GunSafe Firearms Instruction

Gordon Hutchinson founded GunSafe Firearms Instruction in 1992 while working as a law enforcement firearms instructor. He's now the senior concealed carry instructor in Louisiana, running state-certified CHL courses across the Baton Rouge area with associate instructors like Shane Evans (former SRT and narcotics head at EBR Sheriff's Office) and David.

Gordon's directive is simple—students don't just leave "competent." They leave confident with their handguns. That distinction matters. The classes move at a comfortable pace, stay informative without becoming tedious, and balance serious legal education with practical shooting skills.

These aren't generic "check the box" courses. Gordon covers:

• •Louisiana concealed carry law specifics – The legal gray areas that trip people up. Can you shoot through a door or window? What about self-defense on your property? What are your rights in a traffic stop with a loaded firearm in your vehicle?
• •Handgun safety fundamentals – From complete novices to experienced shooters needing renewal
• •Practical shooting skills – Sight alignment, trigger control, stance, and drawing
• •Self-defense scenarios – Real-world decision-making under stress
• •Permit application process – How to navigate Louisiana State Police requirements (filing online, fingerprinting, fees)

Gordon's law enforcement background means you get legal distinctions most instructors skip entirely—the difference between a clean self-defense shooting and a potential murder charge. :::

• •Baker – Weeknight classes available
• •Baton Rouge – Multiple Saturday options
• •FRC Range, Baton Rouge – Primary Saturday location
• •Bass Pro Denham Springs – Gordon is the store instructor

Classes regularly have dropouts, so email Gordon on Wednesday before your preferred date—he often fits people into earlier classes.

Louisiana is a "Shall-Issue" state and "Open-Carry" state. Once you pass the background check and complete training, the state shall issue your permit. Key facts:

• •Permits are statewide (unlike the old parish-by-parish system)
• •Valid for 5 years from issuance
• •Reciprocity with 38 other states
• •You have 60 days after expiration to renew without going through fingerprinting again
• •Application fees: $125 (or $175 if less than 15 years in Louisiana), plus $10 fingerprint fee for first-time applicants only
• •You can file online after taking your class

"I have taken his class three times myself, as I needed to renew my permit. He keeps the class fresh and exciting." – Christopher R. Woosley, Baton Rouge

Students consistently note:

• •Professionalism – Unlike "third-tier classes offered by shoddy instructors," GunSafe maintains law enforcement-grade instruction standards
• •Depth – Gordon doesn't skip critical legal concepts to move faster
• •Real-world application – You're not just learning permit requirements; you're learning how to think through self-defense scenarios legally and tactically
• •Engaging teaching – The classes are informative, move well, and keep things light and funny
• •Ongoing support – Even after your permit arrives, you know where to go for renewal or advanced training

• •Governor Mike Foster (father of Louisiana's "Shall-Issue" concealed carry law) and his son Murphy Foster III (Baton Rouge attorney) have taken Gordon's recertification courses
• •Tom Gresham (host of "Gun Talk" radio, 110 stations nationwide, 1.7M podcast downloads annually) renewed his Louisiana permit through Gordon
• •Featured in Women's Outdoor News (WON E-zine) for Ladies Handgun Familiarization courses
• •Louisiana Sportsman magazine – Gordon's monthly "Shootist" column covers shooting sports topics
• •Gun Nuts Radio – Regular featured guest
• •Co-author of The Great New Orleans Gun Grab (reviewed by American Rifleman and Soldier of Fortune magazines)

The legal environment around self-defense shooting is complex. Getting trained by someone who understands law enforcement protocols—not just shooting mechanics—can be the difference between protecting yourself lawfully and facing criminal prosecution. GunSafe's approach acknowledges that reality.

Whether you're getting your first concealed carry permit, renewing after five years, or simply want to shoot confidently and safely, Gordon and his team have the depth of knowledge and teaching experience to get you there.