A+R Tactics is a tactical and self-protection training facility at 588 Griffith Rd, Building 5, in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is owned by Altonio Rivers, a former Marine and 18-year Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police veteran who served on SWAT, and Nicole Thurman, a registered nurse and firearms and combatives instructor who directs the Women's Training Institute. The facility is open to civilians, military, and law enforcement, and all training is by appointment only (no walk-ins).
The facility centers on a 7-room shoot house used for close-quarters battle (CQB) and force-on-force scenario training, plus mat space for self-protection and grappling classes. Training uses Glock 17T non-lethal training pistols or AR-15s with marking rounds ammunition, and all required PPE is provided. Clients may bring their own AR-15 chambered in 5.56 but must leave the bolt carrier group at home, because no live bolts are permitted in the training area. This is a simulation and scenario facility rather than a live-fire lane range. Handgun fittings are held at the live-fire range at Point Blank Range, where A+R Tactics instructors meet clients.
Training options include Private Tactical Training, Private Team Tactical Training, Couples Private Home Defense Training, Firearms 101 / Handgun Fittings, Self Protection Private Training, and a Monthly Private Training Membership. Topics include dynamic rifle and pistol, home defense, vehicle CQB, active shooter, civilian trauma response (TECC, Stop the Bleed), Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based self-protection. The Women's Training Institute offers monthly group classes, private sessions, and training with a friend. Instructors hold NRA and USCCA firearms instructor certifications, NRA Range Safety Officer, Simunitions and Force on Force instructor, and Glock Armorer credentials.
The facility also hosts corporate team-building, bachelor and birthday parties, custom group events, church safety team training, private school safety training, law enforcement and security team training, and the A+R Tactics x Strategic Dynamics Shoot House Match, a 5-stage live-action force-on-force competition scheduled for October 4, 2026. The facility can be rented for outside courses, fitness classes, team events, and airsoft. A Travel in & Train package covers 1, 2, or 3 day custom training with discounted lodging options for out-of-town clients.
At a glance
Range type: Indoor, Training / Classes, Virtual Simulator
Distances: Shoot house: 7 rooms (CQB / force-on-force). No fixed live-fire lanes on site; live-fire handgun fittings are held at Point Blank Range.
Access: Open to the public
Good to know: Memberships available · Beginner friendly · Family friendly · Private lane / facility rental · Hosts competitions · Law enforcement / military training
Credentials
Affiliations: NRA and USCCA certified instructors; NRA Range Safety Officers; Simunitions and Force on Force certified instructors; Glock Armorers; Red Cross Certified Instructor; partners include Point Blank Range, Alien Gear Holsters, Streamlight, Staccato, Holosun
Services, training & programs
Private Tactical Training (CQB, dynamic rifle and pistol, home defense, vehicle CQB, active shooter) - $200, 1.5 hr
Private Team Tactical Training - $350 for 2 participants, 2 hr; $175 per additional participant
Couples Private Home Defense Training (TECC, emergency planning, empty-handed self-protection, CQB) - $350 for 2 participants, 2 hr
Self Protection Private Training (Krav Maga and BJJ based striking, grappling, weapon retention) - $100, 1 hr
Monthly Private Training Membership - $300 for 2 private two-hour sessions plus free Point Blank Range Matthews membership
Women's Training Institute: monthly group classes, private sessions, and training with a friend
Women's Monthly Self Protection and Shoot House Scenario Training Membership
Pathways Memberships: Women's Solo Defense of Self and Home, Intro to Shooting and Beyond, CQB Primer, Family Safety and Home Defense, Path to Concealed Carry (5 customizable sessions)
7-room Shoot House with force-on-force role players and marking rounds
Shoot House Match competition (5-stage, live-action force-on-force; October 4, 2026)
Corporate team building (full and half-day packages, on-site office and work site safety assessments)
Bachelor and birthday parties in the Shoot House
Custom group events
Church safety team training
Private school safety training (on-site or at the facility)
Law enforcement, security team, and security professional training
Custom Travel and Train packages (1, 2, or 3 days) with discounted hotel options
Facility rentals for courses, fitness classes, team events, and airsoft
GoPro training footage add-on
Red Cross certification and Stop the Bleed training
Free training consultation call
Gift cards
Gear and merch shop
Amenities
Shooting Simulator
Gift Cards
Online Booking
Event / Venue Space
Pricing at A+R Tactics
Range fees & day rates
Private Tactical Training: $200 — 1.5 hr private session; session ammo, Glock 17T or AR-15, marking rounds and PPE provided
Private Team Tactical Training: $350 — 2 hr private session for two participants; $175 per additional participant; session ammo included
Additional participant: $175 — Per additional participant on Private Team Tactical or Couples Home Defense sessions
Couples Private Home Defense Training: $350 — 2 hr for two participants; $175 each additional participant
Firearms 101 / Handgun Fitting: $100 — 1 hr private; for Firearms 101 session ammo, eye pro and training pistol provided. For handgun fitting at Point Blank Range, A+R covers the range fee and rental wall fee; client pays for targets, ammo, and eye and ear pro
Corporate / Groups / Events / Parties: Contact for pricing — Custom rates; call to book
Custom Travel and Train Package: Contact for pricing — 1, 2, or 3 day packages with specially-priced lodging options
GoPro Training Footage Add On: Varies — Digital POV footage of your session; price not listed
Memberships
Monthly Private Training Membership: $300/mon — No contract; no rollover of sessions; only one session per day; sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are forfeited; membership can be placed on hold with 48 hours notice. Membership does not guarantee specific dates or times.
