DEFENSIVE HANDGUN TRAINING
Norsk Armory teaches defensive handgun skills with a bold, no-nonsense approach grounded in real-world experience; our instructors — former law enforcement and military veterans — concentrate on practical tactics, critical legal considerations, and sound decision-making under stress, blending clear instruction on threat recognition and use-of-force law (including WA HB1163 compliance) with mindset development and extensive hands-on live-fire range time.
maintaining a low (max-6) student per instructor ratio, We emphasize core fundamentals — grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and malfunction management — and progress through training scenarios into dynamic drills that simulate adrenaline, multiple targets, movement and cover, and low-light conditions. Every course is delivered in a deliberate curriculum designed to build measurable competence, steady confidence, and responsible, lawful carry habits for everyday readiness.
"FREE" HB1163 Training
Effective May 1, 2007, Norsk Armory will provide free HB1163 compliance training to Washington residents, covering the statute’s legal requirements as well as best practices for safe handling, secure storage, and proper documentation. Students are responsible only for their own firearm, ammunition, personal gear, and any applicable range fees; all instructional content related to legal compliance is provided at no cost “if training is conducted in thurston county.”
Washington House Bill 1163 is a state law that enacts a permit-to-purchase requirement for firearms, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson on May 20, 2025.
Key Provisions
Permit to Purchase: Requires a valid 5-year firearm purchase permit issued by the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
Training & Background Checks: Mandates fingerprint-based background checks, safety training, and live-fire exercises “including a minimum of 50 rounds for a Concealed Pistol License.”
System Updates: Expands Department of Licensing (DOL) transfer record-keeping, mandates centralized WSP background check tracking, and requires annual eligibility verifications.
Effective Date: Set to take effect on May 1, 2027.