A well regulated militia....
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"The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."

​- Thomas Jefferson, Commonplace Book (quoting 18th century criminologist Cesare Beccaria), 1774-1776

​"I recently took Mr. McNaul’s basic handgun course and was extremely happy with all aspects of the course.
  He did a great job teaching and I was able to learn all necessary information to operate a handgun safely.  The classroom portion of the course was informative with hands-on experiences throughout so we could practice what we learned as he was teaching it.  We had a good amount of live fire practice, and he often gave constructive feedback that I was able to use to improve my techniques.  My main goal to accomplish from taking the course was to be more comfortable with shooting and to know that I could safely operate my newly purchased handgun.  I can confidently say that I met that goal."

Brooke- Karthaus, PA



"I have many years of shooting experance.  Your self defence and concealed carry class gave me more awareness in procedures and safety. I can better handle a self defence situation with more  skills and confidence. I will practice the procedures when at the shooting range. thanks for the training."

Jim - Altoona, PA

"Excellent class! Matt thoroughly and clearly explains the material. I finished the class feeling much more knowledgeable about safety, gun mechanics, and discharging a weapon. I also felt much more comfortable handling a pistol. I highly recommend his class!"

Regina - Altoona, PA

"I found Matt to be an excellent instructor both in the classroom and on the range.  He was especially helpful in teaching me the correct grip to use as well as ways to improve my aim.  I hope to take another course from Matt in the future."

Gail - Bellefonte, PA

"I've been trained by Matt in Basic Handgun Skills and Home Defense. He was very thorough, engaging and thought provoking
in his presentation. He involved us in discussions on all facets of gun knowledge including safe handling, tips in shooting and carry laws. He  has a good grasp on how to help you make corrections in technique which was helpful on the range. This Combat vet gives Matt two thumbs up. Great job Matt! "

Vern - Bellefonte, PA

"Hello everyone in the Dubois/Altoona area! If you are thinking about getting your conceal carry permit, just learn a little more about hand guns, or want to take a home defense course this is your chance!!!! My brother in law, Matt, is an AMAZING teacher and I can promise you that his classes will be like nothing else offered in the area. If you are worried that you will feel intimidated, once again, I can promise that you will never feel uncomfortable or judged! Whether you are a beginner or have experience handling guns you should take a look at some of these classes!!"

​Katherine - Columbus, OH

 "Having grown up in a home without the presence of firearms or any knowledge of using them safely, I wanted to be sure that I took the proper class(es) to be educated correctly. I purchased my pistol the day prior to training. I didn't even want to touch my gun because I was so afraid. Within minutes of training, I knew how to properly hold the firearm, and throughout the day my worries lessened. Matt did a great job instructing us and being extremely thorough. By late afternoon, I was confident that my training helped me overcome my fear of guns, and I was right. At the range, Matt instructed us step by step. Without this training, I'm not sure I would have been able to defend myself properly should that need ever arise. Now, with more classes and practice I am confident that I can do so." 

Lindsey - Madera, PA

 "I recently took the Basic Handgun course.   Our instructor, Matt, was very knowledgeable and patient.  With lots of hands-on instruction, he took the time to make sure we understood the information and how to apply it.  I really learned a lot and am looking forward to the next class."

Annette - Warrior's Mark, PA

"I recently took the Basic Handgun course taught by Matt McNaul and I highly recommend it. It was an eight hour class and the time flew by! Matt presented lots of good information, lots of hands on exercises, and great range drills. It was definitely worth the time and money!"

Rhonda - Bellwood, PA

"Thank you for providing the hand gun skills training class.  Your course was perfect for me, being a new hand gun owner.
The anxiety level can be high when dealing with a firearm and your patient teaching allowed us to approach the learning from a comfortable place.  The numerous exercises were very helpful in building familiarity and starting to build muscle memory. A lot to learn the first time but your pace was perfect.  The instructional materials are well done also and will help me continue to learn more from Home."

Lou - Hollidaysburg, PA

"Thank you Matt for sharing your passion of handgun/safety with patience for first time gun owners. The class was very helpful!"

Kristen - Altoona, PA

"My wife was dead set against guns until a female friend of hers received a handgun from her husband for self defense.  My wife finally decided that she would like to learn.  I purchased her a Beretta for her and she obtained her CCW.  I then ask Matt to teach her his  basic handgun class that he offers.  My wife is so confident with not only owning a handgun but also carry it with her.  The only down side  here is that we should have purchased our Glock 17's first.  Yes we each have our own.  She loves the Glock and has become quite a shooter."    

