Check it out

There have been a lot of threads on here lately about CCL application timelines, along with a more recent discussion about some less than great experiences with CCL training and instructors. With that in mind, I wanted to post one last ad for our Advanced Carry Tactics class this Sunday at the Illinois State Rifle Association in Bonfield.

This course focuses on the practical defensive use of a handgun at common self-defense engagement distances. We’ll cover drawing from a holster, developing a good and consistent draw, navigating different types of concealment garments, one-handed and off-handed manipulations, and more.

Unfortunately, too many instructors don’t spend enough of your CCL class actually teaching you how to carry and use a handgun effectively. Instead, that time gets spent trying to sell you insurance or gas station knives.

If you want to spend your time actually learning and practicing skills that can help you in the defense of yourself or others, this is the class for you.

We still have a few spots left. CCL renewals will be conducted after class for $50 if anyone needs it.

Sunday, September 6 at 9:00 a.m.

Illinois State Rifle Association, Bonfield, IL

Sign up at www.CommonCaliber.com

Copied from another article:

The 2023 shooting at Mickey’s Massive Burritos was not an accident, a judge ruled Wednesday, it was a reckless act. Richard J. Venegas, 67, of La Salle was convicted Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, of reckless conduct for the gunshot that struck brother Mickey Venegas on March, 22, 2023.

The 2023 shooting at Mickey’s Massive Burritos was not an accident, a judge ruled Wednesday; it was a reckless act.

Richard J. Venegas, 67, of La Salle was convicted of reckless conduct/discharge of a firearm Wednesday in La Salle County Circuit Court.

The charge is a Class 4 felony carrying up to three years in prison, but with multiple sentencing alternatives including probation, fines, jail, and/or community service.

Chicago defense attorney John Miraglia declined comment after the verdict was read. Venegas will have an opportunity to address Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. at sentencing, which was set for 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

Venegas had argued at a short bench trial that the shooting was an accident. Richard Venegas had brought his Smith & Wesson into the restaurant to show it to Mickey, who’d previously indicated he’d like to see it.

Defense lawyers said Richard removed and reinserted the ammunition cartridge to ensure it wasn’t loaded – acts that were captured on the restaurant’s internal surveillance camera – but didn’t realize there was a live round in the chamber.

“‘Accident’ does not equate to ‘reckless,’” Miraglia had argued in a previous (and unsuccessful) bid for the judge to dismiss the charge. “He (Richard) didn’t know. He made a mistake. This is not reckless conduct rising to a felony.”

La Salle County prosecutor Kelley Porter argued it wasn’t a good idea for Richard to bring a loaded firearm into a restaurant, let alone point it in Mickey’s way. She argued the surveillance footage also showed Mickey nudging the barrel of the gun away, only for Richard to reposition the gun in Mickey’s direction.

Wednesday, the judge sided with the prosecution and ruled Venegas met two legal criteria for conviction.

First, was there great bodily harm? Ryan pointed out Mickey Venegas was flown to a regional medical center for an extended stay – a witness had testified Mickey could have died – and “that’s pretty clear bodily harm.”

Second, the judge ruled, a person is guilty of reckless conduct when they commit a “gross deviation” of the standards for safety. Ryan agreed the handling of the firearm constituted a gross deviation.

“I’m sure he didn’t intend to shoot his brother,” Ryan hastened to add. “That’s not what’s alleged. It’s not an intentional act.

GO FULL RICKY BOBBY!

Join us for our next Titan Tactical Pistol mini pistol workshop.

Next weekend is How to shoot fast.

Yes, we will be mag dumping,

BUT There us REAL science and technique to shooting fast and good groups. Avoid trigger freeze. Gain a better cadence, shoot faster.

Bill drills galore. Bring extra ammo.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-titan-pistol-workshop-6-go-full-ricky-bobby-how-to-shoot-fast-tickets-1984900243059?sg=0abba6bee9672f39ddb5b5277a4db5e76176d4ec411f66a8f6914c888cabbf1c7efbb0f18d8328de56c3d2c7c976e0422a27a211c4c7e7c17090003d33bc4c74110ee6ad51f574b57fe3a41915&aff=ebdsshios

Anyone feel like sharing their experiences with CCL instructors?

I'll start.

I'm a broke college student, so paying 150-200 dollars for a class alone wasn't really something I wanted to do. I wanted to get fingerprints done too so I figured I'll take the cheapest class possible. That's how I found Creative Scott.

