Testimonials
Sagar Handa
04:58 02 Oct 24
Great course and Instructors. Erik and Dan Awesome. Glad they strict about Safety and Safety ! Felt v comfortable with them teaching how to handle guns and at range !
Vahid Mir
19:16 07 Sep 24
Erik is by far the most caring and knowledgeable instructor when it comes to teaching. I took a CCL class with him and he made sure that he covers all aspects of the class in detail. My personal opinion, don’t waste your time elsewhere.
BASEL TARABEIN
17:19 06 Sep 24
**Highly Recommend Erik Tweed for Concealed Carry Training!**I hosted a concealed carry class at my office with Erik, and I couldn't be more impressed with the experience. he brought a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and a hands-on approach that kept everyone engaged and informed.Erik not only covered the essentials but also went above and beyond to ensure that each participant felt confident and prepared. Safety was a top priority throughout the course, and he provided practical, real-world scenarios that made the training incredibly valuable.If you're looking for a top-notch firearm instructor, I highly recommend Erik. Whether you're new to concealed carry or just want to brush up on your skills, this is the instructor you want by your side.Thanks again, Erik, for an outstanding class!Basel TarabeinBroker OwnerRE/MAX AT HOME
Erik Kundro
18:05 26 Aug 24
These guys are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I walked away feeling good about the class I took with them. Will come back for more.
Red Dot Arms
04:25 26 Aug 24
6 STAR REVIEWI had the pleasure of taking the Intro to Shotgun class today. The class claims to teach "choosing a gun and ammo, loading, aiming, setup, and more." WOW, what an understatement that is! The class was so much more than that. Erik did a fantastic job orienting a new or soon-to-be new shotgun owner in the proper direction. If you don’t have a shotgun, I recommend you take the class first. Erik had multiple loaners to allow students to try different options. Unannounced to Erik, I took his class today. Who I’m I???. Well, I am also a shotgun instructor, and I have several LEO shotgun instructor credentials and a boatload of challenge coins from prestigious shotgun schools around the country to show for. Not only do I teach courses similar to this, but I also teach shotgun instructors the craft. I teach guys like Erik to do what they do. I’ve been going around the country for the last several years assisting a well-known shotgun instructor trainer helping fellow instructors get better at what they do, and more importantly sharpening my skills. FYI, I do OK with a shotgun 😉 Having said all that, this class IS WELL WORTH YOUR 4 HOURS. You won’t be John Wick with a shotgun at the end of this class, but you’ll surely end up with a much better understanding of how this platform works and a really good base for further training needs. Eric throws in a boatload of extra good stuff on self-defense. Awesome class. Good Job Erik! FYI…. I had a lot of fun today Sir!!!
Andrey Bitkin
23:40 25 Aug 24
Excellent class. Very knowledgeable and engaging instructor! Highly recommend.
Joshua Dreller
18:47 24 Aug 24
Great guys really knowledgeable and passionate. If you want an intro class this is the spot!!!
Marcus Covaci
14:10 31 Jul 24
The absolute best team for firearms training. Dan and Erik, the instructors, display an incredible amount of understanding and passion for what they do. I have personally learned so much from the both of them, and will continue to try to learn as much as I can from them. I recently took their "Force on Force" class, which throws the participant into everyday scenarios where they might have to use their firearm. They go in depth on every single decision that you make, such as the legality and morality of certain decisions that you make, and guide you and your thought process on how to make better decisions while under pressure. One of the very few classes of its type, it provides an insight into the reality of carrying a firearm like no other. There's no other place I would go to for firearms instruction, these two are the best. Thank you Dan and Erik for all you do for us.
