Didn't realise that there was a "proficiency" test; I just thought they gave guns out in the back of corn flakes packets.
In some states, you don’t even need to buy the Corn Flakes!
Illinois is a liberal hold out state that was forced to allow guns and carry, so they throw up a few roadblocks.
1) 16 hour classroom & range to qualify
2) $250 fee to run the State Police background checks and make the picture ID
3) 5 yr renewal, 4 hr hour classroom and range ($100)
4) $125 fee to State Police for renewal.
We also don’t have a “hold your ground” law or Castle Doctrine. Use of the firearm is reasonable fear of death. When you are armed, that fear can come from a hand to hand fight in which the other person reaches for the weapon.
Most people in IL are home-only owners, who have the firearm for self protection in the home. This does not allow you to go hunting for the burglar or to shoot a guy who is stealing your TV. Threat to life is it!
Having discussed this with a lawyer, I have actually changed my home invasion plan to a “hide in place” strategy with shouted commands “The police have been called and we are armed. Leave now or you will be shot!”
Most burglars do not want, or anticipate, homeowner confrontations and will usually leave if they disturb people.
But, to respond to your tongue in cheek comment with some reality, it is true many states not only do not require anything from you, but allow OPEN CARRY…including AR-15/AK-47 style semi-automatic rifles!!!