Course Testmonials

Mark has been exceptional during my two day bespoke firearms course. He took my goals into consideration, and planned what I’d say is the most useful, informative course I could imagine. STS delivered this course efficiently, prioritising safety which Mark is very well versed in, from his prior, very admirable career. I’m certainly looking forward to being back soon. Thanks Mark

Excellent training.

Thankyou Mark for more excellent training utilising different weapon systems building on our previous training. You handled our party containing a range of age groups brilliantly with tact, humour and skill. All of us thoroughly enjoyed our time, particularly our mother who enjoyed her very own Clint Eastwood moment with a pistol! Thank you for looking after her. We will definitely be back to build towards a competency certificate. Great course! Great Trainer! Lawrence

On my two day firearms training course with Mark I learnt more than I ever expected to learn. Not only did I learn how to shoot accurately and safely, but I learnt the weapon systems inside and out as well. You can quickly tell that Mark has a lifetimes worth of professional experience in handling firearms and his training has got to be some of the best in the UK. I came away having learnt a lot and humbled as to how much more I have to learn. I will definitely be booking more training with Shooting Training Solutions in the future.

I recently participated in a bespoke firearms course in order to gain some basic weapon-handling skills for both fiction and journalistic writing. The course was, for lack of a better word, fantastic. The manner and etiquette by which the course was conducted was of the utmost professionalism, with both safety and confidence being an integral part of the training.   The real value, however, was the opportunity to spend two days in the company of Mark ‘Nobby’ Knowles, STS’ lead trainer and founder, and a man whose military carrier would look more at home on the pages of a Frederick Forsyth novel. Mark was kind, patient and humble, portraying his knowledge and experience without the slightest hint of egotism - a trait not always shared by those in his world.   All in all, the course was worth every penny. Now all I need is an excuse to do another.   Thanks, STS.   All the best, Andy Mills

I have been looking for a place to learn about pistol shooting and found the perfect class in Shooting Training Solutions. I contacted Mark "Nobby" Knowles, who promptly got back to me on what he had available for new students! If you are also interested then look no further because this is an excellent course that will help take your skills up another level - I guarantee it!! He patiently answered all my questions regarding safety precautions as well as technique during our time together and gave encouragement throughout! The course was extremely informative and well structured and it's given me such hope for improving myself as a shooter in general now that I've been able to take this great opportunity! I will be back to develop my skill further and will not train with anyone else! Thank you very much once again Mark ''Nobby’’!

An absolutely fantastic experience combining education about the special forces, mental discipline, firearms safety and firearms use. Inspirational and a truly special experience. I highly recommend.

Four of us had a truly memorable day with Mark. The firearms training was interesting, enjoyable and highly professional. The highlight was Mark's presentation of his childhood and long career in the Royal Marines and Special Forces. This was a story of determination, integrity and extraordinary courage against incredible odds, told with humour and modesty. Thank you for a very special day.

My girlfriend and I had such a great day with Mark who is exactly what you want from a firearms instructor. Patient, entertaining, personable and experienced as they come while an absolute professional when it comes to safety. He created a bespoke day for us. Both of us are inexperienced around firearms but he helped us grasp the basics and ensured that we were able to shoot a number of guns in a controlled and safe manner. We both saw massive improvements in our shooting in just one day. We will definitely be signing up for more

Training Days 7 and 8 with MK and the learning just gets deeper. Now competent with 6 separate weapons systems, able to explain some firearms mechanical theory and demonstrate safe, accurate practice on the range with all 6 weapons in a variety of applications and from an array of distances, stances, and approaches. Whether it's pistols or assault rifles that MK is instructing in the use of, the teaching is peerless and with no shadow of a doubt, best in class. Looking forward to Days 9 & 10 soon.

For any guides working in the Arctic region, Mark provides the perfect firearms course. The experience Mark has is unquestionable and quite frankly incredible! Coupled with a vast amount of knowledge, Mark is a very good one to one trainer as he moves the course at the pace of the trainee and explains everything thoroughly. I had received firearms training as a guide three years ago, however, I feel that Marks training is by far the most comprehensive I have had to date (and has opened my eyes to many things that I had not been taught in the past). I would definitely recommend Mark to any guides working in the Arctic region or to anyone who requires similar bespoke firearms courses. I will certainly be contacting him again if I need to refresh my training at any point. Ross Wheeler, Cornwall, UK

The course is a bespoke 5-day long annual training for staff working in the field. Mark proved once again that he is among the world's top instructors. He takes the time to carefully build muscle and brain memories. Not only will you drill in various scenarios, but you'll also learn and understand the reason and mechanics of every move you make around a weapon system. All of this in a short period of time, take that from a slow learner! Would absolutely recommend the investment to anyone who will operate weapon systems. Regardless of your level of training, Mark will adapt and make you better.

