Pistol Training in Kennesaw.
Know What to Do
When It Matters.
CONFIDENCE LOADED.
Train with precision. Leave with proof. Private pistol training in Kennesaw, GA, Metro Atlanta — led by a 20-year U.S. Navy Small Arms Instructor. All gear included. All skill levels welcome.
Private pistol training in Kennesaw, GA, Metro Atlanta. Navy-trained instructor. All gear included.
Choose your path →
Questions? Text 404-590-5740
Active Duty U.S. Navy
Military & Civilian Trainees
Pistol Instructor & PPITH
Beginner to Extended
Why Train Now
Most people wait until after the incident.
Don't. The range is where you build the responses that matter when it's not a drill.
Most people wait.
They say they'll train "eventually." Then something happens. The best time to train was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
You own a gun. Have you trained?
Owning a firearm without training is like owning a car without knowing how to drive. Legal — but dangerous.
A threat doesn't give you time to think.
Self-defense training builds automatic responses. The range is the only place to develop them before you need them.
Confidence is a skill, not a feeling.
You can't think your way to confident. You have to train your way there. One session changes everything.
32% of U.S. adults own a firearm.
Most have never had professional instruction. You're here — you're already ahead of the curve.
Courses & Pricing
Three courses. One standard.
Private instruction, all gear included. Choose the session that fits you.
First-Time Shooter
The right start.
Beginner pistol fundamentals plus live-fire. Covers safe handling, stance, grip, sight picture, and trigger discipline — then puts rounds downrange.
- Beginner pistol fundamentals
- Live-fire on the range
- 1 hr 30 min session
- All gear included · 9mm ammo provided
- Valid ID required (18+)
Heels & Holsters
Finally feel prepared.
A women-only class built for comfort and confidence. Max 6 participants across two range lanes — small by design, so every shooter gets real time with the instructor.
- Women-only environment
- Max 6 participants
- Two range lanes · 1 hr 30 min
- Same fundamentals, relaxed pace
- All gear included · 9mm ammo provided
Private Coaching
Your goals. Your pace.
One-on-one instruction tailored to your specific goals — whether that's refining form, building confidence, or working through a specific skill.
- Fully personalized curriculum
- Your goals set the agenda
- 1 hr 30 min session
- Private lane, no other students
- All gear included · 9mm ammo provided
All sessions held in Kennesaw, GA. Cancellations within 24 hours forfeit the session fee.
Ammo note:9mm ammunition is included with every session. Prefer to shoot your own caliber? You're welcome to bring your own firearm and ammo — same price, no problem.
Lead Instructor
MA1(SW) Ret. Marcus Darling
Navy Small Arms Instructor · 20 Years · NRA-Certified
Petty Officer Darling served twenty years in the United States Navy as a Master-at-Arms — the Navy's law enforcement and security force — retiring as a Petty Officer First Class, Surface Warfare qualified. During that time, the Navy formally certified him as a Small Arms Instructor: the sailor trusted to train other sailors to safely handle, carry, and use a firearm under real-world conditions.
That's the same standard he brings to civilians at Down-Range Training Academy.
His philosophy is simple: personal protection is a skill, not a hobby. Skills are built through deliberate repetition with a qualified instructor — not through a single afternoon at the range. Fundamentals first. Repetition second. Confidence third. Every time.
Full instructor bio →"Walk in with questions. Walk out with a skill that lasts."
Student Reviews
What students say.
5.0 average from 2 Google reviews
“I had an amazing experience..I brought my 12 yr. Old son with me. Marcus is a great instructor & well informed. I will definitely be recommending!”
“My training session with DTA was a great experience. Marcus really knows his stuff, he's a skilled instructor and provided clear guidance with a strong emphasis on safety. I left feeling more confident and better prepared for the next time I need to handle my firearm.”
From Our Community
Inside DTA
Real training. Real results.
Your First Session
Four steps. One hour.
A whole new skill.
Book
Text, call, or book online. We confirm same-day.
Arrive
Show up 15 minutes early. Sign the range waiver. Meet your instructor.
Learn
Fundamentals first — stance, grip, sight picture, trigger. Then live fire at your pace.
Leave
Rounds downrange. Real fundamentals in your hands. Real confidence to carry.
—COMMON QUESTIONS—
Questions answered.
Concerns addressed.
© 2024 DOWN-RANGE TRAINING ACADEMY · KENNESAW, GA
DTA limits enrollment to ensure quality instruction.
Every student gets full attention. That means limited seats. View what's available — then decide.
Or text 404-590-5740 for same-day booking · Kennesaw, GA