​Rolland-Altoona, PA

"As a moderately experienced shooter, but new to handguns, I found Matt’s class to be engaging and very informative. He showed me how to safely apply what I already knew to the handgun and introduced many new concepts. The class size allowed for quite a bit of question and answer, and on the range Matt was able to give each of us advice to make us better shooters. A great investment for anyone interested in keeping a handgun for personal defense. I am sure to be taking more of Matt’s classes in the future."

Rich - Hollidaysburg, PA

"I received a handgun for Christmas but truly believe gun ownership starts with education and responsibility so I immediately started looking for a class to take. I picked up a one of Matt McNaul's cards at an outdoor show and am so glad I did! This class is exactly what I was looking for! It was informative with a huge focus on safety and responsibility but more importantly it gave me confidence in handling and firing my weapon. I absolutely will take the additional classes offered by Matt. The location is great and the class format was the perfect balance of verbal instruction and hands on demonstration!"

​Kelly - Houtzdale, PA


"For anyone planning on learning basic handgun safety I highly recommend  USCCA certified instructor Matt McNaul. This was an outstanding class which provided the basic information and techniques that will help you become a responsible handgun owner. I found Matt's attention to detail and complete focus on safe handling of firearms as absolutely essential to building a solid foundation upon which future self-defense training can be successfully built. If you ever wanted to learn how to handle a handgun and develop rock solid skills to shooting basics, this is your class. Thanks Matt, see you for your Self-Defense Class."

Mark - Lewistown, PA

"I took the Basic Handgun course with Mr. McNaul.  I am a novice with guns, so I was a little nervous going to the training.  Matt was very confident, competent, and patient in his instruction.  I left there much more confident in my ability to own, handle, and fire a handgun.  It was a great experience, and I look forward to taking the Conceal Carry and Home Defense courses with Mr. McNaul too!"

​Peggy - Williamsburg, PA


"I have taken a number of firearms classes with other instructors before the Concealed Carry class I took with Matt McNaul.  I found this to be absolutely the best firearm instruction I have experienced.  Mr. McNaul is an outstanding teacher.  His classes are small and his one on one instruction is thorough and unrushed.  The balance between classroom and range instruction was very good and we did spend a significant portion of the class on the shooting range.  Although I am an experienced shooter, Matt was able to identify several points in my technique that really helped me to improve.  Overall it was a great experience that I really enjoyed.   I would strongly recommend his courses to anyone and hope to have the opportunity to take more instruction from Matt in the future."

​Michael - Altoona, PA


"I would like to thank you for a great Personal Protection in the Home class.  Even though I was the only one signed up for the class you didn't cancel and spent a cold, rainy day teaching only one student.  The classroom materials covered all aspects of home defense, not just with a handgun, and had me thinking about protecting my home in ways I would have otherwise never thought of.  Even better, I got to take those materials home to read at my convenience.  It was a long day and I enjoyed how you broke up the classroom time with range time.  I have to admit I was nervous at first on the range, but your professional demeanor and enthusiasm for shooting quickly turned those nerves into excitement.  I had a great time, learned a lot, and feel more confident in defending my home.  I look forward to taking your Conceal Carry class."

​Jim - Boalsburg


"We have recently completed Matt McNaul’s Basic Handgun class which had been recommended to us by a gun shop owner.   For us, as beginners with new handguns, it was a great way to gain knowledge and practice safe skills.   Matt’s class is organized and interesting with a good mix of enhanced lecture and hands-on experience.  The active shooting portion is structured with emphasis on individual safety, form, evaluation, and coaching.   He is patient and persistent in getting the student to accomplish the skills necessary for basic gun safety.   It was a very rewarding experience and well worth our time and money.  We continue to practice what we have learned and look forward to future classes with Matt."

Rich and Betty - Duncansville

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for a well taught handgun class, in which I had left there further educated about handguns. We were taught the safe use of handguns and the different types of handguns, such as revolvers and semi-automatics and how they function. The live fire portion of class went very well and all involved did it safely. I would recommend this training to everyone who has a handgun or even those who are around them. Once again Matt, thank you for a job well done."

Jim - Portage

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​"I took a beginners course a few months back, and it was a great course. Coming from someone who wasn't raised around guns, the course made me feel more comfortable with handling and shooting a gun. Matthew McNaul is an excellent instructor! I def recommend any course he offers if you're interested in learning!"

Bianca - DuBois, PA

"Last Saturday,  I took Matt Mcnaul's basic gun course. Being a older woman, I was a bit nervous. I was shocked at how much new information that was covered. Matt was extremely knowledgeable, and he made the information interesting and easy to learn. The target shooting was very instructional. I have to say, I learned a lot but truly enjoyed the course and had fun too. Thanks Matt you're a great teacher."

​Becky - Altoona

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