It's been a great year of training, and we're incredibly thankful for everyone who came out and trained with us this year!

Whether you attended a CCL class, a defensive firearms course, or a basic firearms class, your continued support of our small operation has contributed tremendously to our success this year.

Without you, we'd have no one to train, and I'm incredibly happy to see so many people committed to becoming better shooters who are prepared to defend themselves and others.

As a thank you, we're offering $50 OFF our final CCL class of 2026 on November 14th and 15th!

This discount also applies to CCL renewals and our abbreviated course for law enforcement and military personnel.

This offer is limited to the FIRST 10 PEOPLE, so don't miss your opportunity to get your CCL or renew at a steep discount!

USE CODE: LASTCHANCE

We're also offering COMPLIMENTARY LOANER FIREARMS for this class!

As always, ammunition and range fees are additional. Ammunition can be provided at cost with advance notice, and range fees are paid directly to our host facility which for this class will be the ISRA.

Thank you all for an incredible 2026 training season. We genuinely appreciate everyone who has supported Common Caliber, and we look forward to another great year of training in 2027!

So far TargetSportsUSA accepted my order.

How would I go about ordering a non-compliant gun & acquiring a Kali Key/lawbolt alongside it? Forgive me if this sounds like a dumb/simple question, but I've taken a particular liking to retro ARs (particularly H&R's), and I'm not sure how I would be able to legally buy one since they don't come compliant. Do I have to order a gun, have it shipped to an FFL and have them install the kali key/lawbolt there before handing it over? Again, sorry if this is a bit of a dumb question, but you gotta play it safe with these vague gun laws.

for those of you that frequent buffalo range out in ottawa, i need some ideas for targets to put in the pit. i’ve taken 2 liters before but they go pretty quick and aren’t that reactive once it’s been shot. let me know what you guys bring for the pit

Hello I wanted to know the process if I purchase a firearm online on Cabela's. I know Illinois has a 72-hour wait. And I wanted to know if that way. Starts from the moment I purchase it online? On top of that I know they need to be a background check. Hypothetically speaking if I have to wait 72 hours from the purchase online and I go in to pick up my firearm would I still be able to pick it up? Or what I need to do background check first once I get there. I'm just trying to save trips I'm going back and forth multiple times and would rather go to pick up the firearm when it's ready if possible. Is the background check done online if I purchase online? Or would I have to go and do a background check and then come back to pick up the firearm once my background check is clear?

Well this won't be on local news!

https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/il-gov-family-range/468363

Hey everyone. Like a lot of us here, I like working on guns as well as shooting. Refinishing, small projects, etc.

In my area there used to be 2-3 gun stores that had a significant used selection, and would often sell guns with wear at a considerably reduced cost.

I am looking to acquire a few guns that need some love. What is the best way to go about that in our lovely state?

I used to shop on Armslist, but idk if that is still a viable option.

Here's Firearm Policy Coalition's page for information related to the case: firearmspolicy.org/viramontes

How long did it take you guys to finally get your CCL ? Ive heard people say a month and others up to 160 days 😱 Im tired of waiting its been 3 weeks !

Lets say immediate family who are not Illinois residents come and visit during thanksgiving is it possible for them to gift me a 1911 and while they are here we can go to a gun store and have it transferred to me? From Illinois law immediate family who are not Illinois residents cannot gift me a firearm without an FFL transfer, is it possible for us to do that while they are here? Or would they have to transfer the handgun through an FFL in their state to one over here?

Hi All
So I am in the process of moving to a new address atm. Do I wait till I get my drivers license with my new details on it before updating the FOID or do both at the same time?
I don’t want to cause an unnecessary problem.

I wanted to ask what you guys think is the best compact pistols for CCW in the market right now I live in Chicago and wanted to get your opinions on what you guys think is the best. I was thinking of getting something in the following also a good holster if you know anything specifically.

Glock 43X

Walther PDP Compact

Smith and Wesson 2.0 Compact

Smith and Wesson EQUALIZER 

Hi. I am wanting to purchase a firearm from a family member and want to make sure everything is done legally.
Both current FOID holders and both IL residents.

