DCS Trains
D. Cragin (Craig) Shelton
BACKGROUND: Civilian, Former Military, Instructor, Gov’t Employee / Contractor
4 Years Instructing
PH: 703 772 6660
Available Courses
| Next Class | Course | Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Ark Enhanced Concealed Handgun Carry License Class Upgrade your Arkansas Basic CHCL; gain a… |
Basic, Concealed Carry Training, Concealed Carry License | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Ark. CHCL Renewal Course Required instruction to renew your 5-yea… |
Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Concealed Carry Training, Seminars / Lectures, Private Classes (Group / Individual), Concealed Carry License | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Ark. Concealed Handgun Carry License Class Required for Arkansas CHCL and ECHCL |
Basic, Concealed Carry Training, USCCA Courses, Concealed Carry License | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Basic Handgun Intro to Handguns - Safety, Selection, C… |
Basic, USCCA Courses, Seminars / Lectures, Private Classes (Group / Individual), Online Courses, Legal Aspects for Use of Force / Avoidance | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Basic Handgun Skills - Training at the Range Fundamentals of safe handgun shooting fo… |
Basic, Intermediate, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses, Private Classes (Group / Individual) | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Buying Your First Handgun Never owned a gun and want to know how t… |
Basic, Private Classes (Group / Individual), Online Courses | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Community Organization Meeting Program Need a program speaker for your monthly… |
Basic, Concealed Carry Training, USCCA Courses, In Home Defense Training, Specialty Other, Seminars / Lectures, Private Classes (Group / Individual), Church / Business - Safety / Security | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Constitutional Carry Constitutional & Permitless Carry in Ark… |
Basic, Concealed Carry Training, USCCA Courses, Specialty Other, Seminars / Lectures, Constitutional / Permitless Carry | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
NRA First Steps Pistol Orientation Need starter lesson with a new handgun?… |
Basic, NRA Courses, Private Classes (Group / Individual) | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
The Legal Use of Force |
Basic, Concealed Carry Training, USCCA Courses, Specialty Other, Seminars / Lectures, Legal Aspects for Use of Force / Avoidance | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
USCCA Basic Handgun Training -Laser Pistol Fundamentals of safe handgun use, with t… |
Basic, USCCA Courses, Private Classes (Group / Individual) | Basic |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
USCCA Range Qualification Level 3 Protector Academy Level 3: A USCCA Certi… |
Intermediate, Advanced, Concealed Carry Training, USCCA Courses, Private Classes (Group / Individual) | Intermediate |
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No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
USCCA Range Qualification, Level 1 or 2 Protector Academy Level 1 or 2:.A USCCA… |
Basic, Intermediate, USCCA Courses, Private Classes (Group / Individual) | Basic |
About DCS Trains
It started with a Daisy BB gun in our grandparents' back yard, followed by a Rifle Merit Badge in the Scouts, and marksman qualification in the Air Force. I did not get into regular handgun practice until obtaining my concealed carry permit in 2006, and practicing at an indoor range about a dozen times a year for over a decade. My jobs in uniform were support roles, not combat, with pistol qualification a few times over 26 years.
My path to becoming a firearms instructor began in 2019 at the NRA Personal Protection Expo in Fort Worth, followed by a series of intermediate and advanced handgun courses in 2020, then NRA Pistol Instructor certification in 2021. Snce 2020 the goal has been to learn as much as possible, taking every quality training course that is affordable and close enough to home.
At the same time, I brought to my development as a shooter a lifelong effort to be an effective teacher. From tutoring classmates in high school, to teaching undergrad university courses in the 70's, military and professional classes and seminars in the 80s, 90s and 2000s, into teaching post-graduate university courses, I approach every job as a teacher.
Today, I want to help new and limited experience shooters learn to improve their shooting, and also how to think about their use of handguns, especially legal aspects of carrying firearms and their use in self defense. (Note: IANAL -I Am Not A Lawyer.) Complete firearms instruction must include both education, learning new information, facts, and ways of thinking; and training, improvement in skills and abilitiies. I do my best to offer both in every class.
Goals in every class are that students
- are safe at all times,
- improve their own safe practices with firearms,
- improve their shooting,
- learn something new & useful,
- and have fun.
DCS Trains others, and Craig also trains with others, almost 500 hours since 2018. Here are my own student effforts related to firearms.
