Hi! We’re American Firearms Instruction LLC.
American Firearms Instruction was formulated in 2015 and Incorporated in 2016 in response to Thomas J. Wilson taking a Range Safety Officer Course followed by Home Firearms Safety Instructor Classes offered by the Phillipsburg Pistol Club.
American Firearms Instruction was started to offer the public and new firearms owners, or those considering purchasing firearms, the ability to learn how to own, use and store firearms safely and to advocate for the 2nd Amendment and the right of the people to keep and bear arms. We also strongly advocate for the Conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat in the United States.
Our Experience
With the rise in firearms purchases within the last few years in the United States, there needs to be credible and professional firearm safety course offered to those new firearms owners. All instructors are taught and certified by the National Rifle Association.
Our first Home Firearms Safety Course was taught on September 17, 2017 with great success. We plan to offer many classes in the future such as Defensive Pistol, Basic Rifle, Basic Shotgun, Refuse to be a Victim, Personal Protection in the home, Personal Protection outside the home, once our instructors receive instructor certifications in those disciplines. We also hope to offer Hunter Education Courses held in conjunction with the State of New Jersey.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower citizens through inclusive, value-driven instruction in firearms safety and emergency preparedness. We believe every individual deserves access to high-quality training that builds confidence, competence, and a deep respect for life, liberty, and personal responsibility.
We educate new and experienced shooters in the safe handling, use, and storage of firearms for sport, personal defense, competition, and hunting while advocating for the responsible exercise of Second Amendment rights. Our instruction is grounded in professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to pride, honor, courage, loyalty, and respect.
By removing stigma and promoting the positive role of firearms in recreation and self-reliance, we foster a culture of safety and civic responsibility. Through First Aid, CPR, and AED training, we prepare individuals to respond effectively in emergencies and serve their communities with readiness and care.
We also advocate wildlife conservation and the stewardship of natural habitats, recognizing the connection between responsible firearm ownership and the preservation of our outdoor heritage. Above all, we are committed to strengthening communities by cultivating informed, empowered citizens who are prepared to protect life and uphold freedom with clarity and conviction.
Instructors
Thomas J. Wilson
38 Years’ Experience in Public Safety/Service
National Rifle Association Patriot Endowment Life Member
Started Shooting at age 12
Member of Phillipsburg Pistol Club for the last 30 years
Avid Hunter for the last 35 Years
NRA Chief Certified Range Safety Officer
NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor
NRA Basics of Rifle Shooting Instructor
NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Instructor
Associates of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
New Jersey State Police Retired Police Officer Re-Qualification Instructor/Security Officer Re-Qualification Instructor
New Jersey Concealed Carry Qualification Instructor
Citizens Rifle and Revolver Club NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Lead Instructor
Retired Senior Correctional Police Officer for the New Jersey Department of Corrections, New Jersey State Prison with 24 years of service
New Jersy LGBTQ+ Law Enforcement Liaison
New Jersey Attorney General Certified Officer Resiliency Program Instructor
New Jersey Department of Corrections Critical Incident Stress Management Team Leader
New Jersey Department of Corrections Critical Incident Stress Management Team Medal of Honor recipient in 2019 and 2024
New Jersey Department of Corrections Police Training Commission Unarmed Defensive Tactics Instructor
American Red Cross Adult and Infant First Aid, AED and CPR Instructor