Firearm Training, News, Events, and More.

Learn ~ Practice ~ Build Confidence

Professional firearms and personal safety training in Northern Nevada.

For Northern Nevada firearm owners, Cadence Defense provides structured, practical firearms training that helps shooters build skills, confidence, and safe habits—from their first shots through continued skill development.

Serving Carson City, Carson Valley, Reno, and surrounding Northern Nevada communities.

Training Shouldn't End When The Class Does

At Cadence Defense, we believe firearms training is a process, not a one-time event. Whether you're learning to handle a handgun for the first time, building your marksmanship skills, preparing for personal defense, or looking for your next challenge, our goal is to give you a clear path to becoming safer, more confident, and more capable.

Where Are You in Your Training?

Whether you're picking up a handgun for the first time or looking for your next challenge, we'll help you find the right place to begin - and the next step, when you're ready.

NEW TO FIREARMS?

Start with the fundamentals

No experience necessary. First Shots and Intro to Handguns provide a safe, structured introduction to firearms, handling, and basic marksmanship.

I'm New!

READY TO IMPROVE?

Build on what you already know.

Develop your marksmanship, handling, and shooting skills through guided practice, drills, and individualized instruction.

WANT YOUR CCW?

Prepare for your Nevada CCW certification.

Learn the legal, practical, and safety considerations of carrying a firearm in Nevada.

Build My Skills!

Explore CCW!

Start

First Shots

Intro To Handguns

Build

Fundamentals

Marksmanship

Practice

Drills

Guided Practice

Carry

Nevada CCW Training

Your Training Journey

A class isn't the finish line.

It's the next step.

Explore The Training Path

Develop

Intermediate Skills

Defensive Skills

Continue

Ongoing Training

Advanced/Specialized

Why Cadence?

Safety Comes First

Every Cadence program begins with responsible firearm handling and a strong foundation in safety.

Supportive Instruction

Learn in a professional, supportive environment where questions are encouraged and everyone is treated with respect.

Practical Training

We focus on skills you can actually use—not simply information you can memorize.

Training That Continues

Build confidence through continued practice and ongoing training.

Individual Attention

Our instructors coach the individual, not just the class, helping you identify weaknesses and build on your strengths.

What's Your Next Step?

See what's coming up at Cadence Defense and beyond.

View All Classes

woman wearing yellow long-sleeved dress under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

I highly recommend Cadence Defense! Sarah and Mike are an awesome team with the perfect personalities to make you feel at ease. They gave me the knowledge and confidence to handle a handgun. I’ve taken 2 classes, a CCW and a Women’s intermediate handgun class and they were both very informative and fun! I can’t recommend them enough, if you are a beginner or just want to learn more I highly suggest taking one of their classes! - Andie L.

The instructors were wonderful! They were knowledgeable, friendly and made the class fun! They were patient and helpful and made me feel very comfortable at the range too. I would highly recommend Cadence Defense! See you again in 5 yrs when my CCW permit expires. - Nicole W.

★★★★★

I'm so impressed how patience you and your husband were. Can't wait to go again with what you taught me. Had fun with all the other girls too. - Jacque Z.

★★★★★

Sarah taught a great class on an introduction to handguns. Her explanations of guns and the emphasis on safety gave me confidence in handling handguns. She has a comfortable approach to the materials covered and worked with each of us on our stance, grip and confidence. I highly recommend this class. - Jill M.

★★★★★

Fantastic class and instructor! I will be taking other classes from her. - Lauri T.

★★★★★

Our first firearm safety class was excellent. We were nervous to start but the further we got along handling the firearm and equipment the more comfortable we became. Mike and Sarah are awesome instructors. We will be enrolling our boys and are signing up for more classes. Thanks to you both for a great experience. - Katie S.

★★★★★

Very professional, knowledgeable and kind. They made it a very pleasurable experience. Would highly recommend Cadence Defense to anyone who is interested in getting their CCW or any other training classes. Knowledge is power!!! - Nicole

I definitely enjoyed taking both the beginning & intermediate women’s handgun classes. The instructors Sarah & Mike are awesome. I left feeling way more confident and had a great time as well! Thanks so much! - Leah S.

★★★★★

They are very informative and fun. Their classes and CCW renewals are safe and inspiring. If you’re thinking you should practice more, get your CCW or would like some additional training they create a safe and welcoming environment. - Misty A.

★★★★★

I can't recommend Cadence Defense enough! Sarah and Mike did an outstanding job leading the Red Dot class. The instruction was professional, engaging, and incredibly practical from start to finish.

This class was exactly what I was looking for. It helped me get the most out of my pistol-mounted optic by teaching proper zeroing techniques and providing practical drills that built both my confidence and consistency with my red dot. Before taking the class, I was not familiar with zeroing my own optic. Sarah and Mike broke the process down into easy-to-understand steps, explained the "why" behind each adjustment, and made sure everyone was successful. I left feeling confident that I can sight in my own firearm on my own going forward.

The drills were exceptionally helpful. They significantly improved my ability to quickly acquire my dot, resulting in faster, more accurate shooting. Throughout the class, Sarah and Mike provided individualized coaching, helpful feedback, and plenty of encouragement, making it easy to see measurable improvement.

Just as impressive as the instruction was the atmosphere they created. They were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in each student's success. The class was welcoming, supportive, and a lot of fun, regardless of experience level.

If you're considering adding a pistol-mounted optic or want to become more proficient with your red or green dot sight, I highly recommend this class. It will absolutely improve your skills and confidence. I'll definitely be returning for more training with Sarah and Mike! - Karin S.

★★★★★

What a great class to start with. Mike & Sarah are patient, informative & very knowledgeable. For anyone that is apprehensive about guns this is the place to start. I cannot wait for the next class! Thank you so very much Cadence Defense. - Jennifer R.

Sarah and Mike taught an awesome class and I learned SO much! After weeks of fumbling with poor instruction elsewhere, I gained so much knowledge and confidence from this one short class red dot class with drills that I am now ready to take my CCW. Of course, I will only take that with Cadence Defense now as I know I will receive top notch instruction and guidance. Highly recommend!!

- Freedom Adventures LLC

★★★★★

What Our Students Are Saying:

Meet Your Instructors

Sarah & Mike Masters

Firearms instructors. Range Safety Officers. Educators.

Cadence Defense was founded around a simple idea: firearms training should be professional, safety-focused, practical, and approachable.

Sarah and Mike bring decades of firearms experience, a commitment to continuing education and training, range-safety experience, and a shared commitment to helping students develop real confidence through education and practice.