Please read the following information as it directly pertains to the training program at Marc-On Shooting. This information, as far as specific classes are concerned, will change as the program itself expands. This means it will be important to check back here periodically to ensure you have the most accurate information available for the classes you are interested in.
FIREARMS & AMMUNITION:
First, it is vital to understand that you HAVE to have a firearm and ammunition for ALL firearm-related courses and clinics. ALL firearm-related! If you do not have a firearm, you will need to rent one prior to the class.
If you need to rent a firearm prior to the class, it is imperative you show up early to ensure:
1-The firearm that best-suits you is available
2-You are not late for the class
3-The front desk staff has enough time to supply you with the appropriate paperwork and enter you into the system, prior to the class.
If you bring ammunition, it MUST be brass-cased ammunition. If you are unsure what ammunition you are bringing, let the front desk staff know that you are unsure and they will check the ammunition to ensure you ONLY have brass-cased ammunition.
-NO STEEL CASED AMMO ALLOWED
-NO ALUMIINUM CASED AMMO ALLOWED
SAFETY:
-Do NOT extract your firearm inside the sales-area (lobby) of the shop without staff directly notified and next to you (staff can check your firearm to ensure it is clear and safe prior to handling it)
-Do NOT point ANY firearm at anyone in the lobby or classroom area. Staff are armed and you do not want to be perceived as a threat.
-In the classroom, the instructor will clear ALL firearms prior to the class.
-In the classroom, the instructor will separate student from ammunition (labeling ammo) prior to the class.
-In the classroom, the instructor will instruct each student when it is appropriate to handle the firearm they brought (or rented).
Do NOT pick up a firearm in the classroom without being instructed first. Safety is paramount and it begins with you!
-It is your responsibility to read the range safety/waiver when you initial it, as it explains what you need to know prior to handling firearms on the range.
VITAL:
-It does not matter if you are a life-long hunter, veteran, active duty service member, law enforcement, security, or anything else, everyone MUST adhere to safety protocols AND attend the basic courses prior to attending more-advanced courses or clinics. REGARDLESS, NO EXCEPTIONS!
QUALIFICATION INFORMATION:
There are classes that require a qualification, such as:
BASIC PISTOL LEVEL 1 COURSE:
-Each participant must shoot 50 bullets.
-The participant MUST impact the target, with a specific focus on the location instructed so by the instructor in the class.
NOTE: If you cannot follow the instructors instruction on the exact location for each shot fired, you will not leave with a certificate. Qualifying is required and if the participant cannot (or will not) adhere to the attention to detail needed, they will not gain a certificate.
NOTE: Basic Pistol Level 1 is specifically about the fundamentals of marksmanship. Marksmanship being the key word. It means being able to control what you fire and placing the bullet exactly where you desire, each time. It may not be perfect, but the participant must show they are trying hard to place the bullet, each time, exactly where instructed.
NOTE: If the participant cannot impact the target using the above parameters, they will be informed that they cannot receive their certificate at that time, and to schedule a private instruction with an instructor on another day, to ‘fine-tune’ their shooting. This is to further help the student understand and perform the fundamentals as they should. Once the participant can perform appropriately, they will then gain their Basic Pistol Level 1 certificate.
WISCONSIN CCW CLASS:
This class is a non-shooting class. It is vital to understand that having a CCW license in your possession does not make you educated on how to defend yourself with a firearm. The opposite is the case, you are unprepared for a defensive situation BUT may have a false sense of ability because you gained a CCW permit/license.
Without the needed discipline and education, a threatening/deadly situation will not end with a positive outcome for the CCW permit/license-holder because a defensive education had not been obtained or practice. A lack of discipline cannot call a bullet back after it has been fired and each shooter is DIRECTLY responsible for every bullet they fire out of their firearm.
It is IMPERATIVE to understand that the fundamentals of marksmanship and proper training application, such that is provided in the Basic Pistol Level 1 Course, is greatly encouraged prior to obtaining a CCW permit/license. If you cannot accurately control every single bullet that your firearm fires, then you are responsible for what happens wherever those bullets strike. Ignorance is not a defense and that harsh lesson can be avoided by taking moments out of your life and attending the Basic Pistol Level 1 Course.
Our training program is designed to incrementally advance each participant gradually, to better prepare them for multiple conditions and situations. You should NOT attend this class if you do not know the following:
-How the firearm functions
-How the bullet functions (design and sequence)
-Fundamentals of marksmanship
-Proper gun handling (safety and malfunction solutions)
MULTI-STATE CCW CLASS:
This course requires each person to qualify with 50 bullets. Once again, this requires attention to detail and performance. This qualification requires each participant to specifically impact a designated location on the target at specific distances.
