Posted on 02/03/2013 6:16:50 AM PST by KeyLargo
More taking firearms classes in anticipation of concealed-carry
By LAUREN LEONE-CROSS The State Journal-Register Posted Feb 02, 2013 @ 10:00 PM
The growing possibility that Illinois will enact a concealed-carry law has certified firearms instructors like Greg Powell busier than usual.
He taught two classes in Decatur on Saturday. Ninety-five people attended his morning class and 80 people were registered for his afternoon class.
“Usually our classes run 20 to 30 people,” Powell said before Saturday’s events.
Powell, of Marion, and his wife Patricia Snyder are National Rifle Association-certified instructors and Utah and Florida concealed-carry certified instructors. They offer courses in Illinois because Utah and Florida non-resident permits are valid in more than 30 states. A Utah or Florida permit allows an Illinois resident to legally carry a concealed weapon while traveling, even though he or she can’t do so in Illinois.
Depending on how recently proposed legislation in Springfield pans out, Utah or Florida permits might allow Illinoisans to carry handguns for the first six months after an Illinois law takes effect — if one does.
“People can still get some initial training and be a step ahead,” Powell said.
However, people with out-of-state permits eventually would still have to go through the Illinois concealed-carry process, under the legislation.
For Powell’s class, Utah’s non-resident permits cost $51 each. Illinois’ permit fee would be $25 under House Bill 997, which was introduced Tuesday by Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg.
No longer a hobby
Most firearm-safety and concealed-carry classes cover similar topics, emphasizing safety, Powell said. Students learn about firearm safety inside and outside the home, places where they can and cannot carry weapons, and what happens if they shoot someone. Powell also teaches students how to conceal a weapon and how to avoid confrontation.
(Excerpt) Read more at sj-r.com ...
Yesterday, while at a firearms store (though it is mostly empty shelves, looks like any store) I ran into the guy I took my cc class from. He said he is booked solid well into march...
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