The ‘Bread and Butter’ state of the US, or ‘The Land of 10,000 Lakes’. Minnesota is a state with very balanced gun laws. Both for open and concealed carry. Here we will learn more about such laws and the process of obtaining a Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP) license. We’ll also review the training classes necessary for the application.
Minnesota Concealed Carry Laws
Minnesota allows open carry of firearms only with a legal Minnesota permit to carry, or with any other honored state’s legal license.
Talking about concealed carry, MN is a ‘shall issue’ state. Although there is a legal ‘duty to retreat,’ the state also recognizes some principles of the ‘Castle Doctrine.’ Hence use of deadly force is authorized in some situations.
A concealed carry license is called the Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol (PCP). An applicant for the permit must be at least 21 years old and be lawfully eligible to apply. Residents can apply to their local sheriff only. In comparison, non-residents are free to apply to any sheriff’s office in the state.
A permit is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. The application fees cannot exceed $100 for initial applications and $85 for renewals. Expired permits have a grace period of 30 days. The application processing time is 30 days max.
The state honors permit from 15 states and has reciprocity with 30 states. You are required to inform a peace officer about you concealed carrying a weapon when asked.
Applying for a permit requires the applicant to complete a firearms training course developed according to state requirements, which shall also include a live-fire qualification. The course has to be retaken for renewal.
List of the Best Minnesota Concealed Carry Classes
Check out the best concealed carry classes available in the state. All these classes are conducted by state-approved instructors and highly rated by participants.
1. Minnesota Permit to Carry Classes
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Our Review of the Program
Located in downtown Osseo-Maple Grove, the Osseo Gun Club & Proshop is a well-equipped shop plus training facility. It is a full-fledged gun facility with a fantastic classroom with ample space for proper seating.
Their MN permit class is now a multi-state carry course where training for an FL license can be received at a small additional fee. They have an amazing training setup with very knowledgeable instructors. With some of them having a background in military and law enforcement.
The course fee is all-inclusive of training, weapon, ammo, and gear. Plus, the price is quite fantastic and definitely won’t shoot holes through your wallet.
The live firing session is held away from the classroom in the facility. The state-of-the-art facility has safe, private-bays to help each participant focus on their shooting. There’ll be no hot brass flying towards your face.
They even have a firing simulator that can be used for a more economical and fun shooting experience. The institute holds other advanced concealed carry classes and specialty classes for further training.
There’s a women-only class also available for ladies who want a more comfortable and gender-personalized training environment.
2. Minnesota Firearms Training
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Our Review of the Program
Minnesota firearms training is the best concealed carry training academy in Anoka. It is a shop plus training facility with a massive collection of products to choose from.
The instructors are very knowledgeable and kind. So is the other staff. The institute is currently offering an online course that can be completed from the comfort of your home. Plus, you can schedule your live firing session anytime in the coming 12 months after the completion of your course.
The online study material is very comprehensive and interactive. A real instructor will conduct the class, not some slide presentation. The course fee is inclusive of range fees. However, you still have to bring your own gun, ammo, and gear. Rentals can be opted for during the online checkout. However, it’s better if you bring your own material as the rentals aren’t very reasonable. There’s also an option to avail gift certificates if you have more than one participant with you.
The classes are very informative, engaging, and complete. That’s probably why this is the most popular concealed carry class in the area. The option for online training is very convenient, especially during recent times.
3. Minnesota Gun Class
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Our Review of the Program
Gun class is a nationwide firearms training provider, with classes available across every city in Minnesota. They have trained a lot of students and have been doing it for many years across the country. So they know what they’re doing.
All their instructors are well qualified and ideally trained to deliver classes in a hospitable and relatable manner. Since they also offer an online session for the initial part, you can learn from the comfort of your home.
Their online course is a very engaging and meticulously built set of videos and instructions, which helps you infer the concepts of weapons handling and state laws correctly.
The initial session also covers the use of gear and gadgets suitable for self-defense, along with psychological reactions and knowledge about the legal aftermath. Thus keeping you prepared in every manner possible.
The range session can be scheduled upon request, and you’ll receive the best and most prompt firearms training in the industry. The course fee is about 100 dollars, with rentals extra. But the quality of instruction justifies the price.
No matter where you live in MN, you’ll find a gun class near you.
4. Chandler's Conceal and Carry
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Our Review of the Program
Chandler’s offers both online and offline courses in Hastings. All of their instructors are BCA certified and their teaching methodology is great. The institute provides both online and offline courses. The offline courses are available at different locations across Hastings.
Their classes are conducted at very frequent intervals, so you have a lot of spots to choose from. Sometimes multiple courses are conducted in a single day at different locations.
