(602) 377-4405 Business Phone
Up in Smoke Firearms Training, (USFT) LLC & Gun Repair Center
Teaching gun safety and first rate shooting skills & knowledge to make you the tip of the spear in the shooting discipline.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
Our Partners
About Us
Dedicated Instructors
Why you should hire us
Why you should hire us
We instruct from the most basic to most advanced types of firearm training while providing examples of proper gun safety.
We also certify retired police officers with LEOSA and I provide a basic to advanced CCW courses.
We certify clients to become pistol and rifle coaches for air guns and smallbore , and also certify clients to become Range Safety Officer (RSO) under the NRA.
Dan spends much of his time volunteering at local high schools networking with air rifle coaches & helping them to be better coaches AND he coaches his own air rifle teams at Cactus High School and for USFT-YSSP.
We believe in giving back to the community and being mentors, so we also sponsor two high schools (Cactus & Deer Valley) and we run a non-profit (501C3) organization focusing on clients that want to become competitive shooters.
Why you should hire us
Why you should hire us
Why you should hire us
My firearms instruction business stands out from others, because you will be working with someone that has over 30-years of experience and a combined 50-years with my associates instructing and coaching with multiple firearm platforms compared to someone that just started out.
Additionally, most of your basic firearms instructors are not armorers. If you hire them and they are not experienced armorers, who will repair your weapon when it fails during the training they are giving you?
Having this business is not about making money to me but sharing my knowledge and experience with others. What good is it unless I share it? We love teaching, coaching and mentoring others. Doing so is in our blood and DNA. It helps being around people who have the same passion to learn and grow with firearms.
Our Motto
Why you should hire us
Dan Palmer's Certifications (Owner/Master Firearms Instructor)
Instructing with a smile and a great attitude to allow you to learn at the best of your abilities by providing quality training with pride.
Dan Palmer's Certifications (Owner/Master Firearms Instructor)
Dan Palmer's Certifications (Owner/Master Firearms Instructor)
Dan Palmer's Certifications (Owner/Master Firearms Instructor)
Dan has been instructing for over 30-years and he currently holds the following certifications:
- Az P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor
- Arizona LEOSA Firearms Instructor #351
- Arizona Armed & Unarmed Security Guard Safety Trainer/Instructor
- Az P.O.S.T. Background Investigations (AZ DPS)
- Az P.O.S.T. General Instructor
- MILO Training Simulator Instructor
National Rifle Association (NRA):
- NRA Training Counselor Course
- NRA Basic Pistol & Rifle Firearms Instructor
- NRA CCW Instructor
- NRA Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO)
- NRA National Coach Development Staff (NCDS) Pistol & Rifle Coach Instructor
- NRA Level III (Advanced/International) Pistol Coach
- NRA Level II (National/State) Rifle Coach
USA Shooting Sports Program:
- Human Kinetics/ASEP Coaching Principles & Sports First Aid
- Safesport Trained/Certified
- Background completed
Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP):
- Garand-Springfield-Enfield-Military (GSM) Master Rifle Instructor. Certified by Gary Anderson (Olympic Gold Medalist & Past CMP Director)
- JROTC Military Instructor Certification (JMIC) Rifle Coach
Next Level Training (NLT):
- Short Indicating Resetting Trigger (SIRT) Training Pistol Instructor
Other Certifications:
- Bleeding Control Basics-Stop the Bleed (American College of Surgeons-Committee on Trauma)
- Continuous Chest Compression & AED Course (City of Peoria Fire Department)
- Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
Crosman Corporation
- Certified Challenger PCP Air Rifle Factory Trained Technician/Armorer & Repair Service Center
Remington Arms/Defense:
- M4/M16/AR15 Rifle Armorer
Sig-Sauer:
- Semi-Automatic Handgun Armorer
Glock:
- Semi-Automatic Pistol Armorer
Colt-Defense:
- M16/AR15 Carbine Diagnostics Technician
Bushmaster:
- AR15/M16 Carbine Armorer
United States Air Force (USAF):
- Sniper Sustainment
- Emergency Service Team (EST-Tactical Entry Team Member/Operator)
- Combating Trafficking in Persons
- Air Base Defense (ABD) Flight Sergeant/Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge (NCOIC)
- Desert Warfare Survival Training
- Extreme Cold Weather Survival Training
- Anti-Terrorism & Resource Protection NCOIC
- Force Protection NCOIC
- Central Security Control (CSC) NCOIC
- Operations & Cyber Security
- Security Police Academy (7-Level in Security/5-Level in Law Enforcement)
- First Sergeant's Academy
- Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (SrNCOA)
- Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA)
Other certifications can be found at www.azusft.org.
