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Shooting classes are safe and fun. Here students fire at targets.
Shooting classes are safe and fun.

Learn defensive shooting skills
Students learn practical defensive gun handling skills.


 

NRA Personal Protection in the Home Class

Primary instructors:

John Boch, John Naese, Jeff Schwarm, Frank Wright. Bios.

Adjunct staff:

Ron Beatty, Bonnie Garrett, Greg Hertz and Peter Wheeler.

2012 Class Dates & Location:

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. 

Loaner guns available! 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."

GSL Defense Training students learn proper barricade shooting skills.

Registration: $230. 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 275 rounds of ammunition (no magnums, please).  Recommended if you have it:  Eye and ear protection, firearm, 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 217 649-3702.  E-mail John at templar223@nospamcomcast.net  (Remove 'nospam'). 

REGISTRATION FORM: CLICK HERE.

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SAVE MONEY! Sign up for any of our NRA Personal Protection in the Home class dates, get a second registration for the same class date for half price.

It's a great time!

 

 

GSL Defense Training's video on Misfires, hangfires and squibs.


Some of the ladies from the GSL Defense Training NRA Personal Protection in the Home class April 30/May 1, 2011. Click the image for the high-res version.

 

Student comments.

 

A particularly touching email received May 28, 2011:

To everyone that put the class on April 30th and May 1st:

I wanted to take a few moments here and thank you! I came to your class not knowing really what to expect, and having hopes of leaving there with information and education. I thought taking a two day class was a great idea. I am former military, and a have a huge respect for firearms. I came to your class with my wife (Tammy) and two friends (John and JoAnn). My wife and friends had no training in the past, well other than what I had been though that I had passed down to them. Little did I know my training was out of date, and I was sharing information with them that was hindering them. Your decision to separate the men and women was genius, and allowed my wife her time to learn as well as myself.

I found myself really interested in everything that was brought in front of us. I can honestly say not one of your instructors let me down in their abilities to handle every situation. When I was there at your class I had just been told by my doctors that I had kidney cancer in both of my kidneys. It was a struggle not to think of my own problems and let it consume my thoughts, but at times during the class my future medical battles were the last thing on my mind. The class gave me some relief, and challenged me to be better at something I love to do. I knew I would be spending some time in the hospitals, and it made me more comfortable knowing my wife had the training to protect herself and our home while I was not there. Now that my first surgery is complete, and we are facing another I have still have the confidence that Tammy can protect herself while I am a way. Thanks to your class.

I have plans to attend your class Training to Live and Win: Intermediate Personal protection. If my health allows this, and yes I will be bringing my wife Tammy and friends with me. Thanks again to each one of you. For your desire to share, and your ability to work with so many different types of people. The information you teach is not only taught well, but I feel as it is needed for every person that wants to protect their family, or home.

Thank you again

Dale
Springfield, IL

 

Just received this letter May 5, 2011:

To John and all of the WONDERFUL instructors of the Basic class.

Believe it or not, I'm still on a high from the weekend basic class that you guys and gal instructed. The level of expertise and methods of delivery of that knowledge to us "newbies" were just phenomenal. because of your great instructions, pointers and individual attention, the skills that I had with my revolver improved 100% from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon and I feel so much more confident in handling it now (especially those speedloaders). Thank you so much to all of you.

As a result of this weekend class, I am taking your advice about joining a local organization because you will find my application and check enclosed for membership in Guns Save Life.com. Unfortunately, because of the distance my attendance at your meetings will be impossible but I will be there in spirit and will be looking forward to receiving the GunNews monthly paper. Thank you for devoting yoru spare time to such a wonderful cause.

Vicki
Ottawa, IL

 

More comments from the April 30/May 1 class:

Comments from our course evaluation, 5-1-11, by a female, age 31-40, not an NRA member, who heard about our class in a local advertisement: "I came into the course nervous and a little uncomfortable. I came out of it confident in my ability to use my gun to protect my family and with the knowledge of how and when to do so."

17 women took that course. Here are some comments from their evaluations:

"All the instructors were great and patient with all of us; the whole group was great and fun."

"Having no prior experience everything was beneficial. I thought the live fire exercise in the dark was absolutely the best part. It made me nervous - just like an actual event, albeit not as strongly. The instructors were patient, knowledgeable, and made me feel much more comfortable than I expected. Great, great weekend."

"I felt the ratio of instructors to students was phenomenal. I truly enjoyed the weekend. I never felt stupid, embarrassed, or insecure. Nicely done!"