Courses completed (partial list):
2023
Advanced Defensive Pistol Defense Training International
Tac-Con 2023 Rangemaster Tac-Con
Evidence Based Pistol Skills Active Self Protetion
NRA Instructor Personal Protection in the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home
2022
MAG40 Massad Ayoob Group
USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals Instructor GunSTAR Training
USCCA Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Level I Instructor Bearco Training
Active Shooter Instructor Last Resort Firearms Training
Red Dot Concepts The Complete CombatAnt
2021
Evidence Based Self Defense Active Self Protection
NRA Basic Rifle Course
Law of Self Defense Instructor Program LoSD.com
Street Encounters Skills & Tactics FPF Traning
NRA Personal Protection in the Home
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home
NRA Defensive Pistol
NRA Instructor Pistol Shooting Course
American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Stop the Bleed
2020
Concealed Carry II & III Last Resort Firearms Training
Law of Self Defense LoSD.com
Defense Against Rioting, Looting, & Arson LoSD.com
Defense of Property LoSD.com
2006
NRA Basic Pistol Course
Instructors I have trained with:
Aaron Acklin Aaron's Gun Cabinet
Paula Ardans GunSTAR Training
Massad Ayoob Massad Ayoob Group
Andrew Branca Law of Self Defense
Tim Chandler 360 Performance Shooting
John Correia Active Self Protection
Greg Ellifritz Active Response Training
John S. Farnam Defense Training International
Alfred Felker Strategic Self Reliance and Defense
Tom Givens Rangemaster
Lou Ann Hamblin LouKa Tactical Training
John Hearne Rangemaster
Brian Hill The Complete Combatant
John Hoschen West Coast Armory North
Scott Jedlinkski (Jedi) Modern Samurai Project
Tiffany Johnson Rangemaster Citizens Safety Academy
Spencer Keepers Keepers Concealment
Barret Kendrick Bearco Training
Aimee Langdon Langdon Tactical
Samuel Middlebrook Active Self Protection Redhawk Firearm Training
Ed Monk Last Resort Firearms Training
John Murphy FPF Training
Aqil Qadir Rangemaster Citizens Safety Academy
Ashton Ray 360 Performance Shooting
David Streb Level 1 Firearms Training
Neil Weidner Active Self Protection
Courses Taught
Concealed Carry Training, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses, In Home Defense Training, Church / Business - Safety / Security, Private Classes (Group / Individual), Seminars / Lectures, Specialty Other
Certifications
Instructor Certifications
- NRA Certified Instructor for Basic Pistol and Personal Protection ; & Range Safety Officer, #149323457
- USCCA Certified Instructor & Range Safety Officer, #2645586
- Rangemaster Certified Protective Pistolcraft Instructor
- Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) Instructor, #21-1519
- Law of Self Defense Instructor Program Graduate
- Active Shooter Instructor Graduate
Member, Firearms Trainers Association
Shooting Accomplishments
- Graduate, MAG40 Course, Massad Ayoob Group, 2022 (Qualification score 298/300)
- NRA Distinguished Expert, Semi-Auto Pistol, 2021
- NRA Expert, Revolver, 2021
- USAF Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon / Rifle, 1971
Policies
Cancellation Policy
If DCS Trains must cancel a class for any reason, all registered students will be offered an opportunity to reschedule training or receive a full refund.
Reschedule Policy
Because DSC Trains maintains a limited class schedule, rescheduling of canceled classes wil be on an ad hoc basis and generally involve negotiating new dates with the affected students.
Refund Policy
Students dismissed from training by the instructor due to serious safety violations (see Safety policy, below) wll not receive a refund.
Students who choose or need to leave a class once training has begun may not receive a refund, but wll be offered an opportuntiy to reschedule training. Depending on the reason for early departure, the instructor may offer a partial or full refund.
Students who cancel their class reservation at least seven calendar days prior to training will receive a full refund.
Students who cancel their class reservation less than seven calendar days prior to training will receive an 80% refund.
Students who cancel their class reservation less 24 hours prior to training will not receive a refund.
Other Policy
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Students in classes involving handling of firearms (including dry fire and dummy or laser guns ) must
- be at least 18 years old, or accompanied by an adult parent or legal guardian who is also a student in the class,*
- be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident Alien (I-551, green card holder),**
- not be a prohibited firearm possessor under Federal or state law.**
* A parent or guardian may accompany no more than one minor student under the age of 14, or two minor students between 14 and 18 years of age. There is a discount for parent & minors training together.
Please note: When an adult takes a class accompanying a minor, both are students; the adult is not an assistant instructor.
For USCCA Qualification sessions, the parent must accompany the minor to the range and remain at the range during the sesssion, but does not register for the class with the minor.
** These are legal requirements and not negotiable.
Under Arkansas law, effective 1 August 2023, the State Police cannot deny a CHCL based on possession of a medical marijuana card. However, that does not change the status as a prohibited possessor under Federal law.
Holders of medical marijuana cards are welcome as students in the classroom portions of my CHCL classes. However, you wll not be able to participate in live fire activities, other than as an observer.
The above requirements do not apply to seminars and classroom-only lecture classes which do not involve handling firearms or inert training guns (plastic or laser).
