THE SAVVY SHOOTER FIREARMS ACADEMY Testimonials
“Jodi’s class is incredible, no surprise a BEST of The City Winner. The class is very professional, no-nonsense and comprehensive. The hands on instruction, attention to detail, information immersion and knowledge of State & Federal rules are first rate. Jodi and Gary Tag-Team in a wonderfully professional manner. The gun cleaning and reassembly module is very informative and valuable. They are clearly respected at the indoor range. I had a Concealed Carry License in another State; this training is beyond comparison. The goal of being more comfortable, knowledgable and safe were exceeded.
Sandy P – June 2024
“The INTRO Course is well worth the time & cost. The course is a balanced presentation of instruction & application. Information is given in a comfortable yet no-nonsense manner. That holds equally true for the range portion where individual attention is given to each student. The course would be beneficial to the experienced shooter as well as the new student wishing to be a responsible firearms owner.”
Jim T – May 2024
“First, let me say that I was impressed with how you two formatted the class to address not just firearms handling, but how to be aware of your surroundings, recognize threats, and take appropriate action. Teaching people to be aware of and assessing their environment and not walking around unaware is crucial to effective threat response.
I liked that you kept the class small. This allowed for more one-on-one instruction, especially with the less competent shooters. Also, allowing only one student per instructor during qualification is a good safety policy since you are dealing with a wide variety of weapon handling abilities.
Neil Oltman
Retired FBI Agent . Instructor
July 2024
“My most recent experience with Jodi and Gary during the course I was throughly impressed by both the exquisite hands-on experience and the knowledge presented and shared. There were never moments where one felt inadequate. Thanks for the confidence and empowerment to lead and protect myself and family.”
N. Walker September 2024
“This class was very comprehensive and efficient with respect to order of learning. Jodi provided a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of learning. She never talked down to or over the heads of her students. She was very conscientious that the material was understood and ingrained by the class.
Having experienced some anxiety about handling my firearm and shooting it, my nerves were calmed and felt more at ease and comfortable in the shooting environment.”
R. Spinello. September. 2024
“Jodi, I just want to thank both you and Gary for what you do. You each have a unique approach that compliments the other. I have learned so much but know this is just the beginning! I actually went to the gun store alone today and was confident selecting what I needed without assistance. I felt empowered. I look forward to learning more from both you and Gary in the future! I cannot tell you how it feels to know that I can clean my own gun! I will forever be grateful to Gary for that.”
“Phenomenal class! I was reluctant to take this Intro to Shooting class because I am in the more mature age group and felt very insecure, not having been around firearms that much. Both Jodi & Gary were great! They both put me at ease and with their knowledge, instruction and patience I became more confident in my ability. I highly recommend The Savvy Shooter to any and every one interested in learning more about firearms!”
C. Stubblefield, Edgewood
“I would highly recommend Jodi Newton as a concealed weapon instructor. I had never used a gun and was scared to death. I had gone with my best friends to the shooting range, hands shaking and heart beating out of my chest! Jodi quickly put my fear to rest. First, she explained all the rules and regulations of the shooting range. Then she had me practice each step of using a gun over and over until we both felt confident I was actually ready to shoot. Jodi was always very reassuring, professional, and calm, which made me trust her and feel comfortable. When I did shoot the gun, I felt confident and even hit the target!!! Maybe not a bulls-eye, but much better than I ever expected!! I know others like me would greatly benefit from Jodi’s skills. She is a wonderful teacher!!!”
– L. B. Cain, Houston, TX
“I enjoyed the opportunity to take the Intro/CCL class with women only. You created a comfortable, supportive, and non-threatening learning environment for us all. I know I benefited greatly from the classroom instruction with the strong emphasis on safety. After my first session at the range however, I started looking forward to that part of the instruction the most! A classmate in the Citizens Police Academy asked where I had taken my firearms class, so I’ve already made a referral! You are highly recommended.”
– Linda, Edgewood
“Gary – thank you so much for your class yesterday. Always so much to learn in a short period of time. Now I need to practice, practice, practice. Thank you for your patience in teaching us newbies. I appreciate your teaching style.”