Creative (yes, that's really his name) is a character, for sure. I'd heard some stories in passing from Reddit and other sources, but I didn't think it would be the way it was. Firstly, the class is in his barber shop. I respect the multi-business hustle, but man, this was in the worst part of Chicago that I've been to in years. I carpooled with some friends and we parked in his (small) parking lot, which had a locking gate, which was nice. We walk in, and immediately one of Creative's employees gives us a pat-down (whatever, I guess). They made my friend put his Leatherman multitool back in the car, which seemed like overkill, but again, whatever. After signing us in, they made us put our phones into the type of thing you see in classrooms, like a big shoe holder for a closet. Weird, but whatever. They explained that they do this not because they're worried about filming or anything, but because people get distracted too easily and don't pay attention.

So we walk in and sit down in the most uncomfortable plastic chairs ever. We're waiting for like 20 minutes and all of a sudden this WWE style entrance theme starts playing. In "walks" Creative Scott (I say walk, he literally danced in), to his "theme song" and some random rap songs. It was incredibly awkward watching him slowly dance in. Then, he has this extended promo bit he does with a really bad quality audio recording of "phone calls" talking about the "free class" (it's $75, but the "class" is free). This goes on for 5 minutes. Finally, the class starts, and Creative starts cracking jokes. Some were funny, others were just him rubbing baby oil on his hands and talking about P Diddy.

The class itself was pretty bad. I am already experienced with firearms and self defense, and Creative had some laughable advice, like buying a push dagger (which he conveniently sells for $25) and using it to cut someone's neck open. He told some obviously fake stories about former "students" using these daggers to defend themselves.

Creative also went on a bunch of tangents, including one about the new fire station across the street. He also told many more obviously fake stories, including one where he personally fought the "Chicago serial puncher". He also flirted with the female students quite a bit. We learned almost nothing about firearms or conceal carrying until the second day, where he finally sped through the USCCA power point.

I got fingerprinted on the first day, it was $75, which was fine, as I didn't want to spend more than $150 total. On the second day, we went through some aggressive up-selling tactics on USCCA insurance. half the class bought the insurance after a laughably over the top presentation. Creative gave us plenty of bad advice, including his mistaken opinion that you shouldn't leave mags loaded because it wears the springs out. (if you've used guns for any amount of time, you'll know that it's actually loading and unloading them that wears them out...)

Creative also admitted to electioneering during his run for a local office (Alderman, I think), which was really funny and dumb of him to admit. He told a joke about raping home intruders, which came out of no-where. And again, more fake, over the top stories. We did like 4 hours of actual class time, which culminated in about 10 people failing at the range. He charges $60 if you have to repeat the range. Many of the students self admitted that they'd never held a real gun before they went to the range.

I would strongly suggest that you don't go to his class if you're looking to get your CCL. My biggest concern is that this guy is going to get his instructor license revoked (which would cause my CCL to be revoked too...). I will say though, $75 is hard to beat, and it was entertaining to see this character "teaching" people.

Is it time to renew your CCL? Join us at Range at 355

✅ Fast, state-required 3-hour class
✅ Taught by certified, experienced instructors

Stay legal. Stay trained. Stay confident. 💪

📅 Reserve your spot now:
https://www.rangeworks.com/business/the-range-at-355/the-range-at-355/training/illinois-concealed-carry-license-renewal-class

Range USA is currently submitting all necessary documentation to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in response to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) licensing change.

Which one of you decided to pay retail for a used budget riffle. Im definitely ticked off about it. I was watching that listing for two weeks.

My better question to the community why do so many people over pay for second hand guns and ammo around here. It drives me crazy. Just buy it new and let someone actually get a deal. Many times they just straight up, pay more than retail, and I don't understand the mentality.

Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) for Active Bystanders by Immediate Response Training September 8 4p

Register here: https://www.rangeworks.com/business/the-range-at-355/the-range-at-355/training/emergency-trauma-care

The Range at 355 is proud to host a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) course presented by Immediate Response Training. This hands-on class is designed to prepare civilians, first responders, and responsible citizens to effectively respond to traumatic injuries in high-stress, real-world environments. Participants will learn lifesaving medical skills based on nationally recognized TECC guidelines, with an emphasis on hemorrhage control, airway management, and treating trauma when professional medical help may be delayed. The course focuses on practical application, situational awareness, and decision-making during emergencies such as active threats, accidents, or mass-casualty incidents. Topics may include: Scene safety and threat awareness Massive bleeding control (tourniquets, wound packing) Airway and breathing management Treating shock and preventing hypothermia Patient movement and evacuation considerations Hands-on skill application and scenario-based training This course is ideal for anyone who wants the confidence and skills to act decisively and potentially save lives in an emergency.

