Trust
Trust begins with faith, sound principles, and the humility to recognize that responsibility must be rooted in something greater than impulse or ego.
Chicago, Illinois
Trust. Train. Triumph.
Developing capable, confident, and principled protectors through disciplined training, sound judgment, and responsible character.
It's What's In The Heart, Not The Hands.—IWITHNTH
Our Philosophy
It's What's In The Heart, Not The Hands. — IWITHNTH
As a protector, responsibility begins long before a firearm is acquired, carried, or used. It begins in the heart—in the values, judgment, discipline, and character that guide every decision.
Training develops skill. Character determines how that skill is carried. Sling & Stone exists to strengthen both.
The Framework
Trust. Train. Triumph.
Train
Training develops competence through disciplined practice, realistic preparation, sound judgment, and a commitment to continual growth.
Triumph
Triumph is not measured by dominance or confrontation. It is found in overcoming fear, complacency, uncertainty, and unpreparedness.
Statement of Conviction
What We Believe
We believe that the defense and protection of innocent life is one of the greatest responsibilities entrusted to mankind.
We believe that every human life possesses inherent worth.
We believe that skill without character is incomplete.
We believe that confidence is earned through disciplined training.
We believe that faith shapes character and gives purpose to preparation.
We believe that true strength is measured not by aggression, but by restraint.
We believe that courage is not the absence of fear, but the commitment to act rightly in spite of it.
We believe that preparedness is an act of stewardship rather than fear.
We believe that knowledge, training, and preparation enable responsible protectors to act with wisdom when circumstances demand it.
We believe that it is what's in the heart, not the hands, that ultimately defines the protector. — IWITHNTH
Why I Teach
Samuel Jones, Sr.
Chief Instructor
This was never just about shooting. It was about becoming a better protector.
Sling & Stone was established to help individuals develop the judgment, discipline, practical skill, confidence, and sound judgment required to protect life responsibly in every circumstance. The goal is not aggression, but readiness, restraint, and principled action—qualities that continue to shape lives beyond the classroom and the range.
Train with Samuel →USCCACertified InstructorAmerican Red CrossCertified Instructor & Licensed Training PartnerIllinois State PoliceApproved CCL Instructor
Training & Services
Preparedness for Individuals and Organizations
Individual Training
Develop the protector.
Illinois Concealed Carry & Licensing Instruction
Illinois State Police-required CCL instruction covering firearm safety, legal responsibilities, safe handling, and qualification.
Pricing: $125 — 16 hours, typically completed over two 8-hour days. Four 4-hour sessions may occasionally be offered.
Defensive Handgun Fundamentals
Experience-based instruction in safe handling, handgun fundamentals, judgment, and defensive application.
Pricing: $75–$165 — 2–4 hours. Live-fire content varies by skill level; dry-fire drills may be used at the instructor's discretion.
Medical & Trauma Response
American Red Cross certifying skills instruction for immediate medical and trauma response.
Pricing: $125 — In-person, instructor-led skills session. Required online coursework must be completed before class.
Private Instruction
One-on-one instruction tailored to the student's goals, confidence, and skill level.
Pricing: Starts at $125 for 2 hours. Add one participant for $25; additional hours are $75 each. Live-range instruction may be included.
Organizational Services
Protective Readiness for Organizations
Customized training and consulting for churches, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations committed to improving preparedness, safety, and responsible protection.
Safety & Preparedness Consulting
Personal or organizational assessment of safety, preparedness, vulnerabilities, and response priorities.
Pricing: Starts at $65 — Minimum initial consultation fee. Final rates vary by scope.
Emergency Response Planning
Development or refinement of practical emergency plans covering roles, communication, evacuation, sheltering, and coordinated response.
Pricing: Custom quote based on scope.
Team Training & Workshops
Customized workshops that build team awareness, judgment, preparedness, and coordinated response.
Pricing: Custom quote based on group size and objectives.
Begin Your Journey
It's What's In The Heart, Not The Hands.— IWITHNTH
If you're ready to develop the judgment, discipline, and skills of a responsible protector, we'd be honored to train with you.