About Us
SHOOT-N-IRON HISTORY
Shoot-N-Iron Practical Shooting Academy was established in 1977 and for the past 43 years has trained Law Enforcement and Civilian personnel and law abiding citizen from all walks of life in the use of firearms and defensive tactics.
Our founder and past president, Paul Abel was respected as one of the most knowledgeable weapon and tactical small arms instructors in the country. Paul Abel in his career had been a working Police Officer, Sheriff, and held Firearms Instructor Certifications through the National Rifle Association and Oklahoma Rifle Association for the past 33 years. Paul presented numerous exhibitions shooting Demonstrations which included fast and fancy shooting utilizing fast draw and safety courses for handguns, rifles, shotguns and automatic weapons all over the United States.
On November 09, 2019, Paul Abel passed away from a short unexpected illness. One of his last wishes was to make sure that his legacy continued by keeping up the fine level of professional training that he had presented for the past 43 years. He expressed a desire that Police and Citizens alike could have a place where they could continue to go shoot and learn firearm safety from certified professional instructors.
PRESENT DAY
My name is David Abel and Paul Abel was my father. I have been a Police Officer for the past 34 years. During the course of my career, I have been a Patrol Officer, Detective Sergeant, and had worked my way up to Chief of Police at two Law Enforcement Agencies. I am a NRA Firearms Instructor, Oklahoma Rifle Association Instructor Trainer, Active Shooter Instructor and CLEET Certified Line Safety Officer and Instructor. I am SWAT Certified, and an FBI Certified Crisis Negotiator. For the last 20 years I have taught as an Instructor at Shoot-N-Iron Practical Shooting Academy.
It is my goal as President and Chief Instructor of Shoot-N-Iron Practical Shooting Academy to make sure Instructors at Shoot-N-Iron provide Law Enforcement Officers and Citizens the most professional training to carry on the legacy that my father had begun forty three years ago. Our Instructors are highly trained experts in teaching every phase of shooting from basic familiarization to techniques of combat self-defense shooting. Law Enforcement Certifications and Recertification’s will be conducted through the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.
INSTRUCTORS
Shoot-N-Iron’s President and Chief Instructor, David Abel is respected as a long time Law Enforcement Officer. David has 34 years of Law Enforcement experience and a vast knowledge of small arms and rifle use. He will pass that knowledge on to you and provide you a professional and safe firearm experience.
All of Shoot-N-Iron’s Instructors have been there and teach from real life experience. Students start at their own level and move up from there.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Shoot-N-Iron Practical Shooting Academy is located 4 miles west of Shawnee, Oklahoma on Shawnee Lake Road, then approx. 1 ½ miles South on NS 337 also known as Gaddy Road in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Our Academy is also located approx. 25 miles East of Oklahoma City on I-40. Commercial Air Service is located at Will Roger’s Airport in Oklahoma City and Shawnee, Oklahoma has a municipal airport for smaller traffic. Transportation to and from airports and motels will be furnished. A complete list of Shawnee Hotels will be furnished and reservations will be made for you upon request. There are numerous shops, clubs, restaurants and theaters for your enjoyment. Car rentals are available in Shawnee and Camping is allowed at the Range. Classroom is disinfected and COVID precautions are always in place.
Shoot-N-Iron Practical Shooting Academy is open seven days a week with both weekday and weekend availability. Please contact David Abel at 405-639-9164 to confirm range time.