CLASSES

INSTRUCTORS

Owner/Instructor of Safe & Sound Handgun Training, LLC.
Certified Illinois State Concealed Carry Instructor; NRA Pistol Instructor & Range Safety Officer; USCCA Instructor.

Studied under Top Shot Academy; Safe Shot Firearm Academy; and Academy of Tactical Training & Security.
Fostering a culture of Safe and Responsible Firearms skills, and providing students with the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude necessary to mature into competent and effective shooters. All classes are conducted in an "user-friendly" manner, with a blend of Instruction, Demonstration, and Hands-On participation.

All classes are conducted in an "user-friendly" manner, with a blend of Instruction, Demonstration, and Hands-On participation.


- Classes Offered:

  • Beginner Through Advanced Pistol Shooting
  • Illinois Concealed Carry 2-Day & Renewal
  • Defensive Pistol
  • Home Protection
  • Mindset & Awareness
  • Pistol Cleaning Workshop
  • Low Light Pistol Technique (Handheld Light & Pistol-Mounted Light

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 630-825-8353

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Doug instructs simply to help people of all backgrounds and professions become more capable with a firearm so they can enjoy their favorite pastime more or perform their duties in their job better and more confidently. He seizes the opportunity to connect to students on a personal level, tailor the training towards their individual needs, and inject a little fun to top it all off.

Doug’s unique perspective on shooting is built around his training and experience in defensive and competitive shooting as a private citizen. He is passionate about helping others learn and apply the fundamentals at any skill level, whether you carry a gun for defense of yourself or your loved ones, or for recreational and competitive shooting. He is Owner/Chief Instructor of Cornerstone Tactics, Certified USCCA Instructor, and Range Safety Officer.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 630-777-5846

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Pistol/Carbine Instructor - Retired Police Sergeant - DoD Contractor - Blackwater Operator - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Dan is a retired police supervisor with more than 25 years of experience, including serving as a department primary firearms and control tactics instructor. Dan has taught firearms on a national and international level. He was a staff instructor for The SITE Firearms Training Center in Illinois, Blackwater in Moyock, North Carolina, as well as Kabul, Afghanistan and was also a contract instructor at MITAGS in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, as part of the Military Sealift Command, training security personnel afloat.

Dan also spent several years as a subject matter expert and lead instructor on a Department of Defense contract, training a specialized unit of the Afghan Counter Narcotics Police in all aspects of high-risk operations in narcotics interdiction. Dan has been committed to firearms training and competitions since 1991.

Dan is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Black Belt and began training in BJJ in 1999. He remains active in BJJ and currently trains police officers across the region in ground control tactics and arrest procedures.

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My name is Keith Brown, and I am President of X-Ring Academy Tactical Training Solutions and a Certified Firearms Instructor with the USCCA and NRA. I am also a Range Safety Officer with both of those organizations. I have had a wide variety of experiences over the years including working private security, being a police officer, and a short stint assisting the Secret Service. I have been a student of several forms of Martial Arts and have been an instructor for various organizations and Police Departments throughout the years. Currently I teach a variety of classes including:

-Marksmanship Simplified
-Individual and/or Small Group Lessons
-Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals
-Women’s Handgun and Self-Defense Fundamentals
-Children’s Firearms and Safety Fundamentals
-Countering the Mass Shooter Threat

I enjoy all the shooting sports and participate in local leagues and competitions. I’m looking forward to assisting people achieve their goals, with the emphasis on safe firearms handling.

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This course will give students the ability to accurately engage targets out to 600 yards.  Students will learn what equipment is needed, proper shooting techniques, and common misconceptions regarding what is required to shoot accurately at distance.