I came to this course a novice. My main requirement was to be as safe a shot as possible. Mark showed endless patience in a calm and welcoming environment and matched my needs to the content of the course exactly. I found it challenging, but then that is the point of doing things isn't it. I look forward to building on my training with Mark and highly recommend him as an exceptional trainer.

An absolutely brilliant course and thoroughly enjoyable. Sherborne is a lovely setting and steeped in history. Mark took me through and described his extensive career, marksmanship principles and how to safely handle the weapon systems. It was insightful, informative and hands on. He took the time to give me some hints and tips that will only improve my shooting. Many thanks for a fab day. I hope to undertake more training with you in the future.

A experience we will never forget. Me and my son and a truly outstanding day, Mark’s attention to detail and his presentation about his life was worth the journey on its own. Firing weapons and being guided by one the best is just a chance of lifetime . Thank you and can’t wait to get back down there Rich

Four of us had an outstanding day with Nobby where we got to hear about his incredible life in the Special Forces. This was a real treat for us as he described his various roles, units and experiences and there was plenty of humour mixed in alongside the military detail. Nobby has a very pleasant way of instruction whilst also ensuring total safety and professionalism. Everyone was set at ease but understood what was required to remain safe. I can thoroughly recommend this experience and I am hopeful to revisit on another occasion in the future.

I attended the Special forces Firearms experience on Saturday. Nobbys stories kept us completely engrossed for the first few hours. We then learnt all about specific weapons, how to use, dissemble and use safely. At which point we then got to shoot the weapons. Nobby was a great character and the whole day was brilliant from start to finish. I went with no real expectations but everything was exceeded and I would highly recommend the day to anyone

A day I will never forget! This hands down was one of the best experiences of my life. We arrived to the range on time as instructed and met with Nobby, what a gentleman really great character, straight up person which was great because to be honest didn't quite know what to expect. The first part of the day was one that I will never forget, we got the privilege of hearing about Nobbys career in the forces, if it was a movie I wouldn’t believe it was possible that a few people let alone one person could have had all of the experiences that he has, just hearing about it was such an honor. We then moved to the shooting, this was phenomenal, safety was paramount which put me at rest... Nobby also managed to put us at ease, which considering you are holding weapons designed to kill isn’t a small feat. Since the experience I’ve not been able to stop talking about how amazing this entire experience was. It may sound a little bit over dramatic but to be honest this day has changed the way that I look at my life, the “stresses” that I used to worry about have been put into perspective quite drastically so has made me a lot more comfortable with what I have to take on in my life. I can’t thank Nobby enough for this experience and look forward to meeting again for the next session. Kind regards, Chris

Excellent course and very knowledgeable instructor. The course has been approved by the Svalbard governing body and a permit to rent firearms has been issued. Thanks again. Thoroughly enjoyed the course.

This course was an excellent review of existing skills (from a previous course done in 2019) with new ones built atop those foundations. As his profile would suggest, Mark is a thorough and methodical instructor who switches things up to accommodate different learning styles and to keep the material lively even when repetition is required. The course was very rewarding and I look forward to the chance to apply the drills in the field.

Very instructive and enriching experience, as usual. Grateful to the team of trainers for sharing their experience, their knowledge and - it has to be said - their patience.

Good morning, I had an excellent training experience with Nobby for the day! He has plenty of experand can definitely bring everyone confidence with handling high caliber arms. Thanks again and 5 star service! Lunch which was provided was great too!

I’ve had a fantastic 2 day course on the AK74 and M4. If you’re going to pay for a course on this subject then you won’t find anyone with more experience to work with. Book it, you won’t regret it. I’ll be back for more.

Fantastic experience at STS. Second time going and thoroughly enjoyable yet so knowledgable. Mark goes through the course so thoroughly, ensure safely is top importance during the whole courses. I felt safe and confident whilst learning and handling the firearms. The experience on the range was very exhilarating and will to look forward to more experiences/courses with STS. Thank you!

I have had the pleasure to work with Mark on three separate occasions so far. His teaching style and enthusiasm are perfect for anyone interested in mastering any weapon systems. From normal safety procedures, assembly/disassembly, to drills, the bespoke course specifically prepared for my needs has been absolutely perfect. Looking forward to coming back!