Doug is a very knowledgeable instructor with a lot of patience as well as more qualified than most in my experience. If you want to navigate what could be a potentially dangerous situation both practically and legally. this is the man you want, To carry is a tremendous responsibility, but taking that "shot" is just the beginning. You will learn what to expect afterward so the legal tables aren't flipped to the advantage of a dangerous perpetrator and you are seen in the light of the aggressor. I highly recommend this company. J. Robertson read more

I loved this class! Doug made this class fun and I learned a lot from this class. Doug is very personable, very patient, and answered everyone's questions. I would highly recommend this class. I had a fear of guns, but Doug made everyone feel comfortable at the range. I actually really enjoyed this experience. read more

He utilized anecdotes to illustrate the circumstances one may encounter! (Doug/Instructor) emphasized the importance of gun safety, how to recognize no guns signs and how to act appropriately if queried about carrying. Where may carry/not carry and the factors to consider when firing your weapon is appropriate or not. Also discussed transporting weapon safely and lawfully! It was both informative and engaging! Enjoyed class! read more

I just want to say that my training class for my ccl was great. My trainer was Doug Showdens, he was very good. He kept the class interesting and pleasurable to be there. I would recommend him to anyone who wants their ccl. Thank you Doug. Have a Blessed day. read more

Doug is truly exceptional. He's an incredibly knowledgeable instructor and extremely patient. The 16 hours flew by, and we never covered any unnecessary material Doug stuck closely to the state curriculum, which I appreciated. I'm honored to have been instructed by a retired police officer and Marine Corp Veterian. If I could give you 10 stars I would. read more

Doug was an excellent instructor, great speaker, and really held the groups attention. I like that he was able to get the group involved on an individual basis. My wife took his class at the same time and she feels very comfortable around handguns now. read more

I called Doug on Friday and the next day I was in his class. What I liked about the class is it was a much smaller class setting than the other group at the range which saved on sitting around and wasting time waiting for everyone too shoot. It was also better to have a smaller class because their was more one on one time for questions and answers during the oral part of the test. Doug himself was very friendly, polite and knowledgeable about the laws at statures of Illinois. I would recommend this class over any other for these facts. read more

I could NOT be more Pleased with this 16 hour class. I appreciated that the State of Illinois Curriculum, was followed, without a lot of useless information and theatrics.... I would highly recommend taking this CCW class, you won't be disappointed, with the price or your time. Doug brings to the class room years of actual experience as a policeman, and a chief of police. I felt I received the "meat and potatoes" of the State of Illinois Statutes for CCW. You will be respected and questions are welcomed...I loved the common sense approach with common sense analogies....You will not find this class at a more reasonable price! Don't wait classes fill fast! read more

Quality instruction. I took the 16 hour course and everything was better than I anticipated. Definitely worth the investment.

Worked with Jerry for my 5-year CCW renewal. I am an active member of the US Navy and possess extensive weapons training and experience, but I was still able to learn some things. Jerry knows his stuff and is a wealth of firearms knowledge and practical experience accumulated from years as a law enforcement officer, and service in the United States Marine Corps. The three hour session flew by, despite being on a week night after a long day at work, which says a great deal. If you are interested in getting your CCW permit, or just renewing your existing license, I strongly recommend CCW Express - you will not be disappointed, and more importantly, you will be prepared for the awesome responsibility of carrying a concealed firearm. read more

If you want to get your CCL, look no further than CCW Express. Doug makes 16 hours of required classroom training and qualifying at the range not only bearable, but enjoyable. He's extremely knowledgeable - a Marine Corps Veteran, former police and a family man! Don't hesitate if you consider yourself a novice, such as myself; he will answer any questions you have with absolutely no condescension. 5 stars! read more

The class was very informational. Mr. Shadowens was a great instructor. I highly recommend. You won't be disappointed!

I am "Alex/Jeff" and I took the ccw course from Mr. Shadowens. YOU SHOULD TOO! I promise that you will never feel dumb, singled out, embarrassed, or ignored. You will feel comfortable in the class and will experience the course he promises on his site. While he has a law enforcement/military background, the instructor is not an extremist, nut or intimidating in his teaching methods! Mr. S. understands this is about carrying a gun legally and responsibly and you will not find yourself learning to disarm anyone, acting out fighting scenarios or engaged in any other macho activity! Furthermore, while he is definitely seems concerned about enforcing state mandated standards for earning your ccw license, Mr. S. obviously does not consider any question a disqualifying question and seems interested in you as a finished product, not what you came in knowing. Mr. Shadowens strikes me as a true professional, who creates a casual environment but is REALLY serious about the material, both covering it thoroughly while stressing seriousness of the responsibility we are taking on by carrying. Periodically, as questions arose, he gave a perspective that only a police officer could offer (in his answers). In fact, in the classroom part, he even gave a couple of pointers on how to shoot better. I suspect this information helped the class when we had to meet state required shooting standards at the range. Don't worry if you are nervous; talk with Mr. Shadowens and he will give you shooting advice but obviously cannot and will not qualify for you. I am guessing some people were not use to using the gun they brought. I would suggest you bring a gun you are use to. Please check this out but I think you can qualify with any gun and carry a different gun. Please remember though, Mr. S. does not make this a competition to see who does the best among the students. Passing is passing and you are not judged against the other students. In fact how well each person did was never made public by Mr. Shadowens. Regardless of who you take the class from, and I am glad I went here, bring a seat cushion because teachers who follow the state mandated class format (Like Mr. S.) are required, I THINK to "present" the applicable (and IMPORTANT..so listen because this part could get you in trouble) legal statutes verbally, which is hard to make exciting. A seat cushion might make it easier to sit through. This is not to say that the class wasn't fun, educational and pleasant otherwise. I really think you would enjoy taking the ccw course through ccwexpress! I also venture to say Mr. Shadowens is much more normal than many of the other people who teach ccw classes. Why not take it here and be comfortable in the class and know that your teacher is anal about following the EXACT mandates of the state on how to teach the class, which is great for you because you know that you learn right, and your teacher won't ever get on the list that is actually at the Il State Police site of teachers who are no longer allowed to teach the course. You should care because if your instructor gets on that list, YOUR ccw license is no good and you have to retake the entire 16 hours! Make your life easier and take your course through ccwexpress! read more

Doug with CCW Express is the best instructor if you're going to take a concealed carry class. He's very thorough and knows everything about guns and the law. I came out of the class very enlightened, eyes open and and very educated. You can't go wrong with CCW Express. read more

I took the 16 hour course and would highly recommend it. Instructor speaks from experience and brings a lot to the table. Curriculum is thorough and the information is on point. read more