johnallen

John Allen

Instructor

John is certified to teach Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Home Firearm Safety and is a Chief Range Safety Officer.  While teaching shooting classes since 2017 John has had hundreds of students both youth and adults. He is the former shooting sports director for the local Boy Scout Camp and the Scout council shooting sports committee chairman.  With a firm belief of Safety-first and foremost, John works with each student individually to develop their knowledge of firearm safety and use.
George Valentine - Instructor

George Valentine

Instructor

George is a certified NRA Pistol instructor who has extensive experience in competitive pistol shooting and is active in local IDPA and USPSA matches. He has been a member of a local church's Safety Team for the last eight years. George has spent his professional life working for a major energy supply company as an Engineering Technical Consultant for the last 36 years.
Michael Brame Headshot

Michael Brame

Instructor

Michael Brame brings nearly a decade of experience in the private security sector, with expertise in private investigations and personal protection services. From 2016 onward, he has built a reputation for professionalism and discretion. As the founder of a security firm specializing in bodyguard services for Virginia politicians, Michael successfully operated his company for three years, delivering high-level protection to public officials. He has held a Concealed Handgun Permit since 2001 and has been a certified NRA Pistol Instructor since 2021, reflecting his ongoing commitment to safety, training, and excellence in the field.
Todd Long - Instructor

Todd Long

Instructor

Todd is an NRA Range Safety Officer, NRA Pistol Instructor, and has had Crisis Intervention Team training. Todd currently serves as a full-time Professional Firefighter EMT and instructs at the fire academy as well as teaching fire and life safety education for ages five to adult. He earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and continues to enhance his credentials by furthering his training with many recognized leaders in firearms instruction.

John Kochensparger

John Kochensparger

Education Director

John Kochensparger has spent his entire career in law enforcement and security since 1973 with more than 21 contiguous years as a school director and trainer in private security services (VA DCJS 88-1190). The other highlights include, in chronological order: 

  • U. S. Army Military Police, 
  • Sergeant, 
  • Investigator and Physical Security Inspector; 
  • Armed security officer as a college student; 
  • Police Officer, City of Alexandria, VA; 
  • National trainer; 
  • Corporate security director Washington, DC; 
  • Electronic security; 
  • Administrator at the VA Department of Criminal Justice Services.

                    PC Hecker - Instructor

                    Philip C. Hecker

                    Director

                    Phillip C Hecker has 20 plus years’ experience in the government and security arena. He is certified as a Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun expert. Is a NRA Certified Instructor, he brings safety to the table while educating you on all levels of defense and situational awareness. As one of the leaders in Situational Awareness development, he brings a level of skill to the table that is rarely experienced in the Self- Protection and Defense arena.

                    Beginner Handgun Course

                    Beginner Handgun Course Overview

                    Our Beginner Handgun class is taught by a NRA-certified instructor at a local range. This course teaches introductory skills for safe handling of a handgun where gun safety is heavily emphasized. No experience with firearms? No problem! The Beginner Handgun class is designed with the beginner in mind, where participants will feel comfortable and confident with safely handling a handgun. Participants will also learn the basics needed to continue to the next level.

                    You do not have to own a handgun to participate in this class as firearms will be provided. Participants must be 21 or over. Range fees, ammunition, ear and eye protection are not included in the course cost which is $95.00.


                    Are you planning to apply for your concealed carry permit and/or need the gun safety class? If so, you must register for the concealed carry/gunsafety class, if you haven't already done so.


                     What you will need:

                    1) Range Fees-$20 cash for range donation, paid directly to the range. If the class is moved to an indoor range, the range fee increases to $23 which must be paid via cash or card directly to the range.

                    2) Ammunition-if you choose to bring your own, it must meet these requirements, 9mm Lugar 115-Grain FMJ Handgun Ammunition-50 rounds-no reloads allowed. If the class is moved to an indoor range, you must purchase ammo directly from the range.

                    3) Ear Protection-power headphones are required for your safety. This is necessary for you to be able to hear your instructor while maintaining proper ear protection.

                    4) Eye Protection-Our instructors recommend ANSI rated eye protection.

                    If you do not have your own ammunition, we have it available for purchase at market price. Additionally, we have ear and eye protection available for purchase.


                    Optional:

                    1) Bring your own firearm and/or use ours.

                    Return to the Course Catalog

                    Confidence

                    When it comes to firearms training, confidence equals safety, and that's a big reason why we train. All experience levels welcome.

                    Comfortability

                    Our NRA-certified instructors work one-on-one with each student, ensuring you learn the  fundamentals of how to comfortably use a firearm.

                    Marksmanship

                    All of our firearms courses, including Concealed Carry and Beginner through Advanced, will help you develop skills to handle your firearm with more accuracy.

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                    Jillian Garcia profile picture
                    Jillian Garcia
                    September 6, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    Best class and instructor
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                    Hope McMillan profile picture
                    Hope Mcmillan
                    August 23, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    The instructor was patient, knowledgeable, and friendly. This was my second class with HPI and I highly recommend.
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                    D'Angelo Mims profile picture
                    D'angelo Mims
                    August 19, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    P.C Heck is a great instructor. 10/10 would highly recommend. Patient, understanding and willing to take his time to help you and make you understand his instructions
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                    Valmore Barnes profile picture
                    Valmore Barnes
                    August 18, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    My Training experience was great at HPi - Have recommended them to family and friends
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                    Paul Kenny
                    August 14, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    Excellent facility and instructors. I cannot recommend enough!
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                    Jessica Mank profile picture
                    Jessica Mank
                    August 2, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    Love the Carry concealed class. The instructor was very knowledgeable and made it very interesting. Everything seemed to be very professionally done.
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                    GT H profile picture
                    Gt H
                    July 30, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    By far the most professional firearms course I’ve taken. The instructor went beyond the basics to ensure all students were properly trained.
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                    Tanya profile picture
                    Tanya
                    July 17, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    This class was amazing. Not only informative but fun!! From knowing how to properly use, store and clean your guns, to your rights and responsibilities as a permit holder and gun owner. The class is designed to teach all aspects so if you are new to gun protection or gun laws or experienced you will follow along and gain the confidence and competency to carry safely. Bonuses that you get here and not other conceal carry courses: US LawShield speaks to you and gives real life situations as to why it’s a great tool and resource to have with your permit. Traveling?- They will give information and resources to help in the states you will be traveling to and through. Other courses that will build off each course and training so you are educated and diverse in all aspects to protect yourself and loved ones.
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                    Brooke O'Gara profile picture
                    Brooke O'gara
                    June 28, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    The trainer was very knowledgeable and gave critiques very well. I definitely feel more knowledgeable and like I have a good base to continue learning and practicing. This was a great class for a beginner like myself.
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                    jeremiah chambers profile picture
                    Jeremiah Chambers
                    June 11, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    I absolutely loved this class! I left more informed than ever I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking ANY class with hpi!
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