GUN STORE • RANGE • FULL AUTO EXPERIENCE
Top Gun Academy
At Top Gun Academy, we take pride in providing comprehensive firearms training that caters to all levels of shooters, ranging from beginners to advanced. Our courses are designed help you develop your skills and knowledge in safe and supportive environment. In addition to group classes, we offer private lessons that provide one-on-one instruction to help you achieve your shooting goals. Whether you're looking to improve your accuracy, speed, or overall proficiency, Top Gun Academy is here to help you become a better shooter.
Classes Information
Handgun Classes
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First Shots Handgun
2 Hours - $80
Are you new to pistols? Are you worried about shooting one? First Shots Handguns is the perfect class for you!! This class is small, slow-paced, and PERFECT for beginners that want to get started the right way. Offered in Co-ed and Ladies Only format!
Handgun Marksmanship
For those who want to better ensure success on the range, or just wish to spend more time learning to become a better shooter, we present our MARKSMANSHIP course. This course is also suitable for those that just want to learn more about handguns, and how to shoot them well. Our experienced and dedicated instructors are here to help you become familiar and confident with a handgun. This is a good class to take before the TN/MS permit course or following the First Shots course.
4 Hours - $99
Enhanced Carry Permit
(TN/MS)
This state-regulated class requires passing a written test as well as a shooting test. While we will put great effort towards your success, we can’t guarantee your results in the class. If you are not confident in passing, we HIGHLY recommend taking our First Shots class or Marksmanship class. Both of these courses will prepare you for the permit test! The class is 8 hours long and per state regulation covers: Safety, Legal responsibilities, Handgun nomenclature, Handgun operation, Safe storage, Dealing with law enforcement, Ammunition, Marksmanship, Cleaning, and How to apply for your permit.
8 Hours - $99
Beyond the Permit I
4 Hours - $150
An Introduction to Everyday Carry. Beyond the Permit I is an integral part of learning what it takes to carry a handgun. In this course we will cover: Marksmanship Ammunition selection Holster Selection How to carry a pistol daily Effective Magazine Changes (Speed-Loader Usage for Revolvers) Presenting the Pistol from the Holster Requirements: completion of TN/MS Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit Course 21 years or older Service grade handgun 2 magazines or speed loaders Holster Magazine/speed loader pouch 150 rounds of ammunition Eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
Beyond the Permit II
4 Hours - $150
Skills and Mindset. With the next installment in our Beyond the Permit series, we explore topics that will help the student avoid violence before it begins and deal with it if it cannot be avoided. We also cover how to fix your pistol in the midst of a conflict. Topics in Beyond the Permit II include: Present the pistol from a concealed holster Awareness techniques to help you avoid violence before it starts Understand the dynamics of a violent confrontation Honing of your pistol skills Shooting one handed Fixing Malfunctions There is more to carrying a pistol than just shooting skills. You have to cultivate a defensive mindset and learn how to manipulate your firearm in case of mechanical failure. While we do spend much of the class honing your pistol craft, BTP II also imparts to the student the tried-and-true techniques that will keep you out of a fight and the mindset to win one, if one cannot be avoided. Requirements: Completion of Beyond the Permit I 21 years or older Service grade handgun 2 magazines or speed loaders Holster Magazine/speed loader pouch 200 rounds of ammunition eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
Beyond the Permit III
4 Hours - $150
Tactics and Distance. Our third course in the Beyond the Permit series begins to push the student to shoot at longer distances and take tactical advantage of that distance. While there is some academic work, most of this class is spent on the range. Beyond the Permit III covers: Engage multiple targets at various distances Use of cover Tactical movement Advanced magazine changes Alternate shooting positions Extending your range While most defensive encounters are at close range, many are not. Beyond the Permit III forgoes most of the class work and focuses primarily on the skills needed to win a prolonged life or death situation at longer distances. Requirements: Completion of Beyond the Permit II 21 years or older Service grade handgun 2 magazines or speed loaders Holster Magazine/speed loader pouch 250 rounds of ammunition Eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
Beyond the Permit IV
4 Hours - $150
Standards. The capstone class of this series, Beyond the Permit IV, compares the student’s skills to the best law enforcement standards in the country. In order to pass, you will have to score to the same standard as local, state, and federal law enforcement. Combing and testing your skills National, state, and local law enforcement qualifications Combat Mindset This course not only meets those law enforcement standards, it surpasses them. Once you have completed this class and passed its rigorous standards, your handgun skills will be on par with any law enforcement agency in the United States. Requirements: Completion of Beyond the Permit III 21 years or older Service grade handgun 2 magazines or speed loaders Holster Magazine/speed loader pouch 300 rounds of ammunition Eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
Sign Up Link
Coming Soon!
