Class Info

Illinois Concealed Carry

The day has finally come and the state has issued the curriculum for Illinois Concealed Carry. We have developed and received approval by the Illinois State Police for our curriculum. However, at Blackhawk Defense, we don't like to present the bare minimum. We like to go above and beyond what is required by statute in order to give you the skills and tools that will give you the leg up should a situation present itself and you are forced to defend yourself or another.
The curriculum is being broken into the following phases/days:

Day 1

1. Firearm safety; Minimum 2 hours Classroom

    a. 4 basic firearm handling safety rules
    b. Home storage
    c. Vehicle storage
    d. Public Storage

2. Basic principles of marksmanship; Minimum 3 hours Classroom/Range

    a. Stance
    b. Grip
    c. Sight Alignment
    d. Sight Picture
    e. Trigger Control

3. Care, cleaning, loading, and unloading of a concealable firearm; Minimum 3 hours Classroom

    a. Gun identification: revolver, semi-automatic, misc.
    b. Ammunition identification and selection
    c. Safety and cleaning protocols
    d. Cleaning equipment
    e. Loading and unloading

Day 2

4. All applicable State and Federal laws relating to the ownership, storage, carry, and transportation of a
         firearm; Minimum 4 hours Classroom

a. The Act in its entirety,

        1) with emphasis on 430 ILCS 66/10(h) which includes instruction on the appropriate and lawful
             interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm.

        2) with emphasis on 430 ILCS 66/65 which includes instruction on prohibited areas and the parking lot exception.

b. The FOID Act 430 ILCS 65/1 et. seq.

c. Relevant portions of the ILCS including but not limited to

        1) 720 ILCS 5/7-1. Use of force in defense of a person**
        2) 720 ILCS 5/7-2. Use of force in defense of dwelling**
        3) 720 ILCS 5/7-3. Use of force in defense of other property**
        4) 720 ILCS 24/1 et. seq. Unlawful Use of Weapons**

** Defining dwelling, aggressor, forcible felony and unlawful use of weapons pursuant to the ILCS.

5. Weapon Handling; Minimum 4 hours.

    a. Dry fire practice drills, handgun fundamentals
    b. Dry fire practice drills from concealment
    c. Live fire practice drills, handgun fundamentals
    d. Live fire qualification with a concealable fi rearm consisting of minimum of 30 rounds which must
        include 10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards; 10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards; and 10 rounds
        from a distance of 10 yards at a B-27 silhouette target approved by the Illinois State Police. (See
        www.isp.state.il.us/fi rearms/ccw/ccw-faq.cfm)

* The Department will accept up to 8 hours of in-person training already completed toward the 16 hour training requirement as outlined in Section 75

(i) of the Act provided those 8 hours cover the classroom and range subject matter of components #1 through #3. The additional 8 hours of training required by Sections 75 (g) and (i) of the Act will be comprised of components #4 and #5.

Concealed Carry Mindset Class

This much anticipated class goes into the mindset that one needs to think about now that they are going to be carrying concealed.  This class will explore the psychological and physical aspects that one needs to be prepared for when carrying and if involved in a shooting.  This class has both a classroom aspect to it but also is very hands on with many practical exercises. 

Women's Only Class

Blackhawk Defense is proud to now offer a new class designed for women who want an introduction to firearms and gain a basic knowledge of self defense and "street awareness."  Topics will include types of firearms, firearm safety, common pistols used for self protection, and a hands on firing of different types of pistols at the range.  Also, basic self defense techniques will be demonstrated as well as gaining the ability to not appear as a potential victim.

Youth Introduction to Firearms & Safety

In this course, kids will learn four simple safety rules to practice and live by: 1) Stop 2) Don't Touch 3) Leave the area quickly 4) Tell an adult.  This course will be a basic introduction to firearms and the safety principles that must be applied at all times when handling firearms.  Students will learn firearm safety rules, loading and unloading, and the fundamentals of basic marksmanship.  All learning in this course will be done in the classroom at a slow pace and in a comfortable environment.  No live ammunition will be used in this course.  Parents are urged to attend this class (at no cost of course) and participate with their children.

Advanced, Tactical and Marksmanship Classes - Pistol & Carbine

Advanced, Tactical and Marksmanship Classes - Pistol & Carbine

This course introduces students to defensive handgun techniques and skills.  Emphasis of the course is to develop proper shooting fundamentals and skill development.  The course focuses on applying critical thinking skills and building on the fundamentals developed in the earlier part of class.  Students can expect to learn the importance of mastering shooting fundamentals, safety, critical thinking skills, basic movement with firearm, and engaging multiple targets.