Manager Edge and Up
16:50 30 Jul 24
I recently participated in Dan and Erik's "force on force" firearms training class, and it was an outstanding experience. Their expertise and professionalism are unmatched, making this class a must for anyone getting into carrying or for those who already carry.Dan and Erik's deep knowledge of firearms safety, handling, and situational awareness is evident throughout the course. They create a supportive and safe learning environment, ensuring every student feels confident and prepared.The "force on force" class was particularly impressive. It provides realistic scenarios that challenge you to think and react under pressure, simulating real-life situations you might encounter while carrying. Dan and Erik offer clear, practical instruction and valuable personalized feedback, enhancing both your skills and your confidence.Whether you're new to carrying or have been carrying for years, I highly recommend this course. Dan and Erik's dedication to their students' success, combined with their engaging teaching style, makes this class an invaluable experience for anyone serious about their personal safety.
David Pop
16:48 30 Jul 24
I recently had the pleasure of taking a firearms training course with instructors Dan and Erik, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From start to finish, the experience was outstanding.Dan and Erik are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced in firearms safety and handling. They made sure that every participant, regardless of their skill level, felt comfortable and confident. Their teaching style is patient and supportive, ensuring that everyone understands the material thoroughly before moving on.The course was well-structured and covered a wide range of topics, from basic safety principles to more advanced shooting techniques. Dan and Erik provided clear, step-by-step instructions and demonstrated each technique before allowing us to practice. They were always available to answer questions and offer personalized feedback.What impressed me most was their emphasis on safety. Dan and Erik made sure that every participant understood the importance of responsible firearm ownership and handling. They created a safe and controlled environment where everyone could learn and practice without feeling rushed or pressured.Overall, Dan and Erik are exceptional instructors who are passionate about what they do. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to their students make them stand out in the field. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced shooter looking to improve your skills, you won't find better instructors than Dan and Erik.Thank you, Dan and Erik, for an outstanding training experience!
Phil Mammina
22:06 27 Jul 24
The FORCE ON FORCE class is a must have for anyone doing CCW. Top quality training top quality instructors.
The Anime Pro
22:04 27 Jul 24
Great lessons, Dan and Erik are amazing! Force on force is a must for every new shooter.
John Tatar
19:28 25 Jul 24
Dan Easterday was very accommodating for my visiting cousin and myself. We had very limited time and a short window to experience activities on our checklist and Dan was able schedule us in promptly. Not only is he very serious about his job and loves what he does, but he’s very knowledgeable and extremely funny while still maintaining a professional and safe attitude and environment. Thank you again, Dan, for your time and for the fun, memorable experience!
Adrian Esparza
19:11 15 Jul 24
I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor like Erik. As someone new to self-defense, I felt incredibly comfortable learning the mechanics of handling, using, and maintaining the tools. He meticulously helped me perfect my positions and techniques, enhancing my stance and boosting my confidence. Highly recommended!
David M
16:46 14 Jul 24
Took Grip and Trigger 102, my technique improved and the class was fun, would recommend.
Bernd Fischer
19:43 04 Jul 24
I went there with (what I believed to be) a good grasp of gun safety, but very little experience. I was just looking for an hour of fun on the range. I got that, plus some quality education that filled in important gaps I wasn't even aware of having.Yes, I spent about twice as much as I had planned. But I got at least four times the value I had expected.
Alan Landsberg
02:03 02 Jul 24
Very detailed addressing safety and use. Highly recommend. So much better than a prior instructor.
Christian Lum
00:05 30 Jun 24
Erick is fantastic, patient, knowledgeable and friendly. Learned way more than I thought. Super impressed
Brittany Ealey
23:22 25 May 24
Had my first class with Eric and Dan! It was awesome. Super informative and helpful. Learned a lot and definitely gained confidence. Will be back for more classes in the future and will also recommend! Thank you!
Jason Kleppe
18:09 25 May 24
Was an absolutely great class. Erik and his staff were welcoming and helpful to a brand new hand gun user. Left with a wealth of knowledge and a new resource for my future endeavors
Thomas Fagan
23:23 08 May 24
In a world of endless, conflicting advice, we need more people like Erik. I did a private lesson with him to work on self defense fundamentals, and his guidance was clear, intuitive, and put safety first. His tips on technique improved my shooting immediately. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their skill and knowledge levels.-Tom
Lynn Russell
20:59 01 May 24
Professional, well-trained instructors. Careful attention to safety. An excellent class (Introduction to the Handgun).
