Legacy Forged in Freedom
Built on Principle Proven by Action
From grassroots beginnings to statewide victories.
TFA was founded in 1995 as a response to growing threats against the Second Amendment in Tennessee. When citizens began losing ground in courts and legislative halls, a handful of Tennesseans decided to organize, educate, and fight back — without compromise. The mission has never changed: protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens, not reinterpret them through politics or pressure.
Grassroots Leadership from the Start
From its earliest meetings, the Tennessee Firearms Association was led by volunteers — citizens with full-time jobs who understood that freedom requires constant vigilance. This member-driven structure remains the backbone of TFA today. Its efforts are powered by dues-paying members, not government funding. Political candidate support is handled separately through the Tennessee Firearms Association Legislative Action Committee (TFALAC) — a distinct political action committee dedicated to pro-2A advocacy.
Fighting for the Second Amendment
Over the years, TFA has influenced and supported many key policy advances, including:
- The establishment of Tennessee’s shall-issue carry laws
- Opposition to unconstitutional “red flag” legislation
- Legal actions defending preemption and self-defense protections
- Advocacy for permitless carry, extending rights to more law-abiding citizens
These wins weren’t handed down by politicians — they were earned through persistence, education, and the unified voice of thousands of Tennessee members.
Educating and engaging citizens
TFA believes that liberty endures only when citizens are informed. The association regularly communicates with members about legislative updates, legal developments, and upcoming elections. Educational outreach and community programs are often supported by the Tennessee Firearms Foundation (TFF), a separate charitable organization dedicated to firearms safety and civic education.
Standing guard for the future
The work isn’t done. Each year brings new proposals — and new challenges — that threaten Tennessee’s long-held freedoms. TFA continues to monitor legislation, publish legal insights, and mobilize citizens to act before it’s too late. Our strength comes not from political clout, but from citizens who refuse to stand down. Together, we carry forward a legacy built on conviction, courage, and community.
What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms.
Our Legacy
Three decades of legislative wins, court challenges, education, and grassroots defense of liberty.