"I loved all of it - [the course could be improved by] maybe a second brownie at lunch, otherwise, wouldn't change anything. Great job guys! . The instructors were very patient in explaining techniques in an easily understandable way. This class was a blast - I would recommend it to people of all ages. it was FREAKISHLY AWESOME!!"

"Very awesome instructors. Excellent."

"I loved it! Thank you!! . The information was excellent, but the shooting was SO good. The night stuff was the most eye-opening to me. I felt there was SO much that you [the instructors] know about all of this that I was very excited just to watch you all. It was great!"

And a few comments from the men who attended that class:

"The instructors obviously enjoy teaching the class and interact well with each other. I will recommend to all. (The food was fantastic!)"

"Great class. The instructors were very friendly & knowledgeable. Can't wait for the next class" [rifles].

"This was an excellent course for both a novice and experienced shooter. The instruction and exercises were better than I received during basic training in the military!"

"All the shooting exercises were well-conducted - learned a great deal. I learned a lot and felt respected by the instructors."

"Great time, great people."

"Great people."

"Simply Wow!"

"You guys rock!"

 

We've had a lot of great evaluations from students over the years. Here are some we received from classes in 2009-2011:

"Gun class was... the most liberating and empowering feeling in the world. Absolute top notch. GREAT class. Great guys."

"I can't believe I wasted that $100 on that Utah class."

"The best part of the class was the encouragement and assistance to overcome my fears. Excellently done."

"Super job. The personal attention the instructors gave each student - you knew they cared about your training and education."

"It was a great couples weekend."

"15 years of shooting and I thought I knew a lot. Boy, was I wrong! Thanks."

“This was a first step towards making me a better gun owner.”

"Good doesn't begin to describe this class and these guys (and gal). Simply wonderful class left me feeling confident, competent and safe."

"Dragged the very nervous wife out. Patient instructors put her at ease and my wife loved Bonnie's patient female touch to overcome her fears. That alone was worth ten times what we paid for tuition and ammo. I've been trying to do that for a decade unsuccessfully. Now she wants a new gun. Thanks everyone for a job well done."

"Thank you Bonnie, from one very happy student!"

"I came thinking guns were only for killing. I left having learned that guns were for living. I'll be getting my own soon."

"Wish all NRA instructors were as good at teaching as you guys."

"Big class worried me but the instructors were great and were right there for anyone needing help. I learned a lot."

"Nice job on a very safe class. Attention to detail was superb."

"Lots of instructors - all patient, helpful and superb."

"Wish I'd done this a long time ago."

"My friends took one of those Utah classes. I'm glad I took this instead. They don't know what they missed."

"Improved my shooting accuracy and technique."

"Course content is rich in detail, presented by excellent trainers and made me a more informed and qualified gun owner."

"Thank you very much! [The class] was very helpful."

"I don't know how it could have been better."

"I felt it was a great course and a huge bargain! An absolutely outstanding course!"

"Great program! I'll be back for more!"

"You guys need to do a shotgun class! This was a great class for a great price!"

"The course overall was great!! All the instructors were great! Each brought their own experience and desire to teach proper use and safety."

"A wonderful experience - knowledgeable and patient instructors. Excellent."

"All of the instructors were extremely knowledgeable, friendly & very attentive to detail and safety."

"Great to have so many instructors. Great class."

"The shooting exercises were monumentally beneficial - increased my proficiency exponentially!"

"Excellent pace. Knowledgeable instructors. Responsive to questions. Passionate."

"Extremely well organized program. Professionally presented and very informative."

"Phenomenal. I'll be sending my wife and daughter ASAP..."

"I was so happy when I found I wasn't the only one scared of guns Saturday morning. Now, I'm looking forward to getting my own and taking it out to practice. Shooting is fun!"

"Cool class, guys."

"With so many instructors, it was nice. Easily the best NRA course I've taken. Fun, well done, and left us tired but excited."

"Where to begin? Class started slow, but soon we were hopping. Learned so much and I'm sure I missed plenty more. The indoor scenario on Sunday was priceless."

"I came because my husband sent me. Didn't want to be here, but to my surprise found myself having a great time. Thanks."

"Great door prizes were the icing on the great class 'cake'."

"I'm telling my friends this is a MUST take class."

"I didn't even know what I didn't know about carrying a gun. Wow."

"Splendid, fun and lively class. Didn't fall asleep once and I'm easily bored."

"Great class. Great food. Great people. My friend said this was a good class and he was right."

"Took the class as a refresher. You guys just keep getting better. More shooting, more fun, more refined, more stuff. Good job!"

"You guys taking applications for staff? I'd love to help you guys!"

 

 
Panoramic shot of a past NRA Personal Protection class at Darnall's in Bloomington, IL.
 
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