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $250

Day 1 is at:

Fox Valley Shooting Range
780 S. McLean Blvd, Elgin, IL 60123

  • Power Point Presentation
  • Confirm Scope is mounted correctly
  • Confirm Rifle and Equipment are up to standard
  • Ballistic Calculator Familiarization/Data Entry

Day 2 is at:

Aurora Sportsmens Club
7795 Rueff Rd., Waterman, IL 60556

  • Proper Shooting Positions/Use of Equipment
  • Chronograph Ammunition
  • Rifle Zero
  • Parallax/Cant/Wind Adjustments
  • Input Rifle Data into Ballistic App
  • 300-400-500-600 yard engagements

Requirements:

  • Rifle Capable of 1 MOA

  • Minimum Caliber of .556/223

  • 100 Rounds of Match Ammo

  • Scope 10 Power or Higher with Adjustable Turrets with level

  • Shooting Mat (Optional)

  • Bi-pod

  • Rear Bag

  • Smart Phone

  • Eye and Ear Protection

  • Notebook/Pen-Pencil

  • Ball cap or boonie hat

  • Raingear/Sunscreen

  • If you have a spotting Scope please bring it

Topics Covered:

  • Proper set up of a precision rifle to include scope mounting.

  • The difference between First and Second focal plane scopes

  • The difference between MOA and MILs.

  • Rifle Scope functions, reticle, windage, elevation, parallax, zero stop, etc.

  • Range Calculations MIL, MOA, Range Finder, Smart Phones

  • Caliber selection and why it matters.

  • Rifle stock and chassis options.

  • The benefits of a Chronograph

  • Know the basics of ballistics and understand ballistic apps

  • Basic shooting positions

  • Proper zeroing of the rifle

  • Wind considerations

  • Cleaning a Break in procedures

  • Practical Accuracy Considerations

REGISTER NOW

This is for Day 2 Registration Only. If you are Active or Retired Military you do not need to take Day 1. You must bring a valid ID or DD214 to the class with you. 

The Concealed Carry Weapons course is designed to satisfy the requirements to obtain a state of Illinois Concealed Carry permit. Your training will encompass both classroom and live fire training. Our instructors also provide you with a complete overview of the basics of managing unknown contact, basic shooting skills, situational awareness, and equipment/clothing considerations as well as justifiable use of force. Students will be required to pass a practical shooting test involving 30 rounds, 10 rounds at 5 yards and at 7 yards, and 10 rounds at 10 yards. You must achieve a 70% in the scoring area of the target. You will have two chances to qualify. There is no shooting training or practice involved, just the qualification. The course is a total of 16 hours over two days or over four evenings.

A 1 day credit is given if you have taken the NRA Basic Pistol course or if you are active duty military or honorably discharged. Concealed carry classes are $100 for the first day and $150 for the second day.

Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Hand Guns or have a good understanding of the safe use of a hand gun

Requirements:

  • A concealable handgun, pistol or revolver (rentals available at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • 50 rounds of factory ammunition (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A notepad and pen/pencil

  • Bag lunch

  • A clear and open mind

  • Closed toe shoes

Topics Covered:

  • How to conceal a firearm

  • How to securely store a firearm, at home and in your car

  • Laws regarding concealed carry and use of force

REGISTER WITH DOUG REGISTER WITH NEIL

The Concealed Carry Weapons course is designed to satisfy the requirements to obtain a state of Illinois Concealed Carry permit. Your training will encompass both classroom and live fire training. Our instructors also provide you with a complete overview of the basics of managing unknown contact, basic shooting skills, situational awareness, and equipment/clothing considerations as well as justifiable use of force. Students will be required to pass a practical shooting test involving 30 rounds, 10 rounds at 5 yards and at 7 yards, and 10 rounds at 10 yards. You must achieve a 70% in the scoring area of the target. You will have two chances to qualify. There is no shooting training or practice involved, just the qualification. The course is a total of 16 hours over two days or over four evenings.

 

Requirements:

  • A concealable handgun, pistol or revolver (rentals available at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • 50 rounds of factory ammunition (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A notepad and pen/pencil

  • Bag lunch

  • A clear and open mind

  • Closed toe shoes

Topics Covered:

  • How to conceal a firearm

  • How to securely store a firearm, at home and in your car

  • Laws regarding concealed carry and use of force

REGISTER WITH DOUG REGISTER WITH NEIL

The Concealed Carry Weapons course is designed to satisfy the requirements to obtain a state of Illinois Concealed Carry permit. Your training will encompass both classroom and live fire training. Our instructors also provide you with a complete overview of the basics of managing unknown contact, basic shooting skills, situational awareness, and equipment/clothing considerations as well as justifiable use of force. Students will be required to pass a practical shooting test involving 30 rounds, 10 rounds at 5 yards and at 7 yards, and 10 rounds at 10 yards. You must achieve a 70% in the scoring area of the target. You will have two chances to qualify. There is no shooting training or practice involved, just the qualification. The course is a total of 3 ½ hours.

