The Basic Pistol shooting course is a good choice for someone that is thinking about buying handgun, already has a pistol and shoots it very rarely and may have developed some bad habits along the way. It's also a good choice for anyone thinking of eventually getting an Illinois Concealed carry permit, since it counts for 8 hours of the required 16 hours of training.
In two sessions, over two days, you'll learn the correct grip and stance for both revolvers and semi-automatics, stance and trigger discipline as well as loading and unloading and basic maintenance for your firearm. Finally we'll spend some time at the shooting range focusing on your overall technique and help you correct anything that keeps you from shooting a consistent group.
Who should take the Basic Pistol Shooting Course?
- You have little or no experience but would like to find out what shooting sports are all about
- You are considering, but not sure, about getting a concealed carry permit
- You inherited a firearm and aren't sure what to do with it
- You've been thinking of buying a gun and want to learn a little more before choosing one
- You are thinking about getting a firearm for home defense
- You just want to learn about firearms
The Basic Pistol course includes:
- Learn about both revolver and semi-automatic pistols; safe handling, marksmanship, cleaning and basic maintenance
- Course covers the basics of ammunition and proper choices for different applications
- We'll dispel some myths about guns and ammunition
- We'll cover the general Illinois and Federal firearm laws, dispel myths and explain when the use of deadly force is legal
- There's an emphasis on safety and marksmanship for the entire course, no live ammunition allowed in the classroom
- The course involves "Total Participant Involvement", you'll learn hands on under carefully supervised safe conditions
- Learn proper grip for both revolver and semi-automatic, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger discipline
- Practice with the our Laser Training system
- How to choose the right firearm for specific applications; Defense, Hunting, Target Shooting, Concealed Carry
- Shooting Safe has a variety of guns for use in the Basic course
- Small instructor to student ratio, one-to-one on the range for personal attention
- Safe storage options for homes with or without children
- Master the four basic firearm safety rules
- Understand the basic Illinois laws regarding firearm storage, transportation
- A one hour session at a local shooting range for live fire practice.
- Requirements:
Valid Illinois FOID* card (or FOID applied for), First Steps course or some firearms experience
A current Illinois FOID card is required for all courses. Application forms are available online from the Illinois State Police website.
Note: This course will qualify for 8 hours toward the required 16 hours of required training for an Illinois Concealed Carry permit.
