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The Carry InstituteCarol Stream, IL
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Course catalog

Every course, one clear price list.

From a first introduction to firearms all the way to advanced defensive pistol work — find your starting point below. All courses are taught by ISP-approved instructors and scheduled by appointment in Carol Stream, IL.

Beginner

No experience required. Start here if you've never handled a firearm or want a refresher on the fundamentals.

No live fire

Introduction to Firearms Safety

A low-pressure, classroom-only session on firearm terminology, the four rules of gun safety, safe storage, and how to be around firearms confidently — no shooting involved. Ideal before any hands-on course.

  • Format: Classroom only
  • Prerequisite: None
$65 2–3 hours
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Beginner-friendly

Basic Handgun Course

A half-day, hands-on course covering safe handling, loading and unloading, sight alignment, grip, stance, and trigger control on the range with instructor coaching throughout.

  • Format: Classroom + live-fire
  • Prerequisite: None
$95 Half-day
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Certification

State-required courses for obtaining or renewing your Illinois Concealed Carry License.

16-hr CCL · women's cohort

Women's Only Concealed Carry Class

The identical 16-hour Illinois CCL curriculum — law, safe handling, marksmanship, and live-fire qualification — taught in a women's-only class setting for students who prefer that environment.

  • Format: Classroom + live-fire qualification
  • Prerequisite: None
$175 16 hours · 2 days
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Every 5 years

3-Hour CCL Renewal Class

Required by Illinois for current CCL holders renewing their license. Covers legal updates and a refresher on safe handling — a shorter session than the initial 16-hour course.

  • Format: Classroom, single session
  • Prerequisite: Current or recently expired Illinois CCL
$85 3 hours
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Advanced & Specialty

For students who already have fundamentals down and want to build practical, scenario-based skill — plus gunsmithing services for your equipment.

Household readiness

Home Defense Course

A half-day course focused on planning for a home-invasion scenario: room clearing basics, family communication plans, decision-making under stress, and defensive use of a firearm in the home.

  • Format: Classroom + scenario drills
  • Prerequisite: Basic Handgun Course or equivalent experience recommended
$150 Half-day
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Premium small-group

Defensive Pistol Training

A full day of advanced, scenario-based defensive pistol work in a premium small-group setting: drawing from concealment, movement, multiple-target engagement, and stress-tested decision-making.

  • Format: Full-day, small group, live-fire
  • Prerequisite: Concealed Carry Class or equivalent experience
$550 Full day
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Per-job service

Gunsmithing

Cleaning, inspection, repair, and general gunsmithing services for your firearm. Contact us with the job details for a time estimate before booking.

  • Format: Service — not a class
  • Prerequisite: None — contact us with the job
$75/hr + $40 min bench fee
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Side by side

Compare every course at a glance.

Course Duration Price Prerequisite
Introduction to Firearms Safety2–3 hrs$65None
Basic Handgun CourseHalf-day$95None
Concealed Carry Class (16-hr)2 days$175None
Women's Only Concealed Carry Class (16-hr)2 days$175None
3-Hour CCL Renewal Class3 hrs$85Current/recent IL CCL
Home Defense CourseHalf-day$150Basic Handgun recommended
Defensive Pistol TrainingFull day$550CCL or equivalent
GunsmithingPer job$75/hr + $40 minNone

Separate state fee: Illinois requires a $150 CCL application fee paid directly to the Illinois State Police — this is never included in the course prices above. Full breakdown on the IL CCL Guide.

Not sure which course is right for you?

Tell us your experience level and goals — we'll recommend a starting point.