Shooting Fun Starts with Training
Shoot Smart offers training classes from beginner to advanced.
The Path to Proficiency
We want to share our love of shooting with anyone who has an interest in learning. And we want every Shoot Smart customer to experience maximum enjoyment and satisfaction from their gun ownership.
That’s why we developed the Path to Proficiency (shown below).
Our certified instructors share invaluable insights and knowledge with you to make sure you have a great experience every time you come in.
I'd just like to say as a first time shooter who was extremely nervous and intimidated by firearms, Joyce was able to put me at ease. She's an excellent instructor. Joyce was really patient and knowledgeable. - Lisa
PRIVATE LESSONS
Learning to use a firearm with a group of strangers can be intimidating. Or maybe you’d rather train at a faster pace. Book a one-on-one lesson with a Shoot Smart certified coach or instructor for a customized learning experience.
LICENSE TO CARRY
The License to Carry process can be confusing and stressful. Let our state-certified instructors guide you through the process. Over 10,000 students chose Shoot Smart for their license. Let us guide you, too.
GROUP CLASSES
Schedule a private class for your group. Great for church groups, businesses, friends/family, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or any other group.
Handgun Classes
Marksmanship
Defense
Training Packages
Instructors
Paul Kuper
Alliance, Benbrook & West
New, youth and intermediate shooters, holster use, and rapid fire training.
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About Paul
Paul is a native Texan, a certified NRA basic pistol instructor and Range Safety Officer. Paul has spent significant time as an IDPA and USPSA competitor. He loves to see the smile on shooters’ faces when they hit the bullseye for the first time.
Instructor Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
I enjoy shooting because I love that there is always something I can learn or improve.
What is your favorite thing about teaching lessons?
Seeing the joy and excitement that new shooters experience when they make their first shots.
#1 safety tip?
Use a barrel block to practice dry-fire safely at home.
Chip Bulkeley
Fort Worth
New and Intermediate shooters, Concealed Carry Techniques, and AR-15 skills.
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About Chip
Chip has over 35 years of shooting experience and firearms maintenance. He is knowledgeable and personable with his students and peers alike. Chip will create an enjoyable training experience for all his students.
Instructor Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
I enjoy shooting for the camaraderie and challenge.
What is your favorite thing about teaching lessons?
Seeing the students' eyes light up when they reach understanding.
#1 safety tip?
Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
Sidney Delgado
Alliance
New and intermediate shooters, Women, Holster Use, and Rapid Fire training.
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About Sidney
Born and bred in Texas. Sidney is a certified NRA Basic Pistol Instructor and NRA Range Safety Officer who has been around firearms her whole life. She loves teaching new shooters the basic fundamentals of shooting.
Instructor Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
My dad bought me my first .22LR when I was 8 years old. I have always had a respect for firearms and I find it empowering as a woman in the firearms industry.
What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
Empowering my students to feel confident when handling/shooting a firearm.
#1 Safety tip
Always treat your firearm like it is loaded.
Andrew Bailey
Alliance & Grand Prairie
New Shooters, concealed carry from holster, purse, and backpack, AR-15 skills, defensive pistol and shotgun training, urban environment and home defensive training, and youth shooter training.
Availability:
- Alliance: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Saturday
- Grand Prairie: Tuesday & Friday
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About Andrew
After spending time as a USMC combat engineer, Andrew joined the Shoot Smart family in 2017. He quickly became a great instructor sharing his vast knowledge from his experience in the Marines, numerous courses, and certifications. Andrew is especially good at helping students take their LTC skills to the next level and work on concealment methods and defensive pistol tactics. In addition, he feels called to train others so that they can protect themselves and their loved ones should they ever need to. Andrew is one of three Shoot Smart instructors to recently become USCCA certified instructors in Concealed Carry & Home Defense and Defensive Shooting Fundamentals.
INSTRUCTOR Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
Shooting has always been something I understand and pick up quickly. I enjoy the challenge of constantly refining my skills mentally and physically. I have always felt a call to protect people by training myself and others so that they have the skills and confidence to be in charge of their own safety and to protect their loved ones.
What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
I probably get more excited than my students do when I see the improvement and leaps forward they take. I enjoy developing a close relationship with my students so that I know them and can be of better service to their needs. My favorite thing is receiving thank you cards as well as whole families that come in together to learn and knowing that you have made a difference in their lives.
