Course Testmonials

The course covered contemporary assault weapons used in many theatres. Mark Knowles is an instructor of exceptional quality as one would expect with his notable background. The course admin was par excellence and his presentation skills were exemplary. He gently led me out of my comfort zone but by the time the course finished I felt confident and keen to learn more! Surgeon Commander Mike Edwards

I would strongly recommend Mark Knowles Firearms training to anyone who is looking to venture into the Security industry or if to refresh their firearms skills. Its provides excellent facility's, a training group no bigger than 4 personal and is instructed by a true professional who's CV talks for its self. A very enjoyable and educational day spent. Thumbs Up

Mark Knowels is at the top of his game. I have no experience what so ever with fire weapons and Mark never gave up on me. Learned a lot.Constantly applying the pressure and information I so much desired. Back soon. Thanks you.

Training with Mark on the 2 day land base Firearms course on various weapons was better than none. Mark with his years of experience in the security industry really helps onto those, especially trying to get into CP Work out on Hostile Environment.The training really helps to bring my skills up to standard again and being competent on the use of various firearms. I would highly recommend Shooting Training Solutions for people looking to enhance their skills on different weapons mainly use in the CP line of duty.

A good day all-round, not only on the weapons and practical aspects of firearms handling but touching on legality, current affairs and insider knowledge from around the security world. Every time I require a refresher I look about for better courses but there isn't anything coming close on content or cost.

This is the 4th time that I've attended STS course. I come back because it's a good course. The instruction is 2nd to none and it's great to get hands on the different weapon systems. I thoroughly recommend the course, which I already have and I will see you again next year. Cheers for a great refresher course. Joe

An excellent course, Mark has a wealth of knowledge and combined with his professional approach and teaching style gives a great learning environment.

Mark ran a superb two day training course which was designed to cover key refresher skills. It demonstrated just how much you have forgotten and how much you still have to learn. A very well taught course with a logical progression to all aspects of the training, which only comes from an individual with vast relevant experience. A busy, focused course which was highly enjoyable and surpassed expectations.

Once again the admin, course instruction and format were excellent - I wouldn't expect any less from Nobby. The course structure logically follows from updates regarding the industry (some which we don't hear on the water) through clear, safe weapon handling procedures and maintenance onto the shoot with quality marksmanship principle advice. The stance including stoppage drills was a good beasting and got everyone working hard through their individual stoppages. Once again I came away feeling confident that I had learnt new things, improved my drills and am sure Ill be back next year - excellent course and excellent value for money.

Really enjoyed my course with Mark. His wealth of knowledge, in harms way experience and his calm, easy to understand and patient training methods have left me confident in weapon safety and handling. The venue is perfect and Marks hospitality is second to none, along with his professionalism. He is the real deal. I will be back for my next session soon. Thank you Mark.

I have been in the army for just about 7 and 1/2 years and I can vouch for the fact the training I received excels far beyond any weapons training I've received. Mark's method of teaching is very effective. His calm demeanor and patience with the students makes learning easier .His many years of experience with SF definitely shows through his instruction and skill at arms. I am looking forwards to booking a few more lessons to come away fully trained and certified, in order to be a step ahead of my peers at work and I believe Mark's courses would accelerate my career progression.

So Mark's training course is undoubtedly the best firearms training you'll get in the civilian world, from expert instruction based on decades of experience, course structure, equipment, facilities, attention to detail and most importantly the lessons are based and build around the student. I attended a 1:1 session over 2 days, struggled a little bit on day1, but due to Mark's relaxed teaching made good progress overcoming my own shortcomings, to become very confident in dealing with most scenarios Mark threw at me both in the classroom and on the range.

If you pride yourself on doing things properly and look for your best personal results then Shooting Training Solutions is a no brainer they are without doubt second to none and they are also the only ISO 9001 UKAS Accredited. The course is very well delivered and easy to understand. I highly recommend Shooting Training Solutions for anyone looking for the Maritime Firearms Competency certification.

