LTC Firearms Course

Ray Colson started shooting at age 10 when his father introduced him to firearms. By 14, he was ranking as an expert shooter with trophies and tournament credentials backing it up. Now at 50, he runs LTC Firearms Course LLC from Ludlow, MA—teaching everything from first-timers to advanced shooters looking to hone their skills.

This isn't a franchise operation. Ray teaches the classes personally, sometimes with help from retired police and military personnel. When you show up for a live-fire course, everything is provided: firearms, ammunition, targets, ear and eye protection, and course materials. You bring a notepad and yourself.

Ray's Current Certifications: - Certified Massachusetts State Police Instructor - NRA Certified Pistol Instructor - NRA Certified Rifle Instructor - NRA Certified Shotgun Instructor - NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer - NRA Certified Home Firearms Safety Course Instructor - Certified Multi-State Firearms License Instructor - Certified Florida Concealed Firearms Instructor - Certified Combat & Tactical Shooting (CTS) Instructor - Certified & Licensed USA Wrestling Coach - Certified Self-Defense Instructor (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do background) - Life Member, NRA and GOAL

Most Popular Class | $120.00 per person | ~5 hours | LIVE FIRE

This is the course you need to apply for your LTC (License to Carry) or FID (Firearms Identification) card in Massachusetts. Classes run Sundays at 12pm, scheduled throughout the year. Seats fill fast.

What's covered: 1. Firearms safety fundamentals 2. Loading and unloading procedures 3. Safe gun handling techniques 4. Ammunition identification 5. Massachusetts firearms laws 6. LTC/FID application procedures 7. Cleaning and storage 8. Fundamentals of pistol shooting 9. Massachusetts laws on use of deadly force 10. Two-handed standing shooting positions 11. Firing your first shot 12. Pistol sports and activities

Key detail: This certificate is accepted in Connecticut and can qualify you for non-resident firearms licenses in other states.

$220.00 per person | Call to schedule

One-day class that gets you certificates for Massachusetts, Florida, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut. Once you hold a Massachusetts LTC, you can legally carry in 39 states with the credentials from this course.

Requirement: You must already have a Massachusetts firearms license or equivalent state license to attend.

$200.00 per person | 10 students max per class

Taught by Ray personally with a retired police sergeant. Covers what you can and can't do under Massachusetts firearms law, penalties, charges, and updates on recent legal changes. Popular with new gun owners and anyone needing a refresher on state law changes.

$300.00 per person | 9 hours | Age 21+ required

Becomes a certified NRA Range Safety Officer—a credential that opens the door to part-time RSO work at ranges, sportsmen's clubs, and shooting competitions. The course covers: - RSO roles and responsibilities - Range standard operating procedures - Range inspection and rules - Firearm stoppages and malfunctions - Range safety briefings and emergency procedures

$200-$300 per hour | By appointment | One or two students only

Private instruction for shooters who want to improve their accuracy and technique. Choose your option: - Bring your own firearms, targets, ammo: $200/hour - Use Ray's firearms and targets: $300/hour (additional firearms $50 each)

Ray has multiple guns available so you can try before you buy.

Lessons include: - Proper grip and stance - Sight alignment and sight picture - Breathing control - Body and trigger control - Follow-through and follow-up shots - Accuracy and tactical suggestions

$220.00 per person | 12pm-5pm | 8 person maximum | Limited availability

For first-timers and those wanting foundational self-defense skills. This class covers situational awareness, home security, hand-to-hand techniques, and concealed carry basics—all without throwing people around or rough contact.

Topics: 1. How not to become a target inside/outside your home 2. Protecting yourself and loved ones 3. Home security and perimeter preparation 4. Concealed carry methods 5. Holster types and pros/cons 6. What to do before, during, and after an attack 7. Legal and illegal actions in crisis situations 8. Hand-to-hand combat fundamentals 9. Disarming techniques

1-on-1 or group sessions (up to 8 people): - Private Basic Pistol Safety: $220.00 per person - Private Multi-State Course: $320.00 per person

Schedule by calling (413) 427-9963 (ask for Ray) or emailing [email protected]

• •NRA Shotgun Course
• •NRA Rifle Course
• •NRA Home Firearms Safety Course
• •Radar & Lidar instruction (taught to police academy)

78 Lavoie Ave | Ludlow, MA 01056

Classes typically run Sundays starting at 12pm. Private classes and advanced shooting by appointment.

1. Check the class dates page to see available dates and open seats 2. Fill out the online registration form 3. Pay cash the day of class, or mail a check/money order in advance 4. Bring a notepad and pen; everything else is provided

Contact: - Phone: (413) 427-9963 - Email: [email protected]

Most importantly: Ray teaches these courses himself. You're not getting a franchise instructor or someone reading from a script. He's been passionate about firearms since childhood, competed at high levels, and now passes that knowledge directly to students. He emphasizes respect, safety, and proper technique—whether you're taking your first pistol course or training for advanced tactical shooting.

The range time is live-fire, not simulation. You'll handle and shoot actual firearms under direct supervision. All ammunition, targets, and protective equipment are included in the course fee.