I found DSA through a friend who invited me to join him for the ACP level 1 course. I was completely new to handguns and was a little nervous about what to expect and if this would be the right fit for me.
I cannot say enough positive things about the DSA team. Safety was the #1 priority for everyone – that was crystal clear. I was amazed at how the team was able to personalize the hands on experience to my skill level while providing opportunities to learn more as I observed them and other more advanced shooters in my class.
Not only did I learn a great deal, but my shooting improved incredibly from beginning to end.
If you are willing to take the first step to try and learn something new, Marshall and the DSA team will meet you more than halfway to give you a top-notch and challenging experience, while making you feel safe and comfortable throughout the class.
Going from “I can’t” to “I can”. The team at DSA understands everyone learns differently. With respect, they nurture the novice shooter and push the learned. I have taken multiple classes with this group and each time walked away with new ideas and concepts on how to present, cover, conceal, and defend myself and my castle. Before my first class, I personally had a great fear of firearms, but after 16 hours of guidance my confidence and attitude regarding pistols changed. These are humble teachers, with a unified goal of making you feel safe and prepared. And while one class does not a master make, with each session they present abundant firearm defense skills and safety handling techniques for you to take home, practice, and improve.
AR15 Level I (Urban Rifle) INSTRUCTION was a priceless wealth of knowledge and information – perfectly balanced such that the first-time student was not overwhelmed nor the seasoned shooter underwhelmed. That’s not an easy accomplishment and it speaks volumes of the level of expertise and skill of DSA™ as a training company.
The TRAINERS were Billy Smith, Marshall Luton, and Trooper Brian Costanza (whom I received training from for the first time and learned quite a game changing weapons manipulation from). Now…this is where my testimony gets hard because I struggle to find words fitting enough to convey the greatness of these gentlemen and express how they have impacted my life. Suffice it to say that they are men of honor, respect, valor, humility, discipline, and dedication. This world is sorely lacking in men such as this and whoever finds their life graced by one (let alone two) should count themselves as having been graced with the greatest of fortunes, as I do.
Of my many “ah-ha” moments of training over the last two years, a personal BREAKTHROUGH came for me during this class and I’ve spent the past few days since then mulling over what, how, and why it happened. It was the second half of day one and I was timidly, gingerly, and delicately maneuvering my charging handle when Billy (who misses nothing) started explaining how the rifle was literally engineered to perform and respond with aggressive handling. I don’t recall the exact words he used to describe how favorably your rifle would react to “man-handling” because in the next breath he locked eyes with me as he said I CHALLENGE YOU to try it.
A switch flipped in me in that precise moment as I ripped that charging handle with my most fierce intention and determination to separate it from my rifle. Well let me tell you that it’s still attached, but an overwhelming feeling of visceral power, control, and confidence flooded me and I felt myself connect mind and body with my rifle. I hear there are many like it, but this one is mine and I will master it as I will master my life- with intention and determination, with discipline and training.
My gratitude knows no bounds for the anchor and direction that DSA™ provides me in life.
Urban Rifle Level 1 is the 4th course I have completed at DSA, and my 5th is upcoming in November. As a former flight instructor, it is easy to attest to the critical importance of recurring training. Marshall and the team at DSA offer a unique blend of the highest quality training, professionalism, challenge, and uncompromising safety, within a family atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable. This is hard to describe, but easy to understand once you’ve completed your first course.
In my opinion, Urban Rifle Level 1 should be a requirement for all AR-15 owners. You begin this course by learning how the AR-15 operates as well as how to properly disassemble, maintain, and reassemble your rifle. These skills are critical to understand before you move on to learning the safe handling and operation of the rifle.
During day 1 the course transitions from the classroom to the range where safety always comes first. Please be prepared for swift, firm correction when any unsafe behavior is observed. The balance of day 1 sets the table for day 2. You are taught how to safely handle your rifle, properly zero your optic at various distances, and how to shoot accurately (which is different than precisely).
Don’t let the name of this course fool you. “Level 1” sounds “basic” however you’ll quickly find your abilities and skills challenged during this class. Both mind and body are taught how to shoot effectively from various firing positions during several different drills. Pain relievers may be a good idea for some ?. You will conclude this course with skills, abilities and confidence that exceed expectations. Check out the course description at dsaok.com for a comprehensive list of the skills taught.
What makes DSA special is the people. Marshall, Billy, and the entire team are masters at their craft and genuinely care for their students. Take a few minutes to read their qualifications on the “instructors” page at dsaok.com. Impressive is an understatement. When you attend any DSA course you are struck by how many students have taken multiple courses and travel great distances to do so. The loyalty of DSA students is a testament to the quality of the organization. I feel fortunate to be able to train with what I believe to be the best in the business anywhere.
I took the AP1 class for the second time. This is such a comprehensive, in depth and informational class that you can learn something new every time you take it! No matter how many times you take it! Marshall and his instructors are amazing, knowledgeable, patient and fun! DSA remains my most favorite place to train and I would personally recommend any one of their classes to literally anyone and everyone. Sign up for a class today! You wont regret it!