On Saturday February 4, 2017, I had the pleasure of taking the Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit…read more(CHP) class with my dad. The course was taught by NOLATAC instructor Kenneth "Kenny" Fernandez inside of the St. Bernard Indoor Shooting Center. This nearly 10 hour class (including the shooting course) fulfills the mandatory requirement of 9 hours of classroom instruction necessary for a lawful citizen to apply for a CHP. This is a long day and I recommend that students bring their lunch, as we only had 30 minutes to eat lunch, as well as 2 separate 5 minute restroom breaks. This may sound extreme to some, but it was the goal of NOLATAC to provide a course that could be completed in a single day, rather than having a 2-day course. The classroom is set up with tables and has room for approximately 20 students. Thankfully, the chairs are extremely comfortable and there is a lot of legroom between rows. The classroom also features a Keurig coffee machine with at least a dozen varieties of coffees, as well as snacks, water and sodas. Kenny Fernandez is an excellent instructor. By law, he is required to cover a lot of topics. Louisiana Revised Statute was covered in depth through a series of lectures and videos, with emphasis on "Use of force or violence in defense", "Justifiable homicide", "Illegal Carrying of weapons" and "Statewide permits for concealed handguns; application procedures". Discussing law can often be mundane, but Kenny's approach includes a lot of relevant videos, slideshows and scenarios. To get his students thinking, a lot of "what would you do if" scenarios were presented and discussed. From the onset of his presentation and throughout the day, the importance of safety being paramount was drilled into our heads. Our particular class had a good representation of demographics to include both sexes, multiple ethnicities and ages ranging from mid-20s to mid-70s. Kudos to Kenny for being able to keep all of us engaged and keep us all moving forward through the class until it was actually time to shoot. Topics were covered in a way that even if a student had never touched a firearm, he or she would have a solid foundation by the end of the day. Some of the basics taught were firearm nomenclature, the 4 components of a pistol cartridge and the 3 causes of ammunition malfunctions. The essential 6 fundamentals of shooting (listed below) were explained in great detail, with significant emphasis on sight alignment and follow through. 1. Grip 2. Position (stance) 3. Breath control 4. Sight alignment/sight picture 5. Trigger press 6. Follow through We were taught that as CHP holders, "lethal force should be our last resort and we should exercise confrontational avoidance whenever possible; and our ultimate goal is to avoid a confrontation by not presenting ourselves as a target". Kenny was realistic in that he advised us that sometimes, good people are placed in situations where they may have to use lethal force to protect ourselves or the life of another. But he emphasized that "We do not make the decision to shoot someone. He/she makes the decision to get shot". Furthermore, we were taught that we shoot to stop the threat and we shoot until the threat stops. We received a lot of handouts at the beginning of the class to include: 1. United Stated Concealed Carry Association 2. Louisiana Open Carry Awareness League 3. The Louisiana Shooting Association 4. National Crime Prevention Council 5. National Rifle Association 6. Armed Citizen Educational Foundation 7. Pocket Constitution (my favorite) The actual shooting portion of the class took place at the very end of the day after all the academics were complete. The shooting portion, in my opinion as a somewhat experienced shooter, was not challenging. However, it served a valuable purpose for the newer shooter and met the requirements for a CHP. The course was a 36 round course with 12 rounds being fired at a black silhouette target from 6 feet, 10 feet and 15 feet. There was also a mandatory magazine change (for semi-automatic firearms) after each 6 rounds. Kenny was able to get us through the range portion of the class quickly and safely by utilizing some of the St. Bernard Indoor Shooting Center firearms instructors. I thoroughly enjoyed this class and I highly recommend using NOLATAC if you ever consider taking a CHP class. And if you do, I'd find out when Kenny Fernandez is teaching and try to get in his class.

