Course Testmonials

I have been to a few ranges around the world but this experience was head and shoulders above anything that I have seen before both in content, safety and the experience of the instructor. The morning flew by listening to Mark "Nobby" Knowles' 33 years of special forces experiences and we could have gone all day asking questions. The handling and safety drills were superb with Nobby managing to instill military discipline in such a friendly way that you never felt stupid even if you got it wrong. The shooting was excellent with Nobby managing to coax the best out even the most wayward shot. A perfect day out for any group - kids or adults.

The FEAR course provides a hands-on practical introduction to the basics of firearms, explosive theory, conventional ammunition recognition and IED tactics and means of deployment. The instructor to student ratio was 2 to 4 providing an intense but highly effective learning environment. This coupled with the fact that both instructors have approximately 50 years of experience between them in explosive ordnance disposal, counter IED and special operations makes this a highly valuable course.

Mark has a outstanding knowledge and his teaching skills are fantastic. I had a one to one course with him as I was struggling to have a proper handle to hold a pistol. After the morning presentation we went down to the range where I could put in practice all the theory I've learned earlier and with his clear commands and explanation when you do something wrong, I've managed to increase my confidence and get the shots to the target accurately. I was very tired at the end of the day, but I don't regret any minute spent with Mark. The knowledge and confidence I have now with just a one day course with him is priceless. I absolute recommend this course, you will not regret it. Thank you very much Mark for your time and to share your experience which for me is extraordinary and I'm proud of you and feel privileged to have the opportunity to have you as a instructor. G

I mean "crash course" in the best possible sense. Our group was mixed; some with previous military and de-mining experience while others had no such relevant experience. The training was extremely valuable for all regardless of prior experience (or lack thereof). The instructors were both knowledgeable (quite an understatement) and skilled at communicating the material to students eager to learn. Highly recommended for those with a genuine desire to improve their skills and understanding.

I recently attended a five-day bespoke course as part of my work for an organisation that documents weapons, ammunition, and related materiel that has been recovered from armed actors in conflict environments. This course, run by two instructors with unparalleled experience and exceptional knowledge, provided myself and my colleagues with a thorough grounding in how to safely conduct ourselves around potentially unsafe weapons, ammunition, or IED components. The course was a well-designed balance of theory and practical hands-on drills. As someone who had no prior experience with handling weapons, I found the pace and detail of the course to be extremely well-structured. The drills in safe-weapon handling in particular steadily ramped up the transition from directed repetition to confident and careful self-sufficiency. I can highly recommend it for anyone looking to learn from a world-class instructor.

received several days' training, followed by a practical exam, from STS-instructor Mark "Nobby" Knowles, as mandated by my organisation prior to deployments to document small arms flows in conflict-affected environments. The course was detailled and challenging, with a good balance of classroom instruction and hands-on practical drills and coaching. Nobby brings his military specialist background to bear as an instructor, but his methods, with an emphasis on safe and confident handling of different types of weapons, are effective for people from all walks of life. I would definitely recommend and look forward to doing further training sessions with Shooting Training Solutions.

Mark runs a first class operation. He effortlessly translates his extraordinary service record and experience into an actionable, understandable and intensive educational course. After completing your due diligence and reading reviews, you always hope for the best when booking something like this. Most times the experience meets expectation, sometimes it falls short, this though has been one of only a few times where my expectations have been far exceeded. If you’re looking for firearms instruction, there is no one better.

This truly is the ULTIMATE bespoke and excellent safe weapons handling course with 100% one-on-one all round instructions and hassle free organisation and service in well run high standard facilities. It´s an intense but super gratifying experience. The whole experience is totally hassle free, the training an shooting is testing but very satisfying, it´s hard work but also relaxing at the same time as Nobby and the chaps on the range are super nice and fun - great company! The fact of having the range and the house for exclusive use for the 5 day course ensures one can shoot various weapons systems not available the UK combined with maximum relaxation and the chance to ask Nobby all the questions you ever wanted to ask relating to weapons & experiences. Overall an incredible experience and coming away a much more proficient shooter and safe weapons handler. I will go back!

A perfect combination for an enjoyable excursion. The content of the talk in the morning is astonishing, fascinating, eye opening even. The shooting in the afternoon hits all the right buttons, it is informative, relaxed and enjoyable with a competitive edge.

Nobby has put together a fantastic day. Its a great balance of hearing about the grit required to be a special forces operator whilst also learning about firearms in a safe environment and naturally some shooting. I highly recommend.

