Desert Thunder Academy

Desert Thunder Academy is a premier firearms training facility and shooting range located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, specializing in concealed carry courses and marksmanship instruction.

Desert Thunder Academy serves the Albuquerque community and greater New Mexico region with state-approved firearms education and live-fire training. The academy combines online classroom instruction with hands-on range experience to meet New Mexico's concealed handgun carry permit requirements.

The academy offers three primary course options:

• •NM Concealed Carry Course - A comprehensive 15-hour program combining online modules with live-fire training, meeting all state requirements for concealed carry permits
• •NM Concealed Carry Renewal Course - A streamlined renewal program for permit holders maintaining their credentials
• •In-Person Refresher Courses - Flexible training options for those seeking additional range time and marksmanship practice

Desert Thunder Academy's instructors provide thorough instruction covering federal and New Mexico handgun laws, shooting fundamentals, safe gun handling and storage, non-violent dispute resolution, situational awareness, ammunition and ballistics, holster and carry methods, use of force principles, and advanced scenarios including active shooter response and carjacking situations.

The live-fire portion of courses takes place on the academy's range, where students engage targets at 3 and 7 yards to meet state standards. Instruction emphasizes proper marksmanship techniques, drawing methods, and firearm safety protocols throughout all training.

Located at 11215 Central Ave. NE in Albuquerque, Desert Thunder Academy is conveniently situated for north-central New Mexico residents. The facility maintains regular operating hours to accommodate working professionals and weekend learners alike.

The dedicated instructors at Desert Thunder Academy are committed to enhancing both gun handling skills and marksmanship proficiency while maintaining an unwavering emphasis on firearm safety and responsible gun ownership.