Donoho's Firearms Instruction

Donohos Firearms Instruction teaches you to handle a firearm correctly and understand the legal, physical, and financial sides of self-defense. Run by Darrell Donoho at 11236 E Beal Rd in Mt. Vernon, the operation focuses on practical skills and legal knowledge for Illinois gun owners.

Their curriculum isn't surface-level. You'll learn:

• •Shooting fundamentals: marksmanship, speed and accuracy under stress, rapid fire, multi-taps
• •Weapon handling: drawing, holstering, clearing malfunctions, proper reloading, handgun retention
• •Legal framework: Illinois concealed carry law, prohibited areas, parking lot exemptions, use of force in defense of person and property, castle doctrine, stand-your-ground laws
• •Real-world scenarios: what to say if you're forced to defend yourself, when to call 911, interaction with law enforcement while armed, the 5th Amendment and Miranda warning
• •Ammunition knowledge: selection, storage, power, hydrostatic shock, misfires, hangfires, squib loads, bullet setback, crimp jump, +P loads
• •Mental training: defensive mindset, understanding your body's reaction to violent stress, perception and reaction time

$700 for groups up to 5 people (50% deposit due 10 days before class)

Scheduled Saturday 8AM-6PM and Sunday 1PM-8PM. Bring a handgun (no .22 caliber), 100 rounds of ammunition, eye and ear protection, reading glasses if needed, and a willingness to learn. This is the full certification course.

$60 per person | $250 for private groups up to 5 people (50% deposit due 10 days prior)

Scheduled multiple times monthly on Saturday mornings at 8AM and Sunday afternoons at 1PM. Keeps your Illinois concealed carry license current.

$100 per person | 2 hours (1 person) or 3 hours (2 people) | Call for appointment

Covers safety fundamentals, ammunition care and selection, shooting techniques with live fire, and basic marksmanship. Loaner handguns available for $15. Recommended before taking the Defensive Pistol class.

$100 per person | 1.5 hours (1 person) or 3 hours (2 people) | Call for appointment

For experienced shooters. Teaches defensive shooting techniques, handgun retention, weapon manipulation, and speed/accuracy under stress. Requires approximately 350 rounds, hip holsters only, and extra magazines. Loaner guns available for $25. Safe muzzle control and trigger discipline are mandatory.

A $40 deposit per person is required for standard classes. Call or mail your credit card information or check to Darrell Donoho, 11236 East Beal Rd., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Deposits must arrive at least 5 days before class. Refund cancellations accepted by phone call (at least 5 days prior), text, or email.

Donohos points students toward: - USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) - ISP Website (Illinois State Police) - NRA (National Rifle Association) - ISRA (Illinois State Rifle Association) - SSR (Sandoval Sporting Range) for live fire practice - "Self Defense Laws of all 50 States" as recommended reading

• •Phone: (618) 267-6952 (toll-free)

• •Address: 11236 E Beal Rd, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864