Course Testmonials

As a complete beginner who had never held a weapon before I was quite nervous to start but Mark put me at ease and the information on day 1 was so interesting that I quite forgot to be nervous. Informative, challenging and out-of-my-comfort-zone are words that come to mind. My course was for two days and in retrospect, I probably needed another day to compute everything as I had become rather confused by day 2. The range on the afternoon of day 2 was extremely enjoyable. Mark has given me the basics and a more professional teacher you could not find. I'm happy to say that I have quite a good aim! Thank you Mark.

I've been in the maritime security industry for six years now and have used several different training providers for firearms courses and can honestly say that STS is not only the best value for money but is head and shoulders above the others in terms of the level of instruction. Aside from the actual weapons training which is exceptional, you are also provided with an in-depth and up to date int brief plus a presentation on the legalities of maritime law which are scarcely even mentioned with other providers. I recommend this course to anybody in the industry.

This is now my third year with STS and as always Nobby offers outstanding tuition, practice and testing throughout the course every year I have gone back to STS I have learned something knew. Nobby just doesn't cover weapons familiarization he also covers implications behind the Law understanding and gives you a up to date piracy and terrorism brief on what's happing throughout world. I will be more than happy to recommend this course to anyone. Thank you Mark.

Everything about this course was excellent from minute I arrived to end-ex. Will be returning for phase 2 without a doubt

This is definitely the best ran course I've completed during the four years I've been in maritime security. Combining a great mixture of tuition, practice and testing, Nobby, who is an excellent instructor covers all the relevant points related to firearms in the industry and gives a very good insight to the legal points not usually discussed. Using well maintained weapons in an excellent training environment with the highest level of instruction I would certainly recommend this course to anyone wanting to do an excellent course at a great price - Many thanks Mr Knowles . . . See you next year

I've just completed my second bespoke training course with Nobby from STS. This course focused on gaining experience in the weapons systems used a particular police firearms unit, prior to assessment. Nobby is extremely efficient when setting up the course. Once the details of the course were agreed, a clear time line was set up so each step of the process could be completed at the correct time. the research and preparation for the course was excellent, each component having an important context and reason for inclusion. The classroom aspect of the course enabled the important safety features of each weapon system to be practised in order that all the range work would be safe. The calm and knowledgeable delivery really helped my learning experience. The range work was huge fun, but incredibly valuable. Despite previously completing a 2 day bespoke course, I was aware that there were a number of improvements I needed to make. The difference in the accuracy of my shooting with both the Glock 17 and MP5 was very pleasing, as I was able to maintain a good level of accuracy in a range of positions. More importantly, I now feel able to self assess my shooting, understanding what adjustments I may need to make to my technique in order to be more accurate The quality of the instruction from Nobby is the stand out feature for any course offered by STS. I felt safe at all times and responded well to Nobby's approachable style. It was a real privilege to be instructed by someone with his background. I would not hesitate to book another session with Nobby and STS.

Really learnt alot and the instructor was best to none.Highly recommend this to anyone.

Good course run with an informal feel, and the small number of students on each course helps with the teaching process. Good instruction on a variety of weapons, and good value for money.

Attended a Bespoke Firearms training course with Nobby at firearms training solutions specifically geared towards my acting career, the use of firearms for film combat and live firearms excecise. Weapons were provided in relation to my needs and all safety, handling, maintenance and emergency drills were thoroughly covered before live action drills on the range. Really enjoyed this eye opening experience and even gained a firearms qualification having never fired live ammunition before and more importantly the confidence and safety and experience of using live firearms that goes far beyond any stage or screen combat training. Instuctor was friendly, well disciplined and highly informative (all questions answered) and provided a wealth of experience that went far beyond expectations. I will definitely be attending further training with Nobby in regard to future filming projects.

Nobby's experience and professionalism is second to none. Course was delivered in a practical terms, with all instruction relevant to the maritime industry. A wide array of weapon systems are available for hands on use, all of which are currently being used out on the ground.The drills taught are above all SAFE, but with tactical considerations also put into play. The range work is excellently thought out with practical scenarios introduced as the training progresses. It is not just a duty attend! I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a firearms competency certificate.

Mark, has evolved this course yet again into a highly practical and totally relevant tool for MSO's. Full credit for an up to date presentation that has not one short coming. A very worthwhile course for anyone to attend.

The course is very well presented and covers all aspects of firearms in a maritime role. Particular attention on the legal issues raised would benefit any operator, experienced or new to the industry.

Mark put together a weapons familiarisation, safety, handling and shooting course for an upcoming expedition that will spend a year in the DR Congo. He provided training on the major weapons systems that the team would be likely to encounter, incl AK47, M-16, H&K G3, SLR, bolt-action rifles and variants of the above. Expedition team members arrived with no effective weapons knowledge but left with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of safe handling and firing of those weapons, and with an understanding of core weapons principles that will, if necessary, allow quick adaptation to any weapons system. The course was rigourous, with a relentless focus on safety, and the team was able to cover a lot of material in a short time. Highly recommended.

Outstanding

This was my second time attending Mark's course as I needed to renew my Firearms Competency Certificate. I managed to book on a course at very short notice which allowed me to be deployable again much quicker than expected. I thoroughly enjoyed the day's training and left feeling comfortable with all the drills on a variety of weapon systems likely to be used out on task. Mark was able to provide excellent training to his students regardless of their current weapon handling ability. I would recommend this course to anyone working or looking to work within the security industry. Thanks Mark see you next year.

This is my second time on Marks course and as with my first experience it was excellent, Marks instruction is as always very professional and provides you with good sound knowledge of various weapon systems you may well come across. The facilities and equipment are more than adequate and well looked after, again money well spent and would highly recommend Shooting Training Solutions to anyone. Thanks. John Henderson.

For the second time with Mark at S.T.S What to say? A really brilliant cool educational day with a very competent instructor. Arrived in Sherborne very late. Good B&B THE BAKEHOUSE with Malcolm being very helpful.

A well run course, which is always beneficial to get your hands on all different variants of weapons and adapting simplistic teaching methods that Nobby adopts. A good day of hands on and refresh training, and very enjoyable. Always good to meet a well experience man who's been there and seen it. Cheers

A well run course, which provided me with some very interesting knowledge about the industry and intelligence we can be naive to. Nobby was very good at presenting the course and understanding each weapon system. The range shoots were fun and insightful and overall and great day out on the range. Mark has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and it was a true pleasure meeting him.

Excellent course, Nobbys teaching on the various weapon systems shows his vast knowledge and experience. He makes the whole day easy to take in and takes the time to help you if you are struggling. I highly recommend choosing shooting training solutions to anyone who's either looking into doing a maritime weapon competency course or even just a refresher. Well worth the price and travel.

The level of instructions and resources that "Nobby" has is outstanding, a full on day of instruction, mentoring with great one to one if needed. The day is well worth the money and I look forward to doing my refresher next year.

Brilliant course. The day contains both theory and practical shooting skills that will enhance shooting for everyone who attends. Recommended.

a very good days course and a lot of detail carried out in depth! Anyone doing this course will learn something they did not! Godd instructional technique, superb knowledge! Well worth attending!!

Mark Knowles runs a very professional course with lots of content and plenty of useful information for various operatives in the industry. Good to be refreshed. Thank you Mark.

The 2 day course was great value for money, in the two days I was able to learn and fire multiple weapon systems comfidently due to the vast amount of experience and knowledge. Mark is very accommodating and relaxed which eased the learning. I'd highly recommend this course to anyone thinking of getting into the security industry or that has an interest in firearms.