I had no prior background to firearms other than playing Call of Duty and picking up bits and pieces of info in life. No prior live fire experience. I took the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course which has 2 phases. Phase 1 is online, phase 2 is in person dry/live fire with Andy. Phase 1 covers the information well and at a basic level. If you take the online portion seriously, it makes phase 2 flow easily. Phase 2 was great with Andy! I have no complaints. He likes to keep his phase 2 sessions to a low number of students, ours had a total of 3. This made it really easy to ask questions, discuss, and practice dry firing on real pistols. He brought single and double action revolvers, as well as double-single action pistols, all with snap caps to simulate magazine and chamber loading. The session is a dry fire review of phase 1. Where applicable, Andy gave us the chance to practice the concepts on a real unloaded pistol. Ex. safety principles, grip, action operation, loading revolvers, loading magazines, chambering rounds, etc. He also brought trainer pistols which only shoot a red laser, and a setup to practice firing where when you shoot the target a camera picks up where the laser landed, then mapping your laser shots. During the classroom portion he adds and dedicates a section to concealed/open carry education. I thought this was very helpful since the NRA basics of pistol shooting course results in a certificate to allow concealed carry, but the NRA course neglects proper education on it. After the classroom and dry fire portion, Andy worked with us to schedule a day in the following week to live fire. Andy brings the firearm(s), ear protection, and eye protection. All we had to purchase was ammunition, which can be done at any range. Our live fire session was only an hour in length, but we were able to shoot 100 rounds. Andy noticed my mistakes like flinching, poor grip, heeling and quickly addressed it. Andy limits the live fire sessions to a 2 student maximum, but I was able to have a range lane alone with him. Ask questions, put the knowledge into practice, and have fun! I fully recommend Andy if you plan to take the NRA basics of pistol shooting course, he is very helpful, knowledgeable, and cares for your proper education and training! read more

Like many Americans, I recently purchased a pistol primarily for the purpose of home defense. Nothing is more important to me than to be able to protect my wife and home if the situation ever arises. However, I had very little experience and knowledge about using a semi automatic pistol and training for me was of the utmost importance. Not only for me but for my wife as well who had zero experience and didn't really relish the idea of even holding a gun let alone firing one. As such,we were very fortunate to select Bill Ezekiel as our trainer and instructor. He was patient, incredibly through, and a professional at all times. From the lecture to the shooting range he consistently worked with us, together and individually, at a pace that allowed us to increase our awareness and understanding of all the basics of using a firearm safely and effectively. His focus was always on making sure that we understood what was being taught and then being able to comfortably translate that into practice. My wife went from a point of not wanting to be trained or use a pistol to the place where she began to feel both confident and comfortable with the weapon. Bill was an excellent coach and created a training atmosphere that was highly interactive and compelling. He made you feel good about the progress you were making no matter how small while never overlooking any mistakes or faulty mechanics. I highly recommend him and my wife and I look forward to continuing our training and improving our skills with him and Andy at Protect & Defend read more

I am a very novice user of firearms and was fairly apprehensive about my use of them. I took my first firearm safety course with P&D after reading online reviews first. I was a little apprehensive enrolling at first given the general stereotypes around gun stores and people. Fortunately my fears were unfounded and I believe I have a new business relationship. The email with directions on how to find the classroom location arrived timely and accurately described the location and expectations for the class. The classroom itself was very comfortable and modern. No sitting in some concrete bunker of a classroom. The instructional slides had relevant videos integrated into the instructions and Andy provided nice anecdotes throughout. This could have been very dry material with another instructor. During the hands-on simulated fire (he's now updated offerings to include a live fire), he carefully analyzes your stance and grip. During his explanations, he highlighted mistakes some people tend to make and how to address them. I signed up for the course hoping to gain more confidence with firearms. I definitely feel much more enlightened and will definitely switch all my business over - as P&D is a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer. read more

I admittedly went about owning a firearm a bit backwards. I bought one at a gun show because my friend was buying one. I found one that fit my budget and, more importantly, my large grip. I had no idea how to shoot it or how to carry it. I just knew I wanted it. Luckily, I had the sense to leave it in the case until I learned how to properly handle a firearm. As a part of my education, I registered for the Basic Pistol Course offered by P&D. I came away from that course chomping at the bit for more. I applied for my conceal carry permit and then almost immediately signed up for the P&D Practical Pistol Course. I was very fortunate to be one of the 8 students to experience this first run of the course in West Va. Learning to handle my firearm under harsh, real-world conditions was a priceless experience. Although we were outside in the snow for most of the day, I wouldn't trade that day for anything. I became intimately familiar with my firearm and infinitely more confident in handling it. In summary, if P&D offers a training opportunity, you can bet that I'll be one of the first to sign up for it. Can't say enough positive things about Andy and Bill. Thank you both! read more