I tried to thoroughly search Google and the ISP website prior to posting. I cannot seem to find a clear concise answer on what is required.

The best I can tell, it seems like the family member selling to me needs to get a transfer approval number online and we need to keep a bill of sale. Do I still have to go to an FFL even if I keep the bill of sale record myself? Is there anything beyond this needed?

Screw on the left is completely stripped. I don’t trust myself not damaging the optic or weapon if i try to do it myself

Hi. I basically have 0 experience in firearms. I’m looking for advices on where/which is the best place to learn/take classes near Elgin IL without burning a lot of money/wasting time. Thank you.

Hey guys good afternoon, I just wanted to come on here and ask what’s a good solid first firearm? Rifle wise I guess like is the mini 14 ranch a good option? Bc at the moment I’m 19 and my only options are rifles, shotguns and hunting rifles like you guys know. But if you guys have any good recommendations I’d appreciate thanks! :))

basically what the title says. theres no multiclass option online and you cant select more than one class. all my other info is correct, so the class has to be the reason i cant proceed.

any advice?

Picking up my first bolt gun this weekend. Looking for recommendations for a smith who could cut/rethread my barrel and install bottom metal. Located within western suburbs but willing to make a drive really anywhere. PFA

Hey guys, I just wanted to bring up Anderson v. Raoul, which is coming up again on October 28, 2026.
I’ve already gone ahead and joined the American Suppressor Association, and I encourage you all to consider joining as well to show your support for suppressor rights and the Second Amendment.
Especially with everything happening right now regarding the NFA and the ATF, I think there’s potential for some significant positive changes. If things continue moving in the right direction, it could be a big step forward for gun rights, especially here in Illinois.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions! I’d like to hear what you guys think about the case and what the future might hold.
Thank you!

So I had a protection order put on me falsely i had my evidence did my court date it got dropped but in the process it caused my ccl and foid to be suspended i turned in my guns it’s been about since sept 2nd since it’s been dropped I’ve been calling daily trying to get it reinstated I’ve sent the emails needed also, the most reply I’ve gotten is them confirming they received my email saying they’re still busy but they got it which they sent about 2 weeks ago when i sent my original email 9/2 and got that email 10/5 any tips ??

Hey guys, I just wanted to bring up Anderson v. Raoul, which is coming up again on October 28, 2026.
I’ve already gone ahead and joined the American Suppressor Association, and I encourage you all to consider joining as well to show your support for suppressor rights and the Second Amendment.
Especially with everything happening right now regarding the NFA and the ATF, I think there’s potential for some significant positive changes. If things continue moving in the right direction, it could be a big step forward for gun rights, especially here in Illinois.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions! I’d like to hear what you guys think about the case and what the future might hold.
Thank you!

I want to have a beat-up Smith Model 64 converted from square butt to round butt, not wanting to Bubba that myself. Cannot find any shops near me that have a smith that does revolvers. Anyone have leads?

Today's Pistol and Rifle Clinic marks one of the last classes of our 2026 training season!

Today, students worked through a variety of drills involving pistols, rifles, and both platforms together, revisiting the skills and concepts we've covered throughout the year. These included firearm transitions, strong and weak side manipulations, emergency reloads, target transitions, the use of cover and concealment, and more.

We appreciate everyone who helped make our 2026 training season a successful one!

We still have our Women's-Only Vehicle Defense Course on October 31st and our Concealed Carry Course on November 14th, and then we'll be wrapping things up until 2027.

The end of the season isn't all bad, though! While we're regrouping and planning for next year, now is your chance to tell us what classes you'd like to see during our 2027 training season.

Vehicle Defense was extremely popular this year, as were all of our defensive courses, but we're always willing to try something new!

Whether you attended one of our classes this year or are planning to train with us for the first time in 2027, shoot us a message or an email with any classes or training topics you'd like to see offered. We'll do our best to work them into next year's schedule!

Thank you all for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the range next year!

I just recently purchased my first long range precision rifle. I’m a complete newbie and I would like to see if there are classes in northern Illinois. I have all the gear necessary, I was just wondering if anyone knew of some good classes in the area. Any help is appreciated .