Low Light Pistol
The modern flashlight offers a tremendous tactical advantage in a life-or-death situation, and a professional flashlight should be part of your EDC equipment. To help you decide what light is best for you and how to use it in conjunction with your pistol, we offer our 4-hour Low Light Pistol course. This class is not for beginners and is only open to Beyond the Permit III or Mastering the Pistol I graduates. If you want to take back the night, enroll in Low Light Pistol. Requirements: Completion of Mastering the Pistol I OR Beyond the Permit III 21 years or older Service grade handgun 3 magazines or speed loaders Holster Magazine/speed loader pouch 250 rounds of ammunition Tactical flashlight Eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
4 Hours - $150
Mastering the Pistol I
The first installment of our Mastering the Pistol series focuses on turning you into a pistol master. Combat-based shooting techniques replace traditional target concepts. You will learn to shoot faster while maintaining combat-level accuracy. The speed and accuracy are set in balance in this course as well as Concealed Carry Techniques Weapon Presentation Cooper’s Awareness Rapid Reloading Techniques Shooting with Dominant and Non-Dominant Hand Clearing Malfunctions Engaging Multiple Targets Shooting Under Stress Shooting at Common Distances Basic Tactical Movement The 8-10 hour course will push you mentally and physically to begin your journey of mastering the pistol. Requirements: 21 years or older 8 hours of permit training Service grade handgun 3 magazines or speed loaders Holster Magazine/speed loader pouch 500 rounds of ammunition Eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
8-10 Hours - $250
Sign Up Link
Coming Soon!
Mastering the Revolver
The first installment of our Mastering the Revolver series focuses on turning you into a pistol master. Combat-based shooting techniques replace traditional target concepts. You will learn to shoot faster while maintaining combat level accuracy. The speed and accuracy are set in balance in this course as well as -Defensive revolver set up -Revolver varieties -Transitioning to the back up/small revolver -Reloading the revolver -Employing the New York reload -Revolver trigger theory Shooting and manipulating with dominant and non-dominant hands -Shooting Under Stress -Shooting at common defensive distances -Use of revolver accessories -Holsters for primary and backup revolvers Revolver maintenance The 8-hour course will push you mentally and physically to begin your journey of mastering the revolvers. Time: 8 hours Class Needs: -A primary (3-4”, 6+ shot) revolver (SW 586/686/66/19, -Colt Python/Trooper, Dan Wesson, Etc) -One back up (snub nosed, 5-6 shot) revolver (SW 642/442/J frame, Colt Dec Sp/Agent/Cobra, etc…) -Please do not expect to succeed with a “firearm” made by -Rock Island, Rossi, Charter Arms, etc… -Holsters for each revolver. The primary should be a belt holster. -2 Speed loaders for the primary -Ammo: 500 rounds
8-10 Hours - $250
Pistol Optics
4 Hours - $150
This course trains owners in pistol-mounted optics for defensive usage and marksmanship. This is for those who are curious about optics on defensive pistols, as well as those that want to get better with the setups they already own. Course covers: Optic selection for self-defense Proper optic mounting to the handgun Using the optic in conjunction with iron sights Marksmanship techniques for the handgun-mounted optic Requirements: 100 rounds of ammunition If you do not own a pistol with an optic, Top Gun has several models available for rent (rental policies apply)
Sign Up Link
Coming Soon!