Hands down a great instructor! Though unfortunately it was his last class I am glad I was part of being on of his last students on Firearm training. Andy Roger was so respectful, professional and informative that I downloaded this yelp app to tell you! I don't even like writing reviews but he's worth it. This class went out with a bang(pun?), I say this because in the beginning of the class while we were all introducing each other and going through the mindset of simply protecting yourself and being ready in all situations a women advocated against carrying a gun. Though carrying a gun at all times was not the point yet, this women strongly fought against Andy on it. Andy handled it very well by asking the women to leave if she was going to counter everything Andy said and continuously disrupt the class. Andy was apologizing the rest of the class on the situation and said that was his first time to ask someone to leave. The rest of the class it was engaging and had you walking out learning more. I strongly recommend Andy Rogers! Remember the name! ANDY. ROGERS. read more

Protect-Defend's Concealed Carry presentation was focused, based on years of personal experience, not theoretical book learning, as Mr. Rogers stressed the fundamental responsibilities of concealed carry permit holders to continually train and educate themselves, especially to know, respect and maintain the basic rules of Safe gun handling. He thoroughly explained the concept of Deadly force, when it is and is not justified to Stop the Threat to one's life and the potential legal ramifications, if employed. Videos, actual firearm parts (frame, barrels, et al), physical demonstrations of proper grip, stance, etc. provided visual reinforcements that supported his fact-based comments and legal references. He reviewed historical instances of sound and poor judgements relating to the proper defensive use of firearms. He clearly recounted and described the current Virginia statutes regarding gun purchases, transport - ground and on planes, storage, etc. and the overall importance of Safety and continual training. read more

My wife and I took the NRA Basic Pistol course with Protect-Defend Firearms Training. Andy and Bill were our instructors for the full-day in-class session and the follow-up session at Blue Ridge Arsenal. Andy and Bill are both outstanding instructors with extensive knowledge of the subject matter. They were patient and helpful with all class members. Our class included attendees with a wide range of firearms experience. Some folks owned multiple guns and others had absolutely no experience. My assessment is that all attendees found the class worthwhile. We really like the fact that the sessions at the shooting range were scheduled for during the week, following the in-class session. The range was not crowded at all when we attended. This was a much better environment than we would have found at any of the local ranges on a Saturday, when they are all hyper-busy. I recommend Protect-Defend Firearms Training without hesitation. We plan to take a followup class with them in the future. read more

This class is not for people who want to learn safe handling of a weapon. This is a pro NRA, pro 2nd Amendment, open carry, ALWAYS be on the defense class. Instructor calls himself a 2nd Amendment absolutist. So know that before you go. After 45 minutes of listening to his interpretation of current events, he showed a video of a big black man kicking in the door of a young white mother in the middle of the day while she's taking care of her toddlers. He beat her and stole some property. I raised my hand and asked what would a gun have done in that situation and that I wouldn't have a gun on me or right at my grasp in that situation. He stated that I should have a gun on my person or maybe I should take a taekwondo class instead. And he wasn't going to be badgered my my questions all day. I promise that was my first question. He sai I could leave. I agreed. I felt like I was in the wrong class anyway. I was looking for gun safety and CCW regulation not how to be a mass shooter. read more

These guys totally change my perception about firearms. I couldn't ask for better teachers in Bill and Andy. Their level of professionalism, knowledge about the law and firearms are tremendous. When you walk into the class, they have packages with handbook waiting for you, then they talk to you about safety, the fundamentals of holding the handguns, taking them apart....etc. It was one of the best Saturday I spent learning and prices were cheaper than other places I called. My first favorite part of the class is the computer simulation laser they set up to allow the students to shoot and work on their technics before hitting the range. My second favorite part was when they were talking about how one should behave when facing someone with a gun. Once we went on the range I was surprised how well I did for someone who never shot a gun in his life; thanks to these 2 guys (Andy and Bill) for being by myside and working with me. kudos!!! read more

I'd been to a range twice before and thought I was a terrible shot...but apparently I just had terrible teachers because part way through one range session with Protect & Defend I was hitting every shot center mass on the target and quickly corrected errors that developed as I was shooting. I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into signing up for a firearms class, but Protect & Defend made me feel welcome, comfortable, and respected. I've been around a lot of military, law enforcement, and other security types and they can be condescending and out of touch -- the opposite is true of Andy (and I'm sure Bill is great, too, but I haven't met him yet). He has a genuine desire to help everyone be successful in class, and be empowered and safe in life in general. He did a great job emphasizing the safety lessons, and his enthusiasm and expertise in firearms and security in general were top notch. read more

