I took the permit to carry class (available for a great deal on Groupon) and had Nick as an instructor. HE WAS GREAT!! He was knowledgeable, used real life scenarios, and made what could have been a long and boring morning into an interesting, educational, and highly beneficial morning. He has a lot of patience, was helpful in the range, and answered everyone's questions. The facility was a little chilly and the range was outdoors (i went to the Minnetrista location) so bundle up if you're going in the winter or fall. Also, although you get breaks there is no food places around the class site, so eat before or bring a snack along. Oh, another great thing about taking a class through these guys is that they offer great deals AFTER you've completed the class. Ammo, firearms, ffl transfers, classes, etc. You really can't go wrong taking a class from them!! read more

This is a basic course - our group included seasoned handgun owners, all the way down to people taking the class because they were thinking about seeing if it was something they were even interested in. I feel that even though I had a fairly good knowledge of the laws and how to handle a gun safely, I still got a fair amount out of the course. Nick is a great instructor and moved swiftly from topic to topic yet made sure everyone was comfortable with the questions/responses and up to speed on what was most important from each section. The shooting qualification was also good, he explained the process in detail, probably 2-3 times, to ensure everyone knew what to expect and where they needed to be. Definitely going to take additional courses from NCA and Midwest Carry Academy - think it is very well worth the money and time spent to do so. read more

I attended my conceal and carry class with them when they were Midwest Carry Academy. I can still remember Nick as a trainer as he exceeded my expectations for an instructor. The class had a wide range of audience from people who have never shot a gun and seeing if it was something they were interested in to veterans who were renewing their license. Because of this range of experience there was some time spent on very basic things that anyone that has handled a gun should know (if they didn't know those things they shouldn't have been handling a firearm). I would have preferred an option for a class for people who know their way around guns and know the simple firearm rules. However, I am glad that they took the time to discuss things for the inexperienced. I've recommended friends to them for a CC permit. read more

Took the class last Spring with my son. Wonderful experience and superb instructor. May I offer a suggestion? Since C&C laws vary by State and after each annual legislative session, it would be helpful to receive a regular (perhaps monthly) e-mail from you with an update coupled with a "reminder" about safety, new products, new training classes etc. This would be a powerful way to continue Marketing to your Loyal Audience, by keeping The National Carry Academy name out in front of them. One of the Marines I work with sends a one minute reminder each week to keep all of us "on our toes." Regular Reminders help me focus without being a burden. Pray "The Best Man" wins this contest. Bill Sullivan Minneapolis, Mn. read more

I took the permit to carry class with Nick and I was very pleased with what I learned there. He did an excellent job of not only going over the course material, but also providing "real world" examples. Anyone that had any questions, he was more than happy to provide an answer or said he would get back to them if he didn't know. To me that really shows a willingness to teach. I'm looking forward to purchasing my first firearm and will certainly consider NCA for shooting and safety courses.... really nice people. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because I have never taken a course like this at any other place so I have nothing to compare it to. But Nick made it very comfortable to be there, especially on the range, and I wouldn't hesitate to go back there. read more

I got my conceal and carry from them. I wasn't very familiar with the whole CC idea but knew I wanted to get on. A few of my friends had said good things about this place... It was Midwest carry academy when I was there. The staff was great. Very knowledgeable and easy to approach with questions. When it came to explaining what a CC was and why someone would get one, the instructors were very good at giving examples or who might and who might not want to get a CC. they also were very helpful at the range as well when it came to the shooting qualification part of the class. I would recommend these guys to anyone looking for training with firearms. I had a great time and learned quite a few things as well. read more

I attended the refresher course for my Mn conceal carry permit. The class was conducted in a professional manner and wouldn't hesitate to use them again. I've read the negative review and to tell you the truth I didn't have the same experience. My experience couldn't be further from that writers experienced. If the Instrucor is Certified and they provide the needed documentation for the State of Mn conceal carry permit or renewal that's all I need. I think they need to encourage attendees to rate their experience on Yelp or other rating services to get a bette/bigger picture of the quality of training. read more

