Firearms Training in Bend, OR

Ultimate Guide to Firearms Training in Bend & Surrounding Areas

Bend, Oregon, offers a variety of options for firearms training, whether you’re new to gun safety, looking to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL), or wanting to sharpen your marksmanship. Here’s a comprehensive guide to top firearms training facilities in Bend, covering gun safety, practice ranges, and instructional courses.

Deschutes Firearms Training (Bend)

Deschutes Firearms Training offers small-group and private instruction focused on safety, confidence, and shooting skills. Great for beginners or those looking to refine fundamentals.

• Courses Offered:

  • Basic handgun training

  • Concealed handgun license (CHL) courses

  • Defensive shooting techniques

  • Private lessons

• Range Info:

  • Indoor training facility

  • Uses Mantis X10 Elite system for performance tracking

  • Loaner pistols available

• Other Details:

  • Personalized instruction based on skill level

  • Great for first-time shooters

• Website: https://dftoregon.com

• Address: 2227 NE Wells Acres Rd, Bend, OR 97701

TIG Tactical (Bend)

TIG Tactical provides real-world firearms and self-defense training for civilians and professionals. Their courses emphasize practical skills and situational awareness.

• Courses Offered:

  • Defensive handgun training

  • Tactical rifle and carbine instruction

  • Customized private lessons

• Range Info:

  • Outdoor shooting range

  • Scenario-based training environments

• Other Details:

  • Realistic, experience-driven instruction

  • Open to all experience levels

• Website: https://www.tigtactical.com

• Address: 131 SE 9th St, Bend, OR 97702

Cascade Gun & Safety (Sisters)

Cascade Gun & Safety offers professional handgun safety training in a calm, welcoming environment. Classes are led by a certified instructor with years of experience teaching shooters of all skill levels.

• Courses Offered:

  • Intro to Basic Handgun (great for new shooters)

  • Tactical Handgun I and II

  • Handgun self-defense training

  • Private lessons

  • Concealed carry permit preparation

• Range Info:

  • Classroom-based instruction with hands-on handling

  • Firearms provided for those who do not yet own one

• Other Details:

  • USCCA and NRA certified instructor

  • Open to all experience levels

  • Students must be 21 or older to enroll

  • Focused on safe, respectful learning environments

• Website: https://www.cascadegunsafety.com

• Address: 714 E. Green Ridge Ave., Sisters, OR 97759

Liberation Firearms Training (Redmond)

Liberation Firearms Training provides supportive, safe firearms education for all experience levels. Ideal for individuals, couples, and families looking for a comfortable training setting.

• Courses Offered:

  • Basic firearms safety and operation

  • Women’s handgun classes

  • Concealed carry and CHL preparation

  • Beginner and advanced skills

• Range Info:

  • Indoor shooting range

  • Controlled, low-pressure environment

• Other Details:

  • Beginner-friendly with personal instruction options

  • Good choice for nervous or first-time shooters

• Website: https://liberationft.com

• Address: 215 SW 4th St, Redmond, OR 97756

Deschutes County Sheriff (Bend)

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office offers official CHL training. A reliable, affordable option provided by a trusted community institution.

• Courses Offered:

  • Concealed handgun license class

  • Firearms safety and legal education

• Range Info:

  • Classroom-based course

  • No live-fire requirement

  • Includes fingerprinting and ID photo

• Other Details:

  • Class size limited to 40 students

  • Good choice for residents seeking official CHL

• Website: https://sheriff.deschutes.org/community/concealed-handgun-license/

• Address: 63333 Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703

Stoneridge Tactical (Bend)

Stoneridge Tactical combines law enforcement experience with real-world defensive firearm training. Courses are designed for civilians, security personnel, and agencies.