This was an excellent class taught by an experienced instructor. He presents this class in such a way to educate students on the responsibilities of gun ownership so you can ultimately make the personal choice with sound knowledge of the 2nd Amendment and state legal issues. Additionally, he educates you on a variety of situational awareness scenarios and explains that the most important tool you have is your brain, meaning ...what have done to think through something and be prepared "before" a situation escalates? What have you planned? He explains that gun ownership is a tool among many other tools to reduce your risk of being harmed and protecting family/friends (i.e. situational awareness, home security systems, better door locks, martial arts training, other personal protection devices). He also provided excellent education about the parts of a gun and ammunition. Excellent class. read more

Ok So Andy is bad ass! That is all. Ok really, this is the second time I have taken a course like this. The first one was instructed by an Ex Virginia state trooper and even though his personality and bearing was admirable and you automatically respected him, Andy was more engaged at a personal level. Maybe because it was a smaller class, you felt he really engaged everyone in the class. He took time to not only cover all the points, more importantly, he didn't move on until he explained them with several examples and made sure everyone got it. Thats what makes the difference. It is very clear that Andy is speaking from his personal experiences and his background is just what you would want an instructors to be. My wife and step son are all looking forward to spending some time at his range in West Virginia. Pay attention in his class! You don't want to miss a thing. Tom read more

I recently took the Pistol course with Bill E. and it was worth every penny. In fact, I feel like I underpaid for his services. Bill was courteous, knowledgeable, concise and thorough in his instruction, and always made sure I was following him. I can tell he has had plenty of experience handling firearms but he always kept things at an easy to follow pace. Bill demonstrated several excellent techniques for improving aim and I will definitely remember them. We took the time to repeat things that needed practice and never rushed. He was also very timely with communications in between sessions and made sure we felt comfortable holding, handling and caring for a weapon by the time we were done with the class. Overall, I give Bill top marks across the board, and would definitely recommend him or hire him again. -bill h. read more

Short and simple: Bill Ezekiel is a great firearms instructor, and you'd be foolish not to learn from him. My wife, one of my sons, and I met with Bill for several hours for the in-home classroom session of the First Steps Pistol Orientation. We were not familiar with firearms and thought that, like knowing how to swim, it is important to have the basic skills needed to safely and correctly use a pistol. Bill didn't just stick to a script; he took us where the conversation led, answering all of our questions. The second session was at the shooting range, where Bill patiently worked with each of us, reminding of us what we had practiced during the classroom session and helping us establish and improve our marksmanship skills. We're glad we met Bill, and I'm sure we'll be working with him again. read more

I recently bought a groupon for the multi state cc course and live fire session at P&D (I recommend & a great deal). They are located about a mile off the beltway at the Eisenhower Connector exit while live fire conducted on different day at Sharpshooters range just off Rte 95 by the gas terminals. The course was very good with a focus on safety, various pistols and self defense shooting. Andy is very personable and knowledgeable and didn't make beginners or more experienced folks feel out of place. The live fire session was very helpful, focusing on the fundamentals and self defense shooting - ie, center mass shooting in the event your life is in danger. I recomment P&D / Andy for cc and your other gun training needs/courses as you advance. read more

I've never held a gun in my life, but Bill and Andy took any worry out of the equation. Both men were highly professional, and the classroom sessions were never boring. We went through all the stages of grip, loading and *especially* safety, which was paramount to the two instructors who had brought various pistols and revolvers with them. (There was NO live ammunition in the classroom.) Actual shooting was at a range several days later, and it was great taking the basics I learnt in class and applying them in a "live" situation. Must-do for anyone interested in learning the basics from two pros who knew what they were doing at every single stage. read more

EXCELLENT TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION! I took the NRA Pistol Basics Course with these folks. My instructor, Bill, was very knowledgeable and had real-world experience that mattered. He was patient, kind, and able to point out things I needed to learn and improve upon almost instinctively. Later on at the range, Bill gave me pointers that improved my abilities immediately. Highley recommended. I will certainly be going back to these folks for more advanced training in the future. And their location inside the Beltway makes them very convenient for anyone working in the Washington, DC Metro area.​ read more

Great and thorough course. Andy is very knowledgeable, well-spoken and presents complex information in a relevant and easy to understand manner. He's passionate and very well-versed on all things firearms. I appreciated the personal stories from Andy and the insight his wife provided as it relates to female safety and carry options. I look forward to taking more courses with Protect & Defend. If you can find space in an upcoming course don't delay sign up, just do it. Times are changing and it doesn't hurt to know the law as well as how to arm and defend herself. Thanks Andy and Katie!! read more

What a fantastic day spent training with Protect and Defend! The full class was incredibly diverse: at least 50% female, 60% minority, some having never shot a weapon, others experienced, folks retired and others in the work force, all there for similar reasons: to protect themselves and the ones they love. The information covered was on-point, all questions answered with humility, expertise, and humor. I highly recommend Andy and look forward to spending time with him on the range for continued instruction. If you are considering conceal carry do not wait! read more