Smart Shooters

Smart Shooters operates on a straightforward philosophy: anyone can pull a trigger, but not everyone should. Owner Daryle Rostic built this Grand Rapids training facility around one core idea—equip shooters with knowledge first, then skills.

"BRAINS BEFORE BULLETS. FROM THE GUN RANGE TO SELF DEFENSE, WE WILL TEACH YOU TO THINK BEFORE YOU SHOOT." — Daryle Rostic

All instructors hold USCCA certification, meaning their curricula meet Michigan state standards and are accepted nationwide for CPL (Concealed Pistol License) applications.

• •Concealed Carry & Home Defense Class — Meets Michigan state requirements. Covers gun laws, carry fundamentals, defense planning, safe storage, and a live-fire shooting assessment. Striker-fire pistol required (rentals available); bring 100 rounds.
• •Firearm Basics & Shooting Fundamentals — Perfect for new gun owners. Learn how guns work, types available, universal safety rules, and responsible ownership groundwork. All materials provided.

• •AR-15 Fundamentals — Demystifies America's most popular rifle. How it works, ammunition types, full-auto myths, plus shooting experience. Rentals available.
• •Women's Handgun & Self Defense — Three-segment course (basic, intermediate, defensive pistol). Designed for beginner shooters and all women interested in self-protection. Includes textbook and branded shirt. Classroom plus range invitation.
• •Home and Personal Protection Plan — Situational awareness training. Break-in response planning, public awareness tactics, threat avoidance. Classroom-based, all resources provided.
• •Family Firearm Safety (Parent & Child) — Parents/guardians attend WITH their child. Covers firearm safety basics, what children should do if they encounter a gun, home protection planning with safe storage, and facilitating healthy family conversations around firearms.

• •Private Range Sessions — 1-hour coaching slots with instructors. Whether you're drilling CPL fundamentals or refining technique, you pick what you need help with.

Smart Shooters partners with USCCA and offers video-based training modules. Free resources include the Youth Firearm Safety: Parent Discussion Guide and the e-book "BAE, I Need A Gun."

Their store carries branded apparel (hoodies, t-shirts, beanies, hats, sweatshirts), coffee mugs, and instructional textbooks. Price range: $8–$100 for jackets. Proceeds support their mission.

Smart Shooters sponsors at least one student per class with free or discounted tuition. Community donations fund this program.

Their mission is straightforward: equip communities with proper education and training so they can effectively and legally defend themselves and those they love.

Their five core values: - Freedom - Education - Family - Hope - Security

Grand Rapids, MI 49519 (616) 375-7281 [email protected]

They also maintain a YouTube channel and publish a blog covering topics like firearm modifications, range etiquette, red-dot optics, first firearm buying guides, and instructor qualifications.