News and Education

All Things Firearms, Smokin Gun Worx, and Training

Situational Awareness to Situational Presence – Potentially Ending a Threat Before It Starts

by Samantha Simpson | Jan 30, 2023

Situational Awareness (To See) You may have heard the phrase “to see and be seen”. It is so common in our vernacular that theorigin has largely been lost in time. In the context of proactive self-defense however, it has special meaning. “To see” (situational...

1,000 Yard Long Range Scopes

by Smokin Gun Worx | Jul 6, 2022

In this article, we will be discussing scopes with long-range capabilities specifically for 1000 yards. We will show you what you need to be looking for when purchasing a high-powered scope as well as giving our review of four different long-range hunting-type scopes....

Smokin’ Gun Worx Achieves a NSSF Five-Star Rating

by Smokin Gun Worx | Jul 10, 2020

“We’re honored to be awarded a Five-Star rating from NSSF,” said Keith Ruter, Owner of Smokin Gun Worx. “What seemed to be a monumental task of collecting data and photos, improving protocols and implementing new management strategies to make the grade, has propelled...

Smokin’ Gun Worx Indoor Range

by Smokin Gun Worx | Jul 10, 2020

Come in and enjoy some target practice at our state-of-the-art indoor range at Smokin' Gun Worx, your top shooting option in the Rockford, Marengo, Belvidere, Freeport, Sterling, Rock Falls, Oregon, Forreston IL and Beloit WI, region. You will never get...

Firearm Classes and Events

by Smokin Gun Worx | Jul 10, 2020

Learn how to use your firearms – safely and accurately. One of the things that sets Smokin Gun Worx apart from other gun shops in the northern IL region is our wide selection of firearm training and firearm safety classes. Whether you're a new gun owner or want to...

Tips For First Time Hand Gun Buyers

by Smokin Gun Worx | Jul 10, 2020

The recent rise in the number of firearm purchases translates to a lot of first-time gun owners purchasing firearms. If you’re a long-time shooter who grew up around firearms the notion that buying a gun could be intimidating is hard to fathom—in fact, buying a new...

Shooting, Purchase & Possession of Firearms And Ammunition

by Smokin Gun Worx | Jul 10, 2020

Smokin Gun Worx follows State and Federal laws for US Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents with respect to the shooting, purchasing or possessing of firearms and ammunition. Illinois residents need a FOID (Firearm Owner’s Identification) card which we can help you...

The Importance of Firearm Education

by Smokin Gun Worx | Jun 9, 2020

March 2020 Due to the recent events of COVID-19 , there are a lot of new gun owners right now. People purchase their first firearm for many reasons. Everything from curiosity in the sport to self-defense. Whatever the reason, being educated is the catalyst you...