

Firearms Safety Academy, Inc.
Rick Winninger
BACKGROUND: Former Military, Former Law Enforcement, Instructor
40 Years Instructing
PH: 630 364 8850
Available Courses
Next Class | Course | Type | Difficulty |
---|---|---|---|
No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Firearm Safety (Court Ordered/Mandated) |
Basic | Basic |
No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
First Step Pistol Offered for first time gun buyers. |
Basic | Basic |
Next class: May 10 See Classes |
First Step Rifle Offered for first time gun buyers. |
Basic, Rifle | Basic |
Next class: May 17 See Classes |
Illinois Conceal Carry 16 hours Required training to receive your Concea… |
Basic, Concealed Carry Training | Basic |
Next class: Apr 19 See Classes |
Illinois Conceal Carry Permit 3 Hour Renewal Required training to renew your Conceale… |
Basic, Intermediate, Concealed Carry Training | Basic |
Next class: May 24 See Classes |
NRA Range Safety Officer Course required to become a certified RS… |
NRA Courses | N/A |
No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Personal Protection In The Home Learn how to protect yourself in your ho… |
Advanced, In Home Defense Training | Advanced |
No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Personal Protection Outside The Home Learn how to defend yourself outside you… |
Advanced | Advanced |
No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Pistol Marksmanship Simulator Training Marksmanship Simulator |
Basic, NRA Courses, Specialty Other | Basic |
No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Private Illinois 16 Hour Concealed Carry Training. |
Basic, Intermediate | Basic |
No Upcoming Classes Contact Instructor |
Range Requalification for Security Officers FSA now offers armed security requalific… |
Advanced, Security Training & Certification | Advanced |
About Firearms Safety Academy, Inc.
6 years United States Marine Corp
30 years law enforcement
40 years of training firearms safety, both civilian and law enforcement
Courses Taught
Concealed Carry Training, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Rifle, Shotgun, NRA Courses, Active Shooter Response Training, In Home Defense Training, Church / Business - Safety / Security, Scenario Based Training, Women's Only Courses, Virtual Simulation, Seminars / Lectures, Security Training & Certification, Combatives / Less Lethal, Concealed Carry License, Stop the Bleed, Specialty Other, Legal Aspects for Use of Force / Avoidance, Range Safety Officer
Certifications
Certified Illinois Concealed Carry Licensed Instructor
Certified State of Illinois 40 hour Firearms Instructor IDFPR # 263.000080
Certified State of Illinois 40 hour Security Guard Instructor IDFPR # 102.000389
FFL Dealer
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
NRA Defensive Pistol
NRA Certified Rifle Instructor
NRA Certified Personal Protection In The Home Instructor
NRA Certified Personal Protection Outside The Home Instructor
Gun Shot Wound First Aid
NRA Certified Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor
Distinguished Expert Handgun
Policies
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policy:You may cancel or move to a different class if you give us written notice by e-mail to rick@firearmssafetyacademy.net at least one week in advance of the scheduled course. Cancellations over the phone will not be honored. In the case of a cancellation, you will receive a credit that can be applied toward a future training course. Your registration in a course may be transferred to another person if that person meets all training prerequisites and is otherwise qualified to take the course, provided you give us at least 2 days prior notice by e-mail with the name, e-mail address, and phone number for your substitute.
Reschedule Policy
Reschedule policy: Some courses require a minimum number of participants as noted in the course description. If you register for a course with a minimum and the minimum number of participants have not registered by the end of the day which is 2 days prior to the course, Firearms Safety Academy reserves the right to cancel the course and refund your registration fee. There may also be occasions when the instructor is not available to teach the course and a satisfactory substitute is not available requiring cancellation and rescheduling of the course. In such cases, you will receive e-mail and telephone notification. If you are unable to attend the course on the rescheduled date, we will refund your registration fee upon written e-mail request received at least 2 days prior to the rescheduled course date.
Refund Policy
Refund policy: Because of limited class capacity and our commitments to instructors, Firearms Safety Academy does not offer refunds on any training or instruction course if you change your mind or are unable to attend. You may cancel or move to a different class if you give us written notice by e-mail to rick@firearmssafetyacademy.net at least one week in advance of the scheduled course. Cancellations over the phone will not be honored. In the case of a cancellation, you will receive a credit that can be applied toward a future training course. Your registration in a course may be transferred to another person if that person meets all training prerequisites and is otherwise qualified to take the course, provided you give us at least 2 days prior notice by e-mail with the name, e-mail address, and phone number for your substitute.
