Expertise & Experience
Trained since age 9, certified since 2020 by both the NRA and USCCA. Mike brings real-world readiness to every class.
Your complete destination for firearms training, exclusive seats & premium guns and gear.
At Freedom Services and Training, we’re more than just a gun shop; we’re your complete destination for firearms training, exclusive seats, and premium guns and gear. Whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned pro, our certified gun classes offer safety, skill, and confidence, all under one roof.
Originally from Oklahoma, hunting and fishing are Mike’s primary pastimes, and firearm safety was a family edict. Mike has been an avid shooter since the age of 9, when his first exposure to firearms came from his father, a skilled hunter and fisherman. At 11 years old, Mike was introduced to the NRA.
After a long career in the Marine and Recreational Vehicle business, Mike grew restless in retirement. In January 2020, he decided to become a Certified Firearms Instructor, starting first with the United States Concealed Carry Association, then the National Rifle Association, earning certification from both.
Certifications awarded include: Basics of Pistol Shooting, Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals, Women’s Handgun and Self Defense Fundamentals, Countering the Mass Shooter Threat, and Emergency First Aid Fundamentals.
With a firm grounding in training and customer service, Mike’s classes are always held to high standards, with student interaction as a primary focus. Making learning fun is Mike’s primary goal, right behind Firearms Safety. Rated 4.9 stars across 88 Google reviews, students consistently call him knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely engaging.
Trained since age 9, certified since 2020 by both the NRA and USCCA. Mike brings real-world readiness to every class.
Classes are always held to high standards with student interaction as a primary consideration. No two sessions are identical.
Every course is grounded in the Four Universal Safety Rules. Firearm safety is the foundation of everything we teach.
From first-time shooters to seasoned carriers, Mike tailors instruction to meet you where you are.
Whether you’re a first-time shooter or seeking advanced tactical training, our gun classes are designed for real-world readiness. All courses are taught by licensed professional James “Mike” Higginbotham in a safe and supportive environment. All training includes practical instruction, range time, and safety certification.
Meets all training requirements needed to apply for your Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit. Ready to exercise your Second Amendment rights responsibly? This class provides the knowledge, skills, and certification needed to legally apply for your concealed handgun permit in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Whether you’re new to firearms or an experienced shooter, this class equips you with the training required to carry with confidence. Our certified instructor covers firearm safety, Virginia gun laws, self-defense principles, and responsible carry practices. By the end of the course, you’ll have the official certificate required to submit with your permit application.
Gain expanded reciprocity, giving you legal concealed carry privileges in multiple states. Upon completion of this class, you will receive your Utah Non-Resident Concealed Carry certification, dramatically expanding where you can legally carry.
Taught by Utah Certified Instructor James Higginbotham (#167311). Curriculum covers Utah firearm law, safe handling, holster discipline, and the legal framework that governs non-resident carry across reciprocity states.
Looking for a welcoming, supportive environment to learn firearm skills? Our women’s handgun class in Mechanicsville, VA is designed specifically for women who want to build confidence, improve shooting skills, and learn firearm safety in a comfortable setting. Whether you’re brand new to handguns or want to sharpen your skills, this class provides the guidance you need.
By the end of the class, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to handle your handgun safely and responsibly.
Owning a firearm comes with responsibility. Our firearm safety course covers everything from proper handling and storage to legal responsibilities under Virginia law. This class is ideal for beginners who are new to firearms as well as experienced gun owners who want to refresh their skills. By learning the fundamentals in a safe, supportive environment, you’ll develop the knowledge to protect yourself, your family, and those around you.
This course provides the foundation for responsible gun ownership and can also serve as the required training for concealed carry permit applications in Virginia.
Enroll in our gun classes today and become a responsible firearm owner.
View All Available Classes →Our state-of-the-art computer software tracks each shot’s accuracy and individual shot times. We have hundreds of scenarios to choose from. With realistic active shooter scenario-based training, you’ll experience reality-based situations to help you learn how to think on your feet and make decisions quickly. Choose from Target Shooting, Speed Drills, Tracking and Transitional Skill Drills, games and simulators. Customize your selection to fit your needs for the best experience.
Shoot your choice of laser pistols or use your own firearm with a laser cartridge. We arrange different shooting distances as well. Our Laser Range is for all skill levels: beginners to experts, law enforcement, military, competitive shooters, and more.
Purchase an Hourly Ticket or save money with a $40/month Membership for unlimited use. Have a group? Contact us today to arrange group sessions.
Computer software tracks accuracy and individual shot times on every session.
Active shooter simulations, speed drills, target shooting, tracking drills, and games.
Designed for beginners, experts, law enforcement, military, and competitive shooters.
Available for groups. Contact us to arrange custom group experiences.
Treat laser guns and/or real guns with laser ammo as if they are live-fire weapons. Personal firearms used with a laser cartridge on the laser range must be examined and allowed by the range master/instructor and must come in the building unloaded. No ammunition is allowed in the training center/laser range during the time the laser range is in use. This will be checked upon entry. Please leave ammunition in your vehicle. Some firearms are available for rent from Freedom Services and Training. Laser cartridges are available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
A1 Gun Safety At ALL Times. Treat Laser Guns and/or real guns with Laser Ammo as if they are live-fire weapons. Personal firearms used with a laser cartridge on the laser range must be examined and allowed by the range master/instructor and MUST COME IN THE BUILDING UNLOADED. No ammunition is allowed in the training center/laser range during the time the laser range is in use. This will be checked upon entry. Please leave ammunition in your vehicle. Some firearms are available for rent from Freedom Services and Training. Laser cartridges are available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
A2 Untrained people may be watched and will be instructed how to use the laser range by a FSAT staff member. Please feel free to ask any questions during your time slot.
