Our DNA
In 2020, we began NW Precision Training with a simple mission: To equip the people who paid for our training—the taxpayers—with current, relevant, police firearms tactics to save their own lives. We believe the investment of training the taxpayers have provided for us should not die with us, but rather, be offered to the people that deserve it the most. You. Due to the uncertain times we live in, new gun ownership has risen unprecedentedly in the past few years. With the heavy responsibility of gun ownership is the responsibility of obtaining real firearms training from people whose lives depend on it every day. The training that you receive from us is not simply someone’s “theory” as to how training should be, but real, practical training that keeps our police alive every day. In short, if you’re not being trained by the people who rely on this training to return to their families at the end of each day, you’re not receiving the best, most relevant training available. We train for a warriorship mindset and live by the motto: Forging Warriors. Building Legends.
Meet the Pros
SHAWN TROTTER
Shawn Trotter is a native Oregonian and a father of 5 daughters. He is an active-duty police detective in the Eugene Police Department, where he has served as a firearms instructor since 2006. He has the honor of serving alongside and being trained by some of the best firearms instructors in law enforcement. Within his law enforcement career, he found value in equipping people with truth and knowledge to give them the skills needed to improve their lives by taking charge of their own safety. He views the world through the lens of self-reliance when true change through violence of action is called for. He is a principally driven man who believes in the concept that a society equipped with the knowledge of appropriate action is, in turn, a polite society.
Owner/ Instructor
SCOTT THOMAS
Scott enlisted in the US Navy straight out of Pleasant Hill High School, undergoing rigorous training at Naval Nuclear Power School before serving aboard the USS Tunny, SSN682, for three years. After instructing at the Naval Nuclear Power School for four years, he transitioned to a civilian nuclear plant for four years. Encouraged by a neighbor who was a respected Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, Scott pursued a career in law enforcement, joining the Eugene Police Department. During his seven years as a Patrol Officer, he also served as a Field Training Officer and Fatal Accident Investigator. Scott later became an Auto Theft Detective and competed in local shooting events while serving in detectives. Promoted to Sergeant, he managed EPD’s training division and served as the Range Master, overseeing firearms training for multiple agencies at Short Mountain Range. After retiring from EPD, Scott joined the national Insurance Crime Bureau as a Special Agent, focusing on organized crime and fraud investigations. He remains active in firearms shooting sports, including IDPA competitions, and has been an NW Precision Training Lead Instructor since 2021.
Lead Instructor
MELINDA MCLAUGHLIN
Melinda has a 30-year background in personal protection spanning more than seven disciplines and including multiple weapons platforms. She served as a sworn deputy for more than 11 years on Lane County Sheriff’s Office patrol as a reserve, retiring in 2021. She is a former world-ranked motorsports racer and national magazine columnist. Melinda has 39 years of media and accredited public relations experience under her belt. Currently Melinda is Eugene Police Department’s public information director, where she has worked since 2006. She previously was the sole public information officer for Lane County and Benton County governments. With a background in broadcast journalism, Melinda has worked news media, public relations, advertising, intergovernmental relations, crisis communications, emergency communications, social media, professional sports, digital production, fundraising, and market research. Her career spans business, media, not-for-profits, professional sports, PR agency work, and government service. Melinda is a graduate of Ministry Training Institute. Melinda attended the University of Oregon’s Robert D. Clark Honors College, and graduated from the UO with a B.A. in Journalism in 1984. She was named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and Springfield-Twin Rivers Rotarian of the Year 1998-1999.
Instructor
RACHEL TROTTER
Rachel grew up in Oregon and received a Bachelor’s degree from University of Oregon, followed by a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy and a Certification in Child Play Therapy. She owned a private practice for two decades, specializing in the treatment of trauma in children, military veterans, law enforcement, and adult survivors of abuse, and also enjoyed working with individual adults and couples. She is passionate about empowering and equipping others, and believes that well behaved women don’t make history and should therefore be warriors. She is a strong example of overcoming victimization and became a fierce champion of this cause, supporting and facilitating others being overcomers as well. She is a mother of one son and five daughters. She took owner Shawn’s vision of utilizing the training tax payers provided for him as a law enforcement firearms instructor and paying it back to the public, thus creating NW Precision Training. When you call or email us, Rachel is who you will talk to. She handles all the behind-the-scenes and other operations related to running the family business.
Chief Operating Officer
A third-generation Oregonian, Dan is a lifelong student committed to building a culture of responsible gun ownership rooted in family, community, and accountability. His journey began when he signed his wife Sally up for one of our Women-Only courses—then joined her for additional training himself. What started as support quickly grew into passion. Together, they discovered not only a commitment to their own growth, but a desire to serve others, which ultimately led them to become part of our Black Hat family.
Dan embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Black Hatter: prepared, diligent, and unwavering in his pursuit of excellence. He inspires those around him to sharpen their skills, strengthen their character, and take seriously the responsibility of being protectors of both family and community. His dedication and drive make him a trusted leader and a cornerstone of our team culture.
