Course Testmonials

I asked Mark Knowles of STS to provide a course of tuition in pistol safety and weapons handling, he more then exceeded my expectations. Mark is a highly experienced tutor whose emphasis on safety is of the highest quality his knowledge of the correct use of grip, stance and aiming technique is unsurpassed a highly informative and well spent few days. I will be returning for more tuition .

an excellent opportunity to learn from such a wealth of knowledge and experience that Mark has gained and perfected in his 33 years of UKSF, the delivery of the course and the assistance and attention given is outstanding, I have bought home a whole new skill set that has stayed well in my mind, I will keep practicing and demonstrate my improvements on the next course that I book. looking forward to applying my new skills at my HOA club

I took my 3 sons, ages 11 - 16 with me on the course, and all of us learned lots and had a great time. We were all stretched, especially mentally. Mark was welcoming and extremely patient (really, really patient). I am so glad that my boys have had a safe, authoritative introduction to real firearms, and I believe this will serve them well. I have no hesitation in recommending the course to ... almost anyone, really ... but especially if you would like to learn what it is like to handle a real firearm in a safe environment.

I signed up for this course with a couple of friends (fellow firearms novices) to try something new and also use the experience to add some realism into my writing. I didn't realise that shooting would prove so addictive - am itching to have another go and improve my marksmanship skills. Our instructor, Nobby, was brilliant - he looked after us very well, was thorough in his explanations (and patient!!), always with an emphasis on safety. I didn't at any time feel like I was in danger (from myself or fellow attendees!). It was very interesting and inspiring to hear the story of his military career. All in all, a brilliant day that I would recommend to anyone.

I signed up for this day more as a friends bonding day out than for anything else. However, as a result of attending and really enjoying Nobby’s instruction, a couple of us are thinking of getting further teaching in target shooting. None of us had shot before but Nobby is a fantastic instructor and a really inspiring person to be around. We were a group of women and would definitely encourage more to try this out.

I had never had any experience or training with live firearms before and found this course extremely Educational with the safe use of firearms and how to use them properly. The training given was 5/5 and a walked away feeling confident. The instructor was friendly and the day was well planned and prepared, I never lost interest. Learning about the what the special forces did and still do amazes me. I would recommend this course to anyone.

Had a fantastic one to one weekend course. Very intensive and full of content. Excellent tuition from Mark and looking forward to getting out to France for a week course.

A great way to learn about the safe handling of firearms and to gain the key skills needed to shoot in safety. Mark, the instructor, communicates his knowledge and experience in a confident and friendly way. With the small group, each of us received plenty of individual attention. A great day, overall.

As modest about his achievements as mark is he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He is a calm and collected instructor, who will explain everything you need to know so that you can achieve an understanding of the weapon system, how it works and most important the SAFETY procedures. Do not fool yourself into thinking you will be on the range in the first 10 minutes you must understand the components first or to think that you can be in the pub till midnight every night. You have to pay attention, listen to the instruction and most of all enjoy yourself. With those three things you will have a brilliant course, actually understand the weapon and achieve a lot in a short period of time. I couldn’t recommend this training centre enough.

The weeklong experience was part of an in-house training by our organization and aimed at improving our practical skills when deployed for documentation in war affected areas. Certainly the best training I attended, regardless the field. Instructors are versatile and can adapt their teaching precisely to your needs. The director, Mark "KNobby" Knowles, spent decades in operations worldwide - and that clearly shows. (He also makes great sandwiches) The venue is surrounded by B&Bs, easy to access and situated in a lovely town. Would definitely recommend, and will gladly come back for further trainings.

Having had very limited experience with firearms I was amazed at how quickly Mark instilled safety procedures and drills to myself and the other members of the course. With his disciplined approach to instructing and his attention to detail we all finished the course with a great amount of confidence in handling a number of different weapons systems and the desire to learn more.

