At Dragon Tactical International, we proudly offer low and no-cost firearms training because we believe in more than just the right to bear arms — we believe in responsible, educated, and confident gun ownership.
Our mission is rooted in a deep respect for the Second Amendment and a commitment to helping fellow Americans exercise their rights safely and effectively.
By removing cost barriers, we make it possible for more people to get the real-world training they need to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
With crime on the rise and danger increasingly unpredictable, relying on luck is no longer an option—it’s time to take your safety into your own hands.
🔒Your Family’s Safety is Non-Negotiable:
When danger strikes, hesitation can cost everything. This class gives you the real-world skills to act fast—and act with confidence.
🎯From Novice to Defender:
Whether you're new to firearms or refining your skills, this training equips you with the confidence, knowledge, and ability to carry every day—safely and responsibly.
🛡️Be the First Line of Defense:
Help may be minutes away—but danger is already here. Take control now and learn how to stop threats before they become emergencies.
❓ "What if I don't own a gun... can I take the class?"
Yes! We have rental guns available! These are easy to shoot, extremely accurate, virtually no-recoil, .22 semi-automatic handguns.
Whether you're new to firearms or just want to feel more confident carrying legally, our Enhanced Carry Permit class gives you the training, knowledge, and hands-on experience you need. It's about more than just meeting state requirements — it's about protecting yourself and the people who matter most.
This course gives you the tools to face real-world threats with confidence.
From situational awareness to hands-on defensive training, you'll walk away ready to carry daily—and carry responsibly.
Yes, Protect My Family NowThis isn’t just theory—it’s practical, real-world training for real-life threats. Whether you're starting fresh or sharpening your edge, this class prepares you to take control when it counts.
You'll build awareness, skill, and the mindset to carry every day with clarity and confidence.
Yes, Protect My Family NowDid you know Tennessee no longer requires a permit to carry a firearm? But here’s why getting your permit is still a smart move:
✅ Reciprocity: Carry legally in 37 states with a Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit.
✅ Legal Open or Concealed Carry: Unlike the standard concealed permit, the Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit allows for both open and concealed carry, offering more options based on personal preference and situational needs.
✅ Carry in More Places: Some locations allow carry only for permit holders. Although the state passed permit-less carry, an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit is still required to carry a handgun in certain areas such as parks, lakes, rivers, campgrounds, greenways, and certain federal properties like national parks and forests. You can learn more in an article we posted here: Why Tennessee Residents May Be Breaking the Law
✅ Show Responsibility: A permit demonstrates training, background checks, and responsibility.
✅ Stay Protected: Permits simplify legal gray areas and interstate travel with a firearm.
✅ Comprehensive Firearm Safety Training: The Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit requires completion of an 6 to 8 hour handgun safety course, encompassing both classroom instruction and live-fire exercises. This training ensures a solid understanding of firearm laws, self-defense principles, and responsible carry practices.
✅ Eligibility for Lifetime Permit: Only Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit holders are eligible to apply for a lifetime handgun carry permit, eliminating the need for periodic renewals and offering long-term convenience.
✅ Enhanced Legal Protection: Possessing an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit demonstrates that you've undergone thorough training and background checks, which can be beneficial in legal situations, signaling responsible firearm ownership.
✅ Improved Interactions with Law Enforcement: An Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit can facilitate smoother encounters with law enforcement officers, as it indicates verified training and legal compliance, potentially easing concerns during stops or checks.
✅ Preparedness for Real-World Scenarios: The mandatory training equips you with practical skills and knowledge to respond effectively in high-stress situations, enhancing your ability to protect yourself and others.
✅ Plus, permit training helps you stay sharp and confident in your skills! 💪
🎯 Want to stand out as a responsible gun owner and unlock more benefits? Don’t skip your Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit.
We’ve put together answers to the most common questions about the Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit class. Whether you're wondering about what's covered, what to bring, or how to register, you'll find quick answers below.
If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to contact us via the FAQ question, "How do I contact you if I still have questions?". We also have contact info at the bottom of this page.
We’re always happy to help!
Getting your carry permit involves two important steps, and both are required:
Don't forget to bring your driver’s license with you to class.
✅ 1. Greater Carry Freedom (Open or Concealed)
EHCP: Allows both open and concealed carry of a handgun.
CCP: Only permits concealed carry.
✅ 2. More Locations Allowed
EHCP holders can legally carry in more locations than CCP holders, including:
✅ 3. Reciprocity with More States
The EHCP is recognized in more states than the CCP.
