Over centuries, modern firearms gradually replaced archaic weapons, such as the rapier and the sternly worded pamphlet. Take aim with this Groupon.

$98 for a Six-Hour Comprehensive Shooting Course ($200 Value)

The beginner-friendly course starts with four hours of in-classroom training, during which instructors—all of whom are former members of the Special Forces—pass out handbooks and go over firearms basics, close-quarters shooting techniques, and gun laws. Classes then move to the range, where instructors supply ammo, targets, and six different pistols, including semiautomatics and revolvers. After students practice with the various firearms, they receive an application for a Florida concealed-weapons permit. All students are required to pay an additional $10 range fee, which includes eye and ear protection.

Defensive Shooting Instructors

Defensive Shooting Instructors' training staff includes Special Forces members, SWAT officials, and intelligence specialists. Drawing from these backgrounds, the highly trained team teaches dozens of public courses that cover everything from pistols to shotguns to hand-to-hand combat. Rather than guiding their students through simple lessons, the instructors run drills that simulate real-world conditions and aim to create safe-yet-intense environments. Depending on the class, they might have groups race through obstacles, run up stairs, or even roll in the dirt. For firearms training, they travel to local ranges and put shooters through repetitive drills focused on speed, accuracy, and consistency. In addition to civilian instruction, Defensive Shooting Instructors designs courses for law enforcement officers, military members, and deploying journalists. Its staff mans a gun shop.