B Cook
This course is a great day experience. It’s really good starting point for someone looking to get into shooting, as a result it was perfect for me. Marksmanship isn’t the primary focus of the course, but it is covered and two days after attending the course I have that found my marksmanship has improved.
Nobby is a very affable person, he takes you through everything clearly and calmly, there is absolutely zero stress. In terms of safety it is faultless. Nobby knows exactly where everyone is and what they are doing as he issues clear instructions and ensures all the exercises or drills are correctly executed.
I would recommend the course to any shooting novice who wants to broaden their weapon handling and shooting experience or anyone just wants an enjoyable day experience in the company of someone who is world class in his respective field.
Special Forces Firearms Experience
3rd March 2020 Amélie Rossetti
I had been so much looking forward to attending this course and one main thing I can say is that this course succeeded in reaching all of my expectations and more! With a variety of attendees (more or less experienced), we all learned something and it challenged us all. I cannot thank enough our two instructors for their professionalism and their patience. Safety is the key word for this course!
Corporate Team Building Firearms Day
20th December 2019 Seema Rajapaksa
I had the pleasure of attending the FEAR course and being an absolute beginner to this, felt after the four days, I learnt so much. The course is intensive, both class-room and hands on; so a great way of learning and interacting with the subject matter. Both the trainers were professional, extremely knowledgeable about their respective subject areas and patient. This course has certainly built up my confidence and basic knowledge.
Corporate Team Building Firearms Day
18th December 2019 M L
The key to this course is focussed attention to detail: the critical element to working safely and effectively in the proximity of firearms and explosives. If you want to learn every variant of SIG pistol ever manufactured and be an armchair firearms expert, pick another course (though I've no doubt the instructors know them all). If you want to start from scratch and be confidently, meticulously prepared for fundamental weapon documentation and handling activities, this is the course for you. Likewise if you've been working with or in proximity to weapons for some time, and want to have your learned incompetence comprehensively and graciously unpicked, this is also the course for you. Very highly recommended.
Corporate Team Building Firearms Day
17th December 2019 James Bevan
The methods used in this course derive from 40 years of SF experience and an equivalent dose of C-IED and ammunition technical expertise. I cannot imagine anything beating it. The course is perfectly balanced to deliver skills training in the safest and most effective way. Participants who put in the effort—and it’s appropriately tough—should expect to leave the course streets ahead of when they started. Whatever level of experience you have, the FEAR course will take you to another level of understanding: both of your own limitations and where you need to go to improve.
Corporate Team Building Firearms Day
17th December 2019 Mihai Serban
My wife and I received this training as a gift. Because we live in Germany, we landed on Gatwick airport, and drove to Sherborne. The area is very nice, quiet and people very friendly. Although the city is small you can choose from a variety of accommodations and very nice restaurants.
As instructed, we arrived at the location 15 minutes before 9 a.m. and Mark welcomed us with coffee and tea. We started with introducing ourselves first, being somewhat distracted by the firearms carefully positioned in the training room. For us it was the first contact with such weapons, so it was a good introduction in what was about to follow.
After me and my wife told Mark what we do and what we expect from the day, it was his turn to tell us something about himself. What followed was a presentation of his activity starting from the early days, which turned out to be a combination of war and history movie, the main difference being the fact that the main character was standing near you. A collection of personal photos and videos projected on the wall together with his story telling made us hold our breaths and stop blinking multiple times.
After some time we started to discuss the theory of firearms, and about safety. We realized later during the day how important safety is for Mark. After that we went to the shooting range, where there were 2 tables with one firearm on each. We learned to assemble and disassemble them, always keeping in mind safety.
During the second part of the day, after we had a nice lunch prepared by Mark, we applied what we thought we learned. We realized the feeling is different when holding a loaded weapon, but Mark was patient enough, and we went through the steps multiple times until we got it right. What followed was the real shooting, where Mark trained us on multiple aspects from holding the weapon to always hitting the target. We used two different firearms, and I don’t remember how many magazines, but I can tell there were many, because we had to reload them ourselves.
