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

Good reputation and local to lake county, thanks!

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

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.

Ok so I live in central Illinois bought a mini 14 as just a range toy to have came with a threaded barrel and muzzle brake. Both of my local ffls refused to transfer it unless the threads were removed. I see rangeusa and some other local shops selling ranch rifles with muzzle brakes that are also semi automatic. What’s the actual law on that because from what my local guys are saying no threaded barrels with detachable mags. Is it a shop to shop thing or what. I ended up driving up to Naperville to buy an sig regulator when they were on sale which my local range refused to transfer as well.

Check it out

/gunpolicy/status/2095988205875040568 on X

There have been a lot of threads on here lately about CCL application timelines, along with a more recent discussion about some less than great experiences with CCL training and instructors. With that in mind, I wanted to post one last ad for our Advanced Carry Tactics class this Sunday at the Illinois State Rifle Association in Bonfield.

This course focuses on the practical defensive use of a handgun at common self-defense engagement distances. We’ll cover drawing from a holster, developing a good and consistent draw, navigating different types of concealment garments, one-handed and off-handed manipulations, and more.

Unfortunately, too many instructors don’t spend enough of your CCL class actually teaching you how to carry and use a handgun effectively. Instead, that time gets spent trying to sell you insurance or gas station knives.

If you want to spend your time actually learning and practicing skills that can help you in the defense of yourself or others, this is the class for you.

We still have a few spots left. CCL renewals will be conducted after class for $50 if anyone needs it.

Sunday, September 6 at 9:00 a.m.

Illinois State Rifle Association, Bonfield, IL

Sign up at www.CommonCaliber.com

Hey guys,

I’m from the suburbs and have finally got my ccl. The instructors were great with informing us that chicago sucks ( illinois does in general ). If I was to carry from what I have heard chicago only lets you on sidewalks? And certain locations with no gun signs. I assume almost everyone has these and its pretty pointless as IL doesnt have great protections for removing a firearm from your person into storage.

Is there anyone that actively does this and can clarify?

Thanks

Copied from another article:

The 2023 shooting at Mickey’s Massive Burritos was not an accident, a judge ruled Wednesday, it was a reckless act. Richard J. Venegas, 67, of La Salle was convicted Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, of reckless conduct for the gunshot that struck brother Mickey Venegas on March, 22, 2023.

The 2023 shooting at Mickey’s Massive Burritos was not an accident, a judge ruled Wednesday; it was a reckless act.

Richard J. Venegas, 67, of La Salle was convicted of reckless conduct/discharge of a firearm Wednesday in La Salle County Circuit Court.

The charge is a Class 4 felony carrying up to three years in prison, but with multiple sentencing alternatives including probation, fines, jail, and/or community service.

Chicago defense attorney John Miraglia declined comment after the verdict was read. Venegas will have an opportunity to address Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. at sentencing, which was set for 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

Venegas had argued at a short bench trial that the shooting was an accident. Richard Venegas had brought his Smith & Wesson into the restaurant to show it to Mickey, who’d previously indicated he’d like to see it.

Defense lawyers said Richard removed and reinserted the ammunition cartridge to ensure it wasn’t loaded – acts that were captured on the restaurant’s internal surveillance camera – but didn’t realize there was a live round in the chamber.

“‘Accident’ does not equate to ‘reckless,’” Miraglia had argued in a previous (and unsuccessful) bid for the judge to dismiss the charge. “He (Richard) didn’t know. He made a mistake. This is not reckless conduct rising to a felony.”

La Salle County prosecutor Kelley Porter argued it wasn’t a good idea for Richard to bring a loaded firearm into a restaurant, let alone point it in Mickey’s way. She argued the surveillance footage also showed Mickey nudging the barrel of the gun away, only for Richard to reposition the gun in Mickey’s direction.

Wednesday, the judge sided with the prosecution and ruled Venegas met two legal criteria for conviction.

First, was there great bodily harm? Ryan pointed out Mickey Venegas was flown to a regional medical center for an extended stay – a witness had testified Mickey could have died – and “that’s pretty clear bodily harm.”

Second, the judge ruled, a person is guilty of reckless conduct when they commit a “gross deviation” of the standards for safety. Ryan agreed the handling of the firearm constituted a gross deviation.

“I’m sure he didn’t intend to shoot his brother,” Ryan hastened to add. “That’s not what’s alleged. It’s not an intentional act.

GO FULL RICKY BOBBY!

Join us for our next Titan Tactical Pistol mini pistol workshop.

Next weekend is How to shoot fast.

Yes, we will be mag dumping,

BUT There us REAL science and technique to shooting fast and good groups. Avoid trigger freeze. Gain a better cadence, shoot faster.

Bill drills galore. Bring extra ammo.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-titan-pistol-workshop-6-go-full-ricky-bobby-how-to-shoot-fast-tickets-1984900243059?sg=0abba6bee9672f39ddb5b5277a4db5e76176d4ec411f66a8f6914c888cabbf1c7efbb0f18d8328de56c3d2c7c976e0422a27a211c4c7e7c17090003d33bc4c74110ee6ad51f574b57fe3a41915&aff=ebdsshios

Anyone feel like sharing their experiences with CCL instructors?

