Welcome to Up In Smoke Firearms Training LLC & Air Rifle Repair Center

Programs

Concealed Carry Certification (CCW)

Basic course 2-hours $80.00 ($40.00 for military Veterans) For clients who have already had a basic firearms course by the NRA or prior military persons with a DD Form 214.

Standard course 4-hours $90.00 ($45.00 for military Veterans) Perfect for the first time shooter or anyone willing to attend a handgun marksmanship and safety refresher course.

Classroom portions can occur at the clients residence.

There is no fee for fingerprinting. Both classes require fingerprinting to be accomplished.

Client will mail-in or hand deliver CCW application and fee ($60.00) to AZ DPS for processing and approval.

Client can choose to do the live fire for the standard course at a range near the clients residence.

Available in the Phoenix & Prescott/Chino Valley areas. Schedule your course today.

LEOSA (Retired Police Officers)

$45.00 per-hour, per-person.

We will supply everything except the bullets, gun(s), ear protection, and eye protection.

Once done we will hand deliver your qualification package to the AZ DPS for processing and you will receive your new card within a few days of qualifying.

Available in the Phoenix and Prescott/Chino Valley areas.

Basic Firearms Courses

Basic Pistol (revolver or semi-automatic) & Rifle (Bolt, Semi-Automatic, Pump, Lever Action, etc.), Basic Air Handgun and Rifle, and Basic Shotgun, Firearms Training: $125.00 per-day, per-client. Safety skills when handling and shooting, reloading, malfunction drills, using a holster, safe storage in the home, determining the right firearm for you and concealment methods. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques for the firearm(s). Client is responsible for own ammunition and firearms used. Firearms in the calibers of 9mm, .357, .40, and .45 can be rented from the instructor. AR15 can be rented from the instructor. NRA basic firearms completion card awarded.

Armed Security Guard Training

Training and certifying Arizona's newly armed security guards (16-hours) and recertification for existing armed security guards (8-hours).

USFT-Youth Shooting Sports Program (Non-Profit Youth Program)

The purpose of this non-profit organization is the instruction, coaching and mentorship of firearms programs offered by the National Rifle Association (NRA), Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), USA Shooting Sports, & International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF), and any other formal certification training that youth citizens seek in order to participate in or manage shooting sports competitions and/or recreation. The organization is a sole agent teaching courses offering certifications offered by the organizations previously mentioned.

The ultimate goal of the non-profit organization is to provide training, education, and fair competition to youth involved in the air pistol/rifle or smallbore pistol/rifle sports and to provide financial services, such as; scholarship funding for matches, equipment, and school, provided that funding is available throughout the year to accomplish such a task and endeavor. Our second goal is to bring more awareness from the community concerning the shooting sports and competition.

Crosman Challenger Air Rifle Certified Repair & Service Center

Dan is a Crosman factory trained technician/armorer and received his certification at the main factory in Bloomfield, New York.

The refresh/rebuild services include replacing all seals, valve stem, rebuilding the charging handle, inspecting & greasing the trigger assembly, cleaning & resealing the fill adapter, and resealing the gauge. The air rifle is set to 525fps along with trigger adjustment & setting of second stage trigger at 2.5lbs. Additional parts charged separately.

Pricing included with the payment area.

Classes Offered

Beginner Category

For those that are new to firearms

Az Initial Armed Security Guard Training/Certification (16-hours)

$200.00 per-client

Course includes:

Safety Briefing & Safe Gun Handling & Storage, Firearms Retention & Equipment, Ammunition, Law & Legal, Firearms Care & Maintenance, Mental Conditioning & Tactics, Firearms Manipulation & Marksmanship, Threat Recognition & Judgmental Shooting, a Written Test, and Firearms qualification.

NRA Basic Pistol or Rifle Course

$125.00 per-day, per-client

Safety skills when handling & shooting, reloading, malfunction drills, using a holster, safe storage in the home, determining the right firearm for you & concealment methods. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques for the firearm(s). Client is responsible for own ammunition & firearms used. Firearms in the calibers of 9mm, .357, .40, and .45 can be rented from the instructor. AR15 can be rented. Completion card awarded; 8-hour class.