2 private two-hour training sessions per month
All session ammo included
Free range membership at Point Blank Range – Matthews
Choice of any private training option
Cancel anytime from Square account
Women's Monthly Training / Self Protection and Shoot House Scenario Training Membership: Contact for pricing — No contract, cancel any time, no charge when you notify in advance that you will not attend that month. Price not listed.
Monthly group training for women
Pathways Memberships: Contact for pricing — Packages for beginners to advanced learners; price not listed.
Women's Solo Defense of Self and Home
Intro to Shooting and Beyond
CQB Primer
Family Safety and Home Defense
Path to Concealed Carry
5 sessions, customizable to goals
Training & classes
Private Tactical Training: $200 — 1.5 hr
Private Team Tactical Training: $350 — 2 hr for two; $175 per additional
Couples Private Home Defense Training: $350 — 2 hr for two; $175 per additional
Firearms 101 / Handgun Fittings: $100 — 1 hr
Self Protection Private Training: $100 — 1 hr
Close Quarters Skills & Decision Making Course (Nov 15): See class calendar — 10 AM to 6 PM; awareness, movement, civilian trauma response, decision making, force-on-force scenarios
Church Safety Team Training: Contact for pricing — Force-on-force, TECC/Stop the Bleed
Private School Safety Training: Contact for pricing — Active threat and trauma response for educators
Packages & experiences
Shoot House Match (Oct 4, 2026): See class calendar — 5-stage live-action force-on-force match with role players; Glock 17T pistols, gear and marking ammo provided; over $2,100 in prizes; open to all levels
Corporate Team Building: Contact for pricing — Full or half-day packages at the facility or on-site; team building in the Shoot House, women's self-defense, educational training
Bachelor / Birthday Parties: Contact for pricing — Force-on-force scenarios and team challenges in the Shoot House
Free Alien Gear Holster: Free — First 50 people who train/book each month receive a free Alien Gear holster (limited time)
Holiday Gift Card Bonus: $200 — Buy $200 in gift cards and receive a one-time $50 discount code in January
Training by appointment only; no walk-ins. Cancellations require 48 hours notice for account credit; later cancellations and no-shows forfeit payment. No refunds.
Prices are published by the range and can change — confirm before you visit.
Plan your visit
What to bring: Mechanic or tactical-style gloves, water bottle and snacks. Optional: your own kit, Glock 17 compatible holster, weapon-mounted or handheld lights, blade trainers.
Ammo policy: Session ammunition (marking rounds) is included in training. Own AR-15 chambered in 5.56 allowed but bolt carrier group must be left at home; no live bolts permitted in the training area.
Age policy: No minimum age published. Family training is offered, including CQB training for a parent and older teen; call for additional family members.
Rental requirements: Glock 17T training pistol or AR-15, marking rounds ammunition, and all required PPE are provided with training.
Dress code: Sleeved shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes required for Tactical, CQB, Shoot House, and Vehicle training; tank tops, shorts, sandals and slides not permitted. Long-sleeve shirt, jacket, or hoodie (long, loose layers) required for marking rounds scenario training. Mat classes: sleeved shirt (no tank tops) and bottoms covering the knees; tennis shoes, or barefoot/socks on mats.
First-timer tips: No prior experience needed. Book online or call (980) 408-6940; walk-ins not accepted. Free training consultation call available. Sign the waiver ahead of time. Cancel 48 hours in advance.
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am - 7pm
Wednesday: 10am - 7pm
Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 7pm
Sunday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours?
Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 7pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Can I walk in?
No. Training is by appointment only and walk-ins are not accepted. Book online, or call (980) 408-6940 or email info@ar-tactics.com.
Where is A+R Tactics located?
588 Griffith Rd, Building 5, Charlotte, NC 28217.
How much does training cost?
Private Tactical Training is $200 for 1.5 hr. Private Team Tactical and Couples Home Defense are $350 for two participants for 2 hr, plus $175 per extra person. Firearms 101 / Handgun Fitting and Self Protection Private Training are $100 for 1 hr each.
Do I need experience?
No. No prior experience is needed for any training; instructors tailor sessions to your goals and skill level.
Do you have memberships?
Yes. The Monthly Private Training Membership is $300 per month for 2 private two-hour sessions with ammo included plus a free Point Blank Range Matthews range membership. Women's monthly memberships and 5-session Pathways memberships are also offered. Cancel anytime.
What firearms and ammo are used?
A Glock 17T training pistol or AR-15, marking rounds ammunition, and all required PPE are provided. You may bring your own 5.56 AR-15, but leave the bolt carrier group at home; no live bolts are allowed in the training area.
What should I wear?
A sleeved shirt, long pants and closed-toe shoes for tactical, shoot house and vehicle training; no tank tops, shorts, sandals or slides. Add long, loose layers like a hoodie or jacket for marking rounds scenarios. Mat classes need knee-covering bottoms.
Can I bring a friend or spouse?
Yes. Private Team Tactical and Couples Home Defense sessions are designed for two or more, and groups are welcome.
Do you host parties and corporate events?
Yes. Bachelor parties, birthday parties, custom group events, and full or half-day corporate team building in the Shoot House. Call for custom rates.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 48 hours in advance for account credit or rescheduling. Later cancellations and no-shows are not eligible for refund, credit or rescheduling. No refunds are given.
Do you offer women's training?
Yes. The Women's Training Institute, led by Nicole Thurman, offers monthly group classes, private sessions, and training with a friend, with or without firearms.
Can I travel in to train?
Yes. Custom 1, 2, or 3 day Travel in & Train packages are available with specially-priced lodging; call for pricing.
Can I rent the facility?
Yes. The shoot house and facility can be rented for courses, fitness classes, team events, and airsoft. Call to book.