Bear Arms Training
Bear Arms Training operates across Northern Virginia with a straightforward mission: teach law-abiding citizens the skills they need for personal protection and self-defense. Owner and Lead Instructor Nate Bearfield brings serious credentials to the table—Range Master certified, trained active FBI a...
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Bear Arms Training operates across Northern Virginia with a straightforward mission: teach law-abiding citizens the skills they need for personal protection and self-defense. Owner and Lead Instructor Nate Bearfield brings serious credentials to the table—Range Master certified, trained active FBI agents and U.S. Marine Corps and Army personnel, and schooled in advanced pistol instruction, force-on-force training, and expert witness preparation.
- •Small classes = personalized attention. Classes max out at 10 people, which means you're not getting herded through generic instruction. Testimonials consistently mention one-on-one coaching during range time, with instructors adapting to each shooter's needs—whether you're a beginner or someone with years of experience.
- •They understand anxiety and recoil anticipation. Multiple reviews mention instructors helping students overcome real fear around firing—managing noise anxiety, building confidence, addressing the mental side of shooting alongside the mechanical skills.
| Course | Format | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladies First | 3hr classroom + 2.5hr range | $175 | Women-only, multi-state concealed carry eligible |
| NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting | Classroom + range | $175 | Fulfills 8 of 16 hours for VA/MD Wear & Carry HQL |
| The Concealed Carry Way | Signature CCW course | $175 | Covers mindset, situational awareness, use-of-force laws |
| NRA CCW Course | Certified NRA instruction | $175 | Multi-state concealed carry, HQL eligible |
| The Performance Matrix | 8-hour intensive | $175 | Advanced pistol mastery, up to 10 students, intermediate-advanced |
| Virtual Precision Coaching | One-on-one online | $100 | Video analysis, dry-fire training, real-time feedback |
| Private Lessons | Customized instruction | Varies | Refresher safety + mechanics, private range access |
| Shooter Training Packages | 3-tier system | $240–$270+ | Private coaching matched to your goals |
All courses are built around Virginia law, including use-of-force continuum for armed citizens and legal responsibilities. Courses cover what happens after you use force—mindset preparation for the legal and psychological aftermath.
Serving Fauquier, Prince William, Fairfax, Culpeper, Loudoun, and Alexandria Counties. Open 6 days a week.
Nate Bearfield's background includes: - Range Master certification - Advanced Pistol Instructor - Active Self Protection Instructor Course graduate - Modern Samurai Project (Scott Jedlinski) - Tim Herron Shooting instruction - Special Operations Combatives (SOCP) Force-on-Force Program (Warrior Poet Society) - Maryland State Police Wear and Carry Instructor - Elite Shooting Sports Active Shooter Threat Response - OnSight Firearms Training (Ben DeWalt) - Expert Witness Preparation - Competitive shooting experience (ongoing)
"You're not only taught on a physical level but also the mental and emotional level. Amazing lecture and the training feels very much like a 1:1 even when in groups." – Kaitlyn Ashby
"Nate is a people person. He genuinely cares about his students... When teachers have the ability to make learning fun, you will get more out of the work and hours invested." – John Murphy, CCW student
"The class is small, there was a lot of opportunity for one on one instruction for all shooters which was excellent... He was very informative and hands on in his instruction." – Lee Martin, on his daughter's first pistol course
"They helped me overcome my anxiety with the recoil of the gun. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot... I highly recommend them for all new shooters, especially women." – Johanna Bohall
Bear Arms also hosts specialty training: - Tactical Anatomy & Treatments (Personal Survival Solutions) - American Gas Gun training (with JBS Training Group/Mark Smith) - Situational Awareness Boot Camp - Boot camp-style intensive programs
The shop sells shooter training packages and gear from tried-and-true brands, plus gift cards for courses.
Classes are listed on the Bear Arms website and also on ShootingClasses.com, a national platform for finding certified firearms instructors. You can register directly or through ShootingClasses.com. Not sure which course fits? Call (571) 377-8488 or email [email protected].
- •Contact: Open 6 days a week | (571) 377-8488 | [email protected]