Basic Pistol Courses/SIRT Training Pistol

All basic pistol courses offer training with the Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger (SIRT) Training Pistol. Check out the video. https://nextleveltraining.com/learn-about-sirt/

Basic Pistol & Rifle Course

$145.00 per-day, per-client

This is not the NRA course. 2-hours class time & 6-hours shooting. Safety skills handling & shooting, reloading, malfunction drills, using a holster, determining the right firearm for you & learning concealment methods. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques for the firearm(s). Client is responsible for own ammunition & firearms used. Firearms in the calibers of 9mm, .357, .40, and .45 can be rented from the instructor. AR15 can be rented. Completion certificate awarded; 8-hour class.

Basic Shotgun Course

$125.00 per-day, per-client

This is not the NRA Course. Safety skills when handling, shooting, & reloading. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques with the shotgun(s). Client will learn the difference between hunting & personal protection with a shotgun. Client is responsible for own ammunition & shotgun. A shotgun may be rented by the instructor at an additional cost. 4-6 hours depending on the client.

NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Basic 9-hour Course

$125.00

Learning the knowledge, skills, and attitude to become an RSO on a range. The NRA RSO course is a 9-hour class. Upon successfully passing the client is awarded a card and certificate. Click on the link for classes: https://www.nrainstructors.org/SearchResults.aspx?State=y&SearchState=AZ&id=5&bsa=&youth=&women=

Basic CCW (3-hour) Course

$60.00 ($40.00 for military Veterans)

Course meets the requirements by the AZ DPS for your CCW permit. This class is for prior military & those individuals that have already completed a Basic Pistol Course through the NRA, The training focuses on the use of force when responding to a self-defense response & will also cover current ARS as applied to CCW, traveling while armed in the United States, interactions with local, state, county & federal agencies, as well as prohibited carry locations. 2-hour lecture/1-hour live fire.

Standard CCW (5-hour) Course

$65.00 ($45.00 for military Veterans)

This consists of both indoor classroom & outdoor (live range) firing. This course is perfect for the first time shooter who has never had a basic firearms course or anyone willing to attend a handgun marksmanship and safety refresher course. The first 3-hours is dedicated to pistol safety and marksmanship. The client will receive information on firearm and ammunition selections along with the fundamentals of shooting.

Firearm Safety for the Family Course

$100.00 each 2-hours

Explaining the safety fundamentals of firearms for the family. Demonstrating when all the safe gun handling rules are applied and enforced there is no reason to fear having a firearm in the home. Explaining the difference between having a firearm(s) as a means of protection, sport and/or reaction purposes. Explaining the do's & don'ts of someone coming across an unknown firearm.

Instruction is provided in the home or at the range, as per the request of the client.

NRA Winchester Marksmanship Qualification Course

$20.00

This qualification course can be added to your Basic Handgun or Rifle Course, so you can walk away with the Sharpshooter, Marksmanship, or Expert level awards.

Pistol/Handgun Holster Recommendation

Are you looking for a reliable first time holster for your handgun or maybe it is time to replace those old ones you have lying around and/or you didn't feel comfortable with what you had originally bought?

I highly recommend that you visit www.eclipseholster.com. The company has IWB and OWB types of holsters. You will love what they have to offer in holsters, magazine holders, belts, etc. at reasonable prices. This is where I buy all of my holsters now.

Advanced Category

For those looking for a little more training

Arizona Armed Security Guard Yearly Renewal/Reoccurring /Recert (8-hours)

$100.00 per-client

This is an 8-hour course for armed security guards that must attend mandated yearly certification. This course includes:

Review of the Arizona laws, safe handling, storage, & equipment, Firearms retention, manipulation, & qualification, Mental conditioning & tactics, Threat recognition & judgmental shooting, Written test, and Firearms qualification.

