Safe handling
How to hold and move with a gun so you and others stay safe.
Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area
Great Lakes Defense Academy
Learn to handle a gun safely — step by step.
New to guns? Start here. We teach you how to be safe, store your gun at home, and shoot well — with patient, one-on-one coaching. No experience needed.
Beginner friendly
Small classes
Hands-on coaching
What you learn in your first class
The basics, in plain words. You practice each skill with an instructor right next to you.
1Pick your classNew? Choose Basic Firearms Safety ($99). Not sure? Call us and we will help you pick.
2Pay online to save your seatTap “Pay Now” on your class. That holds your spot.
3Come to classAll classes meet at Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso. Your class card shows the exact date and time. Doors open 1 hour early.
Loading & unloading
How to load and unload the right way — we show you, then you practice.
Safe storage at home
How to lock up your gun at home, especially if kids are in the house.
How to shoot well
Grip, stance, aim, and trigger control — the basics that make your shots land where you want.
What to do at the range
What to expect, what the rules are, and how to follow range commands.
Indiana basics
What Indiana gun owners need to know, explained in plain words.
Who is this for?
01
You just bought your first gun
Start with the basics. Ask anything — no pressure, no judgment.
02
You have kids or family at home
Learn how to handle and store your gun safely at home.
03
You want to feel ready, not scared
Learn real skills, step by step, with a coach beside you.
Don’t want a gun? You still have options.
Learn how to calm a bad situation, use OC (pepper) spray safely, and practice in real-life style scenarios. No gun needed.
Ready to start?
Pick a class below, or call us and tell us what you want to learn. We will point you to the right class.
Firearms classes — start to advanced
New? Start with Level 1. Already have basics? Move up one level at a time. Each class card below shows what you learn, the price, and the exact date, time, and place.
How the classes fit together
Take just one class, or take them in order. Start with safety. Then build your shooting skills. Move up only when you feel ready.
Level 1
Start here
Be safe, handle your gun the right way, and get ready for the range.
Level 2
Build your skills
Shoot better, reload, fix jams, and practice real drills.
Level 3
Use your skills
Move safely, use cover, shoot in low light and from different positions, and practice making good choices.
Pick your class
New? Start at Level 1. Took a class before? Pick the next level. Need a tune-up? Take the Refresher. Each card shows the price and the exact date, time, and place.
Not sure where to start?
If you are new, start with Level 1 — Basic Firearms Safety. If you already shoot, start at Level 2. Still not sure? Call (219) 209-2881 and we will help you pick. To save your seat, tap “Pay Now” on your class.
WhenFridays, 12:00–5:00 PM. Doors open at 11:00 AM. Refresher is on Sundays, 1:00–5:00 PM.
WhereFast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN — for every class below.
Good to knowDates run Nov 13–Dec 27, 2026. Classes run Fridays and Sundays only. No class on Fri, Dec 25.
Progressive series
Firearms Training
Start with safety. Then build your skills, one class at a time, when you are ready.
Level 1Start here
Basic Firearms Safety
$99Learn how to handle a gun safely, load and unload it, lock it up at home, act at the range, and shoot with good form. We also cover Indiana basics in plain words.
- Date
- No upcoming session in the Nov–Dec run — next session coming soon. Join the interest list.
- Time
- New date to be announced for the next run
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Level 2Build control
Defensive Handgun Foundations
$129Learn a steady grip and stance, how to aim, control the trigger, reload, fix common jams, and make safe choices.
- Date
- Friday, November 20, 2026
- Time
- 12:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 11:00 AM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Intermediate Handgun Skills
$149Shoot well from farther away, move safely, use cover for protection, and solve problems during timed practice.
- Date
- Friday, December 4, 2026
- Time
- 12:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 11:00 AM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Level 3Apply skills
Advanced Defensive Handgun
$175For experienced students only. Harder drills, shooting from different positions, low-light basics, and practice making choices in real-life style scenarios.
- Date
- Friday, December 18, 2026
- Time
- 12:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 11:00 AM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
RefresherReturn & review
Firearms Refresher & Skills Check
$75For returning students. Review the basics, fix bad habits, and get clear feedback on what to work on next.
- Date
- Sunday, November 15, 2026 & Sunday, November 29, 2026 — Nov 29 listed as Firearms Basics & Refresher
- Time
- 1:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 12:00 PM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
We explain firstWe teach in plain words before you touch any gear.
