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I am a NRA-certified firearms instructor with over 15 years of experience on both pistol and rifle platforms. My passion for firearms is not because of my profession, but a way of life rooted in personal responsibility, family protection, and the pursuit of excellence in the fundamentals of shooting.
My philosophy is built around maximizing results through disciplined attention to details rather than relying on unlimited time, ammunition, or resources. My classes and instruction are designed for the everyday citizen—the husband, father or spouse, and working professional who wants to be proficient and prepared without dedicating their entire life to training, though a minimum round count is still needed. By emphasizing proven fundamentals, purposeful practice, and efficient training methods, I help students build practical defensive shooting skills that translate to real-world confidence and capability.
I've taken countless classes across multiple disciplines and instructors to refine my craft, and have distilled the best from each of them to include in my curated program:
Foundational Pistol
Advanced Pistol
Ballistics
Foundational Rifle
Advanced Rifle
Precision Rifle
Low/No Light
NVG
Team Movement
Vehicle Tactics
CQB
Trauma | CPR | First Aid
Classes
Peter L. - Healthcare Administrator
"I've been training with Sierra Elite for the past few months. I have a full time job and family, so I cannot dedicate my time training constantly. Instruction was tailored to my pace and was valuable every time. I can always do more, but I'm confident that I can now protect my family."
Micah J. - Physician
"Sierra has taught me all the fundamentals that you could get from any YouTube channel. What differentiates him, however, is his real life examples and pragmatic insights as an employee, civilian, father, and husband. That has really helped me get up-to-speed much quicker!"
Michelle P. - Mom
"I have always been intimidated by firearms. Sierra really simplified what it means to own firearms and makes it all very approachable for someone who never grew up around firearms. His instruction is clear and I feel so much more grounded and confident in my ability to protect my children and home!"
John J. - Student
"My father took me to a class the first time last month and I had so much fun. It taught me how to be safe around guns, and taught me the basics of safety, handling of a firearm, and how to shoot with the right technique. I have so much to learn. I can't wait for our next class!"
Contact Us / Class Registration
FAQ
If you are looking for someone to teach military tactics, small-unit movements, or how to assault and defend positions in combat, I am not the right instructor for you. Those subjects belong to professionals with that specific experience. What I offer is something different: instruction for ordinary citizens who want to become safe, competent, and capable with a firearm.
We have all encountered highly accomplished practitioners at the top of their fields who struggle to teach the fundamentals to beginners. Expertise and instruction are not always the same skill. For more than 15 years, I have been a dedicated student of marksmanship, firearms safety, and defensive shooting from the perspective of an armed citizen. I have invested countless hours studying what works, what does not, and how to train efficiently when time, money, and ammunition are limited.
Unless a specific class calls for a type of venue, most classes are located in North Phoenix along the I-17 corridor.
Most classes are no larger than five to six individuals. I believe in individualized training and have a passion to not only teach the methodologies, but also the required mindset to be successful. I have a passion for knowing every one of my students, so I deliberately keep the cohort small.
Yes. This class is designed for the person who is unfamiliar with guns.
No. The lessons and techniques we teach apply to everyone for every situation. However, if you have a cohort, I'm happy to personalize a lesson plan for you.
Yes, basic selection of 9mm Glocks and AR15 rifles. After you have completed the foundational classes, we suggest you go to an indoor shooting range that has a wide selection of firearms, so you can try as many as you like to find the "perfect" gun for you. Happy to provide you with a list of factors to consider.
Yes. We prefer that you bring your own firearms to class as we believe that using your own firearms will provide the greatest benefit and acceleration in your learning.
A parent or guardian is required to take the class along with a child under the age of 18. We ask you, the parent, "Do you feel comfortable with the child next to you with a loaded gun?" If you have any doubts, wait a couple of years. Children are actually easier to teach than adults, because when we tell a child to do something, they do it. Adults have preconceived notions and have prior habits, which may or may not be helpful.
Most classes are outdoors. Wear comfortable flat athletic shoes, shorts or pants (preferred), short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts. Wear or bring layers as the weather can change from morning to afternoon. Bring your hats, sunglasses, and sun screen.
A hat and sunblock is recommended during warm weather. If you have sunglasses or prescription glasses, bring them. If you have ear protection, bring it. If not, we will provide eye and ear protection at no additional charge. You should bring a lunch and snacks if the class runs through the full day. The lunch break is one hour, and may be eliminated if your class is small and finishes sooner than a larger class would.
Depending on the class (typically more advanced classes), students may be required to bring their own gear or setup: belts, holsters, magazine holders, slings, etc. Please let the instructor know if you are missing equipment ASAP, so we can make the proper arrangements before your class.
As instructed by your class signup email, please bring the necessary ammunition and round count you need for your class. Instructors often do carry more rounds, but this is not a guarantee. If you need to purchase ammunition, please let the instructor know a week beforehand, so they can make the necessary arrangements for you. Typical calibers we carry: 9mm, 556/223, 12 GA shotgun 00 Buck and #8 bird rounds. Pricing will be subject to market seasonality.
When you are ready to register for a class, please send us a text or email for the classes you would like to take. Forms and waivers will be sent to you via email, and you will be given the option to either pay via Venmo or Zelle. Upon receipt of payment, we will email you confirming your attendance, supply details needed for class, and provide directions to the range.
You must contact us 72 hours (3 days) before the class if you can't make it and we will apply your deposit to a class that suits your schedule. If you do not cancel 24 hours (1 day) prior to your class, you are subject to losing your deposit/payment. No refunds are given.
The ranges are outdoors. Unless notified the night before, classes will be held as scheduled.
Yes. Our insurance carrier insists that everyone start with the Foundational class. We will fine tune your techniques and will be happy to tailor your experience accordingly. Take heart, the class starts with the basics but quickly gathers speed.
No. The range and insurance carrier charge on a per person basis. We do not receive a discount, so we cannot pass one on to you.
No steel core, steel jacketed or tracer ammunition is allowed in class. Copper washed or full metal jackets are acceptable.
Ammunition can be purchased for class. Prices vary based on market.