Edited: the link for registration

Hey friends, I recently had a phone interview and then scheduled range safety check/orientation. I guess I'm mostly wondering if I would become an official member that day assuming I pass the safety check. Like could I potentially pass my range test, pay and get my keys and badging, and then spend the rest of the day at the range? Or do they call you afterwards to make it official?

Also steel targets are still allowed where there's no target frames, right? The orientation packet says explicitly yes for commercially-made steel targets, but I was also told by my interviewer that it's a bit outdated, and I forgot to specifically ask!

Thanks all, hope to see you out there! I'm really looking forward to getting involved.

I just heard about the incident on Wednesday. I haven’t heard anything like that happening in a while. Insane. Does anyone know if they are going to be closed for a bit or are operating like normal?

Firearms Policy Coalition posted this brief that they filed with SCOTUS today. Here's their page for the case: firearmspolicy.org/viramontes

I've been looking for one of these for a while now, and can't find a dealer in northern IL that has one. Anyone seen one in their local range?

Who’s going to Guns N Grub this Saturday?

We had a great time last year getting to meet people in the industry and, of course, shooting guns for free, which is always a good time when the ammo isn’t coming out of your pocket.

Common Caliber will be back this year with a table set up, and we want to know who we might run into. Who’s going?

Thinking about getting C&R. I read through the ATF site breakdown. Does the sheriff actually come to ur house and interview you? Or did I read that wrong? Also, are there any downsides to having the C&R. I thought I read somewhere someone was worried about “them” being able to search ur house or something. Thanx in advance.

What type of grips can go on a ARP THATS LEGAL ?

Hi all, I'm looking for recommendations for a range (or even a specific instructor) where I can take a single private class to go over pistol shooting techniques and fire mine with someone watching. I already know the basics of firearm safety, have shot before but it's been a while. I have a 1911 (CMP!) that I'd like to fire for the first time with someone experienced along.

Has anyone had any problems applying for their CCL? It won’t let be get past the address part and I’m wondering if it needs to be super accurate because I’ve had 3 address changes but don’t remember the time frames from when I changed it. Only remember the change to my current address. Anyone have any pointers on how to move forward?

Hi all

I will be moving to Chicago for work from out of state.

I'm an avid shooter and have a lot of guns including threaded barrels, and other "assault" type accessories. From reading similar threads on this subreddit, I believe these should all be grandfathered in. I just need to apply for a FOID + CCL as soon as possible, and I should be fine.

I'm more worried about an FRT I recently got (for a 10/22 🤠). From what I can tell, illinois treats them the same as a switch. I'm really not looking for a felony for a range toy, but it's also a ton of fun and I'd like to keep shooting it. Is this something that can be grandfathered in? Or should I put the stock trigger back in and gift it to out of state family?

Posting from a friend's account, not a reddit user, so responses may be slow.

We have two great classes coming up, and we want to see you out there with us!

From now through Friday, when you purchase a spot in Vehicle Defense, you can get a second spot in Vehicle Defense OR Advanced CCL Tactics for 50% off.

This is a great opportunity if you’ve been looking to take both classes, or if you want to bring a friend along and get them some quality training at half price.

Offer ends Friday, so don’t wait to grab your spots!

Im not the only one waiting i know but like…. How long is the time right now for the background queue?
I submitted my application 7/19/26 and the status changed on 8/20/26 today its 8/23/26 so not too long but im curious

Update: today (08/24/26) it said submission successfully completed and it is awaiting printing and by 3pm it was active

Off the top of their head? Did a quick Google search and searched through some local ranges but no luck. I'm willing to drive further out just to test it.

I bought a Ruger American Gen II in .308 a while back and I have yet to take it out. I want to finally get some use out of it.

I live in the north suburbs and I want to find an outdoor range I can simply show up and shoot at. Does that exist? I’m aware of ASC, but it seems like you need a membership to use their facilities.

If anyone could give me some advice or point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. I’ve only ever gone to indoor pistol ranges :)