Lead Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Dan Palmer's Certifications (Owner/Master Firearms Instructor)
Lead Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Greg McDiffett
Greg is a retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge (SAC) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General in criminal investigations where he was trained in officer safety and survival, and was a certified Federal Firearms Instructor achieving an Expert qualification in pistol and Distinguished Weapons Expert.
Greg is a certified sub machine gun instructor where he achieved the Sharpshooter ranking with the H&K MP-5 sub machine gun and Colt M-4 sub machine gun.
Greg is an armorer with the Glock semi-automatic pistol and he is currently certified as a NRA Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO), and NRA Level I Pistol & Rifle Coach.
Greg has served as an RSO, Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO), & Assistant Match Director during NRA sanctioned air rifle competitions.
Greg is certified by the American Red Cross in youth/adult first aid, CPR, and AED.
Greg can be reached at (623) 792-0124 or gregmc.azusft@gmail.com.
Associate Pistol/Rifle Coach & Range Safety Officer
Dan Palmer's Certifications (Owner/Master Firearms Instructor)
Lead Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Leonard Rheaume
Leonard (Len) retired from the Az Department of Public Safety as a certified police officer (Trooper) and senior pilot for the Aviation Bureau. Len was the pilot during six administrations of Arizona Governors and had the honor to be the pilot during their trips within and outside of Arizona.
Len is a certified NRA Level I Pistol & Rifle Coach and Range Safety Officer (RSO). Len has served as the Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO) during multiple NRA sanctioned air rifle competitions.
Len is certified by the American Red Cross in youth/adult first aid, CPR, & AED.
Len can be reached at lenr.azusft@gmail.com.
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Michael Schoenle
Mike is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps and as a civilian electrician. Mike is passionate about working with the youth of this nation in learning safe gun handling and competing in youth air pistol and rifle competition sports.
Mike is a certified NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) and NRA Level I Pistol & Rifle Coach. Mike has assisted with numerous NRA sanctioned air rifle competitions as an RSO.
Mike is certified by the American Red Cross in youth/adult first aid, CPR, & AED.
Mike can be reached at mnkschoenle@yahoo.com.
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Charles Gilbreath
Charles is a certified NRA Level I Pistol & Rifle Coach, NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO), and MILO Instructor.
Charles is also a certified American Red Cross instructor for youth/adult first aid, CPR, & AED.
Charles can be reached at charlesg.azusft@gmail.com.
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Associate Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
Keith Drabik
Keith is passionate about clients being properly trained while applying the proper safe gun handling rules. He also believes that the client should receive the best training that an instructor can offer.
Keith is a NRA Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer.
Keith can be reached at keithd.azusft@gmail.com.
Programs
Concealed Carry Certification
NRA Basic Firearms Courses & NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Course
LEOSA (Retired Police Officers)
Basic course 2-hours $105.00 ($85.00 for military Veterans-as of 12/31/2022) For clients who have already had a basic firearms course by the NRA or prior military persons with a DD Form 214.
Standard course 5-hours $135.00 ($95.00 for military Veterans-as of 12/31/2022) Perfect for the first time shooter or anyone willing to attend a hand
Basic course 2-hours $105.00 ($85.00 for military Veterans-as of 12/31/2022) For clients who have already had a basic firearms course by the NRA or prior military persons with a DD Form 214.
Standard course 5-hours $135.00 ($95.00 for military Veterans-as of 12/31/2022) Perfect for the first time shooter or anyone willing to attend a handgun marksmanship and safety refresher course. Client will learn tactical & empty gun reloading, handling malfunctions & stoppages, movement drills, drawing/holstering from concealment, & qualify shooting the equivalent of the AZ P.O.S.T. firearms qualification.
Classroom portions can occur at the clients residence.
Group rates: $10.00 discount for groups of 7 or more people. $7.50 discount for groups of 3-5 people.
There is no fee for fingerprinting. Both classes require fingerprinting to be accomplished.
Client will have their CCW application and fee ($60.00) to AZ DPS for processing and approval hand delivered by the instructor.
Client can choose to do the live fire for the standard course at a range near the clients residence.
Available in the Phoenix & Prescott/Chino Valley areas. Schedule your course today.
LEOSA (Retired Police Officers)
NRA Basic Firearms Courses & NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Course
LEOSA (Retired Police Officers)
$45.00 per-hour, per-person.
We will supply everything except the bullets, gun(s), ear protection, and eye protection.
Once done we will hand deliver your qualification package to the AZ DPS for processing and you will receive your new card within a few days of qualifying.
We are available statewide depending upon the Instructor's availabil
$45.00 per-hour, per-person.
We will supply everything except the bullets, gun(s), ear protection, and eye protection.
Once done we will hand deliver your qualification package to the AZ DPS for processing and you will receive your new card within a few days of qualifying.
We are available statewide depending upon the Instructor's availability. To schedule your qualification call or email Dan at (602) 377-4405 or azusft@gmail.com.
