Armed Citizens of Georgia teaches defensive handgun, shotgun, and less-than-lethal protection courses to civilians, law enforcement, and security professionals across the Atlanta metro area. Founded by Mark D. Swinson, the operation runs from a dedicated training center with classroom space and dire...
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Full description and what we offer
Armed Citizens of Georgia teaches defensive handgun, shotgun, and less-than-lethal protection courses to civilians, law enforcement, and security professionals across the Atlanta metro area. Founded by Mark D. Swinson, the operation runs from a dedicated training center with classroom space and direct access to their private range.
Students can use ACG's firearms and ammunition free of charge during courses. Bring your own or train on theirs.
Firearm Safety Fundamentals (4 hours, classroom only) - Covers the 4 fundamental rules of gun safety, safe storage, ammunition handling, Georgia firearm laws, and interaction with law enforcement - Meets court-mandated safety training requirements across the U.S. - No prerequisite, no live fire
Handgun Fundamentals for Protection (8 hours, classroom + range) - Introduction to handgun operation, safe handling, and defensive shooting skills - Multiple drills from varying distances, multiple attacker scenarios, moving targets - Covers pistol storage, legal overview, and concealed carry options
Shotgun Fundamentals for Protection (8 hours, classroom + range) - Full training cycle for shotgun-based home defense - Ammunition types, malfunction clearing, rapid shooting, multiple attackers - Safe storage and Georgia use-of-force law
Protective Handgun Carry Fundamentals (2 days: 8 hrs range + 6 hrs classroom) - Prerequisite: Previous handgun training or equivalent experience - Covers Georgia weapons licensing, concealed carry philosophy, stress physiology, and legal aftermath of defensive shootings - Range work includes drawing from concealment, shooting on the move, multiple targets, malfunction drills, and close-quarters scenarios - Touches on self-defense insurance and legal resources
Advanced Protective Handgun Carry (2 days: 16 hours total) - Prerequisite: Protective Handgun Carry Fundamentals or professional equivalent - High-speed trigger control, multiple attacker engagement, shooting from/around cover - Unconventional positions (sitting, kneeling, prone, running), dominant and off-hand shooting - Gun retention, disarming techniques, carjacking survival, partner/couple drills - Customized scenarios based on student lifestyle and circumstances
Concealed Carry Permits, Weapons, Self-Defense & the Law (classroom, included in Protective Handgun course) - Georgia Weapons License process and cost - Multi-state reciprocity and carry restrictions by jurisdiction - Deadly force law: Castle Doctrine, Duty to Retreat, when you can defend others - Legal aftermath, criminal vs. civil liability, arrest/trial procedures - Organizations, legal resources, and liability insurance for armed citizens
For people who want defensive options beyond firearms—or can't carry one—ACG offers comprehensive less-than-lethal courses covering:
ACG trains exclusively with trusted manufacturers in this category.
One-on-one and small-group instruction available for both firearms and less-than-lethal courses, tailored to your specific needs. ACG also assists local, state, and federal law enforcement officers with departmental firearms qualification training.
10 acres, fully private, with pistol and rifle areas extending to 300 yards. All calibers welcome, including full auto. On-site classroom facility completed recently. Range fees included in course costs, plus all program materials and targets.
ACG also handles background investigations, surveillance, fraud cases, asset searches, and executive protection services under Georgia license PDSC001653.
"The level of detail, precision, and personalization given to us is definitely what keeps us coming back. This class gave both my wife and I so much important information and confidence needed to safely, effectively, and lawfully protect yourself." — Chris & Ree
"I was completely blown away by the level of class and professionalism. Mark and Blenda really are a class act! You as an armed citizen are your own first responder." — David Vazquez and Amy Schaefer
"Just the right amount of everything from the laws to the mindset you can anticipate if you have, heaven forbid, a violent occurrence... I went from being very anxious to feeling confident and more at ease knowing that if I practice what they taught us, I will NOT be a helpless victim." — Anonymous student
Call (770) 972-1924 (does not accept text messages). All communications kept strictly confidential. Gift certificates available.
Contact form available on website for course inquiries.
ACG meets court-mandated firearms training requirements across the United States and can provide documentation for concealed carry permit applications.
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