Defensive Pistol 2 (500 rounds recommended)

This course starts with a warm up of the skills learned and obtained in Defensive Pistol I.  The instructor is observing the performance of the student during warm ups to ensure each student is demonstrating the necessary skills to be successful in this course.  Slight corrections and adjustments will be made accordingly.  The class will then progress into building on the fundamentals already obtained.  Students can expect to learn about engaging multiple targets, advanced movement drills, shooting from cover, shooting from alternate positions (non-dominant, one handed shooting, prone), conforming to cover, and stress inoculation scenario drills.  Students will receive one on one training/coaching during the more advanced drills.

Defensive Pistol 3 (500 rounds recommended)

This course is only available to those students who have successfully passed Defensive Pistol 1 & 2 from Blackhawk Defense.  This course focuses on refining and practicing existing techniques and skills to a level which allows performance with safety, precision, control, and efficiency of motion.  Class starts with warm up drills to sharpen previously learned skills and make any adjustments necessary.

Defensive Carbine 1 (300 rounds recommended)

This course introduces students to defensive carbine techniques and skills.  Emphasis of the course is to develop proper carbine shooting fundamentals and skill development.  The course focuses on applying critical thinking skills and building on the fundamentals developed in the earlier part of class.  Students can expect to learn the importance of mastering shooting fundamentals, safety, basic movement with firearm, and engaging multiple targets. 

Defensive Carbine 2 (500 rounds recommended)

This course starts with a warm up of the skills learned and obtained in Defensive Carbine 1.  The instructor is observing the performance of the student during warm ups to ensure each student is demonstrating the necessary skills to be successful in this course.  Slight corrections and adjustments will be made accordingly.  The class will then progress into building on the fundamentals already obtained.  Students can expect to learn about engaging multiple targets, advanced movement drills, shooting from cover, shooting from alternate positions (standing, kneeling, prone, and alternate prone), conforming to cover, and stress inoculation scenario drills.  Students will receive one on one training/coaching during the more advanced drills. 

Defensive Carbine 3 (500 rounds recommended)

This course is only available to those students who have successfully passed Defensive Carbine 1 & 2 from Blackhawk Defense.  This course focuses on refining and practicing existing techniques and skills to a level which allows performance with safety, precision, control, and efficiency of motion.  Class starts with warm up drills to sharpen previously learned skills and make any adjustments necessary.

Low Light/No Light (300 rounds recommended)

This evening seminar addresses the techniques, tactics and equipment related to effectively using the tactical rifle/carbine in a low/no light environment. We start with a classroom discussion on the unique characteristics of such encounters and current lights/equipment availability and choices.

The class then moves onto the range where attendees participate in a variety of shooting drills and practical exercises designed to provide skill, experience and confidence in this environment.

Defensive Shotgun

This course addresses the safe and effective employment of the defensive shotgun. Topics include: defensive mindset, safety, handling, gauges, action types, sighting systems, loading, unloading, reloading, select loading, patterning, slug zero, carry methods, ready positions, cover and concealment, and tactics. Shooting is conducted from 1 to 100 yards and scenarios utilizing outdoor simulators are extensively used.

NRA Pistol Instructor Course

Course Outline:

Become a certified NRA instructor. This course is for experienced shooters with the desire to share his/her knowledge and skills to responsible and law abiding individuals. The course is designed to teach you a disciplined and structured way to administer the course as specifically required by the NRA. This course is one of the courses the Illinois State Police will accept for an individual who wishes to teach the Illinois Concealed Carry Course.

Part I

  • NRA Instructor Program
  • Policies and Procedures

Next Class:

Check our calendar for the next date for this course.

Cabela's, Hammond, IN

Part II

  • Basic Instructor Training (BIT)

Part III

  • Pistol Instructor Training
  • Introduction to Lesson Plan
  • Pistol Knowledge and Safe Handling
  • Ammunition and Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting
  • Pistol Instructional Methods
  • Shooting Positions
  • Evaluating and Improving Performance
  • Pistol Sports and Activities

Part IV

  • Course Examination

Part V

  • Evaluation

Course Duration:

  • 17 hours

Eligibility:

  • Applicant must be at least 21 years of age to become Certified Instructor,
  • 17 to be an assistant instructor
  • 13 for appentice
  • Proof of good character...whereas the applicant:
  • has not been convicted of a felony;
  • has not been convicted of any crime of violence;
  • has not been convicted of any offense involving domestic violence;
  • has not been adjudicated by a court of a state or of the United States as mentally incompetent, unless the adjudication has been withdrawn or reversed
  • Experienced pistol shooter

Certification:

NRA Certificate and credentials are now processed electronically.

