PROFESSIONAL TESTIMONIALS

Some unsolicited praise from clients, colleagues, etc. ...

Bruce is a unique handgun instructor who leaves all the BS at the door and focuses on making sure his students are fully prepared for the gamut of issues presented by a carry permit. He will also improve your shooting drastically over the course of the instruction. I found the educational experience with Bruce to be enormously rewarding, and I believe I live far more safely today than I did 2 years ago. -Real Estate Developer/CEO, 2015

Thank you so much for the referral for Bruce Edenson. He was outstanding! So well in fact that the opposing side attempted to strike his testimony and could not wait to get him off the stand. He was a true professional and had full command of the subject matter. -Defense Attorney, Fraternal Order of Police, 2018

I really learned a lot and enjoyed your training sessions … I can’t believe how much my shooting improved in just two range sessions … I am so glad I took your individual class and did not settle for a large class setting … There is no way I would have learned as much and improved my shooting performance. -Criminal Defense Attorney, 2013

Bruce is one of the coolest guys I have ever met. Seriously I love his intensity. He gives great instruction … doesn’t make you feel nervous at a range … This guy was awesome. -Chicago Police Officer, 2021

I spent the next hour and a half telling ... about your knowledge, expertise and common sense! I appreciate so much your help and advice. -former Cook County prosecutor and Illinois Assistant Attorney General, 2017

"I'm thankful to have found you. Clearly, you are a subject matter expert on all things pertaining to firearm ownership and concealed carry in Illinois ... a wealth of knowledge, and incredibly responsive. You have brought clarity to what has been a very murky, confusing myriad of gun laws to navigate ... You leave no stone unturned." -former Police Crime Scene Investigator, 2020

Bruce … Having encountered a great deal of "instructors" out there who …could at best tie your laces … Your services … seem like the variety that ought to be a standard prerequisite for all those seeking the license. Best of luck and keep up the good work. -NRA Firearms Instructor, 2018

Great stuff, Bruce! Thanks again for your sound advice. -Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, 2021

Once again you did a phenomenal job today Bruce. -Defense Attorney, Fraternal Order of Police, 2018

Thank you Bruce, your encyclopedic knowledge of all things handgun never ceases to amaze. I have the highest regard for your skill, knowledge and training. -Corporate Bankruptcy Attorney, 2014

Thank you very much for your training yesterday. You are a wealth of knowledge and the time was definitely useful. -Firearms Dealer/FFL, 2019

Bruce, your treatise on justifiable use of deadly force is spot-on. -Illinois Professor of Criminal Justice, 2016

Impressive. -Illinois Appellate Court Justice, 2017

… will follow your instructions to the tee. Again, thank you for all your help and quick response time. -Criminal Defense Attorney, 2015

Thanks for the excellent work on the Xxxxxxxxx matter! -Civil Rights Attorney, 2018

Bruce, thank you for your prompt and informative response. Xxxxx has spoken very highly of you and I can see why. -former Assistant Attorney General, State of Michigan, 2015

I had a great shoot the other night. Largely due to your training and expertise … something for which I will always be grateful. -Consumer Rights Litigator, 2017

This is a very well written defense of the 2nd amendment right … Thanks for sharing this paper. -Cook County Circuit Court Judge, 2018

Thanks again for everything. Greatly appreciated. -Chicago TV Anchorperson, 2015

Thank you and I trust you completely. -Criminal Defense Appellate Attorney, 2015

Excellent analysis. -Certified Public Accountant, 2017 (re valuation of gun range/store)

Thanks again for all your help and wisdom. -Film Producer, 2016

Once again thank you for sharing all your years of valuable knowledge with me, I am truly grateful and honored. You're a good man. -Retiree, 2018

I took your class to learn and understand the respect that is needed to have and own a gun … Thank you for expertise and … Keep doing what you do best; make people understand the good bad and ugly of legally owning a handgun. -Doctor, 2018

A+ Absolutely the best I have dealt with... -Gunbroker Seller Review, Dec. 2022

A+ I have been a buyer/seller on GB since 2004, and I can say with certainty that bpetrigger is one of the most professional sellers I have ever come across. Buy from this guy with absolute confidence! -Gunbroker Seller Review, July 2022

 
A+ Probably the best seller I have encountered. Great communication, helpful and honest. Thanks for a great gun and a great experience. -Gunbroker Seller Review, June 2022

 
A+ Awesome gun, super fast shipping, fantastic communication. Couldn't ask for a better seller!!!! -Gunbroker Seller Review, June 2022

A+ Top Notch from beginning to end. -Gunbroker Seller Review, June 2022

A+ Excellent Seller. Fast Delivery of firearm, excellent communication. Firearm was as described, and everything was in order. Buy with Confidence. -Gunbroker Seller Review, April 2014

ILLINOIS CONCEALED CARRY FIREARM INSTRUCTION - ADVANCED & PRIVATE

"It’s better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have it."

