TN Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit Course
Here are just a few of the benefits of taking our Enhanced CCW Class:
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Steadfast devotion to firearm safety rules
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Low student-instructor ratio, allowing for more personal/1-on-1 instruction
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Accommodating, sociable and outgoing instructor who can relate to new and beginner shooters
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Attentive, detailed and comprehensive instruction
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A no pressure and non-aggressive teaching/learning environment
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Apolitical, non-divisive atmosphere (we talk about firearms not politics)
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Special focus placed on fundamentals and practical application
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Main focus is placed on self-defense framework/circumstances
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Utmost consideration of students time/schedule, priorities, and interests
We acknowledge that making the decision to carry a firearm for personal protection is a highly important one. We also recognize that this might be (for some/most folks) their very first firearms training class which is why we strive to make it a pleasurable, positive, and fun learning experience. We highlight and emphasize safety above all else, thus creating an extremely safe training/learning environment. Our students can look forward to acquiring the knowledge, skills, and confidence to safely and responsibly carry and handle a firearm. However, we HIGHLY ENCOURAGE all of our students to seek further training. Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes PERMANENT.
In preparation for obtaining your carry permit, the first thing you need to do is visit the official Tennessee Department of Safety website for handgun permit information. The site provides useful and pertinent information about the permit application process and applicable Tennessee laws.
The DOS website explains that taking the HCP/CCW course is actually the second step in the process of applying for a Tennessee handgun carry permit. The first step is to start your online application with the state of Tennessee. To do so, please visit the Tennessee Department of Safety’s driver services website, click the tab for “Handgun Permits,” and follow the instructions to complete your application. Once completed, you will be issued a confirmation number. It is crucially important that you keep that number handy and bring it with you to the HCP/CCW class. That confirmation number is needed/used to verify that you have begun the application process before you can take the course.
This class is comprised of several hours of classroom training as well as live-fire range time. Here’s what you’ll need:
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State-issued confirmation number from your online application (must be completed prior to class; see the previous section titled “Pre-Class To-Do List”)
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50 rounds of ammunition
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A reliable handgun/pistol (if you don’t own one yet, we can loan you one)
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Proper attire, outerwear, and footwear (appropriate for outdoor shooting)
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Eye and ear protection
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A positive attitude and an open mind
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Note-taking materials
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You Might Want to Bring Snacks and Water (this will save time/length of breaks)
The CCW class is an eight-hour course. Approximately six hours are classroom instruction with about two hours of live fire/range time. Our CCW class is offered on Saturdays which seems to be most convenient for most people . Class topics include:
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Legal fundamentals of Self-defense
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Tennessee statutes/laws (Relevant to self-defense)
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***Firearms safety*** (Hands down, the most crucial topic)
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Proper firearm maintenance and storage
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Nomenclature: Basic handgun parts and terminology
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Fundamentals of marksmanship
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Selecting the right firearm (and ammo) for you
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Shooting standards/qualification: Written test and shooting test/qualification
Congratulations for having successfully completed the CCW course. However, there are a few more requirements you must meet before you can legally carry a firearm in Tennessee. Before you can legally carry in TN, you must:
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Return to your pending online application and complete all remaining sections
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Verify proof of CCW course completion is now reflected on your online application
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You must be fingerprinted and pass a background check
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Go to a full-service driver’s license station and provide proof of citizenship/legal permanent residency
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Pay the application processing fee (military discounts are available)
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Have your picture taken (similar to the TN drivers license)
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Your card to will be mailed to you (Be patient)
Keep in mind that you cannot legally carry a firearm across State lines (even that State honors the TN CCW) until you receive the permit in the mail. Simply completing the CCW course does not guarantee reciprocity. We will discuss these procedures in more detail in the CCW course and answer any questions you might have about the process.
The CCW course is the minimum level of required training by the State of TN to be eligible for a CCW/HCP. We all know however, that just one 8-hour class is not sufficient training to adequately prepare students to carry a handgun safely and responsibly. The CCW course covers only the basics of safety and marksmanship. However, it doesn’t cover other valuable skills (i.e. drawing/presenting a handgun from a holster, using cover/concealment, etc.). While the course does cover legal prerequisites regarding the use of deadly force, time does not allow for a deep-dive regarding the legal, financial, and emotional aftermath of a defensive gun use/shooting (DGU).
An eight hour time-frame is simply not sufficient to cover all of that information/training. However, it is absolutely essential for every concealed carry permit holder to at least have a fundamental understanding of those concepts. When lives are on the line, marginal training is simply not sufficient. You should seek to continually increase and maintain both your skills and knowledge. Please consider signing up for further training beyond the CCW course. Besides the CCW class, we als0 offer beginner and intermediate shooter classes (Basic/New Shooter Class, Baseline Pistol Course) and we will be adding more classes/courses in the future. We also offer private classes to meet your specific training needs. We are unashamedly self proclaimed “training junkies” always seeking to acquire new skills as well as build upon the skills we already have. We sincerely hope you will aspire to do the same.
Contact the organizer to request a refund.
Address: Sixteenth Model Rd, Manchester, TN 37355
Phone: (931) 728-0223
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CONTACT US
Christian Patriot Arms
Smyrna, TN 37167
cpa.info@christianpatriotarms.com
(615) 809-7923 (Hablamos Español)
SERVICES
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BUSINESS HOURS
*Monday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
*Transfers By Appointment Only