The training ended in the afternoon, shortly before 4 p.m.. From my point of view everyone who wants to get a first contact with firearms should take such training, because it always focuses on safety. After that day, I look at firearms in a different way, understanding the risks and knowing what I should do, but, more importantly, what I shouldn’t do in the matter of weapons.
After we said goodbye to Mark, we ended our day in a nice restaurant after visiting the local shops. It’s worth being mentioned, because I didn’t see this many local shops as I saw in Sherborne.
Thank you Nobby, it was a great day.
Special Forces Firearms Experience
17th November 2019 Thomas Multon
Mark is a very patient and understanding instructor. Out of the two days I had with him he has taught me to handle firearms in a safe manner while correctly handling them. He has helped me to expand my love of shooting and I would be happy to be taught by him again.
Bespoke Firearms Course
16th November 2019 Michael Hornung
I have been to a few ranges around the world but this experience was head and shoulders above anything that I have seen before both in content, safety and the experience of the instructor. The morning flew by listening to Mark "Nobby" Knowles' 33 years of special forces experiences and we could have gone all day asking questions. The handling and safety drills were superb with Nobby managing to instill military discipline in such a friendly way that you never felt stupid even if you got it wrong. The shooting was excellent with Nobby managing to coax the best out even the most wayward shot.
A perfect day out for any group - kids or adults.
Special Forces Firearms Experience
5th November 2019 Henry Leach
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.
Corporate Team Building Firearms Day
4th November 2019 Guillermo Muradas
Mark has a outstanding knowledge and his teaching skills are fantastic. I had a one to one course with him as I was struggling to have a proper handle to hold a pistol. After the morning presentation we went down to the range where I could put in practice all the theory I've learned earlier and with his clear commands and explanation when you do something wrong, I've managed to increase my confidence and get the shots to the target accurately.
I was very tired at the end of the day, but I don't regret any minute spent with Mark. The knowledge and confidence I have now with just a one day course with him is priceless.
I absolute recommend this course, you will not regret it.
Thank you very much Mark for your time and to share your experience which for me is extraordinary and I'm proud of you and feel privileged to have the opportunity to have you as a instructor.
G
2nd November 2019 Alex Garcia
I mean "crash course" in the best possible sense. Our group was mixed; some with previous military and de-mining experience while others had no such relevant experience. The training was extremely valuable for all regardless of prior experience (or lack thereof). The instructors were both knowledgeable (quite an understatement) and skilled at communicating the material to students eager to learn. Highly recommended for those with a genuine desire to improve their skills and understanding.
Corporate Team Building Firearms Day
1st November 2019 Rob Perkins
I recently attended a five-day bespoke course as part of my work for an organisation that documents weapons, ammunition, and related materiel that has been recovered from armed actors in conflict environments. This course, run by two instructors with unparalleled experience and exceptional knowledge, provided myself and my colleagues with a thorough grounding in how to safely conduct ourselves around potentially unsafe weapons, ammunition, or IED components. The course was a well-designed balance of theory and practical hands-on drills. As someone who had no prior experience with handling weapons, I found the pace and detail of the course to be extremely well-structured. The drills in safe-weapon handling in particular steadily ramped up the transition from directed repetition to confident and careful self-sufficiency. I can highly recommend it for anyone looking to learn from a world-class instructor.
Corporate Team Building Firearms Day
31st October 2019 Chris Natale
received several days' training, followed by a practical exam, from STS-instructor Mark "Nobby" Knowles, as mandated by my organisation prior to deployments to document small arms flows in conflict-affected environments. The course was detailled and challenging, with a good balance of classroom instruction and hands-on practical drills and coaching. Nobby brings his military specialist background to bear as an instructor, but his methods, with an emphasis on safe and confident handling of different types of weapons, are effective for people from all walks of life. I would definitely recommend and look forward to doing further training sessions with Shooting Training Solutions.
Corporate Team Building Firearms Day
31st October 2019 James Hilton
Mark runs a first class operation. He effortlessly translates his extraordinary service record and experience into an actionable, understandable and intensive educational course.
After completing your due diligence and reading reviews, you always hope for the best when booking something like this. Most times the experience meets expectation, sometimes it falls short, this though has been one of only a few times where my expectations have been far exceeded.
