0844 5874525

THE DIRECTOR OF SHOOTING TRAINING SOLUTIONS

Having trained individuals in firearms in the Military and Civillian environment for over 40 years we 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 15 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
Thomas | Bespoke Firearms Course | 4th December 2025

Had the best time being able to learn off Mr Knowles ( Nobby) very professional and felt very safe, I was brand new to dealing with firearms and Nobby was able to work out a bespoke course that was fulfilling to my situation and left me wanting the course to not finish due to his nature of teaching . Will definatly be back and recommend to anyone who wants to learn about firearms wether to improve their marksmanship or overall respect of weapons
Nigel Hawkes | Maritime Firearms Refresher Course | 28th February 2014

A very good training day with ample instruction and excellent presentation. Mark's instruction was very indepth on many different weapon systems showing his subject knowledge.Booking and receiving Joining instructions was very simple and prompt. An enjoyable day with good value.
Lubka Hallam | Special Forces Firearms Experience | 23rd April 2019

My husband, my 13 year old son and myself (all of us complete firearms novices) had the immense privilege to meet Mark “Nobby” Knowles MSM, QCB and get an insight into his professional career, learn about a number of firearms and of course having various opportunities to try them by way of shooting from different positions on a stationary target. Nobby was by our side all day - giving superb instructions both in the classroom (also using presentations) and on the firing range. He had his eye on us at all times ensuring his instructions are carried out and thus ensuring everyones safety. The live firing experience was fun, relaxed and safe. Nobby’s hospitality skills has to be given a mention too. Plenty of refreshments throughout the day, lovely choice of sandwiches and perfect organisation of everything. In summary, we all had a SUPERB day. We were truly inspired by Nobby’s career and felt extremely thankful to all those army/special forces guys out there who put themselves... Read more
Dale Atkinson | Bespoke Firearms Course | 11th September 2025

I recently completed a 2-day bespoke firearms course with Shooting Training Solutions and can’t recommend it highly enough. Whether you’re completely new or have years of experience, this training is invaluable. Mark is an outstanding teacher - his background in the Special Forces means you’re learning from the very best, but he also explains everything in a clear, simple way that makes it easy to put into practice. On top of that, he’s a genuinely great guy, which makes the whole experience both professional and enjoyable. 5 Stars
Ian Gibson | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 26th September 2014

Good course
E.D. | Bespoke Firearms Course | 1st July 2022

Training Days 7 and 8 with MK and the learning just gets deeper. Now competent with 6 separate weapons systems, able to explain some firearms mechanical theory and demonstrate safe, accurate practice on the range with all 6 weapons in a variety of applications and from an array of distances, stances, and approaches. Whether it's pistols or assault rifles that MK is instructing in the use of, the teaching is peerless and with no shadow of a doubt, best in class. Looking forward to Days 9 & 10 soon.
Chris Gamble | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 26th July 2014

An extremely well run course, with expert instruction. The course is well constructed, with time spent in the classroom and a 25m indoor range. The course covers the background of the piracy threat, trends and insight into specific incidents. It also covers the importance of the legal issues surronding the use of a weapons in an incident. The day is kept to a maximum of 4 people allowing a lot of hands on with the weapon systems and allowing plenty of interaction in the classroom. I would recomend this course to any PCASP, it certainly sets the benchmark in safety and personal confidence on the various weapon systems that you are likely to come across.
Geoff Hodgson | Maritime Firearms Refresher Course | 26th August 2014

A well run course by an extremely experienced and very knowledgeable instructor. The training was useful and enjoyable using a good selection of weapon systems.
Glen French | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 29th May 2015

An eye-opener of a course, which ran superbly with excellent instruction and access to a wide variety of firearms, which accumulated in an enjoyable and informative course. Shooting training solutions stands at the top of its field. Many thanks to Nobby.
Amanda Shields | Bespoke Firearms Course | 22nd February 2016

I needed a firearms training course to support my application for a firearms certificate. Following my initial enquiry, Mark came back very promptly with a course which was specifically tailored to my requirements. A date was quickly arranged thereafter. The day was very instructive and confidence-building. The classwork session in the morning was really interesting and practical and was made real by handling weapons and more particularly by Mark's real-life anecdotes. The range session felt safe/controlled, blending concentration with adventure (beats a day in the office hands-down). Most of it was very helpful. A most enjoyable day all round and I would certainly recommend to others.

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.
30th AprilFully Booked
7th MayFully Booked
9th MayFully Booked
26th MayFully Booked
29th MayFully Booked
30th MayBook Now
18th JuneFully Booked
25th JuneFully Booked
29th JuneFully Booked
11th AugustBook Now
13th AugustBook Now
1st SeptemberBook Now
3rd SeptemberBook Now

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 MayFully Booked
28th MayFully Booked
31st AugustBook Now

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.
31st JulyBook Now

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.
3rd JuneFully Booked
8th JuneFully Booked
4th JulyFully Booked
13th JulyFully Booked
19th JulyBook Now
19th AugustFully Booked
24th AugustFully Booked

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.

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


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.