Handgun with scattered bullets on black fabric.

Atwater Defense Training

Defend with Confidence, Train with Purpose.

Safety. Responsibility. Confidence – Your partner in defense readiness.

At Atwater Defense Training we are dedicated to providing expert weapons defense training with a focus on safety, responsibility, and adherence to the law. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones while upholding the highest standards of integrity and legal compliance.

Through comprehensive education and hands-on training, we aim to foster confidence, preparedness, and a culture of safety. Whether you are new to defense training or seeking to enhance your existing skills, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Safety. Responsibility. Confidence.

Atwater Defense Training – Your partner in defense readiness

Close-up of a handgun with a textured grip, tactical light, and red background.

Exclusive Services

A person is at an indoor shooting range, wearing ear protection and aiming a handgun. Another person stands next to them, providing guidance. Spent cartridges and ammunition boxes are visible on the table nearby.

$125/hr

We offer personalized, one-on-one firearms instruction designed to enhance your safety, confidence, and proficiency. We provide comprehensive training tailored to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner seeking foundational knowledge or an experienced shooter looking to refine your technique. This training is specifically for handguns.

Private Range Session

Digital target alarm clock with a shooting target on top.

$50/hr

Master the core principles of firearm handling with our Dry Fire Fundamentals Training. Designed for all skill levels, this training focuses on developing essential techniques without live ammunition, providing a safe and effective way to enhance your shooting proficiency.

Dry Fire Fundamentals

$125 (1.5 hrs includes range time)

Choosing the right firearm can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available. Our Firearms Selection Service is designed to simplify the process by providing expert guidance tailored to your needs, experience level, and intended use.

Firearms Selection

$80 (up to 2 hours)

The Firearms Maintenance and Cleaning Course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to properly maintain and clean firearms. This hands-on course covers a range of topics, including disassembly and reassembly procedures, cleaning techniques, lubrication best practices, and inspection methods.

Firearms Cleaning & Maintenance

$150 (8 hr range time included)

This course fulfills the training requirement for renewing your Maryland Wear and Carry Permit. It includes a review of firearm safety, use of force laws, situational awareness, and qualification shooting. Designed for current permit holders, this course ensures you stay compliant and confident in your conceal carry.

Maryland Wear & Carry Renewal

View through a gun scope with a red dot sight aimed at a target in the distance.

Optics Fundamentals

$150 (up t0 5 hours range 1 hr)

Enhance your shooting precision with our Optics Fundamentals Training. This training is designed to help you maximize the advantages of using an optic on your handgun or rifle. Whether you’re new to sights or looking to refine your skills, we will guide you through the essential techniques for effective and accurate shooting.

$80 (2.5hr Course of Training)

Our Basic Firearms Training course is designed for beginners and first-time gun owners seeking a solid foundation in firearm safety and handling. This hands-on course covers essential topics including firearm safety rules, proper handling and storage, basic marksmanship, and an introduction to different types of firearms. Whether you're new to shooting or looking to build confidence, this course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely and responsibly own and operate a firearm.

Self Defense Firearms Basics

$125 (4 hours range time included)

This empowering course is designed specifically for women who want to learn the basics of firearms safety, handling, and shooting in a supportive and confidence-building environment. Whether you’re new to firearms or looking to refresh your skills, this class covers safety protocols, proper grip and stance, target shooting, and situational awareness. No Experience Necessary.

Women’s Handgun Self Defense

Instructor / Owner of ADT

Ron Atwater, a former U.S. Army soldier with over 20 years of firearms experience, has long had a passion for marksmanship and range training. In early 2024, after attending a concealed carry class with his wife, Aprile, he rediscovered his enthusiasm for firearms. Inspired to share his knowledge and skills, Ron discovered a natural ability to teach and a deep commitment to helping others become confident, responsible gun owners. Driven by this passion, Ron earned his certification as a USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor. That same year, he founded Atwater Defense Training (ADT) to offer professional, safety-driven firearms instruction rooted in real-world experience, personal integrity, and respect for the law.

Conceal Carry Classes

Virginia, Maryland, Utah

Class cost $250 per person, 16 hour class.

Private Class Group Pricing Available

Join our mailing list to receive exclusive invites to our VA/MD Conceal Carry class.

We intentionally keep our class sizes small to ensure each student receives hands on experience. This focused learning environment allows for deeper understanding, greater encouragement, and better outcomes.

We cater to family and small group private classes.

Get in touch.

Have questions? Want to Schedule a Private Class? Just say Hello? Reach us here….