Professional Screen Presence

Preparing for a role that involves firearms requires an authentic understanding of weapon handling that satisfies both the audience and the industry professionals. At Oxford Shooting Academy, we ensure you don't just hold a firearm—you master it. Our Firearms for Actors course is designed to eliminate common mistakes often seen on screen, such as incorrect grip, poor muzzle awareness, or failing to cock a single-action pistol.

From basic handling to tactical movement and live firing, we provide the skills necessary to portray a convincing and safe performance. You will be trained to move, aim, and cycle various platforms, ensuring your portrayal is grounded in reality. Whether you are aiming for the tactical precision of Keanu Reeves or simply need to look competent in a high-pressure scene, our training provides the foundational expertise required for the modern screen.

Magazines

Learn how to insert a magazine and correctly charge (cock) the firearm. We also cover the often-overlooked skill of efficient magazine removal.

Professional Grip

If you want to look professional, you have to get the grip right. We train you on the correct hand placement for various firearms to ensure an authentic look.

Live Firing

Experience real shooting to understand the recoil and mechanics. Master aiming, rapid magazine changes, and moving safely with a loaded weapon.

Professional Tactical Mastery

In an increasingly volatile global landscape, the demand for Close Protection tactical firearms training has never been higher. For professionals operating in hostile environments, proficiency with various weapon systems is a survival requirement. Our training focuses on the critical muscle memory required to clear jams, execute rapid magazine changes, and manipulate safeties under extreme duress.

We take you from foundational handling to running complex practical courses with diverse platforms, including SIG, AR15, MP5, AK47, and UZI. You will train on hit-or-no-hit turning targets, forcing split-second decisions between hostile and non-hostile threats.

Professional Components

• Weapon Selection: Understanding concealment and rapid access.
• Situational Awareness: Constant threat assessment and defensive positioning.
• Rules of Engagement: Legal considerations and the use of force as a last resort.

The CPO Standard

Close Protection Officers must maintain a professional demeanour and expert technical proficiency. Our course ensures you are well-versed in firearm maintenance, team coordination, and the strict legal frameworks governing the use of deadly force.

Note: Stage 1 Training is mandatory for those who have never shot before. You must be certified at this level before progressing to Stage 2 live-fire training.

Strategic Efficiency & Accuracy

Practical Shooting—frequently referred to as Tactical Shooting in regions where traditional terminology is preferred—is a shooting discipline focused on the strategic and efficient use of firearms to achieve specific objectives. This course is designed to develop the essential skills of accuracy, speed, and decision-making under realistic and dynamic scenarios, suitable for both professionals and civilians engaged in advanced self-defence training.

This intensive full-day course takes place at our indoor range, where you will fire hundreds of rounds. We take you from your initial shot through to advanced manoeuvres, including moving down the range with a loaded rifle and engaging targets from multiple positions. Operational proficiency is key; you will also be trained in the manual loading of magazines to ensure total familiarity with your equipment.

Safety is our absolute priority. If you do not yet hold our Competency Certificate (Stage 1), initial training is conducted using high-specification non-lethal platforms. Once our instructors are satisfied with your safety protocols, you will progress to live-fire Stage 2 training.

Core Disciplines

• Weapon Handling: Mastery of loading, unloading, and clearing malfunctions.
• Marksmanship: Precision shooting at varied distances and from dynamic stances.
• Tactical Movement: Techniques for shooting on the move and utilizing cover effectively.
• Stress Inoculation: Maintaining composure and accurate decision-making under pressure.

Performance Assessment

Your progress is measured through timed drills where accuracy is divided by time to provide an overall proficiency score. Most participants achieve Stage 1 certification within the first four hours, allowing the remainder of the day to be dedicated to advanced Stage 2 Tactical Training.

We provide a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks throughout the day to ensure you remain focused during this high-intensity training session.