Moore Tactical

The Tactical Muffin Top

Matt Moore

Matt is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Moore Tactical LLC. A devoted Christian, husband and father of three—two daughters and one son—Matt is also an active member of Central Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland.

After spending over 20 years in the construction industry, Matt founded Moore Tactical LLC to merge his passion for shooting and teaching. His goal is to transform his hobby into a platform for delivering exceptional firearms training that truly benefits his students.

Bringing 30 years of experience in shooting sports, Matt has competed across various disciplines and levels. He holds certifications as an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, Glock Certified Armorer, MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor, DC Handgun Instructor, and NRA Range Safety Officer. Additionally, he is a member of Gun Owners of America, Maryland Shall Issue and the Glock Shooting Sports Foundation.

A staunch advocate for the Second Amendment, Matt is dedicated to training students to handle firearms confidently and responsibly. His aim is to ensure that every student leaves the course with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a responsible and well-informed armed citizen.

Email: matt@mooretactical.com

The Tactical Muffin Top

Matt Moore

Matt is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Moore Tactical LLC. A devoted Christian, husband of 12 years, and father of three—two daughters and one son—Matt is also an active member of Central Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland.

With over 20 years of experience as a Construction Superintendent, Matt founded Moore Tactical LLC to merge his passion for shooting and teaching. His goal is to transform his hobby into a platform for delivering exceptional firearms training that truly benefits his students.

Bringing 30 years of experience in shooting sports, Matt has competed across various disciplines and levels. He holds certifications as an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, Glock Certified Armorer, MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor, DC Handgun Instructor, and NRA Range Safety Officer. Additionally, he is a member of Gun Owners of America, Maryland Shall Issue and the Glock Shooting Sports Foundation.

A staunch advocate for the Second Amendment, Matt is dedicated to training students to handle firearms confidently and responsibly. His aim is to ensure that every student leaves the course with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a responsible and well-informed armed citizen.

Email: matt@mooretactical.com

The Tactical Stud Muffin

John Havranek

John has been immersed in shooting sports since 2006, with 17 years of extensive training in pistol, rifle, and shotgun disciplines.

Inspired by a course taught by Matt Moore, John pursued a career as an instructor, achieving his NRA Pistol Instructor certification in 2023. Shortly after, he joined the Instructor Cadre at Moore Tactical.

In addition to his instructional role, John is a key content creator for Moore Tactical. You might spot him dressed as a modern-day George Washington or other inventive characters, contributing to engaging and creative content. He also plays a crucial role in testing and evaluating products for the company.

Outside of his professional pursuits, John enjoys working out, spending time with his dog, and competing in shooting events. He actively participates in The Tactical Games, USPSA, and PCSL competitions, continually honing his skills and staying active in the shooting community.

Email: john@mooretactical.com

The Spook

James Tango

 James is the newest member of the Moore Tactical Instructor Cadre. In addition to teaching firearms classes, he will be developing and leading our new Combatives program.

With over 15 years of military experience, James has served in Infantry, Reconnaissance, Intelligence, and Special Operations roles. His extensive background includes specialized training in Team and One Man CQB, Defensive/Offensive Driving, Vehicle Dynamics, Contact Driving, Emergency Medical, and Combatives.

A dedicated martial artist, James has trained in various disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, throughout his adult life.

Due to the nature of his previous work, we’re unable to share all personal details, including his real last name. However, we invite you to join one of his classes to meet him in person.

James’s qualifications include:

  • Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) Instructor
  • Special Operations Combatives Program (SOCP) Certified
  • Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician
  • TCCC Certified
  • USG Contractor
  • Executive Protection Agent
  • Sniper Qualified
The Spook

James Tango

 James is the newest member of the Moore Tactical Instructor Cadre. In addition to teaching firearms classes, he will be developing and leading our new Combatives program.

With over 15 years of military experience, James has served in Infantry, Reconnaissance, Intelligence, and Special Operations roles. His extensive background includes specialized training in Team and One Man CQB, Defensive/Offensive Driving, Vehicle Dynamics, Contact Driving, Emergency Medical, and Combatives.

A dedicated martial artist, James has trained in various disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, throughout his adult life.

Due to the nature of his previous work, we’re unable to share all personal details, including his real last name. However, we invite you to join one of his classes to meet him in person.

James’s qualifications include:

  • Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) Instructor
  • Special Operations Combatives Program (SOCP) Certified
  • Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician
  • TCCC Certified
  • USG Contractor
  • Executive Protection Agent
  • Sniper Qualified
The Pastor

Matthew Arney

For Matthew, his personal relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is of utmost importance. As the Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Rockville, he is dedicated to sharing the love of Christ with others. As a devoted husband and father of four sons, Matthew is committed to fostering a Christ-centered home and providing for and protecting his family. This deep sense of responsibility has fueled his passion for teaching self-defense techniques and the principles behind them.

The name Shepherd Defense is inspired by Jeremiah 3:15: “And I will give you pastors (shepherds) according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Matthew’s mission is to offer firearms and self-defense instruction while imparting the fundamental reasons why protecting life is crucial.

Matthew is an NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor, MSP Qualified Handgun Instructor, IDPA member, and an Executive member of Maryland Shall Issue. He also holds numerous other certifications and memberships in firearms and self-defense, reflecting his commitment to both personal and professional excellence in this field.