#1 Safety tip
Respect firearms but do not fear them. Learning everything you can builds knowledge and confidence in order to handle them safely in all situations.
Joe Loza
Alliance
New Shooters, LTC Prep, Holster Use, Rapid Fire, Increasing Accuracy Under Stress, Low Light Shooting, Moving and Shooting, Competition Training.
Availability: Sunday - Friday
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About Joe
Originally from Riverside, California, with thirteen years of active duty military experience and extensive training with leading industry professionals, Joe has a wealth of firearms and tactical knowledge to share with his students. From beginner to advanced shooters, Joe is ready to work with anyone who is eager to learn and has a passion for proper firearms handling. Joe has been a part of the Shoot Smart family for over 8 years and has instilled firearms confidence in hundreds of students. Joe is one of three Shoot Smart instructors to recently become USCCA certified instructors in Concealed Carry & Home Defense and Defensive Shooting Fundamentals.
INSTRUCTOR Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
I enjoy the challenge as well as the confidence it builds to protect yourself and others if necessary.
What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
I love giving others the confidence and excitement that comes with increasing their shooting skills.
#1 Safety Tip?
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
Bradley Hodges
Benbrook
New and Intermediate Shooters, Concealed Carry, LTC Prep and Home Defensive Training.
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About Bradley
Bradley retired from the California state government to pursue his passion for firearm instruction. He specializes in beginners but also has skills that can benefit advanced shooters.
He completed his first firearms training over 30 years ago. Since that time, he has earned certifications from the NRA including instructor for both Pistol Shooting and Personal Protection in the Home and Chief Range Safety Officer. He is also a Texas LTC and Level III Firearms Instructor. In addition, he is a certified Rangemaster instructor and Modern Samurai Project red dot pistol instructor. He has also trained with Green Ops and Presscheck and is a Glock Certified Armorer.
INSTRUCTOR Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
I enjoy that shooting is a sport that requires the same skills useful for protection.
What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
I enjoy simplifying the steps necessary to shoot well and watching students improve.
#1 Safety Tip
Treat every firearm as loaded and only touch the trigger when ready to shoot.
Joyce Gould
Benbrook
New and Intermediate Shooters, Women, Youth, LTC Prep, Rapid Fire skills, Holster use, Find Your Fit, Basic AR-15 Skills.
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About Joyce
Joyce is originally from Wisconsin. She grew up around firearms and learned at an early age how to respect them. She comes from a law enforcement, military and hunting family. Since joining Shoot Smart over 8 years ago, Joyce has worked to enhanced her own shooting, training skills and firearm knowledge. She has a passion for teaching anyone but has a special love for working with first-time shooters.
INSTRUCTOR Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
At the age of 10 I took my first shot with a .22 rifle and loved it. My parents made sure that my siblings and I had respect for firearms, and an understanding of how to handle them safely. I like that shooting challenges me mentally and physically. Plus, it’s a fun sport!
What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
I especially love working with new shooters and seeing them experience their very first shot. This can be an empowering and life-changing moment. It can also be a scary and startling moment, but I strive to take away some of the scary through education. I enjoy seeing the progress of my students as they develop their shooting skills.
#1 Safety Tip
Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to shoot.
Earnest Ward
Benbrook
New, Intermediate, and Advanced student training; Find Your Fit; Pistol, Revolver, Rifle, Shotgun training; Holster selection and training.
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About Earnest
Earnest has been shooting for over 60 years and teaching for over 30. He is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, a Level III Security Officer Firearms Instructor, an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer and an NRA Distinguished Expert Marksman.
Instructor Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
I’ve been shooting for so long that asking that question is almost like asking, “Why do you enjoy breathing?” But I guess I could answer that question by saying that it’s given me a lifetime of fond memories: of honing skills; of early mornings in the woods (with all those wonderful sights, sounds, and smells); of the camaraderie of other shooting sports enthusiasts; and (on a couple of occasions) thwarting individuals who meant others harm.
What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
I enjoy helping others find the firearm that is their perfect fit; instilling in other shooting enthusiasts the vital importance of gun safety; developing their marksmanship skills; and helping clients to discover the FUN to be found in shooting sports.
#1 Safety tip
ALWAYS treat EVERY gun as if it were loaded.
Fun fact
I hold an MFA in Art and enjoy spending my spare time doing Artist’s Residencies with the National Park Service.
