TNS

TRUE NORTH SERVICES

Guidance You Can Count On

State-certified pistol safety instruction built on a foundation of responsibility, patience, and proper fundamentals. Learn from an experienced instructor who prioritizes your confidence and competence.

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ABOUT US

Rooted in Community • Dedicated to Excellence

Paul Davis - Owner of True North Services

YOUR NEIGHBOR IN CROMWELL

True North Services is owned and operated by Paul Davis, a lifelong Cromwell, Connecticut resident. Raised with strong family values and a deep appreciation for practical skills, Paul has built a reputation for reliability, patience, and genuine care for his community.

The approach is always the same: do it right, take the time to do it well, and treat every client like a neighbor. Whether teaching the fundamentals of safe and responsible firearm ownership or pursuing personal passions like woodworking and vintage tractor restoration, quality and integrity come first.

  • Certified instructor focused on building confidence through proper fundamentals
  • Patient, supportive teaching style for all experience levels
  • Lifelong Cromwell resident with deep community ties
  • Family-oriented service with personal attention

PISTOL SAFETY COURSE

State-Certified Instruction for Responsible Ownership

Basic Pistol Safety Course

This comprehensive course fulfills Connecticut's requirements for pistol permit applications. Designed for beginners and those seeking to refresh their knowledge, the course emphasizes safety, responsibility, and building confidence through proper fundamentals.

We specialize in beginner-friendly and women-only classes — a patient, no-pressure setting whether it's your first time ever handling a firearm or you'd simply prefer to learn alongside other women.

The goal isn't just to meet a requirement—it's to ensure you feel confident and capable as a responsible firearm owner.

What You'll Learn

  • Fundamental firearm safety rules and why each one matters
  • Proper handling, storage, and transportation practices
  • Understanding pistol parts, types, and operation
  • Ammunition basics and selection
  • Shooting fundamentals: grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control
  • Connecticut laws regarding firearm ownership and carry permits
  • Cleaning and maintenance essentials

Course Format

The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. You'll receive personalized attention in a patient, supportive environment. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and a commitment to safety.

  • Classroom instruction covering safety rules, laws, and theory
  • Hands-on familiarization with safe handling procedures
  • Live-fire range session to practice fundamentals
  • Written exam and practical assessment
  • Two completion certificates required for your permit (see below)

You leave with both certificates Connecticut requires. On successful completion of the course, you are issued a Safety Course certificate and a Supplemental Training Certificate (Act 23-53). Both are required to obtain a pistol permit in the State of Connecticut.

What to Expect

Classes are conducted in small groups or one-on-one to ensure you get the attention you need. The pace is set by you—questions are encouraged, and no one moves forward until the fundamentals are solid. Safety is the priority, and building genuine competence is the goal.

Register for Course

Connecticut Pistol Permit — Frequently Asked Questions

Does your course meet Connecticut's requirements for a pistol permit?

Yes. It's the NRA Basic Pistol Course, taught by an NRA- and Connecticut-certified instructor, and it includes the required live-fire session. On completion you receive the official NRA Basic Pistol certificate and the signed Public Act 23-53 supplemental training addendum — the training components Connecticut requires for your permit application.

Is live fire included?

Yes. Connecticut requires live fire with an actual pistol or revolver; simulators, dry-fire, air guns, and plastic bullets are not accepted. Every course includes a live-fire session that satisfies that requirement.

Where are the classes held?

True North Services is based in Cromwell, Connecticut, and serves Cromwell and the surrounding central-Connecticut towns. Classroom instruction is local, and the live-fire portion is completed at a range.

What certificates do I receive?

The official NRA Basic Pistol certificate and the signed Public Act 23-53 supplemental training addendum. Both are submitted together with your application to your local issuing authority.

I've never handled a firearm — is this course for beginners?

Absolutely. We specialize in beginner-friendly and women-only classes: a patient, no-pressure setting whether it's your first time ever or you'd simply prefer to learn alongside other women.

How do I sign up for a Connecticut pistol permit class?

Visit the Register page to request a class date, or contact True North Services with any questions and we'll help you get scheduled.

Helpful Links

These organizations are valuable resources for Connecticut firearms owners—whether you're looking for a place to practice, staying informed on your rights, or connecting with the local community.

CONTINUED TRAINING

Keep Building Your Skills — One Session at a Time

Range Time With a Patient Coach

Your safety course is the starting line, not the finish. Continued Training is relaxed, one-on-one or small-group range time built around turning what you've already learned into real, lasting confidence. It's a great fit for recent course graduates, brand-new pistol owners, and anyone who hasn't shot in a while and wants a refresher — always at your pace, with honest feedback and zero pressure.

Bring your own firearm or use one of ours — either way, you get focused, one-on-one attention on the fundamentals that build confidence.

