617 Defense

617 Defense offers firearms instruction focused on safety and competency. Owner Nolan Howard teaches students from complete beginners through intermediate levels, with an emphasis on proper handling, storage, maintenance, and marksmanship.

• •NRA Home Firearm Safety Courses - Hands-on instruction in pistols and shotguns
• •Massachusetts LTC Classes - Scheduled courses designed to meet state licensing requirements
• •Customized Training Programs - Howard works with each student to develop a plan matching their specific goals and experience level

Howard's core message to students: "You are your own first responder. No one's going to save you. You're going to save yourself." He emphasizes that waiting for emergency response isn't realistic and that responsible people of all backgrounds should be prepared to defend themselves and their families.

The training takes place in Greater Boston area venues. Classes typically include 5-6 students who get hands-on experience racking slides on semi-automatic pistols and working with pump-action shotguns alongside classroom instruction.

Howard founded the company three years ago and has seen growing attendance. He attributes this to declining trust in government institutions and more people taking personal responsibility for their family's security. He's particularly focused on serving the Black community—a demographic that historically faced legal discrimination preventing gun ownership, and which remains underrepresented in gun ownership compared to other groups.

"People are taking control of their own lives and doing what they have to do for protecting themselves and their family members. They're making their decisions, instead of waiting on the government to help them out." — Nolan Howard