Our Legacy: Built on Standards
Founded in 2004 and fully incorporated in 2008, Armed Missouri, Inc. (AMI) was born from a simple observation: the growing need for high-quality, accessible firearms training in Missouri. What began as a dedicated local effort has evolved into a premier training organization led by Wally, Nic, and Chris Shoffner. For over two decades, we have remained committed to one goal: providing every student with the elite training experience they deserve.
The AMI Difference: Reality-Based Training
Choosing an instructor is a serious decision. In an industry often filled with “boot camp” gimmicks and Spec-Ops hype, AMI stands apart by staying grounded in civilian reality.
- Practicality Over Hype: We don’t train you for “dynamic entries” or “battlefield maneuvers” you’ll never use. We focus on the tactical and legal realities you are most likely to face in your daily life.
- Focus on You, Not Gear: We will never use your paid training time to sell you books, videos, or merchandise. Our time is dedicated entirely to your skill development.
- Affordability & Access: Safety shouldn’t be a luxury. We believe in keeping professional instruction accessible to every law-abiding citizen.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We don’t just teach; we constantly refine our own expertise. To ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information, our instructors consult regularly with defense & prosecuting attorneys, active law enforcement officers, & other use of force professionals.
The AMI Guarantee
Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. We believe our courses offer the highest quality instruction at the most competitive rates in the region. With small class sizes—typically fewer than ten students—we guarantee the personal attention and coaching required to build true competency.
Our Promise: If you are not satisfied with the instruction you received upon completion of a course, we will gladly refund your tuition (less materials and certification costs).
Where We Stand
We are unwavering in our support of the Second Amendment. As Life Members of the NRA and an affiliate of the Missouri Sport Shooting Association (MSSA), we believe that protecting the right to bear arms requires active involvement and a higher standard of individual responsibility. We believe that by strengthening these fine organizations, we also strengthen the future for the individual right to bear arms.
AMI Code of Ethics
1. The perceived benefit must significantly outweigh the potential risks associated with any training activity we take part in.
All training activities and range exercises should be scrutinized before they are performed to establish a benefit versus risk analysis. It is our belief that the training activities contained in the lesson plans and courses of fire that we conduct meet this standard when conducted as they are written. It is never acceptable to perform any training activity if it appears unsafe for any reason. This extends beyond conducting coursework to any course we participate in regardless of our role. We will never place ourselves in a training situation that we may have regrets about in the future.
2. Our students trust us to provide a quality training experience and that trust will not be compromised for any reason.
Our student’s needs should come second only to the overall safety of each student and trainer involved in the course. They have placed their trust in us by giving us their time and money. Their time and money are valuable. We have a responsibility to ensure their trust was not misplaced by providing them with a high-quality training experience. Their resources should not be wasted in an effort to sell them products or other services.
3. We have an obligation to be honest with our students and provide them with accurate information even if it means the answer to a question is: “I don’t know.”
We don’t know everything and that’s okay. If a student asks a question that we can’t answer we will never try to “make up” a response. We will find the correct information for them and let them know as soon as possible even if it means calling or emailing them after the class has concluded.
4. Our obligation to our students does not end at the conclusion of a class.
Armed Missouri, Inc. is happy to maintain a student/trainer relationship with our students if they desire to do so. Our students are given multiple methods to contact us after the class so they can come to us with any questions and to get accurate information rather than obtaining information from a less reliable source. We are willing to mentor newer and less-experienced shooters and instructors.
5. We recognize the importance of the continuing education process and we will do our best to maintain a high level of knowledge and skills.
Armed Missouri, Inc. instructors make an effort to obtain relevant defensive instruction from at least one outside instructor or organization each year. We vet these instructors stringently so we are absolutely certain we are going to a reputable instructor that will provide high quality training.