Ballistic Defense

Ballistic Defense operates firearms instruction across Minnesota through a team of instructors with real experience in law enforcement, competitive shooting, and firearms instruction. They don't just teach—they've actually done the work.

This is the legal requirement for concealed carry in Minnesota. The 4.5+ hour course covers:

• •Fundamentals of pistol use
• •Legal aspects of possession, carry, and use
• •Self-defense laws and deadly force restrictions
• •Live-fire qualification (50 rounds minimum)

Students bring their own handgun and ammunition, or rent one of their class pistols for $20. Classes held in Canby (Canby Sportsman's Club) and Madison (Lac qui parle County multimedia room). The course also qualifies for Florida non-resident permit, giving access to seven additional states: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Texas.

"I learned a lot about the MN regs on conceal/carry. Cole was very informative and answered all questions completely. Not many people are aware of the legal/physical repercussions of discharging a firearm in a real life situation." - Christy W.

"Even after taking a class a year ago from another instructor, Cole's class was very informative and easy to follow. I learned something new." - Dave T.

Four-hour class focused on handgun fundamentals from a self-defense angle. Two-to-one student-to-instructor ratio ensures hands-on learning.

Covers: - Safety, stance, grip - Sight alignment and picture - Trigger control and follow-through - Reloads and malfunction clearing - Real-world self-defense application

Requires 200 rounds minimum ammunition. Rental pistols available ($20) if you don't own one yet. Held at 17248 470th Ave, Goodwin SD.

"The instructors were very respectful. They didn't make me feel like a 'blonde bimbo' the way you sometimes get at auto repair shops. Perfect class for women learning basic safety and handgun fundamentals." - Melissa M.

• •Handgun Red Dot Sight Transition - Agency course

Red dot sights on handguns solve some problems and create others. This course addresses the real issues:

• •Lens fogging or mud coverage
• •Battery failure scenarios
• •Dot washout with weapon-mounted lights
• •Finding the dot under stress
• •Sight picture and presentation with red dots

Designed to be brought directly to your agency. Can be marketed to fill space if you don't have enough officers. Taught at Swift County (June 18, 2025 at 0900). Contact for pricing.

• •Handgun Red Dot Instructor Course - $425 (2 days)

Certified firearms instructors only. Covers the same red dot issues but trains you to teach it. Includes low-light training. April 7-8, 2026, hosted by Dakota County Sheriff's Office.

AR15/M16 Armorer Course

Build and maintain platform-specific expertise. Available as agency training.

Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Certification

Full instructor-level training for agencies building internal training capacity.

Armed Vehicle Response

Specialized tactical training for armed response scenarios.

• •Phone: 320-321-0237
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Facebook: facebook.com/ballisticdefense

You can sign up for scheduled public classes or host a class at your location. If your group doesn't fill a class, they'll market it to help recruit other students. Private groups can schedule their own dates.