Class FAQ

1. What is a Permit to Carry?
2. Whoa, are you trying to make Minnesota like the old west where everyone ran around shooting each other like in the movies?
3. Is this “Normal”?
4. Who are these permit holders?
5. Wait, those all sound like law abiding citizens, why do they get permits?
6. How long is the class?
7. What does the class entail?
8. How much does it cost?
9. Are there any other class fees, like range fees, ammo fees, gun rental, etc…?
10. Is the instructor some kind of over the top gun nut who creeps everyone out?
11. Is this class female friendly? Is it female only?
12. Do I have to shoot a pistol at the range to pass the class?
13. What is the accuracy requirement to pass the class?
14. What caliber pistols do you have for class use?
15. May I bring my own pistol?
16. Is the range indoors?

FAQ

What is a Permit to Carry?

A Permit to Carry a Pistol is a license that gives the bearer the privilege to carry pistols in public, as long as the laws are followed. You may carry your pistols either concealed or visibly open.

Is this “Normal”?

YES! Over 387,000 Minnesotans have these Permits. This calculates to be over 19% out of the approximately 2 Million Minnesotans eligible to get these permits. For statistical comparison, about 14-15% of adults claim to go to church each week.

What type of people have permits?

The over 387,000 Minnesotans with permits encompass a wide cross section of the population of Minnesota. Of people who have taken the classes with us, here is a small smattering of the professions: Daycare Director, Security Counselor, Violin Teacher (Retired), Sign Language Interpreter, Pig Farmer, Home Health Aide, Nurses (lots of nurses), Psychologists, Teachers, State Representative, Mayor, Firearms Instructor, Student (lots of students), Army Officer, Stay at Home Mom, Landlord, Cashier, Minister, Elementary School Crossing Guard, Restaurant Owner, Server, Customer Service Representative, Farmer, Doctor, Lawyer, EMT, Dog Breeder, State Trooper (took the class prior to becoming a trooper) and many others

Wait, those all sound like law abiding citizens, why do so many people get permits?

YES, to get a permit you have to be a law abiding citizen. The sheriff will do a background check on you, criminals do not get permits. Law abiding citizens get permits TO BE SAFE from criminals!

Whoa, are you trying to make Minnesota like the “Wild Wild West” with everyone running around shooting indiscriminately like in the movies?

NO! Minnesota has some of the strictest laws on use of force in the nation. We will cover the laws and the very small sliver of times it is legal to use a firearm in self-defense. We have the motto: “Think Safe, Act Safe and Be Safe”, the “Wild Wild West” was not safe.

How long is the class?

5 hours, this is from the start of class till the last person is done at the range. The end time is flexible since sometimes we have new shooters who need a little more time on the range, so we put them last on the list so that people who need to be done quickly can be done, and the new shooters can take as much time as they need.

What does the class entail?

The permiet to carry class covers many topics but focuses on how to safe. Other topics include but are not limited to how to be safe, introduction to pistols, how to use a pistol, how to choose a pistol, legal aspects, Minnesota laws, reciprocity with other states, and a fun time at the range shooting pistols.

How much does it cost?

$80

Yes, only $80, it is all inclusive. The $80 covers all required class expenses, the class, class handouts, use of my class pistols, ammo, targets, range fees, etc…

Are there any other class fees, like range fees, ammo fees, gun rental, etc…?

There are no other required class fees. It is all included in the $80 class registration.

What is the instructor like?

NO! The lead instructor is a college professor, he approaches the class in a calm stress-free attitude that encourages student questions and promotes understanding. He welcomes student questions and tailors the class to the needs of the students in the particular class.

Is this class female friendly?

YES! Since this is a calm safety oriented class, women find the class welcoming.

Is it female only?

No, everyone is welcome to attend, actually we recommend couples and families attend together, because part of the class is about how to make a personal protection plan, and making coherent plan together is best.

Do I have to shoot a pistol at the range to pass the class?

Yes, Minnesota law requires that you shoot a pistol at the range, if you are new to shooting, we will happily work with you.

What is the accuracy requirement to pass the class?

Nationwide police involved in shootings hit an average of 23% of the time, we expect 20% hits on a full size silhouette target. If you do not get 20% hits on the target, we will reload the pistol and try again until you do.

What caliber are the pistols used for class?

.22 caliber, these are small, very controllable and easy for beginning shooters.

May I bring my own pistol?

YES, you may bring your own pistols, with a couple restrictions: 1-they have to be in safe working order, 2-Ammo may not be steel or aluminum cased, nor steel bullets and/or shot shells, 3-No black powder pistols (yes, we understand the aesthetic appeal of carrying a brace of flintlocks like a pirate to protect yourself, but the air handlers at the range aren’t made for black powder). 4-please bring 30 rounds of ammunition.

Is the range indoors?

YES, for most of our classes we use Vantage Point Range in Kasota, MN. Since it is a safe indoor range, it is air conditioned in the summer, heated in the winter and is a great place to shoot.