Do I need prior experience to book a lesson?

No. Craig specializes in working with first-time and newer shooters and will tailor the lesson to your comfort and skill level.

Can I bring a friend or family member?

Yes. Lessons can be one-on-one or arranged for a small group of friends or family you invite.

Do I have to bring my own firearm?

No. Calibers offers rental firearms, but if you use a rental you must purchase ammunition from Calibers on the day of the lesson.

What should I wear to the lesson?

Wear closed-toe shoes and a shirt with sufficient coverage; low-cut shirts and open-toed shoes are not allowed for safety reasons.

How long is the lesson and what happens during it?

The booked session is one hour and includes a safety orientation, goal-setting, hands-on range time, and tailored drills led by the instructor.

Are there age restrictions?

Minimum age or other specific restrictions were not provided; contact Calibers directly when booking to confirm any age or eligibility rules.

One-Hour Private Firearms Lesson with Craig Stumpf in Albuquerque

Craig's Private Lessons (East) offers a focused, one-hour private firearms lesson with Craig Stumpf at Calibers, located at 4340 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, USA. Whether you’re a first-time shooter or someone tuning fundamentals, these personalized sessions cut through jargon and deliver practical skill-building at a relaxed pace.

The lesson takes place on Calibers’ range near the eastern edge of Albuquerque, with clear views of the Sandia Mountains and Albuquerque’s high desert light. Key scene features include the firing line, target bays, earthen berms, and secure handling areas. Instruction covers pistol, rifle, or shotgun platforms, and the session focuses on safety, grip, sight picture, trigger control, and situational familiarity. Craig Stumpf — a Calibers instructor with more than 14 years on the team and experience in leadership roles — prioritizes patient, safety-first coaching that helps new shooters and returning students build confidence.

What makes this offering special is its flexibility: Craig adapts the hour to your goals, whether that means a basic introduction, troubleshooting a bad habit, familiarization with a newly purchased firearm, or a targeted skills tune-up. Lessons are available one-on-one or with a small group of friends or family you invite, creating a quiet, focused learning environment that many larger courses lack. Practical details are straightforward: closed-toe shoes are required for range time, low-cut shirts and open-toed shoes are not allowed, and if you use Calibers’ rental firearms, ammunition must be purchased on site.

For visitors to Albuquerque, these lessons are a useful way to connect with local outdoor culture — New Mexico’s long history of hunting and marksmanship makes respectful, informed firearm use a valued skill. Nearby outdoor attractions include the Sandia foothills for hiking and the Rio Grande bosque for birding; both make convenient follow-ups after a morning session.

Skillwise, participants should expect hands-on coaching rather than long lectures. Craig’s gentle, explicit corrections and structured drills make progress tangible in a single hour. Safety and range etiquette are emphasized throughout, so you leave with measurable improvement and a checklist of drills to practice.

Booking is simple via Calibers’ online system or by using the referral link, and sessions begin with a brief safety orientation and a goals conversation so Craig can tailor drills to your goals. Expect staff to check identification and brief you on range rules; closed-toe shoes and shirts are enforced. New shooters should plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete waivers and select a rental firearm if needed. After the session Craig offers take-home drills to keep sharpening skills.