To Qualify:
Each shooter MUST impact the target at the designated distances below in the following manner, to gain their certificate (IAW MN guidelines):
-100% of the bullets MUST impact the target, no exceptions.
-Distances will be 25 bullets at 10' and 25 at 15'. These are not far distances nor are they impossible distances for this requirement.
If you are taking a class to carry a firearm, especially for protection, you should be proficient enough to impact your intended target. The distances are well within the imminent danger zone and is a realistic distance for confrontation.
Distances
-10 feet
-15 feet
If you cannot/did not qualify at the time of the class, you should pursue remediation to increase your abilities, whether with us or an outside source. We prefer you come back to us for remediation, however, it is not required. Our standards are set to feel confident that our students are well educated with the tools they may need to save their life.
If you do not qualify, please do not argue with your instructor(s). This standard is for everyone and, once again, is to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you if you have to use your firearm in defense of your life. Having you come back to qualify is not a profit-ploy, it's a quality foundation because we take great pride in our training program and the appropriate requirements we set forth for each student.
If you have problems hitting the target, we encourage you to schedule a private to increase your proficiency, but please know a PRIVATE may use 50 rounds, but that does not count as a qualification. You would need to show, without coaching (at the time) that you can impact the target as specified above.
It is highly recommended (but not a requirement) that every participant who attends this course, attend the Basic Pistol Level 1 Course first, to ensure their education is appropriate and the participant qualifies after that course. You should not come to the Multi-State CCW course if you do not know the following:
-How the firearm functions
-How the bullet functions (design and sequence)
-Fundamentals of marksmanship
-Proper gun handling (safety and malfunction solutions)
If a participant cannot/does not qualify at the conclusion of this course, they will need to schedule a private to correct any/all issues present, and once those corrections have been implemented the participant can attempt to qualify again.
This is for your safety and the safety of citizens in society.
To avoid any possible arguments, please know the following:
-The rules are specifically implemented to keep you and those around you safe
-Each participant should already have appropriate training before participating in any/all CCW courses
-The qualification is implemented for the instructor to ensure all instruction was absorbed and applied properly and safely
-The qualification results are ultimately ruled on by the instructor. If the instructor does not have confidence that the participant adequately qualifies, do not argue with the instructor because he/she is looking out for the best interest and safety of the participant
-You should have FULL control of your firearm at all times. This means the firearm used is controlled on every shot fired (EVERY SHOT FIRED). If the firearm cannot be controlled and/or there is a safety issue presented because the participant cannot control the firearm, the shooter will be informed of such and instructed to either rent another pistol at that time (if time allots) or schedule a private so the participant can rent a firearm more suited for them and qualify at the end of the private.
IMPORTANT: Safety violations will result in an immediate ejection from the range by the instructor/staff. A warning may be given, depending on the violation, but staff/instructors reprimand is final and not to be argued. EVER.
TRAINING PROGRAM OUTLINE AND NATURAL FLOW
NOTE: You MUST have a firearm (or rent one) and you MUST purchase a box of ammunition for this class. The cost does not include the cost of rental nor the cost of ammunition. This goes for all firearm-related courses.
COURSES (with the breakdown following the outline of courses):
Basic Pistol Level 1 Course:
-Pistol: Level 1: Step 1 Clinic
-Pistol: Level 1: Step 2 Clinic
-Pistol: Level 1 Step 1 & 2 Combo Clinic
-Pistol: Level 1 Step 3 Clinic
Intermediate Pistol Level 2 Course
-Level 2 Step 1 Clinic
-Pistol Level 2 Step 2 Clinic
Advanced Pistol Level 3 Course (coming soon)
Defensive Pistol Clinic
Pistol Home Defense Clinic “A”
Pistol Home Defense Clinic “B”
Basic AR Level 1 Course
AR Home Defense Clinic “A”
AR Home Defense Clinic “B”
-Situational Awareness Seminar: Home and Personal
-Situational Awareness Seminar: Work and Travel
Wisconsin CCW Course
Multi-State CCW Course
NOTE: Many/all of these courses can be organized into an ‘Woman Only’ Course.
BREAKDOWN and REQUIRED FLOW:
-Basic Pistol Level 1 Course:
This course is for all participants that desire to understand proper fundamentals and to adequately control and perform with their firearm. This is the first course required before the other courses are attended.