As of 2025, over 35 states honor the EHCP, while fewer states recognize the CCP (due to its less rigorous training).
✅ 4. Stronger Legal Protection
Law enforcement and courts may view EHCP holders more favorably due to the in-depth training and background check required.
✅ 5. Required for Armed Security and Certain Professions
Some security jobs or government roles may require the EHCP instead of the CCP due to its more comprehensive nature.
✅ 6. Includes Formal Training
The EHCP requires 6 to 8 hours of training, including:
We’re located at the Greene County Range - 1435 Hal Henard Road, Greeneville, TN 37743 — across from the John Deere plant.
With over 35 years of experience in personal defense, Mike Patrick is a nationally recognized expert in firearms and combative training. A Grandmaster in Martial Arts and World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee, Mike brings a unique blend of traditional skill and modern tactical expertise to every course.
He is the founder of Dragon Tactical International and has trained civilians, law enforcement, and church security teams across the U.S. and internationally. As a certified instructor in Active Shooter Response and Basic Trauma/Tactical Medicine, including Stop the Bleed, Mike equips students to handle real-world situations with confidence.
Known for making training effective, safe, and fun, Mike teaches courses in CCW, home defense, rifle, shotgun, women's self-defense, scenario-based simulations, and more.
“You won’t just learn—you’ll be empowered.”
Bill Adams is a highly experienced personal defense instructor with a background that spans over 40 years in Martial Arts, earning the rank of Master Black Belt. As a proud military veteran and NRA Certified Handgun Instructor, Bill brings disciplined, real-world insight to every class.
Bill serves as a vital part of the Dragon Tactical International team, co-teaching a wide range of courses including medical and trauma response, scenario-based training, handgun fundamentals, and personal defense. His martial arts background enhances every aspect of the training, making instruction both practical and effective.
Known for his calm demeanor, precision instruction, and commitment to student success, Bill helps ensure each participant leaves with confidence and competence.
“Train hard, train smart, and walk away ready.”
The State of Tennessee requires this class before filing an application for a handgun carry permit. The permit is required to legally carry a loaded handgun on your person outside of your vehicle. As a student enrolled in the Tennessee Handgun Carry Class, you will learn about handgun nomenclature, function, operation, handgun safety, cleaning, storage, and the legal liabilities of carrying a handgun. You will also learn about carrying a handgun, ammunition malfunctions, and we will review loading and unloading, along with the fundamentals of handgun shooting.
A summary of topics we will cover:
Anyone who meets the legal requirements to own a firearm can attend. This class is perfect for beginners, experienced shooters, and anyone looking to gain confidence with concealed carry.
Any lawful US Citizen or permanent resident alien can get a concealed carry permit in Tennessee.
Must be 18 or older to take the class.
This class will be roughly 6 to 8 hours long to meet the state requirements.
The class is $40.00. There is a $10 range fee and purchase whatever else you need to shoot. This could include the rental fee for the firearm, eye and ear protection and ammo to shoot.
We do process rental fees for guns, ammo, and other add-ons in advance as supplies and spaces are limited.
The best way to support what we do is simple: take advantage of our training. By joining our classes, you’re not only investing in your own safety and confidence — you’re helping us fulfill our mission of creating well-trained, responsible gun owners.
Every student we train strengthens our community and helps protect the future of our Second Amendment rights.
We also gratefully accept donations from those who want to help us “pay it forward.” Your contribution allows us to continue offering low and no-cost classes to others who may not otherwise be able to afford professional training.
It’s a way to stand behind the cause, support fellow gun owners, and help keep these programs running strong.
Together, we can ensure that more people are trained, prepared, and empowered.
Thank you for standing with us.
Yes. We are limited on class size by the state of Tennessee. So, we need to know in advance how many students will be attending. It is simple to register for our class by clicking any of the buttons on this page directing you to register for the class.
Yes. The state of Tennessee requires a 50 question written exam to get a carry permit. We cover all of the material thoroughly. To date, none of our students have failed the exam. A score of 70% is required to pass it and it is made up of True/False and Multiple Choice questions.
We also understand that it has likely been a few years since some of our students have taken a written exam and anxiety can affect performance. Because of this, we offer a study guide with practice questions so you can review and become more familiar with the material before taking the exam.
To get a Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit, you must demonstrate proficiency with a firearm and fire a real gun with real ammunition. Firing 50 rounds is required to qualify.
