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MEET THE lIBERTY fIREARMS team
Welcome to Montana's premier Firearms & Personal Protection Training Company. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier personal protection training in Montana, empowering our communities of citizen-protectors to prevent crime and safeguard lives effectively. Specializing in Firearm & Personal Protection Education and Training, we offer comprehensive courses including Concealed Carry, Personal Safety, Police Encounters, and Countering Mass Shooter Threats, among many others. Through our truly welcoming and holistic learning environment, coupled with our outstanding passion for growth, our primary focus is to instill and enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitude that will lead to a lifetime of safe, enjoyable, and successful involvement in firearm activities and personal protection for you and your loved ones.
Shawn Visintin - Chief Instructor
My name is Shawn Visintin. I was raised in southwestern Montana and now live in Missoula with my incredible wife and our two amazing boys. My background consists of a decade spent as a Lifestyle Coach and Personal Trainer, becoming the youngest NASM Master Trainer in the world in 2013. During that time, I was also involved in private security and private investigations. Most recently, I had the privilege to serve as a Montana Deputy Sheriff from 2020-2022. I have spent about eight years now instructing firearms and personal protection principles and techniques. I am emphatic about individuals taking responsibility for their own personal safety. I continually push myself and my instructors to an endless pursuit of growth in numerous fields, to include coaching ability, shooting skill, testing and evaluation of related products, and how to “fast-track” our students to an expertise level in these fields. I currently teach for numerous national training organizations, to include the USCCA, Legal Heat, and the NRA. I believe my unique experience brings great value and opportunity to the 1000+ students I have taught and continue to teach across Montana. It would be my privilege and pleasure to have you join our next training opportunity! 
TJ Ruiz - Instructor
My name is TJ Ruiz. I was born and raised in Western Montana. My journey to understanding self-preservation began in high school when I found myself in a bank while it was being robbed. Since then, I obtained my concealed carry permit at 18 and have had a passion for educating, training, and growing the responsible-gunowner community of protectors. I have two boys, and I also run a successful flooring business. My passion in life is to be the best father, protector, and educator not just to my boys but also to my community. In my free time, I am on the river fly fishing, at the range, or in the gym with my boys. I have 14 years of experience in firearms, concealed carrying, situational awareness, and studying Montana use of force laws. I was recently certified by Liberty Firearms as a United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals (CCHDF) Firearms Instructor. I am proud to be the newest representative of Liberty Firearms, and I look forward to working with you. 
Jacob Martin - Instructor
My name is Jacob Martin. I was born in the small town of Luray Virginia; my family made the move to Missoula in 2012. Happily married to my high school sweetheart, I work as a plumber during the week while my wife Emily volunteers at the local Christian school. We love to get out and spend time with our family/ friends, get out and shoot, and invest in the Lords Church with our local Missoula congregation. My passion for firearms and their relation to self-defense, began when I was a junior in high school. I began to recognize and be more keenly aware of the dangers we can come across in our daily lives. Whether it's just me, or if I'm out for a walk with my beautiful wife, or just out running errands, I want to be able to protect myself and those who may be unable to defend themselves. I love getting out and hitting the range and training with others. Recently selected as a firearms instructor for Liberty Firearms, I look forward to teaching others the skills and mindset necessary to protect themselves and the ones they love. |
Nate Morrison - Deputy Chief Instructor
My name is Nate Morrison. I grew up in northern New England in farming, logging, and construction. I spent over 20 years in special operations and related fields. I have been an instructor, evaluator, and subject matter expert in special operations, the conventional Army, and the civilian world. I was the founder of the USAF Pararescue Combatives Program and co-founder of the AFSOC Human Performance Program. I am also a multi-sport coach and human performance expert. Currently I’m a construction superintendent in the energy industry who simply cannot let go of his lifelong passion for military science. I am pleased to offer my services teaching weapons & tactics, tactical/wilderness medicine, survival, military combatives, and more to my local communities in Montana and Northern New England. It is my sincere belief that it’s best to have a wide variety of combat and survival skills and never need them, than to desperately need them and not have them. I also want to make it clear that while I have trained special operations units, SWAT teams, security contractors, law enforcement officers, and many others; I firmly believe with all my heart, that the average American citizen is the most important person I will ever train. 