NOTE: Before each participant is allowed to enroll in Pistol Level 1 Step 1 Clinic, they MUST practice what they learn in the Basic Pistol Level 1 Course until they get their proficiency and confidence elevated appropriately. It would be a disservice to attend a course that adds advance techniques onto participants who have not practiced the fundamentals of marksmanship. Any participant that has not trained appropriately will be instructed to practice appropriately prior to being allowed to attend the next ‘Step’.
IMPORTANT:
Each participant SHOULD want to improve their skill behind their firearm. Be realistic and practice appropriately. The instructor in the class will refuse a certificate of completion/qualification if the participant is unable to perform what they have been taught. It has been noticed that participants believe they can attend each course back to back. This is a fallacy and a dangerous thought.
Each participant should want to ‘perfect’ their skills and abilities with their firearm, knowing none of us will ever be perfect, but knowing the pursuit of perfection is what will increase their abilities exponentially. Be realistic and own your abilities. Train/practice to be better so you are better prepared to add advanced techniques to your skillset.
-Pistol Level 1 Step 1 Clinic:
The Basic Pistol Level 1 Course (and lots of practicing) is required prior to attending the Step 1 Clinic.
The Pistol Level 1 Step 1 Clinic must be accomplished prior to attending this Clinic (plus lots of practicing what you learned in Step 1).
*For those who we see practicing the fundamentals often:
-Pistol Level 1: Step 1 & Step 2 Combo Clinic:
The Step 1 & 2 Combo clinic is reserve for those who are witnessed at the range, practicing often to fine tune their skills often.
Pistol Level 1: Step 3 Clinic:
The Step 3 Clinic will be a ‘stand alone’ clinic due to the difficulty. Prior to attending this clinic, each participant should invest the necessary time and energy into trying to perfect their marksmanship skills as often as possible. This is a difficult clinic for all participants.
Pistol Home Defense “A” Clinic:
This is required prior to attending the Pistol Home Defense “B” Clinic.
Pistol Home Defense “B” Clinic:
Pistol Home Defense “A” Clinic is required prior to attending this Clinic.
NOTE:
As long as the participant has successfully attended/qualified Basic Pistol Level 1 Course, they are eligible to attend:
-Pistol Home Defense “A” Clinic
-Pistol Home Defense “B” Clinic
-Defensive Pistol Clinic
-Speed Dating with a Gun
-Multi-State CCW Course.
-Intermediate Pistol Level 2 Course:
NOTE: This course requires each participant to possess an out of the waistband (OWB) strong-side holster AND a dual magazine pouch prior to the course.
NOTE: This course is extremely difficult. It is imperative that each participant practice honing their skills and abilities as much as possible to ensure they are prepared for this course.
-Basic AR Level 1 Course:
This course requires an AR platform and the purchase of ammunition for the course conclusion.
-AR Home Defense “A” Clinic:
Each participant must complete the Basic AR Level 1 Course prior to attending this clinic.
-AR Home Defense “B” Clinic:
Each participant must complete AR Home Defense “A” Clinic before being allowed to attend “B” clinic.
FINAL THOUGHTS & COMMENTS:
Our goal is to educate and assist each person in choosing the appropriate firearm and educate each person on how to properly, and safely, use each firearm. Appropriate control is overlooked by too many people, this causes class participants to realize they purchased a firearm they cannot control, thus not trust. That could only end in a negative conclusion if/when confronted with a deadly situation.
Never assume a caliber is too much or not adequate because of its size. Some people can only control a .22 caliber pistol, others have no issues controlling a .45 caliber pistol. Moral is: Do not assume until you test out the firearm and determine how much control you actually have.
A .22 is still a bullet and in the right hands (one who is educated and trains appropriately) can and will be as effective as every other caliber that exists. If a .22, or .380 or 9mm, etc. is the caliber you can control the best, then you have found your ‘perfect’ caliber.
If you are unsure if your caliber is appropriate, ask yourself this:
-Can I control EVERY shot I fire with this firearm?
-Does the firearm ‘jump’ out of my hand(s)?
-Is it difficult to get the 2nd shot, 3rd shot, etc. on target quickly?
-Does the firearm fit my hand appropriately?
-Can I function my firearm appropriately?
-Can I load/unload my firearm easily?
Think about those questions and then remember this: If you have never been trained appropriately to defend against an imminent threat, where do you think your solution(s) will come from when you are faced with said-deadly situation? If it hasn’t been adequately trained into you, you will NOT suddenly figure out proper solutions that will save your life when it happens.
Lastly:
It’s better to have the training and never need it, than to need it and not have it!
Read the class descriptions to find what is right for you, follow the training program and practice as often as you can (ammunition availability taken into consideration) (practicing dry fire practice at home often) and you will see your skills advance appropriately.
Happy Training!