– Dee, Albuquerque
“Jodi and Gary are both great instructors on the range. The class time with Jodi was very informative. I am so glad I was introduced to Jodi at a gun show so that I could become educated on all aspects of guns. Great opportunity and after attending the classes I know I will be a responsible gun owner, keeping my finger off the trigger, strongly indexed HIGH and on the side of the gun until I have the target in sight and I am ready to shoot. Thank you for all the useful information that was shared, with a personal touch!”
– A. Kidd September 2024
“Amazing informative course that goes in depth much needed information for being a responsible gun owner / carrier. Jodi takes a lot of time reinforcing positive behavior and answering important questions. We discuss many different scenarios, situations and reactions. I definitely feel much more comfortable as a gun owner and carrier. I am thrilled that I was informed about this course and I will highly recommend to others!”
– Nicole G. September 2024
“I was a little apprehensive to begin this class. The first day of class was very informative and the range time is fantastic. I was so comfortable with everything. Jodi and Gary are both very knowledgable and patient. I never felt rushed or that I was not good enough. We covered so much information and I retained it very well because of their teaching skill , I would recommend to anyone.
Great Class.
Great comradely.
Great teachers.
-S. Ruff August 2024
“Introduction to Shooting”
Session 1:
This class was the first class and although I was a bit hesitant (because I already knew how to shoot), I thought I knew a lot about firearms. WRONG! The enthusiasm of Jodi and her knowledge kept me intrigued and interested. I didn’t know there were names for the two stances “Isosceles” and “Weaver”, and I did need help with my grip! And who knew what a cartridge was made of? And what the heck was SWEEPING? The Four Safety Rules were embedded in our minds throughout the class- which was great — repetition, repetition etc… It’s the best way to remember them! I was embarrassed at myself for thinking I knew it all, it was far from true. Any female or even male, for that matter, needs to know the basic information taught in Session 1. Period. By the first 30 minutes of the class, I knew I had to take all of the classes. My main objective was to get my Concealed Carry License, but at this point I had questioned myself for not knowing the basic information! Sigh.
Session 2:
I was excited for Session 2 because I wanted to learn more. During this class I learned the bad things that could happen to guns.
Failure to Fire/Stoppages. Again, I had no idea what a hangfire or squib load was. Natural Point of Aim was a great exercise. Who knew? Jodi did, of course! Again, I learned so much! The article called Firearms Safety by Tactical Trainer Tiger McKee was great and I often stop to read it on my down time. I can never remember enough information!”
Session 3:
Anatomy of Ammunition – Definitions, +P and +P+ (huh?) — all great information and something I needed to learn! Can you tell I was excited at this point? I was getting filled with information that I previously had no idea about! Repetition, repetition, repetition – a good thing – when it comes to stance, grip, alignment of sights, breath control, trigger control and follow through. Tips on buying a gun and how to tell which one is right for you—all VERY important information.
Session 4:
Sad to say this was the last class. Paperwork was given to get my CCL, all information from the previous classes were reviewed and that day was qualifying day at the range. Oh, how nervous I was – but I forgot that I already knew how to shoot. But it was putting all of the information Jodi had given us, all together, and remembering stance, grip etc…….. I passed with a 100% and qualified with my husbands Springfield XD .45. YAY!
All Sessions had shooting/range time which was good and knowledgeable and very fun with a bunch of girls with guns (in a mature manner) but I am more of an indoor shooter than an outdoor shooter. I am more focused inside than outside. We had range time both indoor and outdoor and thank you, Jodi, for allowing me to qualify indoors.
Jodi, the classes you provided gave me 100% confidence on carrying, loading and unloading etc. The handouts of information given – I still look at them all and re-teach myself if necessary. I now have my CCL and carry a Springfield XDS 9mm, which I absolutely love!
Thank you for your knowledge! I feel empowered!”
– J., Albuquerque
“This course was amazing. I would recommend this course to everyone. Amazing teachings, love how much time was given to teach us the right way. Really liked how personable these course are.
D Adams
August 2024