Minnesota Permit to Carry Class

Welcome to Defensive Shooting Fundamentals, a dynamic and intensive 16-hour, 2-day course designed to build and refine the skills necessary for effective self-defense with a handgun. This course blends live-fire and dry-fire exercises, providing a hands-on, performance-driven experience focused on measurable improvement. From mastering foundational firearm handling and marksmanship principles to developing defensive techniques and tactical decision-making, this program prepares participants to respond effectively in high-stress situations. Whether you're looking to enhance your defensive shooting capabilities or seeking to solidify your understanding of defensive tactics, this course offers a comprehensive framework for building confidence, precision, and readiness.

Foundational Skills

• Learn firearm safety rules for responsible handling.
• Learn proper administrative handling of handguns, including loading and unloading.
• Understand the parts and function of your firearm for confident operation.

Marksmanship Fundamentals

• Develop a proper grip for control and recoil management.
• Master effective shooting stance.
• Learn sight alignment and sight picture to ensure accurate aiming.
• Improve trigger control to reduce anticipation and improve precision.
• Build consistency through structured dry-fire and live-fire drills.

Defensive Skills

• Safely and efficiently draw from a holster under various conditions.
• Execute tactical and emergency reloads when under pressure.
• Practice malfunction clearance drills.
• Engage multiple targets with prioritization and rapid response strategies.

Balance of Speed & Precision

• Understand the relationship between distance, time, and target size in defensive shooting.
• Practice drills to improve the balance of speed and precision under varying conditions.
• Learn techniques to adjust your pace and accuracy.
• Recognize how stress and adrenaline can impact defensive accuracy and mitigate these effects.

Threat assessment and response

• Build situational awareness to identify and avoid potential threats.
• Learn to assess threats using the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act).
• Develop critical decision-making skills for engaging or disengaging in a confrontation.
• Practice verbal commands to de-escalate situations or establish control.

Tactics and Mindset

• Learn how to use cover and concealment to your advantage.
• Practice movement techniques to engage threats while staying protected.
• Build a defensive mindset focused on preparation and situational control.
• Emphasize post-incident considerations, including interactions with law enforcement.

Over the 16-hour, 2-day weekend course, students will be introduced to a variety of skills and drills. They will be taught using the EDIP learning model. EDIP is a structured approach to skill development that ensures effective learning. This method builds competence step by step, reinforcing both understanding and execution.

1. Explain: The instructor provides a clear and concise explanation of the concept or skill, outlining its purpose and importance.

2. Demonstrate: The instructor visually or physically demonstrates the correct way to perform the skill, ensuring students see an accurate example.

3. Imitate: Students practice the skill by copying the instructor’s demonstration, receiving guidance and corrections as needed.

4. Practice: Students continue practicing independently or in a structured environment until they achieve proficiency and confidence in the skill.

Our comprehensive curriculum covers essential topics ranging from firearm safety to defensive responses, all designed for practical, real-world applications. The course is built on proven training methods that have helped countless students develop confidence and competence in their skills.

Safety is our top priority throughout the program. You will learn the proper techniques to ensure not only your own safety but also that of those around you. Live-fire exercises are conducted under expert supervision, giving you hands-on experience and the ability to practice what you have learned in a controlled environment.

We keep our class sizes small to provide personalized instruction and real-time skill assessment. This ensures that each student receives individual attention, immediate feedback during drills, and more hands-on time to sharpen techniques and build confidence.

The initial classroom session will be held in the Minnesota Gun Class classroom in Willmar. The majority of the course will take place at the Eagle Lake Rifle & Pistol Club outdoor range, where students will fire approximately 500 rounds.