Wish I could rate higher, but trainer/owner professionalism trumps course experience…read more 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.

Selecting Metro Defense from the many available choices for my Minnesota CCW class turned out to be…read morea 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.

Such a beautiful gem of a place nearby This place is very…read moreold fashioned and cozy. They have a series of women's leagues that hone in your skills. Events throughout the year and a banquet for awards that is very member centered and generous. Owner's are very nice, they know your name and treat you like a friend you've known for years. They also offer classes and trainings. This is a good spot to start whether you are a beginner or a pro. Definitely highly absolutely recommend

The girl helping was extremely rude and impatient. They also don't rent any guns there. So make…read moresure you bring your own.

I had a 1 on 1 instruction with Josh. I took this to get back into the groove after life got busy…read moreand I hadn't practiced in over 6 months. I couldn't recommend it more!!! Josh was incredibly personable, answered all of my questions and was sure that I completely understood everything he shared with me. He genuinely cares about the people he trains I can tell! I left feeling more confident in my knowledge and skills brought back up. Obviously I will continue training as with this it is vital to keep sharp, but I am so glad I went through Josh! All of the good reviews you see about him are true! And if you take a look at the picture, that is my first shot in over 6 months under his instruction! (I think it's pretty good) For all of you wanting to brush up your skills, at any level- go through Josh! You won't regret it!

Do your research before buying a gun here. You will get ripped off if not. I Paid $900 for a Glock…read more19 that came with 2 10+1 mag in a pinch when I needed a gun to protect myself. And $80 for 50 rounds. Its been a few years now and own a few guns and learned never to get ripped off again .Thanks for the expensive lesson. Never going back. It was almost 1200 with tax and everything . Gun and 50 round. Crazy. Expensive mistake. The 10 round mags . Really?

Bill's is the best Range I've found in the northern Minneapolis area. I shoot at Circle Pines…read moreregularly, my Bronze membership is more than covered with the money I save on lane rental. I've rented two handguns to test fire, again, my membership saves me money, but the regular price isn't beyond average costs elsewhere. Bills also has days of the week where lanes and firearm rental are discounted for senior citizens, youth and female shooters. Ammunition, yes. It can be somewhat higher priced than buying in bulk on-line or waiting for a sale at a sporting goods store. Even as a member, I pay full price for the rounds of ammunition I use through a rental firearm. I don't have a problem with this, remembering I'm firing one of their firearms. Requiring instore purchase keeps ammunition an absolute factor: this is reasonable. It also prevents an individual from firing some inferior quality or self-loaded rounds which might damage the firearm. I've sold two relatively new firearms at Bills and received a very fair price. Much better than I could have received at a pawn shop. The potential offer was explained to me, a flat percentage based on the salable value. No surprises. The manager at Circle Pines is generally in during the mid to late afternoon so the process might take some time but I had cash in my hand same day. I'm fully satisfied with the purchases I've made. I could have paid a few dollars less, could just as easily paid a few more. What matters is the way the individual guns were presented to me, compared for me, and explained. Excellent customer service! I've also found it easy to get advice, especially when considering an optic. Red dot, green dot, field of view. I'm farsighted and that became part of the discussion to find the right item. I've also asked at the counter for an opinion about bore laser zeroing, something I had just learned about. The only downside to the Circle Pines shop is they don't have a gunsmith on site. Robbinsdale does, and the work done there is first rate: installing night sights on a subcompact pistol, a new grip assembly on a compact. In my experience, turnaround time is negligible. I did pay the 25-dollar same day fee each time: it turned out to be "same hour". though my service didn't involve repair or expensive upgrades

If you want to get raped of your money to shoot a few rounds go to this range. Terrible and rude…read morestaff and they charged us 50$ per box of rounds. Not sure if the worker charged us extra or if this is what they usually charge but the pricing is diabolically horrendous. If i could give 0 stars I would. Worst gun range experience in my life!

This was my first time being here. The location is very clean and welcoming. The staff is very…read morefriendly and knowledgeable. The lanes are normal but everything worked as it should and it was an enjoyable experience.

I'm glad I found this place! The staff is very friendly and willing to help as soon as I walk in…read more The location is very welcoming and professional. I visit regularly to rent a lane, by myself or with a friend. I've used them as my FFL, and have purchased firearms from them as well. I'll definitely be looking in to their memberships, next time I'm in!

Polite, helpful, informative, kind, and nonjudgmental! Always a great place to learn and explore…read moreand ask questions! Thanks

Came in today and the black male with the slicked-back hair at the range desk had a terrible…read moreattitude. He was being very short and acting like he didn't want to be there. I saw he was helping another client, so I moseyed around for a bit, grabbed some targets, and set them up on the desk. I noticed his attitude right away with the other customer. When the customer asked him a question, he didn't respond at first, and when he finally did, he sounded like a pouting child who was upset that the guy had to ask him what caliber gun was on the wall. As things continued, he stacked a gun case on top of the targets. When I got close enough, he told me to put my targets back on the rack and basically get out of the way so he could finish helping the other client. I have never experienced service like this at this location before. This used to be my go-to place. I felt safe and comfortable here. I started my firearms journey here, and I just recently updated my CCW here with another gentleman who was courteous and professional. But because of today's experience, I will never return to this location again because of that employee. I will also be posting this same review on other social media platforms.

Courteous and very helpful, made sure that I was comfortable and that I was going to have a good…read moreexperience. Would recommend that shooting range to anyone. .

The staff is fantastic! They're always ready to lend a helping hand and truly make your experience…read moreenjoyable. Don't miss out on this great service!

Lots of parking, easy to find. Haven't done anything here other than use the range for an hour…read moreevery once in a while. People at the desk are really nice and accommodating, make the process easy to get checked in and off to a lane. Merchandise and other accessories seemed on par with other places I've been. Worth a visit if you're trying to shred some paper.

Great service and pleasant experience. We enjoyed the range, and had a nice conversation with other…read morepatrons. Had a recommendation on a reloader which turned out to be perfect for me.