Bear Arms Training

About Bear Arms Training

Professional Firearms Instructor • Defensive Shooting Coach • Mentor Leader

Nate Bearfield is a veteran firearms instructor and tactical coach with a passion for empowering responsible, confident shooters across all experience levels. With over a decade of hands-on training experience, Nate brings an engaging, student-focused approach to the fundamentals of marksmanship, weapon handling, decision making, and mindset under pressure.

• Founder and lead instructor at Bear Arms Training, where he develops and leads curricula in defensive pistol, rifle, and close-quarters tactics

• Certified through nationally recognized instructor courses (pistol, rifle, use-of-force, scenario-based training)

• Extensive experience as a mentor, working with civilians, armed professionals, and first responders

• Skilled in adapting instruction for students of varying skill levels—from new shooters to seasoned veterans

• Regular presenter and instructor at women’s-only firearm courses, emphasizing safety, confidence, and technique

Nate believes that effective instruction is not just about technique—it’s about unlocking each student’s potential through clear communication, patience, and tailored feedback. He combines real-world tactics with proven fundamentals to help students build skill, competence, and confidence. Whether the focus is home defense, concealed carry, competition, or general preparedness, Nate emphasizes safety, situational awareness, and mindset.

• A strong communicator and motivator who breaks down complex skills into digestible steps

• Ability to teach in high-stress, stimulus-rich environments to prepare students for realistic scenarios

• Commitment to ongoing education—Nate continuously updates his methods with the latest force-option, legal, and shooting dynamics trends

• A supportive, encouraging instructor who values each student’s growth and progress

Outside the range, Nate is also an active community leader and public speaker, engaging with local safety groups and youth programs to promote responsible firearm ownership and training. He strives to leave every student better prepared, more confident, and ready to make smart decisions under pressure.

Certifications

Owner & Lead Instructor – Bear Arms Training | Advanced Firearms & Self-Defense Expert

Nate Bearfield is the Owner and Lead Instructor of Bear Arms Training, one of Virginia’s premier destinations for professional firearms instruction and self-defense training. Known for his elite-level teaching and hands-on coaching style, Nate has trained active FBI agents, members of the United States Marine Corps, and the U.S. Army—bringing the same high-standard instruction to civilians who want to train with purpose, precision, and confidence.

With his Range Master Advanced Pistol Instructor Certification, Nate sets the bar for firearms safety, performance shooting, and defensive readiness. His classes go beyond the range—focusing on real-world scenario training that prepares students to make fast, smart, and lawful decisions under pressure.

At Bear Arms Training, Nate offers a full lineup of Virginia concealed carry courses, advanced pistol training, and personal protection classes designed for both new shooters and experienced gun owners ready to elevate their skills. Each program blends practical shooting drills with mindset development, situational awareness, and dynamic defensive tactics—helping students perform confidently in real-life encounters.

Nate believes every responsible gun owner deserves access to real-world, reality-based firearms training. His mission is simple: empower everyday people to become competent, confident, and capable defenders of themselves and others. Through small-group sessions and private coaching, Bear Arms Training delivers a personalized experience that helps shooters fine-tune their mechanics, sharpen accuracy, and build the mindset of a protector.

• Range Master Graduate – Advanced Pistol Instructor

• Active Self Protection Instructor Course – Graduate (Expert Witness Preparation)

• Modern Samurai Project – Scott Jedlinski (Red Dot Pistol Performance)

• Tim Herron Shooting – Advanced Marksmanship Development

• Special Operations Combatives (SOCP) Force-on-Force Program – Warrior Poet Society

• Maryland State Police Wear and Carry – Certified Instructor

• Weapons Control Board, Prince William County – Firearms Trainer

• Elite Shooting Sports – Active Shooter Threat Response

• OnSight Firearms Training – Ben DeWalt (Advanced Pistol Skills)

In addition to his instructional background, Nate continues to expand into competitive shooting, pushing his performance limits to bring new insights and techniques back to his students. His relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that every class he teaches reflects the highest standards of safety, accuracy, and tactical skill development.

Whether you’re pursuing your Virginia concealed carry permit, looking to build self-defense confidence, or ready to take your shooting to the next level, training with Nate Bearfield will give you the knowledge, mindset, and mastery to perform when it counts.

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