Student Testimonials

Mike Rioux, the instructor, was knowledgeable, thorough, animated and made what could have been a boring rote lecture interesting and immediately understandable.
His real life examples of situations that might confront a CCL holder made concrete, what otherwise might have been just abstract concepts.
At the firing range portion of the course, his instructions and commands were clear, and the number of Rangemasters assisting him were more than adequate for safety.
He was firm, stern and unwavering in calling out safety infractions when violated, in order to keep all the participants safe.
He kept people, who seemed surprisingly unfamiliar with handling firearms to be in a CCL renewal course, in line, so that they posed no danger to themselves or others during this critical portion of the course.
If you are looking for professional, competent, safe, useful and interesting firearms training, Red Dot Arms, and Michael Rioux are simply the best.

Michael Mermell
Retired Lake County State Prosecutor 

Completed my second CCW class yesterday at Red Dot. After taking the Red Dot- NRA Personal Protection In The Home Course I realized how poor my first Illinois CCW class had been by another training group out in Mchenry County, IL. At that course, in late 2013, there were 75-100 people in the room and the instructor just had a powerpoint presentation. When I returned home that night I commented to my wife how let down by the training experience I was.

It was a completely different experience at Red Dot. Small class with personal attention. The IL state laws were not only gone over the law’s spirit was explained. We watch videos and then discussed what went right and wrong and why in the scenarios. We discussed practical issue like safety, decision making, best ways to carry. And then we trained and practice drawing from a holster before qualifying with our firearms.

I want to thank Rob, Mike, Lee Anne and everyone at Red Dot for putting on such a thorough, informative and fun training course.

January 14, 2014
Red Dot Arms Inc., #306 1600 N. Milwaukee Ave. Lake Villa, IL 60046
Dear Red Dot Arms Inc.,
I wanted to personally thank you and your staff for the excellent job in presenting both the NRA Basic Pistol and the Concealed Carry Part 2 classes.
I would also like to commend both Steve New and Robert Briggs on the outstanding way in which they brought both a professional and innovative way in teaching these courses. The live fire drills taught by Red Dot owner Mike Rioux and his assistant Ryan Dionne were outstanding. Their respect for safety was evident in the way they both ran a very SAFE line on the range. The very competent way in which they presented live fire drills and holstering techniques will make everyone a very competent and safe shooter.
I look forward to doing business with Red Dot Arms, Inc. in the future. The best of success in the New Year.

Sincerely,
Robert Bofani Defense Contractor U.S. State Department
State Department

I enjoyed the class and feel this is your one stop shop for your Illinois CC license as well as everything you would like to have to prepare yourself for the actual CC.

Your class is well run by Rob.  It’s easy to see that he can adapt to all students and get them all to learn as one.  The class is well run, well organized and is much appreciated for all your work that you put forth.

Wishing you the best

Ron

I just wanted to drop a note to say Thank You for the great classes I took this past weekend (Basic pistol & CCW #2).

I learned a lot & had fun! Steve was AWESOME! He presented the class with great knowledge and provided me with better understanding of firearm safety, handling & shooting. He answered all my questions with dignity. I will definitely look for more training classes that Steve will teach.

On Sunday Deputy Rob was GREAT! He taught the class on a level playing field that every student could understand.   He showed us how to correctly draw, shoot and holster the firearm safely.

Ryan & Max helped out at the firing range. They were friendly and helpful!

Please give all of them the recognition they deserve! Thank you again Red Dot Arms!

Michael M