Loading...
Loading...
Plane Cents Self Defense has been the budget-conscious shooter's choice since the passage of Minnesota's Personal Protection Act in 2003. Owner Joe Penaz built this operation on a simple principle: your right to carry shouldn't depend on having extra cash.
Own Plane Cents Self Defense?
01 // DETAILS
Full description and what we offer
Plane Cents Self Defense has been the budget-conscious shooter's choice since the passage of Minnesota's Personal Protection Act in 2003. Owner Joe Penaz built this operation on a simple principle: your right to carry shouldn't depend on having extra cash.
While most Minnesota instructors charge $125 to $200 for Permit to Carry certification, Plane Cents keeps their fee at $75 and includes everything you need:
11,000+ students trained since 2003. Endorsed by Carver County background check supervisors, county prosecutors, and law enforcement officials who've sat in on classes.
Every Plane Cents class covers the three legally required topics:
1. Fundamentals of pistol use — safe handling, mechanics, and responsible operation 2. Legal aspects of firearm possession and carry — Minnesota laws, self-defense rules, restrictions on deadly force, and what you need to know to stay out of trouble 3. Shooting qualification — minimum 25 rounds fired under supervision to demonstrate competence
Instructor qualifications matter. Joe Penaz is a Certified Instructor with over 400 hours of formal firearms training, including:
| Location | Address | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Waconia (South) | 8775 Airport Rd, Waconia, MN 55387 | Indoor range, firearms & ammo provided, most convenient for West Metro |
| Akeley (North) | 1MN2 Airport, 28894 190th St, Akeley, MN 56433 | Airport hanger location, private classes available |
| Glencoe | Shady Lane Sportsman Club, 3.4 miles west of Glencoe on Highway 212 | New pistol range, lodge setting with wildlife mounts |
Don't see a time that works? Private classes available at any location for groups of 2 or more, including odd hours for shift workers and busy schedules.
Regular offerings throughout the year with Saturday 10 A.M. and Wednesday 6 P.M. time slots. Check their schedule page for all upcoming dates. All classes are prepaid online (with credit card or PayPal, plus $3.50 processing fee) or by check mailed at least two days in advance.
Plane Cents doesn't waste money on fancy websites or expensive overhead. Joe built and maintains the site himself. More importantly: this isn't how he makes his living. As one of the original instructors certified in 2003, he's been serving Minnesota shooters for over two decades and has trained over 11,000 students. The low price reflects a commitment to accessibility, not cutting corners on instruction quality.
Plane Cents also stocks Glock 42 and Glock 43X pistols (with 43X specifically noted as hard to find). Contact Joe at 612-327-3490 or [email protected] for current inventory and questions.
Their website includes links to: - Minnesota BCA permit application and FAQs - County Sheriff's Offices (Carver, Hennepl, Ramsey) - Multi-state reciprocity information via HandgunlawsUS and USA Carry - Florida Permit to Carry application process - USCCA self-defense liability insurance - Partner retailers: Gun Stop (Minnetonka), Little Crow Sports (Hutchinson), Cabin Fever (Victoria), Ammo Craft (Hopkins)
Students should be familiar with basic gun handling and safety before attending. The course assumes you know the fundamental rules but covers them thoroughly. Whether you're a first-time carrier or upgrading your credentials, Plane Cents delivers professional instruction without the premium price tag.