Applied Risk Management Strategies LLC.

Specializing in firearms safety training and consultation


A.R.M.S. LLC is dedicated to providing our students with the fundamentals of safe and responsible firearms ownership, marksmanship, and basic defensive applications. Our training focuses on recognizing potential threats and managing the level of risk through increased awareness, avoidance, thorough preparation and the proper mindset.

Handgun Courses:



NRA Basic Pistol / Ohio Concealed Carry

In 2004, Ohio passed a state law authorizing qualified individuals to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense.

Requirements to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun include being at least 21 years of age with no criminal history and completing a training course consisting of at least 10-hours of classroom training and 2-hours of range time. The 12-hour NRA Basic Pistol course fullfills these training requirements specified by State Law

In addition to the National Rifle Association-approved curriculum focusing on safety, responsible firearms ownership and basic marksmanship skills, this course includes information on other relevant topics such as:

  • Modes of carry
  • Clearing malfunctions
  • Legal considerations
  • Defensive shooting
  • Qualities to look for in defensive ammunition

If you do not yet own a pistol, it is suggested that you take this course prior to making a handgun purchase, as we will cover the various types of firearms available as well as caliber options. This will help you to chose an appropriate firearm for your shooting abilities and lifestyle.

The course fee is $135 per person, payable cash, check or money order with course registration. The course fee includes all training materials, Lunch on Saturday, and the use of a firearm if you do not already own a handgun to qualify with.

Intermediate Concealed Carry

Carrying a concealed handgun is a serious responsibility and involves a lifestyle change. It requires a greater awareness of one's surroundings, a deeper understanding of the applicable laws, the proper attitude and some basic defensive tactics. This one-day course builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the Basic Pistol/Concealed Carry course with the ultimate goal of helping people make the transition to the "concealed carry lifestyle."

This class is approximately 4-hours classroom and 4-hours range-time. Students need to bring a handgun suitable for concealed carry, one or two extra magazines, a strong-side holster and belt suitable for concealed carry (leather, or synthetic, must remain open when firearm is drawn), hearing and eye protection and comfortable outdoor clothing. Ammunition requirements: 200 Rounds.

Course cost is $125 which includes all learning materials and lunch.


Rifle Courses:



Black Rifle 101

This 1-day course is a primer on the AR-15 Rifle and its variants. Currently, several manufacturers are producing high-quality rifles and carbines based on this platform. Proven in battle, AR-15's are accurate, reliable firearms for competition, hunting, home defense, law enforcement, and recreational target shooting. Over 50 years after they were first designed, the demand for these rifles continues to increase, as does the market for parts and accessories. Knowing how to properly operate and care for these rifles is essential to getting the most out of your AR-15.

Some of the topics covered include:

  • History & Design of the AR-15
  • Laws and Regulations
  • Safe Operation and Handling
  • Disassembly and Cleaning
  • Ammunition Selection
  • Basic Marksmanship
  • Malfunction Clearance
  • Options and Accessories
  • Home Defense Applications
This course is suitable for the novice and experienced shooter alike and features a couse of fire that will challenge and improve your rifle marksmanship skills.

If you do not yet own an AR-15 style rifle, this course is suggested prior to purchasing one, as we will cover the various configurations, accessories and options available. This will help you to chose an appropriate platform for your shooting abilities and your rifle's intended use. The course fee is $125 per person, payable cash, check or money order with course registration. The course fee includes all training materials, lunch on Saturday, and the use of a rifle if you do not already own one.

Defensive Carbine

This class is the extension of Black Rifle 101 and builds on the fundamentals obtained in that class. In Defensive Carbine, the student gets more hands-on practice with critical firearms manipulation skills including tactical and speed reloads, more malfunction clearance drills and basic weapon transitions. In addition, combat marksmanship will be addressed in more detail, including timed fire drills, compensating for sight-offset at varying ranges and sling use.

This class is approximately 4-hours classroom and 4-hours range-time. Students need to bring an AR-15 style rifle or carbine equipped with iron sights (optics are not required and won't be used for most of the course), a sling, two extra magazines, comfortable outdoor clothing and hearing & eye protection.

Handgun is optional, if bringing a handgun, a sturdy strong-side holster and belt (leather, or synthetic, must remain open when firearm is drawn), is required.

Ammunition requirements: 200 Rounds rifle, 50 rounds handgun (optional).

Course cost is $125 which includes all learning materials and lunch.


In addition to the above classes, tutorials are available on concealed carry, youth firearms safety, competition marksmanship and metallic (rifle and pistol) cartridge reloading. Private lessons on Basic Pistol, and other classes are $300 for up to 2 students.

To contact us or sign up for a class, send us an E-Mail.

Click HERE to Join the NRA.


About the Instructor:

Michael Lake Began shooting competitively in 1989. As a junior highpower rifle competitor, he scored in the top 10% nationally. He has received training on competitive and long-range rifle marksmanship from the US Army Marksmanship Unit and the US Marine Corps.

In addition to competitive shooting, he continues to further his training in a number of other shooting and firearms-related disciplines at the finest facilities available. Some of these include:
  • Blackwater U.S. Training Center - M-4 Carbine Operator
  • Blackwater U.S. Training Center - AR-15/M-16/M-4 Armorer
  • Blackwater U.S. Training Center - Mossberg Shotgun Armorer
  • Tactical Defense Institute - Extreme Close Quarters
  • Tactical Defense Institude - Defensive Knife
  • Thunder Ranch - Urban Rifle
  • Thunder Ranch - Mid Range Rifle
  • Thunder Ranch - Home and Vehicle Defense
  • Thunder Ranch - High Angle Rifle
  • Israeli "Instinctive" Shooting

Michael is a Patron Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a Certified Range Safety Officer and holds instructor ratings in Pistol, Metallic Cartridge Reloading and Shotshell Reloading.


For those seeking training beyond the basic level, the following facilities provide excellent instruction: