Frequently Asked Questions

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We offer a wide range of classes, including basic firearms safety, marksmanship, self-defense, and advanced tactical training.

16 hour Illinois Concealed Carry Training (8 hour eligibility with prior training credit - see below)

3 hour Illinois Concealed Carry Renewal Training

NRA Pistol Training

NRA Home Firearm Safety Training

Private Group Training Classes (by appointment only)

Ladies Only Group Training Classes (by appointment only)

One-on-One Instruction

Youth Firearm Safety Instruction

Firearm Safety Classes (if you don't want to fire a gun but want to know more, knowledge is power)

For Illinois Concealed Carry Training

* 16 Hour New CCW Applicant Training - Illinois law requires a minimum of 16 hours of classroom instruction.  The instructor is responsible for verifying that all training meets or exceeds the minimum requirements.

     (Certain persons are eligible for 8 hours credit toward the class and may take the class at a reduced

      rate.  A training certificate or documentation indicating one item from the list of "Prior training

      credit accepted" below.  Please contact me for details.  The total maximum credit recognized is 8

      hours toward Illinois CCW Prior Training Credit.

            NRA Personal Protection in the Home - 8 hours

            NRA Personal Protection outside the Home - 8 hours

            NRA Basic Pistol Course - 8 hours

            ** Active, Retired or Honorably Discharged member of the US Armed Forces - 8 hours

            ** Previously qualified law enforcement officer (430 ILCS 66/75 (j)) - 8 hours

            ** Thank you for your service and Protecting our freedom.

      While those with prior training credit are only required to attend the final 8 hours, I welcome you 

      to attend the full 16 hour class at no additional cost.  There is no such thing as too much training 

      or too much safety when it comes to handling firearms.  We all have invaluable insight to offer on 

      firearm fundamentals.  Ant the dialogue from each class makes for a unique experience every 

      time.

* 3 Hour CCW Renewal Training - Illinois law requires a minimum of 3 hours of classroom instruction.  The instructor is responsible for verifying that all training meets or exceeds the minimum requirement.  Class time may exceed 3 hours as needed depending on class size.

What is needed for classes with live fire drills?

      MANDATORY ITEMS

      A pen/pencil and paper as I encourage you to take notes

      A handgun (if you do not own a handgun, see below)

      Eye and ear protection (if you wear prescription lenses, those will suffice for eye protection)

      A minimum of 50 round of ammunition (100 rounds recommended)

      Your current valid FOID card (if you do not currently have a FOID card, see below)

      OPTIONAL ITEMS

      * Handgun manuals are helpful, but not required

      * You will want to own a cleaning kit if you own a firearm, but you will not need it for the class

      * If you have one, a holster outside the waistband, inside the waistband, etc...

      * If you do not have a FOID card, you can still take the class

      * If you do not currently own a handgun, PLEAS DO NOT BUY ONE just for the class.  We 

        discuss how to select the right handgun.  

      * If you have a FOID card, you may borrow a handgun from a friend or family member.  

      ** Or I do have handguns that we can arrange for you to use for the class and I will provide 

          ammunition, pen, paper, hearing and eye protection.  Call or email me for details

For the CCW Training and Renewal Training, what is the live fire exercise?

      * All applicants much pass a live fire exercise with a concealable firearm consisting of a minimum 

      of 30 rounds fired.

            - 10 rounds form a distance of 5 yards (15 feet)

            - 10 rounds form a distance of 7 yards (21 feet)

            - 10 rounds form a distance of 10 yards (30 feet)

      * The target is a B-27 silhouette target (24" wide and 45" tall).  Shots placed inside or touching the 

      black count as a hit.  Shots outside the silhouette are a miss for CCW qualification.

Wrap up items:

      * NO LIVE AMMUNITION is allowed in the classroom.

      * WE WILL OBSERVE ALL FOUR FIREARM HANDLING SAFETY RULES AT ALL TIMES

      * For any live fire exercise, all shooting is done from the bench, nothing from the holster.

      * (We will cover drawing from concealment with an unloaded gun for the CCW Training classes.)

      * Please do come ready to learn.  There is a lot of information to cover nomatter which training 

      you're attending, but we'll try and keep it lively (within reason).

I am an NRA Pistol, NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor, Certified Illinois Concealed Carry Instructor as well as an Associate Instructor for the United States Concealed Carry Association.  Firearms have been a part of my life since I was old enough to hold one and respectfully understand its usefulness as a tool for hunting, fun and safe recreational sporting, marksmanship, discipline and its use as a powerful means to defend yourself when justified. I teach, train and emphasize SAFETY at all times making for a fun, safe and comfortable learning experience to to enjoy firearm ownership, sportsmanship, and to empower you to protect yourself and your loved ones.