Instructor Mike

This video from Instructor Mike outlines specific locations in Illinois where carrying firearms is prohibited. It details restrictions at various retail establishments like Bed Bath & Beyond, Toys R Us, Sam's Club, Chuck E Cheese, Target, CarMax, and Kenwood Liquors. Additionally, it covers prohibitions at hospitals under specific conditions and on certain cars of CTA trains, providing essential information for Illinois firearm permit holders.

This video demonstrates a training drill focused on building shooter confidence and the ability to follow instructions under pressure. Instructor Mike emphasizes verbal communication of actions and issues, proper sight alignment, trigger control, and maintaining composure. The drill simulates a high-stress scenario to improve a student's response and communication skills.

This video emphasizes the importance of understanding trigger reset and the 'partnership' between a shooter and their firearm. Instructor Mike highlights how trigger reset length directly impacts shooting speed and discusses how aggressive grip serrations and the overall feel of a firearm contribute to a better connection and control, crucial for effective firearm selection and use.

This guide details the ATRAP (Assess, Tap, Rack, Assess, Press/Pause) procedure for clearing a 'click no boom' or failure to fire malfunction. It emphasizes maintaining situational awareness throughout the process and differentiating between continuing to engage a threat and pausing when the threat is neutralized. The technique is presented by Instructor Mike.

This video provides a series of hand drills designed to build the physical strength and dexterity required to rack a firearm's slide, particularly for individuals who may have difficulty with standard methods. Instructor Mike emphasizes practicing both the 'slide' (pulling back) and 'grip' (stabbing forward) motions with intensity, simulating real-world defensive scenarios. The drills are presented as preparatory exercises for loading a firearm and clearing potential malfunctions, with a strong emphasis on safety and proper technique.

This video emphasizes the critical importance of practicing proper magazine loading techniques, especially between licensing and renewal periods. Instructor Mike stresses that neglecting practice can lead to critical errors under stress, such as inserting magazines incorrectly. He provides a detailed breakdown of the correct method, focusing on tactile feedback and deliberate action to ensure rounds are seated properly and magazines are oriented correctly.

This video critiques the application of stress-inoculating techniques on individuals lacking fundamental mechanical firearm skills. It advocates for a Montessori-style approach where instructors allow learners to identify and correct their own mistakes, fostering self-correction and deeper understanding of firearm manipulations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding one's audience in training.

This instructional segment from Instructor Mike emphasizes the correct technique for inserting a firearm magazine. The core message is to avoid partial or hesitant insertions, advocating for a firm, direct push straight into the magazine well until it locks. This technique is crucial for reliable feeding and preventing malfunctions, especially under stress. The instructor highlights that proper, full insertion is a fundamental skill that should be mastered.

This video clarifies the distinction between completing a firearms training course and obtaining an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL). Instructor Mike emphasizes that a training certificate, while necessary, does not grant the right to carry concealed. Applicants must apply for both a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card and a CCL through the Illinois State Police Firearm Services Bureau website (ispfsb.com). Failing to obtain the actual license can lead to arrest, even if training was completed.

This guide details the proper technique for loading a semi-automatic pistol magazine, as demonstrated by Instructor Mike. The method emphasizes a specific hand and thumb placement to efficiently seat rounds, utilizing the magazine's design and thumb pressure for stability. The core steps involve 'Place down,' 'Press down,' 'Thumb up,' and 'Back' to load each round sequentially.

This instructional video from Instructor Mike demonstrates the proper technique for operating a revolver's cylinder release latch and utilizing the ejection rod. The instructor emphasizes a secure grip and a methodical approach to opening the cylinder and ejecting spent casings, highlighting the importance of clear communication and understanding instructions in a training environment. The session aims to build confidence and proficiency in basic revolver handling.

This video emphasizes critical range safety protocols, highlighting the dangers of unsafe firearm handling and the importance of a responsible shooting partner. Instructor Mike demonstrates a severe safety violation where a firearm was removed from its designated safe area, stressing that safety is paramount regardless of individual student status. The importance of observing safety indicators, like loaded chamber indicators, is also underscored.