Firearm Classes Available Soon at SIC
Three firearm courses will begin soon at Southeastern Illinois College, taking advantage of the institution’s LaserShot firearm simulator technology as well as the new Chuck Hearn Outdoor Education Complex shooting range.
The classes listed below will be held at the Southeastern Illinois College main campus, in Room G221.
Firearm Fundamentals will meet on Monday, Feb. 23 and Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 6 – 10 p.m. This class allows students to learn the fundamentals of firearm use with target practice, engagement drills, and interactive shooting scenarios taught by certified firearms instructors.
This class uses the simulator only. There is no ammunition or firearms needed. Cost for this course is $68.50 for tuition and fees. This class is open to those 18 and older.
Advanced Marksmanship will meet on Saturday April 25 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. This class is designed for students with basic firearms skills that would like to further their training, including safety rules and advanced shooting with an instructor. This class is open to those 21 and older.
Beginners Defensive Shooting will meet on Thursday, May 21 from 6 – 10 p.m. and Saturday, May 23 from 8 a.m. – noon. This is an entry level class for those wishing to learn the basics of shooting, and safety. This class will also provide eight hours towards the Illinois Concealed Carry Class. This class is available to those 21 and older.
Both the Advanced Marksmanship and the Beginners Defensive Shooting classes will get to utilize the SIC’s new shooting range. Students are responsible for their own firearm and ammunition, and are reminded not to bring a gun or ammunition into any SIC classroom. Instructors will provide information about when and where these items will be needed. Cost for the courses is $68.50 for tuition and fees per class.
“The realism built into the LaserShot system is top-notch and a major drawing card,” said firearms instructor Kerry Jones. “This is not your typical target practice, and students really enjoy this part of the course.”
Images from the various programs are projected onto a six foot by eight foot screen, creating life-size targets for participants to aim at and interact with. Also, the laser-powered “guns” used don’t just look lifelike, but feel lifelike too – in particular, the Glock 17/22 models even have built-in recoil mechanisms.
Eight hour and 16 hour Illinois Conceal Carry classes are also available at SIC.
The eight hour courses will meet Saturday, March 28 and Saturday, May 30 both from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost for the courses are $99 and $52.50 for those 62 and over. Fingerprinting, application and other fees are not included in this price.
The 16 hour courses will meet Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 from 6 – 10 p.m., and Saturday, March 28. A second opportunity to take these courses will be available Monday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 26 from 6 – 10 p.m. and Saturday, May 30. The cost for the courses are $197 and $104 for those 62 and over. Fingerprinting, application and other fees are not included in this price.
Jones also has ideas for further education with firearms.
“Hopefully this fall we can add in-home protection and out-of-home protection classes to the gamut,” said Jones. “We would also like to be able to open the outdoor shooting range up to only former students to help keep their shooting skills sharp.”
For further information about the classes, call 252-5400, ext. 3213, or students can enroll by calling ext. 2443.
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