Instructor Credentials

This is Jack Ragsdale - Your instructor.

In 2005, I retired from 25 years of service with the Tampa Police Department where I was a lead firearms trainer for over 20 years. I taught basic marksmanship, home and business awareness, survival tactics, competition shooting, and advanced techniques, in addition to designing and implementing a train-the trainer program. I am a nationally respected competitor in several disciplines - Police Pistol, Bullseye, USPSA/IPSC, and Action Pistol. I am a nationally renowned shooter and competitor, and an expert firearms trainer.

As my student, you will, immediately notice that I am enthusiastic and dynamic in my approach to firearms training. I bring to the classroom the passion I feel as a competitor, the flexibility I have practiced as a police officer, the knowledge I have acquired through experience, and the professionalism that I demand. I want my students to experience the same level of enjoyment and personal confidence that I have, and these   qualities can only come from exemplary training and extensive practice.

I am a life member of and certified instructor with the NRA. I have earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida, where I also competed in the student firearms program. I have been certified through the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.   I won the National Police Pistol Competition's Grand Aggregate Award in 1994, and I have scored in the top10 each year since. I am honored to have earned five different distinguished badges in pistol competitions, a feat matched by only a few.

Since my retirement from active police work, I have chosen to devote my time and effort to my passion - firearms training and competition. I designed and developed a modern facility for the professional and executive who want to shoot, and I am resolved to teach both novices and experienced competitors the skills and techniques I practice.