You will fire 20 rounds from the 3-yard line, 20 rounds from the 5-yard line, and 10 rounds from the 7-yard line at a NRA B-27 target.
No, owning a firearm is not required to take the class but a firearm is required to qualify for the certificate. Whether you bring your own or rent one of ours, you will have to demonstrate the proper use of a handgun. If you do bring your own, make sure it is in a case and unloaded. You will need 50 rounds to qualify.
Yes, but please no Single Action Revolvers as it takes too long to load and unload for the required 50 round course. Also, we will need to inspect the firearm for safety considerations. If you bring your own ammo, you will need 50 rounds to qualify.
We also provide use of a .22lr pistol rental and ammunition for a fee. These guns are very accurate and are maintained by our staff.
No. Tennessee state law does not require you to qualify with the specific handgun you intend to carry. You may complete your range qualification with any handgun—whether it's a revolver or semi-automatic, full-size or compact. Once you receive your Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit, you are legally allowed to carry any handgun you lawfully own, regardless of the model used during training.
This flexibility is especially helpful for students who may plan to purchase a handgun later, or those who prefer to train with a full-size firearm for comfort and control.
Our instructors have worked with countless individuals with zero experience with a firearm. Because we offer .22lr handguns, it really reduces the fear as well as the felt recoil. Through learning proper techniques, you will be able to gain confidence quickly and earn your handgun carry permit.
We also offer a one-on-one shooting prep course to help you gain the confidence to qualigy with ease. It will be an option when you register.
We offer eye and hearing protection at the range for a small fee. However, you’re welcome to bring your own if you already have suitable gear.
Acceptable eye protection includes safety glasses, prescription glasses, or even sunglasses—anything that helps shield your eyes from spent shell casings.
For hearing protection, both earplugs and earmuffs are permitted. Just make sure you have adequate protection in place during live-fire exercises.
We’re proud to offer a comfortable classroom and top-tier range facilities right on site. Training is held rain or shine, thanks to our covered shooting area that keeps you dry even in wet weather.
The only thing to plan for is staying warm on cooler days — so please dress appropriately for the weather, especially when heading out to the range.
We work really hard to ensure our students are prepared for the written exam as well as the shooting requirements. In the event, you do not pass, we will allow you to attend another course at no charge.
Fortunately, we have a 100% pass rate and this has never been an issue!
All you need to bring is your valid driver’s license and, if you can, a few friends to take the class with you — it’s always more fun with a group!
There is a $10 range fee due at the time of class. If you don’t have your own gear, we also offer optional add-ons such as handgun rental, ammunition, hearing protection, and eye protection for a small additional cost.
We’ll make sure you’re fully equipped and comfortable — whether you're bringing your own gear or using ours.
Since our class takes place at an outdoor range, it’s important to dress for both the weather and your safety. Spent brass casings from firearms are extremely hot and can cause burns if they make contact with your skin.
Please avoid wearing low-cut shirts or open-toe shoes, as these increase your risk of injury from ejected brass. We strongly recommend wearing a button-up shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
A hat with a brim is also encouraged to shield your face from both hot brass and sun exposure.
If you have any questions about the permit class, need help with your registration, or want to speak with one of our instructors, feel free to reach out using the form below.
Just provide your name, email, and a brief message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible—typically within one business day.
We’re here to help you feel confident, prepared, and fully informed.
Our permit class includes a clear, easy-to-follow classroom session led by experienced instructors. You'll learn everything you need to know about firearm safety, Tennessee laws, and real-world scenarios — all in a supportive and beginner-friendly environment.
We’re proud to have trained many responsible gun owners across Tennessee. Here’s what some of our students had to say about their experience with our Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit class.
Real feedback. Real results. When you train with us, you’ll leave more confident, better informed, and fully prepared to carry legally and safely.
"Small class size which allows for as much needed one-on-one time anyone wants or needs. Clear concise instructions with safety as the top priority... Everyone was treated with same level of courtesy and attention. I’m looking forward to taking more advanced classes from Mike and his crew."
"Mike was patient and very polite, welcomed all questions with straightforward answers and took his time with everyone in the class."
"Great class and instructors! Worth the money! You get 100 out of 100!"
Our Enhanced Carry Permit classes are held at the Greene County Range in Greeneville, TN. Seating is limited and we often book up quickly.
There’s no cost to register! We also provide optional services, including firearms rental, ammo, hearing and eye protection, test preparation, and one-on-one coaching at a small cost.
Don’t miss out — secure your training date now before it’s full!