Minnesota Permit to Carry Class

This course is designed for those who have already taken their first steps into the world of firearms and are looking to enhance their skills for practical and effective defensive handgun use in a Dynamic Critical Incident. Our primary focus is on developing essential shooting skills that can be applied in real-life situations, ensuring you're well-prepared to handle challenges that may arise.

This hands-on training takes place at our onsite indoor range, where you'll have the opportunity to learn and practice fundamental defensive mechanics and strategies. Our experienced instructor will guide you through tactics for various scenarios like home defense and concealed carry.

Throughout the course, you'll engage in multiple drills and simulations designed to hone your shooting skills and boost your confidence. Our instructor will provide personalized guidance and feedback, ensuring you develop the accuracy, speed, and consistency needed for effective defensive handgun use.

This class serves as an excellent starting point in your journey towards mastering defensive handgun techniques. It is tailored for those who have some experience with firearms and are looking to become more proficient in self-defense situations. By the end of this 3-hour course, you will have the foundational knowledge, skills, and confidence in safely carrying and operating your firearm in a defensive context.

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your personal safety and the well-being of those around you. Enroll in our Introduction to Defensive Shooting Class and take the next step in your journey towards becoming a more responsible and skilled firearm owner.

The USCCA’s Defensive Pistol Program (DPP) is a comprehensive 5-week course designed to help participants develop key defensive shooting skills through a mix of live-fire and dry-fire practice. The weekly 4-hours sessions focus on both measurable goals and performance improvement, using proven techniques to help participants learn and master the skills needed for effective pistol use in defensive situations

Week 1 - Fundamentals of Defensive Marksmanship

• Help students understand the fundamentals of shooting a pistol, including proper stance, grip and trigger control. Students will be able to demonstrate those skills on the range.

Week 2 - Presentation From Concealment

• Ensure students know how to present a firearm from a holster in order to be able to efficiently deploy a pistol in personal defense.

Week 3 - The Balance of Speed & Precision

• Ensure students know the principles and various factors that influence the balance of speed and precision relative to defensive accuracy.
• Ensure students understand how different conditions affect shooting precision and the need for rapid response, thereby improving overall shooting proficiency.

Week 4 - Defensive Response

• Ensure students know about the physiological and psychological aspects of stopping an attacker and the principles of deliberate response in high-pressure situations.
• Provide a target-engagement sequence as a progressive model based on the threat response and have students develop a strategy for their defensive responses.
• Inform students on the unreliability of pistol rounds in a deadly force encounter.
• Confirm students understand that firing uncontrolled rounds is unacceptable.

Week 5 - Malfunctions & Single-Handed Shooting

• Introduce students to the critical aspects of handling firearms.
• Explain common firearms malfunctions and ensure students know how to safely and effectively clear them.
• Ensure students can implement these skills proficiently and automatically in order to mitigate real-life scenarios in which such situations may arise.

This course takes place entirely at the range, with students firing between 800 and 1,000 rounds. Over the 5-week period, students will be introduced to a variety of skills and drills. They will be taught using the EDGE method. The EDGE method is a structured approach to teaching that ensures students gain both knowledge and practical skills.

1. Explain: Clearly describe the skill or concept, providing context and theory so students understand what they need to do.

2. Demonstrate: Show students how to perform the skill, offering a visual example they can follow.

3. Guide: Assist students as they attempt the skill themselves, offering feedback and corrections along the way.

4. Enable: Allow students to practice independently, ensuring they can perform the skill confidently on their own.

Sessions are scheduled a week apart to give students time for dry practice at home, helping to solidify the skills learned in each class. Each session will build on the previous one, allowing students to progressively work toward mastering defensive handgun techniques.