Frequently Asked Questions

No! I provide all firearms and ammunition for training sessions. You'll get to try various options to find what works best for you.

Absolutely! Many of my students are completely new to firearms. That's exactly what the Familiarization courses are for - no experience necessary.

It's my teaching style: SHOW you what to do, TELL you why it matters, then let you SHOOT to practice. No jumping straight to live fire without proper foundation.

Yes! Firearm Safety Team is proudly owned and operated by a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Everyone is welcome in a judgment-free environment.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing that covers your shoulders (to prevent hot brass contact). Avoid low-cut tops. A baseball cap is highly recommended — the brim deflects hot brass away from your face. For outdoor sessions, dress for the weather! I provide eye and ear protection.

Just yourself and a valid government-issued ID — we'll take care of the rest! We provide eye and ear protection, and if you don't own a firearm, we've got you covered there too. For clothing, wear closed-toe shoes and something that covers your shoulders (trust us, hot brass is no joke), and skip the low-cut tops for the same reason. A baseball cap is a great idea to keep brass out of your face, and for outdoor sessions, dress for whatever Portland weather decides to throw at us.

The range fee is separate and paid directly to the range on the day of your session — it's not included in the FST session price. Don't worry though, we handle all the range selection and scheduling so you don't have to figure any of that out. Most Portland metro ranges run around $10–20 per person, so it's pretty affordable. If you're booking an in-home service like a Mantis dry-fire session or a maintenance class, there's no range fee at all!

For familiarization sessions, plan on about 3 hours total — that includes a briefing before we head to the range, the range time itself, and a debrief afterward. Online courses run about 90 minutes each and are designed to be thorough but not exhausting. If you've booked an in-home service like a Mantis coaching session or a maintenance class, those typically run 60–90 minutes depending on what we cover.

In-person sessions are held at local shooting ranges in the Portland metro area — we pick the range based on the session type and what's available that day. Once you book, we'll confirm the specific location with you so there are no surprises. If you've booked an in-home service like a dry-fire session or a maintenance class, we come to you, which means no range trip needed at all!

We accept payment via Venmo (@FirearmSafetyTeam) or Square — whichever is easier for you. Online courses are paid at the time of booking to secure your spot. For in-person sessions, you can send payment via Venmo before the session or take care of it when we meet up. We also accept gift cards, which make a pretty thoughtful gift for someone you think would love this kind of experience!

Life happens — we totally get it, and we're not going to make you stress about rescheduling. Just reach out to Anth directly at Anth@FirearmSafetyTeam.com and we'll figure it out together. The more notice you can give the better, but there's no rigid penalty policy here. Open communication is all we ask for.

For in-person range sessions, participants must be 18 or older — that's a range policy we follow consistently. Online courses are recommended for ages 18 and up as well, but if you're under 18 and interested, reach out to Anth directly to talk through options with parental consent. And on the other end of the spectrum — there is absolutely no maximum age. Everyone is welcome here, full stop.

Yes! You'll receive a certificate of completion after finishing each course, which will be emailed to you after class. Just make sure you register using the exact name on your government-issued ID, since that's what goes on the official certificate. If you're taking the Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) course, your certificate satisfies the training requirement for the sheriff's office — so you'll be ready to move forward with your application right away.

Nope — all ammunition is provided for in-person sessions, and the cost is already included in the session price. No need to worry about buying the right caliber or showing up underprepared. That said, if you own a firearm and want to practice with your own ammo, you're absolutely welcome to bring it — just reach out to Anth ahead of time so we can make sure everything is set up smoothly.

All of FST's online classes are fully live on Zoom — real instructors, real interaction, real questions answered in the moment. You're not watching a recording by yourself; you're in an instructor-led session where you can ask anything that comes up. Classes run in the evenings: Basics of Pistol Shooting on Tuesdays (6–7:30pm or 7:30–9pm), Basics of Personal Protection in the Home on Wednesdays (6–7:30pm or 7:30–9pm), and Oregon CHL on Thursdays (6–7:30pm or 7:30–9pm).

Yes — FST's Oregon CHL course fully satisfies Oregon's mandatory safety training requirement under state law. When you complete the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion to bring to your county sheriff's office as part of your application. The course covers use-of-force ethics, responsible carry mindset, and suicide prevention strategies, so you'll leave genuinely prepared — not just checked off a list. It's offered live on Zoom every Thursday for $30.