A3 Your reserved time slot will only be available for you and/or your guest/additional guest. You will not be sharing a time slot with other customers.
A4 You (and any of your guests) are responsible for keeping the Laser Range room, equipment, furniture, and items in the room free of damage. No smoking or drug use inside the property. Smoking is allowed outside in designated areas only. No parties or events are allowed on the property. Please keep the property clean and tidy during your use. Please do not bring additional unapproved guests without prior approval. This includes not bringing children unless they are your registered guest or paid for as an additional guest fee. The equipment and programs for our state of the art Laser Range are very expensive and need to be handled with special care. Please do not eat or drink in the facility. Please report any damages or issues immediately before you leave.
B1 Ordering. The Services to be provided by Freedom Services & Training LLC (FSAT) under this Agreement will be described and set forth in this agreement and agreed upon by the parties from time to time.
B2 Provision of Services. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, FSAT will provide the Services to Customer in a workmanlike and professional manner in accordance with industry standards. The customer’s sole and exclusive remedy for a breach of the foregoing is that FSAT will reperform the Services in a manner that conforms with the requirement.
B3 Customer Responsibility for Physical Venue Acts and Omissions. Any act or omission by Customer, any Venue or any Customer Personnel that is a breach of this Agreement is deemed a breach of this Agreement by Customer. Customer represents and warrants that it is the beneficial owner of Venue or controls Venue and that it has the legal authority to enter into this Agreement for the benefit of each Venue.
B4 Access Grant to FSAT Services. Subject to Customer’s compliance with the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and FSAT Policies, FSAT hereby grants to Customer a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable right to permit Authorized Users to access and use the Services for the Order Term. Removal of Customer Content: FSAT reserves the right to remove any Customer Content for any reason at its discretion (acting reasonably), including because the applicable Customer Content violates the FSAT Policies.
B5 Payment by Card. If Customer pays by credit card, Customer authorizes FSAT to charge Customer’s credit card or bank account for all fees payable. Customer further authorizes FSAT to use a third party to process payments and consent to the disclosure of Customer’s payment information to such third party.
B6 Payment Information. Customer will keep its contact information, billing information and credit card information (where applicable) up to date. Changes may be made on Customer’s Billing Page within the FSAT Platform. Payment Processor will automatically withdraw the full monthly payment on the date of each month beginning on the date the agreement began on. Each month the payment will continue until Customer cancels the subscription with a 30 day notice.
B7 Term. The term of this Agreement will commence on the effective date of the first Order Form and will continue for as long as any Order Form is in effect, unless terminated in accordance with this Section 10 or as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement (the “Term”).
B8 Automatic Renewal. The Order Term for an Order Form will be set forth in such Order Form. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Order Form, each Order Form will automatically renew for the period as stated in the relevant Order Form on the first day following the end of: (a) the initial term or (b) any renewal term, both of which will be specified in the relevant Order Form unless: (a) Customer provides FSAT 30 days’ notice of its intention to not renew this Agreement before the end of the then current term.
B9 At any time during the Term, FSAT may: (a) terminate the APP Services portion of any Order or (b) suspend access to the APP Services, including for the following reasons: (i) the Approved Payment Processor ceases to deliver any portion of the applicable services or the Approved Payment Processor is no longer supported by FSAT; (ii) if a threat to the technical security or technical integrity of the APP Service; or (iii) a breach or violation by Customer of Applicable Law, including the Scheme Rules, or any contractual obligation, including a breach of the processing agreement between Customer and the applicable Approved Payment Processor.
Visit our curated shop for a wide range of firearms, ammo, tactical gear, range supplies, and more. Everything you need, all in one place. Mike will also order items in for you, or you can ask him to add his FFL info to the website you want to use. We carry brands including Glock, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Canik, Rossi, and more.
* Don’t see what you want? Mike will order it in, or add his FFL info to the website of your choice. Call or send a message.
Don’t miss your chance to win top-tier firearms and gear in our monthly Exclusive Seats! Each ticket gets you closer to winning exclusive products. Upcoming seats include premium firearms from Glock, Smith & Wesson, Canik, and more. Unlock premium perks with our Subscription program: members get priority access to classes, discounts on shop items, early entry into seats, and much more.
One ticket, one shot at winning. Pick the firearm you want to enter for, no commitment required.
The full insider package, built for the regulars and the serious.
Mike taught me invaluable lessons; hopefully none I ever have to use. I highly recommend him. He has a great establishment, very professional.
Very informative class, worth every penny. Mike is an awesome instructor. I would highly recommend this class.
Mike and his staff are very helpful and informative. Nice shop with good variety, including a suppressor kiosk. 100x better than going to Bass Pro or Green Top.
Mike has a great personality and makes the class more enjoyable than expected. Overall very informative!
Took the concealed course and he came off very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend.
I attended the concealed carry class and it was extremely informative. $75 for the 6-hour course. Mike is the best!
Protect. Train. Carry.