Carbine SLOW: Intro to Carbine
Level I · 4 hours · $149 · Denver metro area
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.
Slow is where it starts. Every fast shooter you have ever watched built it here.
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.
Nobody walks onto a range knowing this
You bought a carbine, or you are thinking about it. Maybe it has been in the safe since the day you brought it home. That is exactly who this class is for.
We go slow on purpose. You learn one correct step at a time, the way Marines learn a rifle. Nobody gets rushed and nobody gets left behind. There are no dumb questions on this line.
Don’t own a carbine yet? Don’t buy one yet. Call John first at 720-464-SHOT (7468). He will help you choose one that fits you.
What you will be able to do
- State the five safety rules from memory, in order
- Load, make ready, unload and show clear on command, and know what condition your carbine is in
- Name every control on your carbine and explain how it cycles
- Keep five shots inside 4 inches at 7 yards
- Shoot from standing, kneeling and prone
- Confirm your carbine’s zero at 50 yards
- Clear a failure to fire, and know when to stop instead
How the day runs
| Block | What happens |
|---|---|
| Classroom (1.5 hours) | Safety rules, weapon conditions, range commands, carbine controls, how it cycles, the fundamentals, and every position practiced dry |
| Range (2.5 hours) | Weapons-handling check, 50-yard zero, fundamentals and positions live, malfunction drills |
| The SLOW Standard | 30 rounds, 7 to 50 yards. Pass: 24 hits inside an 8-inch circle, zero safety violations |
| Written test | 20 questions. Pass: 80% |
Pass both and you graduate with a Colorado Tactics certificate and the handout to keep practicing at home.
What to bring
- Semi-automatic carbine, unloaded and cased. AR-15 pattern in 5.56/.223 preferred. Other types: call first.
- Two-point adjustable sling
- Red dot or iron sights. Zeroed if you can; we will confirm it either way.
- Three or more magazines
- 100 rounds of factory ammunition. No reloads.
- Eye and ear protection
- Brimmed hat, collared or crew-neck shirt (hot brass), closed-toed shoes, layers for Colorado weather
- Water, sunscreen, a pen
Who it is for
Adults 18 and over. No experience needed.
Your instructor
John Rader. Ten years, Sgt. and Primary Marksmanship Instructor, United States Marine Corps. 25+ years, a Sgt. and firearms instructor in law enforcement. 30,000+ shooters trained. 96.8% qualification rate.
Next step
Carbine SMOOTH: Intermediate Carbine. Shot timer, reloads, all three malfunction types, multiple targets, and 100 yards. Save with the Series Pass: all three courses for $775.
Policies
- Military, veterans and law enforcement: 10% off with valid ID shown at check-in.
- Cancel 7 or more days out: full refund. Inside 7 days: you lose your $50 deposit.
- When seats open in early 2027, you book and sign your waiver on the member portal. Exact location confirmed with your seat.
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.
Questions? Call or text 720-464-SHOT (7468) or email john@coloradotactics.com.
Slow is smooth… Smooth is FAST!