0844 5874525

THE DIRECTOR OF SHOOTING TRAINING SOLUTIONS

We are filling up the courses for 2025 fast and are now open for bookings for 2026, if you see there are NO course dates available for when you would like to do a course please get in touch via the contact page or give me a ring to explain your requirements and aspirations and I will do my best to accommodate you. Please allow plenty of time when thinking of booking a course as we are extremely busy with new and old clients wanting to continue their training both here in the UK and abroad.

Shooting Training Solutions courses are open to anyone, whether you are a keen enthusiast, a beginner, aspiring actor or going on an expedition to the Polar regions. There are many other dangerous environments which require you to be safe and competent whilst in possession of a firearm, or you may be curious and interested in learning how they operate. We will accomodate your requirements and have trained people as far a field as Australia, Cayman Islands, Japan, India, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Kenya and the Netherlands. The training is conducted all indoors in a warm and inviting location under the watchful eye of a very experienced trainer. Shooting Training Solutions will make your experience enjoyable, fun filled and memorable.

Your safety is paramount and we will make sure you feel safe and confident attending a course with STS. We have very strict safety guidelines in place and daily checks are carried out. Thank you again for you're continued support, understanding and patience. Your safety is paramount, keep safe, keep smiling and I hope to meet you soon.

MK “Nobby” Director of Shooting Training Solutions is the sole instructor on the firearms training courses run by Shooting Training Solutions. Mark has some 33 years of military service in UK Special Forces, Royal Marines and 14 years teaching in the commercial sector. His operational service stretches from the Falklands war in 1982, to serving in every major conflict since, including 4 tours of Afghanistan. MK served for 5 years as the chief instructor of the Special Boat Service and 2 years as the senior SBS instructor at 22 SAS.

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Shooting Training Solutions continues to improve training standards.


Shooting Training Solutions are proud to have been awarded ISO 9001:2015 quality standard. We now continue to improve training standards so clients go away feeling confident, safe and competent.

Shooting Training Solutions was the first and only firearms training establishment to have been awarded this most exacting of quality standards and led the way in quality training.

STS commitment to safety and quality has been a constant feature of STS training and we are continuing to implement better standards and quality control for the courses we run.  STS continually monitor and manage quality across our business and identify and implement improvements.

STS commitment to these quality standards is proof to both our private customers and corporate clients that they can have absolute confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the courses that we deliver.

You are a valued client and it is  hoped that you will acknowledge that Shooting Training Solutions continues to represent the best firearms training in the UK today.



As an established training provider Shooting Training Solutions hope it shows to you, our valued customers, we are constantly improving, updating and giving to you the best training we can supply.
Shooting Training Solutions

Testimonials

A random selection of our testimonials. For more look at our testimonial page
Ryan Ball | Special Forces Firearms Experience | 16th August 2017

Having never experienced anything like this before I was given the opportunity to take part in this course and I can honestly say I'm very glad I did, my initial nerves and reservations were soon expelled knowing I was in the hands of a highly experienced and knowledgeable tutor. Wanting to come away from the day with a slight insight into what forces personnel deal with on a daily basis, I had a glimpse of exactly that, it really was a brilliant day even down the the refreshments on offer. I can't thank Mark enough for the experience and will 100% be back again.
Robert Reavley | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 16th November 2014

attended the Firearms Competency course which was very well structured with exellent Instruction throughout. This course gave me the opportunity to fire a large amount of weapons that I had not seen or used before and also gave me the required knowledge I needed to do so confidently and effectively. I would highly recommend this course and look forward to returning when I need to refresh my skills.
Paul Kelly | Bespoke Firearms Course | 7th October 2017

Fantastic training course, Mark is the real deal and his years and wealth of experience make it a privilege and honour to train with him. Content, material and instruction are superlative. I would highly recommend if you are looking to train with the best train with Mark. To share Mark's knowledge and expertise in a structured environment is certainly a key factor in developing critical shooting skills.
Ian Nisbet-Mole | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 11th January 2015

This was my second time at the centre, just like the first I was provided with an outstanding 1 day course, the instructor was very good, both his profesionalism and knowledge made this course a pleasure to attened
Peter Venables | Special Forces Firearms Experience | 30th April 2022

An absolutely brilliant course and thoroughly enjoyable. Sherborne is a lovely setting and steeped in history. Mark took me through and described his extensive career, marksmanship principles and how to safely handle the weapon systems. It was insightful, informative and hands on. He took the time to give me some hints and tips that will only improve my shooting. Many thanks for a fab day. I hope to undertake more training with you in the future.
Jaden Thompson | Land Based Firearms Training Course | 23rd February 2016