National Carry Academy produced a great training course for this relative beginner to learn the basics. It was well paced (for me) and the accompanying video did an excellent job of illustrating what was being said. The only down side was a bit of difficulty getting registered for the online course. I went through Groupon so the problems may lie there, but both the Groupon and NCA representatives diligently worked with me in order to get every sorted out properly. Definitely give NCA a try for not only your basic but also follow-on learning. You will not be disappointed! read more

I took the online class and it was really informative. I decided to download the video to my Computer so even after I watched the official video online, I went back a few times and watched and listened to it. That way I got the chance to replay it numerous times at different points in the video. Drove out a little west of Lake Minnetonka and the instructor was nice. Gort to shoot a little bit more after the test was done. The online course was really the only way I could of done it at the time since have a baby in the house. I went through Groupon in February/March 2015. read more

I took the basic C&C course and was impressed with the instructor and how much information he provided our class. He made sure that everyone understood the topics/ laws before moving on. He did a very good job of making people in the class think about real life situations and how you should go about dealing with them. The instructor was very passionate when it came to knowledge and gun safety and really knew what he was talking about. I wish we had a little more instruction when it came to the range, but overall a great class. read more

I took the basic carry class that is a prerequisite of obtaining a CC license. I was expecting the classroom portion to be dull, but the instructor used entertaining stories of his person experience in law enforcement to teach the required concepts. This kept me interested throughout the classroom session. Target practice was, of course, the highlight of the class. The instructor's professionalism kept us all safe despite a wide range of skill and experience levels of the students. I highly recommend this course. read more

I took a conceal and carry class back when it was Midwest Carry Academy, and it was fantastic. Larry was the instructor and was very helpful and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed that the permit wasn't forced on anyone but explained in a way where it was for certain people and not for others. When it came to range qualifications Larry was there to help everyone. He could not have provided a more safe environment. I could not recommend these guys enough. read more

As someone new to firearms, but eager to learn and obtain my concealed handgun permit, I found their instruction extremely helpful. They are knowledgeable about legal considerations of lethal force application, and did a very good job of explaining the things to keep in mind, if such an unfortunate circumstance presents itself. I would feel very confident attending further courses or training from Midwest/National Carry Academy. read more

National Carry Academy is exactly as they advertise. A really good place for receiving your concealed carry training and your certificate so you can apply and receive your concealed carry permit. Make sure this is the course you need for the state you are applying for. I am applying for a non-resident in another state and this is what they require. My state requires a different course to receive the permit here. read more

My husband and I took the basic class and were very happy with the instruction and the instructor. The facility was minimalist and at a shooting range and this suited our needs perfectly. There was nothing sketchy about them at all. We received our certificate and applied for/received our permit. Mission accomplished . We were satisfied with the class and are considering going back for additional training. read more

I bought an instructional video through Groupon, and the validation code I was given did not work. It overcharged me nearly $50. When I complained, Groupon gave me an email address and phone number for National Carry Academy, neither of which worked. After seeing other reviews naming Groupon as the vendor for these bogus products, they are now on notice as a supporter of fraud. Don't buy anything from NCA. read more

GREAT TRAINING ACADEMY AND VERY INFORMATIVE!! WOULD DEFINITELY DO IT AGAIN! My brother in-law and I took the course in Prior Lake almost 2 years ago. I got a deal through Groupon after acquiring my purchase permit and decided to take the course together. I'd definitely recommend National Carry Academy to anyone that's willing to take a stand to protect themselves and/or their family. read more

I took a conceal and carry course and the instructors were very knowledgeable and ready to help with any questions. I plan on taking more classes from them in the future. The conceal and carry course is the minimum the states require and I think people should advance their education and proficiency before they carry guns in public. National Carry Academy is the place to do it. read more

Most excellent class. I went into this a bit nervous and intimidated as I have not handled handguns in the past. There were people from all levels of experience in the class. The instructors are very knowledgable and patient. They made sure that everyone fully understood the awesome responsibility it is to carry. I will be encouraging my wife to attend this class. read more