Lead Professional Staff “Black Hat” - Range Safety Officer
DAN DUERFELDT
With his law enforcement background, Ron brings discipline, readiness, and a wealth of real-world experience to the Black Hat team. He’s a hard worker who continually sharpens his skills, always ready to step in where needed. Whether he’s answering a customer’s question or running the line, Ron delivers with ease, professionalism, and a touch of humor that puts people at ease. His dedication to staying sharp ensures he’s not only an asset to the team but also a protector of those who train with us.
Professional Staff “Black Hat” -Range Safety Officer
RON HARRIS
A true-blue American, Brian is as loyal and steadfast as they come. Fierce in his training, steadfast in his convictions, and generous to a fault, he embodies the grit and heart of what it means to be a Black Hatter. Gruff but sweet, he’s both a teacher and protector—capable of tenderness one moment and the necessary force of violence the next when others need defending. Brian’s no-nonsense, straight-shooting approach to life inspires respect, while his loyalty makes him the kind of teammate you can always count on.
Professional Staff “Black Hat” - Range Safety Officer
BRIAN COX
The youngest of the crew, Triston has proven himself as one of the most dependable and hardworking members of the Black Hat family. When he says he’ll do something, he follows through. On the range, he’s laser-focused on safety, ensuring every customer is equipped and ready to train. Quick-witted and a solid shot, he’s often the target of playful ribbing from the team for his thigh holster—but he gives as good as he gets. Triston’s humor, diligence, and integrity make him both a rising star and a trusted protector in our ranks.
Professional Staff “Black Hat” - Range Safety Officer
TRISTON MONIA
A man of conviction and principle, Dan is as steady in his beliefs as he is in his work ethic. Faith and family are at the center of everything he does, and his mechanical genius makes him an invaluable asset on and off the range. Known for his sharp wit and humor, he’s never afraid to speak truth when it matters most. Dan is the kind of Black Hatter who can fix anything, say what needs to be said, and still leave you laughing. His unwavering integrity and willingness to help others make him a cornerstone of our culture.
Professional Staff “Black Hat” - Range Safety Officer
DAN CRITES
MADISYN EVANS-TROTTER
The youngest member of the Precision Professional family—and daughter of Shawn and Rachel—Madisyn brings sharp wit, fearless energy, and leadership well beyond her years. As the next generation of our business and culture she is sharp, witty, and runs the pit with authority. Known around here as our “Pit Boss,” she keeps the team in line with her sarcasm, humor, and quick thinking. Always ready for a challenge, she’s famous for seeing how many training pistols she can stash in her boots or clothing before class begins. Madisyn embodies the next generation of the Black Hat culture: capable, clever, and committed. For her, this isn’t just a business—it’s family, and she’s proud to help carry the legacy forward.
Pit Boss & Next-Gen Black Hat
Known as the “dead-eye” of our team, Hannah is the best shot in town and one of the hardest-working Black Hatters you’ll ever meet. She has an eagle eye for detail, whether it’s setting up a range or organizing the trailer with precision. Hannah’s fierce focus is matched only by her humor, which adds levity and energy to the team dynamic. And while her pickle-making skills have earned her legendary status, it’s her ability to elevate everyone around her that truly sets her apart. The angrier she gets, the sharper her shots become—reminding us all that determination can be a powerful weapon.
Professional Staff “Black Hat” - Range Safety Officer
HANNAH LYLE
Calm, steady, and deliberate, Ryan is a quiet man whose words carry weight. A hard worker dedicated to the team’s success, he’s the one who offers sharp, calculated feedback when it matters most. His presence on the range is both grounding and motivating—he pushes others to improve, often with a perfectly timed jab of humor when someone slips up. Ryan is a man of few words, but every one of them counts. Even at home, his fiancée Hannah keeps him sharp by outshooting him at the dueling tree—a testament to his humility and support for those around him.
Professional Staff “Black Hat” - Range Safety Officer
RYAN BIGELOW
Quiet, steady, and intentional, Joe is the kind of man whose presence strengthens a team without needing the spotlight. With a sharp, analytical mind and a deep commitment to family, he balances his time between serving here and supporting his son in Boy Scouts. When he speaks, his words carry encouragement and perspective, often uncovering strengths others overlook. Joe is a reliable teammate who helps without hesitation, offering wisdom, support, and steady guidance with every task he takes on.
Professional Staff “Black Hat” - Range Safety Officer
JOE LOVE
The “mother hen” of the Black Hat Society, Sally is as nurturing as she is fierce. With grit, inner strength, and fire in her spirit, she is the immovable force that fiercely protects those she loves. A lioness through and through, Sally stands in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves—leading with both compassion and conviction. She is an inspiring advocate for building strong, confident, empowered and equipped women warriors in our community. She embodies resilience and loyalty, reminding our team daily that true strength is equal parts tender and unshakable.
Professional Staff “Black Hat” - Range Safety Officer
SALLY DUERFELDT