J H
02:26 28 Apr 24
Attended Erik and Dan’s introduction to handguns class, confidently looking forward to my my next sesssion, navigating responsible gun ownership.
Curtis Vamarasi
19:04 27 Apr 24
Instructors were knowledgeable and helpful. I now feel confident to own and operate a firearm.
Gerald Francis Connor
23:39 26 Apr 24
Erik was a fantastic instructor! Patient, informative and thorough. Highly recommend!
Jennifer Hale
22:46 08 Apr 24
Eric was great to work with. He was extremely knowledgeable and gave a lot of time and effort into answering every question I had. I would definitely go back to him for additional training.
Liz Weil
16:38 27 Nov 23
I have wanted to learn how to shoot a gun for protection purposes and finally tried it. Erik was amazing! We started with a 1 hour lesson in gun mechanics and safety. Then we went to the range. The feel of the gun was a lot trickier than I thought! Not easy at all but Erik was so helpful. I tried 3 different types. I have a familial tremor so needless to say it was not easy for me but Erik gave me some great tips and we were able to figure out which stance was best for me. I will definitely go back and probably take a private with him as he can really help me feel more comfortable over time.very well done with safety as the top priority.
sharon shay
02:55 07 Nov 23
Outstanding instruction! Erik is a very professional instructor real world application, applying everything to real life examples.Rob (Doc) helped me to build my techniques developed through diverse real world experience.I recommend Archetype to any new or experienced shooters. Each course helps to either build strong foundations for new disciplines or adds useful tools .to an experienced shooter's toolboxThank you again and will see you next time:)
Sharon Shay
02:36 07 Nov 23
Erik and Rob were amazing with details and instructions. Thank you so much 😊
Julio Batista
02:30 07 Nov 23
Erik was amazing, all the way. Amazing training, communication, and great knowledge. Will be back for sure.
Tom Gilchrist
00:51 07 Nov 23
A great instructor that evaluated and helped me correct my minor mistakes.I was amazed after my one hour class increased my proficiency exponentially. Well worth the time and money.
Ellen Phillips
04:00 31 Oct 23
Erick's expertise and passion is evident within 5 minutes of meeting him. One-on-one private lesson using live rounds taught me what I need to know.
Cathy Baechle
02:48 10 Apr 23
Given the untenable and significant crime and violence in Chicago, including my own neighborhood, I needed to seriously contemplate becoming a responsible gun owner. I conducted some research and learned about Erik Tweedt, owner of Archetype of the Gun. After reviewing Erik’s twenty plus credentials, impressive coursework and extensive training by the field’s master trainers, I knew I found an outstanding instructor to help me on my journey to become a safe, skilled and responsible gun owner.My training began with Erik’s “Introduction to Handgun” class and I was immediately impressed. Erik has a passion for teaching people of all skill levels through his specialized group and private lessons. Given Erik’s breadth of knowledge, expertise, and skills, I feel very fortunate to have him as my teacher. I’ve needed more individualized instruction than others who have had more gun experience than me. I’ve taken private lessons with Erik and am learning a tremendous amount from him due to his close attention to detail (he sees everything I do) and coaching about safe and proper handling of guns, learning appropriate grip, holstering, using a red dot, shooting, etc. Since I’m a true novice, Erik helps me feel very safe on the range and inspires me to practice and work toward improving. He provides direct, thoughtful and precise instruction and feedback. He also worked with me to evaluate dozens of handguns before I decided on the best gun for me and shared very informative resources for continued learning beyond the classroom and range.On a final note, whether you’re a novice like me or an experienced gun owner who wants to learn from a master, I highly recommend Erik Tweedt at Archetype of the Gun. I look forward to learning from him in the coming years. In addition to being an outstanding instructor, Erik is a very nice person and I appreciate his sense of humor. Thank you Erik for all your instruction, support, generosity and guidance. Your impact on others and in the field is profound and I know I could not be in better hands.