Top Gun Pistol Instructor Development Course
Taught by our industry-wide respected and experienced instructors, the Instructor Development Course is designed to prepare you to teach the TN Enhanced Carry Permit course. This course is not designed for new shooters, but instead to create instructors. Graduates of this class are eligible to become certified instructors in the state of TN.
Sign Up Link
Coming Soon!
3 Days - $500
Intro to Vehicle Tactics
(Live Fire & Force on Paper)
This class introduces our basic concepts of tactical survival when operating in and around vehicles, especially while armed. In this class we will introduce how to prepare your vehicle and yourself as a driver or passenger operating everyday vehicles on the road. This class is essential due to how we live our lives and how much time we spend around vehicles, in parking lots, roadways, travelling, and going to and from location to location. We will get a basic understanding of ballistic effects on common vehicle components, movement and strategic locations maximizing how to fight around, inside, and outside vehicles.
8 Hours - $250
Sign Up Link
Coming Soon!
Non Shooting Classes
Personal Protection
(Less Lethal - Pepper Spray/ Baton)
4 Hours - $99
Not all threats require lethal or deadly force. Many situations are better dealt with less lethal tools such as pepper spray and batons. This is the perfect class for both those who carry a firearm and those who do not. This 4-5 hour class covers: Pepper spray/baton usage Pepper spray/baton selection Kubaton usage Legal responsibilities Awareness tools How to not look like a victim Spotting violent actors Includes TN certification for the use of impact weapons For this class, we provide everything the student needs, including batons and inert pepper spray for practice on humanoid dummies. Requirements: 16 years or older comfortable clothing and shoes for activity
S.T.A.T. Sudden Trauma
Action Training
Taught by Top Gun’s expert staff of trauma professionals, our STAT course is THE course to take to learn how to deal with sudden trauma. More than a 1st aid course, our STAT course dives deeply into everything from stopping severe bleeding, gunshot wounds, lacerations, and other life-threatening traumas. Requirements: Comfortable clothes for activities
6 Hours - $159
Sign Up Link
Coming Soon!
R.S.O Training Class
Range Safety Officer
4 Hours - $5
The RSO course is crucial for anyone looking to become a safety officer at a shooting range, firearm training facility, or shooting event. The emphasis is always on maintaining a high level of safety and awareness to prevent accidents and injuries. Basic Firearm Safety The four universal firearm safety rules Understanding different types of firearms and ammunition. Recognizing unsafe practices and how to address them Range Operations and Safety Protocols Establishing range rules and guidelines to ensure safe shooting practices Managing range layout and positioning of shooters Emergency procedures, including dealing with malfunctions, accidents, and medical emergencies Role and responsibilities of an RSO during live-fire exercises Risk Management Identifying potential hazards on a shooting range (e.g., environmental factors, shooters' behavior) Implementing risk mitigation strategies to prevent accidents Conducting pre-range inspections Range Communication Effective communication with shooters, staff, and emergency responders Using range commands to ensure clear and effective direction Managing miscommunication or confusion during live fire Emergency Procedures How to respond to accidents, injuries, or firearms-related malfunctions Evacuation and incident reporting Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Understanding the legal responsibilities of an RSO Recognizing the role of RSOs in ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations Ethical concerns, including managing shooters’ behavior and the importance of enforcing safety rules impartially Practical Training Hands-on exercises and drills to practice proper RSO duties Scenarios involving range management and emergency response Real-time assessment of RSO skills during live-fire operations Certification At the end of the course, participants typically undergo both written and practical tests to demonstrate their knowledge and competency in handling various safety scenarios. Successful completion of the course often results in certification as a Range Safety Officer, which qualifies individuals to oversee shooting activities at Top Gun.