I had a 2 day firearms course bespoked for me by Mark "Nobby" Knowles of Shooting Training Solutions as my intention is to eventually go back into the armed forces this year as a reservist. My Father was 22nd SAS Regiment so naturally I am biased and chose Nobby for his SBS/SAS Background. I can say without any hesitation or doubt that this is by far the most thorough and professional firearms instructor and course in the entire United Kingdom. I have always believed that quality matters so I commend STS to anyone wanting to increase their firearms skills regardless of their industry and I look forward to going back and training with STS every 6 months to get the most I can from Mr Knowles incredible experience amassed over his career in the Special Forces. Mr J Thompson API.SAC
Daniel Caen | The Ultimate Special Forces European Experience | 11th July 2018

This was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Mark was a fantastic host who made sure that we well fed and watered. The accommodation was wonderful, the hosting of Mark was greatly appreciated by the 4 of us as it was a well needed break. Marks knowledge is 2nd to none. Having been shooting at ranges in Las Vegas and South Africa I had never realized just how crazy it was that they will hand you a fully loaded automatic weapon and not show you how to use it. Mark taught me a new respect for the weapons themselves and an even greater respect for those service men/women that put their safety on the line for all of us. The shooting experience itself was by far the best shooting experience I have had. We had free use of the range for the whole day and I went from not being to able to hit a barn door to getting 20 out of 20 from distance with a sub machine gun. Mark is a great teacher who teaches you everything there is to know about each weapon and takes your safety very seriousl... Read more
Danny Buckett | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 15th July 2014

I recently undertook the 1 Day MFCC with STS down in Sherbourne. The course is extremely well run with expert tuition provided by ex UKSF instructors. The facilities are great, and courses are kept to a maximum of 4 which means there is alot of hands on with the weapons and alot more scruitiny when it comes to individual weapons handling. This in turn provides you as an operator with confidence that when you deploy with guys that have been on the course that they are to a rigorously maintained standard. Coming from a UKSF Background myself I was a little aprehensive about undertaking a course that may have taught me to suck eggs. However, It definately shows that despite how good you once may have been that skill fade effects us all, and previous "bad habits" when operating once familiar weapon systems have to be ironed out when in the civillian sector. You will leave the course with renewed confidence in your shooting abilities and weapons handling and I would highly recommend this... Read more
Dewayne ABRAHAMS | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 29th September 2014

A well planned 1 day course with a highly experienced Instructor, I started the day at the bottom off the pack with a poor perfomance on the range and finished the day on top due to the instructor vast knowledge and good tuttion. overall good course.
Anton Cloete | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 18th February 2015

Having attended both the MFCC and the yearly refresher I fully recommend this course to anyone who requires a firearms competency in the industry. The variety of weapon systems trained on during the day ensure that no matter what Maritime company you might end up working for, you will be covered. The training is thorough and high standards are maintained throughout.

Our Firearms and Shooting Training Courses



This course is open to anyone. If you are looking for firearms training in anti poaching, acting, film set extras, expeditions or just interested in being trained on firearms, I will design a course for you 

Your dedicated instructor will create a package to suit your individual objectives either as part of a small group (no more than 4 people) or on a one to one training basis with exclusive range use.

You will learn from scratch all about the safety side of handling these weapons, understand how they work and function before getting in depth training on the drills and skills you need to operate them correctly and safely.

It will be challaging, fun, exhilarating and rewarding and you will go away feeling you want more.

If this is what you are after, drop me an e-mail or give me a call and I will be happy to take up the challenge.

Find out more and book a course
If you would like a course arranged please contact us.
21st NovemberFully Booked
23rd NovemberFully Booked
27th NovemberFully Booked
29th NovemberFully Booked
4th DecemberFully Booked
6th DecemberFully Booked
16th DecemberFully Booked

Are you looking for an insight into the Special Forces and want to experience handling and firing weapon systems used in a safe and welcoming atmosphere?

This is the experience for you then. Based in the UK, this one day Special Forces Experience is designed for individuals or up to 4 participants. You will taught the safety aspects and marksmanship principles before getting your hands on AK74's, M16's and various other weapons. You will be taught how to safely handle them, strip and assemble and carry out the correct drills when operating them, before live firing later in the day.   

The day will be hosted and run by MK (Nobby) Director of Shooting Training Solutions who will give you an insight to his 33 years career in the Special Forces and be your instructor throughout.

Find out more and book a course
If you would like a course arranged please contact us.
22nd NovemberFully Booked
12th DecemberFully Booked

For those of you who are unaware of the UK Firearms regulations you cannot fire 9mm pistols in the UK. STS offer two packages where you can learn all about Pistol handling and become proficient and safe with the weapons.

 

The first is a one-day course based in the UK and is designed to develop the skills of those who wish to learn how to use a pistol as a primary firearm. We cover all the safety aspects, workings of the weapon, function tests and correct grip and hold before shooting on a range with high powered BB Glock 17 and SIG 226 pistols . This will give you a good insight to all pistol techniques and a platform to build on. 