The day started with a review of the instructor Nobby’s extensive experience, which was both inspiring and served to reinforce respect for every bit of advice he gave. We then learned about the mechanics of the weapons and then about taking apart and reassembling one. After lunch we were on to the range and that was excellent fun even as safety and respect for the weapons was paramount. A fantastic day.

A very enjoyable and informative well presented experience. I would highly recommend the courses

Fantastic and very well presented course run by Mark. Made it very easy to understand the weapons I used which were the M4 and Ak47. I only had time to fit it in 1 day but his experience in teaching made it clear and understanding for me to now go onto my close protection course in a couple of weeks. Great job and would like to do more work soon.

I was spellbound within the first hour listening to ‘Nobby’s’ personal experiences with the SBS etc, and the course just went from strength to strength. ‘Nobby’ was very easy and interesting to talk to, and everything we needed was well catered for. I learnt more on this 1 day course, than I have in my 1 years experience with gun handling, and am already checking the calendar to see when I can go again!

What an eye opener we booked this course because we wanted to learn more about handling firearms safely and didn't want another shooting gallery experience IE pay your money and pull the trigger Mark’s knowledge experience and practical demonstrations are amazing the day flew past and we left wanting more. We will be back thanks Mark for a brilliant day

This has to be one of the best experiences I've ever had. The training from Mark 'Nobby' Knowles was second to none. He has the most brilliant training techniques, matched with a patient, caring and supportive persona to help the most amateur of shooters (me). The training was fully comprehensive, from understanding the anatomy of a weapon, appreciating its actual, and tailored function, and practicing the best way to position yourself and the weapon to achieve a targeted shot. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in shooting techniques, and being spoilt rotten by Nobby (who also catered amazingly to my dietary needs). Thank you for an amazing experience.

Amazing experience. Not your standard - here's a gun, fire away and hope for the best. Really got to understand the weapons and how they work, including taking it apart, testing it afterwards and then safe usage. The marksmanship training was exceptional and really improved my accuracy in a very short time.

Mark ‘Nobby’ Knowles is an accomplished teacher and excellent host. The experience is demanding and excels at skills development. It is also a unique respite from the humdrum of daily life.

An enjoyable and interesting day from start to finish. Beginning with Marks account of his exceptional military career to an explanation of the weapons we'd be using through to NSPs and then live firing. All this was done in a relaxing, welcoming ( and patient ! ) manner but also very professional and efficient. All in all this was a day well spent, I learnt a lot from it and am already making plans to attend another course !

Mark provided us with an intensive 2 day course on the M4 platform. He was extremely professional and knowledgeable and hats off to him for bringing 4 of us up to speed on safe handling and basic marksmanship in such a short space of time even with the added difficulty of a language barrier with one of the students.

I had my first training course completed with Mark back to 2 years ago when I knew he was the professional instructor you could find in the country. This year we are planning to join DSEI exhibition with our M4 relevant products which requires all our attending staff members to have good knowledge about M4 weapon system, Mark was the first instructor I could think of for this task. I brought three members to this course on last weekend, and the end of course our goal achieved. We are quite confident to say we have good knowledge about M4 and know how to handle it well now. Definitely will come back again for future courses.

Mark surpassed my expectations in every way. It was a wonderful experience and Mark's knowledge and teaching methods are second to none. I can thoroughly recommend STS for any firearms training need. Thanks again Mark!

The instruction, flexibility and experience was excellent. After previous UK based Bespoke Firearms Courses this course delivered the next step and level of training we were after. One to one training that addresses every aspect of shooting tailored to your requirements. As always, the focus is on safety, proficiency and effectiveness whilst providing instruction on a variety of weapons systems. Everything from the travel arrangements, accommodation and hospitality was excellent. We will be booking another trip.

This is my third trip to France. The training was superb. Intense concentration on pistol skills with amazing one on one training from a master of the art. The admin was as always brilliant and the accomodation and range facilities faultless. We also managed to get a few runs in as well which helped to ease the aching joints at the end of the day. The feast on the final night was magnificent as always. Lots of homework to do before my next visit . I heartily recommend this course to anyone who wants to be able to handle weapons and achieve excellent reproducible results. Highly enjoyable and many thanks. I will, of course, be back.

very much enjoyed my course. I learnt a lot and enjoyed it very much. Mark Knowles is a great instructor and I hope to return to do more at some point.