Bare Knuckle Defense

Bare Knuckle Defense is a veteran-owned small business in Chesapeake, VA staffed entirely by combat veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The team has over 15 combined deployments across conventional infantry units and special forces, which translates to actual battlefield experience rather than just range credentials.

Every BKD instructor has defended their own life abroad or at home. Among the staff you'll find multiple Bronze Star recipients and Purple Heart awardees. They're also NRA Certified in civilian and Law Enforcement firearms instruction, with Master Training Specialists, Small Arms Instructors, DCJS certifications, and martial arts experience across multiple disciplines.

• •The difference is simple: When you book an appointment with someone here, they've actually been in gunfights—not just read about them.

Concealed Carry Handgun Course - Meets and exceeds Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit requirements - Covers basic firearm safety, handgun types, and practical defensive skills - Designed for women, teens, and anyone new to handguns

Close Quarters Home Defense - Indoor training using ballistically-similar, less-lethal ammunition - Safer environment for first-time shooters through expert marksmen - Teaches real-world scenarios in controlled settings

Basic Shotgun Course - Comprehensive shotgun fundamentals and operation

Reloading Course - Teaches tools, materials, and safe processes for reloading ammunition - Cost-effective once you recoup initial investment - Depending on shooting volume and caliber, investment recoups quickly

In-Home Defense Consultation - Personalized assessment of your specific home defense needs

BKD exclusively offers "build parties" using 80% finished lower receivers. You're building your own rifle legally and unregistered under expert guidance. The partnership with Cerro Metals—one of the country's largest metal firearm manufacturers—ensures matched upper/lower combinations with the same quality as high-dollar production rifles.

• •How it works: If you can use a drill press, you can build an AR-15. Under BKD guidance, the whole family can participate. The company emphasizes this is not a loophole—they perform background checks and reserve the right to refuse service.

"Building your own rifle legally and unregistered with the expertise to make it a pleasurable experience for the whole family."

• •Limited inventory on hand, but access to 15 of the nation's largest distributors
• •Email for quotes on specific firearms
• •Transfer fees: $15 + $2 resident Virginia background check fee (or $5 non-resident)
• •Some of the lowest transfer rates in the area
• •They'll tell you if they don't have the lowest price and direct you to who does

• •Outdoor range in Virginia Beach reserved for live fire courses
• •Group range reservations available
• •Indoor training facility for concealed carry and close quarters courses

BKD takes pride in training disabled individuals—wheelchair users, people on crutches, deaf shooters, blind shooters, and others. Staff can design entire lessons tailored to specific needs. This isn't marketing language; it's a stated focus.

Most gun shops and ranges are staffed by people whose experience comes from books and certifications. BKD instructors have actually lived through Close Quarters Battle and long-distance gun fights. They've trained civilians, and they've trained in military special forces environments. When they teach drawing from a holster or home defense tactics, they're pulling from experience, not theory.

They're located in the Tidewater region (Chesapeake/Virginia Beach area) and serve the broader Hampton Roads community.