Course Overview

Firearm Concealed Carry is a very serious undertaking, involving the highest obligations and consequences. It requires fundamental changes in mindset and lifestyle. Life (especially yours!) could be jeopardized -- physically, criminally, financially, emotionally, professionally, and socially. 

Given the extreme magnitude and complexity of Concealed Carry, my unique curriculum is extraordinarily informative, comprehensive and rigorous. It far exceeds all Illinois statutory and State Police instruction/qualification requirements. This course is a virtual Ph.D. degree in both concealed carry and handgun ownership. You should settle for nothing less, since your life might well depend upon the caliber of the instructor and curriculum. Considering the profound criminal and financial vulnerabilities associated with firearm carrying, my program encompasses ... 

• The utmost safety with pistols.
• Advanced marksmanship and pistol handling abilities. You'll become "one with your gun." I train clients for functional effectiveness (accuracy + speed), typically 3” diameter groupings at center mass (bulls-eye) from about 21 feet. I’ll develop your marksmanship to equal or surpass professional law enforcement proficiency standards in order to 1) better assure defensive shooting prowess, and 2) help shield you from potential civil liability stemming from a justifiable use of force incident.
• Clear and complete discussion of laws, legal rights, responsibilities, risks, and ramifications. Whereas the Illinois Concealed Carry Act requires explanation of only certain state and federal laws/regulations, I extensively cover all relevant firearms and related criminal laws, regulations, and ordinances (federal, state, county and municipal). It's important to understand that many of these statutes/ordinances are nuanced and obscure, but violation of even a minor one can lead to your incarceration, monetary fine and/or forfeiture of gun rights. The curriculum has been vetted by expert criminal defense attorneys, former county and federal prosecutors, a Cook County judge, an Illinois Professor of Criminal Justice, and civil litigators. My guidance is often sought by legal and law enforcement professionals.  
• Practical competencies including: advanced shooting drills; enhanced tactical skills; use of deadly force; ballistics and ammunition; holster protocols; concealment techniques; pistol readiness modes; handgun malfunctions; legal defense strategy; out-of-state recognition and reciprocity; other personal safety measures 
• Superb handgun operation, cleaning and maintenance.
• "Concierge" service ... complete outfitting and sourcing help including pistol and holster selection, ammunition, supplies and accessories.

Course Qualification

Enrollment is limited to very serious and well-qualified persons; instruction is one-to-one to assure clients' optimal comprehension and proficiency. This course has absolute integrity … no dumbing-down, no shortcuts.

Location, Scheduling, Etc.

Service area includes Chicago and suburbs, northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan.  Scheduling can usually be arranged per client convenience. Contact me to discuss particulars.

Professional Background

• Illinois State Police Approved Concealed Carry Firearms Instructor (among the first) since September, 2013
• NRA Certified Pistol and CCW Instructor
• Firearms Expert Witness - Fraternal Order of Police
• Murder trial witness experience
• 1000+ hours as a RSO and range consultant
• Illinois Licensed Private Security Officer
• Have owned and effectively serviced 40+ firearms over 45+ years 

I’m highly professional, dedicated, and a straight shooter. No phony SWAT persona, no hyperbole, no dogma. I staunchly support 2nd Amendment rights; I even more vigorously espouse the inherent duties (safety, lawfulness, morality, gravitas) accompanying our gun rights.

Afterword

Think of Concealed Carry as the ultimate life insurance; my curriculum provides the ultimate preparation and protection. The accompanying articles exemplify the course's character and caliber. 

Contact email: bpetrigger@att.net

Originally published March 13, 2015. Issue update 1/1/22.

©2015-2024 Bruce Edenson. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.