Tactical Firearms Training Course

$225.00 per-day, per-client

Responding to multiple threats in & outside the home, tactical reloading on the move, preparing for emergency threats, clearing buildings, learning the difference between concealment & coverage, shooting from obstacles & from the prone, kneeling & standing positions, transitioning between the handgun & rifle during malfunctions & empty gun reloads, injured hand & arm shooting & learning to reload & clear malfunctions while injured, & preparing for troubled times. 8-hours. Basic course required.

Old Geezer's Proficiency Day

$20.00 per-hour

This one is for our men and women in blue that have retired and are looking to keep up on those firearms proficiency skills each month.

You can decide to shoot at just the paper targets or hone in on tighter groupings and shoot at medal targets OR both. Or you can throw in some tactical movement drills using barriers and obstacles in order to keep that old ticker functioning properly. You decide the range time is yours for the hour. Last Saturdays of the month by appointment only.

Competitive Shooting Course

$60.00 per-hour, per-client

Basics of becoming a handgun and rifle competitor. Evaluating which organization(s) to join in order to begin competing. Evaluating the best type of firearm(s) to be used based upon the client endeavors.

CMP 1911 Handgun Shooter Clinic

$75.00 per-shooter (Each 4-hours)

Learning the basic and advanced fundamentals to become a competitive 1911 handgun shooter for competitions involving the CMP and NRA. Client is responsible for the firearms, ammunition, and ear & eye protection.

High Power Rifle Course

4-hours; Hunters ($150.00) 8-hours; Competitive Shooting Sport ($300.00)

This course is designed for shooters that are interested in the athletic sport of high power rifle competition. The shorter version of the course is for hunters looking to tune-in & zero-in their rifle(s) for the hunt. The basics of long range shooting are applied.

Garand-Springfield-Enfield-Military (GSM) Rifle Clinic

$75.00 per-shooter (Each 4-hours)

Learning basic and advanced shooting fundamentals with the M-1 Garand, M-1 Carbine, M1903 Springfield, and M1917 Enfield rifle platforms. Client is responsible for ammunition, type of rifle, ear and eye protection.

Personal Protection in and out of the Home Course

$150.00 per-day

Storing firearms in a home, responding to intruders in the home, keeping the family safe in the home, and considerations of the type of ammunition to be used for protection in the home. Discussion on Arizona laws on use of force and considerations of additional insurance. Training the family on how to respond and staying in safe locations. Client is responsible for ammunition and types of firearms to be used. Discussion on vehicle firearm safes. 6-hour class.

NRA Winchester Marksmanship Qualifications

$20.00 per-hr, per-client

If you are interested in obtaining Distinguished Expert, Expert, Sharpshooter, or Marksman qualifications through the NRA. Client is responsible for ammunition, firearm(s) used, ear & eye protection. Once qualified for the category desired client will be issued a certificate, medal & pin to proudly display.

Coaches Category

Training and certification for those wanting to become coaches or Range Safety Officers (RSOs)

NRA Level I Rifle Coach Course

$210.00

Learning the knowledge, skills, and attitude to become a competitive air rifle or small bore rifle coach. 16-hour class. Must pass the written exam with 85% or better, have total participant involvement (TPI) & be recommended by the NCDS Instructor for certification. Upon successfully passing the course the client is awarded a card and certificate from the NRA.

Click the following link for classes: https://www.nrainstructors.org/SearchResults.aspx?State=y&SearchState=AZ&id=44&bsa=&youth=&women=

CMP Air Rifle/Small Bore Athlete Shooter Clinic

$15.00 per-client

Learning the basic & advanced fundamentals of becoming a better athlete shooter. Must bring own air rifle and associated equipment. Perfect training for American Legion JSSP, JROTC, 4-H, and BSA air rifle programs. Upon successfully completion of the course the client is awarded a certificate. 8-hour clinic.

CMP Air Rifle/Small Bore Coach Clinic

$25.00 per-client

Learning advanced fundamentals to improve upon as a coach to better help your athlete shooters become national competitors. Upon successfully completion of the course the client is awarded a certificate. 8-hour clinic.