First time clients will need the following prior to scheduling their appointment and then deliver them on the qualification date:
1) Photocopy of your Arizona driver's license,
2) Photocopy of your LEO credentials
3) Photocopy of an official letterhead document from your previous agency describing that you departed in good standing along with your service dates (to/from).
NRA Basic Firearms Courses & NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Course
NRA Basic Firearms Courses & NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Course
NRA Basic Firearms Courses & NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Course
165.00 per-day Basic Pistol or RSO Course. Safety skills when handling and shooting, reloading, malfunction drills, using a holster, safe storage in the home, determining the right firearm for you and concealment methods. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques for the firearm(s). Client is responsible for own ammunition and firearms
165.00 per-day Basic Pistol or RSO Course. Safety skills when handling and shooting, reloading, malfunction drills, using a holster, safe storage in the home, determining the right firearm for you and concealment methods. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques for the firearm(s). Client is responsible for own ammunition and firearms used. Firearms in the calibers of .22, .380, 9mm, .357, .40, and .45 can be rented from the instructor. AR15 can be rented from the instructor. NRA basic firearms completion card awarded.
NRA RSO Course:
Learning the knowledge, skills, and attitude to become an RSO on a range. The NRA RSO course is a 9-hour class. Upon successfully passing the client is awarded a card and certificate. $165.00 per-client, plus $20.00 for course manual.
Click on the link for classes: https://www.nrainstructors.org/SearchResults.aspx?State=y&SearchState=AZ&id=5&bsa=&youth=&women=6
USFT's Basic Pistol 1 or Rifle 1 Shooting Course
USFT's Basic Pistol 1 or Rifle 1 Shooting Course
NRA Basic Firearms Courses & NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) Course
This is not the NRA course. 4-hours class time & 4-hours shooting. Safety skills handling & shooting, reloading, malfunction drills, using a holster, & determining the right firearm for you. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques for the firearm(s). Client is responsible for own ammunition & firearms used. Firearms can be rented. Co
This is not the NRA course. 4-hours class time & 4-hours shooting. Safety skills handling & shooting, reloading, malfunction drills, using a holster, & determining the right firearm for you. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques for the firearm(s). Client is responsible for own ammunition & firearms used. Firearms can be rented. Completion certificate awarded. $185.00 per-client.
To register send an email to azusft@gmail.com or call (602) 377-4405.
USFT's Basic Carbine 1 Shooting Course
USFT's Basic Pistol 1 or Rifle 1 Shooting Course
USFT's Basic Carbine 1 Shooting Course
This is not the NRA Course. Safety skills when handling, shooting, & reloading a carbine type firearm. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques. Basic shooting from the prone, kneeling, & standing positions. Client is responsible for own ammunition & carbine rifle. A carbine rifle may be rented by the instructor & ammunition purchase
This is not the NRA Course. Safety skills when handling, shooting, & reloading a carbine type firearm. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques. Basic shooting from the prone, kneeling, & standing positions. Client is responsible for own ammunition & carbine rifle. A carbine rifle may be rented by the instructor & ammunition purchased at an additional cost. 6-8 hours depending on the client. Completion certificate awarded. $185.00 per-client.
To register send an email to azusft@gmail.com or call (602) 377-4405.
USFT's Basic Shotgun Shooting Course
USFT's Basic Pistol 1 or Rifle 1 Shooting Course
USFT's Basic Carbine 1 Shooting Course
This is not the NRA Course. Safety skills when handling, shooting, & reloading. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques with the shotgun(s). Client will learn the difference between hunting & personal protection with a shotgun. Client is responsible for own ammunition & shotgun. A shotgun may be rented by the instructor at an addit
This is not the NRA Course. Safety skills when handling, shooting, & reloading. Client will learn proper cleaning techniques with the shotgun(s). Client will learn the difference between hunting & personal protection with a shotgun. Client is responsible for own ammunition & shotgun. A shotgun may be rented by the instructor at an additional cost. 4-6 hours depending on the client. Completion certificate awarded. $185.00 per-client.
USFT's Pistol 2 or Rifle 2 Shooting Course
USFT's Pistol 3 & Carbine 3 Shooting Course
USFT's Pistol 2 or Rifle 2 Shooting Course
This is not the NRA course. Completing proficiency skills of shooting learned from the Pistol 1 or Rifle 1 shooting course. Reloading & malfunction drills while moving, using a holster & preparing for the CCW course. Client is responsible for own ammunition & firearms used. Firearms can be rented & ammunition purchased from instructor. C
This is not the NRA course. Completing proficiency skills of shooting learned from the Pistol 1 or Rifle 1 shooting course. Reloading & malfunction drills while moving, using a holster & preparing for the CCW course. Client is responsible for own ammunition & firearms used. Firearms can be rented & ammunition purchased from instructor. Completion certificate awarded. 5-7 hours depending on the client. $185.00 per-client.
