Client Testimonials
At Independence Firearms and Training, we focus on providing a safe, fun shooting and learning environment. Our range and training classes are for anyone, whether you are brand new to firearms to expert shooters. We maintain a high ratio of instructors to students in all our classes. Each instructor is serious about safety and takes time to help every student individually. See what past students and members have to say about us below and check out our reviews on Google.
Amazing place, amazing people, whether you go there as a beginner or at a more advanced level, to learn, practice, you will be satisfied with everything Mike & Karen have to offer. Looking forward to coming back for more classes and fun & laughter.
Excellent class. Very informative. I would suggest this class to anyone thinking about getting their conceal carry license. Instructor is very knowledgeable, down to earth and friendly.
Great class. Anyone looking to improve handgun proficiency is in the right place.
Very enjoyable, the class was fun and helpful would definitely recommend his classes
Took my enhanced concealed carry here. Mike and his wife Karen are excellent shooters, and even better people. Had me set up with everything I needed to conceal responsibility, and comfortably. Wasn’t pushy about selling me things, and asked me questions about what I was expecting out of my tools to find the best fit. I cannot speak more highly of Mike and his setup. Just hope he will let me sleep at the range when my wife puts me in the dog house for spending more than i anticipated….
We (my wife and I) did the pistol fundamentals this past week and had a great time. Mike shared his knowledge in a way that was both professional and easy to understand. I’m looking forward to building on those skills on our next outing. ~Harry
A great shooting range. Mike is a wonderful trainer. His wife Karen is a great shooter. They are very friendly and helpful. Have been to the range twice and have learned so much.
There is no better way I can start this review than by saying, if you are an Arkansas resident who enjoys your rights, at minimum, attend the Concealed Carry & Self Defense Classes.
Please read further!
Bear with me for the remainder of this review for an elaboration as to why.
Quick personal background as an aid to support my belief. I am a Military Non-Commissioned Officer who has several years of experience working Law Enforcement, Nuclear Quick Reaction Teams and Protective Service Details. I dreaded finding a concealed carry course as they are typically comprised of individuals who are unable to humble their experiences and believe there is little room for improvement and its their way or the highway.
Enough about me… Mike and Karen who own and operate Independence Firearms and Training LLC., are not composed of Criminal Justice backgrounds, this works tremendously to your favor as a student. Both Mike and Karen are experienced competitive shooters. The legal, security and firearms knowledge each possessed were outstanding and were vastly superior to many “instructors” and Criminal Justice personnel I have met. As a student, I took several things away from this course that I can immediately implement into my life as a layer of personal security for my family. Class sizes are perfect, especially for those who may fear new environments and and large classes. The size was established so that each student could actively participate without being distracted. You will leave this course with personal questions regarding your methods, potential scenarios and your current CC set-up. The instructor(s) highly encourage you to ask any questions and will assist you until you are content.
As a student, I chose to drive to their location from the near Metro area of Little Rock. I bypassed many alternative “instructors” along the way, and can safely say I made the correct choice and recommend others do the same.
Mike was the best firearms instructor I’ve ever dealt with. He’s extremely knowledgeable, passionate, understanding of the laws, rules, and regulations that pertain the handling a firearm safely, legally, and properly. I gained so much information from his class and was easily able to understand everything he brought to the table. Perhaps the greatest thing I took away from the training is the amount of lifelong knowledge I acquired while taking his class. Very valuable and truly informative. He’s a solid teacher with a phenomenal personality and attitude. Highly recommend him if you’re ever in the market for a retraining on concealed carry or if you’re new to the concept entirely. Mike and Karen Lies will deliver on every front. They’re excellent instructors, very knowledgeable, and wonderful people. Highly recommend them! Thanks Mike and Karen!
Absolutely phenomenal training! Could not ask for a better instructor and set up. Thank you Mike and Karen for making this experience one I will never forget. I learned more than I ever expected. I would recommend this awesome place to anyone and everyone!
Mike is extremely knowledgeable and will help you with anything you can imagine! He has a great inventory and will get you anything he doesn’t have. His pro shop and range are extremely well designed and clean!