I've previously received weapon safety and shooting training, but never experienced anything like this. Mark was incredibly knowledgable if not a bit tough and insisted on breaking all old habits, instilling confidence and capability in the process. His shooting training was excellent and he quickly realized I am left eye dominant, which no previous shooting instructor had identified. He has an outstanding variety of weapons to learn on and we had a great time on the course.

My wife and I recently attended the Special Forces Shooting Experience with Shooting Training Solution. Mark Knowles provided an excellent course all round. Delivered in a very relaxed and informal manner Mark began the day by giving insights into his impressive background career in the UKSF. After this we moved on to safe operating procedures and marksmanship principles before getting hands on with familiarisation with the AK and M4 platforms and associated operating drills. In the afternoon we progressed to the live fire phase of the day, shooting from standing, kneeling and prone positions under the keen and watchful eye of Mr Knowles. I was was extremely impressed when Mark watched and observed my shooting and after assessing my target give me a small hint on my shooting stance which tightened my groupings. The day cumlminated with a friendly competition amongst the participants with a shoot using a scoped bolt action rifle. Mark is a fantastic instructor with a wealth of experience. Superb day all round.

A grate corse for anyone who wants to know how to operate a weapon safely, The corse instructor was awesome he really knows what he is talking about and his Military carrier was very impressive, I will be undertaking more firearms training with STS.

As soon as I arrived to the training ground I was welcomed by Mark and offered hot drinks etc, such a nice guy with skills to match.. I have never handled some of the weapon systems mark had to offer and his knowledge on them and skill set was TOP NOTCH, I'm pretty confident if I ever find one in my line of work that I can now make it safe.. The mechanics of some of the weapon systems were a little to take on, but I'm sure after a few more sessions mark would get you stripping these down "blindfolded" because his instruction is so clear and direct Live firing was not just fun but safety was at the highest level at all times "how it should be" all in all Mark Knowles is at the very top of the game Tier One

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!

The course was well organised and was professionally run.I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is planning to join the Maritime Industry. The instructors knowledge and experience was second to none.

Attended a two day bespoke firearms training course which I thoughrily enjoyed. Mark delivers unrivaled tuition and professionalism which only comes forms the British military. Have already booked a second visit to further my knowledge.

This is our second time training with Mark. It was planned as a follow on from the Special Forces Firearms Experience 2-day course we undertook early this year. The bespoke course focus was on primary weapons, 1-day AK74 and 1-day M4 giving a deeper understanding of each weapons system and how to use them through a safety-first approach. Each activity supported the next, building context, understanding, knowledge and confidence concurrently. At the end of each day what you have learnt is pressure tested in a competition against each other adding an extra challenge. I 100% recommend this training course.

This course is very professionaly run,the instruction is excellent and I came away feeling that I had learnt a great deal. I can not recommend it enough.

This was my second time on a two-day weekend course with Mark, working primarily on the AK-47 and and M4 systems. Mark is an extremely patient and meticulous instructor, always emphasising safety first, but who also sets the pace expertly so that each student is pushed right to the limit of his or her capabilities. If you want to get into shooting in a responsible and safe way, look no further.

Returned for more training. Increasing pace and complexity Mark ramps up the intensity each time. I feel myself becoming more relaxed and natural with every session. He really is an excellent teacher who knows how to get the best from a trainee. 0ver 30 years of experience really shows in his calm logical approach and the inside hints that only an operative of his calibre can share. Preparing for another French trip in May with full calibre and an interesting variety of weapons and techniques. Multiple weapon drills, movement and smooth magazine changes. Great experience. Great Instructor.

Myself and my wife completed this excellent course over 2 days. The instruction was second to none and Marks professionalism shone through throughout. I would really recommend this and have already signed up for my next experience.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable day with Mark 'Nobby' Knowles, an interesting introduction from Mark giving an insight into his career. We then went into the practical exercises, with emphasis on the safety aspects of using weapons and then the live firing, in which I have learn't a couple of techniques to improve my shooting accuracy. Thank you Mark and I would recommend anybody wishing to have some training, to attend one of your specialised courses.

Excellent tutor. A lot of knowledge passed on. Will definitely come again for other topics