Vermont Firearm Safety

Marc Preston owns and operates Vermont Firearm Safety with a background that reads like a security thriller. After taking an NRA course at age 8, he served in the USMC reconnaissance community, traveled internationally, received extensive weapons training, and protected Foreign Royalty, US Diplomats, and Fortune 500 executives. He's US State Department trained in high-threat driving, attended both Vermont and New Hampshire police academies, and now runs MPI Investigations, a licensed private detective agency.

That's not a marketing bio. That's his actual resume.

Every course is built around a single principle: safety through education. VFS teaches three elements of firearm safety—positive attitude, knowledge, and skill—and every student walks out with understanding of lethal force justification, self-defense law, and mental preparedness for actual shooting situations.

Defensive Handgun (1 day, 150+ rounds) The most popular course. Covers legal responsibilities, handgun selection, holster selection, stance, grip, draw stroke, shooting diagnostics, and accuracy from contact distance to 100 feet. Students shoot from multiple positions including one-hand firing, ground fighting scenarios, and unusual positions. This is the entry point—beginners and experienced shooters both attend.

Advanced Defensive Handgun (1 day, 250+ rounds) Requires prior Defensive Handgun completion. Builds on fundamentals with deeper training on malfunction clearing, tactical reloads, multiple threat engagement, and performance improvement under stress.

Private Detective & Security Services Certification (2 days, 350-450 rounds) Meets all Vermont State licensing requirements for armed guards and armed private investigators. Includes written exam and qualifying course of fire with both handgun and shotgun components.

Private Detective & Security Services Recertification (1 day, 100 rounds) Maintains Vermont firearms certification. Covers firearm safety, justification of force, use of deadly force, and self-defense law.

Defensive Carbine (1 day) Teaches carbine fundamentals for self-defense applications.

Advanced Defensive Carbine (1 day) Builds on basic carbine skills with advanced techniques.

Ladies Only (1 day) Defensive handgun training designed specifically for women.

Building & Room Entry (1 day) Room clearing and tactical movement techniques.

Private Classes Customized training tailored to your specific needs.

Students provide their own serviceable firearms (semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, or carbines—no stipulations on brand), factory ammunition only (no reloads), strong-side hip holster, safety glasses, hearing protection, and extra magazines. Each course requires specific round counts—typically 150-250 for handgun courses, up to 450 for two-day certifications.

Every course addresses the physiological and psychological effects of shooting under stress. Students learn situational awareness, ready gun positions, cover selection, malfunction clearing, tactical and emergency reloads, and ground fighting with a handgun. The instruction focuses on practical application—not just marksmanship, but the legal, mental, and physical reality of self-defense.