Many thanks to MK "Nobby" for an exceptional days training. An ex-serving member of HM Forces my current job though not military related requires that I carry and use firearms in public places for Deer Management and Pest/Vermin Control The course gave me unrivaled tuition as part of my commitment to CPD covering Safety, Safe Weapon Handling, and Marksmanship Principles. The advice on breathing techniques saw my grouping reduced and the competition at the end brought the competitiveness out in my three colleagues also attending. A faultlessly delivered course run by an outstanding instructor which all four of us enjoyed immensely. Highly Recommend..

Mark designed a tailored 2-day course for me based on my very limited knowledge and experience with firearms. Mark adjusted the training and instruction based on my speed of comprehension and skill development. He also always provided context behind each drill which made becoming familiar and confident with the weapons easier. The course moved quickly and covered 3 weapons systems (M16, AK47, H&K) in the classroom and culminated with live drills using all 3 systems on the range. Based on Mark's experience and paramount focus on safety this course is accessible and invaluable to anyone looking to learn. I walked away feeling more confident and learning more than I expected and I look forward to arranging another course with Mark in the future.

This was my fourth time on the course, as always it was very well run and very informative. Nobby is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to the maritime industry, he has a lot of information that we dont get to hear about on the water, some of it quite shocking. Its worth attending just for the information. The course now is an absolute bargain and having shopped around you wont get a better price anywhere, which is great with the wages constantly heading south.

It is a real privilege to be trained by someone of such extraordinary experience and competence. Training to handle a lethal weapon with live rounds requires a balance between gaining complete respect for the equipment and the effects it can have and keeping the day engaging and interesting. Mark achieved that and a great deal more. It was an exceptional day, shared in complete safety with my son (the better marksman !) Robin Creswell.

This was a 1 day, father and son course organised via my sons school. There were 6 people in total, so very personal. Mark introduced himself and gave us a small, but intriguing insight into his career ( I could have listened all day!). We then went onto the range and were shown how to breakdown and reassemble a weapon. Prior to doing any actual shooting we were given very specific instructions and drills with an emphasis on safety. The shooting itself was great and Mark introduced a small element of competition which made the day great fun. All in all , we both learned a lot ( from a low base) , and had a great father and son bonding day. couldnt recommend if highly enough.

Mark "Nobby" Knowles is a highly skilled professional who has dedicated his adult life to the military service of his country. If you are serious about receiveing the "Best" firearms training, by a seasoned professional then you need to look no further. Mark, I would like to thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge in so many areas as it pertains to commerical armed security within the Maritime Industry. Thank You for you friendship. Best Mike

This was my 3rd time doing the course again with Mark, and I'm please to say; that it still remains a very well run course. The level of instructing and professionalism throughout is of a very high standard and I am certain that anyone who wishes to attend the course, would not be disappointed. Thank you M. Knowles, Ray

I had never handled any firearms before and Mark provided a safe and professional environment for me to learn the basics of handling some well known weapons. (M16, AK 47 and Bolt Action Rifle) Very enjoyable and highly recommended.

Shooting Training Solutions set the standard in firearms training and certification to which all other providers should aspire. I fully intend to use Shooting Training Solutions again in the near future.

I attended a bespoke 2 day course taloilired to my needs, although never handled a weapon before Mark Knowles took me through everything I needed to know in order to handle and fire the weapon safely including workings of weapons. Thoroughly enjoyable and informative, Mark is a very patient instructor with a wealth of knowledge. I'd highly recommend Mark Knowles to anyone wishing to gain knowledge or anyone wishing to progress further with their training.

I attended a one day course with Mark "Nobby" Knowles which was tailored to my needs. I gained confidence in handling weapon systems and knowledge that will help me to progress on my Police AFO course. Excellent facilities and training.

Attended course to provide familiarisation of weapon systems before my Police AFO course. Excellent course tailored to my requirements. Excellent trainer with excellent facilities. Gave me confidence and a basic knowledge to take forward.