Prerequisite(s): Passed conceal carry permit course

Requirements:

  • A concealable handgun, pistol or revolver (rentals available at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • 50 rounds of factory ammunition (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A notepad and pen/pencil

Topics Covered:

  • Updates to Illinois or federal firearms laws governing concealed carry in Illinois.

  • Updates on use of force laws and IL criminal statutes.

  • Appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm.

REGISTER WITH DOUG REGISTER WITH NEIL

This class will qualify you to draw from holster, when shooting by yourself on the private lanes or on special times under supervision. Prerequisite(s): Good understanding and proper knowledge of handguns and handgun safety

Requirements:

  • A concealable handgun, pistol or revolver (rentals available at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A holster and 100 rounds of ammunition (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A clear and open mind

  • Closed toe shoes

Topics Covered:

  • Difference in range shooting vs real world shooting (being in a fight) - Classroom

  • Fundamentals of marksmanship vs the fundamentals of defensive shooting - Classroom

  • Conceal carry considerations - Classroom

  • How much guns and gear matters in a gun fight vs training and awareness - Classroom

  • Drawing from holster - Practical Skills Portion

  • Multiple Shots on Target - Practical Skills Portion

REGISTER NOW

This class will introduce malfunctions and the correction of malfunctions. Prerequisite(s): Defensive Pistol #1

Requirements:

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A concealable handgun, pistol or revolver (rentals available at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A holster and 100 rounds of ammunition (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A clear and open mind

  • Closed toe shoes

Topics Covered:

  • Discuss and demonstrate malfunctioning clearing - Classroom

  • Discuss and demonstrate common magazine reloads - Classroom

  • Reload practice - Range/Live Fire

  • Malfunctions; identify and clear - Range/Live Fire

REGISTER NOW

This class will introduce shooting while moving. Prerequisite(s): Defensive Pistol #2

Requirements:

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A concealable handgun, pistol or revolver (rentals available at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A holster and 100 rounds of ammunition (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A clear and open mind

  • Closed toe shoes

Topics Covered:

  • Discuss and demonstrate importance of movement and use of cover - Classroom

  • Discuss and demonstrate linear, lateral, angular, and explosive movement - Classroom

  • Discuss and demonstrate 3 shooting positions based on proximity and movement in relation to threat (Hip/Compressed/Extended) - Classroom

  • Multiple movement techniques while shooting - Range/Live Fire

  • Use of 3 shooting positions with movement - Range/Live Fire

REGISTER NOW

This class will qualify you to draw from holster, when shooting by yourself on the private lanes or on special times under supervision. Prerequisite(s): Defensive Pistol #3

Requirements:

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A concealable handgun, pistol or revolver (rentals available at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A holster and 100 rounds of ammunition (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A clear and open mind

  • Closed toe shoes

Topics Covered:

  • Discuss and demonstrate shooting single hand shooting - both strong and support hand - Classroom

  • Discuss and demonstrate concepts and use of cover - Classroom

  • Strong and support hand shooting - Range/Live Fire

  • Shooting from behind cover - Range/Live Fire

REGISTER NOW

Let’s put it all together. In this class we will shoot from behind concealment, from a sitting position, practice speed reloading and add a new dimension; shoot a target moving toward you. Cost: $175/Person

Prerequisite(s): completed Defensive Pistol #1, Defensive Pistol #2, Defensive Pistol #3 and Defensive Pistol #4.

