Course Testmonials

Never having seen a real firearm, it was a real learn from nothing situation. I felt safe and hearing all the experiences of Nobby and his career was rather inspirational. Learning about how to strip the weapons and their safe usage was very reassuring. Nobby watched over each of us and was on hand at all times with guidance. We even managed to improve our aim over the afternoon. A great day, thank you.

Great 2 day course in Brittany with Mark. Meticulous admin as always Superbly professional instruction in M4. AK 47 and pistols Wonderful attention to detail and clear explanation of working parts and drills Great tactical instruction too from someone who has definitely been there. Done it. And doesn’t need to wear the T shirt !!! Accomodation and transport also excellent Thank you Mark for another extremely rewarding few days. The highest recommendation given. See you again soon.

Thank you Nobby for a truly memorable day, made all the more special by hearing the shared stories between you and the other in the group. Although the weapons training and shooting was clearly first class, it almost came second to the presentations, the discussions and generally just spending time in your company. You are indeed a true gent and one of life's treasureed encounters. See you again when we do something for the Bowra Foundation.

Absolutely brilliant day - Nobby has had a truly remarkable career and it was a pleasure to hear about it. Learning how to take apart an AK74 and an M16 was great fun, and then of course topped off by firing them (amongst other weapon systems). Range safety was top tier. Everyone left very happy!

What a great day we had with Mark. Learned plenty about him, his work, the rifles and how to shoot them properly. Pity it was just the one day and so I couldn't do a bit more to improve my shot!

The two-day training program was exceptionally informative and engaging. I gained valuable knowledge and skills, leaving me eager to learn more. Mark's expertise and dedication as an instructor were evident throughout the course. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a comprehensive firearms experience. I have encountered numerous individuals claiming to be instructors, but Mark's depth of knowledge and teaching ability far surpass the rest.

A memorable day I’d recommend to anyone who wants to experience weapons training of the highest level in a safe & professional environment.

Absolutely cracking day with, Nobby! was certainly an eye opener to see what the SBS get up to and all the thing's He has done in his career. The gun range was a great experience. Great day training with a great bloke. If you want to learn about the safe handling of guns and how to shoot then he is you man!

A fantastic day, thoroughly enjoyed our introduction to firearms and getting hands on.

Mark “Nobby “ provided brilliant training for our group on the special forces firearms experience day. Very attentive and knowledgeable. Lots learned and a thoroughly enjoyable day.

A fun, interesting, and thought-provoking day. Mark has had an amazing career, which he outlined in a very entertaining way. He then introduced us to working with a variety of weapons on the range, using most of his experience to keep his sense of humour while a bunch of muppets tested his patience. Seriously, there is probably no one in the world with greater practical experience of weapons and I can't imagine there are many better teachers. Highly recommended.

Thank you 'Nobby'. What an amazing day. Your knowledge is unbelievable, your achievements outstanding. The day was informative and fun. The competition at the end brought great joy. Thank you for all you have done and best wishes for everything you do in the future.

Excellent course, lots of useful information tied in with practical drills. There was 2 of us on the course which I actually really enjoyed, it gave me the opportunity to observe and learn whilst watching the other person as well as watching Nobby. I would highly recommend this course and will be looking to do it again in the future for ongoing Svalbard trips. Tim

I asked Nobby to provide a course based around the M4 platform, Nobby brought his years of skillful teaching and put together an excellent course helping me to familiarise myself with the weapon, its components , a full range of IA drills before moving on to the shooting phase where he coached me enabling me hone my groupings. Nobby is engaging and very patient and I would recommend his courses to anyone seeking proficiency in this realm.

Perfectly run course, filled with useful and practical information. Everything was presented in an understandable way and Mark was beyond helpful with learning the drills, can’t wait to come back.

Wow! What a tremendous day we had and from the moment we stepped through the door Mark made the day all about us. He gave us an insight into his special forces career and then on to weapons handling. On the afternoon we were on the range and we had a great time and he gave us what I can only describe as thorough one on one tuition so you left the course been able to hit the target competitively. Would definitely recommend and will definitely rebook. Thanks Mark Glenn

What a great day, I can thoroughly recommend this experience to everyone, Nobby was the perfect host and it was great to hear his stories and they set the scene for the day. I imagine people in the armed forces might be used to stripping down rifles, but as a first timer I found it to be great fun. The shooting is of course the best, and Nobby controls it perfectly, so it’s a very safe experience and entirely good fun. Thanks Nobby for a great day, I certainly recommend it wholeheartedly. Bob Boyd

HI Mark It was a fantastic day far exceeding my expectations and the value to the nation of our very special forces.. Very interesting and informative. The afternoon hands on shooting experience made us all realise just how much practise is required to become a proficient shooter. The competition between us was enjoyed by all. Thanks again for a very interesting day and hopefully may see you at Stourbridge Rugby Club before Christmas.

Excellent presentation and safety briefing. A real insight into current assault rifles, from their history, to development, the component parts, assembly and disassembly, prior to the actual firing of the weapons. A very good days instruction which I would recommend to anyone with an interest in this subject.

What a great day! and what a great instructor! Staring in the classroom Mark A.K.A Nobby Knowles took us through his career in the Marines and the Special Forces and what a career it was. This was followed by a session in the shooting range, on weapons safety, weapons handling and marksmanship. Nobby made the day into an experience to be remembered.

I doubt you will find a higher level of weapons handling instruction anywhere else in the world.

I was gifted the Special Forces Firearms Experience as a gift for my 30th Birthday. The experience was absolutely brilliant. Learning about Nobby’s experiences through the services and his incredible stories. We have gone on to do some weapons handling, stripping of weapons and then onto the range for an afternoon of shooting. The 4 of us throughly enjoyed the day and would highly recommend the experience!

Dear Nobby,. Thank you very much for an excellent day on Saturday. We were enthralled with your presentation of your career with the Marines and the SBS, and as a civilian with no military experience, I am so glad that there are incredible individuals like you that are willing to put yourself in harms way, for the benefit of our nation. Thank you for all your service, which is frankly extraordinary, and also the enormous amount of money you are raising for veterans and military charities. The weapons training and shooting experience, was great fun, very well delivered, and I felt absolutely safe under your control. I was nervous at first [stripping the AK47], and I think we all agreed you needed to keep an eye on me on the range! Thankfully my confidence grew, and the experience of handling and loading the weapons became enjoyable, and of course competitive with my two sons and brother in law. For the record, I preferred the MP5 - its elegant, simple design and operation suits my aversion to the other more complex weapons, and I also liked the sighting system. I think that the final shoot-off was surprisingly close, and I can report that my brother-in-law and I indeed bought the wagered curry for the rest of the family when we got home. Thank you again for a great day. I know that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, and it wouldn't surprise me if in years to come we're back again! Enjoy your next holiday, and thank you again.

An excellent day of instruction on the Glock 17, covering aspects from safe handling through to the shoot itself. Nobby was a fantastic instructor who improved my shooting tremendously.

If you are reading this testimonial, I have two words: book it. This was, by far, the finest training course I have attended. Mark (Nobby) was in touch with me throughout booking and tailored my course to my exact requirements, clearly doing the prep on his side to provide a bespoke course for my genuine safety and survival in the environment I would encounter. On the day, Nobby knew exactly how to ease me in to the process, clearly as a result of his many years of experience at the very highest levels of military service in the world. He trained me with precision and careful guidance, and knew where to assist if required, all without comprimising that I had understood the safety requirements I needed to leave with to be safe in the field. The theory and practical elements were both perfect and I cannot recommend STS enough. I feel I have gained a genuine skillset from my day with Nobby and I would love to go back to learn more.