Handgun Shooting & Safety Class
The Handgun Shooting & Safety Class is an introduction to handgun shooting and will cover the fundamentals of shooting, types of handguns, what to expect at the range, and handgun safety. The class meets on Tuesday and Thursday nights for 3 weeks and there is no charge for participation. Two range days are included during the 3 weeks. We are open to those that are new and those that want to enhance their education on shooting and safety.
Handgun shooting and safety are serious matters. 4 out of 10 gun owners receive no formal training. A large number of our students over the past 30 years have never shot a gun. Our certified instructors pride themselves in spending significant time ensuring that you are prepared and we have a safe environment for you. Please don’t buy a handgun just to take the class. Handguns are a personal purchase and you will learn about the factors of gun selection for you to make an educated decision. We have loaner handguns available.
We offer 4 classes per year in March, May, August and October. Each class is 3 weeks long which includes both classroom and range time.
RANGE DATES FOR CLASS GRADUATES
Range Dates for 2024 (Held for class graduates)
February 24
April 27
June 29
August 31
October 26
December 28
CLASS / RANGE LOCATION
WCSO – John I Easley Jr Criminal Justice Center
408 Century Ct, Franklin, TN 37064
To apply fill out the Handgun Safety Class Application
For additional information or if you have questions, please email Rex Thigpen at thigpenmail@gmail.com
Rex Thigpen, Chief Range Officer, NRA Handgun Instructor; State of Tennessee Certified Handgun Instructor
Handgun Shooting & Safety Class
Do you provide ammunition?
Students should bring their own ammunition, No reloads. We have a limited amount of popular caliber ammo that can be purchased for our Range Classes only. Cost is comparable to retail sales.
Must I own a handgun or bring a handgun to attend the classes?
No you do not. Please don’t buy a handgun just to take the class. Handguns are a personal purchase and you will learn about the factors of gun selection for you to make an educated decision. No Handguns allowed in the class.
We offer loaner handguns for you to use for the Range Class if you need one. No rifles or shotguns are allowed.
May we bring our children?
Children are allowed in the Handgun Shooting & Safety Classes as they may benefit from the safety training. No persons under the age of 21 are permitted on the WCSO Range. Active duty military personnel under 21 are the exception.
Can I simply come and shoot at the WCSO Range?
No. Only those students that have graduated from the Handgun Shooting & Safety Class are allowed to shoot at the WCSO Range. The schedule: HGSC Graduates Range Day’s are held on the last Saturday of every Even month. (Time: 8:45am – 11am) Class instructors will notify graduates thru email.
Do I have to attend all 3 weeks of classes?
It is highly recommended. The class is a comprehensive introduction to handgun shooting and will cover the fundamentals of shooting, types of handguns, what to expect at the shooting range, and most importantly handgun safety. You will need to attend all classes to graduate and have opportunity shoot at the WCSO Range with the WCSO Handgun Class Instructors.
What is the schedule for classes?
There are 4 Courses offered throughout the year: March, May, August and October. The Course is three weeks long. Tuesday and Thursday nights: 7 – 9 p.m. Saturday Range days: 8:45am – Noon. Class/Range Location: WCSO – John I Easley Jr Criminal Justice Center – 408 Century Ct, Franklin, TN 37064. You can find the dates for each course by clicking on the About tab at the top.
How old do you have to be to take the class?
You must be 21 years of age to take the course. Active duty military personnel under 21 are the exception.
How do I apply to take a class?
To apply just click on the Application tab and submit your information. We do have a waiting list so please apply early for the session of your choice.
Will this course allow me to get my Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit?
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) does Not offer this class; yet permit classes can be found throughout the county. This is not a Certified Class either, however, we cover basically the same topics that you will find in the permit classes and this is an excellent way to prepare for those classes.
Is there a cost to take the course?
There is no cost for the 3-week course.
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