Then you practiceSmall groups, with a coach watching and helping you.
You show you are readyYou move up only when you can show safe habits and good choices.
Ready to book?
Tap “Pay Now” on your class to save your seat. Not sure which class? Call us — we will help you pick the right one.
GLDA Women’s Academy
Women’s firearms training, without the pressure.
Learn at your own pace. Ask any question. Build real skills and confidence in a kind, respectful class made for women.
No experience needed
Come solo or with a friend
Questions welcome
Start right where you are.
You do not need experience. You do not need your own gear to start. You do not need to know gun words. We start with what you know, explain each step in plain words, and give you time to practice.
Come alone or bring a friend. You get the same full training as every other class — in a place where questions are welcome and everyone is treated with respect.
Start comfortablyFriendly instruction for first-timers and returning students.
Learn what works for youDirect coaching that respects your goals, pace, and experience.
Leave more confidentPractical skills you can continue building after class.
Nervous is a perfectly good place to start.You will never be rushed, talked down to, or expected to already know the basics.
Pick your class
Same classes and same prices as the Firearms Academy — taught in a supportive class for women. New? Start at Level 1.
New here?
Start with Level 1 — Basic Firearms Safety. Come alone or with a friend. Tap “Pay Now” on your class to save your seat.
WhenMost classes: Fridays, 12:00–5:00 PM. Doors open at 11:00 AM. Advanced is Sun, Dec 27, 1:00–5:00 PM (doors 12:00 PM). Refresher is Sun, Dec 13, 1:00–5:00 PM.
WhereFast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN — for every class below.
Good to knowDates run Nov 13–Dec 27, 2026. No class on Fri, Dec 25.
Progressive series
Firearms Training
Start with safe handling, then develop defensive handgun skills through coached, practical work.
Level 1Start here
Basic Firearms Safety
$99Learn how to handle a gun safely, load and unload it, lock it up at home, act at the range, and shoot with good form — explained step by step, at your pace.
- Date
- Friday, November 13, 2026
- Time
- 12:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 11:00 AM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Level 2Build control
Defensive Handgun Foundations
$129Find a grip and stance that work for you. Practice aiming, trigger control, reloads, fixing jams, and making safe choices.
- Date
- Friday, November 27, 2026
- Time
- 12:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 11:00 AM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Intermediate Handgun Skills
$149Shoot more accurately, move safely, use cover, and solve problems in timed practice — with one-on-one coaching.
- Date
- Friday, December 11, 2026
- Time
- 12:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 11:00 AM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Level 3Apply skills
Advanced Defensive Handgun
$175Use everything you have learned: harder drills, shooting from different positions, low-light basics, and real-life style scenarios.
- Date
- Sunday, December 27, 2026
- Time
- 1:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 12:00 PM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
RefresherReturn & review
Firearms Refresher & Skills Check
$75Go back over the basics, fix bad habits, and feel comfortable again — with focused coaching and clear feedback.
- Date
- Sunday, December 13, 2026
- Time
- 1:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 12:00 PM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Supportive instructionQuestions are welcome and every skill is explained in plain language.
Hands-on coachingPractice in a small-group setting with direct, respectful feedback.
The same full pathwayBuild from first steps through advanced firearms skills.
Your first step can start here.
Choose a class now, or talk with Zoey about the right starting point for you.
Less-Lethal Defense Academy
Stay safe, without a firearm.
Learn how to calm a situation, keep control, and use OC (pepper) spray safely — with clear teaching and guided practice.
Make safer choices. Stay in control.
Start with how to talk and calm things down. Then learn OC spray. Take one class, or take both. Scenario practice is not in this run — it comes back in a future run.
Communicate firstPractice de-escalation, distance, positioning, and threat recognition.
Handle equipment safelyLearn careful deployment, monitoring, and aftercare concepts.
Apply sound judgmentConnect skills through guided scenarios and post-incident decisions.
Pick your class
Start with De-escalation if you are new. Two classes run this time: De-escalation and OC Spray.
New here?
Start with De-escalation & Force Options. Tap “Pay Now” on De-escalation or OC Spray to save your seat.
WhenSundays, 1:00–5:00 PM. Doors open at 12:00 PM. Each card below shows its exact Sunday date.
WhereFast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN — for every class below.
Good to knowDates run Nov 22–Dec 20, 2026. Scenario Lab is dropped from this run — only De-escalation and OC Spray run.
