Connecticut Firearms Training Academy
Firearms training and qualification services in Berlin, Connecticut for new shooters, experienced firearm owners, permit applicants and retired law enforcement officers.
Owner & Lead Instructor
Owner & Lead Instructor, Connecticut Firearms Training Academy LLC
Brian has been teaching firearms classes in Connecticut since 1996 and has more than 40 years of shooting experience, including recreational and competitive shooting.
Over the years, he has taught a wide range of students, from people handling a firearm for the first time to experienced shooters looking to expand their skills or obtain additional permits and qualifications.
His approach to training is practical and straightforward: teach people how firearms work, how to handle them safely, and give them the information and skills they need to make responsible decisions as firearm owners.
Experience & Background
Brian is a National Rifle Association Certified Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer, and a United States Concealed Carry Association Certified Instructor and Range Officer. He is also a Utah BCI Certified Instructor.
His current instructor certifications authorize him to teach a broad range of firearms and personal-protection courses, including handgun, rifle, shotgun, concealed carry, defensive shooting, personal protection, home defense, range safety, reloading and related subjects.
His background extends beyond firearms instruction and includes experience in the criminal justice, public safety and security fields. He has also held leadership positions with a Connecticut firearms club, including President, Vice President, Secretary and Trustee.
Connecticut Firearms Training Academy was established in 2017 to provide practical firearms education in a professional, welcoming environment.
Today, CTFTA offers Connecticut pistol permit classes, firearms training, LEOSA and Rhode Island qualification services, instructor training and virtual firearms training at its facility in Berlin, Connecticut.
Training Philosophy
Brian's philosophy is straightforward: owning a firearm is a serious responsibility, and good training should go well beyond simply learning how to fire one.
Students should leave class understanding how their firearm works, how to handle and store it safely, the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership and carrying, and where to continue their education as their skills develop.
Whether working with someone who has never handled a firearm or an experienced shooter looking to expand their knowledge, the goal is the same: provide accurate information, practical instruction and a solid foundation for responsible firearms ownership.
Our Training Team
Connecticut Firearms Training Academy works with experienced instructors who bring additional law enforcement, civilian training and firearms education experience to the academy.
Instructor Gary Belanger is a retired law enforcement officer at both the local and federal level. He brings decades of experience and skill to the academy and provides annual qualification for former law enforcement officers under LEOSA (HR218).
Gary has decades of experience training both civilian and law enforcement personnel. He is CT POST Certified, runs Performance Tactical and is part of the Sabre Tactical training program.
Learn About LEOSA HR218 QualificationInstructor John Moody joins us several times a year to instruct a Basic Handgun Class. He is an avid firearm enthusiast and civilian firearm trainer. Through the years, John has acquired the skills needed to properly train civilians in the defensive use of firearms.
John is a National Rifle Association Certified Instructor and Training Counselor. He is certified by the NRA to instruct numerous classes and disciplines including Basic Pistol, Defensive Pistol, Basic Rifle, Basic Shotgun, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, Metallic Cartridge Reloading, Shotgun Shell Reloading and Range Safety Officer.
He is also a United States Concealed Carry Association Certified Instructor and is certified by the USCCA to instruct Basic Handgun, Concealed Carry and Home Defense.
John is also a Utah BCI Certified Concealed Carry Instructor.
Train With CTFTA
Explore our firearms training classes, qualification services and Virtual Shooting Range, or contact us if you have questions about which training option is right for you.
