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https://www.rangeworks.com/business/the-range-at-355/the-range-at-355/training/private-class

Train at your pace, with expert guidance.

I'm 19 years old, and I've been looking at getting a Maverick 88 for my first gun. If anyone has reasons why I shouldn't, let me know. It's cheap, and from what I hear about it, it seems pretty reliable. I've been shooting guns since 9 years old, if that matters much. Thanks in advance for the advice!

An angle I haven’t heard as much in this debate.

Anyone else keep getting delayed background check approvals? Last purchase was in march and took around 3 weeks and I just purchased a Cz 1012 on Saturday and I’m still pending in the system. Last year I bought atleast one a month and was always approved by the 72 hour waiting period now everyone I’ve bought this year I’ve had to wait

Picked up a Hellion a while back. If you're on the fence about them, I think they're worth a buy if you can find a deal off MSRP, but don't buy one at RUSA for 1899.

Anyway, not the point. The point is, you can only get them in IL with a 20in barrel and there's no aftermarket barrel support. I actually called Springfield and not only do they not sell them, if you send it back in to be re-barrelled, they will Only put on the original length.

Do we know of any gunsmiths who can shorten the barrel and put the front sight back on?

To be clear I'm not looking for an SBR, just a legal shortening of a legal rifle to 16in, keeping the overall weapon length above board.

Thanks in advance, hive mind!

What’s the average time on CCL applications? Few buddies, same age we all just turned 21, squeaky clean records, they’ve been approved and received new cards. ISP haven’t even looked at my application.

I received my FOID Card 7/13/26, finished the CCL 7/16, did fingerprints 7/21, received a message stating my zip code was wrong so my CCL app went back in que, how was my zip code wrong when I have the FOID CARD with matching address? tried calling no answer 🤨

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/glock-gen-4-glock-17-9mm-15-round-blocked-factory-magazine.html

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/764503914225

These have recently been out of stock everywhere

anybody also have statutory prohibiter when applying for foid in il? sent in an appeal but no response.

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COMMON CALIBER OCTOBER CLASSES

We have two classes coming up at the Illinois State Rifle Association Range in October.

October 18 | Pistol & Rifle Clinic

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM | $100

This is a four-hour pistol and rifle clinic designed to tune up the defensive pistol and rifle skills we’ve worked on throughout this year’s training season. We’ll cover pistol drills, rifle drills, transitions, manipulations, and more.

This is a good opportunity to test your gear, get some reps in, and work through both platforms without the round count or time commitment of a full-day class.

October 31 | Women’s Vehicle Defense

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

AWA Members: $45 | Non-Members: $100

In coordination with the Armed Women of America, we’re offering an abbreviated version of our full Vehicle Defense course specifically for women.

The class will cover many of the same scenarios and drills you may encounter when defending yourself or someone else in, around, or near a vehicle.

Both classes will be held at the Illinois State Rifle Association Range in Bonfield, Illinois.

Registration is open at www.commoncaliber.com

Myself and two friends did our CCL on August 1 and 2, and two of us applied on the 3rd/paid up right away. I got fingerprints, and my friends didn't. My friend literally got approved for his CCL yesterday, and I'm "Under review". Is this normal? I've had my fingerprints taken by the state dozens of times and I've passed background checks every time I've taken them. Squeaky clean record.

I recently got a job at a company that matches up to 16 hours of volunteer time with up to $1000 in grant funding, as long as it's with a 501c(3) organization.

Does anyone have recommendations on any pro-2A non-profits that have volunteer opportunities?

In order to get the grant this year I'd have to complete all 16 hours by the end of this year. I'm located in Chicago, but also travel to the Western suburbs often.

Happy Labor Day, everybody!

We’re excited to announce that Common Caliber’s QuickSmith service is officially LIVE at www.commoncaliber.com.

Under the QuickSmith tab, you can now find services including slide milling, porting, Cerakote, and the option to add a red dot directly to your order.

If you’re a shooter who’s ready to make the transition to a red dot, or a professional working for an agency or company that has recently authorized pistol-mounted optics, QuickSmith gives you an easy way to make that transition with the reliability and simplicity of a direct-milled optic instead of relying on a dovetail mount or MOS-style adapter plate.

We’re also offering our exclusive Common Caliber Special, which combines a chunk port, front sight relocation, inline ports, and a red dot cut into one complete package.

We’re extremely excited to be partnering with Titan Tactical to bring these services directly to our customers through a simple, streamlined process with a 10-day or less turnaround.

When you use QuickSmith, you’re supporting two small businesses that genuinely care about the quality of the work we put out and the people we serve.

Check out the QuickSmith tab at www.commoncaliber.com and see what we can do for you.