If you’re looking for firearms instruction, there is no one better.
Bespoke Firearms Course
18th October 2019 Richard Zirps
This truly is the ULTIMATE bespoke and excellent safe weapons handling course with 100% one-on-one all round instructions and hassle free organisation and service in well run high standard facilities. It´s an intense but super gratifying experience. The whole experience is totally hassle free, the training an shooting is testing but very satisfying, it´s hard work but also relaxing at the same time as Nobby and the chaps on the range are super nice and fun - great company! The fact of having the range and the house for exclusive use for the 5 day course ensures one can shoot various weapons systems not available the UK combined with maximum relaxation and the chance to ask Nobby all the questions you ever wanted to ask relating to weapons & experiences. Overall an incredible experience and coming away a much more proficient shooter and safe weapons handler. I will go back!
The Ultimate Special Forces European Experience
13th October 2019 Angus Brewer
A perfect combination for an enjoyable excursion. The content of the talk in the morning is astonishing, fascinating, eye opening even. The shooting in the afternoon hits all the right buttons, it is informative, relaxed and enjoyable with a competitive edge.
Special Forces Firearms Experience
30th September 2019 Ben Huda
Nobby has put together a fantastic day. Its a great balance of hearing about the grit required to be a special forces operator whilst also learning about firearms in a safe environment and naturally some shooting. I highly recommend.
Special Forces Firearms Experience
4th September 2019 Jenny Grey
The day started with a review of the instructor Nobby’s extensive experience, which was both inspiring and served to reinforce respect for every bit of advice he gave. We then learned about the mechanics of the weapons and then about taking apart and reassembling one. After lunch we were on to the range and that was excellent fun even as safety and respect for the weapons was paramount. A fantastic day.
Special Forces Firearms Experience
2nd September 2019 Chris Ticehurst
A very enjoyable and informative well presented experience.
I would highly recommend the courses
Special Forces Firearms Experience
28th August 2019 Robert Varey
Fantastic and very well presented course run by Mark. Made it very easy to understand the weapons I used which were the M4 and Ak47. I only had time to fit it in 1 day but his experience in teaching made it clear and understanding for me to now go onto my close protection course in a couple of weeks. Great job and would like to do more work soon.
Bespoke Firearms Course
26th August 2019 Mary Paxton
I was spellbound within the first hour listening to ‘Nobby’s’ personal experiences with the SBS etc, and the course just went from strength to strength. ‘Nobby’ was very easy and interesting to talk to, and everything we needed was well catered for. I learnt more on this 1 day course, than I have in my 1 years experience with gun handling, and am already checking the calendar to see when I can go again!
Special Forces Firearms Experience
24th August 2019 Joseph De Michele
What an eye opener we booked this course because we wanted to learn more about handling firearms safely and didn't want another shooting gallery experience IE pay your money and pull the trigger Mark’s knowledge experience and practical demonstrations are amazing the day flew past and we left wanting more.
We will be back thanks Mark for a brilliant day
Special Forces Firearms Experience
23rd August 2019 Gurpreet Sehmi
This has to be one of the best experiences I've ever had. The training from Mark 'Nobby' Knowles was second to none. He has the most brilliant training techniques, matched with a patient, caring and supportive persona to help the most amateur of shooters (me). The training was fully comprehensive, from understanding the anatomy of a weapon, appreciating its actual, and tailored function, and practicing the best way to position yourself and the weapon to achieve a targeted shot. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in shooting techniques, and being spoilt rotten by Nobby (who also catered amazingly to my dietary needs). Thank you for an amazing experience.
The Ultimate Special Forces European Experience
20th August 2019 Ciaran Merrigan
Amazing experience. Not your standard - here's a gun, fire away and hope for the best. Really got to understand the weapons and how they work, including taking it apart, testing it afterwards and then safe usage. The marksmanship training was exceptional and really improved my accuracy in a very short time.
The Ultimate Special Forces European Experience
19th August 2019 Colin Campbell
Mark ‘Nobby’ Knowles is an accomplished teacher and excellent host. The experience is demanding and excels at skills development. It is also a unique respite from the humdrum of daily life.
The Ultimate Special Forces European Experience
18th August 2019