Elko Tactical

Elko Tactical is run by Kent LeBarts, a firearms instructor with unmatched credentials in northern Nevada. Over four decades in competition shooting (USPSA, IPSC), military training background (US Army Rangers at Fort Hunter Liggett), and current certification as Nevada Highway Patrol's only civilian firearms instructor—Kent knows what proper training looks like.

Competition Background: 40+ years as a competitive shooter in USPSA and IPSC, from high power rifles to 1000-yard target shooting to close-quarters battle (CQB). 30-year member of the US Practical Pistol Association.

Military Training: Former civilian instructor for US military at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, training Army Rangers in pistol craft. Former Drug Task Force member with Delnorte County Sheriff's Office.

Official Certifications: - NRA Certified Pistol and Rifle Instructor - Certified in defense inside and outside the home - Certified Range Safety Officer - Nevada Highway Patrol's only civilian firearms instructor - 20+ years teaching CCW classes - Only instructor in Elko County offering Tactical 1 Advanced Pistol Classes, Tactical Rifle and Shotgun courses

Private, group, and customized courses available. These courses cover safe handling, operation, storage, and state-specific legal overview for concealed carry. Highly affordable—courses are priced to encourage participation, not to be a cash grab.

• •Two-day intensive course designed for CCW holders (whether trained by Kent or not) to expand beyond basic safety knowledge.

• •Saturday: Classroom instruction in Spring Creek covering:
• •Firearms safety and dry-fire practice
• •Accidental discharge prevention
• •Modes of readiness
• •Marksmanship fundamentals
• •Proper firearms handling
• •Principles of personal defense
• •Introduction to tactics and movement
• •Skill builder drills and courses of fire

• •Sunday: Live-fire training at Elko County Gun Range with practical drills, movement training, multiple shot scenarios, and multiple assailant situations.

"Kent's vast knowledge and professionalism about CCW made the class very enjoyable. The students came away with a solid foundation to build on." ~ Ron

• •Cost: $200 for the 2-day course

• •What to Bring:
• •Your own handgun
• •Belt and holster (magazine holster too)
• •Ear and eye protection
• •500 rounds of ammunition (minimum)
• •3 magazines (5 preferred)
• •Weather-appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen
• •Water, lunch, and snacks

Optional items: speed loader, ammunition pouch, chair for breaks between drills.

Kent provides extensive educational content on choosing the right carry gun. The key points:

• •Budget matters: Good firearms run $350-$5,000+. Factor in holster, safety gear, ammo (both practice and hollow point defense rounds).
• •Fit is critical: Wrong size = pain = no practice = no proficiency. People with small hands often overlooked; grip comfort directly affects recoil control and accuracy.
• •Recoil tolerance is personal: No "perfect" caliber exists. What matters is comfort and accuracy for you, encouraging practice.
• •Revolver vs. Semi-Auto tradeoff: Revolvers offer simplicity; semi-autos offer concealment and magazine-fed convenience (if you can cycle the slide).
• •Important features: Night sights for low-light, lasers as training tools, flashlights (but learn to use them correctly).
• •Caliber conversion options: Some pistols (like .357 Mag/.38 Spl revolvers or 1911s with .22 LR kits) offer caliber flexibility to reduce recoil and ammo costs during practice.

Kent's advice: "The best carry gun is the one you have with you when you need it."

Address: 783 Alpine Drive, Spring Creek, NV 89815

Phone/Text: (775) 388-7003

Email: [email protected] (or [email protected] for class signup)

Service Area: Elko County and surrounding area (Nevada/Utah border region)

The quickest way to get your questions answered is to call or text Kent directly.

"A great instructor, very informative class. He makes you feel very much at ease, and will even help you find the RIGHT gun for you. Thank you for going the extra mile." ~ Terri

"Kent is a wonderful teacher, advisor and trainer! Absolutely! Safety First and foremost!" ~ Deb

"A very good instructor. Patient and thorough... safety first, always." ~ Linda