Edward Limoges
21:43 29 Dec 22
Erik is a highly knowledgeable instructor across the spectrum of civilian firearms use for self defense. He is very thoughtful in how he presents concepts in his programs of instruction, and he clearly works to stay current in both firearms technique and understanding of key legal principles.
Brian C
16:49 17 Aug 22
Outstanding instruction! Erik is a very practical and professional instructor emphasizing real world application and continual improvement. Guest instructors are brought in regularly to help students build techniques developed through diverse real world experience. I always recommend Archetype to any new or experienced shooters. Each course helps to either build strong foundations for new disciplines or adds useful tools to an experienced shooter's toolbox.
Andrew Seelig
16:44 10 May 22
Top quality training from a well versed instructor who wants to see you succeed.Excellent expertise in the field which translates well into his instruction.
steve brunet
21:37 06 Apr 22
Erik is a phenomenal instructor who puts in an immense amount of time training himself; being a continuous learner of his craft. If you own a firearm or are thinking of owing one, you have a responsibility to train and know how to safely and effectively use your tool. This is one of the best places to do so!! Thank you Erik & crew!!!!
Dylan Hernandez
19:12 25 Mar 22
Participated in a “Performance on Demand” session this past week. A very demanding class that focuses on getting on target quickly and accurately. The drills and instruction by Erik Tweedt were, without a doubt, some of the best I’ve experienced in my short time of shooting. I’m improving every time out and the drills learned have helped me become more confident and accurate of a shooter. A must do course if you want to improve. Aim small, miss small.
Kris Kline
21:25 20 Mar 22
I did a 2 day Centrifuge VCQB class here and loved it. The range space was well maintained, had plenty of cover from the sun during breaks on hot summer days, and the host was accommodating to students. I would definitely take another class here.
Tim
12:10 20 Mar 22
Eric and Dan are great instructors i have learned so much from them and keep going back for more. If you are serious about improving your skills i would recommend them for sure. Every class I come away with new skills and small little tweaks to improve my shooting i have taken most of there classes and love that they keep coming out with more classes to help out there students. The smaller class sizes are great you get alot of feedback and one on one time
Rafferty Jose
02:24 20 Mar 22
Erik is a phenomenal instructor. I’ve taken multiple classes from him over the years and each time I’ve learned something new and improved my skills. He take his time to show the proper techniques and make sure the student is applying them. I look forward to taking more class at Archetype of the gun.
Anthony Noto
00:53 20 Mar 22
I took the So You Think You Can Carry force in force class twice. I came away learning so much about myself and how to handle defensive situations. I would highly recommend anyone that carries or is considering it, take this class. I will be taking more classes with Erik.
Carlton Smith
00:35 20 Mar 22
Erik is a world class instructor and leader in the arena of firearms education. He has a vast wealth of knowledge and as an instructor myself he’s been instrumental in helping me become a better teacher and shooter. I will continue to attend his vast array of classes both public and private. If you want the very best, see the Archetype!
Michael Abene
00:32 20 Mar 22
I have taken several courses with Eric, Grip and Trigger, Intro to red dot, iIntro to AR, and Micro compact. With every class I learn more. I feel quality classes like these are a must to feel confident about owning and carrying a firearm.
Jeremy DuBrul
10:52 21 Sep 21
Took their more foundational "Grip and Trigger" clinic and it is a GAME CHANGER. Eric and Dan diagnose your form, give you a better way to do it. No matter how "advanced" or "good of a shot" you think you are, you should try this course.You will end up dumping all of of your ammo, so have extra range ammo on hand.Eric and Dan are excellent instructors. Foundational courses like this are necessary; to keep building on your skillsets so you can progress at being a proficient marksman as well as being a responsible firearm owner. The skills of being a marksman have diminishing returns if you don't keep up on it. It's a perishable skill. Classes and workshops like this makes sure that you are getting GOOD information and skills to build from.
