Gulf Coast’s Premier Firearms Training Academy

Gulf Firearms Instruction LLC in Stapleton, AL is the only full-time academy in the area. We have been teaching responsible citizens and helping law enforcement personnel for more than 31 years. The classes we offer are varied, from basic to advanced firearm and self-defense training.

Gulf Firearms Instruction LLC

Mission and Vision

At Gulf Firearms Instruction LLC we have a passion to help you to protect yourself and your loved ones. Our experienced team of trained professionals have over 31 years of real-world experience in protecting people and teaching citizens and law enforcement. Providing common sense knowledge, firearms and self-defense training in a safe, fun and easy to understand format for beginner basics to very advanced levels. Gulf Firearms Instruction LLC also offers instructor level training, Certified Alabama Guard training and Certified Armed Guard training in Alabama and Florida.

Man lying prone, shooting a rifle.

Teaching All Levels!

We teach all levels, from novice to advanced. For some classes we provide everything you need including the guns, ammunition, hearing and eye protection along with the course books.

Gulf Firearms Instruction LLC

Skills and Drills Classes

We can custom create classes for those who want to develop their skills. We can design drills based on what you want to learn and area you need to improve. Classes are private or semi-private and run for a minimum of two hours to multiday training.

For all our classes please bring a lunch, refreshments, hat with a brim (ball cap) and a notebook.

Business Address

36603 State Highway 59 Suite B
Stapleton, AL 36578

Hours of Operation

Tuesday to Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Google Reviews

Gulf Firearms Instruction, LLC
Gulf Firearms Instruction, LLC
5.0
Based on 235 reviews
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DeLaney HempflengDeLaney Hempfleng
03:32 07 Feb 24
Scott was an absolute treasure! I had a fantastic experience during the handgun basics class, and found the perfect gun for me and my purpose. Definitely want to go back and take more classes from him. Scott and Dave were very welcoming and were happy to answer any and all of my questions. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to improve their firearm skills or those looking to protect themselves.
Cassidy WatsonCassidy Watson
16:44 22 Jan 24
I recently attended the Defensive Carry 1 class, Scott is a great instructor, he’s very personable and is good with tailoring each person’s specific needs to the course. I would recommend to anyone considering taking the class!!
Troy YoungTroy Young
00:58 14 Jan 24
Great instructor, great course! I definitely recommend!
Denise blevinsDenise blevins
13:26 02 Jan 24
My sons and I attended the enhanced basic handgun class. Scott & Dave were great instructors. Class covered types of handguns, proper shooting technique, how to clean the firearm, & some basic laws. Very informative
Lindsay DavisLindsay Davis
20:58 31 Dec 23
My husband and I attended the NRA beginner enhanced handgun class and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had never shot a gun before and I learned so much and am definitely going back for the self defense class soon! I know what gun is good for me now and feel comfortable getting one of my own. You’ll love this class!
Flo ThompsonFlo Thompson
21:46 06 Dec 23
Enjoyed the class, I had never fired a pistol before, Scott was very knowledgeable, patient. And I felt completely safe. Would recommend this class to everyone.
KATHY HAUSLADENKATHY HAUSLADEN
01:56 28 Nov 23
Scott shares his wealth of experience and knowledge in a serious but comfortable manner. He is very serious about safety and at the same time is down to earth and very professional. No matter how old or young you are, you will "fit in". The one-on-one attention is exactly what you need. The class is full of useful information. The experience on the range is exactly what you need. Very comfortable, yet serious. You will definitely get your money worth!
Jenna SmartJenna Smart
23:44 18 Nov 23
My friend and I took a handgun safety course today and were thoroughly impressed and happy with the whole experience. Scott, the instructor, was very knowledgeable, exercised extreme safety, and had us very comfortable and confident using our handgun by the end of the course. I would definitely recommend this or any other of the courses that they offer!
A. BizzleA. Bizzle
20:23 21 Oct 23
Just finished one class so far but plan on taking at least one more class. Scott is a wealth of knowledge, is firm on the range, and passionate about making the world a better place without a doubt. If you want to become a formidable guardian of innocents and your loved ones, take Scotts' classes, you wont be disappointed. You will never get a better deal for what he teaches anywhere else for the price. Come prepared mentally and physically, he CRAMS the entire day with instruction. Im prior military and he blew my expectations away. I left his classroom with my certificate and serious planning for my next firearms class.
Laneta HayesLaneta Hayes
15:28 20 Oct 23
Scott Thompson is a gifted and excellent instructor. We were so impressed that we have taken two classes and plan to take more in the future. Scott tailored both classes to fit each participants' individual needs & physical abilities. Safety is first in his classes. Scott is man of integrity and we highly recommend his trainings.
Garland JohnsonGarland Johnson
15:00 20 Oct 23
What a great learning experience! Having never been a gun owner, this class was so informative. Safety, safety, safety! Every aspect of the training focuses on proper gun handling and gun safety. Scott takes you through a great classroom session and then out to the range where I used several different caliber pistols in order to help determine the best fit for me.I would highly recommend this training for anyone that was interested in using a firearm. I enjoyed this class so much that I signed up for defensive training in rifle use. Well worth the the investment!
Ron CockrellRon Cockrell
14:23 12 Sep 23
Excellent instruction on how and when to shoot. Instructors are engaging, and knowledgeable on all aspects related to concealed carry laws. This is a 'must' class for beginners or veteran shooters. You'll learn something new.
Nathan DowneyNathan Downey
04:41 12 Sep 23
Scott is a top notch teacher! He is very knowledgeable and takes a no nonsense, practical approach to his training. The classes are designed to help empower you with knowledge and practical training that can be put to use as soon as you walk out the doors. I will definitely be attending classes again in the future.
Tammy PierceTammy Pierce
16:15 17 Jul 23
This class is a must if you own a handgun. I have owned a gun most of my life growing up in the country. I never felt safe carrying a handgun on me personally. My daughter is in law enforcement and knows first hand how crazy this world has become. She was adamant that I take a class and start carrying. Scott was great! I left feeling confident about having my handgun for protection. If you don’t have a handgun don’t buy one before taking this class like I did. Wait he will help you find the right gun for you.Signed 51 yr old female

