HANDGUN BASICS - $229

Handgun Basics:  Learn to run your handgun with confidence, control, and purpose—because when it matters most, "good enough" isn’t good enough. 

Completion of Handgun Basics will fulfill training requirements for the Tennessee Concealed Carry Permit. 

This class is right for you if:
• You own a handgun for personal defense and want to handle it with purpose, not just hope.
• You’re new to pistols or revolvers and want solid, no-nonsense training from the ground up.
• You’ve had a permit for years but never got serious instruction.
• You want to sharpen core skills like grip, stance, sight alignment, and recoil control.
• You’re interested in the legal, mental, and physical realities of using a gun for self-defense.
• You’re law enforcement, military, or a longtime gun owner who knows fundamentals can always be better. 

NO PREREQUISITES

SEMI-AUTOS WELCOME

REVOLVERS WELCOME

Calendar

September 7, 2025  

8:30 am  - 5:00 pm

Whether it’s a compact pistol or a classic wheel gun, millions of Americans rely on handguns for home defense and concealed carry. Revolver or semi-auto — doesn’t matter. If it’s your tool, you’d better know how to run it right. At Patriot Training, we’ll teach you how to handle your handgun with confidence, control, and purpose. 

Handgun Basics isn’t just another safety course — it’s a mindset shift. This class is built for brand-new shooters, seasoned gun owners, and even law enforcement or military vets looking to sharpen their fundamentals. Our mission is simple: turn everyday gun owners into prepared, capable handgun students who are ready to survive a violent encounter. 

Completion of Handgun Basics will fulfill training requirements for the Tennessee Concealed Carry Permit. 

CARRY PERMIT

If you are taking Handgun Basics to satisfy the training requirements for the Tennessee Concealed Carry Permit, the first step of applying for an original Tennessee conceal carry permit would be to complete the application online under the Handgun Permit tab. 

TOPICS COVERED

• All Patriot Training live fire classes have a thorough safety briefing and medical plan. 
• Proper sight picture
• Sight alignment
• Proper grip on the gun
• Good fighting stance
• Recoil control
• Legalities of defensive force 
• Handgun marksmanship
• Safety
• Defensive handgun use in the home
• Defensive handgun use in public
• Drawing & presenting the handgun
• Shooting positions and variations,
• Muzzle positions and applications
• Stoppages
• Multiple shots
• Multiple targets
• All PATRIOT TRAINING Class pricing includes any applicable range access charges - no surprise "gotcha" fees! 

GUNS & GEAR

• Your safe, functional handgun. All calibers accepted.
  • Revolvers are welcome.
  • Semi-Automatics are welcome. 
• Quality holster (kydex, stiff nylon OWB, or stiff leather - stays open for reholstering)
  • OWB (outside waistband) is PREFERRED!
  • IWB (Inside the Waistband) is OK! (kydex and leather, only) 
  • AIWB (appendix inside the waistband) is OK. (kydex and leather only)
• No SERPA Holsters. 
• The Sig P320 is banned from all Patriot Training classes. 
• Speed loaders suggested for revolvers, but not required. (2x or more)
• Extra magazine for semi autos. 
• Sturdy Carry belt
• 200 rounds of factory loaded brass cased ammo.
• Notepad & pen 
• Eye protection & ear protection. 
• Range appropriate clothing
• Food & Water
• Notepad and Pen
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Shemagh or towel to cover the gun to keep it from getting too hot in the sun. 
• Hand warmers in cold weather months
• Medical kit / IFAK (optional)
• Lawn Chairs (optional)
• If you wear prescription lenses / glasses - BRING THEM!  

Patriot Training suggests holsters from:

Vedder Holsters

Blade Tech

We The People

DO NOT  BRING TO CLASS:

• Steel cased ammo for pistols 
• Hand loaded or remanufactured ammunition. Bring factory ammo only. 
• Mixed brands/types of ammo - bring a single brand and type
• SERPA holsters or any holster requiring the trigger finger to disengage retention are forbidden. 
• Nylon holsters forbidden. 
• The Sig P320 is banned from all Patriot Training classes. 

Why does Patriot Training not allow Serpa Holsters?

Because they fail, and they get people shot. Please see our FAQ page for details and links!

LOCATION

This class will be held at Mountain Top Gun & Archery.

11564 Harrison Ferry Rd., McMinnville, TN 37110

STANDBY

Most Patriot Training classes sell out quickly. However, we frequently have participants who have schedule changes, and cannot make the class they bought for whatever reason. Therefore, we offer a "STANDBY" list. Of course, this does not guarantee you a spot. However, most classes get one or two reschedules - usually the last week right before class. 

IF this class sells out, email us and we will put you on standby for the class at no charge. Of course, if a spot opens up, then you will need to act quickly to buy that spot! 

REFUND / RESCHEDULE / TRANSFER POLICY

REFUNDS

Patriot Training does NOT offer Refunds. 

* Tuition sale is final and is a commitment to train with Patriot Training at the date and time scheduled.

* Tuition paid guarantees your spot in class. Patriot Training does not overbook. 

* Your payment secures a spot in a specific class, and nothing more. Patriot Training cannot and does not guarantee individual performance or results. Therefore, failure to pass a course (such as a carry permit evaluation) does not qualify for a refund.  

* Patriot Training does not offer refunds, reschedules, or transfers to students who fail to show up for class. If you decide not to attend, that’s your decision. 

* This policy is firm and there will be no exceptions.

* Due to safety concerns, all Sig P320 variants are banned from use in class. Students registered prior to this policy may request a free loaner pistol for the course. No refunds will be issued based on this policy. 

Why? 

- Because if you decide the day before class that you don't like the weather forecast (or insert whatever excuse here), we will not have time to sell that spot to a serious participant that has been turned away. 

RESCHEDULE

Cannot make a class and need to reschedule to a future class? You may reschedule for the same class (i.e. Urban Rifleman for Urban Rifleman) in the future for only a $50 processing fee. You must reschedule no later than Thursday at 6:00 pm prior to the start of the class you cannot make. Naturally, there must be a future offering on the schedule, and once you select the date, that date will be locked in. Future reschedules will also require an additional $50 processing fee. CLICK HERE TO RESCHEDULE. 

LIMITED TRANSFERS

Can't make the class and want to transfer (give/sell) your spot to someone else?

If you want to transfer, sell, or give your seat to someone else, that’s entirely up to you and is fine by us. 

You must notify us no later than Thursday, 6:00 pm, prior.  

If that person cannot make it, the same no refund policy applies. 

CANCELLATIONS

In the unlikely event Patriot Training is forced to cancel a class, refunds and reschedules will be offered.