Welcome Students:
The services that I offer are confidential, personal firearm training, and instruction for professionals, couples, individuals, or families.
My rate is $1000 per person for 10 hours of personal instruction, which includes the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course with a focus on your personal lifestyle situation. We will have a confidential conversation about your specific situation and goals. We will construct a plan for you to be successful. Planning is one of the best investments you can make.
You'll benefit from years of practical relevant training techniques that will give you the confidence you're going to need moving forward in this world. You will be empowered and transformed into a person that's not going to have a victim mindset.
My services are not the typical head to the range and shoot a bunch of guns. We take a look at your capabilities and devise the best action plan for each person.
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course Outline:
FULL DESCRIPTION
The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course is a great way for you to learn the basics of pistol shooting. The course may be used for you to obtain the certification for your concealed carry permit in Florida. Be sure to contact your county, city, or state to find out whether this course fulfills the requirement.
The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA affiliation. The traditional, instructor-led course where you will receive direct instruction from an NRA-certified instructor from beginning to end.
What You'll Learn
- Essential gun safety rules
- Different types of pistols and which one is best for you
- The basics of ammunition
- The fundamentals of pistol shooting
- Different shooting positions
- The most common shooting errors
- Proper gun cleaning and maintenance
- How to maintain your skills
My class is broken into two or three parts depending on the home visit option.
My classroom instruction takes place at my office located here:
9040 Towncenter Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202, or at your home.
The second part of my class is at the range.
My preferred range is Knight Trail Park Pistol and Rifle Range
Located at 3445 Rustic Road, Nokomis, FL 34275
Here are the range rules, you can download a copy here as of 04-04-2022. Please check the link for new updates.
Sarasota County Knights Trail Park Standard Operating Procedures:
Rules & Regulations With oversight by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Click the Image to download and read.
This is the text version to read. Please check the range website for the latest updates.
https://myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education/shooting-ranges/knight-trail/
Sarasota County Knights Trail Park Standard Operating Procedures:
Rules & Regulations With oversight by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Public Pistol & Rifle Range
PREAMBLE: The Knight Trail Park Pistol & Rifle Range is a public shooting facility owned and operated by Sarasota County. This facility adheres to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules, regulations and guidelines for safe operation through the Hunter Safety/Public Shooting Range Division.
This facility was created to offer shooting enthusiasts a place to gain skill, knowledge and a positive attitude in promoting safe and responsible shooting.
Knight Trail Park Pistol & Rifle Range offers a 18 position 100- yard rifle range, a eleven position 50- yard rifle/handgun range, a twenty-four position 25- yard rifle/handgun range, a twenty-five position 12- yard pistol range, and two frangible only steel target shooting positions.
Knight Trail Park Pistol & Rifle Range is staffed by National Rifle Association (NRA) certified Range Safety Officers.
The facility is located at 3445 Rustic Rd, Florida 34275. Information on the facility can be obtained by calling the Facility Manager at 941-486-2351 or the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.
The public range is open for use Wednesday thru Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
RANGE OPERATIONS:
Regulations related to Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Managed Shooting Ranges (R68A-31.001)
(1) Commission-managed shooting ranges shall be established by order of the Executive Director and maintained on a list titled “Commission Managed Shooting Ranges,” dated July 1, 2008, incorporated herein by reference and kept at its headquarters office and regional offices.
(2) The following rules shall apply on Commission managed shooting ranges:
(a) The possession of open containers of intoxicating beverages is prohibited.
(b) Content was not included for in the Range Rules Document Provided for (b)
(c) Persons shooting rifles or handguns shall allow a minimum of two (2) seconds between each round fired unless otherwise authorized during a Commission-sanctioned shooting event or Commission established practice.
(d) Discharging a gun on a range in a manner that is careless or reckless or in a manner that results in projectiles escaping the shooting range property shall be prohibited.
(e) Shooting or attempting to shoot structures or facilities at Commission shooting ranges that are not designated targets or within designated firing lanes shall be prohibited.
Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.121, 375.313 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.121, 375.313 FS. History– New_________
The above rules are specific rules that govern all FWC Managed Shooting Ranges open to the public. The Standard Operating Procedures specific to Knights Trail Park Pistol & Rifle Range are contained in this document.
USER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. ALWAYS keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep your firearm unloaded until you are at the firing line and the range is declared “HOT.”
4. When entering or leaving the firing line all firearms which are encased must be unloaded with magazines removed; firearms that are not encased must be carried unloaded, muzzles pointing up, actions open and magazines removed.
5. All shooters are responsible for their firearms and ammunition. It is the shooters responsibility to ensure they are using the correct ammunition.
6. All shooters shall conduct themselves in an orderly manner, obey the range rules and orders of the Range Safety Officers governed by the Standard Operating Procedures.
7. Do not leave any firearms unattended.
8. Shooters must wear ear and eye protection upon entering the range.
9. Firearms that are out of the case and not being fired SHALL be placed on a shooter table as follows. - Actions open and facing up. - Chambers empty. - Muzzle pointing down range - Safeties on.
10. ONLY LOAD firearms on the firing line when the line is called “hot”.
11. Prior to leaving the range all shooters are required to clean up their shooting area by placing used cardboard in the designated receptacles and by throwing away unwanted targets and garbage in trash receptacles.
12. Give the command “CEASE FIRING” if an unsafe condition exists.
13. CEASE FIRING IMMEDIATELY when anyone calls “CEASE FIRING.”
14. ALL shooters are responsible for their rounds staying within the confines of this range. Shooters may shoot only from the firing line at the target in line with their position. Shooting at items placed on the ground or at targets not properly posted at the appropriate height on the target frame enables rounds to escape the range (Ref: R68A-31.001(d)(e)).
15. It is everyone's responsibility to report any unsafe shooting conditions or unsafe shooters to a Range Safety Officer. Notify a Range Safety Officer immediately if you have a misfire or jam with a firearm. Do not attempt to clear a gun if you do not know how.
16. Do not pass a loaded firearm to another person.
17. Targets shall be placed in the center of the cardboard to allow the projectile to impact the berm and prevent damage to target frame. Larger targets are subject to quantity restrictions. ONLY shoot at the target in line with your shooting position. Cross firing is not permitted. • • . . . ' • • •• j -==-
18. Targets are not permitted to have human features (i.e. face, hands, etc.). EXCEPTION: Zombie target
RANGE RULES & REGULATIONS:
1. Pistols and rifles must have useable sighting devices. Firearms with missing or obstructed sights are prohibited on the pistol and rifle ranges.
2. Shotguns shooting slugs are only allowed on ranges of 25 yards and greater.
3. No uncased firearms shall be left on the seating bench. All uncased firearms shall be placed on the shooting table at the rifle and pistol range.
4. No smoking on the range; smoking is allowed only in designated area (Florida Law Ch. 85-257).
5. Patrons are not permitted to set up at more than one target frame per shooting distance. For example, one shooter cannot have two target frames within the 25-yard shooting area however he/she may have one target at the 25-yard line and another at the 50- yard line as long as he/she adheres to all of the other rules & regulations listed in this document.
6. Only one target frame, regardless of area, per shooter is permitted when there are patrons waiting for use at a specific range area.
7. Firearms, loaded or unloaded, cannot be left unattended.
8. Do not handle any firearms behind the firing line or in the parking lot.
9. Case and uncase all firearms on the shooting tables with muzzles pointed down range.
10. This range has only one entry and exit point located at the Range House near the flag pole. Patrons are not permitted to enter or exit the Public Pistol & Rifle Range through any other areas other than the one indicated above. Handicap access needs are handled on a case by case basis. Range staff will help in any possible.
11. Do not pass anything over the fences.
12. Shooters must stay within 6 inches of the shooting table while shooting or handling firearms.
13. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. “Junior Shooters” must shoot under the DIRECT supervision of a parent or guardian. Adults other than a parent must bring a signed FWC permission form. This document must be signed by the parent/guardian granting permission to the named adult to bring the junior shooter to the range. This form must be completed and signed for each visit to the facility. Adults not shooting who are accompanying a “Junior Shooter” will not be required to pay the entry fee.