• Courses Offered:

  • Tactical pistol training

  • Rifle and carbine instruction

  • Self-defense and force-on-force training

  • Private and custom lessons

• Range Info:

  • Outdoor range with scenario-based setups

  • Realistic, practical environments

• Other Details:

  • Accepts civilians, private security, and law enforcement

  • Focused on hands-on, real-life preparation

• Website: https://www.stoneridgetactical.com

• Address: 64635 Mock Rd, Bend, OR 97703

Stay Center (Madras)

Stay Center is a firearms training center and gun shop based in Madras, offering small classes and personalized instruction for all experience levels. They focus on safety, skill development, and convenience.

• Courses Offered:

  • Progressive firearms training

  • Handgun and pistol classes

  • Rifle and shotgun instruction

  • Self-defense and personal safety training

  • One-on-one and small group sessions

• Range Info:

  • Training can be scheduled at their facility or your location

  • Flexible scheduling based on student availability

• Other Details:

  • Personalized instruction

  • Affordable pricing

  • Great option for residents in or near Madras

  • Combines gun shop services with professional training

• Website: https://www.staycenterllc.com

• Address: 915 US-97 Unit B, Madras, OR 97741

Types of Firearms Training Courses in Bend

1. Basic Handgun Safety & Firearms Fundamentals

• Designed for beginners who have little to no experience handling firearms.

• Covers safe handling, proper grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and firearm storage.

• Includes live-fire practice at a shooting range.

• Often a prerequisite for more advanced training.

2. Concealed Carry Courses (Oregon CHL Certification)

• Meets the Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) training requirements.

• Covers Oregon gun laws, self-defense laws, situational awareness, and firearm safety.

• Some courses include shooting qualification, while others are classroom-based.

• Completion of this course allows you to apply for an Oregon CHL permit.

3. Defensive Handgun Training

• Focuses on real-world self-defense scenarios.

• Teaches drawing from a holster, shooting under stress, shooting from cover, and close-quarters defense.

• Ideal for those who want to carry for self-defense.

4. Advanced Tactical & Combat Shooting

• Designed for law enforcement, security professionals, or experienced gun owners.

• Covers high-stress shooting, multiple target engagement, movement-based shooting, and force-on-force training.

• May include low-light shooting, vehicle defense, or home defense drills.

5. Home Defense & Personal Protection Courses

• Focuses on protecting your home and family in a self-defense situation.

• Teaches home invasion response, firearm storage for quick access, and legal considerations.

• Often includes scenario-based training and decision-making under pressure.

6. Women’s-Only Firearms Training

• Offers a comfortable, supportive learning environment for women.

• Covers firearms safety, concealed carry considerations, and self-defense shooting.

• Often taught by female instructors to create a relaxed setting.

7. Rifle & Carbine Courses

• Teaches proper use of AR-15s, hunting rifles, and other long guns.

• Covers marksmanship, proper optics use, maintenance, and tactical shooting techniques.

• Some courses focus on hunting applications, while others are designed for defensive use.

8. Shotgun Training

• Covers proper handling, reloading, and defensive techniques for shotguns.

• Includes training for home defense, sport shooting, and hunting applications.

• Often features live-fire drills to improve proficiency.

9. First Aid & Trauma Training for Gun Owners

• Teaches how to handle gunshot wounds and emergency medical situations.

• Covers basic trauma care, tourniquet use, and first-aid skills for shooting incidents.

• Often recommended for gun owners, range officers, and concealed carriers.

Firearm Training Requirements & Regulations in Oregon

Oregon has specific legal requirements for firearm ownership and training, especially for those applying for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). Understanding these laws is crucial before taking any firearms course.

1. Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) Requirements

To apply for a CHL in Oregon, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old.

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• Be an Oregon resident, or a resident of another state with reciprocity.

• Have no felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions.

• Have no history of mental health adjudication or drug-related offenses.

• Complete a state-approved handgun safety training course (online or in-person).

• Pass a background check and submit fingerprints.

2. Open Carry Laws in Oregon

• Oregon allows open carry, but some cities (like Portland) have restrictions on carrying a loaded firearm without a CHL.

• Local laws may require firearms to be unloaded while carried in public places.