On April 19, 2020, I had the opportunity to take the Enhanced Basic Handgun course. Scott and his crew were outstanding.

Scott ability to communicate his thoughts and commands both verbally and in writing, is excellent. Scott is an exceptional orator, and his staff work very well as a team to provide user friendly service to the students. Scott and his team are methodical and extremely conscientious, their actions are well planned and tailored to each student and too, are in the best interest of the student success. I recommend that anyone who requires the basic handgun knowledge will be missing out if an individual does not utilized Scott and his team to become handgun familiar.

-M. Ray Reed

I highly recommend the courses offered by Scott. I’ve taken the basic handgun and defensive concealed handgun classes. He goes way beyond what you would expect for the fee charged. You get plenty of personal attention and a lot of feedback, pointers and correction to take you to the next level. I’m looking forward to my next class.

- Gary Jean

My wife and I completed Scott's Enhanced Basic Handgun class on Jan. 13, 2018. I'd read all the positive reviews about Gulf Firearms before attending and my expectations were high. Scott blew those expectations out of the water with his professionalism, kindness, knowledge, experience and a passionate approach to instruction. I admire people who make their craft look easy and Scott does just that. He is organized and efficient with both classroom instruction and range time. My wife was a complete novice and I only had a small amount of experience with handguns but very familiar with long guns. We had 9 students that day with some novices, some like me and some very experienced in firearms. Scott's approach keeps it interesting during a long day and keeps everyone involved, often calling on individuals to answer questions. He has tons of example pieces so you get to see and touch different firearms components and accessories and an impressive collection of .22 revolvers/semi auto, .38/.357 revolvers and 9mm semi auto. We took the class because we want to each purchase a handgun. I had an idea of what would work for me and left the class 100% certain of what I will buy. And I will buy it from Three Brothers Arms as will my wife. So go ahead and enroll in one of the class offerings, you get more than your money's worth. Thanks Scott!

- Jeremy