My name is Don Griffin and I am a UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS veteran.

I have received my USCCA certification as a TRAINING COUNSELOR in order to certify USCCA instructors I became a USCCA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR and I hold classes in Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals (Illinois 16hr CCW Certification class) Illinois CCW Renewal Classes (3Hrs), Women’s Handgun and Self Defense Fundamentals, and also Countering the Mass Shooter Threat, and have added even more classes over the years. I am also a Range Safety Officer.

I have taught several hundred students, and I have developed a well-rounded curriculum to help every level of shooter (from Novice to Advanced) to be able to hone their skills to become Safe and Well-Trained Shooters. Not only well-trained with the ability to shoot a firearm well, but also with the mindset that’s necessary to be a RESPONSIBLY ARMED AMERICAN. I have been USCCA CERTIFIED and love educating others to become responsible firearm owners in a growing segment of our society! I have over 150 Five-Star reviews on USCCA and am very proud of my ability to educate my clients appropriately.

Thank you for your consideration,

DON GRIFFIN

Here's some recent reviews!

”Don was amazing. I didn’t feel like I was in a “class”. I was being educated by an old friend who knows exactly how to talk to people to make them understand and to get “it” without preaching and being boring. Don knows his stuff and after 16 hours with him; I, who haven’t shot a pistol before; am a responsible gun owner and will be a responsible conceal & carrier. I would and will recommend Don to any and everyone interested in becoming responsible firearm owners.”

- Christopher A. 10/31/2021

Don and Jamie did absolutely amazing. Everything was great

Submitted on Nov 2, 2025 by MARC C.

Exceptional Class with Don and Jamie! I can't say enough good things about Don and Jamie as instructors. Their professionalism, knowledge, and passion for safety and responsible firearm ownership were evident from start to finish. They created a comfortable and respectful learning environment, making sure everyone—from beginners to more experienced shooters—felt confident and informed. What really stood out was their ability to break down complex laws and procedures in a clear, relatable way. They welcomed questions, provided practical real-life scenarios, and ensured we left not just with certification, but with a solid understanding of what it truly means to carry responsibly. I highly recommend the full 16 hour class to anyone considering their conceal and carry even if you are prior military. Don and Jamie are top-notch instructors who truly care about their students’ safety, success, and confidence. Thank you both for a great experience!

Submitted on Jul 20, 2025 by GREGORY V.

Don and Jaime were absolutely amazing. It felt like id known them for years when had only just met. They made the whole process seamless. They are straight shooters ( No pun intended) honest and to the point. I highly recommend Don and Jaime.

Submitted on Nov 2, 2025 by RILEY S.

Very professional, thorough, and Don and Jamie seemed to be very sincere in their interest in training students to properly handguns in a safe manners and did not cut corners to save time, not to mention Don charged less for the 16 hours of trading than most other trainers in the area. Don made it extremely clear that his class was not to train how to shoot someone, but to avoid when at all possible, and the only justified shooting is one that could not be avoided and you or someone else is in eminent danger.

Submitted on Nov 2, 2025 by DALE E.

Don was absolutely fantastic. He makes sure that you're understanding the content and will answer honestly all the questions you have for him. Super professional, would highly recommend to anyone unsure about gun safety or CCW. He's got a simulator with so many different scenarios designed to truly make you think. The value provided is excellent, it's 100% worth it. This is where I will be renewing from now on. Keep up the great work, Don!

Submitted on Apr 16, 2025 by SPENCER W.

great experience, very informative and the shooting range was very safe.

Submitted on Aug 5, 2024 by Lance D.

Don is a great instructor. I highly recommend everyone take his CCL class. He encourages you to ask questions and makes sure everyone feels comfortable asking any question. I walked away well informed and confident in my rights and responsibilities as a CCL holder. In today’s world, I feel it is imperative that we know how to protect ourselves. I loved the real life scenarios we ran through. They were eye opening!

Submitted on Apr 10, 2024 by kris b.

”This was my second class because first instructor cut corners. I was glad to get the real 16 hour training. Our instructor was all about safety first and that was most important to me. He was great to explain in more detail for those of us who were less experienced with weapons. I was grateful for the encouragement he gave me on the range. It is easy on the range to get nervous shooting when the other students are more experienced. This class was an amazing experience. I learned so much. Originally I never intended to carry a weapon. I was taking the class because my husband has concealed carry. However after the class I am a little more confident that someday I just might actually carry myself. I highly recommend this instructor. He answers your questions and encourages students. I considered myself a beginner, I was treated equal to the experienced men in the class. If you need a class or just want to learn a little more about gun safety and the Illinois concealed rules you need this class.”

- Anonymous 7/26/2021

Don and Jamie are absolutely amazing! They present the information in a clear way and don't move on until we all understand all of the information. I learned so much in the classes and am more confident as a gun owner now. 10/10 recommend anyone to take a class from Don and Jamie, whether a beginner or someone more experienced. I definitely will be back for more training!

Submitted on Aug 18, 2025 by Kaylin D.

Don was very informative, Easy to understand, and conducted his class very proficiently. Would so recommend his class to everyone.

Submitted on Feb 24, 2025 by HAROLD G.

Great discussion. Very hands on. Definitely cares about the students.

Submitted on Feb 23, 2025 by LUKE S.

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