Niftausa

Northwest Indiana Firearms Training Academy (NIFTA), established in 2020, operates from a simple belief: you learn shooting fastest from people who actually compete at the highest level. That's why the school is built around Lance Bratcher Sr. and Lance Bratcher Jr.—a father-son duo ranked among the most accomplished competitive shooters in SCSA history.

The instructors:

• •Lance Bratcher Sr. has 40+ years in firearms. He's a 6-division grandmaster, won third place in the 2021 World Speed Shooting Championship (iron sight revolver), and shoots Steel Challenge, USPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun, trap, and rimfire competitions.
• •Lance Bratcher Jr. holds 12 world records in Steel Challenge as of 2024 and is the SCSA world champion in rimfire irons pistol. He also runs the youth program and posts behind-the-scenes content on YouTube.
• •Mike Williams, co-founder, brings 25 years of law enforcement and private investigation experience plus tactical weapons instructor certification.
• •LaVelle Higley is a certified USPSA range officer, IDPA safety officer, and experienced reloader.
• •Don Tatone is a certified NRA instructor and owner/operator of investigation and security agencies across three states.

100+ years of combined experience on the staff.

Basic Firearms Safety Training — 4-6 hours. New gun owners or anyone wanting to learn. Covers safe handling, loading, firing, and maintenance of pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Classroom and range time. May meet concealed carry permit requirements depending on your state.

Advanced Firearms Training — 4-6 hours. After you've taken the basics. Covers shooting fundamentals: drawing from the holster, reloads, clearing stoppages, trigger control for accuracy, and pro-level tips to enjoy shooting more.

Introduction to Competition Shooting — 5-6 hours, no equipment needed. Covers Steel Challenge, Rimfire Challenge, USPSA, IDPA, and 3-Gun. You'll learn rules, equipment, safety, and get hands-on with gear from each discipline. Students earn free entry to a local match after completion. Taught by ranked Master and Grandmaster shooters.

Advanced Competition Training by Discipline — 4 hours. Focused sessions on Steel Challenge, USPSA, IDPA, or 3-Gun. At least one hour on a live competition stage. Taught by Master and Grandmaster-ranked shooters.

Concealed Carry License — 4-6 hours. Requires prior firearms safety training. Covers state and federal laws on ownership, storage, carry, and transportation. 3 hours classroom, 1 hour range recommended.

AR / Gun Building Classes — 5-6 hours. Build your own AR sporting rifle or pistol. Learn all parts and functions hands-on. Choose from 3 build packages ($200–$900) or bring your own kit. You must bring your own lower receiver. Students leave with a complete, functioning rifle or pistol.

NRA Basic Pistol / Rifle / Shotgun Training — 8-16 hours. Taught by certified NRA instructors. Available as traditional instructor-led or hybrid (online eLearning + hands-on practical).

Church Training — 4-6 hours. Emergency awareness, security planning, and firearms training designed for churches.

Unarmed/Armed Security Training — 4-6 hours. Covers principles, needs, and equipment for armed and unarmed security work.

First Aid / CPR / AED — Available.

Hand-to-Hand Defensive Skills & Knife Fighting — Offered.

Reloading Class — Offered.

Youth Training (Single Class) — 4-6 hours, no live fire. Uses non-lethal simulated airsoft guns. Taught by Lance Bratcher Jr. (5-gun grandmaster, junior shooter). Focus on safety, responsibility, and fun. Ages 10+.

Youth Training (Weekly After-School Program) — 1 hour weekly. Taught by Lance Bratcher Jr. and Sean Eskala (2-gun grandmaster). Covers safety, educational videos, and competitions with airsoft and laser guns. Small monthly fee. Ages 10+.

Women's-Only Classes — Any NIFTA class can be offered as women-only with woman instructors present.

Parties & Events — 2-4 hours. Birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate events. Up to 10 people. Indoor range with training guns, games, prizes. Ages 10+.

NIFTA students get the best, cheapest prices in the country on competition ammunition. The ammunition pricing alone makes the class worthwhile.

Rental of a full indoor range with: - Ringing steel targets - Plate racks - Texas stars - USPSA targets and stages

Bring your own airsoft guns or rent equipment cheaply. Lance Bratcher Jr. holds five world records thanks to blowback airsoft training. Available for birthdays, parties, and group events. Kids under 18 must be with an adult.

• •Absolutely no loaded firearms allowed in the classroom. All personal firearms must be cased and chamber-flagged on arrival. NIFTA provides chamber flags if you don't have one.

The 4 NRA Safety Rules are posted everywhere: 1. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction 2. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot 3. Keep the gun unloaded until ready to use 4. Know your target and what is beyond

NIFTA can custom-design training programs for churches, corporations, and organizations with specific needs.

109 E Porter Ave, Chesterton, IN 46304

Contact: - Main office: (219) 716-3125 - Lance Bratcher Sr.: (219) 331-5032 - Lance Bratcher Jr.: (219) 331-4857 - Email: [email protected]

Flexible scheduling—if posted times don't work, contact them directly to arrange a class time.