I want to thank TC for understanding my unique situation and getting me into a class on short…read morenotice. Also kudos to Don for making the class interesting, relevant as well as organized. Our class consisted of people from ALL backgrounds and ages...from novice to experienced and everything in between. Myself being older, highly skilled and experienced, I liked how no question was ever overlooked or undervalued by our instructors vast knowledge from those with less knowledge. The highlight of the 2 day CCL class for me was range qualification. It was relaxed, yet structured and everyone was at ease and safe. As is most things in life, the more you put in...the more you'll get out of the overall experience. Although instructor Don could have droned on and on doing ALL the reading, he wisely chose all the class members to read aloud. This was helpful to the entire class and especially the shy students who would've just sat back letting their classmates carry the class. My experience was quite satisfying and highly productive. Instructors Don and TC are dedicated to teaching students well and it shows in their actions.

Absolutely do not give this man your money. The class is mostly him rambling about his own…read morepolitics, making up statistics that you can look up and prove aren't true, and just generally being a bigot and a creep. He also makes tons of comments about how "even women" can learn to shoot and things like that. He spent so long talking about political crap that we ran out of time for the actual class in order to make it to the range on time. He gave literally ONE sentence of direction about each person's shooting and then rushed us all out. He was also so scattered that he didn't bring our certifications with him to the range so I had to make a second trip to the office to pick it up. Horrible experience and I don't feel any more knowledgeable than before I dropped a couple hundred bucks on this jerk.

Michael E. Jackson Sr provides in depth training regarding the use and handling of a gun. He's…read moreengaging and responds to all concerns to ease tensions when it comes to discussing the high possibility that you will be confronted by someone whose main intention is to harm you. You will know what to do and how to do it in order to save your life and the life of your family. This class is highly recommended.

Mr.Jackson is Amazing !!! This training course has really prepared me for real world situations in…read morewhich defense tactics is required. Soo excited to take my test and received my certificate for Concealed Carry.

After 9 straight days of snow, it was time to do something other clean the driveway. For the last…read morefew months I have been trying to experience this. I saw a brochure at the local gun show and the description seemed rather appealing. After digging out the driveway we headed in that direction. Roads were sketchy at best and our appointment time was quickly closing. After reviewing the online schedule multiple times I knew this place stayed booked and I didn't want to infringe on someone else's time. So I reached out to J.P. To let him know we were going to be late. We were relieved and assured to know that our tardiness wasn't going to hinder the experience. We met with J.P., he gave us the tour of the place and then we got down to the brass tacks of why we came. Great place! Not knowing what to expect, I kept an open mind as to the experience J.P. Was very informative and made it appealing to absorb the detailed information not only related to the experience but also responsible second amendment responsibilities. J.P. Provided the training and offered additional training options for future endeavors. This is probably the ultimate gaming experience with real life adaptations. You are provided with an environment and an experience of threats that in real life we want to avoid. However unless you are a hermit or blind to the obvious, the risk is real every day that you are in a public arena. With this training you Know how to act and what to do when application of deadly force is required. When the train evolution is completed, you can target shoot and have some light hearted fun and or compete with friend and family popping balloons or wiping out zombies. You can host adult parties here you can also host child parties here with age restrictions. You can use Co2 recoil simulated equipment to include AR15's additional items are also available to compliment the experience.

Do not buy Groupon for this place. They only accept groupon M-F 9-5pm which is not explained. Appt…read more are 24hour in advance even through there website offers walk-ins. They are unwilling to have a conversation with you about it and are very short when you try to talk to them. They just pawn you off back to Groupon. Customer Service at First Shot Dyer, sucks.

I brought my grandson for the 2nd time yesterday, and once again we both had a great experience. On…read moreour first visit the range officer took my grandson to the side and using a plastic gun explained safety protocols; I was impressed. I was pleased that the staff appears very knowledgeable and safety conscious.

I don't understand any of the negative reviews. I'm guessing they all went on the weekend when they…read moreare very busy, and just got annoyed for having to wait while other customers were being attended to... I've been going to this range since the month they opened their doors, and I happily keep going back! This is the epitome of what a "clean range" should be. It has the best HEPA filters in the ranges and it never smells of powder. The employees are all so very nice and helpful, usually with a does of comedic relief. Shooting there is like going to a friend's home to shoot. They make all their customers feel welcomed, rather than some ranges (on Rt 30?) where everyone seems to have an attitude of being better than you and that you're inconveniencing them at their place of work. NOT HERE - YOU ARE ALWAYS MADE TO FEEL WELCOMED AND APPRECIATED AS A CUSTOMER! ALWAYS! While I've been shooting for over 50 years, I recently took a private lesson from Mark Longo to break a bad habit of (like many!) anticipating the shot and shooting low-left. WHAT AN AMAZING INSTRUCTOR! Mark was able to zero in on several bad habits I had developed over the years, and taught me how to correct them as well as practicing drills to continue to fix and internalize them at home. I was always a "decent" shot, but in only one lesson I absolutely improved. I will be joining their club as Mark Longo got me excited to shoot again, because of the progress I immediately noticed. I just want to continue to get better, and I've found no other range that comes close to helping me achieve this. This range rocks! "Uncle Steve" Bloome

Smart and knowledgeable staff, friendly and outgoing and awesome to deal with. Highly recommendread more

Stopped in the new facility today. Did some window shopping and comparisons. Nice folks, they offer…read moreGunsmith services, cerakote and laser etching. For the enthusiasts, there is a plethora of building materials at relatively competitive prices.

After experiencing the NRA Basics of Pistol course from Andrew, it is something that I believe…read moreeveryone should do prior to owning a firearm. Andrew provided my favorite learning environment of realistic and safe hands on learning which really helped the importance of the information stick with me. His combination of knowledge, experience, patience, and being someone who truly enjoys teaching is an experience I will never forget and I am looking forward to learning more from Andrew in the future with his other classes.

My name is Terrence and I just completed my Concealled Carry Traing with Instructor Andrew. Very…read morestraight forward, professional and just overall knowledgeable. Thanks, I recommend!

Took the CCL renewal course and was impressed with the instructor (Clint). Really knew the…read morematerial and incredibly willing to work with class members on the range. Glad I took the course!

Ok. It's a nice place, I will give them that. But the prices. Wow. Just wow. Of course, being Lake…read moreForest, they have no problem finding customers that will pay whatever. But $75 for an FFL transfer is just wild. I understand it's not a main part of their business, but that's ridiculous. They do have access to a lot of firearms for rental, even full-auto (just for fun) which is a plus if you're shopping (but buy elsewhere and use the guy in Arlington Heights on Central for your FFL transfer for half the price).

I've been using [Instructor's Name] for my CCL renewals for years, and I couldn't recommend him…read moremore highly. I was actually one of his original students, and it's been great to see how consistently professional and dedicated he has remained over the years. He is extremely knowledgeable and does an excellent job explaining not just the legal requirements, but also the practical, real-life situations that responsible concealed carry holders may face. His instruction is clear, informative, and grounded in real-world experience, which makes the classes both engaging and very valuable. If you're looking for a concealed carry instructor who truly understands the responsibility of carrying and takes the time to prepare his students properly, he is an outstanding choice. I'll certainly continue using his services for my renewals in the years ahead.

Instructor was very professional, fast, explained all changes in law, I've been there for renewing…read moreCCL.

This is a review of the Thorne auditorium, which was opened up for several lectures in the Chicago…read moreHumanities festival. Not too conveniently located for the general public is the only concern, but once you get there it is a nice intimate space that allows you close access to the presenters. The sounds system is well balanced and the sightlines are great, this would work well as a classroom and as a public space