AR-15 Classes
AR-15 Fundamentals I
4 Hours - $150
The AR-15 has quickly become the most popular rifle in the USA. Proper instruction in its use, how it works, and how to maintain it, is a must. In our 4-hour Intro to AR-15 class, we cover: Weapon selection AR Manipulations Ammunition/Terminal Ballistics Sight Adjustment Sight Offset Weapon accessories Weapon modifications Maintenance In the hands of a properly trained person, the AR-15 or other semiautomatic rifle is a powerful tool for self-defense and the defense of liberty. In the hands of the untrained, it is little more than a dangerous toy. If you own or plan to own an AR-15 or the like, this class is a must. Requirements: 18 years or older AR-15 rifle 2 magazines 150 rounds of ammunition* Eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun ** Students MUST use Top Gun's ammunition for this class
AR-15 Fundamentals II
4 Hours - $150
The follow-up for our AR-15 Fundamentals 1 (Intro to AR15), TopGun Academy’s AR-15 Fundaments II course is more than just “more of the same.” Instead, we help you get your AR-15 set up, sighted in, and tested out. You will not only improve on existing skills, but you will learn new ones and how to use those skills at urban combat distances. In AR-15 II, we cover… Zeroing theory for optics and iron sights Sighting in your rifle Terminal ballistics Exterior ballistics Shooting in lowlight Equipping your rifle for lowlight Sling selection and try on Shooting at urban combat distances Class needs… AR-15 equipped to accept a sling you do not need a sling (We’ll try them on your rifle to see what you like) 150 rounds of ammunition 2 magazines Pants with rear pocket Prerequisites: AR-15 Fundamentals or Intro to AR-15
AR-15 Maintenance & Mechanics
2 Hours - $60
Tactical Rifle I
8 Hours - $250
If you are new to the AR-15, have just purchased an AR-15, or simply want to learn more about the AR-15, then this is the perfect class for you. The Top Gun Academy’s team of expert instructors will get you started on the right path and advise you as to your next steps. All of this is done in a welcoming and friendly environment. Safe handgun handling General firearms safety AR-15 basic disassembly and reassemble AR-15 nomenclature Safe storage of your AR-15 Cleaning and maintenance of your AR-15 Whether you bought it at Top Gun or elsewhere, let the most experienced and respected instructors in the region help you learn more about your AR-15 and prepare you to be a safe and responsible gun owner. This is a non-shooting class.
This class is designed to provide the shooter with the necessary base skills and tactical application for fighting and living with a rifle. While we view this as an “intro” class, most of the comparable community would probably view this class at least as an intermediate class; no worries, we will take you to the next level with your “fighting” skills with a rifle and dispel many myths and make you proficient and confident enough to choose a rifle any chance you get if you know you want to WIN gunfights. Topics include weapon handling and application shooting on the move moving then shooting/Displace malfunction fixes under stress use of cover/concealment/covering contextual use and operation of a rifle around dynamic environments micromanaging of shooting skills, including manual of Operations, shooting fundamentals, accuracy and speed, gear management and preparation for various “missions” tactical use of a rifle in realistic environments use of angles, distance, psychology, opportunity core rifle marksmanship
Sign Up Link
Coming Soon!
