Our Instructors
Expert Firearms Training is led by retired law enforcement professionals with decades of experience in firearms instruction and SWAT operations. Our instructors very friendly focus on safety, solid fundamentals, and clear, structured teaching in small classes that allow for individual coaching and constant supervision.
LET'S MEET THE EXPERTS
Roy Bryson - Chief Firearms Instructor
Roy is a retired police corporal with more than 30 years in law enforcement and 23 years of SWAT experience. He has taught firearms professionally for decades with an emphasis on safe, structured skill development.
Experience highlights
- 23 years SWAT service; served in multiple leadership roles
- FBI trained and certified Firearms Instructor (23 years)
- Extensive instruction across pistols, shotguns, and carbines
- Advanced training background including sniper and team leadership roles
- Teaching firearms skills and tactics since 1989
Teaching style: Professional, patient, and fundamentals first; especially for new handgun owners.
Nick Gottuso - Lead Firearms Instructor
Nick is a retired police captain with over 30 years of service and extensive SWAT leadership experience. He brings a strong blend of instructor skill and performance based shooting experience.
Experience highlights
- 30+ years law enforcement; 17 years SWAT
- FBI trained and certified law enforcement Firearms Instructor (20+ years)
- Served as sniper, team leader, and SWAT commander roles
- Long time competitive shooting background
- Continues to teach safety and response tactics to professionals
Teaching style: Clear, structured coaching that builds confident and safe performance.
Andy Jurow - Senior Firearms Instructor
Andy has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and over two decades as a firearms instructor. He has broad operational and instructional background across multiple weapon systems.
Experience highlights
- 30+ years law enforcement
- FBI trained and certified Firearms Instructor (20+ years)
- SWAT experience including assault team service
- Extensive training and instruction with pistols, shotguns, carbines, and related platforms
- Additional background in safety techniques and first aid/CPR
Teaching style: Safety driven and detail oriented; excellent for building strong fundamentals.
Jerry Peters - Senior Firearms Instructor
Jerry served 30 years in law enforcement and nearly 28 years on SWAT. He is widely respected for deep knowledge of firearms, ammunition, and performance standards.
Experience highlights
- 30 years law enforcement; nearly 28 years SWAT
- FBI trained and certified Firearms Instructor (since 1983)
- Designed qualification standards and mentored other instructors
- Served in sniper and leadership roles within SWAT
- Military service (USMCR and ARNG) and extensive tactical training background
Teaching style: High knowledge coaching with practical explanations that help students understand the “why.”
Sam Shabatura - Senior Firearm Instructor
Sam served 37 years in law enforcement, including 24 years on SWAT. He brings long term SWAT supervision experience and extensive instruction in specialized platforms.
Experience highlights
- 37 years law enforcement; 24 years SWAT
- Long time SWAT supervisor
- Submachine gun instructor (14 years)
- FBI provided SWAT training background
- Joined Expert Firearms Training in 2020
Teaching style: Calm, disciplined instruction focused on safety and consistency.
Our Commitment to Students
We do not overcrowd classes or rush instruction. Our goal is long-term competence through safe handling, correct fundamentals, and coached range practice.