Extended Range Safety Officer (RSO) Course

$200.00

Becoming certified as a NRA RSO within the standard 9-hours, but also participating in firearms malfunction scenarios, emergency scenarios, & range inspection & development scenarios. 16-hour extended course for shooting clubs requiring or needing additional training for their personnel. You will learn much more in this setting compared to the standard NRA on-line or standard NRA 9-hour course.

Postal Matches

Varies on types and divisions

2020 Aiming for the Bull Invitational 3P Sporter/Precision Air Rifle Postal Match League (1/30/2020 to 3/31/2020). This is a NRA sanctioned air rifle postal match league.

This 3x20 postal match league is for sporter or precision air rifle JROTC, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), or Young Marine programs that have been invited to compete.

If you meet the JROTC, CAP, or Young Marine programs and have not been invited and would like to compete, please email azusft@gmail.com to request an invitation.

USFT - Youth Shooting Sports Program Category

Clinics/Courses/Programs Offered

Winchester NRA Marksmanship Qualification Course

20.00 per-person

Air Gun & Smallbore Competitive Shooting Clinic

$20.00 per-client

Basics of becoming a pistol or rifle competitor learning the fundamentals and elements needed to become a competitive shooter. Evaluating which organization(s) to join in order to begin competing and how to keep your shooting team a winner. Youth will be given live fire practice. Minimum clinic attendance requirements is 5 competitive shooters.

Becoming a Winning Competitive Coach

25.00 per-client

Learning the basics on how to become the best coach you can be for your youth shooters by using sports psychology, planning your season and practices, and preparing your youth athletes for tournaments. Coaches will learn how to instruct in the prone, standing, and kneeling positions with the student/coach technique of instruction. Towards the conclusion of the Coach Clinic the coach will have live fire practice in all three shooting positions. Minimum clinic attendance requirements is t coaches.

1911 Hangun Shooter Clinic

75.00 per-client

Learning the basic fundamentals and essential applications to compete in NRA and CMP competitions. Minimum attendance requirements for this clinic is two clients.

High Power Rifle Shooter Clinic

75.00 per-client

Learning the basic fundamentals and essential applications to compete in NRA and CMP competitions. The basics of long range shooting is applied. Minimum clinic attendance requirements is two clients.

Air Gun or Smallbore Postal or Shoulder-to-Shoulder Competitions

Varies on types and divisions

Currently we have the following postal matches available:

Az Wild, Wild West Invitational 3P Sporter Air Rifle Postal Match League (1/1/ to 3/31/2020). NRA sanctioned match.

This 3x10 air rifle postal match is for interested JROTC, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), or Young Marine air rifle programs who have been invited to participate. If you would like to compete & you are a JROTC, CAP, or Young Marine program, & have not received an invitation yet, please email azusft@gmail.com to request an invitation.

Discounted & Special prices offered to Veterans with 8 or more people.

Ben Avery Shooting Range-Smallbore Building/Classroom

More Events

Testimonials/Recommendations

Steve M.: Dan was an amazing instructor and I really felt he cared about me, and helping me be successful. He took the time to help me work thru issues during the training and provided me with a ton of knowledge and skills to further my ability with a firearm.

Thomas H.: Dan Palmer is a excellent Firearms instructor very well versed and knowledgeable in his instructing patient, ensuring that the fundamentals of shooting understood by his trainees, before moving on to more advanced training. The sessions were very serious but at the same time it was a fun learning experience. I came from a different police agency and I learned a lot from Sgt. Palmer. I was blown away with some of the training we did... very experienced and knowledgeable, great person.

Hailey G.: I highly recommend Up in Smoke Firearms Training. Dan gives you thorough hands on training and is very patient. Most importantly, you gain the knowledge to handle weapons in the safest manner and he makes the classes fun. My experience was great!

Jasmine C.: I highly recommend this company because not only does it give you hands on experience but the instructors there are amazing they don't push your limits they also go at your pace, and most importantly you have fun during the classes. My experience was the best and I hope yours will be too.

