VETERAN
FIREARM
TRAINING
Safety Confidence Precision
Veteran Firearms Training, founded in 2020 by former U.S. Navy SEAL and Certified Naval Special Warfare Sniper Instructor Matt Hoetker, delivers elite, veteran-led firearms training in Louisville, KY. With 20+ years of firearms instructing experience and NRA Pistol/Firearms Instructor certification, Matt teaches safety-first courses—from basic fundamentals to advanced defensive skills (multiple targets, cover, combat reloads). Private lessons, friends/family sessions, and tailored marksmanship build discipline, precision, and confidence.
Training Courses
Duration: 90 minutes Skill Level: Complete beginners (no prior experience required)
This introductory course is designed for those taking their first steps into responsible firearm ownership. Led by Matt Hoetker, you'll start with a thorough safety briefing on the four universal firearm safety rules and range protocols, ensuring a foundation of trust and caution from the outset. Matt draws on his experience to tailor the session to your comfort level, explaining semi-automatic pistol parts and functions in simple terms, demonstrating safe loading, unloading, and reloading with hands-on dry practice using dummy rounds. Transition to supervised live-fire with low-recoil options (like .22 LR) to master fundamentals such as grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and breath management. By the end, you'll fire your first accurate shots with growing precision and confidence, all in a patient, supportive environment that prioritizes safety above all. Perfect for building a solid base before advancing—many students leave feeling empowered and ready for more.
Duration: 2 hours Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced (basic fundamentals required)
Elevate your skills with this dynamic course. Customized to your experience—whether you're refining draws or honing movement—every drill reinforces safety first with constant muzzle discipline and risk assessment. Begin with a quick safety refresher and mindset discussion on decisive action, then dive into holster draws, malfunction clearing (tap-rack-bang), and reloads (emergency vs. tactical). Progress to multiple-target transitions, shooting on the move, unconventional positions (kneeling, one-handed), and low-light techniques if available. Live-fire drills (150–200 rounds) build speed, accuracy, and confidence through controlled scenarios, all adapted to your pace for maximum growth. Matt's ability to tailor instruction ensures you gain military-grade situational awareness and precision, leaving you more prepared and self-assured in responsible firearm handling.
Flexible (2–4 hours, customizable) Skill Level: Any (beginners welcome; mixed experience groups supported) Group Size: 2–6 participants (ideal for couples, families, or close friends) Price: $450–$800 flat rate (depending on duration and group size; includes range fees where applicable)
Bring your friends & family or business colleagues together for a private, tailored firearms safety and handling session led by Matt Hoetker, former U.S. Navy SEAL and Certified Naval Special Warfare Sniper Instructor with NRA Pistol/Firearms certification. Drawing on over 20 years of high-stakes military expertise, Matt customizes every aspect of the training to match the group's collective and individual skill levels—from absolute beginners learning core safety rules to those refining fundamentals or introducing new family members.
The session emphasizes uncompromising safety (starting with the four universal firearm safety rules and range protocols), military-grade precision (proper grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and safe loading/unloading/reloading), and building lasting confidence in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Hands-on dry practice with dummy rounds transitions to supervised live-fire with low-recoil options, ensuring everyone progresses comfortably at their own pace.
This is the perfect way to share a meaningful, responsible experience as a group—whether introducing firearms to family members, bonding over skill-building, or ensuring everyone knows how to handle them safely at home. Matt's approach guarantees personalized attention, real-world discipline, and the confidence that comes from training with proven expertise. Safety, precision, and empowerment are always first.
Ready to schedule? Contact Matt Hoetker for a free consultation and to customize your session.
For the ultimate personalized training, book a private lesson with Matt Hoetker, leveraging his 20+ years as a SEAL sniper and NRA instructor to meet your exact needs. Whether you're a novice focusing on basic safety and handling or an advanced shooter drilling precision marksmanship and defensive tactics, Matt tailors every aspect—pacing, drills, and feedback—to your skill level. Safety is paramount, with protocols integrated into every step, while emphasis on precision (sight alignment, trigger control) and confidence-building (through progressive challenges) ensures measurable improvement. Ideal for one-on-one refinement, bad habit correction, or specialized goals like concealed carry prep. Walk away with enhanced discipline and real-world readiness
Testimonials
Schedule Your Training
About Us
Founded in 2019 by Matt Hoetker, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and Certified Naval Special Warfare Sniper Instructor, our veteran-run firearm training company embodies the pinnacle of military precision, discipline, and expertise.
With over 20 years of leadership in high-stakes military and civilian environments, Matt brings a wealth of experience as an NRA-certified Pistol and Firearms Instructor, having trained military, law enforcement team and civilians in advanced marksmanship, tactical skills, and uncompromising safety protocols. Our mission is to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to handle firearms responsibly, drawing on Matt’s proven track record in developing rigorous training programs for diverse groups.
From Basic Pistol Courses, which teach foundational safety and handling, to Advanced Pistol Courses focusing on multiple target engagement, shooting from cover, and combat reloads, our training is designed to instill military-honed precision and situational awareness. Whether through Friends and Family Private Training, Individual Private Lessons, or specialized marksmanship courses, we deliver tailored instruction rooted in Matt’s extensive military background and commitment to excellence.
Trust us to guide you with safety and proficiency at the forefront.
Contact Us
Interested in some training? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!