Tactical Safety Institute is a firearms training school and gun shop at 18408 Nacogdoches Rd, Unit 2, on the northeast side of San Antonio, Texas. It focuses on Texas License to Carry (LTC, formerly CHL) instruction and basic handgun courses. Classroom instruction takes place at the shop. The live-fire portion of its courses is shot at Bracken Firing Range, which the school describes as about a one-minute drive away. The facility does not advertise open lanes for walk-in shooters.
Course offerings include the in-person Texas LTC class, a Basic Handgun + LTC combined course, a Basic Handgun course, an LTC "Fire Only" session for students who finished the online classroom portion, LEOSA firing sessions, and private handgun instruction. Ladies-only versions are offered of the Basic Handgun class, the LTC class and the combined Basic Handgun + LTC course. The LTC proficiency test follows the TxDPS requirements: 50 rounds at a B27 target from the 3, 7 and 15 yard lines, with 175 of 250 points needed to pass. Handguns of .41/.44 Magnum and .50 caliber are not allowed on the course.
Online classes are also available. These are an Online Texas License to Carry class (offered in partnership with US Law Shield), an Online Constitutional Carry class of about 30 minutes, and an Online LTC Refresher course. Online LTC students come in for a Fire Only session to complete the range qualification. Private LTC classes can be held at the shop or at a group's own location for families, clubs, churches, businesses and other groups. The school states that instructors are TX DPS certified, with over 50 years of combined teaching and law enforcement experience, and that all training classes carry a money-back guarantee.
The shop sells firearms, ammunition and supplies, and firearms bought there can be used for the course of fire. Students are expected to bring their own handgun and ammunition. Handgun and ammunition rental is available for $40 based on availability. The classroom, which has a computer, two projectors and screens, a whiteboard, WiFi, tables and a restroom, can also be rented for meetings and training sessions. Staff are reachable at (210) 314-4284.
At a glance
Range type: Training / Classes
Access: Open to the public
Minimum age: 18 (minors must be supervised)
Good to know: Beginner friendly
Credentials
Affiliations: Online LTC class offered in partnership with US Law Shield. Instructors are described as TX DPS certified.
Services, training & programs
Texas License to Carry (LTC/CHL) in-person class: Wednesday 10am-3pm and Saturday 8am-1pm sessions on the posted calendar
LEOSA certification firing sessions (Saturdays 7:45am-8:45am on the posted calendar)
Private handgun instruction
Private group LTC classes at the shop or at the client's location: 5 hours, from $350 one-on-one to $70 each for groups of 16-20
Gun shop selling firearms, ammunition and supplies
Handgun and ammunition rental: $40, based on availability
Classroom rental with computer, two projectors and screens, whiteboard, WiFi and tables: 30-31 seats
Monthly free training drawing by email sign-up
Money-back guarantee on training classes
Amenities
Gun Rental
Ammo Sales
Retail / Gun Store
Restrooms
Wi-Fi
Online Booking
Event / Venue Space
Pricing at Tactical Safety Institute
Range fees & day rates
Handgun rental with ammunition: $40 — Rental handgun and ammunition, subject to availability. Students are otherwise expected to bring their own handgun and ammunition.
LTC Fire Only - standard rate: $30 — Standard rate for all others on the Fire Only course page. The online LTC page lists $40 for students who did not take the school's online course.
LTC Fire Only - school's online students: $20 — For students who completed the school's online LTC course.
LTC Fire Only - active duty needing to fire, veterans, first responders: $20 — Veterans bring ID or proof of service. First responders bring credentials.
LTC Fire Only - qualified active duty military: Free — Must bring a military firing record from within the past 10 years for instructor verification.
LTC renewal / current license holder refresher: $20 — May attend any LTC course, space permitting, with no testing or firing required. Enter RENEWAL in the 'how did you hear about us' box. Add $10 to fire.
