Close up of Rick Casner smiling at the camera wearing a nice collared shirt

Title
Program Chair School of Firearms Technology

SDI Time

SDI Faculty since 2018

Courses Taught

Introduction to Firearms Technology

Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting

Sights, Optics, and Accuracy

AR-15 Advanced Armorer

AR-10 Advanced Armorer

Education

Associate in Gunsmithing – Colorado School of Trades

Bachelors of Science in Education – Brigham Young University-Idaho

Masters of Science in Education – University of Idaho

Professional Background

Since 2008, I have acquired diverse professional experiences within the firearms industry, including gun store retail and shooting range operations, military machine gun manufacturing, civilian gunsmithing, advanced and reality-based force-on-force firearms training, and facility and personnel management. During this time, I have endeavored to meld together both my passion for higher education and my passion for firearms and the shooting sports. In this mission, I am most grateful for the opportunity to unite with like-minded colleagues at Sonoran Desert Institute, a trailblazing organization committed to providing students with firearms industry-driven higher education programs. Now, I enjoy witnessing students’ empowerment to become responsible innovators within the shooting sports.

Professional Group Memberships, Certificates & Certifications

National Rifle Association (NRA)

United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA)

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)

U.S. Center for Safesport

Hobbies

I enjoy a variety of outdoor sports, including the shooting sports, hunting, mountain biking, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, and time with family and friends.