South Mountain Defense

South Mountain Defense has been tailoring firearms instruction, personal defense, and tactical operations courses since 1987. They work with civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel, pulling from real-world experience to build relevant, applicable training programs.

David Paul is the director and senior instructor. His background includes law enforcement, special operations instruction, and tactical training. He holds certifications as an NRA Certified Rifle Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, Certified SWAT/Hostage Rescue Instructor, Certified Sniper Operations Instructor, Certified Glock Armorer, and PA MPOE Instructor. He also holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

SMD's approach focuses on techniques that work in both static and dynamic situations. They teach practical handling and defensive applications that account for real-world scenarios—not just range shooting in ideal conditions.

• •Tier I introduces a defense philosophy with minimal techniques. You practice static and moving positions, reaction drills, and multiple-threat scenarios. Requires 250 rounds of ammunition and an OWB holster.

• •Tier II dives into actual defense situations. You practice escape/evade, engagement, and clearing techniques. This is where you refine your personal shooting style in practical scenarios.

• •Tier III handles "what if" situations—unideal conditions, multiple threats, injuries affecting your shooting side. It's reaction and response training, not technique-focused.

• •Semi-Automatic Rifle (Level 1): One-day NRA-certified course covering AR-15s and other carbines. History, mechanics, accessories, practical use. Limited rentals available.
• •Defensive Rifle (Level 2): Advanced techniques for semi-automatic carbines in realistic scenarios. All platforms welcome.
• •Rifle Course Basics: One-day NRA-certified course for those learning or upgrading rifle skills. Covers bolt action, semi-auto, lever action, pump, and break-open rifles.

• •Shotgun Dynamics: One-day course on pump and semi-automatic shotguns. History, mechanics, accessories, practical use.
• •Low-Light Workshop: 2.5-hour introduction to low-light defensive training with handguns and weapon-mounted lights.
• •Fireside Chat: Which Sling?: Three-hour non-live-fire class evaluating and testing rifle/shotgun slings on various firearms.

• •Hunker or Hunt? A Home Defense Workshop ($225): One-day non-live-fire course on when to stay in place versus move during a home emergency. Covers room security, movement, stealth, cover, and engagement. Uses simulated scenarios with laser-safe firearms.
• •Tactical Conceal Carry Casualty Care ($450, 2 days): Care under fire training centered on active shooter situations. Saturday covers tourniquets, wound packing, getting off the X, and tactical field care. Sunday includes one-handed shooting drills and scenario-based training with realistic casualty simulation.
• •Stop The Bleed (STB): One-day nationally recognized trauma care course combined with live fire exercises.
• •Every Day Concealed Carry & Medicine (EDCCM): Combines STB certification with live fire scenarios where you use an Individual-First Aid-Kit (IFAK).

• •NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Certification: One-day course covering range operations, SOPs, emergency procedures, and safe gun handling. NRA membership not required.
• •National Train A Teacher's Day: Free one-day event for teachers covering self-defense alternatives, school security, active shooter response, and optional firearms introduction.

This three-day immersive course is designed for civilians interested in tactical operations. It covers mindset shifts, real tactical training, equipment selection, mission planning, and culminates in a scenario against an unknown number of opponents in a community-based setting.

• •Contact: (610) 966-7582 or P.O. Box 94, Old Zionsville, PA 18068

Payment: Cash, check, credit cards, VENMO accepted :::

Most courses include snacks and beverages. You bring lunch or can arrange through SMD. Class sizes are limited. Discounts available for Ridge & Valley members, prior SMD students, and groups of two or more. Pre-registration by phone is required.

For live fire courses, you'll need to bring your own firearm (or SMD has limited rentals), appropriate ammunition (typically 250 rounds for handgun courses), holsters, and eye/hearing protection. Some courses provide firearms for trial use to help you determine what works best for your grip and needs.

SMD uses SIRT LASER pistols for classroom practice and evaluation of red dot/electronic sights. They have a variety of handguns available for students to try before purchasing. For casualty care training, expect realistic simulation with fake blood.

SMD trains civilians interested in self-defense, concealed carry, home defense, and tactical awareness. They also work with law enforcement agencies and military personnel. Women-specific handgun courses acknowledge different grip needs and selection priorities. Teachers get free training on active shooter response.