Cohutta Pines

Gateway Training for Firearms Safety & Familiarization

This course is designed for individuals with little to no prior experience with firearms who want a clear, practical introduction in a supportive and non-intimidating environment.

Whether you are simply curious, new to firearms ownership, or looking to better understand how guns work, this class provides foundational knowledge without assumptions, pressure, or expectations. No prior experience is required, and participation is always at the student’s comfort level.

The focus of this course is safety, education, and understanding.

Students will learn how common firearms in the United States function, with an emphasis on modern pistols. A brief overview of commonly encountered rifles and shotguns will also be included. Throughout the class, firearms are presented as mechanical tools — how they operate, how they are safely handled, and how responsible ownership and use are practiced by everyday people.

Classroom instruction will include:

• Fundamental behaviors for firearm safety
• Safe handling habits and range etiquette
• How modern handguns function and operate
• An overview of common firearm types found in the U.S.
• Awareness and avoidance strategies that reduce the likelihood of dangerous situations

Students will have the opportunity to handle multiple firearms with no live ammunition present, allowing them to build familiarity and confidence in a controlled, low-stress environment.

After lunch, the class will transition to hands-on learning. Students will begin working with firearms in a dry-practice environment before being offered the option to participate in live-fire training.

There is no obligation to shoot live ammunition.

Students may observe, handle firearms only, or participate in live fire entirely at their own comfort level.

For those who choose to shoot, several types of handguns will be available so students can experience differences in size, recoil, controls, and ergonomics.

Firearms and ammunition are provided by Cohutta Pines. Students do not need to own or bring a firearm to attend.

This course is appropriate for adults of all backgrounds and experience levels and is ideal for those seeking:

• A first exposure to firearms
• A better understanding of how guns work
• A safe, structured environment to ask questions
• Confidence built through knowledge rather than pressure

Students are encouraged to bring a lunch, as the range is not geographically convenient to leaving and returning in a timely manner. A refrigerator and microwave are onsite for your convenience