Rafe A.: An incredible instructor who teaches real world situations while at the same time teaching to control breathing and technique to make the shooter proficient to win the fight. Cant say enough of the lessons I learned in his instructions. Thank you Dan!

Norm B.: Known Dan for over 30 years. Observed him as a department firearms instructor and as a LEOSA instructor. I have found him to be highly skilled and knowledgeable on these issues. I would highly recommend his services. firearms training

Scott H.: I was very impressed, Dan is an extremely well experienced instructor that can speak to both the experienced or inexperienced shooter. I highly recommend this company for all of your firearms instructional needs.

CJ.: Dan is very professional but most of all a good teacher. He not only has the expertise in firearms training but has a lot of patience when you start as a beginner. I learned so much in a short amount of time and felt very confident in retaining all the information that he gave me, showed me and then watched me as I demonstrated what I learned. I would highly recommend him to show you new skills or work on getting better.

S. P.: Dan is an extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient instructor. My friends and I needed some self-defense skills before heading off to college, and we chose Dan for his outstanding background and certifications. Although he has many years of experience, he was able to teach us the skills that we needed to learn in a way that we could understand and remember for years to come. I went back to Dan for several more lessons before I traveled abroad, and he was even willing and able to give me self-defense tips when I was encountering a challenging situation in Asia. I'm so glad I had taken lessons with him! I would happily recommend his lessons and his services to all who are seeking the knowledge and skills they need for self-defense. My friends and I give him 5 stars for his spectacular work.

Elizabeth G.: Incredible experience! I had reached out to Dan when I was looking for somewhere to complete the Level I Rifle Coach Training. I planned to travel to Arizona for training, as there are no trainers in Colorado currently offering this class. When I explained that I was preparing to lead a Youth Air Rifle Team at the school I work at he did absolutely everything he could to help me! After many attempts to get many people signed up for his class, we began to realize that there was not as big of turn out as anticipated. In fact there were two of us signed up to take the class, and a third person that joined me for the Basic Pistol Class. Dan still took the time to travel here to Colorado Springs, on his own dime to instruct THREE people! Yes, we all paid for the classes, but he paid more to get here than what he made. He was professional, thorough, and just an amazing Instructor, human being, and fellow American! It was truly an honor to meet Dan and be blessed enough to get training from him! Thank you Dan!!!

Seth K.: I highly recommend Up In Smoke! Dan is an amazing man and wonderful instructor. He is fun to learn from and has amazing attention to detail. I've taken multiple classes with him and I loved them all!

Neil R.: I just completed the NRA Level 1 Rifle Coach course with Dan. Thanks to the team at the Air Force Junior ROTC unit at Deer Valley High School for hosting and supporting this great event. In short, I have been teaching 4 position, known distance rifle shooting for over 45 years. Dan's presentation is the most comprehensive approach I have yet to experience. I learned a great deal not just about the technical aspects of rifle shooting but how to teach it from a master teacher. Dan is a rare combination of a guy who can shoot and who can teach people to shoot and who can teach coaches how to teach others to shoot. Long winded, I know, but that is a rare skill set. Do yourself and your team a favor. Take his class. Semper Fidelis!

V. Whited:

In my opinion, Dan Palmer is the best in the biz. With his incredibly busy schedule he has carved out time and care in helping develop my AFJROTC Junior Marksmanship Air Rifle team at Deer Valley High School, Glendale, AZ. He has donated time to personally training me as a coach and some of my cadets, delivered NRA classes to certify us, donated resources to improve the program, been present at school award nights to honor cadets with accolades, and hosted air rifle competitions. Dan leads from the front inspiring and motivating others to be better than they thought. I hope our friendship and business relationship continues well into the future as we build a Championship team and honor all Veterans, especially American Legion Post 144 who has had our "six" for 2 years and counting.