14. Only shotguns firing slugs are permitted on the range. No snakeshot, birdshot, buckshot, or multiple projectile ammunition allowed. Shotguns cannot be fired from the hip. All shooting has to be aimed fire.
15. The following firearms are not permitted at the range: • 50 BMG and 338 Lapua Caliber firearms • Toy guns • Airsoft guns • Fully-automatic firearms firing in anything other than semi-automatic
16. The following ammunition is not permitted at the range: • Incendiary ammunition (tracer) • Buckshot • Birdshot • Armor piercing • Rounds with multiple projectiles
17. Shooters are not permitted to enter the firing line without authorization from a Range Safety Officer.
18. All patrons entering the range are required to pay the posted fees.
19. Rapid fire or double tapping is not permitted at this range.
20. Any person or persons displaying signs of being under the influence of alcohol, an illegal substance, or prescription medication that inhibits motor function or mental capacity will be asked to leave the premises by a Range Safety Officer. The Sheriff’s Office may be contacted to ensure patron leaves premises and arrives home in a safe manner. Some signs may include but are not limited to: • Slurred speech • Inability to stand or walk properly • Excessive disregard for proper safe firearm handling procedures
21. Eating and smoking on the line is not permitted.
22. Concealed firearms must be carried in accordance with Florida Statute 790.
23. Open carry of firearms is not permitted.
24. When entering or leaving the range premises all firearms which are encased must be unloaded with magazines removed; firearms that are not encased must be carried unloaded, muzzles pointing up, actions open and magazines removed.
25. Shooters shall only go down range to work on their targets when the range has been called COLD by a range safety officer. There shall be NO HANDLING of firearms, ammunition or shooting at any time while the firing line has been called COLD by a range safety officer.
26. Firearms may be loaded only on the firing line when the line is called HOT by a range safety officer. When handling a firearm muzzles must always be pointed straight down range.
27. Patrons are permitted to collect their own brass prior to leaving or during a cold range, otherwise brass must be placed in designated buckets for collection. Brass left in the area will be collected by the Friends of the Parks to fund specific projects for Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.
28. The line will be HOT (active range) for approximately 20 minutes then COLD for as long as it takes to ensure a safe range.
29. Shooters are not permitted to cross the RED LINE until directed to by a Range Safety Officer.
30. Patrons are not permitted in the range office. Only approved & current Sarasota County staff, volunteers and FWC personnel may have access to this area.
31. Only Sarasota County approved instructors are permitted to take payment for instruction at this facility. All approved instructors are posted. If an instructor has not been posted he/she does not meet the necessary criteria for proper instruction. In order to become an approved instructor he/she must submit the following to range staff for approval by the Sarasota County Risk Department. a. CURRENT NRA certification for instruction of pistol, rifle and shotgun. b. Provide current insurance listing Sarasota County as additionally insured. c. Purchase an Instructor Pass through Sarasota County. d. Instructors are required to pay daily range fees if he/she is shooting on their own.
32. Range Safety Officers have full AUTHORITY to ask a patron to leave and/or contact Law Enforcement if he/she disrupts the normal operating business of the range or violates rules as outlined in this document. Law enforcement involvement may include arrest, a Trespassing citation and/or removal from the range.
33. The following types of inclement weather may result in the suspension of shooting or the range closing: a. Lightning b. Heavy Rain c. During any declared severe weather warnings or watches d. If winds exceed 40 MPH
34. Knight Trail Park utilizes rock and crib baffles and trellis baffles as a means to contain errant rounds. In order to maintain their integrity, patrons need to keep their rounds within their target frame. The Range Safety Officers have the authority to correct patrons if they are having a difficult time keeping their shots within their target. After correction, if a patron still cannot control their rounds they may be asked to leave. If a patron is found to be intentionally shooting the baffles they will be asked to leave for the day. On their next visit, if they are caught shooting the baffles again, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas management will be notified. Law Enforcement may be notified to trespass the patron for up to a year.