Codie Houtchens - Instructor
Codie was born and raised in Colorado, where she met her husband. In 2016, they moved back to Montana to raise their family as sixth-generation Montanans. Codie is currently the head of the Security team at her church and is also beginning her leadership journey with the Armed Women of America Missoula chapter. She has a passion for providing good, accurate, and safe training to everyone who wants it, primarily focusing on women. Codie wants to offer the training and space for other women that she didn't have herself. She believes that every woman should have access to the knowledge and skills needed to safely protect themselves and their families. 
Kim Kobayashi - Instructor
My name is Kim Kobayashi. I’m many things-a wife, mother, teacher, artist, speaker, and USCCA certified firearms instructor! I started my journey into the world of firearms in 2020 when we lived in Western Washington. Desperate for human connection and interested in learning how to shoot, I took a women’s beginning handgun class. I was hooked. Then I joined the Armed Women of America group that had just started at the gun club. I loved the community, encouragement, and challenge of mastering a new skill-one where the playing field was even between men and women! I tell women that it’s a great “hubby hobby”. Then after moving to Montana early 2022, I couldn’t find a shooting community. That’s when I decided I will just start a chapter of Armed Women of America. I was required to become an instructor (surprise!), and that’s how I met Shawn. He is my teacher and mentor. Becoming an instructor and leading AWA has been life-giving, stretching, and fun. I’m part of an amazing community, and I am able to encourage, equip, educate and enable women to become confident protectors of themselves and those they love. 
David Kunzelman - Instructor
My name is David Kunzelman. I was born and raised near Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since 2001, I have served for a national non-profit organization in a leadership capacity. In 2005, I moved to Montana where I started my beautiful family. For my dedicated work to the non-profit, I was awarded the Presidential Excellence Award for innovation, training, financial savings and leadership. Since 2006, I have served in the public safety sector as a member of Emergency Medical Services and as a Law Enforcement Officer. On top of my Law Enforcement training, I have recently become a USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor. I have a deep passion for teaching others to succeed. I am currently focused on using my abilities to teach citizens of Montana the personal protection strategies needed to keep themselves and their loved ones safe." |
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT OUR TRAINING?
CHECK OUT OUR STUDENT REVIEWS!
check out 100+ more 5-star reviews on our training website:
LINK HERE (SCROLL TO BOTTOM OF PAGE)
"I went in not having the confidence to carry and use. Spend a day with these professionals. They will change the way you look at and think about carrying. Highly recommend to anyone."
- Nicole G.
"Whether you're a professional or a novice with handguns, the Triple Threat course from Shawn at Liberty Firearms won't disappoint. Meticulous safety, real life skills training, and a great atmosphere make this course valuable for everyone willing to learn. Definitely worth the $. Would highly recommend."
- Anonymous
"My husband and I had a fantastic experience with Shawn, Jeff and Pete. If you are looking for ethical, knowledgeable instructors, these are the guys. Their ability to help YOU build YOUR confidence and feel at ease, is top notch. Highly recommended!"
- Amber H.
"Wonderful class, terrific instructors, and valuable content. I learned a number of new skills that certainly will help me in the future. Highly recommend this for all beyond the first-time, beginner stage in your firearms training!"
- Thomas F.
"Great use of time. Shawn is very knowledgable and can show results in a matter of minutes! He's patient and is willing to answer any and all of my questions, as well as demonstrate problems I've had with a pistol using dummy rounds to show me how to fix them. He's straight forward and makes the experience very positive. I can't wait for my next class."
- Rachael T.
"Outstanding. I don’t know where I can receive this quality of training and hands on instruction for $85. Instructors were great, incredibly knowledgeable and always focused on safety."
- Ralph C.