I have attended the chp class on numerous occasions just for refresher knowledge in regards to the…read morelaws. For those that want to claim false facts in regards to the class or the instructors and say it's a racist class that would be a flat out lie and false. At the beginning of the class it is even states that the class will cover issues which have happened in the past and may be controversial, but only 100% of the truth in regards to the legal outcomes will be put out. There has never been any personal feeling or thoughts injected into the classes at anytime and it's always a great thing to hear people ask questions in regards to all situations and matter that is displayed during the course. Again the has never been any bias given in regards to anyone's race, color or sex during the class or in any of the items covered during the class. In fact if anyone is evening extra knowledge or guidance in regards to there chp permit the owner as well as the instructors are always available via email or even to the side during the class on breaks to assist. Great class and it's obvious due to the amount of other chp instructors within the state who have come and sat in the class as well as sought out additional knowledge for their personal classes. Even if you don't intend on getting your chp I highly recommend atleast at a minimum attend the course for the knowledge it provides

Great range! The staff is knowledgeable and very friendly and helpful. The private rifle lane is a…read morewonderful environment to teach new shooters in a professional and private environment. The patrons are respectful of each other and the range. I love shooting here. Highly recommend this range for all levels of enthusiasts.

Never heard of these guys. Just one call and spoke to Joshua and such an amazing guy; that we're…read moregoing and the indoor range is awesome, prices fees are great and my Son Jonathan and I are going! Rev Joubert of just Pastor Michael

I had a chicka-plow shipped here for an FFL transfer, and lemme tell ya. I'm a black woman walking…read moreinto a sporting goods store, and everybody there... isn't, if you understand where I'm coming from. However, they were all business and friendly. I told them what I was there for, and they pointed the way to the second floor. All concerns were out the door at that point, except for my fear of heights, but I made it. Anyways, it took maybe all of 10 minutes, $60, and I was out the door with my goods. I'll likely go back there for all the other accessories, holsters, etc. They have an excellent selection for pretty much anything you're into, and the prices seemed to be on par with expectations. I would highly recommend.

High praise for the staff handling my recent FFL transfer. Zack and Tim in the firearms room were…read morefriendly, helpful and well informed. Zack processed me through the paperwork very efficiently and gave me a brief instructional session on my new Colt 1911, as I had not used one since Army days in the 1960s. Altogether my best gun store experience.

Bought my first ever gun here years ago and the guy helping me was incredibly knowledgable and…read moreguided me to a compact I still use to this day. I've occasionally come back to search for deals and found an excellent rifle, as well as had a guy help me with the fitment on an aftermarket part. Now today I tried my hand for the first time at trading in some guns that I picked up around various stores and the prices offered were very fair, and I walked out with an excellent deal on a full size handgun alongside a bag and magazine to sweeten the deal. At every opportunity given this store has always exceeded my expectations in all aspects: prices, staff, and selection. Highly recommended to both enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

I have conducted 3 firearm purchases from out of state over the last 3 months, using Gretna Gun…read moreShop to handle the FFL transfer. The employees are friendly fast and efficient and made the whole process painless. I found their fee very reasonable and in line with every other firearm store. What sets them apart, is their customer service !

Brian is very knowledgeable and extremely kind and patient. Takes the time to explain everything…read moreyou need to know and is happy to do it. I trust his advice 100%. Will be giving him all my business from now on. Can't wait to get my glock 43. Excellent guy, excellent store, give him your business.

Can only shoot rifles on Monday without an absurd membership that cost hundreds of dollars and a…read moremonthly fee. Rental weapon selection was terrible. The two gentleman working the range section were nice. Employee with the joker hand tattoo was pretty rude cursing in front of customers and had an attitude. I recommend Apocalypse in Hammond if you don't mind the drive. Awesome rental section with Staccatos, PCC and suppressed stuff as well as normal handguns. Can shoot rifles any day of the week without a money grab membership.

Very expensive but they have, in stock, what most other stores have to order. Very convenient to…read morehave a range on the other side of the building.

They have a very nice selection of handguns and ammunition. I also see them at some of the local…read moregun shows both great service selection, and value.