Laurie DiPalma-Greene
Fort Worth
New and Intermediate Shooters, Holster Draw and Conceal Carry Techniques, LTC Prep.
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About Laurie
Laurie specializes in teaching and training all new shooters, especially women who feel more comfortable learning from another woman who understands their hesitations regarding firearms. Her calm and comforting demeanor and teaching style instantly puts people at ease and paves the way for training success. She is a mother with a unique passion for teaching women and men the basics of firearms and firearm safety. Learning the tools necessary to defend you and your family and knowing you are capable of doing so without panic is an empowering and life changing skill that Laurie loves to pass on to others.
Instructor Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
I enjoy challenging myself to keep learning and pushing myself to do things I never thought I could.
What is your favorite thing about teaching lessons?
Empowering others to feel confident while shooting.
#1 Safety Tip
Always treat all firearms as if they are loaded whether you think they are or not.
Pedro Puente
Grand Prairie
New and Intermediate Shooters, Holster Draw and Conceal Carry Techniques, LTC Prep.
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About Pedro
Pedro was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is a certified Range Safety Officer and has been working with Shoot Smart for over a year. Pedro has been around firearms since he was 10 years old and has been improving his skills ever since. Pedro is currently Shoot Smart's only Spanish speaking instructor and his goal is to close the language barrier for new bilingual shooters.
INSTRUCTOR Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
I have always enjoyed shooting as it pushes me beyond my limits and allows me to excel my skills as a shooter.
What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
Passing on my knowledge to my students.
#1 Safety tip
Know your target and what is beyond it.
Robbie Ray
Grand Prairie
New Shooters.
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About Robbie
Robbie specializes in teaching and training new shooters. He really focuses on educating every student, teaching firearm function and safety. He has been shooting for over 7 years and has his LTC. Robbie spends his time working on defensive training and accuracy. He also loves to shoot for fun and is always taking his time to test different firearms. His humor and positive energy put people at ease while they are at the range. Robbie continues to take additional training courses to expand his own knowledge and better assist his students.
Instructor Q&A
Why do you enjoy shooting?
It’s fun shooting different firearms and it brings me a sense of peace.
What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
Taking the time to help people get comfortable with a firearm while simultaneously spreading safety and firearm knowledge.
#1 Safety tip
Keep you finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot in a safe direction.
Brendan Summers
West
New, youth, and intermediate shooter. Find your fit consultation, holster draw, defensive pistol, competition pistol, competition shotgun, basic rifle.
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About Brendan
My background is in music, and I went to college for composition hoping to one day compose for film. I have had familiarity with guns my whole life but I started taking my training and knowledge seriously back in 2020. All of my training comes from a civilian, average person standpoint, just like many of the new shooters we get to Shoot Smart. Training as a civilian is different than training as a soldier or law enforcement, making my perspective on learning firearms very similar to many of the students I hope to teach.
Instructor Q&A:
Why do you enjoy shooting?
I enjoy shooting because it’s a physical discipline with a lot to learn. It’s a great way to have fun, relieve stress, and is very practical for the real world.
#1 Safety tip
Always treat the firearm as if it is loaded and ready to fire.
Hear from Our Students
License to Carry
Why You Should Get an LTC
You may be asking yourself: “If I am a law-abiding person and I can now carry a handgun without a license, should I get my Texas LTC?” The resounding answer is YES. There are many circumstances where acquiring and renewing your LTC are beneficial and necessary in some instances.
- Texas law gives LTC holders more rights
- Reciprocity
- Federal gun-free school zones
- Fast Lane for firearm purchases
- School district employees
- LTC holders are entitled to more notice at some prohibited locations
- The statutory prohibition against carrying a handgun into a bar does not apply
What You'll Learn
The License to Carry process can be confusing and stressful. Let our state certified instructors guide you through the process. Over 10,000 students chose Shoot Smart for their License. Let us guide you, too.
You will learn:
- Open carry law
- Concealed carry law
- Where you can and can’t carry
- Non-confrontation strategies
Prerequisites: This class does not teach firearms use. You must be proficient with your firearm to be able to pass the shooting test.
Class Fee: $75
Required Equipment: Handgun and 50 rounds of ammunition. Ammo is available for purchase the day of class. We also recommend bringing note-taking materials.
Recommended Book: Buy the LTC class book with lots of room for taking notes.
