If you knew you were going to be in a gunfight, would you show up unprepared? Of course not. You’d learn the best techniques, drill them until second nature, and build a foundation you could trust with your life. That’s what Tactical Rifle Fundamentals is all about.
This entry-level tactical carbine course is for students with some shooting experience but little or no formal rifle training. You shouldn’t be a complete newbie — you need enough familiarity with firearms to safely follow commands without constant oversight. Expect to have bad habits broken down and rebuilt correctly so you can progress to dynamic, advanced courses.
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.
Check optic mounting for proper eye relief, height, and torque to ensure reliable performance.
Protocols specifically for rifles in dynamic environments.
Confirm your iron sights or optics and understand how your zero affects effectiveness.
Stance, grip, sight picture, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control, follow-through.
Mastering high ready, low ready, muzzle up/down — and transitioning safely between ready positions with proper muzzle discipline.
Understanding Height Over Bore (HOB) at distances under ~15 yards, why your shots will impact low, and how to compensate.
Confidently diagnose and fix common rifle stoppages.
Execute reloads efficiently, minimizing wasted movement while maintaining control of the rifle.
Shooting effectively from standing, kneeling, seated, and prone.
Location: Homestead Training Center
Time: 4 hours (by appointment; call to schedule)
Level: Entry-level — some shooting experience required; not for complete beginners needing constant oversight
Firearms: Any AR-15 platform carbine in any caliber except .22LR. PCCs (pistol caliber carbines) allowed. Other platforms (e.g., SCAR, AK variants) accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Ammo: 400 rounds of appropriate ammunition for your rifle caliber
Iron Sights: Required. Optics allowed as backup but not a replacement for fundamentals. Optic mounting will be checked for proper setup.
Sling: Properly set up rifle sling is mandatory. Unsafe gear will result in being sidelined.
Tools & Maintenance: Bring all tools required for your rifle and accessories — screws, mounts, and optics can loosen with heat cycles. Have cleaning supplies, bore brush, and basic maintenance kit on hand.
Risk Notice: Participation is at your own risk. By enrolling, you accept the inherent risks associated with live-fire rifle training.
$400 + merchant processing fees
$75 + ammunition sold separately at market price
Ammunition sold separately at market price
Advance your skills with these progression courses:
Yes. You should have basic firearm familiarity; if you’re completely new, start with a private lesson.
Any functional AR-15 platform in any caliber except .22LR. PCCs are acceptable. Other rifles evaluated case by case.
No. You must have iron sights installed. Optics can be mounted as backup but fundamentals must be learned on irons. We’ll check your optic setup for proper mounting.
If your gear fails or is unsafe, you will sit out. We don’t stop the class for individual gear issues.
Yes. Bring all tools and maintenance gear for your rifle and accessories.
All participants must read and sign a comprehensive waiver acknowledging the risks of advanced firearms training and releasing Tactical U and its staff from liability before the start of class.
This course is for training purposes only. Tactical U makes no representations or guarantees regarding legal use-of-force decisions or the outcomes of defensive engagements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with your local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms and self-defense.
All students must sign a liability waiver prior to participating. No student may proceed without acknowledging and accepting full responsibility for their actions, decisions, and adherence to safety protocols during and after training.
Private rifle fundamentals sessions available by appointment.