Wayne Lanier
ACT Personal Defense LLC logo

ACT Personal Defense LLC

Wayne Lanier

BACKGROUND: Law Enforcement, Former Law Enforcement, Instructor

43 Years Instructing

PH: 770 853 8340


Available Courses

Next Class Course Type Difficulty
Next class: Oct 14
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AR-15 Fundamentals Level 1
Learn to use your AR-15 in defending you…
Basic, Intermediate, Rifle, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses, In Home Defense Training, Private Classes (Group / Individual) Basic
Next class: Oct 18
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Basic CCW/Defensive Pistol Level 1
Training Body, Mind and Warrior Spirit
Intermediate, Advanced, Concealed Carry Training, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses, Specialty Other Intermediate
Next class: Oct 31
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Basic Pistol Shooting Course
Basics of Pistol Shooting is intended fo…
Basic, Intermediate, Concealed Carry Training, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses Basic
Next class: Oct 28
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Basic Rifle Shooting Course
Basic, Intermediate, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses Basic
Next class: Oct 21
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Defensive Pistol level 2
Learn to protect yourself and family wit…
Advanced, Concealed Carry Training, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses Advanced
Next class: Nov 5
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First Steps Pistol
NRA Second Step Learning to Shoot Series
Basic, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses Basic
Next class: Oct 15
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First Steps Rifle
Learn to properly handle and shoot a Rif…
Basic, Rifle, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses Basic
Next class: Oct 22
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Home Firearm Safety Course
Learn to properly use and store firearms…
Basic, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses Basic
Next class: Oct 26
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Learn To Shoot/Pistol Marksmanship
This class is perfect for beginners or s…
Basic, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses, Virtual Simulation Basic
No Upcoming Classes
Contact Instructor
NRA Basic Instructor CCW
NRA Certified CCW Instructor
Advanced, Concealed Carry Training, NRA Courses, Instructor Training Courses Advanced
Next class: Nov 1
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NRA Basic Instructor Pistol
Certified NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Inst…
NRA Courses, Instructor Training Courses N/A
Next class: Nov 8
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NRA Basic Instructor Rifle
NRA Certified Rifle Instructor
Advanced, Rifle, NRA Courses, Instructor Training Courses Advanced
No Upcoming Classes
Contact Instructor
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
Advanced, NRA Courses, Instructor Training Courses Advanced
No Upcoming Classes
Contact Instructor
NRA Range Safety Officer
Certified NRA Range Safety Officer
Basic, Intermediate, NRA Courses, Specialty Other Basic
No Upcoming Classes
Contact Instructor
Personal Protection Home/Defensive Pistol Level 3
Personal Protection In The Home
Intermediate, Advanced, NRA Courses, In Home Defense Training, Virtual Simulation Intermediate
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About ACT Personal Defense LLC

ACT Personal Defense was born out of a desire to save innocent lives. It all started in early 2015 when a former police officer and tactical team (SWAT) leader woke up one morning to the news of another senseless murder of our young military men, not in some foreign land but close by in Chattanooga TN. On July 16, 2015, Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez opened fire on two military Recruiting Centers in Chattanooga, TN. When the dust settled, four Marines had died, a Navy sailor died a few days later from his wounds, and a Marine recruiter and a police officer responding to the scene were wounded. Finally the terrorist was killed by police in a gunbattle.

Out of this chaos came the idea to train as many law abiding citizens as possible in proper firearm safety and the fundamental skills needed to protect themselves, their families…  Thus, ACT Personal Defense was born.

We pledge to provide a comfortable, low pressure, learning environment where everyday people can receive the proper training from an NRA Certified Instructor.   A place where you learn to effectively and efficiently defend yourself, your family and home from needless attacks. Our programs use “Total Participation Involvement” (TPI) and "Discovery Learning" (hands-on learning) to minimize the use of lectures. We strive to provide a training process that will hold your interest and make learning fun. Our quality instruction provides a thorough understanding of safety, firearm handling, and will develop your marksmanship skills. After completing our course of study, you will have the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to own and safely use a firearm. Then you can truly say, as we do; “I carry to protect myself, my family and the innocent who can’t protect themselves."Will you join us in this endeavor to save lives?