Oregon requires a background check through the Oregon Firearms Safety Act (Measure 114) dealer process before any purchase, and processing times can vary — there's no mandatory waiting period, but it's not always instant either. Taking a class doesn't speed up the purchase process, but it does mean you'll walk into that gun store (and out the other side) knowing exactly what you're doing. Check out FST's Oregon Firearm Purchase Process page for a full step-by-step guide to navigating the process confidently.

Absolutely — that's exactly what the Familiarization sessions are designed for. You'll get hands-on time with up to 22 different pistols, 4 rifles, or 3 shotguns before spending a single dollar at a gun store, so you can find what actually fits your hands, your goals, and your lifestyle. You'll leave with a real sense of what caliber, size, and action type works for you — not just a salesperson's recommendation. Take a look at the Choosing Your First Firearm guide on the site for a great head start before your session.

The Mantis X10 Elite is an aerospace-grade shooting analytics sensor that attaches to your firearm and tracks your trigger pull, grip pressure, aim stability, and more in real time. FST uses it because it gives you objective, data-driven feedback that goes beyond what verbal coaching alone can offer — you can actually see what's happening with your technique, not just hear about it. It's used in both the Mantis Laser Academy in-home service and during range sessions, making your training time significantly more efficient and targeted.

Anth comes to your home for a 60-minute hands-on session covering field-stripping, cleaning, and lubricating your specific firearm — so you're learning with your actual gun, not a generic example. You'll receive a personalized reference binder tailored to your exact firearms so you can maintain them confidently on your own going forward. The session also includes a storage security audit that helps you strike the right balance between quick access when you need it and keeping your firearms safely out of the wrong hands.

Lead exposure is a genuine concern at indoor ranges, and it's worth taking seriously — wash your hands thoroughly after every session, avoid touching your face while at the range, and wear clothes you're okay laundering afterward. FST's Lead Safety page covers specific steps you can take before, during, and after your sessions to minimize exposure. Outdoor ranges generally have much lower lead levels thanks to natural ventilation, so that's worth knowing if you have ongoing health concerns.

Yes — FST's Stop the Bleed page covers tourniquet use and hemorrhage control fundamentals, because knowing how to render emergency aid at a range is a meaningful part of responsible firearm ownership. It's the kind of knowledge that most people hope they'll never need but are really glad to have. FST may also incorporate basic Stop the Bleed awareness into future in-person sessions, so stay tuned as the curriculum continues to grow.

Yes! Gift cards are available for purchase through Square at firearmsafetyteam.com/gift-cards. They can be used for any FST service — in-person or online — come in any amount, and never expire. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone who's curious about firearm safety but isn't sure where to start.

Many students follow up with an Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) course, a second familiarization session covering a different firearm type, or a focused skills session to keep building confidence. Check out the What's Next page and the Next Steps guide on the site for personalized direction. For at-home practice between sessions, the Mantis Laser Academy is a fantastic dry-fire training tool. The FST blog also has ongoing buying guides, educational articles, and resources to keep you learning at your own pace.

Each familiarization session is designed around one firearm type — pistol, rifle, or shotgun — so you get real depth instead of a rushed overview. That focus gives you time to shoot multiple models within that type, ask all your questions, and actually retain what you learn. Many students come back for a second or third session to explore a different platform, and returning clients receive a discount. Check the Training Options page to see exactly what each session covers.

Please check with Anth before recording anything at the range — policies vary by facility, and some ranges prohibit photos or video entirely while others allow it in certain areas. FST wants to make sure you're having a great experience while keeping everyone comfortable and in compliance with range rules. Rest assured, FST will never share photos or video of students without your explicit consent — your privacy matters here.

Concealed carry insurance isn't required by law, but it's strongly recommended for anyone who carries. Legal defense costs following a defensive use of force can reach six figures — even in fully justified situations — and that financial exposure is real. FST's Concealed Carry Insurance page breaks down and compares the major providers, including USCCA, US LawShield, and CCW Safe, so you can make an informed choice. The Oregon CHL course also covers the legal and mindset side of carrying in depth.

FST's shop carries reference books — including the NRA's Basics of Pistol Shooting and Basics of Shotgun Shooting — along with FST logo stickers and car magnets. Shipping starts at just $2.95, books ship via USPS, and stickers and magnets ship free when ordered alongside a book. These books pair nicely with FST's online courses and make great companion reading. You'll receive an email confirmation once your order is on its way.

Absolutely — the Community Resources page lists Oregon-based and national LGBTQIA+ firearm organizations, ranges, clubs, and advocacy groups so you can find your people. FST also maintains a newsletter with local events, new resources, and fresh content to help you stay connected. Building community is just as important to FST as the training itself, and Anth genuinely wants students to feel like they belong to something bigger than a single class.