Who is WISE Firearm Training?
WISE Firearm Training was formed in late 2013. Mike had become acquainted with Jason and Kelly and started helping them teach classes. Jim attended a class with his wife. From there a friendship and business venture was formed – here where four people devoted to teaching quality classes and emphasizing safety. Our goal is to have all of our students leave feeling comfortable with their firearm and their ability to protect themselves. We have taught men and women of all ages and all degrees of firearm familiarity – from first time handling, to veterans who come out of the military as sharp shooters. One thing holds true with everyone, they learn a great deal from our courses.
Jason Klinner started in the firearm business in late 2009, when he applied for a Federal Firearm License. In 2010, he started selling firearms and teaching NRA firearm safety classes under the Gunrunner name. Jason is a competitive shooter with both the USPSA and NRA. He is an NROI and NRA certified range safety officer and works many shooting competitions as a range official. Jason is an NRA Certified Basic Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home instructor, and Personal Protection Outside the Home instructor. He is also a Utah BCI instructor and an ISP approved instructor for Illinois Concealed Carry. Jason is an NRA Life member and an ISRA and USPSA member, as well as a membership recruiter for the NRA. Jason is devoted to providing high quality training to his students in a comfortable setting with an emphasis on safety. Jason is continually attending training classes and is a graduate of Massad Ayoobs MAG40 class. Jason’s been shooting since he was a young boy. Jason is married to Kelly and enjoys raising their daughter in a firearm friendly environment.
Jim Bland retired as Sergeant from the Chicago Police Department after 30 years. On the CPD, he held varied positions through the years, including Field Training Officer, CPD Firearm Instructor, street officer and desk sergeant. Jim is also an Illinois State certified Range Instructor. Throughout his tenure, he experienced shootings, homicides, being shot at, testifying in court, dealing with firearms and other offenses. He has a great deal of firsthand experience with shootings, both civilian and police. Jim is an NRA Certified Basic Pistol instructor, NRA Refuse To Be A Victim instructor, as well as a Utah BCI instructor and an ISP approved instructor for Illinois Concealed Carry. Jim is an NRA Life member and an ISRA member. He is devoted to providing high quality training to his students in a comfortable setting with an emphasis on safety. Jim is married to Marian and they enjoy spending time with their son and his family.
Kelly Klinner
Kelly Klinner became an NRA Certified Basic Pistol instructor in 2013 when Jason needed help with his classes. She is also an ISP approved instructor for Illinois Concealed Carry and a Utah BCI instructor. She is the only female instructor in Adams County and you can’t get a more female friendly environment than that! Kelly is a member of the NRA and ISRA. Kelly’s been shooting since she was a young girl. She is a Human Resources Generalist by profession. She is also a volunteer troop leader with the Girl Scouts and an active PTA member at Quincy Junior High. Kelly enjoys sharing knowledge with others, especially firearm safety and helping people become comfortable with protecting themselves. She is married to Jason and delights in raising their daughter.
Mike Schuttler
Mike is a founding member of WISE Firearm Training and decided to retire in 2015. We wish him a happy retirement. You may still see Mike in class from time to time depending on his schedule and ours.
Just in case you do not know what all those secret codes mean, here’s the key:
NRA – National Rifle Association
USPSA – United States Practical Shooting Association
NROI – National Range Officer Institute
Utah BCI – Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
ISP – Illinois State Police
ISRA – Illinois State Rifle Association
CPD – Chicago Police Department