Jeff Wheeler
Instructor # 655019 | NW Gun Safety
Certified with the USCCA since 1/10/2019
Certification Renewal Date 1/10/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Emergency & First Aid
My Biography
I have over 35 years of fire arms experience. I started shooting in my teens just like most kids. There was the "parent mandated" Hunter's Safety Course, My dad, brothers and uncles showing me how to do it right and of course, just shooting. I got my first semi-auto .22 at 14, first shotgun at 15 and my first handgun when I turned 21. Like most American boys, I was influenced by film and TV… and when , as an adult, I purchased my first handgun, I was sorely under-trained for carrying a concealed weapon. I luckily found good mentors who taught me the legalities of concealed carry, proper weapons choices, holster choices and basically how to be a responsibly armed citizen of Washington State. I eventually took some real classes, spent countless hours shooting, honing my skills and have always been willing to learn new things.
Now, I'm not a former Navy SEAL or Army Ranger. I have no law enforcement experience, but my intent is not to train you on how to be a "Tacti-Cool" Badass. I’ve been a gun owner and a concealed permit holder and a responsibly armed American for over 25 years. I want to help you build a foundation. I hope to teach you what it means to own guns for personal and home protection and most importantly, how to safely handle those guns and ensure your safety, as well as those around you and those in your home.
I've been an emergency responder as a paid firefighter and EMT. I've received training in threat analysis, hard and soft target protection and basic civilian IED detection. I joined the Navy Reserve at 29 and became an Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class, where I received more weapons training. I attended the Washington State Firearms Training Academy back in the mid-90's and became an armed guard and operated as an armored car guard & driver. I continue to take various classes to expand my knowledge base to better serve others. I know how to train and educate adult learners in an open engaging environment... Basically I'm comfortable in front of a crowd and can get my point across in an entertaining way that isn't boring.
Request a Class
Basic Gun Safety is the perfect starting point for anyone with some experience or little to no experience with handguns.
This full day class consists of 4 hours of classroom instruction, and 3 hours of range time.
In this class we discuss:
-Defensive Mindset/Situational Awareness
-Defensive shooting fundamentals
-The Physiology of violent encounters
-Rights and responsibilities surrounding self defense
-Overview of Washington State firearm laws
-Firearm handling fundamentals
-Secure gun storage / children and firearms
-Suicide prevention
-Live fire practice
***At the end of the class, you will be given certificate of completion.
This course will explore how to engage your fighter mindset and expand many of the concepts covered in the Basic Gun Safety class We'll dive a bit deeper into situational awareness and more conflict resolution. You will learn about the "Gift of Fear." We look at violence as a tool and when and how to use it. This training is anchored in the concept of self defense as a responsibly armed citizen. This class will be full of great 2 - way discussion and some scenario based thinking and problem solving. If you are going to use a gun to defend your home or carry a gun for self defense, you need to know when to use it and how to use it. This class is the next step Beyond the Basics.
This is a classroom only session. We are hoping to run these classes in the evenings to accommodate busy schedules during the winter months.
Comprehensive, hand-on First Aid / CPR /AED class.