What We'll Work On

  • Using your own firearm or one of ours
  • Understanding pistol parts, types, and operation
  • Ammunition basics and selection
  • Reinforcing shooting fundamentals: grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control
  • Cleaning and maintenance essentials

How It Works

Sessions are booked by the hour and shaped around what you want to work on that day. Tell me your goals—getting comfortable loading and unloading, tightening up your groups, or simply putting more rounds downrange with someone watching your form—and we'll spend the time where it helps you most. Come as often as you like; steady, unhurried practice is how good habits stick.

Pricing

$50 per hour

Bring your own pistol and ammunition, or purchase ammunition from us to use in your own firearm. Prefer to try one of ours? Use of our firearms includes our ammunition, at an additional cost.

Contact Us to Book a Session

CLASS SCHEDULE

Upcoming Pistol Safety Courses

NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting

Instructor-led course — the online Phase 1 portion is NOT required. This course satisfies the training requirement for a CT pistol permit.

$90 per person
$80 per person for groups of 4+

We proudly support those who serve. Veterans and first responders receive a discounted rate of $70 per person (with ID). Thank you for your service to our communities and our country.

What's Included

Pistols, ammunition, targets, and eye/hearing protection provided. Small class sizes (just a few students) ensure personalized attention and hands-on experience.

What to Expect

The classroom portion takes place at my residence in Cromwell. The live-fire portion follows at a gun club 4 miles away in Rocky Hill. End time will not exceed what's listed but may finish earlier based on proficiency.

Questions? Call or text (860) 759-2852

Groups of 6+ or private lesson requests, contact me.

Payment: Cash, Venmo, or PayPal

Upcoming Classes

Women Only classes provide a comfortable, supportive environment

Date Day Class Type
October 11, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
October 17, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
October 18, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
October 24, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
October 25, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
October 31, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
November 1, 2026 Sunday Women Only Register
November 7, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
November 8, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
November 14, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
November 15, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
November 21, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
November 22, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
November 28, 2026 Saturday Women Only Register
November 29, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
December 5, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
December 6, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
December 12, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
December 13, 2026 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
December 19, 2026 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
December 20, 2026 Sunday Women Only Register
January 9, 2027 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
January 10, 2027 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
January 16, 2027 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
January 17, 2027 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
January 23, 2027 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
January 24, 2027 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
January 30, 2027 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
January 31, 2027 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
February 6, 2027 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
February 7, 2027 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
February 13, 2027 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
February 14, 2027 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
February 20, 2027 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
February 21, 2027 Sunday Open Enrollment Register
February 27, 2027 Saturday Open Enrollment Register
February 28, 2027 Sunday Open Enrollment Register

COURSE REGISTRATION

Begin Your Journey to Responsible Ownership

Student Registration Form

Complete the form below to register for the Basic Pistol Safety Course. You will be contacted to confirm your enrollment and schedule.

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Personal Information

Address

Contact Information

Class Scheduling

Additional Information

Registration Submitted!

Thank you for your interest in the Pistol Safety Course. You will be contacted shortly to confirm your enrollment and schedule your training session.

CUSTOM WOODWORKING

Handcrafted with Care

A Passion for Craftsmanship

Woodworking has been a lifelong passion — there's something deeply satisfying about taking raw materials and shaping them into something functional and beautiful. Each project receives the same attention to detail and commitment to quality, whether it's a simple cutting board or a custom furniture piece.

From practical workshop builds to custom pieces for friends and family, the goal is always the same: create something that's built to last and made with pride.

Wooden Flags

Live Edge & Slab Work

Bottle Openers

Cornhole Boards

Coasters & Cutting Boards

VINTAGE SIMPLICITY TRACTOR & SNOWBLOWER RESTORATION

Preserving Classic American Iron

Bringing Classics Back to Life

There's a special satisfaction in taking a neglected piece of vintage equipment and bringing it back to working condition. Simplicity tractors and snowblowers were built to last — solid American engineering that, with some care and attention, can run for decades more.

Restoration work ranges from mechanical rebuilds to full cosmetic restorations. Each machine has its own story, and there's real pride in preserving these classics for future generations to appreciate and use.

The Fleet

7016 Restoration

Sovereign 18 Restoration

Current Project

FORGE HEALTH

Your Whole Health, Forged Daily

FORGE HEALTH
Diet · Movement · Mind — in one place
TNS A True North Services App

Most health apps pick a lane — count calories, or push workouts, or track your mood. Real health doesn't work in silos. Forge Health brings all three together in one simple daily companion, so the whole picture finally lives in one place.

🍽️

Nourish

Food, drink, calories and macros — even snap a photo and let the AI estimate it.

🏋️

Move

Log exercise your way, tied to the goals you're actually working toward.

🧠

Mind

Mood, stress and what's on your mind, tracked through the day — because it all connects.

And it goes further

CONTACT US

Let's Start the Conversation

GET IN TOUCH

Have questions about the safety course? Ready to register? Reach out—I'd be happy to hear from you.

SEND A MESSAGE

FRIENDS, FAMILY & NEIGHBORS

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