RANGE SPECIFIC RULES All previously listed range rules and operational procedures apply in addition to these range specific rules.
PISTOL RANGE – 12 YARD
Only handguns, air guns, and muzzle loading handguns are allowed on the 12-yard Pistol range. Rifle caliber handguns shall be used.
Rifles shooting “handgun” ammunition are permitted. No center fire “rifle” ammunition is allowed at this distance.
All shooting, regardless of firearms, must be aimed fire.
Rapid fire is prohibited. Shooter shall allow (2) two seconds between each shot.
Drawing from a holster is strictly prohibited.
Eye and ear protection is mandatory and shall be worn at all times.
Targets shall be placed in the center of the cardboard to allow projectile to impact the berm and prevent damage to target frame. Larger targets are subject to quantity restrictions.
PISTOL/RIFLE 25– 5O YARD RANGE
Pistols, Rifles and Muzzle Loaders are allowed. All shooting, regardless of firearms, must be aimed fire. Rapid fire is prohibited. Shooter shall allow (2) two seconds between each shot. Drawing from a holster is strictly prohibited. Eye and ear protection is mandatory and shall be worn at all times. Targets shall be placed in the center of the cardboard to allow projectile to impact the berm and prevent damage to target frame. Larger targets are subject to quantity restrictions.
RIFLE – 100 YARD RANGE Rifles and Muzzle Loaders are allowed All shooting, regardless of firearms, must be aimed fire. Handguns manufactured in rifle calibers and magnum pistols with a minimum barrel length of six (6) inches are allowed. Rapid fire is prohibited. Shooter shall allow (2) two seconds between each shot. Eye and ear protection is mandatory and shall be worn at all times. Drawing from a holster is strictly prohibited. Targets shall be placed in the center of the cardboard to allow projectile to impact the berm and prevent damage to target frame. Larger targets are subject to quantity restrictions.
RANGE FEES 1. The daily range fees listed below will be in effect until such time as the Sarasota County Commission determines a change is required. The fees charged for miscellaneous items for sale will remain in effect unless it is determined by the Parks & Recreation Management Team that these costs need to be adjusted based on increases in cost from the supplier. All patrons using the range must check in at the Range House, pay the required fees and sign-in as directed. For anyone under 18 years of age, a Minor Child Waiver Release form shall be filled out by the minor child’s parent or legal guardian (Appendix 2).
Entry Fee- Tax Included: Adults- per shooter per day** $11.95 Youth (under 18*) $9.00 25-Visit Range Pass $197.95 25- Visit ANNUAL Instructor’s Pass $411.95 *Shooters under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or have one of the FWC Minor Child Release of Claims and Permission Slip filled out and presented at the time of arrival at the range. ** Volunteer Range Safety Officers are required to pay the entry fee if shooting.
Miscellaneous Items for sale- Tax Included: Cardboard w/Target: $1.40 Cardboard Only: $1.00 1 Shoot-N-C Target (8 inch) $1.25 Ear Plugs- per pair $ .50 Shooting Glasses- per pair $4.75 4 small replacement center targets $ .50 1 Large Target or Sight-In Target $ .50
*Law Enforcement Exemption Sarasota County Law Enforcement officers and any sworn officers on official duty in Sarasota County will not be charged an entry fee, if and only if, 1. He/she is a CURRENT Sarasota County Law Enforcement officer. 2. Proper I.D. is provided at time of check-in. 3. He/she adheres to all rules & regulations listed within this document. 4. He/she provides own ammunition and firearms. 5. He/she signs the necessary sign-in sheet for law enforcement.