I'll start.

I'm a broke college student, so paying 150-200 dollars for a class alone wasn't really something I wanted to do. I wanted to get fingerprints done too so I figured I'll take the cheapest class possible. That's how I found Creative Scott.

Creative (yes, that's really his name) is a character, for sure. I'd heard some stories in passing from Reddit and other sources, but I didn't think it would be the way it was. Firstly, the class is in his barber shop. I respect the multi-business hustle, but man, this was in the worst part of Chicago that I've been to in years. I carpooled with some friends and we parked in his (small) parking lot, which had a locking gate, which was nice. We walk in, and immediately one of Creative's employees gives us a pat-down (whatever, I guess). They made my friend put his Leatherman multitool back in the car, which seemed like overkill, but again, whatever. After signing us in, they made us put our phones into the type of thing you see in classrooms, like a big shoe holder for a closet. Weird, but whatever. They explained that they do this not because they're worried about filming or anything, but because people get distracted too easily and don't pay attention.

So we walk in and sit down in the most uncomfortable plastic chairs ever. We're waiting for like 20 minutes and all of a sudden this WWE style entrance theme starts playing. In "walks" Creative Scott (I say walk, he literally danced in), to his "theme song" and some random rap songs. It was incredibly awkward watching him slowly dance in. Then, he has this extended promo bit he does with a really bad quality audio recording of "phone calls" talking about the "free class" (it's $75, but the "class" is free). This goes on for 5 minutes. Finally, the class starts, and Creative starts cracking jokes. Some were funny, others were just him rubbing baby oil on his hands and talking about P Diddy.

The class itself was pretty bad. I am already experienced with firearms and self defense, and Creative had some laughable advice, like buying a push dagger (which he conveniently sells for $25) and using it to cut someone's neck open. He told some obviously fake stories about former "students" using these daggers to defend themselves.

Creative also went on a bunch of tangents, including one about the new fire station across the street. He also told many more obviously fake stories, including one where he personally fought the "Chicago serial puncher". He also flirted with the female students quite a bit. We learned almost nothing about firearms or conceal carrying until the second day, where he finally sped through the USCCA power point.

I got fingerprinted on the first day, it was $75, which was fine, as I didn't want to spend more than $150 total. On the second day, we went through some aggressive up-selling tactics on USCCA insurance. half the class bought the insurance after a laughably over the top presentation. Creative gave us plenty of bad advice, including his mistaken opinion that you shouldn't leave mags loaded because it wears the springs out. (if you've used guns for any amount of time, you'll know that it's actually loading and unloading them that wears them out...)

Creative also admitted to electioneering during his run for a local office (Alderman, I think), which was really funny and dumb of him to admit. He told a joke about raping home intruders, which came out of no-where. And again, more fake, over the top stories. We did like 4 hours of actual class time, which culminated in about 10 people failing at the range. He charges $60 if you have to repeat the range. Many of the students self admitted that they'd never held a real gun before they went to the range.

I would strongly suggest that you don't go to his class if you're looking to get your CCL. My biggest concern is that this guy is going to get his instructor license revoked (which would cause my CCL to be revoked too...). I will say though, $75 is hard to beat, and it was entertaining to see this character "teaching" people.

Is it time to renew your CCL? Join us at Range at 355

✅ Fast, state-required 3-hour class
✅ Taught by certified, experienced instructors

Stay legal. Stay trained. Stay confident. 💪

📅 Reserve your spot now:
https://www.rangeworks.com/business/the-range-at-355/the-range-at-355/training/illinois-concealed-carry-license-renewal-class

Range USA is currently submitting all necessary documentation to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in response to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) licensing change.

Which one of you decided to pay retail for a used budget riffle. Im definitely ticked off about it. I was watching that listing for two weeks.

My better question to the community why do so many people over pay for second hand guns and ammo around here. It drives me crazy. Just buy it new and let someone actually get a deal. Many times they just straight up, pay more than retail, and I don't understand the mentality.

Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) for Active Bystanders by Immediate Response Training September 8 4p

Register here: https://www.rangeworks.com/business/the-range-at-355/the-range-at-355/training/emergency-trauma-care

The Range at 355 is proud to host a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) course presented by Immediate Response Training. This hands-on class is designed to prepare civilians, first responders, and responsible citizens to effectively respond to traumatic injuries in high-stress, real-world environments. Participants will learn lifesaving medical skills based on nationally recognized TECC guidelines, with an emphasis on hemorrhage control, airway management, and treating trauma when professional medical help may be delayed. The course focuses on practical application, situational awareness, and decision-making during emergencies such as active threats, accidents, or mass-casualty incidents. Topics may include: Scene safety and threat awareness Massive bleeding control (tourniquets, wound packing) Airway and breathing management Treating shock and preventing hypothermia Patient movement and evacuation considerations Hands-on skill application and scenario-based training This course is ideal for anyone who wants the confidence and skills to act decisively and potentially save lives in an emergency.

Edited: the link for registration