PERSONALIZED PRIVATE Lessons
If a group class isn’t your thing or you want even more personalized attention, our private instructors are there to serve you. Private instruction is ideal 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!
matt obele
Range Master
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.
If you are interested in training for the whole family please E-Mail Matt Obele at mobele@ScottsdaleGunClub.com to set up a group appointment.
dan schmelzer
Senior Firearms Instructor
Dan Schmelzer is a lifelong hunting and shooting enthusiast who has 10 years’ of experience as a Firearms Instructor with the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office and an additional 10 plus years at the Scottsdale Gun Club as an instructor. Over the years as an Instructor, Dan has developed a thorough understanding of marksmanship fundamentals. His experience with beginning as well as accomplished shooters gives him an insight into getting great results with limited time.
His passion for shooting is demonstrated in his approach to instruction and how he encourages the shooter to excel in their shooting skills while paying the upmost attention to safety.
Dan is an NRA certified handgun instructor, rifle instructor, Personal protection in the home, and Home Firearm Safety instructor. Additionally, he is also a USCCA certified firearms instructor. Other firearms credentials include AZPOST Firearms instructor, Patrol rifle instructor, General instructor, Judgmental shooting instructor and AZDPS armed guard instructor.
If you’re interested in training with Dan, please email dschmelzer@scottsdalegunclub.com or call him at 480-510-1328
Eric Peters
Eric comes from the civilian sector with more than 15 years of experience in pistol, rifle, and shotgun training, specializing in defensive psychology. He has advanced studies in Auditory Physics, and nearly 20 years of data analysis in finance and banking. Eric has received advanced leadership training in Integrated Performance Dynamics, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Human Modeling. This allows him to effectively communicate and train individuals with varying skill levels and backgrounds. As an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, Eric is dedicated to teaching his students how to properly handle firearms, as well as the mental and psychological aspects of self-defense. His diverse background allows him to provide a unique perspective that blends fundamentals with a holistic approach to firearms training.
Eric’s commitment to safety, attention to detail, and passion for teaching make him an exceptional firearms instructor. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, Eric has the expertise to help you achieve your goals and become a responsible and skilled gun owner.
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.
Vern Crow
Vern Crow 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.