INFORMATION
OUR MISSION
DepotArms and its Firearms Training Team are dedicated to providing the highest level of professional firearms instruction in various disciplines. Lessons that are taught come from our highly valued team of instructors. The knowledge that is shared from the DA Firearms Training Team come from individuals who have gained their knowledge and experience (combat veterans) in various branches of the United States Military, Law Enforcement, Special Operations and Civilian competition experience. Many of these instructors carry accreditation from the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). Whether you are new to the world of firearms, a seasoned competitor, or someone in between, we provide programs in all of our indoor and outdoor facilities that can best be able to fit your needs. Although firearms training provides various avenues of fulfillment, our primary focus will always be the safety of our students. We sincerely hope that through the newly acquired skills and knowledge that our students’ receive and gain, their confidence will continue to grow.
Chad Branham
Range Director
After finishing four years of baseball at Anderson University, Chad Branham began working for the Columbia Police Department in 2003. He began working the entertainment district shortly before joining the SWAT Team in 2005. Chad eventually spent eleven years on the SWAT Team as a team leader and nine years as a sniper. Chad’s SWAT element routinely served over fifty forced entry warrants every year. Chad then began to receive advanced training certifications from the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Basic SWAT, Advanced Hostage Rescue, and Executive and Dignitary Protection. Chad also has been certified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Precision Rifle and Patrol Rifle Instructor. Chad joined DepotArms in 2016
Greg Flerx Jr
Columbia
Greg Flerx Jr. has been an avid shooter for 30+ years. He is a certified pistol instructor through the National Rifle Association (NRA), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Bureau of Criminal Identificaton (BCI) for the State of Utah. He is a certified (NRA) Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO) and International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) safety officer (SO). Greg is a certified gunsmith and has been involved in competitive shooting sports for 10+ years. He is an Expert class shooter in (IDPA). He teaches basic firearms safety classes, fundamentals of shooting, and Concealed Weapons Permit classes.
Steve Brown
Ridgeland, Florence, Summerville, Charleston
Steve Brown is a retired law enforcement officer, having served 27 years with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and Sumter City Police Department. Bobby worked in Patrol, Narcotics, and Investigations throughout his career. While working in law enforcement Bobby earned teaching certifications through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Pistol, Select Fire Rifle, and Shotgun. After retiring from Law Enforcement Bobby’s continued education yielded teaching certifications from the NRA in Basic Pistol and Chief Range Safety Officer, as well as a certification from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in Concealed Weapons . Bobby is also an accredited armorer for Glock pistols and Remington Shotguns. Bobby teaches CWP for DepotArms in Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, and our Ridgeland locations.
Johnny Strickland
South Carolina
Johnny Strickland is a highly qualified and versatile firearms instructor with over 50 years of shooting experience. He is certified by the NRA, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) in Utah. His credentials include certifications in pistol instruction, safety inside and outside the home, and 13 years of law enforcement experience. Johnny teaches a variety of classes, including active shooter response, church safety, situational awareness, CPR, AED, first aid, basic firearms safety, fundamentals of shooting, and South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit training. His extensive background equips him to provide expert training across a broad range of safety and firearms topics.