SAFETY
Safety requirements wll be included in the opening session of every class. Students are responsible for their own safety and that of others around them. Since a major purpose of firearms training is to develop strong safe practices, the instructor will work with students to correct observed unsafe actions. However, should the instructor judge that safety violations are so frequent or flagrant that a student is a serious threat to safety of the class, the student may be dismissed from the class without refund.
RANGE FEES
- Students are responsible for payment of range fees directly to the range operator on the day of class, unless informed in advance that those fees are included in the course fee.
- For classes at Arkansas Armory range fees are included in the course fee paid to DCS Trains.
Waiver
Students must sign a copy of the following document at the beginning of each class.
For classes involving live fire, the student must also sign the release and waiver for the host range.
For classes at Arkansas Armory, sign their Range Waiver online at their web site.
Parents must sign the waiver for minors taking the class.
We recommend you read the waiver here fully and address any questions concerning it to the instructor (dcs_trains@icloud.com) prior to class.
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Firearms Trainers Association Release and Waiver
The individual named below (referred to as "I" or "me") desires to participate in __
("Activity" or “Activities”) provided by the FTA member (the "Member"). As lawful consideration for being permitted by the Member to participate in the Activity, and the intangible value that I will gain by participating in the Activity, I agree to all the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement (this "Agreement").
I AM AWARE AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE ACTIVITIES ARE DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES AND INVOLVE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, DEATH, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ANY INJURIES THAT I SUSTAIN MAY BE COMPOUNDED BY NEGLIGENT EMERGENCY RESPONSE OR RESCUE OPERATIONS OF THE MEMBER. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITIES WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGER INVOLVED AND HEREBY AGREE TO ACCEPT AND ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISKS OF INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE MEMBER OR OTHERWISE. Initial:
I hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims, now known or hereafter known in any jurisdiction throughout the world, against the Member, its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, members, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Releasees"), on account of injury, death, or property damage arising out of or attributable to my participation in the Activities, whether arising out of the negligence of the Member or any Releasees or otherwise. I covenant not to make or bring any such claim against the Member or any other Releasee, and forever release and discharge the Member and all other Releasees from liability under such claims.
I shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Member and all other Releasees against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind, including reasonable attorney fees, that are incurred by the indemnified party arising out of or related to any third-party claim alleging any bodily injury to or death of any person, or damage to real or tangible personal property caused by my negligence or other more culpable act or omission (including any reckless or willful misconduct) in connection with my participation in the Activities.
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be determined by final and binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures ("Commercial Rules"). There shall be one arbitrator agreed to by the parties within twenty (20) days of receipt by respondent of the request for arbitration, or in default thereof appointed by the AAA in accordance with its Commercial Rules. The award rendered by the arbitrator shall be final, non-reviewable, and non-appealable and binding on the parties and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction. The place of arbitration shall be Los Angeles, California. Except as may be required by law, neither a party nor the arbitrator may disclose the existence, content, or results of any arbitration without the prior written consent of both parties, unless to protect or pursue a legal right. The arbitrator will have no authority to award punitive damages or consequential damages.
I IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT I MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION, PROCEEDING, CAUSE OF ACTION, OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO MY PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES. I CERTIFY AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I MAKE THIS WAIVER KNOWINGLY ANDVOLUNTARILY. Initial:
This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the Member and me with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. This Agreement is binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the Member and me and their respective successors and assigns.
BY SIGNING, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT I AM VOLUNTARILY GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE THE MEMBER.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to have my own gun to take a class?
No, I have a couple of guns students can use at an added fee. Contact me to discuss this before you sign up for your class. If you are new to handguns, I recommend taking a first class with the instructor's gun before you begin shopping for your own.
- Arkansas has Constitutional (Permitless) Carry.
Why would I bother with getting an Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL)?
1. While legal to carry a gun in public in Arkansas without a license. it is not legal everywhere. To learn those places take a Basic CHCL class, even if you have no intention of obtaining a license.
2. With an Arkansas CHCL, you can carry legally in about 38 states. Those other states have reciprocity with Arkansas
3. Federal law prohibits carry within 1,000 yards of kindergarten, elementary, or high schools, unless you have a state-issued license. With an Arkansas CHCL you are not breaking that law by driving near a school.
4. Arkansas allows carry in several otherwise banned places for those with an Enhanced CHCL. But you must have a Basic CHCL in order to obtain an Enhanced CHCL.
5. Interactions with law enforcement officers (LEO) may go much more smoothly if you tell them you have your CHCL.
For more details, take my Constitutional Carry class. - Can I use the NRA or USCCA class to get a concealed carry license?