Andrei Rakic
04:52 05 Mar 21
Erik is a phenomenal educator. He made drastic differences to my approach to daily practice and heightened my goals. He is engaging and actually will watch you carefully and rebuild you from the ground up into something much more effective than you were before. He is extremely safe and effective. He has a great depth of knowledge. After several classes at other places of someone watching me shoot for an hour and making maybe a comment he is really a breath of fresh air. He takes the time to work from your feet to your head and to your mindset. I recommend highly and without reservation.
Mike Lamont (Teamlamont)
18:24 22 Jul 20
I took a course with Erik (grip and trigger) and he really helped me with some issues I was having. Great instructor and worth the money. Invest in yourself and take a course.I'll be back for more.
jason miller
02:09 06 Jun 20
I took a holster skills class with Erik. Erik broke things down in ways that were easy to understand giving us time to become comfortable with one step before adding the next. As an instructor, Erik has a knack for explaining things to each student in the way that that student best understands. He was very knowledgeable and took time to answer every question.I came into class knowing nothing on the subject and now I have a skill I can practice.
Ken L
01:27 29 May 20
I have been thinking about adding a red dot to my carry pistol, but not really sure where to begin. When I saw the intro to red dot class by Archetype of the Gun, it seemed like the perfect starting point. Eric has built the class progression in perfect order from basic concept and slow, deliberate practice of elemental skills to practical application in simulated real-world scenarios. He's also willing to 'side-bar' to help you diagnose & fix fundamental errors that are holding you back.
John Pearson
“The Teacher Becomes the Student” – October 16, 2019
In full disclosure, I am a firearms instructor with several thousand hours of firearms education since the early 90’s. I teach CCW, tactical handgun, carbine etc. When I saw Erik was offering a Micro Pistol class I realized that was a subject I had no expertise in though I carry one as a back up gun. Knowing Erik’s high standard of presenting classes I signed up. He did not disappoint. He had some sound theories and great drills that even in the 3 hour “clinic” format gave me a lot of take home practices that I’ll make my own. This particular class had mostly experienced shooters except for one young lady who was really a semi beginner who however carried a micro pistol. Turns out she probably got as much if not more for the class than us seasoned guys. Erik set a pace that proved just challenging enough for the wide variety of skill levels. As a instructor I’m always critical of presentation, preparedness and student/teacher interaction. Erik was on point with all of these. He gets my highest recommendation if you’re looking for quality firearms training without the hype and B.S. that unfortunately many others offer.
Marc Drazner
May 20th – 5 Stars
Erik is an amazing teacher!!! His passion is evident with each class and his ability to find different ways to enable learning. He has a personal approach and adjusts for each ability and understanding level. Upon completing I have a greater understanding of guns – being comfortable in using, and more confident in how to avoid the need to use.
ELLEN NELSON
October 20. 2017 – 5 Stars
I recently completed the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course with Erik. He was an excellent instructor. Very experienced and educated. I knew very little about handguns coming into the class but walked away with a much better understanding and level of confidence about handguns and safety. Would highly recommend.
CARRIE MCCLELLAN
March 18 – 5 Stars
Erik provided very knowledgeable instruction in the Handgun Essentials 1 course. It was not the typical cookie cutter boring course that the state provides. I came out of this class feeling confident that I can effectively protect myself if need be. We had a great time on the range and went through a variety of drills to increase our shooting ability. I hope to attend more classes in the future.
KOLIA SKOROPAD
March 20 – 5 Stars
Anyone who thinking to step into world of guns or weapons in general, Erik is the guy! Dont even waste your time looking any further. I personally guarantee it and will pay for your classes if you leave under educated or not satisfied. He will open your eyes on the world around you and will make you look on things like you never looked at them before. No bull shit, no time wasting. Straight on point 2 days 16 hours conceal and carry class… We cover above and beyond. Today is my 3rd night after class and still I have guns in my dream through out whole night. I personally believe his time should cost more….
DENISE MERCADO
5 Stars
KEITH PURITZ
June 8, 2017 – 5 Stars
BRIAN CHRISTY
June 28, 2017 – 5 Stars
I took Eric’s IL CCL class and loved the instruction. He discussed real world scenarios and went above and beyond the basics for use of force and firearms manipulation. Would highly recommend.