CALIBER CONFIDENCE INSTITUTE
A division of SafeMinds Training Solutions
Welcome to Caliber Confidence Institute
Mental Health & Firearm Safety
Professional firearms instruction grounded in practical skills, mental preparedness, sound judgement, and responsible firearm ownership.
About Caliber Confidence Institute
Caliber Confidence Institute is the firearms training division of SafeMinds Training Solutions LLC. We provide professional instruction for individuals seeking Concealed Carry, USCCA, and NRA-based firearms training for Illinois, Wisconsin, Utah, and Maryland .
Responsible firearm ownership requires more than learning how to operate a firearm. It also calls for self-awareness, emotional readiness, sound decision-making, and respect for the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership.
Whether you are purchasing your first firearm, applying for an Illinois Concealed Carry License, or building upon skills you already have, you will receive practical instruction suited to your experience level and training goals.
Mental health & Firearm Safety
The connection between mental preparedness and firearm safety is central to how we teach.
Firearm owners may need to make serious decisions under pressure. Technical ability matters, but so do judgment, emotional control, situational awareness, and the ability to recognize when avoidance is the safest response.
Our training encourages students to consider the whole responsibility of firearm ownership, including:
- Safe firearm handling and storage
- Marksmanship and shooting fundamentals
- Situational awareness, conflict avoidance and de-escalation
- Emotional control during stressful situations
- Responsible decision-making
- Emergency response and first aid skills
Students receive clear instruction, guided practice, and practical opportunities to apply what they learn.
Train Responsibly. Prepare with Confidence. Protect What Matters Most.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR
SAMUEL BUNVILLE
Owner & Director of Training
Samuel brings a distinctive combination of credentials and experience to every course.
His experience provides a broader perspective on firearm safety, human behavior, stress, crisis response, and responsible decision-making. His teaching style is patient, practical, and respectful, helping students develop skills without pressure or intimidation.
Samuel understands that students arrive with different backgrounds, comfort levels, and reasons for seeking training. Each class is approached with professionalism, clear expectations, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Credentials and Professional experience:
- USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor
- Illinois Concealed Carry Instructor
- NRA firearms Instructor credentials
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- 26-year U.S. Navy veteran
- Former law enforcement officer
- FEMA emergency management professional
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Emergency & First Aid
- Range Safety Officer
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense
USCCA Instructor # 4126477
Certified 7/12/2025
Current certification expires July 13, 2027
(NRA instructor credentials and courses are also offered; contact us for current NRA class schedules and certification details.)
Training & Classes
We offer in-person firearms education for new and experienced firearm owners. Classes combine clear classroom instruction with hands-on learning and practical application.
Private and small-group training may also be arranged.
CLASSES We offer a range of firearms training for students at every stage, from first-time participants who have never handled a firearm to experienced owners seeking to improve their knowledge and practical skills. Each class is taught in a professional, supportive environment with an emphasis on safety, responsible decision-making, and confident firearm handling.
Our 16-Hour Illinois Concealed Carry License Course covers firearm safety, handling fundamentals, marksmanship, responsible concealed carry, and relevant Illinois firearm laws. This training satisfies the instructional requirement for eligible individuals applying for an Illinois Concealed Carry License.
Explore our classes:
- Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) Courses
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- Emergency & First Aid
- Range Safety Officer Training
- Foundational and Skill-Building Shooting Classes
- Self and Home Defense
- Specialized Sessions (e.g., Houses of Worship Security Awareness)
We also support online resources and point students toward USCCA materials (reciprocity maps, state gun laws, how-to guides for permits, mobile app, magazine, community, terminology, blog, etc.) as complementary tools.
View Current / Upcoming classes (View Available Classes): 16-Hour IL Concealed Carry Course – Oak Lawn, IL area (VFW). Contact us for exact dates, locations, and availability: 708-419-1137.
Why Train With Us
- Dual NRA / USCCA instructor pathway support
- Whole-person methodology (skills + mindset + decision-making)
- Real-world experience from military, law enforcement, emergency management, and counseling
- Patient, professional instruction tailored to individual needs
- Strong emphasis on safety, responsibility, and confidence
Get Started
Ready to train?
Tell us your goals and we’ll recommend the right course or private session.
Caliber Confidence Institute – SafeMinds Training Solutions
Building aware, accountable, prepared, and confident citizens—one student at a time.