An empowering, exclusively women's firearms experience. Building confidence, competence, and community — one shot at a time. Ember & Iron is where women discover their strength behind the trigger in a safe, supportive, and professional environment.
Get Notified for Next Event Call 407-305-8335Ember & Iron is USS Academy's signature ladies-only shooting event — a dedicated firearms experience designed exclusively for women. Whether you have never touched a firearm or you are an experienced shooter looking for a community of like-minded women, Ember & Iron provides a welcoming, pressure-free environment where women can learn, train, and grow together under the guidance of certified professional instructors.
The event was born at the Central Florida Rifle and Pistol Club and has since grown into an independent brand within the USS Academy family. What started as a single afternoon event has evolved into one of the most anticipated women's firearms experiences in the Orlando area and across Central Florida. Ember & Iron is not just a class — it is a community event that combines firearms education, hands-on range time, social connection, and personal empowerment into a single unforgettable experience.
USS Academy created Ember & Iron because the firearms industry has historically been intimidating and unwelcoming for women. Many women who want to learn about firearms for self-protection, home defense, or personal development are discouraged by male-dominated environments, aggressive marketing, and instructors who lack patience for first-time shooters. Ember & Iron eliminates every one of those barriers. The atmosphere is warm, professional, and deliberately designed to make every woman feel comfortable from the moment she arrives.
Ember & Iron is open to all women ages 18 and older, regardless of experience level. The event is specifically designed to welcome women who fall into one or more of these categories:
No prior firearms experience is required. USS Academy instructors provide all necessary safety briefings, equipment orientation, and hands-on coaching during the event. Every participant receives individualized attention to ensure they leave with genuine skill and confidence.
Every Ember & Iron event follows a carefully structured agenda that balances classroom education with live-fire range time. Here is what a typical event day looks like:
Participants arrive and check in. The atmosphere is relaxed and social — refreshments are provided, name badges are distributed, and instructors personally introduce themselves to every attendee. This is the time to ask questions, meet other women, and settle in before the training begins.
A comprehensive safety briefing covers the five cardinal rules of firearm safety, range etiquette, proper grip and stance, sight alignment, and trigger control fundamentals. Instructors use training firearms (blue guns and dry-fire tools) to demonstrate techniques before anyone approaches the firing line. Florida concealed carry law basics are also introduced, including an overview of Florida Statute 790 and Florida Statute 776 regarding justifiable use of force.
The main event. Participants move to the firing line in small groups with dedicated instructor supervision. Each shooter receives one-on-one coaching on grip, stance, sight picture, and trigger press. Multiple firearm platforms are available for participants to try — from compact pistols ideal for concealed carry to full-size handguns optimized for home defense. Ammunition and eye and ear protection are provided. Instructors maintain a maximum ratio of one instructor per three to four shooters to ensure personalized attention and absolute safety at all times.
After the range session, participants gather for group photos, target comparisons, and an open question-and-answer session with instructors. This is also when USS Academy introduces next steps — CWP permit classes, advanced training options, and the Bullseye Benefactor subscription program for ongoing range access. Many lasting friendships and training partnerships have formed during this part of the event.
Safety is the foundation of every Ember & Iron event. USS Academy's instructors bring a combined background that includes active and retired law enforcement officers, United States Marine Corps veterans, NRA-certified range safety officers, USCCA-certified instructors, and Florida K License holders. Every instructor on the Ember & Iron team has been specifically selected for their ability to communicate patiently, clearly, and encouragingly with first-time shooters.
The instructor-to-student ratio at Ember & Iron events is deliberately kept low — typically one certified instructor for every three to four participants. This ensures that every woman on the firing line has a dedicated coach standing beside her, guiding her through every shot. No one is left to figure it out alone. No one is rushed. Every participant moves at her own pace with full instructor support.
All safety equipment including eye protection, ear protection, and ammunition is provided at the event. Participants are welcome to bring their own firearms, but personal firearms are not required — USS Academy supplies a selection of handguns specifically chosen for their suitability for women shooters of varying hand sizes and strength levels.
Ember & Iron events are led by the same certified instructors who teach USS Academy's full curriculum of over 30 firearms courses. Our instructors hold the following credentials:
With over 27 years of combined training experience and more than 29,000 students graduated, USS Academy's instructor team brings real-world operational knowledge to every event — not just textbook theory.
Do I need any experience with firearms to attend Ember & Iron?
No. Ember & Iron is specifically designed for women of all experience levels, including complete beginners who have never touched a firearm. Our instructors provide comprehensive safety training and hands-on coaching throughout the entire event.
What should I wear to the event?
Wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops), a high-collar or crew-neck top (to prevent hot brass from contacting skin), and comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Avoid low-cut tops and loose scarves.
Do I need to bring my own firearm?
No. USS Academy provides a selection of handguns, ammunition, and all required safety equipment (eye and ear protection). You are welcome to bring your own firearm if you prefer — it must arrive unloaded and cased.
How much does Ember & Iron cost?
Pricing varies by event. Contact USS Academy at 407-305-8335 or email [email protected] for current pricing and availability. Group rates are available for parties of four or more.
Can I bring a friend or group?
Absolutely. Ember & Iron is perfect for groups — bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, mother-daughter outings, corporate events, and friend groups. Contact us to discuss group booking and special event packages.
Where are Ember & Iron events held?
Events are held at partner ranges across Central Florida. The specific venue is confirmed when you register. USS Academy selects ranges that meet our safety standards and provide a comfortable, professional environment for women shooters. Classes are not held at our corporate office.
Since its founding, Ember & Iron has hosted hundreds of women across multiple events in the Orlando and Central Florida area. Participants have ranged from first-time shooters in their twenties to experienced gun owners in their seventies. Mothers have attended with adult daughters. Corporate teams have used the event as a unique team-building experience. Bachelorette parties have traded the typical bar crawl for an afternoon of empowerment at the range.
The feedback from past attendees consistently highlights the same themes: they felt safe, they felt welcomed, they felt empowered, and they left with genuine skill they did not have before. Many past Ember & Iron participants have gone on to enroll in USS Academy's CWP permit class, join the Bullseye Benefactor monthly training program, or return for advanced skill-building courses.
Ember & Iron events are held once or twice per year and sell out quickly. To be the first to know when the next event is scheduled, contact USS Academy directly or submit your email through our notification form. Early registrants receive priority access and exclusive pricing.
You can also reach us at 407-305-8335 or email [email protected]