Defensive Firearms Training, Aug 1st

Please click here to complete our liability release before the class



ONLY 30 SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE! Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete paperwork!

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

For most of our events, you may cancel and receive a refund (less a $25 processing fee)

up to 3 weeks before an event and refunds will not be available within 3 weeks of an event.

Course Summary:

Live fire training focused on responsible firearms use, threat recognition, immediate life-saving casualty care, and coordinated emergency response. This is not a high-volume shooting class. Instead, the focus is on developing speed, accuracy, and confidence through deliberate, practical instruction.

The course follows a crawl, walk, run training model, making it an excellent fit for beginner, intermediate, and advanced shooters alike. Whether you're looking to build a solid foundation or refine your existing skills, you'll be challenged at your own pace.

Course Length/Hours:

1 Day - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Class will commence promptly at 8:00 a.m. Plan to arrive at least 15-minutes early.

Working lunch - Please plan to bring a sack lunch. Due to the content of the class, there is a lot of information to cover.

Topics Covered:

• Safe firearm handling and manipulation
• Drawing from the holster (where appropriate)
• Improving speed and accuracy
• Efficient target engagement
• Shooting under realistic time constraints
• Building confidence through structured drills

Gear Requirements:

• Modern defensive pistol
• At least two (2) magazines
• Mag pouch
• Sturdy gun belt - Please understand this is NOT a Sunday-go-to-meeting belt. This is a rugged belt designed to support the weight of a firearm, a holster, and other carry accessories.
• Strong side holster (IWB, OWB, or Appendix) - No shoulder, cross draw, or middle-of-back styles. Please note that holsters are NOT to be collapsible (i.e., Uncle Mike's style cloth holsters), and students must be able to holster their firearm using their dominant hand only.
• NO OFF-BODY CARRY for this class.
• Ammo: 300 rounds
• ELECTRONIC hearing protection - Students must be able to clearly hear and understand instructors/instructions.
• Eye protection
• Weather appropriate clothing, including boots - We shoot rain or shine!
• Concealment clothes appropriate for climate and conditions
• Billed hat or ball cap
• Lunch, snacks, and plenty of hydration - Our training areas can get HOT!
• Notepad and pen to take notes

Facility Information:

• Classroom - Please note that firearms are NOT allowed while in the classroom.
• Don't forget to bring a sack lunch, snacks and drinks
• Restroom facilities on-site
• Parking on site
• Use Google Maps or Waze to GPS

Course Tuition:

$175 per person

A portion of your tuition benefits Buckeye Firearms Association. Thank you for your support.

About the Instructor:

Forrest Sonewald

Law Enforcement Trainer | Firearms Instructor | SWAT Operator

Forrest Sonewald is a veteran law enforcement officer and tactical instructor with more than 30 years of experience in patrol operations, SWAT assignments, firearms instruction, and law enforcement training. Throughout his career, he has been committed to enhancing officer safety, tactical proficiency, and professional development through realistic, hands-on training.

Mr. Sonewald currently serves with the Perry Village Police Department as a Firearms and Defensive Tactics Instructor, where he develops and delivers advanced training programs focused on firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, active threat response, and tactical decision-making.

Prior to his current position, he served with the Adams County Sheriff's Office from 2014 to 2024 as a Deputy Sheriff and SWAT Operator. During his tenure, he participated in high-risk tactical operations and helped support training initiatives for tactical personnel.

From 1989 to 2014, Mr. Sonewald served with the University Heights Police Department as a Patrol Officer and SWAT Operator. He spent 17 years on the department's SWAT Team, participating in critical incidents and tactical operations requiring precision, teamwork, and sound decision-making under pressure.

In addition to his agency service, Mr. Sonewald served as an instructor at Tactical Defense Institute (TDI) from 2003 to 2023, providing firearms and defensive tactics training to law enforcement officers and security professionals throughout the region, including civilians.

Certifications & Specialized Training

• OPOTA Certified Firearms Instructor
• Pistol
• Revolver
• Shotgun
• Sub-Machine Gun
• Patrol Rifle
• FLETC Individual Response to Active Killer (IRAK)
• Stop the Bleed Coalition Certified

Areas of Expertise

• Firearms Instruction
• Defensive Tactics
• SWAT and Tactical Operations
• Active Threat Response
• Medical Response Integration
• Law Enforcement Curriculum Development
• Patrol Operations and Officer Safety

Known for his practical, experience-based approach to training, Forrest brings decades of real-world law enforcement and tactical experience to every class. His instruction emphasizes preparation, sound judgment, and effective response under stress, helping officers and security personnel develop the skills and confidence needed to protect their communities.