At the Ready

At The Ready operates out of south Las Vegas near Rainbow Boulevard and Mountains Edge Parkway. Mike Orr, the owner and chief instructor, brings a lifetime of firearms experience and multiple certifications to every class—NRA Basic Pistol, NRA Basic Rifle, NRA Basic Shotgun, NRA Personal Protection in the Home, NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, USCCA Certified Instructor, Nevada Concealed Carry Instructor, and Utah Concealed Carry Instructor. He's also an active competition shooter in USPSA Pistol and 3-Gun matches.

At The Ready offers beginner and advanced courses designed around actual need. Whether you're picking up a gun for the first time or sharpening skills you already have, the approach is the same: prioritize safety, focus on fundamentals, keep classes small.

Basic Courses ($100 each, 5-6 hours): - Basic Pistol: 5 hours, revolvers and semi-auto pistols. Covers gun parts, ammunition, shooting fundamentals, one and two-handed positions, cleaning. Requires 100 rounds semi-auto or 20 rounds .22lr for revolvers. - Basic Shotgun: 5 hours. Shotgun operation, shell components, malfunctions, shooting at straight and angled targets. Requires 50 rounds birdshot, 5 rounds 00 buckshot, 5 slugs (no steel shot or slugs). - Basic Rifle: 5 hours. Rifle operation, shooting from bench rest, prone, sitting, standing, kneeling. Requires 100 rounds (no steel core).

Defensive Courses ($100 each, 5 hours): - Defensive Pistol: Three levels. For shooters past basic plinking who want to train for actual self-defense. Focus on marksmanship fundamentals, close-quarters shooting, one-handed shooting, point shooting, shooting from cover, malfunction clearances, reloading, drawing from holster, multiple targets, handling threats from angles, moving while shooting, emergency wound treatment. - Defensive Shotgun: For those with basic shotgun proficiency. Covers loading/unloading, firing stance, carry positions with and without sling, patterning, shooting multiple targets, reloading, malfunction drills, moving and shooting. Requires low-recoil ammo (1200fps or less), 100 rounds birdshot, 5 rounds 00 buckshot, 5 slugs. - Defensive Rifle: For those with basic rifle proficiency. Covers zeroing, firing stance, carry positions, shooting multiple targets, malfunction drills, moving and shooting. Requires 300 rounds of rifle ammo (no steel core), minimum two mags, sling attached.

Concealed Carry Weapons Classes:

CCW classes cover safety rules, proper gun handling, confrontation response, lethal force use, color code of mental awareness, equipment selection and storage, where carry is legal, the application process. Classroom portion takes place near Rainbow Boulevard and Blue Diamond Road, then moves to desert range for qualifying and additional tactical instruction. New factory ammo only (30 rounds 9mm minimum). Rentals available—9mm Glocks. Free POM pepper spray included.

Every student gets a well-prepared information packet for follow-up study. Classes emphasize safety first—it's woven through everything. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention. The classroom portion covers legal and psychological aspects; range time covers live-fire drills with feedback on each exercise.

• •Ammunition Requirements: Factory ammo only. No reloads (safety concern for other shooters). No steel core ammo (steel case is fine, but bullet must not stick to magnet).

• •What You Can Bring: Your own firearm (if you have one), ammunition, eye and ear protection, camera (of your own group members only, not other students without permission).

• •Location: Rainbow Blvd & Mountains Edge Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89178

• •Phone: (702) 419-6772

"Mike's approach and course are straightforward and always emphasize safety first. He goes the extra mile with his first aid review and what to keep on hand at all times. I have recommended all my friends and family to Mike/At The Ready and will continue to do so." —William W., CCW renewal student

"Hard to believe it has been 5 years already. Mike is experienced, knowledgeable and entertaining. He covers all the necessary information required by law for CCW in Nevada and Utah and also shares a lot of real life information and examples. Safety is key. He is a licensed NRA instructor for 15 years, so you can be assured he knows his stuff." —Cathy B., South Las Vegas area student

Classes are open to civilians, security guards (initial training or re-qualification), and law enforcement seeking advanced tactical training. Students under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You don't need an existing permit—at least 15% of attendees are taking their first formal training.

• •Do you sell ammo? No. Bring new, factory-made ammo.

• •How long does CCW approval take? Metro can take up to 120 days from submission, fingerprinting, and photo.

• •Can I attend training without a gun? Yes. If under 18, bring a parent or guardian.

• •What ammo is allowed? Only new, factory ammo. No reloads. No steel core (steel case is fine if bullet doesn't stick to magnet).