• Open carry does not require a permit, but restrictions vary by county and city.

3. Where You Cannot Carry a Firearm in Oregon (Even with a CHL)

Even if you have a CHL, you cannot carry a firearm in certain locations, including:

• Federal buildings (courthouses, post offices, etc.).

• Public schools and college campuses (without special permission).

• Private businesses that prohibit firearms.

• Airports beyond TSA checkpoints.

• Indian reservations (unless permitted by tribal law).

4. Transporting Firearms in Oregon

• If you do not have a CHL, handguns must be unloaded and stored in a locked container when transporting them in a vehicle.

• Rifles and shotguns must also be unloaded when in a vehicle but do not need to be locked up.

• Having a CHL allows you to carry a loaded handgun in your vehicle without restriction.

5. Firearm Purchase & Ownership Laws in Oregon

• Oregon requires a background check for all firearm purchases, including private sales.

• There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm, but some background checks may take longer to process.

• Gun registration is not required, but certain purchases may be recorded.

• There are no magazine capacity limits or restrictions on "assault weapons" in Oregon.

6. Use of Force & Self-Defense Laws in Oregon

• Oregon follows the "Duty to Retreat" rule, meaning you must attempt to avoid a confrontation before using deadly force unless in your own home.

• Use of deadly force is only justified if you are in imminent danger of serious injury or death.

• Homeowners may use "Castle Doctrine" principles to defend themselves against intruders, but this does not grant unlimited rights to shoot an intruder.

• Oregon State Police – Firearms Instant Check System (FICS): Provides information on background checks required for firearm purchases in Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/cjis/pages/firearms-instant-check-system.aspx

• Oregon Health Authority – Firearm Safety: Discusses firearm safety and related regulations in Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/safeliving/pages/firearm-safety.aspx

• Oregon Department of Justice – Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO): Explains the process and implications of obtaining an ERPO in Oregon. https://www.doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/victims-resources/victims-rights/extreme-risk-protection-orders/

• Oregon State Legislature – Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS): Provides the full text of state laws governing firearm possession, sale, and use. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors166.html

Understanding Firearms Training

Firearms training encompasses a range of educational experiences designed to teach individuals the safe and effective use of firearms. This training typically includes:

• Safety Protocols: Learning essential safety measures to prevent accidents.

• Operational Proficiency: Understanding the mechanics and proper handling of different firearms.

• Legal Education: Gaining knowledge about local, state, and federal firearms laws.

• Practical Skills: Developing marksmanship and situational awareness.

Selecting the Right Training Program in Bend, OR

When choosing a firearms training program in Bend, consider the following factors:

• Identify Your Goals: Are you looking for basic safety training, concealed carry certification, or advanced tactical skills? Choose a course that matches your needs.

• Check Instructor Credentials: Look for certified instructors with experience in law enforcement, military, or civilian firearms training.

• Consider Class Size: Smaller class sizes often provide more personalized instruction.

• Ask About Facilities: Make sure the range or training site meets your expectations for safety and equipment.

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to maintaining your skills and confidence.

Legal Considerations

Understanding Oregon's firearms laws is crucial for responsible gun ownership. Training programs should cover:

• State and Federal Regulations: Knowledge of laws governing firearm possession, transportation, and use.

• Concealed Carry Laws: Specific requirements and restrictions for carrying concealed weapons.

• Use of Force Laws: Understanding when the use of a firearm is legally justified.

Benefits of Firearms Training in Bend

Engaging in firearms training offers numerous advantages:

• Enhanced Safety: Proper training reduces the risk of accidents.

• Improved Confidence: Skill development leads to greater confidence in handling firearms.

• Legal Preparedness: Education on laws helps prevent legal infractions.

• Community Engagement: Training programs provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

Bend, Oregon, provides a comprehensive array of firearms training options suitable for all experience levels. By selecting a program that aligns with your goals and adhering to legal and safety standards, you can become a responsible and proficient firearms owner.