Help: where to go for training/classes

barryicide · November 18, 2008, 01:11 PM

I am a complete newbie to firearms.

I don't have my FOID card yet and I have not taken any formal training. My girlfriend and I are interested in getting into firearms for recreational plinking at ranges and self defense (mostly just for the plinking, we live in a very safe area).

I'd like to get a FOID card for myself and my girlfriend; I have seen that I can either go to a firearms dealer to fill out an application or print out an application online and send it in... and wait 30 days for it to process. Does the on-site application at the firearms dealer go any faster or is there any quicker way to get a FOID card (I was hoping to get her a firearm for a christmas present

)?

Where are some good ranges in the Chicagoland/Milwaukee area? I have found a few online, but cannot find any reviews.

I would be interested in training if it would help out but I haven't been able to find out much information on available courses. I took training through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation when I started riding motorcycles and it was a big help (not to mention gave me a huge discount on insurance). Is there any good standardized training program for firearms in North-Eastern Illinois or South-Eastern Wisconsin? I'm willing to drive a little ways for a good program if you think it would help, but I'm a quick learner and don't mind reading or doing internet-based training if courses available are not worth it (I don't want to be treated like a baby due to the lowest-common-denominator factor).

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

right winger · November 19, 2008, 01:58 AM

The National Rifle Association offers classes and training.

emtgunnut23 · December 1, 2008, 02:30 AM

Hey, I used to live in Chicago and I'm still in the wonderful restrictive state of IL.
If you can easily print out a good picture of yourself just send in your FOID card application from home. Gun shops will usually charge a fee and do the whole picture bit for you, but in my opinion it's a rip off unless you really can't get a good picture of yourself.

Don't know of too many ranges. Also there is a bit of a wait on FOID card these days at least thats my cousin just got his and it took several months apparently there are lots of new people applying for them.

fm2 · February 6, 2009, 12:34 PM

Here's a couple of classes I found with Massad Ayoob.
May 7 - 10, 2009 - Rochester, IN
August 22 - 25, 2009 - Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, MI

http://www.ayoob.com/LFIschedule.html

dakuda · February 7, 2009, 05:27 PM

Where in Chicagoland are you?

GAT Guns in Elgin is a bit pricey, but an option.

There is a place in McHenry on 120, but I have forgotten their name.

During the nicer months there is a guy who opens up some of his land to members of www.illinoiscarry.com on specific days. Might want to join there as well, as they offer a ton of local information.

If you want a CCW class (not legal in IL, but you can get a UT permit), there is www.carrysafely.com.

emtgunnut23 · February 13, 2009, 02:24 AM

I used to live on the southside of the city in Beverly. Now I'm out in the city a ways south.

Wagonman · February 13, 2009, 11:58 PM

Maxon's on Des Plaines on Rand road

Illinois Gun Works in Elmwood PK on Grand at Harlem

There are ranges south of the city that I am not super familar with.

Team Spartan is a good choice for training. I believe they do civilian training also.

November 18, 2008, 01:11 PM	#1
barryicide Junior Member Join Date: November 18, 2008 Location: Chicago-land, Illinois Posts: 2	Help: where to go for training/classes I am a complete newbie to firearms. I don't have my FOID card yet and I have not taken any formal training. My girlfriend and I are interested in getting into firearms for recreational plinking at ranges and self defense (mostly just for the plinking, we live in a very safe area). I'd like to get a FOID card for myself and my girlfriend; I have seen that I can either go to a firearms dealer to fill out an application or print out an application online and send it in... and wait 30 days for it to process. Does the on-site application at the firearms dealer go any faster or is there any quicker way to get a FOID card (I was hoping to get her a firearm for a christmas present )? Where are some good ranges in the Chicagoland/Milwaukee area? I have found a few online, but cannot find any reviews. I would be interested in training if it would help out but I haven't been able to find out much information on available courses. I took training through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation when I started riding motorcycles and it was a big help (not to mention gave me a huge discount on insurance). Is there any good standardized training program for firearms in North-Eastern Illinois or South-Eastern Wisconsin? I'm willing to drive a little ways for a good program if you think it would help, but I'm a quick learner and don't mind reading or doing internet-based training if courses available are not worth it (I don't want to be treated like a baby due to the lowest-common-denominator factor). Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

November 19, 2008, 01:58 AM	#2
right winger Member Join Date: June 8, 2008 Location: Hymera,Indiana Posts: 27	Help: where to go for training/classes The National Rifle Association offers classes and training. __________________ A armed man is a citizen. A unarmed man is a subject.

December 1, 2008, 02:30 AM	#3
emtgunnut23 Member Join Date: November 24, 2008 Location: Bloomington/Normal IL Posts: 46	Hey, I used to live in Chicago and I'm still in the wonderful restrictive state of IL. If you can easily print out a good picture of yourself just send in your FOID card application from home. Gun shops will usually charge a fee and do the whole picture bit for you, but in my opinion it's a rip off unless you really can't get a good picture of yourself. Don't know of too many ranges. Also there is a bit of a wait on FOID card these days at least thats my cousin just got his and it took several months apparently there are lots of new people applying for them. __________________ All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

February 13, 2009, 02:24 AM	#6
emtgunnut23 Member Join Date: November 24, 2008 Location: Bloomington/Normal IL Posts: 46	I used to live on the southside of the city in Beverly. Now I'm out in the city a ways south. __________________ All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

February 6, 2009, 12:34 PM	#4
fm2 Member Join Date: September 25, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 50	Here's a couple of classes I found with Massad Ayoob. May 7 - 10, 2009 - Rochester, IN August 22 - 25, 2009 - Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, MI http://www.ayoob.com/LFIschedule.html

February 7, 2009, 05:27 PM	#5
dakuda Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 63	Where in Chicagoland are you? GAT Guns in Elgin is a bit pricey, but an option. There is a place in McHenry on 120, but I have forgotten their name. During the nicer months there is a guy who opens up some of his land to members of www.illinoiscarry.com on specific days. Might want to join there as well, as they offer a ton of local information. If you want a CCW class (not legal in IL, but you can get a UT permit), there is www.carrysafely.com.

February 13, 2009, 11:58 PM	#7
Wagonman Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 982	Maxon's on Des Plaines on Rand road Illinois Gun Works in Elmwood PK on Grand at Harlem There are ranges south of the city that I am not super familar with. Team Spartan is a good choice for training. I believe they do civilian training also.