Other Policy
Safety Rules
These rules will be strictly enforced any serious violation will result in your removal from the course.
Waiver
Registration/Waivers
This needs to be completed and returned in order to ensure your registration completion. This is needed to generate a course certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never held a gun before. Is the Basic Handgun Class good for me?
Yes. This class is designed for people who are unfamiliar with guns.
Will I be the only woman in the class?
No. Female students account for 40% to 60% of every class.
Do you offer classes for "Women Only"?
No. The lessons and techniques we teach apply to everyone in every situation.
Do you provide semi-automatics for the Basic Handgun Class?
Yes, 22LR semi-automatic is available for new shooter classes. After completing the introductory class, we suggest you go to an indoor shooting range with a selection of 60 or 70 types of handguns so you can try as many as you like to find the "perfect" gun for you.
Can I bring my AR-15 pistol to class?
No, our handgun classes are geared toward the typical handgun owned by most people. The length of the AR-15-type pistol does not allow for a safe environment for all students with the drills we teach.
How big are the classes?
Depending on the class, they usually range from 1 to 10. All classes are highly supervised.
What is the minimum age requirement?
A parent or guardian is required to attend the class with a child under 18. We ask you, the parent, "Do you feel comfortable with the child next to you with a loaded gun?" If you have any doubts, wait a couple of years. Children are easier to teach than adults because when we tell a child to do something, they do it. Adults ask, "Why?"
How do I dress?
You will be at an outdoor range with gravel and dirt walk areas. Wear comfortable flat shoes, shorts or pants, short sleeves or tee shirts. Wear or bring layers as the weather can change from morning to afternoon.
What do I need to bring to the range with me?
A hat and sunblock are recommended during warm weather. If you have sunglasses or prescription glasses, bring them. If you have ear protection, bring it. If not, we will provide eye and ear protection at no additional charge. You should bring lunch. The lunch break is half an hour and may be eliminated if your class is small and finishes sooner than a large class would.
What do I do when I know what classes I want to take?
When you are ready to register for a class, visit our Class Schedules page and click the "Enroll in Class" link for the class you want to take. Upon receipt of payment, we will e-mail you to confirm your attendance, provide supply details needed for class, and provide directions to the range.
What happens if I sign up for a but can't make it?
If you can't make it to class, you must contact us 24 hours before the class, and we will apply your payment to a class that suits your schedule. If you do not cancel 24 hours before class, you are subject to losing your deposit/pre-payment. No refunds are given.
What happens if it's raining on the day of the class?
The range is outdoors. Heavy rain may cancel class due to unsafe road or range conditions. Unless notified the night before, classes will be held as scheduled, rain or shine.
Can I borrow a handgun for the other classes (Intermediate, Advanced & Scenarios)?
No, because you need other equipment besides your handgun for these classes. The training specializes in making you and your gun a team. Some people do not want to buy a holster because they think they will never use it again. Suppose you are out in the wilderness, or a natural disaster occurs. In that case, you will be carrying a gun on your hip because law enforcement may be unavailable for an extended period.
Do I need to take the Basic Handgun Class before I take the Basic Shotgun or Basic Rifle Class?
No. Neither the Basic Shotgun Class nor the Basic Rifle Class have prerequisites.
Can I borrow a shotgun or rifle for those classes?
Yes. Shotguns and rifles will be provided at no additional charge for the basic, advanced, and scenarios classes. However, you will need to pay for ammo.
Can I get a discount if I register more than one person or sign up for multiple classes?
No. The range and insurance carrier charge on a per-person basis. We do not receive a discount, so we cannot pass one on to you.
What are the prices for the classes?
See our class page for cost and class lengths.
All class times longer than three hours include a half hour for lunch.
Are there types of ammunition that cannot be used at the range?
No steel-core jacketed or tracer ammunition is allowed in class. Copper-washed or full metal jackets are acceptable.
How much does ammunition cost at the range?
Ammunition can be ordered for class during registration, depending on availability.
Sales tax is included. Price is based on market pricing at the time. We will email you a price for the ammo you order prior to charging you.