"The real-life, first hand experience of Shawn V was expertly communicated. Having had other instructors in the past I would rate Shawn as a "real-deal" expert. I strongly advise this training to ALL citizens: gun owners and non-gun owners alike - Our entire social climate has shifted. Therefore, we can no longer afford to remain ignorant and count on anyone else for our self-preservation!"
- Jason C.
"Very professional and to the point. I would do it again."
- Shannon L.
"Excellent class and crew! Environment was fun and comfortable, yet the seriousness of the class matter was well presented. Great attention to safety, definitely recommend."
- Andy C.
"Very informative, I learned a lot and the instructors were great."
- Shawn H.
"I was previously going to buy my wife a gun and was advised by Shawn not to until after taking the course with my wife. During the course, we shot the gun I was going to buy her and she hated it to the point where she didn't want to shoot any more. But shawn and the other instructors were very patient and showed my wife several guns until they found the perfect one for her. We both found the course very informational and believe that everyone who owns a gun or is thinking about buying one should take this course, even if they think they know how to shoot. Well worth the money. Thank you all for an amazing Saturday afternoon."
- Steven P.
"I would recommend the class at Liberty Firearms. Safety was number one, very knowledgeable, and was fun!"
- Nathan S.
"I highly recommend Liberty Firearms. The instructors are knowlegable and the environment fun and relaxed. I had a great experience."
- Nikki M.
"There won’t be better or safer training found, I assure you"
- Justin C.
- Nicole G.
"Whether you're a professional or a novice with handguns, the Triple Threat course from Shawn at Liberty Firearms won't disappoint. Meticulous safety, real life skills training, and a great atmosphere make this course valuable for everyone willing to learn. Definitely worth the $. Would highly recommend."
- Anonymous
"My husband and I had a fantastic experience with Shawn, Jeff and Pete. If you are looking for ethical, knowledgeable instructors, these are the guys. Their ability to help YOU build YOUR confidence and feel at ease, is top notch. Highly recommended!"
- Amber H.
"Wonderful class, terrific instructors, and valuable content. I learned a number of new skills that certainly will help me in the future. Highly recommend this for all beyond the first-time, beginner stage in your firearms training!"
- Thomas F.
"Great use of time. Shawn is very knowledgable and can show results in a matter of minutes! He's patient and is willing to answer any and all of my questions, as well as demonstrate problems I've had with a pistol using dummy rounds to show me how to fix them. He's straight forward and makes the experience very positive. I can't wait for my next class."
- Rachael T.
"Outstanding. I don’t know where I can receive this quality of training and hands on instruction for $85. Instructors were great, incredibly knowledgeable and always focused on safety."
- Ralph C.
"The real-life, first hand experience of Shawn V was expertly communicated. Having had other instructors in the past I would rate Shawn as a "real-deal" expert. I strongly advise this training to ALL citizens: gun owners and non-gun owners alike - Our entire social climate has shifted. Therefore, we can no longer afford to remain ignorant and count on anyone else for our self-preservation!"
- Jason C.
"Very professional and to the point. I would do it again."
- Shannon L.
"Excellent class and crew! Environment was fun and comfortable, yet the seriousness of the class matter was well presented. Great attention to safety, definitely recommend."
- Andy C.
"Very informative, I learned a lot and the instructors were great."
- Shawn H.
"I was previously going to buy my wife a gun and was advised by Shawn not to until after taking the course with my wife. During the course, we shot the gun I was going to buy her and she hated it to the point where she didn't want to shoot any more. But shawn and the other instructors were very patient and showed my wife several guns until they found the perfect one for her. We both found the course very informational and believe that everyone who owns a gun or is thinking about buying one should take this course, even if they think they know how to shoot. Well worth the money. Thank you all for an amazing Saturday afternoon."
- Steven P.
"I would recommend the class at Liberty Firearms. Safety was number one, very knowledgeable, and was fun!"
- Nathan S.
"I highly recommend Liberty Firearms. The instructors are knowlegable and the environment fun and relaxed. I had a great experience."
- Nikki M.
"There won’t be better or safer training found, I assure you"
- Justin C.