Courses Taught

Concealed Carry Training, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Rifle, NRA Courses, USCCA Courses, Active Shooter Response Training, In Home Defense Training, Church / Business - Safety / Security, Scenario Based Training, Women's Only Courses, Private Classes (Group / Individual), Instructor Training Courses, Virtual Simulation, Seminars / Lectures, Concealed Carry License, Benchrest, Specialty Other, Constitutional / Permitless Carry, Range Safety Officer, Court Ordered Gun Safety


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Certifications

  • State Certified Police Officer St. Louis, Missouri (retired)
  • St. Louis Tactical Team Leader (SWAT)
  • St. Louis Police Department "Distinguished Expert" Marksmanship award
  • ADSI Defensive Shooting Instructor
  • NRA Training Counselor
  • NRA Certified Home Firearm Safety Instructor
  • NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
  • NRA Certified Rifle Instructor
  • NRA Personal Protection In The Home Instructor
  • NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home Instructor
  • NRA Certified Range Safety Officer
  • USCCA Certified instructor
  • USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals -Certified Instructor
  • USCCA Countering The Mass Shooter Threat - Certified Instructor

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Policies

Cancellation Policy

We understand life - things unexpectantly change. You can cancel your class registration at any time without penality. We simply ask that you notify us as soon as possible so that we can allow waiting students access to your spot in the class.

Reschedule Policy

 You can reschedule your class either by email or phone at any time. Notify us as soon as possible. 

Refund Policy

We will gladly return 100% of any deposits or class registrations fees for any reason. 

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Waiver

RELEASE, WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION,

HOLD HARMLESS AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT

 

Whereas, in consideration of being permitted to attend a course for instruction in firearms, for the instruction in firearms, for the use of premises, and for other goods and valuable considerations, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledges, Undersigned agrees to the following;

                Undersigned agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend ACT Personal Defense, LLC (hereinafter referred to as “instructor(s)”), from any and all fault, liabilities, costs expenses, claims, demands, or lawsuits arising out of, related to or connected with: Undersigned; Undersigned’s presence on or use of gun range, buildings, land and premises (“Premises”) and, any and all acts or omissions of Undersigned.

                Undersigned furthermore waives for himself/herself and for his/her executors, personal representatives, administrators, assignees, heirs and any next of kin; any and all rights and claims for damages, loses, demands and any other actions or claims whatsoever, which he/she may have or which may arise against Instructor(s) (including but not limited to the death of the Undersigned and/or any and all injuries, damages or illnesses suffered by Undersigned or Undersigned’s propriety), which may, in any way whatsoever arise out of, be related to or be connected with the course of instruction; the Premises, including any latent defect in the Premises; Undersigned’s presence on or use on said Premises; Undersigned’s property (whether or not entrusted to Instructor(s) ); and the discharge of firearms, Instructor(s) shall not be liable for, and Undersigned, on behalf of himself/herself and on behalf of his/her executors, personal representatives, administrators, assignees, heirs and next of kin, hereby expressly releases the Instructor(s) from  any and all claims and liabilities.

                Undersigned herby expressly assumes the risk of taking part in the course of instruction in firearms and taking part in the activities on the Premises, which include, but are not limited to, instruction in the use of firearms, the discharge of firearms and the firing of live ammunition.

                Undersigned herby acknowledges and agrees that Undersigned has read this instrument and understands its terms and is executing this instrument voluntarily. Undersigned furthermore hereby acknowledges and agrees that he/she has read, understands and will at all times abide by all gun range rules and procedures and any other rules and procedures stated by the instructor(s).

                Undersigned expressly agrees that this instrument is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law, and that if any provision of this instrument is held invalid or otherwise unenforceable, the enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be impaired hereby. No remedy and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy now on hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statue or otherwise. The election of anyone or more remedy hereunder by Instructor(s) shall not constitute any waiver of Instructor’s right to pursue other available remedies. This instrument binds the Undersigned and his/her executors, personal representatives, administrators, assignees heirs and next of kin.

 

Signed__________________________________________________ Date______________________________________

 

Print Name___________________________________________ Phone Number_________________________________

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to own a firearm to take a class?

A: No, you do not. For many of our “Learn to Shoot” or “First Steps” introductory courses, we provide all the necessary equipment, including firearms, ammunition, eye protection, and ear protection. Intermediate, Basic and Advanced courses generally require you to bring your own firearm.

Q: I'm a complete beginner. What class should I take? A: We highly recommend starting with our "Learn to Shoot or First Steps Pistol/ Rifle courses. These classes are specifically designed for new shooters and cover essential safety rules, proper handling techniques, and marksmanship basics in a comfortable, low-pressure environment.

Q: Is there an age requirement for your classes?