About Us

Dedicated Instructors

CEO/Lead Firearms Instructor:

Dan Palmer has been mentoring and instructing people in firearms for 30-years. Dan currently holds the following certifications:

Az P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor
Arizona LEOSA Firearms Instructor #351
Arizona Armed Security Guard Firearms Safety Trainer/Instructor
Az P.O.S.T. Background Investigations (AZ DPS)
Az P.O.S.T. General Instructor

National Rifle Association (NRA):

NRA Basic Pistol & Rifle Firearms Instructor
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO)
NRA National Coach Development Staff (NCDS) Pistol & Rifle Coach Instructor
NRA Level III (Advanced/International) Pistol Coach
NRA Level II (National/State) Rifle Coach

USA Shooting Sports Program:

Human Kinetics/ASEP Coaching Principles & Sports First Aid
Safesport Trained/Certified
Background completed

Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP):

Garand-Springfield-Enfield-Military (GSM) Master Rifle Instructor
JROTC Military Instructor Certification (JMIC) Rifle Coach

Next Level Training (NLT):

Short Indicating Resetting Trigger (SIRT) Training Pistol Instructor

Remington Arms/Defense:

M4/M16/AR15 Rifle Armorer

Sig-Sauer:

Semi-Automatic Handgun Armorer

Colt-Defense:

M16/AR15 Carbine Diagnostics Technician

Bushmaster:

AR15/M16 Carbine Armorer

Crosman Corporation

Certified Challenger PCP Air Rifle Factory Trained Technician/Armorer & Repair Service Center

National Tactical Officer Association (NTOA):

Advanced Crisis Negotiations School
Command and Supervisor School

Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI):

FBI Crisis Negotiations School
Executive Leadership (CTFLI)
Task Force Commander (CTFLI)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

Security Liaison Officer (SLO)
Security Clearances Officer (SCO)
Classified Storage Custodian (CSC)
Derivative Classification & Markings
Protected Critical Infrastructure Information (PCII) Program Officer & Administrator

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

Anti-Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism Schools through the AZ Department of Emergency Management (DEMA), FEMA, and USAF)
Active Shooter (FEMA)
Community Disasters & EOC Preparedness-Response-Awareness (FEMA)
Emergency Preparedness & Emergency Program Manager (FEMA)
National Response Plan & Role of Agencies in Emergency Management (FEMA)
Single Resources & Initial Responses (FEMA)

National Cryptologic School:

OPSEC Fundamentals

United States Air Force (USAF):

Sniper Sustainment
Emergency Service Team (EST-Tactical Entry Team Member)
Combating Trafficking in Persons
Air Base Defense (ABD) Flight Sergeant/Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge (NCOIC)
Desert Warfare Survival Training
Extreme Cold Weather Survivability
Anti-Terrorism & Resource Protection NCOIC
Force Protection NCOIC
Central Security Control (CSC) NCOIC
Operations & Cyber Security
Security Police Academy (7-Level in Security/5-Level in Law Enforcement)
First Sergeant's Academy
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (SrNCOA)
Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA)

Arizona Counterterrorism Information Center (ACTiC):

Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) certification under the ACTIC

Other Certifications:

Bleeding Control Basics-Stop the Bleed (American College of Surgeons-Committee on Trauma)
Continuous Chest Compression & AED Course (City of Peoria Fire Department)

ASSOCIATE FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR

Chris Wilson has been mentoring and instructing people in firearms for 20-years. Chris currently holds the following certifications:

Az P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor
Arizona LEOSA Firearms Instructor

Other Certifications:

Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) certification under the ACTIC
SWAT Tactical Operator School (Scottsdale)
FBI Crisis Negotiations School
Background Investigations (Az POST & AZ DPS)

Why you should hire us

My firearms instruction business stands out from others, because you will be working with someone that has over 30-years of experience and a combined 50-years with my associate instructing and coaching with multiple firearm platforms compared to someone that just started out. Additionally most of your basic firearms instructors are not armorers. If you hire them and they are not experienced armorers, who will repair your weapon when it fails during the training they are giving you? Having this business is not about making money to me, but sharing my knowledge and experience with others. What good is it unless I share it? We love teaching, coaching and mentoring others. Doing so is in our blood and DNA. It helps being around people who have the same passion to learn and grow with firearms.