Safety First Firearms

Dan Graber isn't learning on the job. He's a Marine Corps veteran with three decades of firearms experience, trained by the FBI as a pistol, shotgun, tactical rifle, and submachine gun instructor. He served as a Military Police officer, Marine Corps Marksmanship Coach, NYPD officer, and police academy firearms instructor before going independent.

"Born to Protect" - Safety First Firearms' approach to training

Intro to Pistol - Safety, handling, and storage - Ammunition fundamentals - Marksmanship basics - Situational awareness - Firearm laws

Defensive & Advanced Pistol - Custom private or group lessons - Concealment and holster techniques - Mental preparedness - Reloading under stress - Immediate action drills

Rifle & Shotgun - Basic instruction (private or group) - Ammunition knowledge - Shooting fundamentals

CCW/PTC Qualification (New Jersey)

The qualification course covers use of force law in NJ, holstering techniques, drawing from concealment, magazine changes, and qualification on an approved course of fire. Takes about 4 hours. You'll need an NJ Firearms ID, appropriate holster (no SERPA Blackhawk), concealment garment, and 200 factory rounds.

Dan's approach is customized and personal. He focuses on fundamentals—not shortcuts. Students consistently mention his patience and depth of knowledge. One student said he "went over things I would have never guessed were relevant." Another appreciated that he "genuinely instructed for the overall well-being of me and my family" and helped them understand home defense law.

Certifications: - NRA Certified Pistol, Shotgun, and Personal Protection Instructor - NRA Chief Range Safety Officer - Instructor certified in New York and New Jersey - FBI-trained in pistol, shotgun, tactical rifle, and submachine gun instruction