A: Participants in our concealed carry permit courses must be at least 21 years of age, and have taken a formal firearm training course.  For our other training classes, the minimum age is generally 18, but we offer specific courses for younger students when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please contact us for specific course descriptions and details suitable for folks under 18.

Q: Do you offer private lessons?

A: Yes, we do! Private lessons are a great way to get one-on-one attention and tailor the training to your specific needs and skill level. Fees can range between $25 - $50 dollars per hour. Please contact us directly to schedule a private session with one of our certified instructors.

Q: What is the typical duration of your classes?

A: Class length can vary depending on the topic. Our introductory classes (Learn to Shoot/Pistol Marksmanship and First Steps Pistol/Rifle are typically 4 hours long, while Basic Pistol, CCW (Concealed Carry), and Defensive Courses may last a full day. You can contact for the specific length for any of our courses.

Q: Are your instructors certified?

A: Yes, our owner/lead instructor is a retired law enforcement SWAT Team Leader from St. Louis Missouri with over 45 years of teaching experience. Holding certifications from the  NRA as a Training Counselor, responsible for training instructors for the NRA. Furthermore, all of our instructors are highly experienced and certified by recognized organizations, NRA (National Rifle Association), USCCA (United States Conceal Carry Association) or by state-specific law enforcement divisions, ensuring you receive the highest level of professional training.

Q: What is the maximum class size?

A: We intentionally keep our class sizes small usually 4 people, this ensures that every student receives personalized attention and has ample opportunity to ask questions. The exact number of participants may vary (families, church/work groups), but we prioritize quality instruction over quantity.

Q: Do you offer training for rifles or shotguns?

A: Yes, our curriculum extends beyond handguns to include a variety of firearms. We offer courses for basic rifle and shotgun handling, as well as more advanced tactical training for Pistol, Rifle and the AR-15 platform.

Q: What are the legal requirements to own a firearm?

A: Firearm ownership laws vary by state and are subject to federal regulations. In general, you must be 21 years or over, pass a background check to legally purchase a firearm. Our courses can help you understand the specific laws in your state.

Q: Do you offer group discounts?

A: We offer special rates for groups or private parties. These are a great option for families, friends, or corporate teams. Please contact us to learn more about our group packages and pricing.

Q: What kind of safety measures do you have at the range?

A: Safety is our top priority. Our range time is supervised by certified Instructors and Chief Range Safety Officer at all times. We enforce strict protocols, including mandatory use of eye and ear protection (we provide), to ensure a safe and controlled environment for all our students.

Q: Can I bring my own ammunition?

A: For many of our classes, you are welcome to bring your own firearm and ammunition. However, we may have specific requirements or restrictions on the caliber or type of ammunition used. In some instances, we furnish firearms and ammunition (beginner courses), please check with us ahead of time to confirm.

Q: Do you offer courses on gun maintenance and cleaning?

A: Yes, we offer courses that teach you how to properly disassemble, clean, and reassemble your firearm. These classes are crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliable function of your gun.

Q: Are there any courses for home defense?

A: Absolutely. We have specific courses on home defense and personal protection that focus on situational awareness, using your firearm for self-defense, and understanding the laws regarding the use of lethal force.

Q: Can I take a class with my spouse or child?

A: Yes, many of our classes (Learn to Shoot, First Steps) are suitable for families and can be a great way to learn together. We encourage you to contact us to discuss which course is best for your family's needs.

Q: What is a NRA certified courses or USCCA certified courses?

A: NRA-certified courses are developed by the National Rifle Association while USCCA-certified courses are developed by the United States Concealed Carry Association, both organizations use certified instructors who have completed rigorous training. These courses follow a standardized curriculum and are widely recognized nationwide.

Q: Do you offer courses for advanced or competition shooting?

A: Yes, for experienced shooters, we offer courses that cover advanced topics like tactical shooting, drawing from a holster, and competitive shooting techniques. These classes are designed to improve speed, accuracy, and overall proficiency.

Q: What kind of firearm can I bring to a class?

A: You are generally welcome to bring any legal firearm to our classes. However, certain courses may have caliber or firearm type restrictions, which will be specified in the course description. If you are unsure, please contact us beforehand.

Q: Do you offer gift certificates?

A: Yes, we do! A gift certificate for a training course is a perfect gift for any firearm owner or someone interested in learning about shooting sports. You can purchase them by contacting our office or through our website.

Q: Is there a written test and a shooting test?

A: Many of our certification courses, require both a written exam and a live-fire proficiency test to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the material and are able to safely handle a firearm.

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