Carbine Training
SLOW. SMOOTH. FAST.
Coming early 2027
The carbine series opens early 2027
Dates are being set now and are announced here first. Call or text 720-464-SHOT (7468) to be told the moment seats open, or put your name down and say which level you want.
Most carbine classes are a day on the range and a handshake. This is a path.
Three courses. Each one has a written test and a scored qualification standard, the way the Marine Corps trains riflemen. You pass the standard, you move up. You don’t, you know exactly what to work on.
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast. That is not a slogan here. It is the order you learn in.
Carbine SLOW: Intro to Carbine
4 hours · $149 · No experience needed
Where it starts. Safety, how your carbine works, the fundamentals, and three shooting positions. You confirm your zero, learn to clear a malfunction, and shoot the SLOW Standard.
Carbine SMOOTH: Intermediate Carbine
8 hours · $325 · Prerequisite: SLOW or test-in
Same standards, less wasted motion. The shot timer, reloads, all three malfunction types, multiple targets, sitting, and hits at 100 yards. Finish with the SMOOTH Standard.
Learn more about Carbine SMOOTH
Carbine FAST: Tactical Carbine
8 hours, into the evening · $425 · Prerequisite: SMOOTH or test-in
Off the flat line. Cover and concealment, barricades, a vehicle, movement, turns, shoot/no-shoot decisions, transitions to pistol, and a low-light block after dark. Finish with the FAST Standard, day and night.
Your instructor
John Rader, founder of Colorado Tactics.
- Ten years, Sgt. and Primary Marksmanship Instructor (PMI), United States Marine Corps
- 25+ years, a Sgt. and firearms instructor in law enforcement
- 30,000+ shooters trained · 96.8% qualification rate
He built this series the way he built rifle training for Marines: clear objectives, a measurable standard, and no shortcuts.
The five safety rules
Every Colorado Tactics course runs on the same five rules.
- TREAT every weapon as if it were loaded.
- NEVER point your weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- KEEP your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- KEEP the weapon on safe until you intend to fire.
- KNOW your target and what lies beyond it.
Rules 1 through 4 are the Marine Corps weapons safety rules. Rule 5 is John’s addition.
Tuition, discounts and policies
Tuition
| Course | Length | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carbine SLOW: Intro to Carbine | 4 hours | $149 |
| Carbine SMOOTH: Intermediate Carbine | 8 hours | $325 |
| Carbine FAST: Tactical Carbine | 8 hours | $425 |
| Series Pass: all three courses, used within 12 months | 20 hours | $775 (save $124) |
| SMOOTH + FAST | 16 hours | $695 (save $55) |
| FAST Standard Requalification: graduates, every six months | 2 hours | $95 |
Tuition does not include ammunition. You bring your own, and each course lists how much.
Discounts
- Military, veterans and law enforcement: 10% off. Show a valid military ID, VA card, DD-214, or agency credential at check-in. No ID at check-in, no discount: you pay the difference before class starts.
Skipping ahead
You can start at SMOOTH or FAST if you already have the skills. At check-in you shoot the standard from the course before it: the SLOW Standard to start SMOOTH, the SMOOTH Standard to start FAST. Pass it and you stay. Miss it and you move to the right course, with the price difference refunded.
Cancellations
- 7 or more days before class: full refund.
- Inside 7 days: you lose your deposit: $50 for SLOW, $100 for SMOOTH and FAST. The rest of your tuition is refunded.
- If we cancel for weather, a range closure, or a class below 4 students, you choose a full refund or a seat in the next class.
Booking
When seats open in early 2027, you book through the Colorado Tactics member portal and sign your waiver there before class.
Class location is the Denver metro area. The exact location is confirmed with your seat.
Questions: call or text 720-464-SHOT (7468) or email john@coloradotactics.com.
Get on the waitlist → The carbine series starts in early 2027 — there is nothing to book yet. Put your name down and say which level you want, and you will hear the dates before anyone else.
Slow is smooth… Smooth is FAST!