Requirements:

  • Bring your own holster & firearm

  • Provide 100 rounds of ammunition

  • Bring at least 2 extra magazines and a belt magazine holder (1 or 2 mag)

Topics Covered:

  • Discuss and demonstrate addressing multiple threat defense - Classroom

  • Discuss and demonstrate shooting at an advancing threat - Classroom

  • Discuss and demonstrate shooting from a seated position (desk, vehicle, etc.) - Classroom

  • Situational shooting making use of movement, cover, and reloads - Range/Live Fire

  • Shooting while seated in a mock vehicle - Range/Live Fire

  • Shooting at an advancing threat - Range/Live Fire

REGISTER NOW

This is a range course that would be open to all students who’ve completed Defensive Pistol 1-5, no exceptions.
Defensive Pistol 6 is a range course that focuses on defensive shooting drills, while tying in reloads, stoppages/failures, and movement.
Max 5 students per night. Cost: $175.00.Time: 5:30-8pm.

Prerequisites:

  • Successfully completed Defensive Pistol 1-5

  • 150 rounds of ammunition

  • At least 2 magazines

  • Students must contact Neil Keenan at:  [email protected] prior to registration and payment to Fox Valley.

Requirements:

  • Successfully completed Defensive Pistol 1-5

  • At least 2 magazines

Topics Covered:

  • Defensive shooting drills

  • Reloads

  • Stoppages/Failures

  • Movement

REGISTER NOW

This handgun course provides an excellent overview to the world of firearms. This course is great for individuals who are new to handguns, just want a refresher, or desire an understanding of the fundamentals and want to develop their skills in a fun and safe environment. Our certified instructors will cover safe weapons handling procedures, general handgun knowledge, the fundamentals of marksmanship, as well as the proper care and storage of firearms. This class will deliver a solid foundation to build upon and give beginners the skills they need to become responsible, confident shooters. Prerequisite(s): None.

Requirements:

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • A clear and open mind

  • Closed toe shoes

Topics Covered:

  • Safety, storage and maintenance

  • Proper grip

  • Sight alignment

REGISTER NOW

This handgun course is for shooters who have taken an intro to handgun course, and are now looking to advance their shooting skills.  Since this is not a beginner course, students are expected to be familiar with shooting a semi-automatic pistol.

This is a 2 1/2 hour course. Cost is $150.00

Requirements:

  • Basic pistol handling skills; familiarity with Semi-Auto pistols

  • Eye and ear protection (available for purchase at Fox Valley Shooting Range)

  • Closed toe shoes

  • Firearm and 50 rounds of ammunition (Firearm rental and ammunition available at Fox Valley Shooting Range additional charge)

Topics Covered:

  • Understanding common shooting errors; proper steps to correct

  • Building your Grip Management, Trigger Management, and Sight Alignment Skills

  • Understanding the differences between Iron Sights & Red Dots

  • Stoppages and Malfunctions: Recognizing and Clearing

  • Common Reload Techniques

  • Plan your Range visit; Track your results

  • Maintenance & Training Drills

  • Altering your approach to shooting

  • Importance of, and techniques for Dry Fire Training

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  1. Purpose of a Personal and Home Defense Plan
  2. Study and Prepare your House from the Outside In
  3. Design your Safe Room
  4. The Right Tools for the Job
  5. Illinois Law and Tactical Mindset
  6. Situational Awareness & Conflict Avoidance
  7. Interaction with 911 and First Responders

Cost $100

Prerequisite(s): None

Requirements:

  • Notepad and pen/pencil

  • A clear and open mind

Topics Covered:

  • Situational awareness

  • What to do after

  • Creating a safety plan

REGISTER NOW

This handgun course provides an excellent overview to the world of firearms. This course is great for women who are new to handguns, just want a refresher, or desire an understanding of the fundamentals and want to develop their skills in a fun and safe environment. Our certified instructors will cover safe weapons handling procedures, general handgun knowledge, the fundamentals of marksmanship, as well as the proper care and storage of firearms. This class will deliver a solid foundation to build upon and give beginners the skills they need to become responsible, confident shooters. Class is 3 Hours. Prerequisite: Ladies only, no other experience is required.

Tuition: $125

We will provide all firearm and other equipment for the course. Absolutely no firearms or ammunition will be allowed in the classroom. Students may bring their own eye protection and/or ear protection for range use or purchase ear protection at Fox Valley Shooting Range.

