Handgun Shooting & Safety Class
Handgun Safety and Shooting Program Temporarily Suspended
Due to construction activities associated with the new Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and jail facilities, the WCSO firearms range is not currently available to accommodate the Handgun Safety & Shooting Course Program. As a result, the program is suspended until further notice.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
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.


























































