Firearms Training, Licensing, and Investigations
FAQ
Tactical and Self-Defense Firearms: Choosing a firearm for self-defense or tactical purposes involves a wide range of choices. These choices involve physical attributes such as size and strength, lifestyle and clothing preferences, range of daily activities, etc. The cost of a suitable firearm may be significant and can vary widely. We can work with you to understand and make choices that allow you to obtain the right firearm for you at a fair price. Ask a lot of questions and, if possible, test fire any weapon you are considering purchasing.
Where are the Texas, Utah, Illinois, Florida, and Arizona permits valid? This information changes regularly so make sure you check before assuming it is correct. A good place to check is www.handgunlaw.us. Also, be careful to note that some states do not recognize non-resident permits.
Where can I find information about these permits? Start with www.handgunlaw.us which has much of the information and good links.
Others good links include:
Utah https://bci.utah.gov/concealed-firearm/
Illinois https://www.ispfsb.com
Texas https://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/chl/
Arizona http://www.azdps.gov/services/public/cwp
Florida http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Licensing/Concealed-Weapon-License
What training is required for the Texas class? The basic License to Carry (LTC) class we offer is required for the TX license and takes a 4-6 hours to complete. The class covers the safe handling, storage, and carry of concealed firearms and current law defining lawful self-defense, use of force by private citizens, including use of deadly force, transportation, and concealment. This class assumes that you already can safely handle, load, and unload a firearm and can pass the live-fire qualification (see below).
Upon successful completion of the class, students receive a signed TX form for your application and the class completion information is uploaded to the DPS website. The cost of the class is $75 per student plus actual range costs (typically $20).
What training is required for the Illinois class? The Illinois class we offer is required for the IL Concealed Carry License and takes 8, 12, or 16 hours to complete, depending on your prior training. See this website for the current list of acceptable prior training.
https://www.isp.state.il.us/appriss/ccw/CCWPriorTrainingCredit.pdf
The class covers the safe handling, storage, and carry of concealed firearms and current law defining lawful self-defense, use of force by private citizens, including use of deadly force, transportation, and concealment. This class assumes that you already can safely handle, load, and unload a firearm and can pass the live-fire qualification (see below).
Upon successful completion of the class, students receive a signed IL form for your application. The cost of the class per student is dependent on prior credit - $200 for the full 16 hour class, $150 for 12 hours, $100 for 8 hour - plus actual range costs (typically $20).
What should I expect on the day of the class? The class will start promptly and we'll have short breaks every hour. Donuts and coffee are provided. Please leave your firearms in your vehicle until otherwise instructed.
What should I bring to class? For these classes you do not need to bring anything with you except a good attitude, a black pen and the class and range fees (no credit cards). Cell phones must be turned off during the class. No live fire is required for the Utah license so no weapon or ammunition is necessary. Please have your state-issued ID and, for the Illinois class, evidence of any prior training.
What should I bring for the Live Fire Qualification? For the live-fire qualification you will need to bring a suitable defensive handgun such as a 9 mm or larger caliber and full size frame (i.e. 1911s, Glock 17, 4” barrel 38 revolver, etc.). You may shoot smaller frame pistols such as the Glock 26 or a 2” snub nose revolver but they are usually more difficult to shoot well. Long barrel (6”) target pistols and 22 caliber pistols are not suitable. Please ask if you are unsure. You will need at least 30 (50 for Texas) rounds of ammunition (per qualification attempt) along with eye and ear protection. No holster is necessary. Choose a pistol that you are familiar with and able to shoot well enough to qualify. You must also demonstrate safe handling of the firearm along with loading and unloading. We advise you to practice the qualification and safe handling, loading, and unloading prior to the day of the class.
30 Rounds: Minimum passing score = 70% of shots fired hit the scoring area of a B-27 target.
10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards
10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards
10 rounds from a distance of 10 yards
Texas Live Fire Qualification
50 Rounds: Minimum passing score = 70% of possible points using B-27 target with 5-4-3 scoring
Twenty shots (20) will be fired from 3 yards.
Five (5) shots fired as single shots with 2 seconds allowed for each shot
Ten shots (10) fired as double shots with 3 seconds allowed for each two shot sequence
Five (5) shots fired as a group in 10 seconds
Twenty shots (20) will be fired from 7 yards
Five (5) shots fired as a group in 10 seconds
A pair of shots will be fired in 4 seconds
A group of three shots will be fired in 6 seconds
Five (5) shots fired as single shots with 3 seconds allowed for each shot
Five (5) shots fired as a group in 15 seconds
Ten shots (10) fired from 15 yards
A pair of shots will be fired in 6 seconds
A group of three shots will be fired in 9 seconds
Five (5) shots fired as a group in 15 seconds
B27 Target B27 Illinois Scoring B27 Texas Scoring
