Illinois Concealed Carry Class - How to Find the Best
Finding the right Illinois Concealed Carry class is important if you want to qualify for a concealed carry permit and also get the solid foundation that you will need going forward.
There are many concealed carry classes for Illinois residents, but the majority of them are focused on fulfilling the minimum requirements instead of giving students the skills needed to safely and effectively carry concealed.
So what are the guidelines for finding the right class?
1) Who is the instructor?
In order to be certified to teach the course, the instructor will have already passed a test, so it is not a matter of finding a qualified instructor. Rather, it is critical to find an instructor who is a good teacher.
Eight hours is a long time to sit through a class with an instructor who is well-qualified as a subject expert, but lacking in instructional skills. If his style is boring and merely consists of discussing Powerpoint slides, then you will be hard-pressed to stay awake and pay attention to learn from his experience.
On the other hand, if your instructor is a good teacher, he will make the class go by quickly, while engaging students with examples, video clips and hands-on training aids.
2) What is the class size?
The legislation in Springfield allows for classes of up to 40 students. However, there is no way you will get any one-on-one time in a class that large. You should look for a class that is limited to no more than 15 students at the most, if you are an experienced shooter.
If you are a beginner, you should look for a class with no more than 10-12 students, as you will really appreciate some one-on-one time. With fewer students, you won't feel as self-conscious about raising your hand and asking questions.
3) Skills Checklists
Since there are a lot of different skills to learn before you are ready to carry concealed, there needs to be some structure to the class to ensure that nothing falls between the cracks.
Look for a class where the instructor uses skills checklists to ensure that you have addressed all the facets of safety, marksmanship and carrying concealed.
4) Skills To Learn
The areas that you will want to have covered in a good Illinois concealed carry class are:
This is a lot of ground to cover. So it will be critical that the instructor involves the students in exercises to ensure that you are engaged and interested instead of just passively listening.
There are many concealed carry classes for Illinois residents, but the majority of them are focused on fulfilling the minimum requirements instead of giving students the skills needed to safely and effectively carry concealed.
So what are the guidelines for finding the right class?
1) Who is the instructor?
In order to be certified to teach the course, the instructor will have already passed a test, so it is not a matter of finding a qualified instructor. Rather, it is critical to find an instructor who is a good teacher.
Eight hours is a long time to sit through a class with an instructor who is well-qualified as a subject expert, but lacking in instructional skills. If his style is boring and merely consists of discussing Powerpoint slides, then you will be hard-pressed to stay awake and pay attention to learn from his experience.
On the other hand, if your instructor is a good teacher, he will make the class go by quickly, while engaging students with examples, video clips and hands-on training aids.
2) What is the class size?
The legislation in Springfield allows for classes of up to 40 students. However, there is no way you will get any one-on-one time in a class that large. You should look for a class that is limited to no more than 15 students at the most, if you are an experienced shooter.
If you are a beginner, you should look for a class with no more than 10-12 students, as you will really appreciate some one-on-one time. With fewer students, you won't feel as self-conscious about raising your hand and asking questions.
3) Skills Checklists
Since there are a lot of different skills to learn before you are ready to carry concealed, there needs to be some structure to the class to ensure that nothing falls between the cracks.
Look for a class where the instructor uses skills checklists to ensure that you have addressed all the facets of safety, marksmanship and carrying concealed.
4) Skills To Learn
The areas that you will want to have covered in a good Illinois concealed carry class are:
- Safety
- Marksmanship
- Concealed Carry Holsters
- Methods of Drawing Your Handgun
- Justifiable Use of Force
- How to Lawfully Carry With / Without a Concealed Carry Permit
This is a lot of ground to cover. So it will be critical that the instructor involves the students in exercises to ensure that you are engaged and interested instead of just passively listening.
Source...