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Source: The Telegraph, Alton, Ill.迷你倉Dec. 28--ALTON -- State officials are expecting 400,000 applicants for concealed carry licenses starting Jan. 5, but local instructors have already been busy giving classes to people who plan to apply."I'm running full-tilt, and I have classes scheduled every weekend for the near future," said Mark Maggos, who operates Trigger Talent, a business that offers an indoor shooting range and instructions on firearms. Maggos has already trained 60 people in five, two-day courses and has another 70 students scheduled for January.Maggos teaches classes in a room at Alton-Wood River Sportsmen's Club and operates a range in Godfrey near the Godfrey Walmart. He said he offers classes in addition to the concealed carry course. His range is indoors and complete with adequate safety features, he said.Maggos' business, as well as others in the field, have websites with more information.Ramparts Range in Pocahontas has trained 650 people since October, employee Jared Marshall said. Some are avid gun enthusiasts, but many are people who have little familiarity with firearms and took the class simply because Illinois passed the law.Piasa Armory, a firearms dealer based in Alton, offers a class at a local church and conducts its live fire program at Fort Du Bois in Wood River."A lot of people are avid shooters, but a lot of people feel it is better to have a firearm and not need it, than to not have one and need it," said Jared Crider, a Piasa Armory employee.Crider has had about 25 people in training and 18 signed up."I'm expecting more to come," he said.The Olin Gun Range on Powder Mill Road also offers classes, according to former Madison County deputy Ray Botterbush, of Godfrey, a certified rifle, pistol, shotgun and personal safety instructor. The Olin Gun Range is closed until next week. Botterbush said he recommends the range's course.The mandated course emphasizes when and where you may carry a gun and under what circumstances to fire. It is not a license to pretend to be a law enforcement officer."Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to destroy," Marshall said. He said people also must be aware of any people beyond the target at which they are aiming. The law is intended only for protection in dire circumstances, instructors say."Treat every firearm as if it is loaded," Marshall said.Botterbush said he plans to obtain a license to teach the state-required 16-hour course, but he wants questions answered, such as the instructor's liability and whether the requirements fit his view of how themini storagecourse should be taught."I've had people approach me about receiving instruction, but I'm very careful," he said. He said he is also certified to teach a course in personal safety.Instructors said they are expecting another rush of people to train after Jan. 5, the first day to register online for a license.Illinois was the last state to adopt a concealed carry law. It allows people to carry concealed weapons on their persons, but much of the law covers what people cannot do.Everyone must complete a 16-hour course, including details of the law's restrictions, how to obtain a Firearm Owners' Identification Card, shooting skills and so forth.The Illinois State Police is the agency overseeing the process of licensing instructors and people allowed to carry a concealed weapon. The procedure may be viewed by visiting the State Police website and clicking on an icon that says "Concealed Carry."The agency plans a news conference Monday to give more details on the procedures. There have been reports that logjams could occur on the electronic application site. Paper applications may be sent in starting July 1.Some individuals may have to take only eight hours of instruction, under certain conditions. Maggos said anyone who has been discharged from the armed services may avoid the full 16-hour course.Some instructors do not recommend limiting the instruction to only eight hours."Our owner will not offer a one-day course only. You have to come both days (eight hours each day)," Marshall said.Instructors said people should learn as much as possible about gun safety. Holsters are not required under the law, but Maggos said people should use them for their own safety.Botterbush said he has filled out an application to offer the state course, but he has not sent it in.He said to obtain a concealed carry license people must show proficiency with a handgun. Applicants must hit 21 of 30 targets at various distances.The instructors will tell people where they may not carry a concealed weapon, such as schools or any business, such as taverns, that derives most of its income from alcohol sales. Any business that does not want people carrying concealed weapons may post a sign prohibiting them.Applicants must have a Firearm Owner's Identification card, and they must be fingerprinted. People with serious criminal records and those under the age of 21 may not get a license.sschmidt@civitasmedia.comCopyright: ___ (c)2013 The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.) Visit The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.) at .thetelegraph.com Distributed by MCT Information Servicesself storage