You Know the Basics.
Now Become Truly Prepared.
From NRA certified courses to Illinois carry permits to instructor credentials — this is where you close the gap between knowing the basics and being genuinely ready.
NRA Courses
The gold standard in American firearms education. These courses give you the foundation, the skills, and the documentation that matters.
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting
The most comprehensive beginner-to-intermediate pistol course available. Safe gun handling, shooting fundamentals, ammunition knowledge, and range time. You'll leave with an NRA certificate and real confidence.
- ✓Full day course
- ✓Classroom & range time
- ✓NRA certificate included
- ✓Prerequisite for NRA Instructor
NRA Basics of Shotgun Shooting
Learn safe handling, shooting fundamentals, and practical skills with a shotgun. Great for home defense, hunting, or sport shooting. NRA certificate upon completion.
- ✓All experience levels
- ✓Classroom & range time
- ✓NRA certificate included
NRA Home Firearm Safety
For anyone who has firearms in the home and wants to ensure they're stored and handled safely. Ideal for new gun owners, parents, and anyone who wants peace of mind.
- ✓Safe storage practices
- ✓Handling & unloading safely
- ✓NRA certificate included
IL CCL Courses
State-approved concealed carry license courses. Get licensed. Get prepared. There's a difference between carrying a permit and being genuinely ready — we make sure you're both.
IL CCL 16-Hour Course
The standard Illinois Concealed Carry License course. 16 hours of state-required training covering firearm safety, Illinois use-of-force law, situational awareness, and live-fire qualification.
- ✓State-approved certification
- ✓Illinois use-of-force law
- ✓Live-fire qualification
- ✓Required for IL CCL application
IL CCL 8-Hour Course
For active duty military, veterans, and qualified law enforcement. Illinois allows an 8-hour course for applicants who meet prior training requirements. Contact us to confirm eligibility.
- ✓Military / LEO eligible
- ✓State-approved certification
- ✓Live-fire qualification
IL CCL 3-Hour Renewal
Keep your Illinois carry license current. The 3-hour renewal course satisfies state requirements and includes a refresher on Illinois law and range time to sharpen your skills.
- ✓State-approved renewal
- ✓Illinois law refresher
- ✓Live-fire included
Get Better. Get Precise.
You know how to shoot. These courses make you shoot better — with focus on the specific habits and skills that separate good from great.
Marksmanship Workshop
Diagnostic, focused accuracy training. We identify the specific habits holding your shooting back — grip pressure, trigger staging, sight picture — and fix them with targeted drills. Your groups will tighten noticeably.
- ✓Individual diagnostic session
- ✓Dry-fire & live-fire drills
- ✓Suitable for all handgun levels
Ready to Teach?
Earn your NRA instructor credentials and give others the same start you had. We offer multiple certification tracks.
NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Instructor
Become a certified NRA Pistol instructor. Prerequisite: completion of NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting as a student. Contact us for scheduling and prerequisites.
Contact Us to Register →NRA Range Safety Officer
Earn your RSO certification. Learn range safety procedures, emergency protocols, and how to run a safe, organized range. Required for many range positions.
Contact Us to Register →NRA Shotgun & Home Firearm Safety Instructor
Certify to teach NRA Basics of Shotgun Shooting and/or NRA Home Firearm Safety. Contact us for current schedules and prerequisites.
Contact Us to Register →The Difference Is Real.
"Got my IL CCL through these guys. The 16-hour course was thorough, well organized, and the instructors actually know their stuff. Every question got a real answer."
"My groups tightened up dramatically after the Marksmanship Workshop. They diagnosed exactly what I was doing wrong in 20 minutes. Two hours later I was a different shooter."
"Completed the NRA Pistol Instructor course here. The instruction was excellent and the support didn't stop when the class did. These people genuinely care about the shooting community."
Common Questions.
Illinois requires 16 hours of training from a state-approved instructor, a clean background, and an active FOID card. We offer the full 16-hour course, an 8-hour option for qualified military/LEO, and a 3-hour renewal.
Yes — the NRA requires candidates to have completed the student-level course before pursuing instructor certification. If you haven't taken it yet, we can schedule both. Contact us and we'll map out the path.
The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course is the right starting point for most people in that position. It covers fundamentals thoroughly and gives you an NRA certificate that opens doors to instructor-level courses. If you're unsure, call us and we'll figure it out together.
All courses are at Guns-N-Such Firearms Training Center, 2908 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60051. Parking on site.
Absolutely. Call or text (815) 669-9220 or email Skills@TeachMe2Shoot.com and we'll help you figure out exactly where to start.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Just call or text — we'll point you in the right direction.
Ready to Take
the Next Step?
Pick a course and book your spot. Or call us and we'll help you choose the right one.