Firearms Training FAQs

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 Riverbend Tactical Solutions is a firearms training company dedicated to all-around, practical instruction that builds competence, confidence, and responsible decision-making. Our training focuses on safe weapon handling, repeatable skills, and real-world application for shooters of all experience levels. Beyond technical proficiency, we value strong connections—between students, instructors, and the community—creating an environment where learning, trust, and growth go hand in hand. 

Unless otherwise noted, all training is currently held at  High Lakes Outdoor Alliance  located at  2216 130th St | Afton, IA 50830.

Once you have signed up, we will be in touch with a detailed class itinerary and all related information. This includes required personal protective equipment (PPE), ammunition requirements, location details, necessary paperwork and waivers, and any other important instructions to help you prepare.

Our goal is to ensure you arrive informed, prepared, and ready to have a safe and successful training day.

Refunds are issued only if a class is canceled by Riverbend Tactical Solutions LLC (RBTS) due to its inability to conduct the course. If a course is canceled or rescheduled because of weather or other circumstances beyond RBTS’s control, students will receive a credit toward another RBTS course of equal value; no refunds will be issued in these cases.

If a student is unable to attend a scheduled course, no refunds will be provided. However, students may receive a credit for a future RBTS course by notifying RBTS at least 30 days prior to the class start date. Course credits are valid for one transfer only, must be used toward a course of equal value, and expire one year from the original course date.

No, we do not accept walk-ins. Advance registration is required for all courses. This allows us the necessary time to verify that participants are legally eligible to attend, ensure appropriate instructor-to-student ratios, and maintain a safe, effective training environment.

Pre-registration also allows us to provide students with important pre-class communication, including equipment requirements, course expectations, and completion of required waivers. These steps help ensure every student is fully prepared and that each class runs safely and efficiently.

The short answer is yes—and no. Most Riverbend Tactical Solutions courses are open to anyone who meets the required criteria. Students must be 21 years of age or older, legally eligible to possess and use a firearm (with no disqualifying criminal convictions), have completed all required waivers, and have paid in full prior to attending class.

From time to time, we offer specialized courses—such as women’s-only, senior-focused, church security team or advanced-level training—that may have additional prerequisites or participation limits. These will be clearly noted in the course description.

Our goal is to provide safe, responsible, and effective training while ensuring each course is appropriate for the students enrolled.

Range Dress Code Policy

For the safety and comfort of all shooters, instructors, and staff, proper attire is required at all times while on the range.

Required Attire

• Eye protection meeting ANSI standards
• Hearing protection (earplugs, earmuffs, or both)
• Closed-toe shoes (no sandals, flip-flops, or open footwear)
• Secure clothing that allows safe firearm handling and movement
   

Prohibited Attire

• Open-toed or open-heeled shoes
• Low-cut shirts, tank tops, or loose collars that may allow hot brass to fall inside clothing
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses that do not adequately protect the legs from hot brass
• Loose, dangling clothing or accessories that could interfere with firearm operation (scarves, long jewelry, etc.)
• Clothing displaying offensive, threatening, or inappropriate language or imagery
• Holsters or belts that do not securely retain the firearm (subject to instructor or range officer approval)

While many large sporting-goods retailers carry a wide selection of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, entry-level buyers often discover that price-driven recommendations don’t always align with long-term safety, performance, or training goals. Quality, fit, and intended use matter far more than what’s simply available on the shelf.

We strongly encourage new shooters—and those considering an upgrade—to reach out to us directly before purchasing. We’re happy to provide personalized recommendations based on your experience level, training objectives, and budget, and to connect you with trusted local dealers we know and work with regularly. Our goal is to help you invest wisely from the start and avoid costly or unsuitable purchases.

No problem at all! Firearm training and shooting sports can feel intimidating—especially if you’re new or haven’t been around firearms much. We’re always happy to answer questions or provide additional clarification to help you decide if our courses are right for you.

Whether your hesitation is due to limited experience, uncertainty about the law, confidence level, or even wanting a friend to sign up with you, we’re glad to talk it through and help you feel comfortable with your decision.

Feel free to reach out to us by email or phone—we’re here to help.

⚠️ Prohibited Items & Special Firearm Policy – ⚠️

⚠️SIG P320

 Due to documented safety concerns related to unintentional discharges, SIG Sauer P320 pistols are not permitted in Riverbend Tactical Solutions courses. To ensure the highest safety standards on the range, students may not use this firearm for live-fire or holstered training. 

Students are encouraged to contact the training staff in advance with any questions regarding firearm suitability or equipment requirements.

⚠️ Black Hawk SERPA Holsters

For student safety, Black Hawk SERPA holsters are not permitted in Riverbend Tactical Solutions courses. These holsters have demonstrated retention and safety concerns, particularly during dynamic movement and high-stress drills, and do not meet our training safety standards.

Students who do not have approved equipment or who need to borrow gear to meet course requirements should contact us through the Home Page prior to registering or attending class. We are happy to help ensure you have safe, appropriate equipment for training.

Riverbend Tactical Solutions reserves the right to disallow any equipment deemed unsafe during training.

• Once your order, product or service has been delivered and accepted, it is considered complete.
• We do not allow chargebacks or payment disputes for accepted deliveries.
• If there is a problem with your order, product or service we are happy to work with you directly to find a fair and reasonable solution. 
• If an order is disputed, the physical product(s) must be returned in the original condition. 
• If a [physical] disputed item is not returned, the buyer is legally responsible for the full value of the product and any associated costs.
• Services and other non-tangible items are considered complete and nonrefundable.

Our goal is always to resolve concerns quickly and fairly—please contact us before filing any dispute.