Training & classes
Basic Handgun + License to Carry: $99 — 6 hours including firing. Open to anyone 18 and older. Students learn safe handgun operation on the range first, then take the LTC qualification. Includes the LTC-104 certificate of training, LTC-6 signature card if required, and application instructions. Bring 100 rounds.
Ladies Only License to Carry: From $45 — 5 hours. $45 active duty who fired within 10 years; $55 active duty needing to fire; $55 veterans/law enforcement/security; $65 standard civilian rate. Includes basic marksmanship fundamentals and a less-rushed range session.
Ladies Only Basic Handgun (Daughters of San Antonio): $65 — 3 hours for ladies with little or no shooting experience. Classroom safety instruction followed by live fire with over-the-shoulder coaching at Bracken Firing Range.
Ladies Only Basic Handgun + LTC combined course: Contact for pricing — Listed on the class calendar as Ladies Only BH/LTC, 10am-4pm.
Texas LTC / CHL in-person class: Contact for pricing — Half-day class listed on the calendar (Wednesday 10am-3pm, Saturday 8am-1pm). Range fees for the LTC proficiency course of fire are included.
Basic Handgun course: Contact for pricing — Listed on the class calendar, for example Wednesday 10am-1pm.
Texas LTC Fire Only: $30 — For students who already completed an online LTC class. Bring the online training certificate (LTC-104), 50 rounds, handgun, eye and ear protection.
Online Texas License to Carry class: $49.99 — Sale price (listed regular price $74.99). Self-paced and works on all electronic devices. Students then book a Fire Only class.
Online Constitutional Carry class: $29 — Limited-time price (regular $39). About 30 minutes. Not a License to Carry course.
Online LTC Refresher course: $29 — For current Texas LTC holders; covers recent law changes.
Private LTC class - 1 on 1: $350 — 5 hours, scheduling options available.
Private LTC class - 2 to 5 in group: $150 — Price each.
Private LTC class - 6 to 9 in group: $100 — Price each.
Private LTC class - 10 to 15 in group: $75 — Price each.
Private LTC class - 16 to 20 in group: $70 — Price each. 21 or more pay normal rates; groups over 30 are eligible for a larger discount.
LEOSA certification: Contact for pricing — LEOSA firing sessions appear on the class calendar on Saturdays 7:45am-8:45am.
Private handgun instruction: Contact for pricing — Listed on the site; no price published.
Packages & experiences
Classroom rental - hourly: $25 — Per hour, 4-hour minimum. Current setup has 31 seats.
Classroom rental - morning: $100 — 8am-12pm.
Classroom rental - afternoon: $100 — 1pm-5pm.
Classroom rental - all day: $175 — 8am-5pm. Includes desktop computer with PowerPoint, 2 projectors with pull-down screens, whiteboard, tables and WiFi.
Free training monthly drawing: Free — One winner is selected each month from email sign-ups.
State application fees are paid separately to the state (examples listed on the site: $40 standard, $25 veterans, free for active military, plus fingerprinting around $9.95-$10). Classroom doors open 10-15 minutes before class start, earlier than the store opens. Fire Only showtime is usually 5 minutes before the scheduled time. The school states a money-back guarantee if students feel they did not receive quality training.
Prices are published by the range and can change — confirm before you visit.
Plan your visit
What to bring: Federal or state-issued photo ID, a clean serviceable handgun in good repair (at least .22 caliber for ladies LTC), ammunition, hearing protection (foam plugs or muffs) and eye protection (safety, prescription or sun glasses). Fire Only students also bring the online LTC-104 training certificate.
Ammo policy: Students bring ammunition specific to their handgun: 50 rounds for Fire Only and ladies classes, 100 rounds for Basic Handgun + LTC. No .41/.44 Magnum or .50 caliber handguns are allowed on the course. Ammunition is sold at the shop.
