Shooting classes are safe and fun.
Protecting your soft body parts is an important part of learning personal defense. Here, a student works on improving her weak-side barricade shooting skills under the watchful eye of a long-time instructor.
NRA Personal Protection Class
Primary instructors:
John Boch, John Naese, Jeff Schwarm, Frank Wright.
Adjunct staff:
Ron Beatty, Bonnie Garrett, Matt Skaj and Peter Wheeler.
Class Dates & Location:
- April 24 & 25, 2010: Darnall's Gun Works and Ranges, Bloomington, IL (map/directions - click here)
- May 22 & 23, 2010: Darnall's Gun Works and Ranges, Bloomington, IL (map/directions - click here)
- September 11 & 12, 2010: Darnall's Gun Works and Ranges, Bloomington, IL (map/directions - click here)
Classes run from 9am - ~6pm Saturday and 9am - ~5pm Sunday.
This class covers basic firearm safety, basic firearm handling skills, use of cover/concealment, malfunction clearing for semi-automatic pistol users, the judicious use of deadly force (including against unarmed aggressors), how to avoid becoming a victim, interaction with potential assailants, and post-shooting interventions. Students will spend several hours on the range with live-fire both days. A low-light indoor shooting scenario is typically included on Sunday afternoon.
NO shooting experience or previous firearm ownership is necessary. A Firearms Owners Identification (FOID) Card is recommended, but not required. FOID card applications will be available.
If you're not sure about guns or are curious about which gun is right for you, consider these beginner classes. These courses offer an opportunity to use one or more "loaner" guns to give you a chance to try out different types and models of guns to see which is the best fit and function for you before you buy your own.
This course satisfies Florida's training requirement for a Florida license to carry (application here). This permit is recognized in about 30 states, greatly simplifying firearm transportation while traveling for business or while on vacation. It is valid for seven years.
These classes also make great gifts for loved ones, particularly those who have almost everything already. As Ben Franklin once said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
Registration: $195. Registration includes lunch, drinks, range fees, safety equipment (as needed), NRA class materials including textbook, a Florida and Pennsylvania non-resident permit-to-carry applications and more.
Loaner firearms are available at no charge on a limited basis.
Students will need to bring 250 rounds of ammunition (no magnums, please). Recommended if you have it: Eye and ear protection, belt holster, two spare magazines / speedloaders, tactical flashlight and sunscreen.
For further information, call John Boch at 217 356-7027 (days/eves Mon-Thurs.) or at home 217 351-3575. E-mail John at templar223@nospamcomcast.net (Remove 'nospam').
REGISTRATION FORM: CLICK HERE.
Student comments.
We've had a lot of great evaluations from students over the years. Here are some we received from the May 23-24, 2009 course:"Outstanding. Excellent. I highly, highly recommend your class."
"This was a first step towards making me a better gun owner."
"The instructors were friendly, patient, and able. Well Done!"
"I think it was very well run and presented professionally."
"I will recommend this course."
"Loved the class. Great job and I would do it again if only for the practice time. Thanks."
"I found this a great course and the instructors were excellent."
Q: How could this training course be improved?
A: "It's great as it is."
"I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned more than I ever imagined."
"Awesome course! Both the hands on and the classroom lectures were equally beneficial. I will recommend this instruction."
"Just an outstanding, excellent course. Everyone should take this course."
"Excellent course! The indoor range in the dark was the most beneficial."
"You guys were great! I learned a lot and feel much more comfortable with my gun!"