The course has been designed for shooters of all skill levels and experience. The classroom session is about 4.5 hours. Online sessions have no such boundations since the material is already there.
The course fee includes everything from handgun and ammo to notepad and delicious refreshments. You are free to bring your handgun to the range for qualification. Since sessions are conducted at different locations, you can be in an indoor or outdoor field. So come dressed for that.
The price of the course is very reasonable, given the inclusions. The course is valid to apply for MN, FL, and WI permits as well. Plus, you get a Florida application packet upon completion of the course.
The institute also offers life-long physical support and free access to its library of videos and books.
5. MN Pistol Class
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Our Review of the Program
The MN pistol class concealed carry course is a very comprehensive curriculum, designed for newbie and refresher courses. The class is located at Circle Pines, the classroom is quite a cozy and safe place to be.
The course covers all the requirements of a concealed carry course as mandated by the state. Plus, some extra tips and tricks. Emphasis is placed on conflict avoidance and legal aspects of concealed carry. The range session is conducted at an indoor range at a 10-minute drive from the classroom. So be prepared for some driving.
The price of the course seems a tad extra since you have to pay an additional $15 for gun and ammo rentals. However, the Florida permit option included in it may seem to justify the price.
The academy has been training people for quite some time now. That also includes law enforcement officers. Both their instructors are certified and have extensive experience in the firearms trade.
Complimentary snacks and beverages are provided through the class. The training environment is quite comfortable as the class size is kept optimal. The institute is also working on an online course and will make it available in the future.
6. Paragon Permit to Carry
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Our Review of the Program
Paragon permit to carry is a premier institute serving the St. Cloud area. With another training at Princeton. The size of this 4-hour class is limited to 20 students (10 now due to COVID). The class covers everything from the state-mandated curriculum with some good knowledge of self-defense and marksmanship tips.
The price of the class seems very reasonable as they provide all the required material. The instructors at Paragon Permit to Carry have more than 35 years of experience and are certified by the BCA and MCPPA.
Classes are conducted about twice each month and require pre-registration and advance through their website. The institute also has a redeem program where you can invite your friends to lessen or even negate your class fees. A great option if you have a group.
There are no hidden fees, and the chief instructor and staff at the institute are amicable. Classes are conducted in a very light environment with no pressure on the learners whatsoever.
The course also offers an optional FL packet that can be availed at an extra $5 and increases the validity of your permit to 8 more states.
7. Red Bull Firearms Training
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Our Review of the Program
Red Bull Firearms Training has some of the most experienced and firearm savvy instructors in the state. The instructors are incredibly passionate about what they do and take good care of the participants. No matter what their skill level is.
This is mobile training service and available at different locations. They even offer private lessons at the destination of your choice. The class presents up-to-date and relevant information in an easy-to-understand format.
All your questions will be answered thoroughly, and you’ll receive proper attention during the class. The duration of the entire course varies between 3 to 4.5 hours and covers all the state-mandated topics along with tips on handgun selection.
They’ll guide you through the entire permit application process and will help you prepare your paperwork as well. The class ends with a 25 round live firing session. You can bring your gun and ammo. Or rent theirs for an extra $20.
The institute has been conducting training sessions for 16 years now, with thousands of students trained. The approach of their instructors is very realistic and very polite since they come from an army background.
Minnesota Conceal Carry Classes Comparison
Let’s take a side-by-side view of the best concealed carry classes available in Minnesota.
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Conclusion
Minnesota is a ‘shall issue’ state which requires permits for both open and concealed carry. It is a ‘duty to retreat’ state; however, it follows ‘Castle Doctrine’ to some extent. Concealed carry training, including qualifying range time, is required to obtain a permit.
People Also Ask
Here's some of the common questions around Minnesota's Concealed Carry Laws:
What States Honor Minnesota Conceal and Carry Permits?
A total of 30 states honor MN PCP. 14 of them are permitless states. The others are AL, IO, IN, LA, MT, NE, NV, NC, ND, OH, TN, UT, VA, WI & Puerto Rico. Michigan and South Carolina have restricted reciprocity with the state.
Is Minnesota an Open Carry State?
No. Infact, Minnesota requires specific permits for both open and concealed carry. Non-residents should have a permit issued from their state. A permit to carry constitutes a permit to purchase. However, the law doesn’t define whether the gun should be open or concealed.
How Much is a CCW Class?
A CCW class in Minnesota will cost anywhere between $70-$100. Private one-on-one lessons can cost even more. Some classes offer inclusive prices for guns and ammo, whereas others provide rentals.
