Cart
Cart

Built on integrity: Setting the Record Straight on Valiance Firearms Training

Date Updated:
Jul 30 2025
Author:
Nate Castillo
3 min read
Key points:
Private
Professional
vetted
safety
stewardship
VFT-Facts-01

       At Valiance, we believe leadership means listening—and acting with integrity. That’s why, in response to community concerns and out of respect for our neighbors, we’ve voluntarily adjusted the proposed training area to move further inside our private land. While independent sound studies already confirmed that our activities fall within rural norms, we saw an opportunity to go beyond compliance and further reduce any potential impact. This led to the development of what we call Range 2.0—a thoughtfully engineered space that better serves our training needs while minimizing sound and visibility. Importantly, Range 2.0 is not a replacement for Range 1.0, nor does it increase use of the original range. While Range 1.0 will still be available, it will be used far less frequently due to the superior design and location of Range 2.0. This decision reflects our commitment to low-impact, high-value training—and to being good stewards of both the land and the community around us.

Extensive Fire Prevention

We operate with a prevention-first mindset—not reactive safety.
Here’s what that looks like on our property:
  1. Two water trucks on-site at all times
  2. Firebreaks fully encircle the property
  3. Training zones use fire-resistant artificial turf
  4. Tracer and incendiary rounds are strictly prohibited
  5. AR500 steel targets only (to reduce spark risk)
  6. Fire extinguishers, shovels, and trained staff always present
  7. Dedicated fire watch active during every session
  8. Private fire response company on contract
  9. an instructor remains on site for one hr to confirm no smoldering or flare ups

Private. Vetted. Safe.

Valiance is not a public range. It’s a private, invitation-only training program—run with discipline and expertise
  1. Led by a Special Operations veteran from the 75th Ranger Regiment
  2. 10 certified instructors + 10 certified Range Safety Officers
  3. All staff trained in emergency trauma response
  4. Zero accidents or injuries in our history
  5. Every session begins with a strict safety briefing
  6. Small group sizes allow for personal oversight
  7. All participants are vetted prior to attending

Low-Impact Noise

Sound testing confirms that our presence does not disrupt the area.
  1. Pre-operational testing confirmed compliance
  2. Ongoing recordings show local birds louder than our gunfire
  3. Training times are limited and strictly followed
  4. Instructors regularly monitor noise levels

Environmental Respect in Every Action

The land matters. We treat it like we live here—because we do.
  1. Frequent wildlife activity (deer, elk, birds of prey)
  2. All trash, casings, and materials are packed out
  3. Native vegetation and terrain remain undisturbed

Built for the Community, Not the Masses

Valiance exists to serve our community—quietly and intentionally.We host secure, purpose-driven sessions for:
  1. Church security teams
  2. School safety personnel
  3. Women’s self-defense groups
  4. Free training for domestic violence survivors

No Public Traffic. No Expansion.

We are not expanding operations or creating a commercial range.
  1. No walk-ins, no public access
  2. Sessions are small, structured, and invite-only
  3. Traffic impact remains unchanged—always has
  4. No events, no open range hours, no increased volume

Lessons from Elsewhere: 
Why Oversight is Non-Negotiable

Past wildfires and firearm incidents often trace back to unregulated activity—not private, professional training:
  1. 1996 Boise Fire: Caused by law enforcement using tracer rounds (which we prohibit)
  2. Recent Star/Eagle fire: Started in an unsupervised area with no fire protocols
  3. Elmore County incident: A stray bullet hit a car on I-84—again, an uncontrolled zone

Valiance is what firearms training should look like

We believe our approach should be the baseline for responsible firearms training:
  1. No public access
  2. Certified, trauma-trained staff
  3. Real safety infrastructure
  4. Land stewardship
  5. Community-first mission

Your Voice Makes a Difference

Click below to send a quick message of support to the county. It only takes a minute—and it means everything.