
ABOUT FSTVA
FSTVA
GET TO KNOW US.
FSTVA emerged as Rick Laughlin, founder of FSTVA, knew it was imperative for his daughter to take a concealed carry class in the event she was pulled over and found with Rick's loaded gun in the vehicle. However, the class experience for her was terrible and she was uncomfortable. Thus, FSTVA's mission evolved to offer RELAXED and SAFE programs for gun classes and personal safety training for all residents of Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington and any other place in Virginia. FSTVA has instructed for the Maryland permit for a group of corrections officers in western Virginia, as far away as Norfolk, VA and into northern Virginia. Whether you are an individual, a social group, a club, a family, a youth group, a business or prefer a "Women Only" class, we have an option for you! Our goal is to give our students the skills, experience and confidence they need in order to become safe and responsibly armed citizens. Our programs are flexible and our teachers are some of the best in their field.

"I have lived the 'Concealed Carry Lifestyle' for over 30 years and have over 35 years of instructional experience as a former firefighter/paramedic, and an instructor within these fields. I have also been a deputy sheriff and a public-school adult education teacher for the Virginia electrical apprenticeship program. Currently, I am a corporate facilities manager, safety officer and instructor." -Rick Laughlin
FSTVA
OUR OWNER

Rick Laughlin
FSTVA Owner
Credentials:
National Rifle Association (NRA) certified instructor and range safety officer
United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) certified CCW instructor
USCCA Certified Training Counselor
State of Virginia CCW instructor
State of Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) certified CCW instructor
State of Maryland Certified CCW instructor
Washington, DC Certified CCW instructor
Illinois Certified CCW instructor
Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) certified health and safety instructor
Graduate, Front Sight Firearms Training Academy, Las Vegas, Nevada
I have lived the "Concealed Carry Lifestyle" for over 30 years. I have over 35 years of instructional experience as a former firefighter/paramedic, and an instructor within these fields. I have also been a deputy sheriff and a public school adult education teacher for the Virginia electrical apprenticeship program.
Currently, I am a corporate facilities manager, safety officer and instructor.