Armed Guard Classes
Armed Guard Certification
2 Days - $250
Becoming an armed guard in TN requires 16 hours of training. Our armed guard class meets or exceeds the state minimums. While many schools only shoot the minimum number of rounds to qualify, we take the time to teach you the fastest and safest method to operate your weapon and how to present it safely from the holster. If you want a real education that is respected by the best companies, then this is the course for you. We cover: Professional standards for armed guards Patrol concepts Legal concepts for armed guards Use of force Professional standards Emergency procedures Report Writing Profession gear standards Firearms safety Firearms storage and maintenance Marksmanship Presentation from an active retention holster Emergency magazine changes We offer our Armed Guard on two eight-hour days. Requirements: 21 years or older Service grade handgun 1 magazine or speed loader Magazine/speed loader pouch 150 rounds of ammunition Eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
Armed Guard Recertification
5 hours - $99
To keep your TN armed guard certification, you must recertify every two years. At The Top Gun Academy, the Armed Guard recertification course goes well beyond the state of Tennessee’s standards. The armed guard recertification course covers: Professional standards for armed guards Patrol concepts Legal concepts for armed guards Use of force Professional standards Emergency procedures Firearms safety Firearms storage and maintenance Marksmanship Requirements: Prior TN Armed Guard Certification 21 years or older Service grade handgun 1 magazine or speed loader Magazine/speed loader pouch 50 rounds of ammunition All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
Active Shooter Response
8 hours - $199
Top Gun Academy’s Active Shooter course is a deep dive into the effects and prevention of active shooters. We also determine the shooting limits of the students' class. This class satisfies TN’s requirement for armed guards who work in schools. This 8-hour course includes: Knowing the signs of an active shooter Effect of gun-free zones Creating an emergency plan Run, Hide, Fight concepts Triage Moving in crowds with a handgun Effective gear choices for active shooter response Shooting drills designed for active shooter response Dealing with LEOs Post-incident planning, & Firearms safety Requirements: Service grade handgun 2 magazines Magazine pouch 200 rounds of ammunition for your handgun Note-taking materials All the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun
Shotgun Classes
Shotgun - Home Defense
4 Hours - $150
No Shotgun? No Problem! Designed for anyone who wants to learn how to protect themselves at home, the Intro to Home Defense shotgun is perfect for the novice and the expert alike. For those who are nervous about the recoil or “kick” of a shotgun, do not worry. We have a special load with extremely low recoil. This 4-hour course covers: Safety Shotgun selection Accessories for the home defense shotgun Proper shotgun handling and manipulation Storing a home defense shotgun Ammunition selection Legal aspects of home defense Legal aspects of curtilage Requirements: 18 years or older Quality pump or autoloading shotgun * 50 rounds of birdshot (#6, 7 1/2, 8) Eye and ear protection All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at Top Gun **If you do not own a suitable home defense shotgun, DO NOT buy one. We have plenty for you to learn on and about before you make a purchase.
Mastering the Shotgun
The best shotgun is a power tool that is well-suited for the defense of hearth and home. Solution for home However, the shotgun is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Proper training in its use is essential. Our Mastering the Shotgun class is an in-depth and challenging course designed to push the student towards mastery of this amazing but often misunderstood tool. Topics covered in this course are: -The Shotgun’s strengths and weaknesses -Shotgun selection -Proper handling -Defensive shotgun setup -Reloading the shotgun -Defensive shotgun usage -Ammunition selection -Weapon modifications -Maintenance This is a deep-dive class guaranteed to challenge, inform, and increase your skills with this, our first choice for home defense. Time: 8 hours Prerequisites: None Age requirements: 18 Class requirements: Quality pump or autoloading shotgun, 250 rounds of birdshot (#6, 7 1/2, 8) 20 rounds of buck shot, eye and ear protection. All of the gear is available for rent or purchase at the Top Gun Shop.
8 Hours - $250
2025 Guest Instructor Schedule
In addition to our Top Gun Academy Classes, we are honored to host outside instructors and provide high caliber classes! Signup Links coming soon!
May 9th Appleseed Pistol Clinic One Day Event
August 15th-17th Tim Herron w/ A.J. Zito
3-Day Instructor Diagnostic & Development
December 13th-14th Scott Jedlinski
Modern Samurai Project
Red Dot Pistol Fundamentals & Performance
Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy
Top Gun Academy classes guarantee your seat in class. We do not overbook classes. Your payment is for a seat in the class, only. If you choose to not use your seat, that is your prerogative. If you choose to give or sell your seat to someone else, that is also your choice. If you prepay for a class code, the code also belongs to you, and you can use it as you see fit. There is no expiration for the code. We do not refund class tuition. Classes can be reschedule per our reschedule and cancellation policy.
We will happily reschedule with no fees as long as you give us a full week’s notice. That is to say, if your class is on a Saturday, you can reschedule with no fee as long as you let us know at least by the Saturday prior. With less than a week, a $30 fee is required to reschedule. MTP and Armed Guard classes have a higher reschedule fee ($60). If you simply don’t show up, we do not reschedule.
While we will put great effort towards your success, we can’t guarantee your results in the class. Class failure will not result in a refund.