Concealed Carry

Armed Missouri, Inc. started in January 2004 when Wally Shoffner began conducting Missouri CCW classes. Two decades later, the operation has grown to three full-time instructors—Wally, Chris, and Nic Shoffner—maintaining small class sizes and a reputation for delivering exactly what armed citizens actually need to know.

The training menu covers:

• •Missouri Concealed Carry (CCW) – License-eligible instruction
• •NRA Courses – Basic pistol, shotgun, personal protection in home/outside home, instructor certification
• •NAPSI Certification – Foundations of defensive pistol, essential defensive pistol, advanced skills, home defense shotgun
• •Defensive Pistol Specialties – Basic skills, advanced carry techniques, dynamic drills, low-profile pistol skills for armed professionals
• •Church Safety & Security Training – 24-hour certified instruction for places of worship
• •Rifle Tactics – Martial Arms Tactical rifle courses (Rifle Tactics 201)
• •Less-Lethal Training – Pepper spray and defensive applications
• •Private Instruction – Custom training for individuals and groups
• •POST-Approved Training – Law enforcement and security professional certifications

All courses run in Central Missouri, St. Louis, and throughout the region.

"We are producing a higher level of competency, through a higher standard of training."

Armed Missouri explicitly rejects the false narrative that only combat veterans or spec-ops guys can teach civilians. They also won't waste your time and money on skills you'll never use. No dynamic entries. No machine gun fantasies. Instead: concealed carry street encounters, home defense scenarios, Missouri use-of-force law, legal aftermath, and the psychological realities of violent situations.

They consult with: - Defense attorneys - Prosecuting attorneys - Law enforcement officers - Professional self-defense trainers nationwide

This keeps their curriculum aligned with what actually happens on civilian streets and in homes—and how the legal system treats it afterward.

Maximum class size: Under 10 students. This is intentional. With three instructors, each student gets personal attention. No cattle-herding through lectures. No upselling merchandise during paid class time (they'll make recommendations if you ask).

Chris Shoffner (curriculum developer/co-owner) - Trains approximately 300 students per year - Specializes in instructor development and defensive handgun application - Multiple NRA Certified Training Counselor credentials (advanced pistol, shotgun, personal protection) - NAPSI Senior Instructor Trainer - Certified Force-on-Force, Red Dot Pistol, Church Security instructor - Continuous training: 2+ new courses annually, thousands of rounds yearly - Extensive background in self-defense research, violent crime analysis, human physiology under stress

Nic Shoffner - Involved in firearms training since age 13 - NRA Pistol Certified (2007), NRA Training Counselor (2010) - Chief Range Safety Officer - 300+ hours of firearms and instructor training - Campus director of his church safety team for 5+ years

Wally Shoffner (founder) - Established the company in 2004 - NRA Life Member - Founding member of the Missouri Sport Shooting Association

All three are NRA Life Members and MSSA affiliates.

Armed Missouri takes safety seriously enough to make controversial calls. In 2025, they banned the SIG P320, SIG M17, and SIG M18 from all training classes due to documented instances of unintended discharge. They don't require you to own different gear—they'll provide loaner firearms and holsters—but they won't compromise the training environment. Law enforcement and military with issued P320s should contact them to discuss options.

Unsatisfied with the training? They'll refund your money (minus materials and certification fees). They promise to keep instructors actively training themselves so you get current, accurate information. No hype. No gimmicks. No pricing you out.

Every class follows this standard: - Benefit must significantly outweigh risk in all training activities - Students' needs come second only to safety - Honest answers, even "I don't know" (they'll find the right answer and get back to you) - Post-class mentoring available—you can contact them after graduation - Instructors train at least one outside course annually to stay sharp

Armed Missouri maintains relationships with students after classes end. Multiple contact methods available. They're happy to mentor newer shooters and instructors.

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

• •---

They keep training affordable and accessible rather than pricing out the average person. They won't fill class time selling you books, videos, or gear. Their curriculum stays grounded in civilian street reality, not fantasy tactics. Small classes mean actual feedback. Instructors with thousands of hours of outside training means you're learning from people who never stop learning.