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
Mat Lewis | Maritime Firearms Refresher Course | 1st May 2015

This is the Second time that I have done the STS Course and I would highly Recommend it,it is well instructed from start to finish by instructor Mr.Mark Knowles who brings a Wealth of Experience and Knowledge in all Areas regarding Armed Maritime Security. Thanks once again for a Good Day.
Andrew Dodds | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 24th June 2014

I Attended the Shooting Training Solutions refresher course June '14, after completing the Firearms Competency course previously. Obviously the Maritime Firearms Competency certification is mandatory for most companies these days, so if you're going to shell out several hundred pounds it might as well be on a decent course. The Shooting Training Solutions option is, in my opinion, the best currently on the market. It is also worth noting that there are contracts on certain companies vessels that that you won't get on without the STS certificate. The day itself is very well constructed, set in a comfortable classroom / 25m indoor range, using almost all of the weapon systems you'll see around the industry. The instructor, Mark Knowles's military record speaks for itself, and makes him uniquely qualified to deliver the training. Regardless of your previous military / industry experience you will come away having learned something.
Jez Dillon | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 22nd August 2014

I would highy recommend this course for all Operators who carry firearms during their particular task. The safety protocols taught by the resident S.M E, Mark "Nobby" Knowles, is second to none. Professional delivery, relevant and concise course content designed with weapon handling safety as the first priority. Most comprehensive and relevant firearms course I have attended.
Ian Booth | Bespoke Firearms Course | 13th June 2016

Mark designed a tailored 2-day course for me based on my very limited knowledge and experience with firearms. Mark adjusted the training and instruction based on my speed of comprehension and skill development. He also always provided context behind each drill which made becoming familiar and confident with the weapons easier. The course moved quickly and covered 3 weapons systems (M16, AK47, H&K) in the classroom and culminated with live drills using all 3 systems on the range. Based on Mark's experience and paramount focus on safety this course is accessible and invaluable to anyone looking to learn. I walked away feeling more confident and learning more than I expected and I look forward to arranging another course with Mark in the future.
Chris Hall | | 24th November 2018

Very helpful course really helped me brush up on my rusty drills and instruction helped me maintain a good standard of shooting at the end. Also really insightful to see Mark’s background and history. He’s the real McCoy, no doubt!
Rod Hunt | Bespoke Firearms Course | 10th April 2025

This is one of many courses i've attended with Mark and even though the courses have been challenging i've enjoyed the time learning from Mark immensely and always learning something new on the weapon systems, its amazing what you can learn when taught properly by Mark and i'm already booking my next course.
Scott Thompson | Maritime Firearms Refresher Course | 22nd August 2014

A very informative and in depth course covering all aspects of Maritime Firearms and Legality. Instruction is clear and professional and regularly updated. My third year of instruction with Shooting Training Solutions and I highly recommend this course.
Henry Leach | Corporate Team Building Firearms Day | 4th November 2019

The FEAR course provides a hands-on practical introduction to the basics of firearms, explosive theory, conventional ammunition recognition and IED tactics and means of deployment. The instructor to student ratio was 2 to 4 providing an intense but highly effective learning environment. This coupled with the fact that both instructors have approximately 50 years of experience between them in explosive ordnance disposal, counter IED and special operations makes this a highly valuable course.
Tom | Bespoke Firearms Course | 18th September 2020

I completed a bespoke firearms training package with STS in September 2020 and was thoroughly impressed with every aspect. Mark is clearly an expert in this field, but he is also an excellent instructor and a thoroughly interesting guy. Before attending, Mark helped us design the course to meet our specific requirements, providing suggestions and helping us get the most from our time. The course itself was informative and delivered exactly what we required. It was also a thoroughly enjoyable two days. Mark managed to condense a huge amount of material into a short space of time, however thanks to his teaching style and structure of the course, it never felt overwhelming. Each of us came away amazed at how much we’d picked up in such a short space of time. Everything was provided, course material, lunch and refreshments, protective kit. All we had to do was turn up and learn. I’ll definitely be returning.
Ian O'Dea | Maritime Firearms Competency Course | 10th February 2015


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.
7th MarchFully Booked
12th MarchFully Booked
21st MarchFully Booked
28th MarchFully Booked
30th MarchFully Booked
1st AprilFully Booked
2nd AprilFully Booked
8th AprilFully Booked
14th AprilBook Now
30th AprilFully Booked
7th MayBook Now
9th MayFully Booked
14th MayBook Now
21st MayBook Now
26th MayBook Now
18th JuneBook Now
25th JuneFully Booked
29th JuneFully 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.
6th MarchFully Booked
11th AprilFully Booked
28th MayFully 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.
23rd AprilBook 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
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.
10th MarchFully Booked
16th AprilFully 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.