Mike is awesome to work with and has a lot to offer between his range, classroom, and experience in training. Would recommend for all levels of experience
Mike and Karen are very patient with the inexperienced shooter. They present the information in a clear, logical manner and provide time for the newbie to become comfortable and able to digest their instructions. I’ll be taking more of their classes.
This is my first time taking this class. I had fun and learned a lot about ccl in this class. I will be going back soon I hope. Keep up with the good work and I enjoy my self there and thank you and your wife for being so friendly.
Class was great and both Mike and Karen are knowledgeable and friendly will be taking more classes in the future
Great training! I’ve been shooting many years but have never had the chance to learn proper technique. Mike does a great job of telling “why” the fundamentals are best done in specific ways. It was eye opening and even though I have a long way to go, I made some significant improvement in my shooting. Thanks!
Mike and Karen run a first class operation. They are very in tune to safety and they know their stuff and confidently teach it. They listen and respond to questions to be sure you understand what you are doing and why. I will be back! Unqualified recommendation!!!!
Mike is an amazing instructor! He opened my eyes to several things that I had never really thought of. I consider myself to be an experienced shooter but Mike really had me thinking! His indoor laser range makes training much more comfortable and more cost effective. He did an excellent job helping fix some of the bad habits I had coming in. I would recommend all shooters new or life long to check out his range and see what training he has offered. It’s great to have something like this where we’re at in a more rural part of Arkansas!
Mike and Karen are both very professional and patient with us newbies. My wife and I really didn’t know much and we weren’t very comfortable with firearms, but after about 20 minutes with them, we were both feeling 100 times better. They took the time to make sure we knew we were safe and then we were able to concentrate and learn. They have a way of explaining things that really make sense. After we were comfortable, we had a blast! I never knew shooting could be so fun. I would highly recommend them. We will definitely be back to continue our training. Thank you Mike and Karen. Your knowledge is very impressive.
This is the best conceal carry class I have taken. Mike covered the material in depth and gave great real life applications. it was a bargain price for top quality instruction. Mike was great to stop the class and answer questions. He also presented difficult situations that was cloudy but he provide a clear reasoning solution. Don’t waste your time anywhere else go to Independence Firearms and Training
I have both trained and competed with Mike and Karen for about the last 1.5 years. They are both exceptional competition shooters as well as trainers. Mike has a great way of analyzing a person’s shooting abilities and giving them the proper guidance and direction to train and practice. I am very appreciative of all the support and training I have received from them that has improved my skill set.
I had an excellent time at Independence Firearms and Training LLC. I attended the National Train a Teacher Day training. I completed the training for Video Scenario Self Defense Class. This class was an excellent class for anyone to take and really got me to thinking about how to react in a potential crisis. Mike and Karen are awesome at what they do and I would highly recommend anyone to take any of the classes that they offer. I will we returning to take more classes.
Great place for everyone…from beginners up to highly trained. Mike and Karen are top notch, and have the nicest range anywhere around. Mike’s instruction will leave you with more confidence, better skills and better body form. Safety comes first and they leave nothing to chance. Fantastic place to have a birthday party with their laser range. Independence County is blessed to have them! Fun fun fun!
This is a great place to get some in depth, great training, and conceal carry license. Very knowledgeable instructors, and they spare nothing on shooter safety. The types of classes/training they can give is unrivaled by any place I’ve seen or heard of. I will most definitely be back for further training and classes.. Would highly recommend to any level gun/self defense enthusiasts.
Great class that was simplified down the “meat and potatoes”. No fluff, only the important information thats explained clearly as can be. Would recommend this class to anyone looking for a concealed carry license!
Great People. Great Range. Very Knowledgeable. Very Safety Conscious When Handling Firearms. I Would Highly Recommend For All Training Needs.
My coworkers and I all had a great time and learned a lot at the National Train a Teacher training this past weekend. I would recommend this facility and staff for any and all gun training you may want or need!
Wow this place is amazing!! I am not comfortable with guns at all and Mike walked me through every step and showed me proper ways to do things. I will definitely be taking more classes. I was impressed!!
Great coaching with respect to the shooter Mike and Karin do a great job of taking time to be sure that the fundamentals are learned the proper way. Great Place!
Training was well done and professional. I would highly recommend using Independence Firearms and Training for your training needs.
5 Stars!