Nothing says Christmas... Like Conceal and Carry

 

Please excuse me, while I cling to my guns and my religion, and recommend a little special something for those men who have not yet decided on a Christmas gift for the woman they love. Might I suggest the Gibson City Conceal Carry Class ?

Of course jewelry is wonderful* or perhaps a pure silk scarf from a wee shop in Galway, Ireland or a simple black pattered blouse perfect for all non-hog events but nothing says I Love you more than a good self defense class, followed by the best in Conceal Carry Instruction.

Now, I am not suggesting that every woman should carry, it's a decision to be taken seriously. But for those who wish to learn to do so correctly and through the expertise of professionals, rather than fly by night scammers, then this class is for you. 

I met up with the guys teaching this weeks Conceal Carry Class, several months ago when I took their Home Defense Class. I had had some handgun experience thanks to my father who started me off at age 12 and my son Colton who did the much improved teaching several decades later. But I was far from proficient. During the self defense class I was retaught the basics and given solid range time.

But, you know me, never satisfied. So I signed up for the Conceal Carry Class offered by two of the same officers, Steve Cushman and Anthony Row. Although I have spent time in between classes, target shooting with my sons, I knew it wasn't enough and was nervous the night before class.

Did I have enough ammo? Would I remember how to load and unload my pistol? Would they make fun of my crappy cardboard carry box? (I bought a real gun case months ago but can I find it in this pit of a house? No I cannot. Don't worry, nothing is in it. I never opened the box it came in) But as they did with the self defense class, Steve and Tony went out of their way to make the entire class feel comfortable even though we came from a wide range of experience levels.

And they did not make fun of my crappy cardboard gun carry box either. At least not to my face.

The program was well organized , well presented and well executed. What I mean by that is this. What they actually taught in class was exactly what they practiced on the range. Although the atmosphere of the class was casual we knew there would be no deviation from the rules when it came time to use live ammo. Step away from your gun meant STEP AWAY.

The expectations were high and regardless of your skill level, beginner to competition winner, you were expected to follow the same sequence when preparing to fire. We were taught about the various types of guns, and given the opportunity to handle them as well as various holster types. (Surprisingly though, they had not heard of the Flashbang Bra Holster. Always eager to help I did my best to share what I know. What can I say? I'm just generous that way.) We also learned how to clean our guns, how to aim, how to fire, how NOT to write in our instruction books (my bad)  and how to keep ourselves and our range mates safe at all times.

Sure there was dry material that had to be covered including the actual FOID and Conceal Carry Laws but Tony Rowe went through them quickly enough to keep our interest but slow enough for us to understand the material. He also was polite enough to ignore the guy in the back who was snoring.

Actually range time was well organized with individual instruction and guidance available for those who needed it. What I appreciated the most was the attitude of "take your time" that was repeated over and over by both instructors. The class was not intended to be competitive, there were absolutely no dumb questions (well, not they ever let on) and there was plenty of time after class to try other guns or get additional instruction if needed.

Unfortunately in Illinois there are those with very few qualifications being allowed to teach Conceal Carry Classes. The state has specific topics that must be covered in class but they don't tell you HOW to teach the topics. In addition, it is possible for an individual with very little actual experience to meet the instructor requirements whereas the Gibson City Conceal Carry Instructors have a combined 50 years of firearm experience.

Don't forget to read all the fine print before choosing a CC class. Some will charge for the first 8 hours, another fee for the second 8 hours, an application fee, a range fee, a gun use fee, a safety glasses fee and ear protection fee plus a separate "certification completion" fee. When added up this one Chicago Area class came to over $500. The Gibson City Fee is $200 with reduced fees for groups and those with prior experience such as vets. 

To learn more or to register just go here http://gcconcealedcarry.com/  and if you don't think the lady of your life is ready for a Conceal Carry class (or lets just say she's already COMPLETED her class and scored 30 out of 30 ) then let me also recommend a pair of SOMA ultra comfortable PJ's.

Can't you just imagine me (oops, I mean HER) in these?

Another great website specifically for woman who choose to carry a firearm is The Well Armed Woman. Tons of information there. ENJOY!

* The above necklace was made for me by Jody McGill of Galena Illinois. Each piece is original, handmade and gorgeous. She is a very rare jewelry artist in this day and age of made in China cheap crud.