Firearms Academy of Seattle

I am impressed by the quality of the instructors at FAS as well as their level of handgun defense knowledge. Marty Hayes is extremely knowledgeable in the area of self defense law; a great resource, I’ve learned a lot. Honestly, I am surprised that this place exists in the area. This is one of the special places that you read about in industry magazines. I will be going back to learn more about how to keep my family safe.

There are a lot of operations around that claim to teach defensive firearms use. Many are run by «Mall Rangers» who are legends in their own minds.
This is not one.
Marty and Gila Hayes have put together a quality world-​class operation in the Northwest.
When I started my first class, I was not at all familiar with firearms. I didn’t know how little I knew about firearms but, more importantly, the legal aspects of self defense.
Using a combination of their own experience in law enforcement, the input of a number of nationally-​known instructors, and Marty’s legal education.
A cadre of instructors with a number of different backgrounds have been assembled to give the students a good background in fundamentals and specialized shooting.
Whether a new shooter or an experienced shooter looking to hone and refresh skills, FAS is a great resource.

I’ve taken many gun classes over the years but none any better than FAS. Whether you’re a beginner or want to build more skill after years of being a gun enthusiast, you won’t go wrong here. The instructors are excellent, the range very safe with strict safety rules. They offer pistol, rifle, and shotgun instruction as well as weapon retention drill training. Besides, it’s fun and reasonable!

I’m extremely satisfied with the firearms skills training at this school. The classes are affordable, the high quality of instruction is a real price value. At this school civilians can learn self defense firearm skills and about the legalities of carrying a gun for self defense. There are also rifle and tactical classes. You can learn about firearms, get help choosing a firearm to suit the full picture of your lifestyle, even get help selecting accessories. Classes are information rich, the days are long, skills will be built.
For Northies, some of the classes can also be taken at Norpoint Shooting Range in Arlington, WA. Given a choice (and good weather) I prefer outdoor instruction at the main Onalaska location.
The school offers women’s only classes where women can get help with physical and mental female concerns that men can’t address as well as another woman can.
If you’re interested in learning competitive shooting you can do that here, too.
The owners started the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network for the purpose of «educating members about the legalities of using deadly force for self defense and how to interact with the criminal justice system after a shooting.»
Check out the FAS website and take some classes. Nearly impossible to be disappointed.

I guess precision rifle is a pretty demanding skill and I can’t comment on the other review.
But if you’re interested in learning the basics of handgun use, selection, skills and all the legal, moral and practical implications, there are few choices as good as here.
I’m not a gun guy, but I do carry one in the real world. Going here helped impart some real and practical skills for a reasonable price.
I was impressed with the skill level of the instructors as well as their teaching.
I didn’t go for an extremely technical class, I went for the defensive handgun class and for two days, I learned a lot.
I’ve seen comments about watching DVD’s at the school, not a bad thing when you have a basic understanding of the legal issues involved. ‘Consistency of training.’ You only watch during lunch, it does not take up time spent on the range.
Having a relaxed and humorous ex-​police firearms instructor (not pompous or overbearing, thanks Nick) and a competitive shooter (who is also a firearms use related lawyer, thanks Brian) made the class fun and useful.
Now I have to wait till next year to get my wife and mom to go too.

The Precision Rifle Class I was a complete waste of my time and 3 of us left demanding a full refund. The 400 yd range is closed. The 265 range is falling apart and overgrown. The class time was a complete joke. Marty should be ashamed to even offer this class given the complete lack of competent instruction, materials, and range infrastructure! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY! LOOK ELSEWHERE!