 

The second course we offer is a full-bore 9mm pistol shooting course in Europe. The European package Is a 3/5 day shooting package, you will be required to travel out the day before the course starts and travel back the day after, you will get 2 or 3 days on the range. I will book your flights and take care of everything else, you just need to turn up with your passport and case. Everything is included car-parking at the airport, transfers, accommodation, meals, equipment, weapons and ammunition all in the price. Pistol shooting is an art on its own. It takes time and effort to be able to engage targets out to 30m using the correct techniques with both your strong and weak arm. One handed pistol is essential and has to be practiced. You will practice these skills and this will reduce your reaction time, allow you to shoot faster with a higher degree of accuracy and increase your confidence with your weapon. I will endeavour to get you to the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) pistol firearms standard with the time allocated and show you that with good instruction and coaching you can in a very short time become proficient safe and accurate with a pistol.  .

Find out more and book a course
If you would like a course arranged please contact us.

There are no courses currently available.
Contact us to arrange a course.


This Ultimate Special Forces European Experience package is unique and has an all-inclusive price, your every need will be catered for.

It is open to anyone regardless to firearms experience. Your host and instructor is a a former Special Boat Service Operative MK (Nobby) Director of Shooting Training Solutions who will arrange everything and accompany you for the whole experience in Europe.

It is open to individuals who would like a one to one experience or a group of up to 3 participants. Your 2 or 3-day live firing (4 or 5 days in total option will consist of learning how to safely use AK74's, M4's, H&K MP5's and pistols.  

If this is what you are looking for from a highly established training company with everything arranged for you and a personal touch to go with it and you want to learn in a safe and welcoming environment give me a ring and I will arrange everything for you.

Find out more and book a course
If you would like a course arranged please contact us.

There are no courses currently available.
Contact us to arrange a course.


Most expeditions to Polar regions ( which Svalbard have approved our course ) and to countries around the world where you would want to be armed for your own protection require you to demonstrate you are safe and competent before issuing a firearms for that trip. The Police in various counties ask for a certificate of competency with firearms before issuing you a license or renewing one.

STS Firearms Competency Course and certificate are recognised by a number of organisations and Police forces in the UK.  

The aim of this course is to introduce new clients to firearms and to refresh those who may be returning to the sport to ensure a level of competence. This course aims to take clients through the relevant safe handling and safe shooting requirements to meet the standards relating to public safety and the Police.

The course combines a training room based input with practical experience on the range with various weapon systems.

Over the years we have worked with a large number of individuals who are going on expeditions, renewing or trying to obtain a firearms license and all of them have returned home after the course better informed, safer and more knowledgeable about all aspects of firearms handling. 

 

Find out more and book a course
If you would like a course arranged please contact us.
20th NovemberFully Booked

Have you ever been intrigued or interested to know how the Special Forces here in the UK operate and how firearms feel when you fire a full calibre round at a target? Well this one-day experience might be the day out for you. Your Instructor will talk you through his 33 years of sevice to Queen and Country from the Falklands war to four tours of Afghanistan. You will fire various weapons to name a few, M4, MP5, Ruger, Tikka T3, Lee Enfield 303 and The American Sniper weapon the 300 Win mag.
Find out more and book a course
If you would like a course arranged please contact us.

There are no courses currently available.
Contact us to arrange a course.


MK “Nobby” Director of Shooting Training Solutions is the sole instructor on the Firearms training courses run by Shooting Training Solutions. Mark has some 33 years of Military service in UK Special Forces and the Royal Marines.

His operational service stretches from the Falklands war in 1982, to serving in every major conflict since, including 4 tours of Afghanistan. MK served for 5 years as the chief instructor of the Special Boat Service and 2 years as the senior SBS instructor at 22 SAS.

He will host and take you through your personally designed, unique Corporate Firearms Package.

 

Find out more and book a course
If you would like a course arranged please contact us.

There are no courses currently available.
Contact us to arrange a course.


This course has grown in popularity since its introduction by STS for potential Police firearms officers to attend before they undertake their Police firearms course. 

Here at STS we are proud of our very high pass rate from clients who have attended our course and continued on to aspire to be police firearms officers.

Each course will be designed specifically for you as different Police forces use different firearms. It will give you the confidence and reassurance that you will be able to handle the firearms safely and correctly, allowing you to concentrate on the other aspects of the course you have to assimilate.

Find out more and book a course
If you would like a course arranged please contact us.

There are no courses currently available.
Contact us to arrange a course.


View feedback from those who’ve completed the course


All live firing training is conducted in .22 Rimfire Semi-Automatic Rifles or simulated Pistols due to UK legislation.