The Arkansas State Police require a specific CHCL class for the license. The standard NRA and USCCA pistol courses do not include the required content on Arkansas laws. In general no NRA, USCCA, or handgun basics class qualifies you for an Arkansas CHCL. [This answer applies only to Arkansas. Some other states may accept any handgun safety course for their concealed carry permit.)
- What gun should I get for self defense or concealed carry?
The one you will actually practice with at least once a year, and store securely when not in use. I can't answer that question more specifically, but can give some questions to ask, and things to think about, to help you decide. Contact me for a phone or video call for this discussion. This is a free service
- If a gun store clerk answers that question without asking you questions beyond how much you want to spend, listen politely, thank them, and walk away without buying that day. They are focused on what they want to sell, not what will work for you.
- If anyone insists you MUST have a Glock (or any specific brand or model), be wary. Glocks are very good guns, extremely reliable, quite popular, and carried by many true experts. That said, while they are right for a lot of people, they are not right for everyone. Definitely consider a Glock when making your decision, but use my added questions and thoughts to pick the right one for you.
- For more help, contact a certified handgun instructor, explain you want to take a handgun class before buying your first handgun, and would like the class to include advice on how to select that gun.
- What gun should my wife/girlfriend/daughter have for protection?
The one she selects for herself, preferably using the questions and ideas I refer to above. It is not my place, or yours, to select someone else's defensive handgun. Any women considering getting into firearms, and men who support their interests, should read articles on Kathy Jackson's The Cornered Cat, in particular Gun Store Miss Adventures.
- Are there any good books I should read to help with my self-defense training?
Yes! Start here with three by the most highly respected authorities in the country:
Start with Tom's book for excellent advice on what tools to buy (i.e. gun, holster, etc.), how to use the tools, how to train, how to practice (there is a difference), and, most importantly, why.
Deadly Force, 2nd Edition: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense (2022), by Massad Ayoob
Using a gun to defend yourself is an awesome responsibilty. Ayoob tells you what you should know about being prepared and following through for a successful defense, along with the lessons from high visibilty cases that were in the news.
The Law of Self Defense Principles (2017), by Attorney Andrew Branca.
Branca's watchword: "Carry a gun so you're hard to kill. Know the law so you're hard to convict."
In his book Branca goes into detail explaining the five factors in the law which must be in place for you to successfully claim self defense in every state in the union. While you can buy the book from Amazon, use the link here to Branca's site where he will send you the book free for only the cost of shipping.
Reviews
Basic Handgun (USCCA)
5 stars
From: Richard R.
Firearms Basics (USCCA)
5 stars
From: Kay T.
Private instruction Aug 16, 2024.
Legal Use of Force
5 stars
From: Jessica R.
[Co-instructor for USCCA class July 28, 2024]
USCCA Range Qualification, Level 1
5 stars
From: Mitchell W.
Submitted on June 14, 2023
Your First Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Class
5 stars
From: Alex
Submitted on Dec 13, 2022
Ark. Concealed Handgun Carry License
5 stars
From: Dale G.
Constitutional Carry or Permit Carry in Arkansas?
5 stars
From: David M.
Mar 16, 2023
Constitutional Carry and Permit Carry in Arkansas
5 stars
From: Carl M.
Constitutional Carry or Permit Carry in Arkansas?
5 stars
From: Anonymous
Constitutional Carry or Permit Carry in Arkansas?
5 stars
From: Paula A.
The Legal Use of Force, including Arkansas Law
5 stars
From: Paula
April 2022
Submitted on Apr 28, 2022
The Legal Use of Force including Arkansas Law
5 stars
From: Chris S.
The Legal Use of Force, including Arkansas Law
5 stars
From: Steve H.
Not being one that is quite into the 21st century the ZOOM was new to me ,but information and instructor were EXCELLENT ! If you have any questions Craig is right there with follow up . Be ready to take notes and no distractions . JOIN IN YOU WILL BE EDUCATED .
Submitted on Mar 8, 2023
The Legal Use of Force, including Arkansas Law
5 stars
From: Peter P.
Videos
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Stand Your Ground Law in Arkansas
A short description of the new (July 2021) Stand Your Ground Law in Arkansas, as it affects the legal requirement to retreat from a threat (avoidance) in a self defense situation; an excerpt from my Legal Use of Force class.
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(Mis-) Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws
Arkansas adopted Stand Your Ground law in 2021. This law is widely misunderstood due to bad reporting and poor legal commentary. Watch my instructor lawyer Andrew Branca explain how it really works (1 hour video).
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Constitutional Carry in Arkansas - Course Introduction
Why have a class on permit-less carry of firearms and topics covered in this class.
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Unloading a Six Shooter
Demonstrating how to safely unload a single action revolver, like a cowboy's six shooter.
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Flying High
Just for fun, a sample of my previous hobby.