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FIREARMS TRAINING
WITH THE F.I.R.E. INSTITUTE

Empowering Ordinary People to Take Control in Frightening Situations

FIREARMS TRAINING COURSES

YOUR PATH TO CONFIDENCE

“When trouble finds you, you will be trained, or you will be helpless. Those are the only two options. The good news is that you get to choose which it will be.” -- Pete G.

Explore our wide range of firearms training courses designed to empower everyday people with essential skills and knowledge to be confident in handling frightening situations.

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FIREARM TRAINING
Courses

For Everyday Ordinary People

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One-Day Intro to Handgun Training

One-Day Introduction to Handgun Training

Join our introductory firearms training course, designed for those with no prior formal instruction in handgun safety and use. Learn fundamental skills, safety rules, and explore equipment options under the guidance of experienced instructors.

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Handgun 101

Join  Randy Cain's most popular three-day  training course.. Ideal for both beginners and those seeking a refresher covering fundamental pistol craft, including marksmanship, tactical manipulation, draw-stroke, weapon retention, and more.

 Handgun 101

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Basic Tactical Carbine

Master auto-loading carbines, enhance firearm skills, and meet NRA requirements in this intensive 3-day course covering proper gun handling, tactical movement, firearm trajectory, and personal defense tactics for confident and responsible firearm use.

Basic Tactical Carbine

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Basics of Contact Distance Defense

Master essential self-defense skills in our two-day course, suitable for both law enforcement and civilians. Gain control, recognize threats, and ensure personal safety, all while tailored to your physical capabilities and offering a certificate upon completion.

Basics of Contact Distance Defense

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Firearms Instructor Seminar

Led by an experienced instructor, this seminar focuses on the art and craft of firearms instruction, covering essential topics to help you become a more effective firearms instructor, regardless of your current level of experience.

Firearms Instructor Seminar

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The Law Governing the Use of Deadly Force in Pennsylvania

Learn the complexities of deadly force laws in PA in this informative six-hour course by PFDC, led by an experienced attorney and firearms instructor, covering: legal principles, case law, and  practical guidance.

The Law Governing the Use of Deadly Force in Pennsylvania

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Practical Rifle Course

Join our three-day "Practical Rifle" course, led by Randy Cain of Cumberland Tactics, to master the use of hunting rifles for hunting, plinking, and personal defense. Gain essential skills, tactical knowledge, and marksmanship from a seasoned instructor using your everyday hunting rifle.

Practical Rifle Course

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Two-Person Tactics

Learn to  work together during emergencies, enhancing  communication, coordination, and decision-making skills. Ideal for spouses, friends, or family members. Focuses on securing communication, predictability, movement, role assignment, and planning for various emergencies.

Two-Person Tactics

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Defensive Shotgun

In this three-day course led by Randy Cain of Cumberland Tactics, participants learn to use pump or auto-loading tactical shotguns for personal defense. Topics include ammunition selection, safe handling, recoil control, and practical drills. 
 

Defensive Shotgun

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Personal Firearm Tactics

This course is about tactical problem-solving and decision-making for those who have previous training in marksmanship and gun handling. It covers topics such as basic tactical principles, working with a partner, and dealing with the police.

Personal Firearm Tactics

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Contact Us

To Schedule  Your Group Session!

Ready to Start Training?

TRAININGS FOR 
PRE-FORMED GROUPS

 Although we do schedule some courses for open enrollment on future dates, our focus has shifted to custom scheduling with pre-formed groups.  In light of the atrocious, random violence that has been occurring with increasing frequency in recent years, many churches, clubs, businesses, groups of teachers, and just groups of friends have been organizing to react to sudden violence visited upon them without warning.

Reaction by a group of untrained individuals is no more effective than reaction by an untrained individual; maybe worse. We evaluate the goals and objectives of these groups, confer with them about the kind and scope of training they need, and then arrange to conduct courses on their schedule.  If we do not have people on staff who can provide the kind of training they want and need, it is very likely we know who can.  Contact us to discuss group training. 

If you are a lone individual, or part of a group of only 2 or 3, and would like to be added in to a course set up for a larger group, contact us by email.  Tell us what kind of course you are looking for (basic pistol, carbine, advanced pistol, personal tactics, etc.), and we will contact you when such a course is scheduled.

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We teach ordinary people how to use available tools to take control of frightening situations.
 

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TESTIMONIALS

"I had the opportunity for defensive training with multiple instructors (both Pittsburgh-based and out-of-state instructors) at FIRE Institute over the past 15-20 years including defensive pistol, revolver, rifle/carbine, force on force, CQB (close quarter battle) and edged weapons.
 
Although have taken multiple basic and advanced courses, I still learn something more at each class.  The instructors are very personable and provide excellent constructive feedback and strive to promote progress with all of their students.  This is evident by the smiles on the faces of the students and instructors alike when the student understands and learns to execute the drill correctly. Safety is primary and taught upfront and is strictly enforced throughout the class to prevent injury. I hope to continue to train and learn more through F.I.R.E. Institute under the direction of Peter Georgiades."
 
Leigh Nadler, MD, Pittsburgh, PA

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