Wish I could rate higher, but trainer/owner professionalism trumps course experience. Let's start with the positive: I'm a professional trainer and instructional designer by trade. I'm also a former Marine Corps Military Police Officer. While I could geek out on the training, there's no need. If you choose Metro Defense Training, you will accomplish the learning objectives and have the basic foundation set (for future practice and training). The training itself was fine. I thought the information was presented well. They used good, illustrative examples and anecdotal situations to correlate the learning objectives. The learning environment was fine. It was basic classroom. They did provide doughnuts and coffee/water/juice which was a nice touch. With that said, please remember this is a foundation for further training and skills practice. And as a foundation, it succeeds. Don't expect any any intro course to provide of the knowledge and skills necessary for a strong personal defense plan (handgun weapons oriented). The Veteran's discount is appreciated. They offer a better discount than other local defense training organizations. Kudos. Now the constructive criticism: I found to Michael to be unprofessional. I thought the range location was too far away. Details: Micheal was dressed like a slob. As a fellow trainer, I can't imagine showing up for my trainees in jeans (falling down) and a ratty t-shirt. I'm not saying you should have a shirt and tie for this, but some pants that fit and a shirt with a collar seem like a minimum. Also, early in the class, Micheal used the tails of his t-shirt to clean his glasses (in front of the class, while lecturing). This exposed his large belly hanging over his belt. It was unappealing and, in my opinion, unprofessional. Get a glasses cloth(!), or at least do this when you are not standing in front of the class. I've got a belly too, but I don't hang it out in front of students in a classroom! Michael had a very dry sense of humor. It was often difficult to tell when he was joking, and he made a lot of jokes. If you are going to use humor (a good idea) to engage, make sure the learners can differentiate a joke from the course content. At the first break, someone asked where the range was. Micheal's response was, "Monticello." And then (as a joke?) he added something like, "it's about a 3 hour drive". Again, most people know it's not 3 hours to Monticello, but I was wondering if the range was really in Monticello. Monticello is over 30 miles away from their classroom (Brooklyn Center). I know there are closer ranges. Bill's has a range just a few miles down the road. On the break, I saw Michael outside and asked him, "Is the range really in Monticello?" to clarify (joke or not). Mike: "Yes." Me: "OK. I was wondering because there are much closer ranges). Mike: "Are you one of the Vets?" Me: "Yes." Mike: "So, you have me in here on a Sunday for your training, I'm not making any money on you, and you're complaining?" WHAT?!!! I told him I wasn't complaining... asking a question because I know there are much closer ranges. I walked away... Then I walked back told Micheal that I thought it was unprofessional to offer a Veterans discount, make a statement at the beginning of class thanking Vets for their service, etc. -- then throw the discount in the Vet's face like a slap. I'm also a disabled veteran. I've paid a high physical and emotional cost for my service to this country. Who is he to make a comment like this? In short, we got into an argument, but not shouting. Mike got defensive. I asserted that it wasn't professional to offer a service/discount for vets and then throw a guilt trip about "not making any money of you..." Mike then pulls me to the hall and tells me that he wants me to "grab my stuff" and leave. All this because I called you on your unprofessional comment? Grow up! I explain that I'm not interested in leaving. I've paid for the class. I'm here on a Sunday. I just don't want to hear comments like that. It's a suggestion. Now he tries to tell me he doesn't feel safe going to the range with me. What? Total BS. We are in the hall. I ask him to just let it go... take the suggestion... don't get defensive... let's get back to class and a walk to the classroom. I even offered a handshake as a peace offering... he refused. As I turn and walk back to class, he says, "I'm going to be sad when you don't get your completion certificate." I ignore him. As if he can hold back my cert and claim I didn't meet the class requirements because he doesn't like me. I finished the class and qualified on the range. When I was leaving, I said goodbye and "thank you" to both trainers. Michael asks me, "Did you get your certificate?" Save it, Michael. I'd have more respect if you would have just talked to me and apologized. Don't act like you care now. read more

Selecting Metro Defense from the many available choices for my Minnesota CCW class turned out to be a good decision. I had a number of questions before deciding to enroll, and when I emailed them, the owner/instructors were very responsive and made sure I understood the information they provided, as they would throughout the entire course. The classroom portion of the course was taught in a conference room setting in a nice office building, and instruction was a combination of Powerpoint, video, lecture/discussion and instructional props. The pace of the course was fast because there was a lot of material to cover, but it was never so fast that you couldn't ask questions, get clarification if you needed it, or where an average person would feel overwhelmed. The instructors actively engaged the students by quizzing them on the material and inviting comments. Despite its fast pace, the course is comprehensive and covers everything from selection of guns, ammunition, holsters and other accessories to gun handling, gun safety, the legal aspects of concealed carry, and the psychology of highly stressful self-defense situations. A lot of the material is very sobering, and you come away from the course with a strong appreciation for what a serious thing it is to carry a gun, and god forbid, have to use it in a self-defense situation. It is not a "Rambo" atmosphere at all, in fact if anything, you're taught to do everything possible to avoid putting yourself into situations where you would even need a gun, never mind actually have to use one. I appreciated that the instructors, Michael and Jason, were regular, down-to-earth guys, and not bad-asses, posers, or wanna-be cop types. Both were very knowledgeable, personable, had a good sense of humor, and did their best to make a course about a serious subject a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. There was nothing intimidating about them or the course, and even a person who has never owned, fired, or even held a gun before (and we had quite a number of students in that category) will feel very comfortable taking their class. The students were a mix of people from all walks of life: young and old, male and female, and from military veterans and others who had a lot of experience with firearms, to people who had never even held a gun. The practical portion of the course is held at a shooting range that's about 15 minutes away from where the classroom portion of the course is taught. Both practice (laser) and actual firearms are used in the course. You can bring your own gun, ammunition, and safety accessories, or rent or buy everything from them for a modest fee. Safety is paramount, and all training and live fire exercises are conducted under the direct supervision of an instructor (1 student/1 instructor). The class was a great experience for me, and I highly recommend Metro Defense to anyone who is looking to get their CCW permit. read more

