Course Testimonials

Wow, what a fantastic day learning how to handle and operate the weapon. Our second time visiting mark, who is a fantastic and patient teacher. A fascinating morning in the classroom followed onto a great afternoon firing in the range. We learnt how to fire lying down, standing, kneeling and sitting. With Marks words of wisdom, we both made improvements with our shooting as the afternoon went on. Marks courses are highly recommended, what a fantastic teacher, full of knowledge and experience. We can’t wait to book another course and continue our shooting journey

Excellent course start to finish. Nobby is extremely knowledgeable and skilled with his craft. We were beginners and felt competent by the end. Very safe, enjoyable and valuable. You can't find this kind of knowledge transfer anywhere else in the world.

Already being familiar with firearms, I was looking forward to a high-quality refresher course as I hadn't handled a firearm in over 6 years. I am only able to describe the 2 days I spent with Mr Knowles as the most valuable firearms training I have ever done in my entire life. Hands down. I learned more in my short time at STS than I have in a decade of being familiar and using firearms daily. 10/10 on every possible measurement scale.

The bespoke firearms course was an incredible experience, all thanks to Mark. He tailored the entire experience to my needs, and his extensive knowledge, experience, and patience helped boost my confidence. Overall, it was an excellent learning experience.

I’ve now completed my third course with Mark at Shooting Training Solutions, and once again, it exceeded expectations. The time, patience, experience, and level of skill he brings are genuinely rare. He is part of the 1% club when it comes to this kind of instruction. Everything is delivered with purpose, clarity, and a deep understanding of real-world application. The course he tailored for me was spot on, and it’s clear a lot of thought goes into making each session both challenging and enjoyable. He also offers a range of high-level courses inspired by elite military standards, which really sets him apart from anything else out there. I’ll definitely be back again. If you’re considering training, I’d strongly recommend reaching out and getting booked in, you won’t regret it!

Excellent Course. Huge amount of information learnt, and great foundational knowledge for anyone wanting to begin using firearms. Marks instruction was clear and easy to follow. I really enjoyed the course. I would definitely recommend.

An enlightening two days with Mark on this bespoke course. Without doubt, Mark is an exceptional ex special forces operator and instructor, and I’m most grateful and privileged to have come away from the course with a much better understanding of firearms handling & disciplines. Throughly recommend this course.

What a great day. The day started when the four of us, my triplet sons and me, gathered at my house to start the journey to Sherborne. There was and air of anticipation and the discussion turned very quickly to the day ahead. Obviously the discussion centered around the weapons that we would be 'hands on' - the anticipation soon turned to excitement. On arrival and after the required completion of all necessary documentation, the day began with a brief account of some key dates and tours from Mark. The experience and exposure to all his exploits, those we were allowed to hear, we beyond any comprehension any member of the public could imagine. The stories and accounts were both funny and almost unbelievable - wow what a career and what a man. After the safety briefing and some valuable guidance on how to get the best experience when on the range and behind the weapon, we had lunch and was still talking about Marks exploits. On the range the taking weapons apart was unreal and at first seemed complicated, but with the patience and expert eyes from Mark, all four of us managed to strip and put back together 2 weapons (an AK and M4). The firing then commenced with a number of rounds on 4 different semi-automatic weapons, each very different. We eventually moved on to bolt action with a telescopic scope where we had several practice rounds, before the final competition. Mark provided great feedback to each of us in preparation for the competition, except for me - I remember Mark saying to me "you can aim any where on the target"! There was a winner, but I think all of us were winners, what a fab day and what a fantastic host/trainer. Thank you Mark.

After researching a number of firearms experiences STS stood out as the most personal and bespoke-and it did not disappoint. I contacted Nobby directly to explain I wanted a full in-depth understanding of firearms from stripping down, safe handling to live firing. He designed a perfectly tailored course with everything I was looking for. I.ve just spent two demanding but thoroughly enjoyable days with Nobby who is quite simply the the most experienced and best firearms instructor you could possibly find. It was a genuine privilege to be taught by him. His knowledge, professionalism and approachable manner; along with considerable patience ; fully fulfilled my requirements.. An outstanding, truly personalised experience--highly recommended.

Fantastic instructor and instruction. Learnt a lot about the weapon system, safety, correct drills, firing positions and firing. Finished the course far more confident on the weapon system. Could not recommend highly enough.

