Firearm Instructors

At CSA, our seasoned firearms instructors—trusted professionals with real-world experience know that responsible firearm ownership starts with expert training. Our instructors are the foundation of the CSA training program, offering a comprehensive and unparalleled learning experience— dedicated to helping you build confidence, accuracy, and hands-on instruction tailored to your skill level. Safety is always a priority, ensuring every student trains in a controlled, supportive, and welcoming environment.

Don’t settle for uncertainty—train and learn from the best in the industry!

Mike Simpson
Director of Training
Joined the CSA Team: 2016

• NC DOJ Concealed Carry Handgun Instructor
• SC Concealed Weapons Instructor
• NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, Certified Rifle and Pistol Instructor
• NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor and Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
• USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Instructor

I enjoy sharing my passion for firearms with everyone I meet. My goal is to help everyone be comfortable and confident in their abilities. I enjoy teaching students how to be safe and proficient in their abilities. I am blessed to work with a great team here at Carolina Sporting Arms.

Joey Attanasio
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2017

• NRA Certified Instructor
• NRA Certified RSO
• NCDOJ CCW Instructor

I have a passion for firearms. I believe the gun community is a brother and sisterhood that thrives on shared information. As an instructor at CSA, I pride myself on teaching my students gun safety, shooting fundamentals, concealed carry awareness, home defense, and most of all, how to have FUN. My instructor style is simple: I lead with love, passion, and enthusiasm and will forever be a forever student of the industry. I shoot competitively in IDPA and Steel Challenge, but my heart belongs to Sporting Clays. My firearm platform of choice is CZ; however, I have recently crossed over to the 2011 world.

Ron Elliott
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2018

• NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
• NRA Range Safety Officer

I enjoy working with students on all levels, from never shooting before to students with more experience. I can assist with selecting your first handgun whether you are looking for home defense to take your CCW.  My goal is to make your experience safe and fun. I want each student to leave with more confidence, regardless of their skill level.

Jerry Countryman
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2006

• NRA Rifle, Pistol, RSO Instructor
• NC Concealed Carry Instructor
• NRA Life Member

Dedicated to firearms training and an avid hunter and outdoorsman with 75 years of firearms shooting experience and 7 years in the US Army Reserve 1966-1973.

Lee Holston
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2024

• Certified Pistol
• Personal Protection in the Home
• Basics of Personal Protection Outside the Home
• Defensive Pistol
• NRA-CCW
• Refuse To Be A Victim®
• Range Safety Officer

I am a 30-year Marine Corps veteran and a 17-year Homeland Security Veteran. I love to shoot and take pride in providing the best possible instruction based on the student’s needs. I love working with people and seeing people shoot well.

Marshall Hampton
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2020

• 30-year Competitive Rifle and Pistol Shooter in multiple disciplines
• 10 years experience running women’s Marksmanship Development Programs at multiple ranges
• 10 years experience teaching NC Concealed Carry Handgun Classes
• 15 years experience coaching 3 Position Air Rifle Youth Teams at a National Level
• NRA Certified Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun Instructor
• NRA Certified Level 1 Air Rifle and Smallbore Rifle Coach
• NRA Certified Level 1 High Powered Rifle Coach
• NRA Certified Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor
• NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
• NRA Certified Home Firearm Safety Instructor
• NCDOJ Certified Concealed Carry Handgun Instructor

I am extremely patient and process-oriented. I enjoy helping new and experienced shooters build strong foundations in the fundamentals of firearms safety and marksmanship. We work together to develop your shot routine and use correct repetitive practice to harden it into a consistent skill.

Drew Harms
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2023

• NRA Pistol Instructor
• NRA Range Safety Officer
• Certified Master in Steel Challenge Competitions

I have been shooting for 10+ years and have been teaching for over a year. I enjoy working with anyone from a new beginner to intermediate or advanced shooters. I am a competition shooter specializing in USPSA and Steel Challenge.

Tyler Hamelin
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2024

• NRA Range Safety Officer
• NRA Pistol Instructor

Having grown up in Charlotte, I take great pride in offering quality firearm safety and training instruction to those in the Queen City and surrounding areas. If you are just starting your firearms journey, I will make sure you get the proper skills, knowledge, and foundation to build up your confidence to hit those bullseyes in no time. As a competitive pistol shooter myself, I strive to be the best I can be and share what I learn with others. So, if you’re looking to learn the basics or trying to raise the bar to an intermediate or advanced skill set, I am here to take your training to the next level.

Norm Wilson
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2020

• National Rifle Association (NRA) Firearms Instructor
• NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO)
• Nine years active-duty US Marine

 I don’t teach “THE” way; I teach the “A” way. I want to hear what you’d like to learn, understand your use case, and then work with you on the biomechanics, physiology, and psychology underpinning the concepts to help you learn how best to employ this tool. We’ll work at your pace, toward your individual goals, within your context and constraints. I’ll share and explain drills that will isolate components, ultimately building toward more complete behaviors which can be recalled on demand.

I’ve had instructors from around the world pour into me over many years and many thousands of repetitions and rounds. I would be honored to pay that forward, sharing from my experience to help you take that next step in your journey towards proficiency.

George Macon
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2024

• NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO)
• Pistol Instructor
• Direction and instruction from seasoned instructors

As a prospective student, it is important to know that safety, firearms, and fun can go hand in hand for you and me.

James Cartwright
Instructor
Joined the CSA Team: 2026

• NRA Pistol Instructor
• NRA Rifle Instructor
• NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
• US Marine Corps veteran
• Basic Law Enforcement Training
• Competition Shooting for 3yrs

I pride myself on my ability to teach and coach in a constructive and fun way while still ensuring that safety takes priority #1. Whether you’re brand new to shooting or want to sharpen your existing skills, I’m excited to help you reach that next step.