*If you're looking for a place where you'll truly learn and feel supported, Area 301 is it! their knowledge is top-notch, and they make sure no question goes unanswered. Every instructor I've encountered has been patient, thorough, and genuinely passionate about what they teach. You can tell they truly care about their students' understanding. Highly recommend it!

 -Bethany Yocum

*I am an NRA and USCCA certified firearms instructor. We have put 300 to 400 people through the CCW class. I have over 40 hours of Defensive Handgun training with the likes of David Spalding, Chris Cerino, Andrew Blubaugh, Clint Lake along with a two day training class at TDI near Cincinnati.   A good friend and instructor of mine said that Area 301 near East Canton was putting on a “Vehicle Engagements” class. The class was about fighting from inside the car as well as from outside the car. . The instructors were very thorough and took the time to “walk” us through what to do before we sped up the process. We got to shoot through the windshield as well as the passenger window.  I now know how to fight around a vehicle, where to take cover from and how to return fire.  I didn’t want it to stop.  At 77 years old I proved that you’re not too old to learn new tricks! Thanks Jess for sharing your knowledge.

-Mike C.

*Excellent training ranges, very knowledgeable and friendly staff. I have taken 2 different training classes here and Jess is amazing. He keeps things simple and easy to understand, it’s a lot of information but the staff at Area301 does an amazing job working with everyone and keeping things fun while being safe. I would recommend any training class they offer and will be attending more classes myself.

-Brad S.

*Area 301 Pre CCW class was a great way to introduce me to the world of firearms and all the possibility firearms has to offer!

I had a desire to learn how to properly and safely use a firearm. I signed up for the Pre CCW class super excited, curious, and a little bit nervous! I had zero experience! I never had fired a pistol, loaded a mag, or even held a firearm!

The classroom experience was welcoming, informative, & well organized. The main instructor, Jess was knowledgeable and clearly outlined all of the learning objectives in a way a beginner could understand. 

The range experience was amazing and where the real fun begins! The range instructors Jess & Randy have the heart to teach- patiently guiding & instructing you each step of the way. I loved how the instructors each took one student out on the range at a time. The one on one teaching experience helps you feel safe and helps build your confidence. 

I highly encourage you to give the Pre CCW class a whirl! This class is a great stepping stone in equipping & motivating you for the next natural leg of the journey! The Pistol Engagements 1 class! 

-Rebecca H.

*They do a fantastic job at making it feel like you are receiving a 1 on 1 session in a class setting. Any one of any skill level should attend one of the classes they’re truly good people that know their stuff!

-Killian C

Leetonia, Ohio 

 *  I took the Pre CCW Orientation class  with Jess and his instructors. As someone with minimal prior experience, this class was a great introduction to firearms. Jess did a great job tailoring the class to the level of the students. There were some who had never shot before, and Jess got them up and running safely on the range. We were given a great introduction to firearm safety and range rules before shooting. Jess and his instructors bring a ton of valuable, real-world experience that students of all skill levels can benefit from.

-Michael G.

*I just joined Area 301 recently and took my first class with them (Pistol Engagements 1). Exceptional training at a good price. Nice facilities and a fantastic team of instructors that put safety first and have a unique approach to skills development. Can’t go wrong with Jess Butterworth and his crew at Area 301.

-Will K.

*So Jess was able to create a class package that met the needs of our group.   He took the time to ask in depth questions about what I was looking  to accomplish and then created a custom curriculum around the objectives we discussed.  Whatever your needs are, Jess can help provide you with the solution you need to the problems you have. 

-Peter L.

*On June 29th, I took the Pistol Engagements Phase 1 class at Area 301. We started off in the classroom and went over several different topics including “Top 10 rules of training for gun fighting” “Target areas” “Fundamentals of Shooting” just to name a few. The instructor Jess Butterworth went over gun safety, being aware of your surroundings, helpful things to do to prevent you from sweeping your gun past friendly targets. The way he explains things to you, then immediately demonstrates what he is talking about, makes his way of training very easy to comprehend, understand, and remember. On the gun range Jess is all business when it comes to handling the gun while it is loaded but also likes to mix humor in with his training to keep the class fun and exciting. Jess goes over multiple shooting positions to help you understand to fight in the position you find yourself in, not in the position that you want to be in. Jess also demonstrates several malfunctions that could potentially happen and what to do if you encounter them, plus how to do tactical reloads. Overall, his class is so fundamental for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable carrying concealed and I highly recommend taking. Even if you just have a gun for home defense, and you do not carry in public, this class will help you understand the basics of pulling, presenting, sight picture, your surroundings, and to check your six (behind you) before moving or getting up off the ground if you find yourself there. I am a concealed carry person who wishes I would have done classes like these when I first started carrying but never knew where to go or what I truly needed. It would have made me feel a lot more confident carrying a firearm.  

-DF Chuck  

*“Area 301’s Pistol Engagement course was an excellent investment in my training.  I learned a lot from the very experienced instructors.  I corrected some bad habits and practiced new skills thus improving my confidence with a handgun.  I truly enjoyed the two days on the range and am excited to get back to the range to keep practicing some of the drills I learned.  I recommend everyone that owns a handgun to take the course so that you learn what you’re capable of and you learn how to use your gun as a tool with skill.  Don’t find yourself in a situation with a tool that you don’t know how to use when under stress.  Invest in yourself and take the next appropriate course for you with Area 301.” 

-J. Bloom

*Area 301 Firearm Trainings: Seriously, the Best Out There!

Okay, so I've been around the block a few times when it comes to firearm training, and let me tell you, Area 301 Firearm Trainings is just in a league of its own. I've taken a bunch of their classes – 'Intro to Pistol' (my wife loved it too, which says a lot!), 'Pistol 1,' and 'Rifle 1' – and every single one has been top-notch.

Right from the moment you get there, you can feel that safety isn't just a buzzword; it's genuinely their number one priority. That alone makes you feel super comfortable and ready to learn.

But what really makes Area 301 shine is their instructors. Jess, the main guy, is an incredible teacher. He has this amazing knack for making everyone feel totally at home, whether you're a complete newbie or you've got some serious experience. He talks to the whole class, but honestly, it feels like he's talking directly to you. He's brilliant at explaining things simply for beginners while still dropping pearls of wisdom that even the "high-speed operators" will appreciate. Seriously, his teaching style is just phenomenal.

And it's not just Jess – Randy, the other range officer, is just as awesome. Their combined energy and expertise make for an unbeatable learning environment.

You know how sometimes you pay for a class and feel a bit short-changed? Not here. You get every single penny worth in solid knowledge, quality materials, and fantastic all-around training experience. If you're looking for top-tier firearm education where safety is paramount and the instructors are truly exceptional, you absolutely must check out Area 301 Firearm Trainings. They're hands down the best.

-Trace Yocum
Yocums Gun Locker