Course Testmonials

Well what can I say, Mark (Nobby)Knowles is a living legend! The 2 day bespoke firearms course was one of the most informative 2 days I've ever had! for someone like me with literally no firearms experience it was eye opening how much detailed his course is. I loved every moment from the introduction to you and your career (awe inspiring to say the least) to the bruises after I was done. I felt I was learning the firearms I was using inside out, just what I was after in every sense of the word! Thank you Mark for the experience! I'm absolutely hooked and can't wait to pursue this as far as I can with your tuition. see you soon

So I had an itch to scratch as an ex army soldier who has loved shooting in any form since a kid. I stumbled upon Mark (Nobby) after a bit of research and I am glad I did. His career speaks for itself, as you will hear in the briefing. This man has been there and done pretty much all of it. The course I was after was a M4 fam, the classroom drills and reps were as I would have expected and how I like to learn. It was intensive but paid off on the range. I was quite surprised with my 25m groupings even at standing, with Mark showing some techniques I've never been taught before. Wouldn't hesitate to endorse.

Probably the most impactful training I’ve done. Nobby’s introductory presentation is itself worth its weight in gold. His skillsets and (superhuman!) patience are abundant. Don’t waste your money and time looking elsewhere. He is the man.

Having only had my time available for one day of training, I regret not having had the opportunity to do all three. All the participants were able to boast of having a great time. The trainers are highly pedagogical, and the time is used to the best of their ability. We take the time to review the necessary basics and learn the right techniques. Then, we practice the outcome in the presence of the trainers who accompany us. I recommend it to all future participants. What's more, the atmosphere was great. Go for it!

The most useful thing about the course is that the instructor teaches us the knowledge so that we can correct ourselves; the fundamentals also apply to shoulder weapons.

Really usefull, I learn a lot in 3 days and quickly. Very educational, professional, and friendly instructor Very well-designed shooting range And the entire team managed the entire training very well

This was an excellent course!! It took me from a complete beginner to safely handling firearms and understanding the principles of marksmanship. Mark is a great instructor. His wealth of experience in training is unmatchable. I really enjoyed the course and our little talks in breaks. Would definitely recommend and hopefully will be back for more practice.

It was fascinating to find out what Mark "Nobby" Knowles has been up to in his life. Is he superhuman?! Both myself (non military) and my son who has just joined the Army benefitted considerably from Mark's instruction and guidance. There was a significant improvement in our marksmanship skills as the day proceeded.

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.

Highly recommend Nobby for learning or improving your marksmanship skills. Incredibly experienced, and a great mentor.

I would highly recommend the training Mark provides. at STS. By the end of the course you will know the chosen weapons system inside out and back to front. Mark has a relaxed personality which will help you feel at ease, and a professional approach which will ensure you get the absolute most from your training time.

I attended my second course with STS today, and yet again I had a n incredible time!! Anyone looking for a huge variety of firearms training, this is the place to go. ‘Nobby’s’ professionalism, knowledge and instructing skills are second to none. I will definitely be using STS for further training and future requirements. Thank you again for all your support.

Thank you so much for your time and patience Mark. Your course was an extraordinary experience for me both mentally and physically. I knew I needed to learn from a professional and I definitely wasn’t disappointed. I really am grateful to you for identifying and navigating me throughout the two days so I could attain some personal achievements. I honestly didn’t expect to make it to the range! Thank you again for two extremely professional, safe, confidence building and very memorable days. I have the bruises and aching body as a short term reminder and hope to return for more training in the future.

5 stars An excellent day thank you so much. The commitment to safety was evidently paramount, allowing us to build confidence as we stripped, loaded and fired an incredible set of weapons. Nobby's career introduction was fascinating, and showed we were in superbly experienced hands. His narrative through the day built our knowledge, entertained us and contributed to the excellent experience - we would love to return!

The course was a brilliant experience. It made me understand the weapons and the art of shooting in a correct and safe way. The most important thing that this course showed me is how much I need to practice, waking me up to reality . Of course I will look forward for more experiences like this in the future!

Zoe and I attended a bespoke Bolt Action Rifles course in awareness and competency so we could potentially hire a rifle in Greenland. Mark is calm, truly knowledgable and highly experienced. Learning can be uncomfortable at times and I was certainly stretched during the day. But I got further clarity and insight on what I need to do and realise if we do intend going to Greenland then more skills training, embedding, Normal Safety Procedures, and target accurately is needed.

I found the course to be very insightful, you could tell that the instructor had high standards when it came to handling and safely using the firearm, truly demonstrating the vast experience and professionalism he holds in this field. Truly an experience I'll remember for years to come.

Excellent insights and rigorous training are provided by Nobby on this course, delivered in a friendly and calm manner - it’s not difficult to see why he was such an asset to the units with which he served. Highly recommended.

I loved every second of this course Mark has immense knowledge and I learned so much.

What a fantastic day we had, doing the special forces experience. It was fascinating listening to Nobbys story, what a life he has lived! We both enjoyed the time spent on the range, everything we did was well explained, and has left us wanting to return for more. A very professional, safe and well run day, if anyone is thinking of booking, just do it. Highly recommended.

Huge thanks to Mark for the past couple of days!! I have learnt a huge amount from a guy whose knowledge is seemingly endless. The whole course was conducted in a highly professional, yet relaxed manner. I would most certainly recommend STS without hesitation.

I recently took the SF firearms experience course and was thoroughly impressed! The instructor was knowledgeable, patient, and emphasized safety above all else. The hands-on practice was invaluable, helping me build confidence and competence with the firearms. Highly recommended.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable and authentic firearms training experience, the Special Forces Firearms Experience with Nobby at Shooting Training Solutions is exactly what you need. It’s not just a course—it’s an opportunity to learn from a true master of the craft. Nobby, the instructor, is a legend in his own right. With an extraordinary 33-year career in the Special Forces, his depth of knowledge and experience is second to none. This isn’t someone who’s just read about tactics or weapon systems; Nobby has lived it, breathed it, and excelled at it in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. He shares stories and lessons from his career with an authenticity that you simply can’t find anywhere else. What makes Nobby stand out isn’t just his expertise—it’s his personality. He’s got a wicked sense of humour that keeps the day upbeat and enjoyable. His ability to blend sharp, professional insights with lighthearted banter makes the experience as entertaining as it is educational. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have prior shooting experience, Nobby’s approachable style ensures you’ll feel comfortable, safe, and confident throughout. The course itself is superbly organised and packed with practical, hands-on learning. Nobby’s meticulous attention to detail and focus on safety, combined with his ability to adapt to individual skill levels, means you’ll leave feeling like you’ve gained real, usable knowledge and improved technique.

Thanks for an amazing day Nobby! Booked for a group of 8, over two days, and we all really enjoyed the days. Mark has a lifetime of experience and knowledge and is a great instructor - ensuring safety, and sharing his knowledge in a fun and engaging way. Highly recommend to anyone!

I completed a day of Pistol Firearms training with Mark and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Mark was a fantastic teacher, who tailored the course specifically to my level, whilst making it fun & enjoyable. Mark has an incredible amount of Military & firearms knowledge, so you’re guaranteed to finish the course knowing a lot more then you did when you started!