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Old November 18, 2008, 12:11 PM   #1
barryicide
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Join Date: November 18, 2008
Location: Chicago-land, Illinois
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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!
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Old November 19, 2008, 12:58 AM   #2
right winger
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Location: Hymera,Indiana
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Help: where to go for training/classes

The National Rifle Association offers classes and training.
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Old December 1, 2008, 01:30 AM   #3
emtgunnut23
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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.
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Old February 6, 2009, 11:34 AM   #4
fm2
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Join Date: September 25, 2006
Location: Texas
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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
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Old February 7, 2009, 04:27 PM   #5
dakuda
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Join Date: June 15, 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 65
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.
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Old February 13, 2009, 01:24 AM   #6
emtgunnut23
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I used to live on the southside of the city in Beverly. Now I'm out in the city a ways south.
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Old February 13, 2009, 10:58 PM   #7
Wagonman
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Location: Chicago, IL
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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.
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