NRA Instructor Courses

Description

Looking to become an NRA Instructor? At Blackhawk Defense, we offer instructor courses in the following disciplines:

1) Pistol
2) Rifle
3) Shotgun
4) Chief Range Safety Officer
5) Personal Protection Inside the Home (PPITH)
6) Personal Protection Outside the Home (PPOTH)
7) Refuse to Be A Victim (RFTBAV)

If you are interested in taking your passion or career to the next level, give us a call and we will help you take the next steps and give you the information you are looking for. More information on the course can also be obtained through the NRA's website.

These classes are fun and informative and you will create relationships that are going to last a lifetime. The instructor community is a small community and if you are as passionate at what you do as we are, you will be happy you joined it!!!

*** Note: all deposits/prepayments for classes are non-refundable, however, the funds can be applied towards another class

Class Instructors

Ssg. Thomas J. Holt – Instructor

Tom’s career with firearms began right after he graduated high school and joined the United States Army. Two tours in Iraq later, Tom is still proudly serving in the Army. As a Staff Sergeant, he has received extensive training from the Army and other credentialed organizations in the categories of rifle, pistol, shotgun and machine gun. With his live combat and training experiences, Tom brings a perspective to class that not many instructors can claim. His calm demeanor and patience helps him reach students and deliver exceptional instruction. Whether running an Army range or your local range, you can always count on being on a safe range with Tom (who is also a certified Range Safety Officer).

Gary Mathers –Instructor

Gary is no stranger to teaching students how to use a firearm and hunter’s education. He has been a volunteer Master Instructor for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Hunter Safety Course for over 25 years. That is almost half as long as Gary has been hunting. Gary’s background includes being a Richton Park police officer and he also served as the Regional Chairman for Shooters Education for the Jaycee’s Association. Firearms aren’t Gary’s only specialty; he is also an instructor for the National Bow Hunter’s Education Foundation for over 15 years. When Gary isn’t busy doing all of these things, he works as a gun smith at a local FFL shop; he has been a gun smith for over 20 years. Students love talking to Gary about his vast knowledge of firearms, gun smithing questions and also proper firearm selection. He holds multiple certifications with the NRA and also for teaching concealed carry classes.

Chad Hayden – Instructor

Chad has been an avid firearm enthusiast and shooter since childhood and enjoys teaching both new and experienced shooters. He is an NRA certified instructor in multiple disciplines including pistol, rifle, shotgun, personal protection in the home and personal protection outside of the home and NRA range safety officer. Additionally, Chad is certified to teach Illinois conceal carry classes and Utah concealed firearm classes, and he is a certified Glock armorer.

Chad is currently an Auditor with the State of Illinois and is also a Certified Fraud Examiner, but his prior military and law enforcement training has taught him the importance of always having the proper security mindset and good training is essential.

Frederick Coleman US Navy (Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class) – Instructor

Risk assessment, incident prevention and Fire Life Safety are just a few skills and occupations where Fred commits his time and attention to. Fred is a Director of Security and Fire Safety in the Financial District of downtown Chicago. Fred is also a licensed firearms instructor for concealed carry in many states including Illinois, Utah, Florida and Arizona. He is also a NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, a SAFTD Instructor for Defensive Shotgun and Defensive Rifle and a Notary Public. As a strong believer of 2nd Amendment rights Fred is gifted in presenting great detail and insight to the firearms community and loves to share his joy of teaching. Fred is a former martial artist veteran having served 4 years in the United States Navy with the Fleet Marine Force as a Hospital Corpsman(Doc). Fred's experiences has instilled the significance of vigilance in maintaining the "Warrior Mindset" and always being prepared. A Doc's duty and responsibility is to give you what you need to keep you in the fight.

Shaun Farmer – President

White collar crime and fraud investigation is where Shaun focuses his career. Shaun is an auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, and private investigator. As an avid hunter and sportsman, he turned his focus on his love to teach. Shaun is a licensed firearm instructor by the State of Illinois, certified by the NRA and SAFTD, and also other state agencies to teach concealed carry courses. He offers courses in many disciplines including pistol, rifle and shotgun courses and also offers defensive shooting and instructor courses. Shaun has been teaching and coordinating firearms courses for years. As a people person coupled with light humor, he is able to reach students and help them understand complex topics. Shaun believes in the life long student mindset and tries to instill that in his students! Don’t let the title fool you though, Shaun always makes time for his family, students, and customers.