GP TACTICAL

Frequently Asked Questions
 

 

Don't I need to get my permit first?
 

Short answer is "no you don't."  A gun permit isn't like a license to kill, as some think. It's not like a driver's license either, which is a privilege.

Having and owning a firearm, on the other hand, is a right of every American citizen. Problem is, as states write law to combat crime they slowly erode your rights and freedoms. For us, in Tennessee, you need to reference the Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1307 Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.

Basically these laws were designed to increase penalties on those criminal types who would use weapons to further criminal activity. When it became apparent that the government (namely law enforcement) couldn't be everywhere, they found it necessary to write a law giving back the righteous citizen the right to defend themselves with firearms.

You have a right to openly carry a firearm in Tennessee. Unfortunately, that may be considered by some as brandishing or going with the intent to instill fear; which is specifically prohibited. So, the option is to somehow conceal it on your person. The deduction from that is, you now wanted to hide your intent to go armed from law enforcement. 

So now we arrive at the need to overcome this problem by creating a permit system.  This would demonstrate to law enforcement you had no reason other than self defense to conceal or otherwise be in possession of a firearm.
 

Recently, Tennessee relaxed their permit law (mistakenly referred to as constitutional carry) saying that you didn't need a permit to carry a handgun concealed.  You still are not allowed to carry a long gun or a even handgun if you are under 21 years old.  I think if you are 18 you have a right to vote and are therefore a citizen with rights, and that is where the new law becomes unconstitutional.
 

Anyway, you now can get your gun permit online without a class or training in using a firearm other than what you read. Or, you can, in Tennessee, get  a permit called an Enhanced Permit, which used to be called a concealed carry permit. I highly recommend that you get the enhanced permit.  We will address this more in my class if you're interested.
 

 

Do I need to buy a gun for the class?
 

No, I will be using simulated guns and replicas in class.  No live firearms will be used in class for safety reasons.
I will issue you a replica so you can safely practice what you learn before purchasing your firearm.
 

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What is the best gun and caliber to buy when I do buy one?
 

The answer is simple but non specific. The best gun for you is the one you will carry and routinely safely practice with. Caliber (bullet size) is similar. You will hear all kinds of discussion on this subject. In short several well placed small caliber projectiles that hit the target are much better than a miss with a large caliber.

I see many cases where the decision is made to buy say, a .45 caliber because a guru recommended it; then you discover the pistol in that caliber actually hurts your hand to shoot. You don't  shoot or practice and It goes straight in the night stand.
 

Get a pistol you can afford not only to purchase, but shoot. Get one you will shoot routinely. Get one you will be fast and accurate with.  It needs to fit you.
 

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What else will I need to buy?  What's this gonna cost me?
 

You can really spend some money here.  First, you absolutely need to purchase a good holster.  Its' purpose is to cover the trigger when you carry your firearm and position the firearm for access in a crisis.  Holsters come in a wide variety of options, from tuck-able soft side to on the belt hard-shell. You will need to select this item based on your comfort and needs.  You can expect to spend $30 to $80 on this. I address this in detail on my Summaries Tab above.
 

Next you need some type of vault or storage system.  This can be a single gun quick access box or a floor style gun vault.  Starting prices for this are $30 -$100. You need this to prevent unauthorized access to your firearm when it isn't on your person.
 

You will need some type of cleaning kit.  These are usually inexpensive, about $30.
 

You will need a range bag and its things.  A good zip canvas bag will work.  In the bag you will need some eye protection glasses, and some hearing protection.  You also should consider a small personal first aid kit.  I like having a roll of blue tape, a staple gun and some markers.  All this stuff shouldn't amount to more than about $150.  If you get all this you should be ready to become a committed hand gunner.