PERSONALIZED PRIVATE Lessons

If a group class isn’t your thing or you want even more personalized attention, out private instructors are there to serve you. Private instruction is deal for in-depth knowledge delivered one-on-one or in a small group setting.

Even though it’s private, you can still share the experience with a few friends!

DAN SCHMELZER

Range Master

Dan Schmelzer is our esteemed range master and has been a life long hunting and shooting enthusiast who has been involved as a volunteer in the law enforcement community for past 12 years. As an AZPOST Firearms Instructor for the last 6 years, Dan has developed a thorough understanding of marksmanship fundamentals. His experience with beginning as well as accomplished shooters gives him insight into getting great results in limited time. His passion for shooting is demonstrated in his approach to instructing and how he encourages the shooter to excel in their shooting skills while paying the utmost attention to safety.

Dan is a NRA Certified Instructor in Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home, and Home Firearm Safety. He is also an AZPOST Firearms Instructor, Patrol Rifle Instructor, MCSO General Instructor, and Qualified Judgmental shooting Instructor.

Brad Battaglia

Brad Battaglia has an extensive background with over 16 years of real world experience using firearms.  Brad’s professional use of firearms started as a U.S. Army Paratrooper serving as a machine gunner where he deployed to Iraq. Upon returning from deployment Brad became a Sniper and Sniper Team Leader.  After leaving the military Brad returned to Iraq where he worked as a private military contractor providing close personal protection to U.S. Government Officials. Brad then returned to Arizona where he began his career in law enforcement. As a Police Officer Brad worked Patrol as well as serving as a SWAT Sniper, Field Training Officer and Firearms Instructor.

Brad is both an NRA and USCCA certified instructor as well as an AZPOST Firearms Instructor.  Brad has a passion for teaching new shooters and helping them build skills in shooting and personal protection.

Anthony KINSEY

Anthony Kinsey is a retired police officer with over 10 years of service. During his time as a police officer, Anthony became a General Instructor which helped hone his teaching skills. These skills allowed him to teach numerous classes over a varied range of topics to multiple people with different learning styles. Anthony was also a certified Fitness Instructor. As a Fitness Instructor, Anthony was responsible for teaching, coaching and mentoring police officers to become more physically fit and reaching their fitness goals.  Finally, Anthony was a Field Training Officer (FTO) for numerous new police officers. As a FTO, Anthony was charged with training new officers in multiple areas to help them reach their full potential of becoming a safe and effective solo officer. 

Anthony’s background in law enforcement and passion for teaching as well as being a certified NRA pistol instructor and USCCA instructor has given him the insight to mentor and instruct both novice and experienced shooters.

Matt obele

Matt Obele is an Arizona native who grew up hunting and target shooting in the North Scottsdale desert before development moved in. His love of the desert and passion for teaching others about it led to a 30-year career as a Jeep tour guide, where he shared stories of Arizona history, taught guests to shoot and reinforced the importance of firearms safety. Matt also spent 20 years performing with Western reenactments groups in which he served as the safety officer. He not only understands the mechanics of using firearms, he is deeply committed to teaching others how to use them properly, in a fun and safe environment.

Matt has taught hundreds of people how to shoot. Where he excels is with newer shooters who want to increase their ability and skill level. His ability to connect on a personal level immediately puts his guests at ease so the learning and enjoyment can begin.

Matt is a Certified NRA Pistol & USCCA Instructor who loves to teach and firmly believes in pursuing his own continuing education.

Vern Crow

Vern is a Certified NRA Instructor, Certified Range Safety Officer, Certified United States Conceal Carry Association (USCCA) Instructor and a Certified Law Enforcement Instructor.  Over the past 20 years he has taught basic firearms handling skills, marksmanship and maintenance for semi-auto pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun and for the more advanced shooter, tactical skills for these as well.  His strong background in teaching and vast knowledge has been applied to the first time beginner as well as the accomplished shooter.  This has given him the ability to obtain a positive result in a short amount of time, regardless of the skill level of his student.  Combine this with his patient and pleasant teaching style, this ultimately guides each student into improving their shooting skills, while at the same time teaching them how to be comfortable and safe with their firearm.

Vern is currently available to schedule appointments by email to: vcrow@scottsdalegunclub.com