Standalone skills track
Less-Lethal Training
Protection-focused training for people who want practical options without relying on a firearm.
2 courses this runSafety & control
De-escalation & Force Options
$59Learn how to talk someone down, keep a safe distance, stand in a safe spot, spot trouble early, and choose the right response.
- Date
- Sunday, November 22, 2026 & Sunday, December 20, 2026
- Time
- 1:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 12:00 PM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
OC Spray Safety & Deployment
$69How to carry OC spray, how to use it safely, what happens if it gets on skin or eyes, and how to help after.
- Date
- Sunday, December 6, 2026
- Time
- 1:00–5:00 PM · Doors open 12:00 PM
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Less-Lethal Scenario Lab
Practice in guided, real-life style scenarios: talk first, decide what to do, use your tools, and know what to do after.
- Date
- Not in the Nov–Dec run — dropped from this run
- Time
- No session this run — new date in a future run
- Where
- Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Clear instructionLearn decision-making and equipment concepts in plain language.
Guided practiceBuild skills through coached, practical exercises.
Scenario applicationConnect communication, control, and post-incident actions.
Professional Training · Armed & Unarmed Personnel
Train security officers to do the job well and safely.
Learn how to make good choices, talk to people clearly, write clear reports, and do the hands-on parts of the job. For current officers, new hires, and people who want to get into security work.
Two paths: armed and unarmed.
Pick the path that fits the job. We shape each class around the officer’s role and where they work. Good for new hires, experienced officers, and refreshers.
Armed Security Officer Training
Handle a gun safely, make good choices, get ready to qualify, calm situations down, decide on force the right way, and know what to do after an incident.
- Date
- Scheduled by arrangement with your team
- Time
- Set when your program is scoped — request a quote to book dates
- Where
- Classroom at your site in Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland · Range portion at Fast Metal Range, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN
Unarmed Security Officer Training
Watch carefully, talk clearly, control who comes in, calm situations down, write clear reports, respond in an emergency, and act in a professional way.
- Date
- Scheduled by arrangement with your team
- Time
- Set when your program is scoped — request a quote to book dates
- Where
- At your site in Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland
Skills that support the whole assignment.
Programs connect classroom instruction with coached practice so officers can understand not only what to do, but when and why to do it.
Professional conduct & communication
Practice clear communication, calm presence, lawful direction, and respectful public interaction.
Observation, documentation & reporting
Recognize important details, preserve accurate notes, and write reports that clearly explain what occurred.
De-escalation & force decisions
Use distance, positioning, communication, and proportionate response to manage changing situations.
Emergency response & scene safety
Build practical response habits for violent threats, scene safety, and requesting help fast.
Role-specific practical work
Add firearms, less-lethal equipment, restraint, or scenario exercises when they match the officer’s assignment.
Built for officers and the teams that employ them.
Existing security staffStrengthen daily performance, judgment, and consistency.
New hiresBuild a clear professional foundation before taking on an assignment.
People entering the fieldDevelop practical awareness of security work and its responsibilities.
Security companies & organizationsPlan role-specific training around staffing, operations, and recurring needs.
Plan professional training for your officers.
Tell us whether you need armed, unarmed, new-hire, refresher, or team training. We’ll discuss your goals, schedule, group size, and program scope.
Meet your instructor
Learn from Zoey Britton — U.S. Navy veteran, former Master at Arms, and NRA Certified Instructor. She explains every step in plain words and teaches at your level.
About Great Lakes Defense Academy.
We teach beginners across Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. First-time owners, families, returning students, and security officers all learn real skills here — with no pressure and no judgment.
Every class is small. You get clear teaching, hands-on practice, and personal coaching. Start with safety, work up to defensive handgun skills, or learn de-escalation and less-lethal skills.
Safety first
Clear instruction
Confidence through practice
Meet Zoey Britton.
I’m a U.S. Navy veteran, former Master at Arms, and NRA Certified Instructor with nearly a decade of experience teaching firearms and security. I bring that background to every class through clear demonstrations, patient coaching, and a strong focus on safe, responsible decision-making.
Whether you’re handling a firearm for the first time or building on existing skills, I’ll meet you where you are. My goal is to replace uncertainty with knowledge, strengthen your fundamentals, and help you leave class more capable and confident.
