In an era where firearms instruction increasingly transcends state lines, Tricia Collins has emerged as a pivotal figure, bridging the robust training communities of North Carolina and Central Florida. As a highly-rated USCCA Certified Instructor and a driving force behind OldSchool Protection, based in Clayton/Kenly, North Carolina, Collins brings a unique blend of fundamental proficiency and accessible teaching to a diverse student body. Her collaborative presence within Florida's tactical ecosystem, particularly with entities like Viking 6 Tactical, underscores a growing trend of specialized instructors sharing expertise across regional markets.
Collins’ approach to firearms education is deeply rooted in the philosophy of 'OldSchool Protection,' emphasizing foundational skills, unwavering safety, and genuine confidence-building. In North Carolina, she is renowned for leading the 'OldSchool Ladies Group,' a testament to her commitment to empowering women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her expertise extends to delivering NCDOJ-certified Concealed Carry hybrid classes, ensuring that students not only meet legal requirements but also grasp the nuanced responsibilities inherent in carrying a firearm. Her consistent 5.0-star rating as a USCCA instructor, often co-teaching with partners like Scott Collins and other local luminaries such as Jan Davis, speaks volumes about her pedagogical effectiveness and the supportive learning environment she cultivates.
While her primary operational base is in North Carolina, Collins’ influence extends to Central Florida, a region experiencing significant growth in demand for self-defense training, particularly around The Villages. Her association with Viking 6 Tactical, located in Wildwood, aligns her with a network of veteran-led instructors like George Rodriguez, who prioritize real-world preparedness. It is a common practice within the elite USCCA instructor community for highly specialized trainers to travel for workshops, advanced courses, or guest instruction slots at affiliated academies. This collaborative model allows academies like Viking 6 Tactical to offer a broader range of expertise, tapping into instructors who excel in specific areas, such as women’s self-defense or medical preparedness like 'Stop the Bleed' workshops.
Collins’ low public profile, characterized by a focus on hands-on training rather than extensive online self-promotion, reinforces her commitment to the craft. Unlike some instructors who prioritize digital marketing, her reputation is built on word-of-mouth and the tangible results seen in her students. This grassroots approach allows her to connect authentically with learners, particularly those who might feel intimidated by the more overtly 'tactical' styles prevalent in the industry. Her ability to translate complex concepts into understandable, practical lessons makes her a sought-after educator for a demographic seeking competence and calm guidance in personal security decisions.
Tricia Collins exemplifies the 'mobile expert' model increasingly prevalent in the firearms training sector. While firmly established with OldSchool Protection in North Carolina, her strategic collaborations, especially with Central Florida's Viking 6 Tactical, highlight an intelligent expansion that meets diverse market demands. Her focus on patient, fundamental instruction and building confidence—particularly within the women's shooting community—is precisely what the high-growth demographics of both the Raleigh-Durham corridor and The Villages are actively seeking. Expect to see more instructors mirroring this multi-state, collaborative approach as the demand for specialized, high-quality training continues to outpace localized offerings. Bottom line: Collins is successfully exporting a proven, confidence-centric training model to key growth markets.