NRA Basic CCW – Moose Members – November 12

This class is the answer to the question “I’ve got my carry permit, Now what?”

The NRA Basic CCW course teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to carry concealed pistol for personal protection. The majority of this course is conducted on the range and live fire with classroom modules and on-range discussions.

Some topics discussed will be basic principles of concealment, mental awareness, development of a defensive mindset for carrying and using a pistol for personal protection, psychological and physiological changes that may occur during an attack, avoiding life-threatening confrontations, and others. Our range and live-fire exercises will cover presenting a pistol from concealment and shooting targets at varying distances, applying the rules of safe gun handling as applied to concealed carry, flash sight picture, reloading under stress, moving to cover/concealment, and other exercises.

This class is not for a beginning pistol shooter. You must have experience shooting and be able to demonstrate mastery of safe gun handling skills. We don’t consider this course the last class you’ll ever need, either. We believe it is the responsibility of those that lawfully exercise their Second Amendment rights by carrying a handgun in public spaces to continually improve their awareness and skills through practice and ongoing training.

Note: This course does NOT meet the requirements for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit. Please see our classes page for class dates for TN Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP).

Who can take this class?

This is a hands-on learning class with a skills evaluation as part of the course.

This class is for any 21 years old or older adult that is either currently or considering lawfully carrying a firearm outside their home. Also, as per Federal law, all participants must be U.S. Persons as defined by 15 CFR § 772.1 and 22 CFR § 120.15.

Are there pre-requisites?

NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting, NRA FIRST Steps Pistol course, other certified/military/law enforcement pistol training, competitive pistol qualification. Be prepared to show proof of your experience and/or training. Determination of satisfactorily meeting these requirements is at the sole discretion of the instructor(s).

Some topics covered

• Basic skills and knowledge necessary for owning, maintaining and shooting a handgun – safely
• Requirements for self-defence and use of deadly force in Tennessee
• Legal liabilities of carrying, possessing, and using a handgun

What do I need to bring?

• Comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather.

• Comfortable close-toed shoes

• Baseball cap or a brimmed hat

• Eye and (electronic) hearing protection

• Handgun and three or more magazines or speed loaders/strips (See Note 1 below)

• 200 rounds of factory ammunition (no hand load/reloads)

• Strong (shooting) side belt/waistband holster and magazine holders or speed loader pouches

• NO drop holsters, appendix holsters, holsters with a TRIGGER FINGER ACTUATED retention device, duty belt/competition rigs, or soft, collapsible holsters

• Garment (shirt or vest) appropriate for concealed carry

• Lunch/snacks and drinks

• Snap caps/dummy rounds for the caliber of your handgun

• Bug spray and sunscreen

• A learning mindset

• A smile!

Firearm, holster, and ammunition requirements?

Your firearm must be a minimum of .380 caliber, fully functional, have all factory safety devices intact, and have no modifications (light/race triggers, etc.) that could affect safe operations and function. No pocket, ankle, bra, shoulder, or off-body holsters – belt/waistband mounted on your strong/shooting side only. Holsters must properly fit the firearm, completely cover the trigger guard, and remain open when the firearm is removed. Students that own a pocket pistol may bring them with appropriate ammunition for short-range exercises if time allows. Please let the instructor know if you have a pocket pistol for the class.

We will have a firearm and range gear inspection prior to the range exercises. Appropriateness, safety, and whether the equipment meets course requirements is at the sole discretion of the instructor(s). Any firearm or equipment not approved by the instructor will not be permitted on the range. If you have a question about your gear, please contact us prior to the class.

Follow *all* instructions from the instructor and/or range safety officer. Failure to follow instructions, misconduct, or grossly unsafe behaviour can lead to dismissal from the class without refund.

Safety Note: No firearms or ammunition permitted in the classroom. Keep them secured in your vehicle until instructed to retrieve them for the range. We operate a Cold Range, which means firearms are always unloaded except when at the firing line. Keep your unloaded firearm inside the carrying case and unloaded except when on the firing line.

Seats are limited and are first-come-first-served basis.

Note 1: The instructor and/or range safety officer will inspect your handgun and ammunition to determine safety/functionality. Any handgun deemed unsafe will not be allowed. All decisions are final. If it is determined you have brought an unsafe handgun, you will be given the option to either rent one of ours or retake the course in its entirety at a later date at no extra charge. Rescheduling the course is subject to the course schedule and seating availability.