About US Firearms Training Academy
US Firearms Training Academy (USFTA) provides professional firearms education for Colorado residents seeking concealed carry training, Basic Pistol 101, Defensive Pistol, rifle courses, court-ordered gun safety classes, and the upcoming Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card (FSCEC) required for purchasing semi-automatic firearms starting August 1, 2026.
Our instructors are certified and recognized under CRS 18-12-203(1)(h)(I) — the same authority that qualifies us to teach state-approved Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) training.
Who We Are
USFTA is led by Mark Schneider with instructors Donny Zwisler and Alicia Garcia. Our background includes concealed carry instruction, use-of-force law, armed security experience, de-escalation, and defensive marksmanship.
We train the way real armed encounters happen — not how they look on paper.
What We Teach
- Colorado Concealed Carry Classes (New & Renewal)
- Basic Pistol 101
- Defensive Pistol (draw stroke, concealment, movement & stress shooting)
- Basic Rifle / AR-15
- Court-Ordered Gun Safety Classes
- FSCEC Courses – 4-hour & 12-hour classes required to buy semi-auto firearms
- Security Guard Firearms Training
- Unarmed Security Guard Training
Our Training Philosophy
Safety First
Students learn safe firearm handling, plus home and vehicle storage laws under Colorado’s Safe Storage Law (CRS 18-12-114).
Legally Accurate
We teach Colorado self-defense law using real statutes and case law, including:
- CRS 18-1-704 — Use of Force in Defense of a Person (the foundation of all self-defense law in Colorado)
- No Duty to Retreat (People v. Toler; People v. Waits)
- People v. La Voie — deadly force and imminent threat
- People v. Guenther / People v. Garcia — reasonable belief & aggressor rules
- Make My Day (CRS 18-1-704.5) — home-defense rights
- Red Flag / ERPO Laws — what they mean and how to comply
- Private transfers, concealed carry authority, and illegal discharge laws
Students leave knowing what’s legal, what’s not, and how to protect themselves without risking criminal or civil consequences.
Real-World Skills
We train practical defensive shooting:
- Grip, stance, sights, trigger
- Draw stroke from concealment
- Movement & close-range engagement
- Using cover and working under stress
- Mandatory live-fire qualification
Why People Choose USFTA
- State-recognized instructors
- Real defensive training — not theory-only lectures
- Mandatory live-fire included
- Straightforward, professional, no-ego teaching
- Denver, Thornton & Northern Colorado locations
- Rental firearms and ammo available
Train With Confidence
Whether you’re preparing for concealed carry, taking Defensive Pistol, completing a court-ordered class, or getting ready for the new FSCEC requirements, US Firearms Training Academy will train you safely, professionally, and legally.