*Active Military Exemption Active military personnel will not be charged an entry fee, if and only if, 1. He/she is ACTIVE military. 2. Proper I.D. are provided at time of check-in. 3. He/she adheres to all rules & regulations listed within this document. 4. He/she provides own ammunition, firearms and targets. 5. He/she must pay for any targets or cardboard if he/she fails to bring own. 6. He/she must sign in prior to entering the range.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Although shooting activities on a manned range offer excellent coverage to prevent emergencies from happening, there are factors that are beyond RSOs control. A user’s health, sudden weather changes and the inevitable incident of user misconduct resulting in an injury to themselves or bystanders need to be considered in having an Emergency Action Plan in place. The purpose of having an Emergency Action Plan is to minimize confusion during an emergency, and save time responding to an emergency.
All RSOs and range staff shall be trained in Basic First Aid and CPR. This training will be conducted by the FWC Division of Law Enforcement trainers or Sarasota County using the current ASHI training now approved by the Agency.
In the event an emergency arises the RSOs need to take charge of the situation. If the emergency happens during a “HOT” range the RSOs need to declare a “COLD” range by following the Cadence of Commands to call a “Cease Firing.” The line needs to be called “COLD” so the RSO can focus attention to the injury and not a “HOT” range.
All incidents need to be documented on the Incident Report form for the records and forwarded to the Chief Range Safety Officer.
The Chief Range Safety Officer should be contacted immediately to alert him/her of the incident.
In the event 911 is alerted.
Give the dispatcher the following information:
Location: 3445 Rustic Road, Nokomis Phone Number from Location: 941-486-2351 What Happened: For example: fall, heart attack, laceration etc. Your Name: How many People involved: Location of person that will direct EMS to scene:
Evaluate the seriousness of the injury.
MINOR INJURY (cut finger, scrapped knee, slide bites, etc.): • Render aid within the scope of their training. • Direct person to seek appropriate medical attention. • Complete the Incident Report for the record and submit to Facility Manager. • Commence firing again. • Notify Chief Range Safety Officer.
MAJOR INJURY (heart attack, broken bones, falls, gunshot, etc.): • Task someone to call emergency numbers: 911. • Render aid within the scope of their training. • Task someone to direct emergency responders to the incident. • Task someone to record the time and actions taken during the emergency. • Task all witnesses to write down what they saw. • Continue to provide aid until relieved by EMS arrival. • Complete Incident Report for the record and provide to Facility Manager. • Notify Facility Manager immediately. • In the event of a gunshot incident or injury all patrons will be required to remain on the range until released by Law Enforcement.
FIRE EMERGENCY
Anytime there is a fire in or around the range the RSOs shall: • Call a “CEASE FIRING” and make all ranges “COLD”. • Extinguish any small fire and ensure that the fire is completely out. Large Fires: • Close down ALL RANGES and ensure that the patrons are safe from any fire movement and ensure it is safe for responding officials to enter the facility. • Contact 911- Sarasota County Fire Department. • Give location of fire: 3445 Rustic Road Nokomis Florida and call back number. • Contact Tim Smith: cell (941) 445-2435 • Contact David France: cell (941) 404-8105 • Assist authorities by being sure access in and out of range is clear of any obstructions. • Complete Incident Report with the following information: 1. How did the fire get started? 2. Was it a tracer round fired by a patron? If so get patron information 3. Was it a cigarette butt? 4. Who are or were there any shooters involved? 5. Who are the witnesses? • Once the fire has been confined and out, and the area deemed safe by authorities (all personnel clear) shooting may resume.
INCLEMENT WEATHER In the event of unexpected inclement weather such as a tornado the RSOs shall: • Call a “CEASE FIRING” and make all ranges “COLD”. • Advise all patrons to leave the range or seek safe shelter. • Seeks shelter in the outdoor restroom facility located on property. The range will remain closed until the weather passes and is declared safe by on-site staff. If an emergency is declared based on a severe weather warning the range will be closed until further notice. All patrons and staff must leave the facility unless otherwise directed. The line will be called COLD if wind gusts exceed 40 MPH, lightning in the area or heavy rain. The range will remain COLD until the weather passes and the Range Safety Officer’s determine the range safe to proceed.