directory/training
Defensive Shooting Skills
Skills Grand Rapids, MI
•Defensive Shooting Skills operates from 1508 Herrick Avenue Northeast in Grand Rapids (49505). Owner Jeff Crosby runs the operation with his wife Erica and family members as instructors. The business operates 8 AM to 10 PM daily and handles everything from first-time shooters to advanced pistol stud...
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Full description and what we offer
Defensive Shooting Skills operates from 1508 Herrick Avenue Northeast in Grand Rapids (49505). Owner Jeff Crosby runs the operation with his wife Erica and family members as instructors. The business operates 8 AM to 10 PM daily and handles everything from first-time shooters to advanced pistol students.
"We are a Christian based service that believes that it is every American's God given right to be able to protect him- or herself and families. We believe in the 2nd Amendment and fully believe this shall not be infringed."
Their core message is simple: Responsibility Starts With You. They treat firearms instruction as a serious responsibility, not a box to check. Multiple testimonials mention how Jeff combines thorough legal and safety information with practical humor—keeping the material interesting rather than droning through compliance requirements.
CPL & First Steps Classes - Michigan Concealed Pistol License certification instruction - Designed to give participants everything needed to apply for and obtain a Michigan CPL - Includes classroom legal/safety material plus live range qualification - Price point described by students as "reasonable compared to others"
Advanced Pistol ($125.00) - For shooters with basic CPL certification seeking skill development - Course covers: - Review of fundamentals - Weapon deployment techniques - Follow-through and multiple shots on target - Clearing malfunctions while moving - Shooting on the move and from cover - Developing defensive mindset - Flashlight shooting - Low-light conditions - Shooting with different optics
AR-15 Training - Basic AR-15 course for new owners and those without formal introduction - Designed for students without AR ownership experience
- •Additional Offerings (listed on site but detailed curriculum not provided)
- •Refuse To Be A Victim courses
- •Instructor certification courses
- •AR-101, AR-102, AR-103 (progressive AR training)
- •Military/First Responder tribute programs
| What Matters | Student Feedback |
|---|---|
| Instruction Quality | "Jeff is very knowledgeable," "extremely patient," "high caliber individual" |
| Classroom Delivery | "Makes dry material fun," "has good sense of humor," "keeps it interesting" |
| Range Training | "Thorough," "safe," "multiple instructors available" |
| Comfort Level | "Treat you like family," "make you feel comfortable," "no judgment" |
| Value | "Worth every dollar," "reasonable price," "10x better than CPL class I took before" |
139 reviews with 5-star ratings dominate - Students specifically praise the family atmosphere. Jeff's wife Erica and father-in-law Bob assist on the range. Multiple attendees mentioned taking both First Steps and CPL courses back-to-back, suggesting confidence in the instruction.
- •Absolute beginners - People with zero firearm experience
- •First responders - Police and military get explicit recognition and respect in curriculum
- •CPL applicants - Anyone needing Michigan concealed carry certification
- •Skill development - Advanced shooters wanting to progress beyond basic safety
- •Family-oriented - Multiple reviews mention learning to protect themselves and their families
For Advanced Pistol courses, students should bring: - Eye and ear protection - Handgun (preferably the one they'll carry) - 3 magazines - Concealed-carry holster - 150 rounds of ammunition - Flashlight
Defensive Shooting Skills 1508 Herrick Avenue Northeast Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 291-1085 Email: [email protected]
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Hours: 8 AM–10 PM, 7 days/week
- •Online: Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Yelp for class scheduling and updates.