Meet Ranae Knapp, Owner and Certified Instructor of Basics and Beyond Firearms Academy

Instructor Bio

Hi I am Ranae Knapp, a USCCA & A Girl and A Gun Instructor and the facilitator of the Memphis A Girl & A Gun Chapter. I have been around firearms my entire life. One of my earliest memories of my grandfather was him “helping” me shoot his 22 pistol. My husband and kids are avid shooters. But even though I was around firearms, I never took an interest in them or shooting. That all changed eight years ago. I had been in education for 25 years. When I stepped back from teaching computer skills, but still needed to work, I began working at a gun range as the Media director utilizing my computer skills. Little did I know that was just the beginning of an amazing adventure! I started taking basic classes, not because I wanted to learn about firearms or shooting personally, but so I could do my job better. I shot on occasions and even got my carrying permit, but still didn’t carry and had a standoff approach to it all. That all changed when I took two amazing training courses taught by Tatiana Whitlock. Those classes changed my thinking and perspective about carrying and training. I found that I could protect myself and had the responsibility to do so! Right after those classes the Memphis A Girl & A Gun chapter was started. I joined a group of ladies that were in a similar situation, new to firearms and a new desire to learn and get better. We took classes together, trained together and grew together! Through A Girl & A Gun, not only did I make amazing friends, but there was a new confidence in myself that I had never experienced. I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone to try new things, like Steel Challenge and IDPA matches. I have my USCCA Certification as well as being certified as an A Girl and A Gun Instructor. My hope and desire is that while I am still growing and learning, I can also be an encouragement to other ladies that are where I was just a few years ago.