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Howe Safety & Defense was founded on a straightforward premise: give people the knowledge and skills to defend themselves and their families from violence and threats of harm. Owner and Principal Instructor Michael R. Howe brings genuine depth to the mission—he's not just a firearms instructor. Mich...
Own Howe Safety & Defense?
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Full description and what we offer
Howe Safety & Defense was founded on a straightforward premise: give people the knowledge and skills to defend themselves and their families from violence and threats of harm. Owner and Principal Instructor Michael R. Howe brings genuine depth to the mission—he's not just a firearms instructor.
Michael holds a B.S. and M.S. in Occupational Safety & Health from Colombia Southern University, an A.S. in Law Enforcement from Rochester Community & Technical College, and maintains certifications including Certified Safety & Health Manager (CSHM), Certified School Safety Manager (CSSM), and OSHA authorization as both a Construction and General Industry Trainer. By day, he's the Safety & Security Director for a community and technical college in Southern Minnesota, overseeing all campus safety programs and providing regulatory consultation.
On the firearms side: NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Instructor, USCCA Certified Instructor, Minnesota Citizens Personal Protection Act (MCPPA) Approved Instructor, Texas A&M-certified Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Instructor, and graduate of The Law of Self-Defense's advanced instructor program.
"You carry a gun so you're hard to kill. Know the law so you're hard to convict." — Attorney Andrew F. Branca, The Law of Self-Defense, LLC
Howe Safety & Defense is Minnesota Department of Public Safety-approved and authorized to certify Minnesota firearms instructors. This isn't a fly-by-night operation.
Howe Safety & Defense keeps classes small specifically so students can ask questions and interact directly with the instructor. This classroom environment drives discussion, material retention, and actual learning—not just checking a box.
Classes incorporate practical training tools and exercises directly into the curriculum. For concealed carry courses, they use SIRT training pistols and rubber simulation pistols in the classroom so students get hands-on feedback before the shooting qualification.
If you're nervous about the qualification: it's 70% accuracy on an 8" x 11" target at a maximum distance of 21 feet. The majority of students taking these classes are new to firearms or handguns specifically. Instructors work with each student individually to maintain safety and provide coaching on shooting fundamentals as needed.
If you don't own a handgun, you can use theirs for free. If you fail the qualification, you can schedule a private lesson at additional cost to work on fundamentals and try again.
Howe Safety & Defense conducts classes at outdoor shooting ranges throughout Southern Minnesota:
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| New Richland Area Sportsmen's Club | 23236 State Hwy 13, New Richland, MN 56072 |
| Cedar Valley Conservation Club | 25026 US Hwy 218, Austin, MN 55912 |
| The "20" Rifle & Pistol Club | 1675 Northwest 50th Street, Medford, MN 55049 |
If you're serious about your personal protection and want actual instruction—not just a permit-to-carry rubber stamp—Howe Safety & Defense works well for:
Sign up through their website by selecting your course, venue, date, and time. Private classes require contacting the lead instructor within 24-48 hours of purchase to confirm dates.
Cancel at least 48 hours before class for a refund (minus transaction fees). Less than 48 hours = 100% fee. No-shows also forfeit the full amount. If Howe Safety & Defense cancels, you get a full refund including transaction fees.
Replacement certificates are $10. Contact the office and they'll send one out.
Howe Safety & Defense also certifies independent instructors to teach their curriculum. Jason Shade at Shade's Landing, Inc./Tactical Firepower offers courses including Permit-to-Carry, Basic Pistol Training, Lady's Handgun, Tactical Firepower Defensive Handgun/Carbine, MN BCA Firearms Instructor Certification, and private lessons.
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