Tactical U provides the best online firearm training courses for beginners. We connect you live with a certified instructor. No pre-recorded videos, no generic content. In just 2 hours, you’ll master the fundamentals of safe gun handling through interactive demonstrations and real-time Q&A
Course Details: Price $250
2 hours | Live Google Meet | Virtual
Unlike most online safety courses, this one is NOT pre-recorded. Safety is the foundation of every skill you’ll learn at Tactical U. This 2-hour live, online beginner class is designed for new firearm owners or anyone seeking a refresher on safe gun handling. No weapons are needed — this is a virtual, interactive class delivered via Google Meet where the instructor demonstrates proper firearm safety techniques using training equipment. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to handle firearms responsibly before advancing to live-fire training.
Merchant Fees Apply
Posted on Jason JasonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an instructor! Stephen was patient and insightful - he made his expertise relatable. Great work!Posted on Omar N.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience training with Stephen. Extremely knowledgeable, not just about rifles, but about mindset, safety, and practical application overall. The training is extremely comprehensive and goes deep into how a rifle actually works, while also covering a wide range of possible scenarios. The session was clear, structured, and very informative. Highly recommend to anyone serious about proper firearms training.Posted on iurii churilovTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience overall. I had an excellent time during the shooting training and learned a lot. The instructor, Steve, did a fantastic job explaining the fundamentals and the mechanics behind how everything works. The lesson was well-structured, informative, and engaging. I left with a much better understanding and solid basic skills. Highly recommended. iurii c.Posted on Joseph FooksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen when I showed up to my first ever Firearms training. This experience was a gift that was purchased for me. I had no previous formal training. I can tell you leaving I feel significantly more comfortable handling a firearm. Stephen truly made me appreciate how skilled he is. His knowledge is on another level and leaving I feel privileged to have been able to spend 4 hours with him. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their tactical skills. Amateurs or pros... you will walk away learning something. Hes extremely personable and makes the experience amazing. As I was leaving another client joined us for some banter. His clients been seeing him for years. This isnt a one time experience. Ill be back improving my skills with Stephen again soon.Posted on Pavel TchourliaevTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. tldr: An incredibly fun and educational experience. My previous experience handling pistols has developed a number of bad habits that Steve has methodically exemplified and fixed. What started rather slow, with proper holding, reloading, etc, ended up with hardcore theory, real-life examples and advanced drills. Over two days of private lessons, I can confidently say that my handgun handling skills have advanced significantly and Steve helped build a solid foundation for future practice. As an instructor, Steve is not only hilarious, but also leads by example, with lots of additional real-life experiences of how the techniques he teaches have helped his former students. I'll be coming back to take additional one-on-one lessons with Steve every time I visit Florida, he's that good.Posted on Wilson CarterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My brother and I traveled from Boca Raton to attend this private rifle training at homestead training center and had an awesome time. We learned so much about rifles, firearm handling, and safety, and walked away feeling both confident and informed. The instruction was incredibly meticulous and thorough, but also extremely fun the entire way through. Everything was explained clearly, patiently, and in a way that made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. I’d highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning about firearms, whether you’re brand-new or looking to build on what you already know.Posted on cory malvertyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stephen is a world class instructor, being prior military and having very high level training inside and out of the military I can say Stephen is the best of the best at his craft. Extremely knowledgeable, articulate, humble and passionate about training. I will definitely be taking a lot more courses to learn new skills, tactics and also to maintain my skills. Highly recommend any and all courses that can be taken @ tactical UPosted on Kenneth KepleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience with Tactical U Firearms. My shooting improved dramatically and I’m 52 and been shooting since I was 5. However this was my first actual / formal instruction. Mr. Cohen gave me all the foundation that I needed to practice on my own.Posted on Michael SabatinoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a novice shooter, finding the right instructor is critical. I have had multiple sessions with Stephen and both my knowledge base and shooting have improved consistently; he is passionate about being an instructor. Stephen begins with a framework covering safety and technical skills. The range work quickly follows. Stephen's deep expertise and experience paves the path for any student. Shooting rounds with realtime feedback fosters adaptability and better consistency. As you improve, Stephen walks you through real life situations with tactical proficiency. I highly recommend Stephen and Tactical U.Posted on Eric KatzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "The Real McCoy of Firearms Training!" I cannot say enough about this firearms training class. As a complete beginner, I was nervous, but Steve, a 30-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department, was the real McCoy. The one-on-one setting was invaluable, allowing for a personalized safety-first approach that immediately put me at ease. He offered "tough love" when needed, but always with an understanding of my beginner skill level, pushing me to be better while still being incredibly supportive. This was not a generic group class; it was a deeply insightful and professional experience that I will remember for a lifetime. I am definitely going to have my son train with him as well. If you want genuine, top-tier instruction, this is the place. Five stars without hesitation.
Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or a seasoned professional, our tactical training courses are designed to meet your needs.
The Four Universal Rules of Firearm Safety — theory, demonstration, and real-world application
Proper muzzle and trigger discipline — why “safe direction” is relative, not absolute
How to safely check and clear a firearm — semi-auto pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns
Keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use (exceptions for defensive readiness)
How to properly open the action, drop the mag or cylinder, and inspect the chamber
Safe transfer between people — action open, chamber visible, verbal confirmation
Maintenance and reliability — cleaning, inspection, and when to consult a gunsmith
Correct ammunition use — markings, headstamps, mismatched ammo hazards
Drugs, alcohol, and medication — absolute disqualifiers for safe handling
Safe storage practices — safes, lock boxes, quick-access systems for families and travel
Unauthorized access prevention — securing firearms from children and intruders
Understanding stress responses — tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, fight/flight/freeze
New firearm owners
Students preparing for concealed carry training
Families seeking to secure firearms safely at home
Anyone seeking a professional, confidence-building safety foundation
Tactical U is led by Stephen Cohen, a 30-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department with specialized tactical training. Our curriculum follows industry-standard firearm safety protocols established by law enforcement and military training programs. While this course doesn’t replace state-mandated CCW requirements, it provides the foundational knowledge required before advancing to live-fire certification classes.
Unlike most online firearm courses that use pre-recorded videos, Tactical U provides live, interactive instruction via Google Meet. You’re face-to-face with a 30-year police veteran who demonstrates techniques in real-time and answers your specific questions. Most competitors charge $50-$100 for passive video content; we charge $250 for active, personalized coaching, live Q & A. You also get direct access to our facility for follow-up in-person training.
For foundational safety knowledge, yes. This 2-hour live class covers the same safety principles you’d learn in the classroom portion of an in-person course. The key difference: this is a LIVE instructor via Google Meet, not a pre-recorded video. You can ask questions in real-time and see demonstrations with training equipment. However, this course does NOT include live-fire practice—that requires in-person range time, which we offer as a follow-up course.
No. This class does not require you to bring a firearm. All demonstrations are performed by the instructor using training equipment.
No. This is a non-shooting safety class conducted online, focused on safe handling, storage, and protocols.
Yes. This class is designed for complete beginners and those seeking a refresher. No prior experience is necessary.
Yes. This online safety class is open to students nationwide.
Yes. Students receive a Tactical U certificate upon successful completion, acknowledging their participation in formal firearm safety training.
This course provides the foundational firearm safety knowledge required before pursuing concealed carry certification. However, most states require both classroom instruction AND live-fire qualification for CCW permits. After completing this online safety class, you’ll be prepared to advance to our in-person CCW training, which includes range time and meets state requirements for permit applications.
Yes. For new shooters, this course is strongly recommended before advancing to Tactical U’s in-person pistol, rifle, or shotgun training.
Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of completion via email. From there, you have two options: (1) Continue to our in-person Handgun Training or CCW courses at our South Florida facility, or (2) Practice safe handling at your local range using the principles you’ve learned. We recommend scheduling in-person training within 30 days to reinforce your skills with live-fire practice, or continue your online journey with our online firearm safety masterclass.