“Class was great. I enjoyed the Instructors and students. Range time was exceptional for newbies.”
J.P – May 2022
“Outstanding class ! Learned a ton and gave me the confidence to safely handle and use a handgun. Sufficient time on the range to really practice a lot and gain familiarity and practice skills. Jodi and Gary are just fantastic, caring, and fun instructors. I would recommend this class without hesitation”
Vince W. , Albuquerque, Feb. 2022
“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!!!”
– Linda Beth 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
“This class was very engaging with a lot of material that covered self-defense as well as gun safety. I think that everyone should take a class like this. Thanks for the information, training and, snacks!”
– Emma, Rio Rancho
“Jodi was very professional, very competent, and knowledgeable. She was thorough and answered all our questions. Also hospitable in providing water & snacks. Thank you Jodi for helping us learn so much! I knew nothing to start with!”
– Vicki, Sandia Park
I have taken a concealed carry class before and although they were good they did not hold a candle to the SAVVY SHOOTER’s 4-day class. The depth of knowledge went way beyond shooting. You are given tools to understand your firearm, its components and the responsibility that comes with carrying it. Jodi & Gary not only empower you, but they also ensure your are safe and are of your rights as gun owners. They provide resources and take the time to ensure you understand. As a woman with a background in Law Enforcement, I walked aways with so much more knowledge.
-Mariha Trujillo. 04/21
“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
“The classroom training was outstanding, but what I found to be even better than the classroom training was the range training and the patience of Jodi and Gary. The steps of pistol shooting and actually using those steps at the range were exceptional. Thank you both for a very informative class – in the classroom and on the range!”
– Donna Filip, Bosque Farms
“Loved this class! I haven’t taken ANY classes in over 30 years but found this one myth-debunking, highly interesting and full of the knowledge I need to be a responsible gun owner and shooter. I would definitely (and HAVE already) referred several women to Jodi’s classes. She has the patience of JOB and the expertise to create educated shooters. I also appreciated Gary’s teaching of proper gun cleaning and one’s legal responsibilities as a concealed handgun carrier. I will be signing up for more classes soon.”
– Adrienne Webb Braden, Placitas