way, and get nothing in return for these links. I just want to help those that seek to improve their skills and knowledge, and to help the companies that are putting out quality training.
1. MDFI (Michigan Defensive Firearms Institute)
Michigan Defensive Firearms Institute (MDFI) is a Michigan-based training company that has been providing real-world firearms training to military, law enforcement, and responsible citizens since 2007.
Website: trainmdfi.com
2. Modern Samurai Project (Scott “Jedi” Jedlinski)
Scott has been afforded the honor of instructing members of Pentagon ERT, US Marshall’s Service, NYPD Instructor Cadre, Chicago SWAT, Ohio Tactical Officers Association, Texas Tactical Police Officers Association, George Mason University Police, Santa Ana CA PD, the FBI National Tactical Training Unit, US Border Patrol’s FMU, Phoenix PD, Garland Texas SWAT and many more.
While Scott can teach many aspects of the successful implementation of a pistol, his main focus is the instruction of the red dot equipped pistol.
Website: modernsamuraiproject.com
3. centrifuge Training (will petty)
As a law enforcement driven company Centrifuge, LLC specializes in vehicle based tactics (VCQB), low light and structure problem solving, K-9 integration, performance based skill building, range development / management / operations, instructor development and product consulting.
Website: centrifugetraining.com
4. Sage Dynamics (aaron cowan)
Sage Dynamics offers total-package training solutions for Citizens, Law Enforcement, Military and Private Security. Designed to introduce and build unconscious competence in real-world skills from the fundamental to expert level, Sage Dynamics places an exclusive focus on the reality on use of force situations faced by people from all walks of life and occupations. Each program is designed to address the three-dimensional world and three-dimensional threat, avoiding the traditional range mentality that has plagued realistic training for decades.
Website: sagedynamics.org
5. Tactical Encounters
Tactical Encounters Inc., a Michigan based group, grew out of Tactical Encounters for Patrol Officers, a Course that is still presented annually. It was conceived in 1995, by a group of SWAT Officers, after a patrol officer was shot during a foot pursuit. We felt that patrol (first responders) needed to have the same basic tactics as SWAT personnel so that they could be better prepared during dangerous encounters.
Website:tacticalencounters.com
6. Dark Angel Medical
While not a firearms based training company, if you carry a firearm in any capacity you should have the knowledge on how to keep blood in the body where it belongs.
Direct Action Response Training fills a niche between military self-aid/buddy care training and civilian EMS training and is geared towards those with little-to-no medical training or background. It provides the student with critical, need-to-know information, which can be utilized in a myriad of situations and stresses the ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ principle as well as our own principle of “Simplicity Under Stress”.
Website: darkangelmedical.com
7. Ridgeline Defense
Founded in 2019, the Ridgeline Training Center located in Dalton, NH serves as the base of operations. The Training Center itself is purpose-built to provide unique and challenging training opportunities such as Long-Range Precision Rifle shooting on our 1200-yard mountain wind course, or engaging dozens of steel and moving targets from our multi-story sniper tower, and even working pistol and carbine platforms in and around vehicles and CONEX façade.
Website: ridgelinedefense.com
8. Marksmanship Training Center
In 2012, Marksmanship Training Center was founded with the vision of creating a national level firearms training center which is also available to the local shooting community. MTC is owned and operated by several military veterans with many years of experience which can be passed onto you through our extensive classes and courses, competitive events, and facility reservation programs for commercial training companies and professional Mil/LE training groups.
Website: marksmanshiptrainingcenter.com
9. Sentinel concepts (steve “yeti” fisher)
Steve “Yeti” Fisher, owner and lead instructor of Sentinel Concepts since 2014, shapes each class based on the students’ goals, abilities, and skills. Each drill and exercise builds a solid surface for each student to develop a plan for their personal practice sessions, enabling them to diagnose their own mistakes. Sentinel Concepts classes are designed to craft more efficient shooters and weapon manipulators after the class and for years to come, by using proven techniques.
Website: sentinelconcepts.com
10. Reston Group (jared reston)
We have been fortunate to interact with agencies around the country and have found that not all Officers/Agencies are being given the tools to best solve critical incidents. Jared Reston founded Reston Group to give you these tools. The instructors at Reston Group have decades of tactical training and experience. We have sought the best training around the country to improve our own skills.
Website: restongrouptraining.com