"Cannot recommend the LTC prep class enough. I scheduled my LTC class here but wasn’t feeling as confident and equipped as I’d hoped, and I saw they offered a prep class. Booked it for 2 days before my actual class, and SO thankful I did. Joyce was so thorough, helpful, and nonjudgmental. I left feeling worlds better, and easily passed my LTC the next weekend. Definitely recommend their classes! Great knowledgeable and helpful staff."
What's Next?
So you've signed up for the LTC class, now what? Follow these simple steps to complete the application process and prepare for class.
2. Get fingerprints/background check
Schedule your required fingerprinting appointment here. * When prompted, enter service code 119Q91.
4. Submit LTC-104 form
Once you have taken the class and passed both the written and shooting test, all that remains is to submit your class completion certificate (LTC-104 form) online here.
6. Consider US LawShield
Consider signing up for peace of mind and legal protection with US LawShield. With US LawShield An attorney will answer your emergency call ANYTIME. In your greatest time of need, you’ll have immediate access to an actual attorney when you have an emergency. That’s anytime – even if it’s 3 a.m. on a holiday morning. No answering service, no call center representatives here or overseas. With us, you’ll be talking with an actual attorney who is critically important to you in gaining timely professional advice with attorney-client privilege. Sign up now to join the over 700,000 members strong US LawShield family.
Questions About the LTC
Answered by LTC certified instructors
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Who is eligible to obtain an LTC?
Shoot Smart will allow people 18-20 years of age to take our LTC classes. Customers 18 - 20 cannot legally rent a handgun or purchase handgun ammunition from us until they are 21 years of age.
Shoot Smart does not grant licenses, that’s a matter for the Texas Department of Public Safety. In the case you take the class and apply, the State can deny your application until age 21.
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What's the difference between Texas LTC and LTC Proficiency?
The Texas LTC class covers open and conceal carry laws that you MUST know. Includes a written and 50-round shooting test.
The LTC Profeciency class is designed for students who have completed the Online Texas LTC class and need to complete the Handgun Proficiency portion of the class.
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How often do I need to renew my LTC? How do I renew?
Your original LTC is good for 4 years, and each renewal after that is good for 5 years. If your license expires, you are now carrying under permit-less carry. You also have up to 12 months to renew the license before you have to re-take the class.
To renew your LTC click here.
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How long does it take to get my LTC?
Once you have passed the LTC exams and submitted your LTC-104 form, you will receive your license in 8-12 weeks in the mail.
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What do I need for class?
*Completing the LTC application and fingerprinting is not required before your class date. But, completing them before class does streamline the application process.
- Handgun
- 50 rounds of ammo (Available for purchase.)
- Writing utensil
- Valid Driver's License
- Shoot Smart LTC Book with plenty of note-taking space. (Recommended)
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Can I use a red dot or optic?
- Optical enhancers mounted on the pistol that has an ability to magnify or zoom the shooters field of view are not allowed. (Example: scoped sight or attachment that magnifies the target)
- Optic systems that do not provide any zoom capability but offer a sighting system within the optics are allowed. (Example: red dot or holographic)
Private Group Classes
Learning a new skill is always more fun with friends! Gather your group and schedule a private class today. Whether you're part of a church group, gym crew, large family, or just a bunch of friends looking for a new challenge, we've got something for everyone—from novice to advanced learners.
Inquire About Private Group Classes
Contact Us
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Policies
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Cancellation policy:
- Students may reschedule a class, lesson, or event once without losing the registration fee upon providing Shoot Smart with a cancellation notice of at least 24 hours prior to the course.
- Bookings canceled within 24 hours or students who “no show” are ineligible to receive a refund.
- Customer cancellations can be made in-store, online, or by calling any Shoot Smart location.
- Customers will receive a full refund or equivalent account credit in the case that Shoot Smart cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
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Refund Policy:
Shoot Smart will issue refunds for unused services within 30 days of purchase, with a receipt or valid customer profile. Gift cards, Lane Bundles, and services that have been canceled or rescheduled are not eligible for a refund. Class and lessons will expire after one year from the date of purchase.
Credit or Debit refunds must be issued to the original credit or debit card listed on the receipt. If that card is no longer available; credit will be issued to the customer’s Momence account for the full value of the return. Momence account credit may be used to purchase other training classes, private lessons, or memberships. Momence account credit may not be used on in-store merchandise or range time.
