FAQ

Individual and small-group (up to 3 students) private shooting lessons are offered by appointment in central Iowa at the current rate of $100/hour. The cost of targets and ammunition are the responsibility of the student. Rates for group instruction or classes vary. Please contact me to inquire.

Payment for lessons is expected at the conclusion of the lesson and can be made via cash, check or PayPal/Venmo. Specialized courses may require pre-registration and pre-payment.

Most private lessons in central Iowa are taught at the Hill Farm Range near Ellsworth, the Olofson Shooting Range near Polk City or the New Pioneer Gun Club in Waukee. Ben regularly travels to other facilities for group classes and coach clinics.

Yes, instruction is conducted across the United States! Classes away from central Iowa require a point of contact at the local club to manage the details of range / classroom availability, meals if necessary, etc. Travel costs are typically the responsibility of the student(s) or sponsor.

For individual and small group instruction, a typical lesson lasts about two hours with most of the time spent on the range. Large group and more specialized training vary from 1/2 to 3 days.

This depends primarily on your goals and reasons for taking lessons. Introductory instruction on basic safety and shotgun fundamentals can be covered in one session. Long-term improvement typically requires more commitment and takes on a longer-term coaching relationship.

At minimum you should bring your shotgun, at least 4 boxes of light target ammunition (shot sizes 7.5, 8 or 9), choke tubes, eye and ear protection, drinking water and appropriate outerwear.

Materials lists for more specialized training will be provided.

While nice weather always makes for a nicer experience, mother nature sometimes has other plans! For individual and small group lessons, there is usually flexibility to reschedule. For more specialized or larger group training this is not always possible.

Always bring necessary clothes, gloves, and raingear.
Heavy rain and cold temperatures/wind chills are the most common reasons for rescheduling. As a general practice lessons are usually scheduled when temperatures/wind chill will be above freezing. We will shoot in light rain but will suspend range time for lightning.

Individual and small group lessons are scheduled by appointment at a mutually convenient time and location. Please contact me to get a lesson scheduled.