I recently had the privilege of interviewing Tiffany Johnson, who blazed a trail in the firearms community as an African American woman. To call her “Superwoman” would not be an exaggeration. She is a Certified Firearms Instructor with Rangemaster Firearms Training Services (one of the best in the USA) plus an attorney who provides legal services and consultations. Below is part 1 of our conversation. 

Part 1

Hey, Tiffany thanks for taking the time to speak to me today. The things you are doing in the firearms community are quite impressive. I wanted to understand how you got here today and what were some of the key events that took place in your life. 

Where were you born?

Memphis, Tennessee

Did you shoot guns as a child?   

No. Not at all. I was afraid of guns until I was in my early twenties. That’s when I finally decided to take a class, and I made a 180-degree turn. A year later I was a certified instructor, and I’ve been teaching ever since 2002.

What events happened and who introduced you to firearms?  

My best friend was murdered in a home invasion while I was in law school. That was the culminating event after several negative encounters with guns over the course of my adolescence and young adulthood. It was at that point that my fear of guns probably reached its peak, and I decided to confront the fear by taking a class. I never expected to get hooked and continue training, but that’s exactly what happened.

What are some of the things you have done in the firearms industry that would be interesting for our members? 

I started a blog called Front Sight Press that is geared toward non-traditional firearms owners, people who are put-off by the typical right-wing politics often associated with guns, and people who don’t fit the pro-gun stereotype. I also design instructional materials and websites for firearms instructors and others in the gun community. I’ve been certified as an instructor (pistol, shotgun, personal protection, and a few other disciplines), by Rangemaster (Advanced Instructor), and by the State of Tennessee (handgun carry permits) and the State of Mississippi (enhanced carry permit).

What are some of the guns you have shot? What is your favorite? Do you carry?    

I’ve shot lots of handguns, rifles, and shotguns over the years. While some manufacturers have better reputations for reliable products than others, I don’t really have a favorite gun. If I had to pick a gun that I think is a lot of fun to shoot, I’d say probably a good old-fashioned pump-action shotgun. I carry concealed every single day, anywhere and anytime I can legally do so. For many years I carried two Glock 19s, but I’ve recently switched to the Smith & Wesson M&P Compact 2.0.

Do you shoot competitively?   

No, I don’t. Almost all of my training has been purely defensive shooting.

What is your role currently with Rangemaster?   

Tom Givens (Rangemaster’s founder and Chief Instructor) is my mentor. I’ve worked very closely with him and his wife, Lynn. My biggest task with Rangemaster is helping behind the scenes with the annual Tactical Conference. It’s a huge event that is now entering its 22nd year. The conference also features a defensive pistol match that runs all weekend. Next year’s Tac-Con will be held in Dallas, TX. I hope some of your members will consider joining us. You can learn more about it at www.TacCon.info.  

 I see you have a law degree…do you use it in current role?    

Yes, I’m a practicing attorney, licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi. When I’m not teaching firearms classes, I work as a freelance legal writer. I practiced law for several years before starting my own legal research and writing business. I also coordinate the Legal Studies Program and teach undergraduate classes at the University of Memphis.

You are one of the few black women in a major position with a firearms organization that is well known………..how do you see yourself? Role model……..teacher…?

I’m not sure if I’m a role model, but I hope other people who don’t fit the “gun person” stereotype will see me and realize that the Second Amendment protects everyone – regardless of whether you own or even like guns. As long as you are safe and law-abiding, the benefits of learning to shoot are innumerable.

Anything you want to add for the ladies?  

There is a misconception that men are better suited for shooting than ladies are. While men sometimes have more upper-body strength and larger hands, I have found that women are usually much easier to teach how to shoot. Women are less likely to be distracted by ego, machismo, or napoleon complex. They are more likely to support each other rather than competing with one another or trying to outdo each other. Once the ego is removed, learning is a lot easier and much more enjoyable.