Professional email: zoey@greatlakesdefense.com
U.S. Navy veteranFormer Master at Arms · NRA Certified Instructor
Nearly a decade teachingFirearms and security instruction
Train with an instructor who meets you where you are.
Choose a class or reach out with questions before you begin.
Questions? Talk to us.
Ask about classes, which level is right for you, security training, or what to bring. You will hear back from the academy directly.
Contact the academy.
Call or email us for help choosing a course, planning security officer training, or understanding what comes next.
Request a custom training quote.
Tell us about your organization, training needs, and preferred timing. We’ll follow up to discuss the right program and prepare a custom quote.
Tell us what your team needs.
Share the training services you need, and Great Lakes Defense Academy will follow up to discuss scope, scheduling, and custom pricing.
Plan training for your team.
Complete the form and we’ll contact you to discuss a custom training plan. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
“Your safety can’t wait. Start with the knowledge to handle a firearm with confidence.”
Free shooting drills
These are the drills on your take-home target, with full step-by-step instructions. Do them in order. Write your scores on the target and bring it to your next class.
Safety first — every time
- Treat every gun as if it is loaded.Even when you just checked it. No exceptions.
- Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.Watch where the muzzle goes at all times, even when the gun is unloaded.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.Your finger stays straight and outside the trigger guard until your sights are on the target.
- Know your target and what is beyond it.A bullet can pass through a target. Be sure of everything in its path.
Dry-practice rule: for every dry drill below, unload the gun, double-check it, and take all live ammunition out of the room. No live ammo in the room, ever.
Range drills
Live fire, at the range. Follow all range rules, and start each drill slow — speed comes after the hits are there.
01
Slow Fire Groups
- Aim at the center rings of your target.
- Fire one shot at a time, as slowly as you need.
- Between shots, reset your grip and rebuild your sight picture before you shoot again.
What good looks like All 5 rounds inside the 9 ring — one group you can cover with your hand.
02
Dot Drill
- Use the four numbered dots in the corners of your target.
- Shoot one dot at a time, slow and precise.
- Put two rounds on each dot before you move to the next one.
What good looks like Both rounds touching or inside each dot.
03
First-Shot Drill
- Start at the ready position.
- On your own count, raise the gun, align your sights, and fire one round into the center-mass zone.
- Lower the gun, reset, and repeat until you have done 5 reps.
What good looks like 5 out of 5 rounds in the center-mass zone.
04
The 5×5 Check
- Aim at a 5-inch circle — the 9 ring on your target works.
- Fire 5 rounds into the circle.
- Take your time. There is no time pressure for beginners.
What good looks like All 5 rounds inside the circle.
Next level: when that gets easy, add a timer and work toward doing it in 5 seconds.
05
One-Hole Drill
- Fire your first round at the center of your target.
- For every shot after that, aim at the bullet hole from the first round.
- Try to put every round through the same spot.
What good looks like One ragged hole, or a group under 2 inches.
06
Distance Ladder
- Start at 3 yards and fire 2 rounds at the center rings.
- Step back to 5 yards and fire 2 rounds.
- Step back to 7 yards and fire 2 rounds.
- Step back to 10 yards and fire 2 rounds.
What good looks like Every round inside the 9 ring at every distance.
Know your limit: note the distance where your rounds start leaving the ring — that is your current limit. Practice there.
07
Controlled Pairs
- Fire two shots in a row — smooth and controlled, not rushed, not slow.
- Lower the gun, reset your grip and sight picture.
- Repeat until you have done 4 reps.
What good looks like Both rounds of each pair inside the center-mass zone, and each pair stays together.
08
Shoot–Reload–Shoot
- Load 2 rounds in one magazine and 2 rounds in a second magazine.
- Fire 2 rounds.
- Reload with the second magazine.
- Fire 2 more rounds, then reset and repeat the whole rep once more.
What good looks like A smooth reload without looking down, and all 4 rounds in the center-mass zone.
09
One-Hand Live
- Strong hand only: fire 3 rounds, slow fire.
- Support hand only: fire 3 rounds, slow fire.
What good looks like All 6 rounds inside the 9 ring.
Work the weaker hand: note which hand groups wider — dry-practice that hand at home with the One-Handed Presses dry drill.
10
Off-Hand Slow Fire
- Hold the gun in your support hand only.
- Fire slowly, one shot at a time, with full control of the gun in that one hand.
- Reset your grip and rebuild your sight picture between every shot.
What good looks like All 5 rounds inside the 9 ring.
