Chicago Firearm Training: The Ultimate Guide
What is firearm training?
Firearms training involves learning about the firearms themselves, as well as how to operate them. A good class will include an overview of how firearms work, including the types of firearms, basic operations and controls, and ammunition. It will also include instruction in the operation of firearms, with a focus on the core rules of safety. This can include handling, loading, unloading, aiming, grip, stance, and shooting. Most firearms classes will include time on a range to do live fire.
Benefits of taking a firearms class
The biggest benefit is learning proper safety and handling. There are core firearms safety rules that can be found online, but figuring out how to put these rules into practice and having someone to make corrections when necessary will help you develop safe habits. There are additional considerations for firearms safety that are less obvious, and learning these from the beginning can help prevent you from establishing unsafe habits.
Another big benefit is establishing a good foundation for shooting. You will learn proper grip and stance, which can be difficult to unlearn if you start out by doing them incorrectly. You will also get practice under the supervision of an instructor, which makes shooting safer and also allows the instructor to make corrections and help you learn good habits from the beginning.
How to find firearms instructors that are a good fit
Firearms instructors vary widely in quality, and there isn't a single set standard to judge them on. You can read reviews online on platforms like Google or Yelp to see what experience previous students have had, but it's also helpful to find the website and social media platforms of instructors to see what elements of their teaching they emphasize. Instructors should clearly state their credentials on their website or social media, to make it clear they're qualified to be teaching, since there isn't a standard body that approves firearms instructors.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd feel comfortable with an instructor whose political or personal beliefs vary greatly from your own, since some instructors will include their beliefs in their instruction. It is a norm in this industry for instructors to be conservative, and if an instructor doesn't make it clear who is welcome in their classroom, it's possible people may feel uncomfortable depending on their gender, race, or sexual orientation.
Firearms Training classes in Chicagoland
There are multiple trainers that have classes in the city of Chicago and the suburbs, either independently or associated with a specific shooting range. If you take a class in Chicago itself, you'll need to be able to get to a range in the suburbs for the live fire portion, since there are no public ranges in Chicago. Some instructors (such as myself) can offer rides between the classroom and shooting range, helping those without cars access firearms education.
FAQ
Do I need a FOID? What are the requirements to take a class?
A FOID card is generally not needed for beginning firearms instruction in Illinois, and you're able to take a firearms class and do hands-on shooting without one. The only requirement is that you would qualify for a FOID card if you applied. The Illinois State Police website has information about FOID eligibility and requirements.
How do I know I can trust an instructor?
An instructor should provide information about themselves and their qualifications before you're even in the classroom, whether on their website or other platform. They should also make clear what level of experience you should have going into the class, including if it's an appropriate class for complete beginners. An NRA or USCCA certification does not in itself make a good instructor, and instructors should have a list of additional training they have taken posted publicly for students to see that the instructor takes their job seriously.
What are next steps, once I’m ready to learn?
If you're ready to begin your firearms learning journey, sign up for one of our Introduction to Firearms classes on our Upcoming Classes page! I specifically focus on creating an environment safe for LGBTQ+ students, people of color, and women, since that can be difficult to find in the firearms space. You can learn more about me, my approach, and qualifications on my About page.