Classes FAQ's . . . 

If AFTER you have reviewed the following frequently asked questions, you do not find the answer to your question,  please reach out via EMAIL or call 865-329-3293.

"Shooting for Women Alliance Master Instructors provide all class instruction FREE to Family Fun Indoor Range as part of our non-profit mission for women and their families since 2003." - Susan Romanov, SFWA Founder

How do I get put on an email list to keep me updated when classes are scheduled?
If you are interested in a specific class you are encouraged to Click HERE to be added our email list. Our classes fill up very fast and if you would like to have a first-shot at registering for a specific class/date being on our email will list will give you that benefit. We DO NOT SELL or otherwise share your email . . . it is for our use only and to help you with access to classes ASAP. We do not send out numerous emails to fill up your email box. Note: If you receive an email that is for a class you may have already taken, please do not "unsubscribe" as we cannot put your email in any of our lists if you unsubscribe. Please simply delete, forward to a friend who may need the class, or ignore the email completely, rather than us lose the ability to stay in touch.

What classes do you offer?
There are a lot of courses we offer in conjunction with Family Fun indoor Range which are civilian savvy and designed to help you increase the odds you will prevail if you must defend yourself or another person. [Please CLICK HERE to review classes offered in person for more information, to register or to be put on a waiting list.]

Who can attend classes?
Tennessee law requires only those legally qualified for an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit may attend the Handgun Carry Classes. No children may attend a handgun carry class. Both women and men may attend our in-person handgun carry permit classes.

Kids Classes are limited to 6 yrs of age through 17 yrs of age. Both male and female kids may attend; and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Advanced Classes Our in-person classes may be attended by women, their friends and family. Check each specific class for any age restrictions. Anyone under the age of 18 or who may be new to handguns, novice or not shot a handgun in the last 2 years will be required to participate in a Safety Class before participating in any advanced classes. TN Handgun Carry Permit attendees are not required to take an additional safety class first. Yes, men may attend, too.

Why are donations to SFWA NON-REFUNDABLE?
There are many reasons, but the main one is that "donations" are not "fees for service". The class donation [paid online] is a donation made to Shooting For Women Alliance [the all volunteer organization] which helps us pay for the expenses required to offer ladies and their families the ability to receive quality education about firearms, firearms safety, self defense and personal safety. SFWA is available to you at the time you are looking for help in any number of situations BECAUSE of the non-refundable donations which were made to the organization by others who have come before you. Thank you so much for donating to SFWA . . . you may never know the difference you will make in the life of another woman just like you!

What should I wear the day of class?
Come dressed in comfortable attire but be sure that you wear high-necked shirts and shoes that cover your feet completely. The empty brass casings are ejected from the gun each time it is fired and they are hot. Although you will not have lasting burn marks if they hit your skin, they will cause you to instinctively flinch or worse jump when they touch your exposed skin which can be extremely dangerous if you are holding a loaded gun in your hand and become distracted by the hot brass.

What happens if I cannot attend the class I signup for? Can I move to a different class?
We understand that people get sick or things happen in life that can change our ability to do the things we plan. No worries, if you miss a class you sign up for, you may move to a different class in the future anytime within a year of the date of the class you miss. HOWEVER be advised that you may only MOVE your class date ONE TIME. If you subsequently miss the second class you are scheduled to attend, you will be required to make another donation to attend a class in the future.

What happens is that those who miss a class, actually keep others from attending who want to attend on that same date. Our classes stay full and we try very hard to accommodate all people who what to attend our very popular courses for women and the men they bring with them. Thus, we only permit ONE transfer per donation.

Here is the process required if you miss a class date and need to reschedule:

• Please DO NOT CALL us as we have no way of assuring that your message or your class date will be set as you request. We require your request in writing via email as there is a deadline of one year from the date of your original class to reschedule and we only permit ONE transfer.

• EMAIL us your name as it appears on your registration for the class, the date you were originally scheduled to attend, and the class date you would like to be transferred to attend. (The available dates are listed on facebook and on the website. We are unable to email you a list of dates.)

What are my next steps after completing the Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit Class?

You will not receive a paper certificate; nor will it be required at the Department of Motor Vehicles where you will go to finalize your permit application. Be sure to take with your the state-issued confirmation number you provided to us when you took your permit class. Also you will need to provide the DMV a copy of your valid driver's license or state issued ID and proof of citizenship [a "certified" birth certificate or a valid passport] and your application fee [which will be determined by your military status, your age, when your driver's license or ID expires and whether or not you want an 8 year permit or a lifetime permit]. It is recommended that you finish the application process at a full-service DMV location--and an appointment may be required. The DMV will provide you with the process for where to go so you can have your fingerprints made and how to provide the fingerprints to the DMV to complete your application. Then, a background check will be run locally in the county in which you reside, with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; which can take a few weeks. You will typically receive your permit in the mail in 30-45 days but it could take 90 days. You may follow the progress of your permit application by logging back in to the online account you set up with the state when you acquired your application number.  [Note: Sometimes the TDSHS will send you a letter shortly after you completed the course which will request that you fill out a survey. Should you receive one, we encourage you to tell the truth about how great your experience was and what you thought of the course.] Please EMAIL any additional questions you may have as our staff may not have the immediate ability to reply via phone; and please allow 48 hours for an email reply.