Requirements:

  • A clear and open mind

Topics Covered:

  • Basics of firearm safety

  • Safe storage of firearms

  • Selecting a firearm that fits your needs and your hands

  • Basic principles of marksmanship

  • Stance, Grip, Sight Alignment, Sight Picture, Trigger Control

  • Care, cleaning, loading, and unloading of a firearm

  • Gun identification: revolver, semi-automatic, misc.

  • Ammunition identification and selection

  • Safety and cleaning protocols

  • Cleaning equipment

  • Loading and unloading firearms

  • Taking your first shots on a live range under instructor supervision

REGISTER NOW

Mindset & Awareness: Preparing Yourself Mentally And Physically For The Personal Defense Lifestyle
This is a classroom instructional only, with slide deck, focusing on the following topics:

 – Entering the Personal Defense Lifestyle with a Firearm

        a) Asking the right questions

b) Selecting the right training

c) Selecting proper equipment

 – Developing The Right Mindset

     a) Committing to protect self & family; others

b) Willingness to survive and defend

c) Understanding your State/Jurisdictional laws

d) Aftermath of a shooting

    – Awareness Skills

       a) Why being aware and prepared saves lives

b) Learn and practice techniques to build awareness

c) Being on the offense vs. the defense

Class max 20. Cost: $50. Time 6-8pm.

      Prerequisites:

  • A willingness to learn; an open mind

Requirements:

  • An open mind

Topics Covered:

  • Entering the Personal Defense Lifestyle with a Firearm

  • Developing The Right Mindset

  • Awareness Skills

REGISTER NOW

Instruction and demonstration on pistol disassembly, cleaning, re-assembly

– Students who bring their own pistol, please bring your owners manual. If you cannot find it we have plenty of rental guns for you to borrow.

– Students who do not own their own pistols are welcome to attend for observation and education purposes

– Only one Pistol per person

Absolutely no ammunition allowed in class! (Instructor will perform a safety check on every pistol prior to start of class)

Requirements:

  • Bring your own pistol and owner's manual

  • Bring eye protection

Topics Covered:

  • Overview of cleaning supplies and tools

REGISTER NOW

Not seeing what you are looking for? Or just prefer a one-on-one experience? Fox Valley Shooting offers private lessons to fit your schedule. The best thing about a private lesson is you get to choose the topic of the class and you set the pace. You will meet with the instructor, discuss where you are on the learning curve and where you want to get.  Participants can bring their own firearm or we have plenty to rent.

Private lessons are $125 each additional person is $50.
To enroll please email some dates and times to Doug Zurbriggen [email protected] or Neil Keenan learntoshoot@safesoundhandguntraining.com 

Doug instructs simply to help people of all backgrounds and professions become more capable with a firearm so they can enjoy their favorite pastime more or perform their duties in their job better and more confidently. He seizes the opportunity to connect to students on a personal level, tailor the training towards their individual needs, and inject a little fun to top it all off.

Doug’s unique perspective on shooting is built around his training and experience in defensive and competitive shooting as a private citizen. He is passionate about helping others learn and apply the fundamentals at any skill level, whether you carry a gun for defense of yourself or your loved ones, or for recreational and competitive shooting. He is Owner/Chief Instructor of Cornerstone Tactics, Certified USCCA Instructor, and Range Safety Officer.

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Owner/Instructor of Safe & Sound Handgun Training, LLC.
NRA Certifications: Pistol Instructor, Range Safety Officer, Personal Protection In & Out of Home, Emergency First Aid/Trauma Certified.
USCCA Certifications: Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals.
Studied under Safe Shot Firearm Academy & Academy of Tactical Training & Security.

Fostering a culture of Safe and Responsible Firearms skills, and providing students with the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude necessary to mature into consistent and effective shooters.

All classes are conducted in an “user-friendly” manner, with a blend of Instruction, Demonstration, and Hands-On participation.

 

– NRA & Instructor Basic Pistol Training, in both private and classroom settings

– Assist students in developing progressive training plans

– New gun purchase and ownership guidance

– Personal Protection Instruction – In Home & Out of Home

– Gun maintenance instruction (breakdown, cleaning, etc.

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Requirements:

  • No Requirements

Topics Covered:

  • You choose the topic

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