I wanted to acknowledge a firearms training session held last night (4-29-26). I thought the…read more2.5-hour session was refreshing to see, in that it was not just lecture based. There was lots of hands-on involvement by participants in attendance. I think the SIRT exercises/drills were a huge hit with everyone there. I sort of believe that you should tell people when they do something that is a benefit. Great Job...Keep it going!

I took the 16 hour class for conceal and carry and I was very impressed with the thorough…read moreinstruction. The course covered Illinois law in great detail, took the class through various simulated situations and impressed upon us gun safety as well as formulating a home safety plan. I highly recommend this "academy" in which to take the CC 16 hour and 3 hour renewal course. The staff is very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. I learned a lot over the two day course and feel that they cared that I was doing this to protect myself and family. Thanks, guys!

Wonderful job by Autumn with the CCW class. The only reason this is a 4 star review is because the…read morechairs were horrible lol. She was a great instructor and I feel like I took some very valuable information away from her class. I would recommend her to anyone I know. Can't wait till their indoor range opens up so we can try it out!

From the owner: This business started back in 1972 by Eric Hubbard, has since then changed from a trophy store to a…read moreFirearms Education Center and FFL dealer in 2014.

Okay, there are a ton of bad reviews and some overly great reviews. So let me be honest about this…read morerange: First, Prices: If you want to buy a gun, whether you're a first timer or a veteran, don't buy them here. You can find the exact same guns for sometimes $100-$200 less online than you could here. Which isn't their fault. Buying online means not having to pay a salesman who tries to sell you the gun. So, the prices are justified for where you are buying it, but I would personally never buy a gun from here again (I bought Mossberg shotgun here, found the same gun, brand new for $180 less...oh well) The range here really isn't overpriced. I've been to ranges in Missouri with roughly the same hourly rate and ammo is of course WAY more expensive from the range than it is reloading or even buying in bulk online. I personally buy my own rounds by the hundreds or even 1000 a time because I save as much as $200 if I had bought the same amount at any range or even a store. Their prices are typical. Nothing outrageous; Next, Service: I've never had a real issue with service here. As matter of fact I've had some real pleasant conversations with the guys there, and have had hour long conversations without even knowing it. I really don't know why there are reviews talking about how rude the staff is. Now, I wouldn't say they are all the most socially conscious people alive. Some of the guys seem sort of introverted and might be the type of people who keep to themselves. However, they aren't rude by any means. Not that I've known. I only ever had one run in with the owner and he did seem SOMEWHAT overconfident in his knowledge of guns. This was back before I bought an ATI brand 1911 which he insisted would be garbage that would blow up in my hand after a few hundred or 1000 rounds...well after 1yr of shooting not only is it still intact but it shoots like it was bought the same day. Only issue I had was bad factory magazines but Colt magazines fixed that. Keep in mind that the ATI 1911 I bought online cost $250 versus their $1000 1911s. I should point out my ATI 1911 is a Philipine made gun so I won't recommend shooting this in competitions, but if you want this for home defense and only shoot it occasionally to practice then it's a great gun for the price. I always bring in my own ammo I buy in bulk to save money. I've never had an instance where anyone has stopped me or chastised me for doing that. I don't reload so I can't speak for the comments about taking brass home, but I have seen guys around me doing that and they never got chewed out over it; Next, The Range: It's okay. Not terrible, not great. Just okay. It doesnt have good temperature control so it's somewhat hot in the summer and cold in the winter so that's pretty annoying. There's only 3 spots for rifles/shotguns but then there's 7 for handguns. I mostly shoot handguns so it's fine for me. I do most of my rifle/shotgun shooting outdoors unless I'm shopping for a new one that they happen to have on the range. The controls for the target are pretty basic and it takes some careful attention to line up the target to the distance you want. The yards are written on the wall but you have to manually control when the target line stops so...close is good enough; Summary: I like this place. I go shooting at least once a week to practice with my Beretta and I am trying out some compact pistols for CCW. I won't buy one there but I can browse and try them out. I really don't understand who these ultra-rude employees are, but as of now it's 2019 and some of these comments I see are back in 2016 or even 2013. So maybe the problem employee(s) have gone somewhere else. In which case it's all the more reason to come here. One guy in particular (if I can remember his name I would say it here) with a big beard, about 6foot, his very friendly and engages with whoever he is speaking too. I watched him explain to a new shooter way single/double action is (because she wanted a 1911) and I lent him Berreta for a few minutes to help him out. He's a cool guy and certainly the most appealing guy there. He has a much better vibe about him which makes him easier to talk to. Anyway, I hope this paints a better picture of this place and what to.expect from it. It isn't the nightmare people say it is but it certainly isn't a shooter's paradise (but then again I don't even know what that paradise looks like).

I'm female and new to shooting (I have a glock 43x). I've been trying ranges on both sides of the…read moreriver and they were (ken is who helped me) extremely nice, he answered all my questions and made me feel really comfortable.

I took the Illinois Concealed Carry class at StS Armory and had really great experience. Jesse,…read moreKatie and their staff are all amazing instructors who make you feel part of their family from the time you walk in the door! They have a wealth of knowledge and a knack for teaching. The Armory has plenty of stock despite the current situation with ammo and weapons supply shortages. These guys truly care for their customers and take the time to make sure everyone leaves confident that they made a wise decision and comfortable with their purchase. Thanks, StS, for the exceptional service!!!

This is a great business, for a community that was in desperate need of it. Wether you looking for…read morenew or used firearms, or your a beginner who just wants someone to be honest with you. Owners Jess and Katie will make you feel like a long time friend after only a few visits.