Pure off-hand test: this is the pure test of your off hand — no help from the strong hand at all.
11
Off-Hand Transfer & Fire
- Start two-handed, on target.
- Transfer the gun safely to your support hand — the muzzle stays on the target the whole time.
- Fire 2 rounds with your support hand only.
- Reset two-handed and repeat until you have done 5 reps.
What good looks like The transfer is smooth with the muzzle never leaving the target, and both rounds land in the center-mass zone.
Dry-practice drills
At home, with an unloaded gun and no live ammo in the room. Dry practice builds the same skills as live fire — grip, sight alignment, and a clean trigger press — without firing a shot.
12
Wall Drill
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
- Stand close to a blank wall.
- Line your sights up on a small spot on the wall.
- Press the trigger slowly, 10 times, keeping your eyes on the sights.
What good looks like Your sights stay dead still through every press.
13
Coin Drill
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
- Balance a coin on top of the slide, near the front sight.
- Press the trigger without knocking the coin off.
- Reset and repeat for 10 presses.
What good looks like The coin stays on for most of your presses.
14
Draw-to-First-Sight
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
- Start with the gun in your holster.
- Draw and present the gun toward the target, slowly.
- Stop at full extension with your sights aligned — do NOT press the trigger.
What good looks like Your sights arrive on target already lined up.
Trained students only: this drill is only for students who have taken a class covering holster work. Dry practice only — never with a loaded gun.
15
First Sight Picture
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
- Start at the ready position with the gun pointed at a safe wall.
- Raise the gun to a dot on the wall.
- Stop the moment your sights line up — do NOT press the trigger.
- Lower the gun, reset, and repeat for 10 reps.
What good looks like The sights arrive already lined up on the dot, with no hunting or adjusting at the top.
All students: no holster needed for this drill.
16
Call the Dot
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
- Tape up your target and stand facing it with an unloaded gun.
- Have a partner call a number, or call one yourself out loud.
- Present the gun to that dot and make one dry press.
- Reset and repeat for 12 reps, mixing up the numbers.
What good looks like Your first sight picture is on the called dot and the press does not move the sights.
17
One-Handed Presses
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
- Stand close to a wall and line your sights up on a small spot.
- Strong hand only: make 5 slow dry presses, keeping the sights still.
- Support hand only: make 5 slow dry presses the same way.
What good looks like The sights stay steady with either hand. Note which hand moves more — that is the one to practice.
18
Dry Reload
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
EMPTY magazines only, checked twice. Use only empty magazines for this drill.
- Start on target with sights lined up and make one dry press.
- Drop the empty magazine.
- Insert the second empty magazine.
- Get back on target with your sights lined up.
- Repeat slowly for 10 reps.
What good looks like A smooth reload with the gun staying up and pointed at the target the whole time, with no looking down by the end.
19
Tap-Rack Clearance
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
DUMMY ROUNDS ONLY, never live ammo. Only use dummy rounds for this drill — never live ammunition.
- Set up a dry stoppage with a dummy round, the way you were taught in class.
- Tap the magazine firmly to seat it.
- Rack the slide.
- Get back on target with your sights lined up.
- Repeat for 8 reps.
What good looks like The tap-rack happens in one smooth motion without dropping the gun or breaking muzzle direction.
20
Off-Hand Present & Press
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
- Start at the ready position.
- Transfer the unloaded gun to your support hand.
- Present to a dot on the wall and make one dry press.
- Reset and repeat for 10 reps.
What good looks like Your sights arrive lined up on the dot and the press does not move them. The transfer is smooth and the muzzle stays on the wall target.
21
Off-Hand Reload
Dry practice — unloaded gun, no live ammo in the room.
EMPTY magazines only, checked twice. Use only empty magazines for this drill.
- Hold the gun in your support hand only, as if your strong hand is hurt.
- Make one dry press.
- Drop the magazine.
- Use your strong hand to handle the magazine and insert the second empty magazine while your support hand holds the gun.
- Get back on target with your sights lined up.
- Repeat slowly for 8 reps.
What good looks like The gun stays up and pointed at the wall target the whole time, with no fumbling the magazine by the last reps.
Drills build habits. Coaching builds skill.
Run these drills, save your targets, and bring them to a Great Lakes Defense Academy class — we will read your groups with you and coach what to fix next. Call (219) 209-2881 or visit greatlakesdefense.com.