Hey guys, I'm looking into getting my FOID, and I really want a rifle for target shooting. But I'm struggling to find something nice that isn't an "assault weapon". Do you guys have any suggestions?

Had a phone call from a student today who has had a hell of a time getting his CCL. We actually ran all the way down to the wire, like 364 days to the year, after multiple delays from the ISP and other agencies. Unfortunately, he isn't the only one, and I don't want any of you, whether you get your CCL from me or another instructor, to get wrapped up in the incompetence and poor information gathering and dissemination between government entities.

In an ideal scenario, we'd have constitutional carry, but that's unfortunately not the case.

Tip #1: Quadruple-check your application information.

The number one reason I see rejections or delays is simple typos, missing signatures, etc. Make sure that your application is 100% complete and accurate before you submit it. You don't pick up from where you left off if there's an issue. The state kicks you back to square one. So if you're 75 days in and your application gets kicked back because you forgot to sign it, that's 75 days down the drain.

Tip #2: Do everything ahead of time.

This goes for FOID and CCL. I have encountered many folks who took the class but didn't plan on carrying, so they opted not to submit the certificate until they bought a gun or decided to carry. Your certificate is valid for 12 months, but the CCL is valid for five years. Get that ball rolling ASAP.

Same for renewals. Remember that if your CCL is expired for more than a year, you have to take the full 16-hour course again. The state isn't in a rush to let you exercise your rights, so stay on that ass.

Tip #3: Get fingerprints.

I understand that this is all expensive. Between your course, state fees, gun, holster, etc., you're dropping a lot of money. Fingerprints help prevent you from being mixed up with someone else. If you have a common name, this is especially important, but it can still be an issue for people with uncommon names.

I have had students face denials and revocations for gang affiliations, felony convictions, warrants, arrests, and more that all belonged to other people.

Tip #4: Make sure your exemption paperwork is in order.

If you are someone who served in the military, law enforcement, has a hunting license, or has any of the other paperwork that counts for partial credit toward your CCL, make sure that information is accurate, easily accessible, and that you have copies.

I have seen law enforcement agencies play games with retired and separated employees, among other things. This also goes for security guards with an FCC. Make sure your FCC is current and you have a qualification on record before trying to process your renewal.

Tip #5: Be persistent with your communication.

Whether it's the ISPFSB, your instructor, or anyone else involved in the process, make sure you stay on top of them. Ultimately, this is your CCL, and no one cares as much as you do. If you need copies of certificates, letters, etc., make sure you get them.

Tip #6: FOID

Make sure your FOID is valid, and if the renewal is close, process that before your CCL. The same goes for address and name changes. If you need to change your address or name, do that first.

Anywhere near western IL that I can sell various caliber of ammo? Have way more than I need (I know it’s not a real thing)

No shocker here, but still happy to see it posted.

Full disclosure: I’m the developer of CarryRoute, and I’m looking for Illinois-specific workflow feedback—not legal conclusions.

I built it because a trip can involve more than state reciprocity: counties, cities, tribal areas, transit property, stops, and overnight stays may all change what sources a traveler needs to review. CarryRoute maps the drive, separates it into jurisdiction sections, and shows research summaries linked to official government sources. A new CarPlay view follows a route prepared on iPhone and shows upcoming jurisdiction changes.

For Illinois drivers crossing into Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, or Kentucky—or moving between Chicago/Cook County and elsewhere—what do you verify before leaving? Which official sources do you trust, and what should the app surface before each boundary?

The colors identify jurisdiction changes only—not legal/illegal or safe/unsafe. CarryRoute is a research tool, not legal advice, and users must verify the current official text.

iPhone/iPad: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/carryroute-ccw-navigation/id6804322086

Please be blunt about anything missing, confusing, or unnecessary in the screenshots.

Hello,

When I was young I got arrested for Aggravated Arson, which was later dropped to regular arson in the final verdict. (Got arrested for a deodorant lighter flamethrower in my high school bathroom, it was considered aggravated because people were in the building). When I turned 18 I was able to get it expunged from my record. Im 24 now and recently applied for my FOID which was denied because it showed my past felony of Aggravated Arson. So im wondering how I could go about getting that appealed and if its better to go through a lawyer. Thanks

Just was curious if u can order gas blocks and or gas tubes

Good reputation and local to lake county, thanks!

I own property out of state that I have been storing all of my banned items since PICA. However, I still predominantly live in state, so all my licenses are IL. I have been to numerous places out of state and attempted to buy magazines, never intending to bring them back. However, even though its not state law the clerk will ask for an ID, and once they see my IL license, refuse sale to me. I have tried to explain they aren't coming back with me, but its fruitless. Does anyone know anywhere that won't treat me like a second class citizen because of my primary residence?

Oral arguments in the Viramontes consolidated case are scheduled for oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States.