Gurnee Pistol Academy started in 2010 when Jerry Martin—a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran—rediscovered his passion for firearms. After a range day with military buddies, he realized handgun training was nothing like his combat experience and decided to build something better. He partnered with inst...
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Full description and what we offer
Gurnee Pistol Academy started in 2010 when Jerry Martin—a Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran—rediscovered his passion for firearms. After a range day with military buddies, he realized handgun training was nothing like his combat experience and decided to build something better. He partnered with instructors who have military, police, and legal backgrounds to create curriculum that goes beyond basic compliance.
"We look forward to meeting you and sharing our experience, so you feel empowered and ready to protect yourself and your family in a crucial time." — GPA
Illinois requires 16 hours of certified classroom time plus range qualification. GPA breaks this into two phases:
Phase 1: NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (8 hours) Covered: Safe firearm handling, grip, sight alignment, stance, breath control, and marksmanship fundamentals. Includes high-quality guidebook and access to exclusive member area.
Phase 2: Illinois Firearms & Self-Defense Laws (8 hours) Covered: Federal firearm laws, Illinois self-defense statutes, Firearms Owner Identification Act, and Concealed Carry Act—all taught by State Police and NRA qualified instructors. Developed in consultation with a criminal judge to reflect real-world legal applications.
5-Year Refresher (3.5 hours) Abbreviated version focusing on how self-defense laws are actually applied. Analyzes Illinois court decisions and jury instructions to keep students within legal bounds.
4-hour class using Wisconsin Department of Justice materials plus enhanced content. Price: $85 Includes firearms selection consulting, safety guidebook, certificate of completion, and member area access.
| Course | Duration | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO) | 9 hours | $125 | Nationally recognized certification for supervising ranges, shooting events, Boy/Girl Scouts, church security |
| Pistol Cartridge Reloading | 6 hours | $125 | Hands-on ammo manufacturing for 9mm pistols; covers single-stage presses and firing your reloads |
| NRA Basic Rifle | 8 hours | $125 | Enhanced NRA rifle fundamentals; not regularly scheduled—contact for availability |
| Family Firearm Safety | 1+ hours | $35/child | Kids learn Eddie Eagle "Stop, Don't Touch, Run Away, Tell an Adult" with parent attendance |
One-on-one or group coaching with NRA and State Police certified instructors covering: - Pistols, rifles, and shotguns - Shooting fundamentals (grip, sight alignment, stance, breath control) - Range etiquette and marksmanship - Firearm cleaning and maintenance - Alternative shooting positions and drills - Firearm selection and accessories
GPA operates classroom instruction at 5 Star Firearms in Zion, Illinois. Originally started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, they relocated to Illinois in 2014 when the state passed its concealed carry law.
Phone: (224) 304-4810 Email: [email protected] Instructors: Sue Pate, Jon Stahl, and Jerry Martin
All classes exceed minimum legal requirements and include interactive discussions, enthusiastic instruction, and personalized attention—not just check-the-box compliance.
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