Age policy: Basic Handgun + LTC course is for law-abiding citizens 18 and older. Ladies Basic Handgun requires age 18 unless accompanied by a participating parent or guardian. The free-training drawing page lists CHL age as 21 (18 for military/veterans).
Rental requirements: Handgun and ammunition rental is $40, based on availability. Students are expected to bring their own handgun and ammunition.
Dress code: Proper range attire with closed-toe footwear: no flip-flops, sandals or tank tops. For ladies classes, a cap and a top with a closed collar are encouraged because hot brass can be uncomfortable. The firing portion is outdoors.
First-timer tips: Bring snacks, because the combined class runs through lunch. A Bigs/Valero is across the street. Handguns must be unloaded before entering the training facility. Sign up for the 'FIRE ONLY' class that fits your schedule if you took the online course, and put FIRE ONLY in the 'how did you hear about us' box. Call the store to confirm showtimes.
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday: 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 10am - 5:30pm
Friday: 10am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am - 2pm
Sunday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tactical Safety Institute located?
18408 Nacogdoches Rd, Unit 2, San Antonio, TX 78266, on the northeast side of San Antonio. The phone number is (210) 314-4284.
What are the hours?
Tuesday through Friday 10am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, and closed Sunday and Monday. Class times vary. Classroom doors open 10-15 minutes before class start, even though the store opens later.
Can I walk in and shoot on a lane?
No open lanes are advertised. Live fire happens as part of scheduled classes. The firing portion of classes is held at Bracken Firing Range, about a one-minute drive from the shop.
How much does the Texas License to Carry class cost?
The Basic Handgun + LTC combined course is $99 for everyone and takes 6 hours including firing. The ladies-only LTC class runs $45-$65 depending on military or veteran status. State application fees are paid separately to the state.
What is the Fire Only class?
It is for students who already completed the online Texas LTC class and only need the range instruction and proficiency demonstration. It costs $20 for students of the school's online course, or $30 for all others. The online LTC page lists $40 for others. Bring your online certificate, handgun, 50 rounds and eye and ear protection.
Are there discounts for military, veterans or first responders?
Qualified active duty military with a firing record from the past 10 years fire free in the Fire Only class. Veterans, first responders and active duty who need to fire pay $20. Ladies LTC class prices are $45 for active duty who fired within 10 years, and $55 for veterans, law enforcement, security or active duty who need to fire.
Do I need my own gun and ammunition?
Yes, students are expected to bring their own handgun and ammunition. Handgun and ammunition rental is $40 based on availability. Firearms bought at the shop can be used in the course of fire.
Are there any firearm restrictions?
No .41/.44 Magnum or .50 caliber handguns are allowed on the course. Handguns must be unloaded before entering the training facility.
Do I need to bring eye and ear protection?
Yes. Students bring hearing protection (foam plugs or over-ear muffs) and eye protection (safety glasses, prescription glasses or sunglasses).
Is there an online option?
Yes. The school offers an Online Texas License to Carry class ($49.99 sale price), an Online Constitutional Carry class ($29 limited-time price) and an Online LTC Refresher ($29). Online LTC students then attend a Fire Only session.
Are there classes just for women?
Yes. Ladies-only classes include a 3-hour Basic Handgun course ($65), a 5-hour License to Carry class and a combined Basic Handgun + LTC course. The ladies LTC class prices run $45-$65 by category.
Do you offer private or group classes?
Yes. Private LTC classes are 5 hours and can be held at your location. Prices per person run from $350 for one-on-one to $70 each for groups of 16-20. Contact info@tac-safe.com with group size, location and dates.
Can I rent the classroom?
Yes. It is $25 per hour with a 4-hour minimum, $100 for mornings (8am-12pm), $100 for afternoons (1pm-5pm) or $175 all day (8am-5pm). It has a computer, 2 projectors, a whiteboard, WiFi and about 30 seats.
What is the minimum age?
The Basic Handgun + LTC course is for those 18 and older. The ladies Basic Handgun course allows those under 18 if accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.