Course Testimonials

Another fab course that built on the previous skills, principles and knowledge learnt. We were able to put into practice everything that was learnt and drilled in the classroom on to the range with successful outcomes. I was able to take away more useful hints and tips that I can continue to develop over the summer. Thank you very much Mark.; I shall return soon for more tuition.

It was a pleasure working with Nobby over the two day course. Having never handled a firearm before, he has made me feel safe and confident on the weapon system drills and I am looking forward to developing my foundational skills set further. This course always, always puts safety first. Clear briefings and practical demonstrations to help show why each of part of the process is important and to drive home understanding and operational safety at all times. If care about your training and you want professional one to one training, this is the place to be. Thank you Nobby.

It's hard to convey in a few words how much I have gained from this. Mark is a rarity, someone who is at the absolute top of his game and is, at the same time, more than willing and able to pass his knowledge on.

Really enjoyed the day with Mark would recommend this to anyone who is looking for brushing up or learning more about the aspects of safe shooting. Mark has a vast range of knowledge due his years of experience and is a pleasure to be around

I would like to say thank you to Nobby for the two days I was lucky enough to get with him. Unbelievable amount of knowledge and definitely the right guy to go to if a weapons handling course is what you’re looking for! Not just a generic course, it is well planned and well thought out, a lot of time and effort was put in as every course is bespoke to the student. Extremely professional and very nice guy. Until next time! Thank you Nobby

Mark really knows his business! I learned a lot and will be going back for further training iASAP!

I contacted Mark the day following the formation of my ‘Mission Idea’ in my mind – so it was around end of December/beginning of January. I told him that I planned to drive to the front-lines of the Russo-Ukraine conflict, and rescue injured or trapped people. In response to this, Mark put together a Bespoke Course to deliver training in weapons that I will find during my time in Ukraine. The course, and the overall experience of spending 2 days with the most impressive man in the universe, will stay with me forever. It was an honour to spend that time with you Mark, and I look forward to seeing you later in March 2023. I cannot recommend Mark strongly enough… and I look forward to him being Knighted by King Charles III at His Majesty’s earliest convenience!

Shooting Training Solutions is an environment where you can learn not just how to fire a weapon, but how each weapon works, all of the safety procedures and all of the principles that make a good shot. It is an unprecedented course for anyone wanting to become more familiar with firearms.

This was my second time training with Mark and it was just as enjoyable as the first. Mark and myself get on really well in between the training sections of the course which helps especially when the training is so in-depth. Mark was very patient throughout even when I was having elements of mental blocks when performing the function drills. I plan on returning in the latter part of this year and I would recommend this course to anyone. Thanks Mark I appreciate the time you've taken with me on the two course.

Very interesting, there is a lot to learn from Mark. His experience is so exhilarating, makes me to go as far as I can. I look forward to further training courses.

Mark was an amazing teacher who was very patience and extremely thorough. The speed of the course was perfect as I felt comfortable going into the shooting range after the teachings from Mark in the classroom. The stories of his military career were so compelling and I’d like to thank him for his service and also putting on a tremendous learning experience. I plan to revisit in 2023

Absolutely brilliant course. By the end of the weekend I had completed tests for two weapons systems I had never handled or been exposed to before. Mark used a variety of teaching methods to help me through the course and has the patience of a saint. Thank you Mark for a very enjoyable course and I look forward to continuing my training with you.

Mark is a true professional and gave us a fascinating glimpse into his long career in the army and special forces. We had a bespoke day for our group as we had little to no experience with firing guns. We had the chance to fire 5 different semi-automatic weapons! Highly recommend Mark and one of his courses, great day!

What a great day! I would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone looking for a team motivation exercise. Mark is likeable character that relaxes you at every stage of the shooting experience.

It's hard to imagine a more qualified instructor exists anywhere in the world, and equally the level of actual instruction and depth of knowledge is unbelievable. If you go to Mark 'KNobby' Knowles as an absolute beginner like I did, you will be immersed completely into the craft of safe and effective firearms use. Every aspect, from every angle, everything considered, no room for error. If you went as an experienced firearms user, I can only imagine you would realise how much you didn't know, and your game would be raised significantly. Expert teacher, no question left unanswered. Will be back.

Mark's firearms expertise and instruction is second-to-none. Borne out of over three decades' experience in the field, his knowledge of firearms is incredibly broad, deep and detailed. As the other testimonials here point out, students come to Mark for firearms instruction with many different motivations and a wide range of abilities. Through learning under and chatting with Mark, it doesn't take long to realise that he really is perfectly positioned to tailor a firearms course to your specific interests. He is also versatile in his teaching and will adapt his instruction to your learning style. Mark is a consummate professional with something for pretty much anyone with a healthy interest in firearms. If you are a novice, don't let that put you off signing up for a course. If you are already an expert, come and see how you can improve your knowledge and skills!

I booked this course so I could improve my shooting and accuracy and also my confidence in the handling of a Glock. I left with better skills, better drills and a better understanding of marksmanship principles!! And also with better shots on target!!! I had a great time, Nobby is a very interesting guy whose career is fascinating. Nobby immediately put me at ease, set expectations and listened to what I wanted to get out of the day. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to get better at shooting, learn some skills all while having a great day.. I will be coming back to continue my development.

This is the 4th course I've now been on with Mark and as usual Marks profesionalism and structure of the course has been bang on , after every course I feel a lot more confident and knowledgable with a fire arm and will continue to book more courses. Cheers mark

Brilliant course, I couldn’t recommend it more for an interesting insight into the special forces and a safe and enjoyable experience with the weapons. Thank you Mark!

The whole day was brilliant, and very well set out. The initial talk on Marks career in SF was the highlight for me, the whole group found it inspiring (and mind blowing). The firearms training itself was also great, the team had a bit of a spread in experience, and I personally had no previous experience, the course is well set up for any ability and was enjoyable, and very informative. Overall it was the perfect introduction to firearms. I would recommend the course to any team of colleagues, or any group in general. I hope to return!

I originally booked the course with Mark as I wanted to improve my approach to weapon handling, and so feel more competent and confident. The reality is that he quickly highlighted that just about everything I had learned before was wrong (or unsafe) in one way or other, and that the accumulation of bad-habits was really holding back my progress, and making me a bit of a liability on the range. Mark was amazingly patient with me, and through lots of repetition and insightful feedback, he gradually chipped away at the bad habits, and started to lay the foundations of safe, effective weapon handling (which is exactly what I was looking for). I am already looking at booking up some more sessions, which says it all really.

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.