I had a fantastic experience on the Bespoke Course. The training was extremely well delivered, engaging, and tailored perfectly to my needs. Everything was explained clearly, and I felt supported throughout. I came away feeling far more confident and with a great understanding of the material. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for high-quality, professional training.

Attended the Bespoke 2 days firearms intro course with Nobby was the most informative and educational firearms training Iv done. It’s a must for anyone wishing to pickup a firearms for the first or seasoned shooter. I can comfortably say it was well worth it. Will be back very soon. R Tous

I fully enjoyed the special forces experience hosted by mark he gave us a excellent day teaching us a lot about guns showing how to fire and dismantle them safely would definitely recommend the experience

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

I did a Bespoke Firearms Training course with Mark in September 2025, to prepare me for my first trip deer stalking, My goal was learn firearms safety procedures, rifle operation, and marksmanship skills, and the training absolutely delivered on this. Mark is extremely experienced and an excellent teacher, and went through everything with the right level of detail, always making sure safety was number one. In the second half of the training we did live firing with .22 and .308 rifles, and gave me ongoing feedback to help improve my shooting and build up a foundation. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the experience has made me keen to practice further. Having started with zero experience in using a rifle, I now feel that I have a basic level of competence and confidence. I would thoroughly recommend Shooting Solutions, and I will happily work with Mark again for future training.

Course was tailored to myself and educational. Mark (instructor) has a wealth of knowledge & was very approachable and easy to talk to. Enjoyed learning from him and his ethos - safety first ! Simple methods & overall an enjoyable day.

Thanks to Nobby at STS for the special forces firearms experience day that I attended yesterday (19th Sept ‘25) I had a great time from beginning to end. To hear him talk about his long and extremely distinguished military career during the first part of the day in such an understated and grounded manner had me hooked from the start. Honestly incredible. The shooting that followed was also great fun, carried out in an excellent range facility and instructed by the best of the best with clarity and patience. Nobbys the real deal for sure. I will be coming back for another day and I’ll be bringing my work mates who I’m sure will also love it as well! Thanks Nobby! Pistols next time! All the best, Jon

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

I attended a classroom based , bespoke, 1-2-1 firearms course. I cannot praise Mark enough. Mark taught me at my pace, not his. Nothing was rushed, he always made sure I understood, before moving onto another task. The attention to detail on every task, the support and making sure I carry out the action, not just talk about it, is the best learning I have had. The knowledge and real world experience Mark brings, is why he is the best in the business. I’ve already requested another course. Can’t wait until next time.

Thanks to Marks admin. and organisational skills the trip couldn't have gone better! Everything from the transport and accommodation through to the range facilities was top notch, as was Marks expert (and patient!!) tuition. A healthy amount of ammo was used in a good selection of weapon systems. Mark also proved to be a great host in the evenings, either by cooking at the house or taking me to some lovely local bars and eating places. Highly recommended!

Very good.. Interesting and informative with some cracking stories from Nobby. Thanks for a great day.

Absolutely first class experience. All travel , accommodation. food and admin spot on as always. excellent range facilities. Inspired teaching by Mark. Intensive pistol training first two days. Shooting with accuracy essential from a variety of ranges. Last day CQB with obstacles using M4 and Glock drills. Hard work but so rewarding. Mark has the experience and temperament to draw the best from his students. Im so pleased with the whole package that words, somehow, are inadequate. Highly recommended. None better.

Just returned from my second trip to France with Mark on the Ultimate Special Forces Experience—and once again, it didn’t disappoint. We spent three days on the range, building on the knowledge Mark has shared with me over the past five years of training. By the end of the course, I was genuinely impressed with the level of shooting proficiency Mark helped me achieve—it far exceeded my expectations. As always, the equipment was top-notch, the range facilities have continued to improve, and the entire trip was smooth and thoroughly enjoyable. Huge thanks to Mark for the excellent instruction and another fantastic experience!

Very professional and safe. Meticulous attention to detail, no shortcuts. This is not about blasting away at targets, it is about professionalism. (You do get to do some shooting). Can be hard work, but you learn a lot.

Mark is an inspirational teacher. We came to the course with no previous experience. Mark explained patiently and clearly how to handle the weapon safely, what the risks are, how to strip the weapon, and how to use it. Mark gave us the right amount of practice so that we could complete each task independently before moving on. Mark's teaching generated a good team feeling for our group. Mark's marksmanship notes were clear and gave us a good starting point for practical exercises. Mark's excellence with the subject matter and experience of teaching are impressive. He knew exactly how to get the best from us. We all had a fantastic time and learned a lot.