Hubby and I never took a class like this before. We anticipated the content being dull and the instructors being just as bland, with a loooong 8 hour day ahead of us of note taking, boring fact reiteration, and the like. Boy, were we wrong. This class was great. While the instructors kept the content valid, on-point, and, as far as I could tell, knew the right answers to difficult questions (yes... even the famed "I don't know" IS the right answer sometimes! And that's OK... I'd wonder about any instructor who assumed they knew everything), they kept students engaged with humor, interesting stories, visual aides, and video clips. Not only were the instructors friendly and the ambiance relaxed, but they kept us hydrated and fed! Coffee and donuts in the morning, and a pizza lunch. It's a small thing, but means so much. I'd SUPER highly recommend this class to anyone looking for training in the Minneapolis area. We drove over an hour to get to the classroom and it was well worth it. Knowing what we know now, I'd be happy to drive two hours for it. read more

Michael and Jason, I did my initial carry permit training with you guys years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and the way you two taught. Very well done! Now it came time to renew to continue to exercise my 2nd amendment right. I sent you a email and you immediately responded and welcomed me back. This type of service is very much appreciated (and unfortunately missed by many businesses). Thank you for directing me to the on line option for renewal. This helped me immensely with all of my travel. In observing you both at the range, i cannot tell you the importance of your candor. Something that is missing from many businesses. Anyways, your online class was great, to the point and fun. Seeing you both again today made me smile and again recognize the fact that you both go above and beyond. You are both real professionals. Sincerely, Bill O'Neill read more

Before I chose Metro Defense Training I looked around on the net and from what I could gather and specific to my needs I determined that Metro would be my best bet. I I scored a bullseye. Both Michael and Jason were intelligent, professional, knowledgeable and approachable. There is a lot of information to cover and Jason, who led the class seemed to make a point of including everyone in the discussions that arose. Points and counter points were brought up and each position was discussed thoroughly. I read a previous review where the person who posted was a trainer in a different field (as was I) and former military personnel (as am I) and his biggest problem was Mike's t shirt. Excuse me? What did you want/expect, class A's? I mean folks, this isn't a fashion show, it's training for possibly life and death situations. I could go on point by point about the other poster's grievances but the simple fact is if you are going for handgun training and your biggest complaint is clothing I guess maybe he and I went for different reasons. I went to learn, and I did. A lot. These guys have it together, and it is presented really well. And I do appreciate the vet's discount as I am disabled as well. (Jason even thanked me for my service.) The only thing I can think of to improve the class is I wish they would offer a second, more advanced class on the legalities and possible situations that can arise. In five years when I have to reapply, I know where I'm going. Nuff said. read more

I am a former US Army Military Policeman. I am also a former Hennipen County Probation/Parole Officer. I did my due diligence before deciding on Metro Defense. The instructors were easy going and made everyone feel relaxed and integral. The class room was comfortable and roomy. The staff provided Caribou coffee and pastries. It showed me that they valued their clients. They also provide juice and water. The presentation was clear and to the point. The instructors were very personable and professional. They went to great lengths to insure all questions were answered and material clarified for those that were unsure. The staff provided lunch and continued to interact with students during breaks. Again, it just made me feel like I was attending a corporate training event. The emphasis on safety and procedure was top notch. They were focused on making all students feel comfortable and confident in the handling and operation of firearms. The instructors were not imposing their philosophy(s). They presented the concept of morality and the value of life. There was no unrealistic approach to the instruction. Michael and Jason both demonstrated very down to earth style coupled with a certain amount of charm. I found that they very open to the diversity of the class. Michael is very patient with new gun owners or those that have never shot before. I would recommend this class for females and I am encouraging my wife to take her training at Metro Defense. The instructors were able to provoke the students to determine their own sense of morality concerning the the ultimate question when it comes to self defense. The class went very quickly with interjections of both humor and seriousness. The shooting qualification portion was conducted at Seal Mindset in New Hope. It is a state of the art facility with a staff of prior Seals, FBI Swat, Army Rangers and other law enforcement.. The shooting range is beyond expectation. They offer multiple classes in firearm safety and tactics. It was incredible. Before going to the actual live fire range we were all given personal instruction on grip, stance and sighting with laser pistols. The Metro Defense instructors insured all were safe and confident before going for live fire. Once in the live fire evaluation you were teamed up one on one with an instructor. There was no pressure just focus on safety and technique. After qualifying the instructors presented students with certificate and detailed instructions and forms to apply for carry permit. A message for veterans - the staff at Metro Defense is pro-veteran and actually thanked veterans in class for their service. That was a very nice touch. They also offer considerable discounts for veterans that would appear to be just covering their cost. I will recommend Metro Defense to anyone, especially family, friends and all veterans. A special thanks to Michael (instructor) who made me feel that he was honored to have veterans attend his classes. A top notch program that is partnered with the most incredible shooting/training facility (Seal Mindset) that I have ever seen. Michael and Jason exuded professionalism, knowledge and mastery of the material. Both were very focused on safety, safety safety. They covered an abundance of very relevant material while not rushing through it. The professional appearance of the instructors and the training room were a real indication that I made the right choice in Metro Defense. They are centrally located and only a 5-10 minute drive from the range, a great range! The fact that Metro Defense has partnered with a private and exclusive facility such as Seal Mindset speaks legions to the integrity and focus on safety the Metro Defense team has demonstrated and thus earned the positive recognition from another group of elite professionals. read more