This place is great! The customer service was awesome, we we're extremely happy with our visit. The…read moreowner has a nice selection to choose from and is very knowledgeable. His prices were also really fair, great deals. We will definitely be back!

Two old men run this place. One really gets to me, the way he talks to me really kinda pisses me…read moreoff. I've had to stop shooting the bow and go sit down to cool off. I am not a mad person, but he somehow hit that nerve repeatedly. I purchased my bowtech carbon rose from here, with military discount. I even got the discount on my arrows. I really appreciated that! They allowed me to bring my 85lbs Doberman in while I shot, which was very much appreciated as well. I work all day, and the time I am able to spend with my dog is precious. Overall this place is good besides that man who gets to me.

Very helpful and knowledgeable brothers keeping the old and new archery traditions alive in the…read moreDell! If you are SERIOUS about archery; wanting to learn, need specialized accessories or needing a bow or need help with your bow, this is where you will go. Don't go to a sporting goods store filled with people who have acquired a general knowledge of archery at best. Ken and his brother, Lee, have YEARS of experience and specialized knowledge of archery, modern AND traditional. They can hook you up with a modern compound bow and they're not afraid to teach you how to use it, either. In fact, they have a small indoor range to show you how to shoot your new bow. They also dabble in more traditional archery and if you bring them a "stickbow", they can really help you out with anything you might need, and point out things that might be of concern on older bows. I've bought several bows from ebay in the past and brought them in to get strings and have them checked out and these guys made the string I need in the store while I waited and the friendly talk made it all worth the while. They'll be able to help you out, too. They also sell firearms, by the way! And for a small fee, they'll do transfers for you with a smile. Ken can get a little testy and grouchy sometimes, but don't let that turn you away. That's just his vast experience and wisdom on archery, firearms and hunting just wanting to jump out and help you with whatever you need. Ken WILL do what he can to help you out and he WILL let you know when you're wrong or full of crap and need to be educated. Lol. Thank him for that. Lee is much more mild mannered and friendly, and just as knowledgeable, and both of these guys are always happy to shoot the shit with customers if they aren't busy with other customers. In fact, I'm sorry to say that it's been years since I've stopped in there to say hello. I guess I kind of traded that hobby for another, but if I EVER need anything when I get back into archery or firearms, there's only one place to go. If you need help with ANYTHING regarding hunting, archery, firearms or subjects of that nature, don't waste your time anywhere else and don't be afraid to ask these guys. You're not gonna get any better advice anywhere around here.

I'd recently purchased a new rifle and, while removing one of the small, slotted-head screws…read more(plugs) atop the receiver in order to mount a scope, I had the slot strip out. My bad, and it was buggered up to a fare-thee-well. Not having the necessary tools or experience to remove such a small screw with the slot nearly gone, I started calling around looking for a gunsmith to help out. That's when I found Shoot Wise and Ryan (the gunsmith). I told him the problem and asked if I could bring it by. He said that first thing the next morning would be fine. I arrived shortly after the shop had opened and Ryan examined the rifle, told me he'd get the screw out and I'd have it back within a day or two. He was knowledgeable, polite, professional, and took the time to talk with me about the rifle. I left feeling good. Never made it home. Ryan called me about 30 minutes later, told me he had removed the screw, that the rifle was ready, and said that the price he'd quoted me (half what I'd been quoted elsewhere) was still good. When I picked up the rifle, there wasn't the slightest evidence that there'd been a problem and he explained the steps he'd taken to get the job done. Will I go back? Do I recommend Shoot Wise? Does the Pope wear funny hats? Is a duck's butt watertight? The only reason I don't give them six stars is that this site only lets me give five. Thanks Ryan, and thank you Shoot Wise.

Great small gun shop. The staff is friendly and the store is clean. They get some unique guns here…read more I have bought a few from them. They also changed the sights on one of my glocks and the turn around was very fast.