To register send an email to azusft@gmail.com or call (602) 377-4405.
USFT's Cabine Rifle 2 Shooting Course
USFT's Pistol 3 & Carbine 3 Shooting Course
USFT's Pistol 2 or Rifle 2 Shooting Course
This is not the NRA Course. Safety skills when handling, shooting, & reloading a carbine type firearm. Client will learn shooting from the prone, kneeling, & standing positions while reloading & correcting malfunction drills while learning to move & shoot. A carbine rifle may be rented by the instructor & ammunition purchased at an addit
This is not the NRA Course. Safety skills when handling, shooting, & reloading a carbine type firearm. Client will learn shooting from the prone, kneeling, & standing positions while reloading & correcting malfunction drills while learning to move & shoot. A carbine rifle may be rented by the instructor & ammunition purchased at an additional cost. 5-7 hours depending on the client. Completion certificate awarded. $185.00 per-client.
To register send an email to azusft@gmail.com or call (602) 377-4405.
USFT's Pistol 3 & Carbine 3 Shooting Course
USFT's Pistol 3 & Carbine 3 Shooting Course
Armed & Unarmed Security Guard Training & Certification
This is not the NRA Course. Transitioning of firearm platforms from stationary to movement drills, shooting from the prone, kneeling, & standing positions with malfunction drills & multiple targets. Great preparatory for the Tactical Firearms Training Course. A pistol & carbine rifle may be rented by the instructor & ammunition purchased
This is not the NRA Course. Transitioning of firearm platforms from stationary to movement drills, shooting from the prone, kneeling, & standing positions with malfunction drills & multiple targets. Great preparatory for the Tactical Firearms Training Course. A pistol & carbine rifle may be rented by the instructor & ammunition purchased at additional cost. 5-7 hours depending on the client. Completion certificate awarded. $195.00 per-client.
To register send an email to azusft@gmail.com or call (602) 377-4405.
Armed & Unarmed Security Guard Training & Certification
Crosman Challenger PCP Air Rifle Certified Repair & Service Center
Armed & Unarmed Security Guard Training & Certification
Training and certifying Arizona's newly armed & unarmed security guards (16-hours) and re-certification for existing armed & unarmed security guards (8-hours annually).
USFT-Youth Shooting Sports Program (Non-Profit Youth Program)
Crosman Challenger PCP Air Rifle Certified Repair & Service Center
Crosman Challenger PCP Air Rifle Certified Repair & Service Center
The purpose of this non-profit organization is the instruction, coaching and mentorship of firearms programs offered by the National Rifle Association (NRA), Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), USA Shooting Sports, & International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF), and any other formal certification training that youth citizens seek in o
The purpose of this non-profit organization is the instruction, coaching and mentorship of firearms programs offered by the National Rifle Association (NRA), Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), USA Shooting Sports, & International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF), and any other formal certification training that youth citizens seek in order to participate in or manage shooting sports competitions and/or recreation. The organization is a sole agent teaching courses offering certifications offered by the organizations previously mentioned.
The ultimate goal of the non-profit organization is to provide training, education, and fair competition to youth involved in the air pistol/rifle or smallbore pistol/rifle sports and to provide financial services, such as; scholarship funding for matches, equipment, and school, provided that funding is available throughout the year to accomplish such a task and endeavor. Our second goal is to bring more awareness from the community concerning the shooting sports and competition by hosting and directing postal and shoulder-to-shoulder matches that will lead youth athletes to state, sectional, regional, and national matches , as well as receive scholarships at universities and colleges.
Crosman Challenger PCP Air Rifle Certified Repair & Service Center
Crosman Challenger PCP Air Rifle Certified Repair & Service Center
Crosman Challenger PCP Air Rifle Certified Repair & Service Center
Dan is a Crosman factory trained technician/armorer and received his certification at the main factory in Bloomfield, New York.
The refresh/rebuild services include replacing all seals, rebuilding the charging handle, inspecting & greasing the trigger assembly, cleaning & resealing the fill adapter, and resealing the gauge. The air rifle
Dan is a Crosman factory trained technician/armorer and received his certification at the main factory in Bloomfield, New York.
The refresh/rebuild services include replacing all seals, rebuilding the charging handle, inspecting & greasing the trigger assembly, cleaning & resealing the fill adapter, and resealing the gauge. The air rifle is set to 525-585fps along with trigger adjustment & setting of second stage trigger at 1.5-2.5lbs, as per the National 3P Air Rifle & NRA 3P Air Rifle Rule Books. Additional parts charged separately.
Pricing included within the payment area.