Personal Defense Academy

Whether you are completely new to firearms, seeking a permit to carry, or looking to advance your skills and preparedness, our course catalog is designed to guide you through a range of courses tailored to meet your needs.

Comprehensive Training for Safe, Confident and Responsible Firearms Ownership

Welcome to our Personal Firearm Training Program!

Our modular program allows you to choose the training that fits your current level and goals. From foundational skills in firearm handling to advanced decision-making and emergency medical response, each module stands on its own but also connects seamlessly with others to build a comprehensive safety mindset and skill set.

Inside this catalog, you will find detailed descriptions of each course, including objectives, duration, prerequisites, and who will benefit most. We also provide suggested learning pathways to help you plan your training journey effectively.

We encourage you to explore the options and select the courses that best align with your personal goals for safety, proficiency, and confidence. Our experienced instructors are committed to providing high-quality, practical training in a supportive environment.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or for guidance on selecting the right courses for you.

Stay vigilant.

Sincerely,

Elliott Gilchrist
Director of Training
Bill’s Gun Shop & Range

Person aiming handgun at indoor shooting range with safety gear.

Winter 2026 Course Catalog

Table of Contents

1. How to Handle a Gun

This comprehensive course is designed for beginners and permit seekers who want to build a solid foundation in firearm handling. You will learn the fundamentals of safely handling striker-fired pistols (such as Glock 19, 43x, and similar size guns), including grip, stance, trigger control, loading/unloading, dry-fire techniques, malfunction clearing, basic maintenance, and storage. The course also includes live-fire practice with 100+ rounds to build confidence and proficiency.

Course Details

  • Cost: $119
  • Duration: 6 hours

Who Should Enroll

  • Individuals new to firearms seeking hands-on foundational training.
  • Permit seekers looking to prepare for qualification.

Prerequisites

  • Bring your own firearm and ammunition OR rent a firearm and purchase ammunition in-store.

2. Permit to Carry or Renewal Class (Multi State)

This state-mandated course covers the legal requirements, rules of the road, use-of-force laws, safe firearm handling, and live-fire qualifications necessary to obtain a Permit to Carry. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the laws governing pistol carry and demonstrate competency through live-fire qualification.

Course Details

  • Cost: $119
  • Duration: 4 hours

Prerequisites

  • The ability to safely operate the firearm being used to complete the qualification.

3. Street Smart Safety & Urban Awareness

Learn to navigate today’s urban environment with confidence. This practical training focuses on developing the skills and mindset needed to recognize potential risks, avoid dangerous situations, and respond effectively when faced with threats.

Learn proven strategies for maintaining situational awareness, protecting yourself during everyday activities like commuting or running errands, and enhancing your personal security at home and in public spaces. This course empowers you to be proactive about your safety by building habits that keep you alert, prepared, and street smart.

Course Details

  • Cost: $49
  • Duration: 2 hours

Who Should Enroll:

  • Anyone seeking to improve personal safety in urban or crowded environments.
  • Permit holders wanting to complement their firearm training with strong awareness skills.
  • Individuals interested in practical techniques to reduce risk in daily life.

Prerequisites

  • None

4. Practical Concealed Carry & Holster Skills

Learn practical skills for safely and effectively carrying a concealed firearm using various holster types. This course covers holster selection, proper fit, carrying positions, drawing and re-holstering techniques, vehicle carry considerations, magazine management, retention basics, and defensive techniques. Includes hands-on practice with blue guns and holsters.

Course Details

  • Cost: $119
  • Duration: 4 hours

Who Should Enroll:

  • Permit holders seeking to improve concealed carry proficiency.
  • Individuals interested in practical everyday carry skills.

Prerequisites

  • None

5. Virtual Decision-Making Range Session

An interactive, scenario-based training session designed to develop judgment and decision-making skills under realistic conditions. Using virtual simulations or video-based drills, students will analyze potential threats and apply use-of-force principles in controlled environments.

Course Details

  • Cost: $99
  • Duration: 2 hours

Who Should Enroll:

  • Individuals seeking advanced training in firearm decision-making.
  • Students preparing for real-world defensive situations.

Prerequisites

  • Completion of either How to Handle a Gun (Module 1) or Permit to Carry Class (Module 2) is required before enrolling in this course.

6. Stop the Bleed

Go from bystander to lifesaver. Participants in the course will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control it with three quick techniques- direct pressure application, wound packing, and tourniquet use. This course empowers individuals to act decisively in trauma situations to save lives before professional help arrives. First-aid supplies used in this course are available for purchase at Bill’s.

Course Details

  • Cost: $49
  • Duration: 2 hours

Who Should Enroll:

  • Anyone interested in trauma response skills.
  • Firearm owners and permit holders.

Prerequisites

  • None

7. Emergency First Response (CPR, AED, First-Aid)

Comprehensive training in first aid fundamentals, CPR for all ages, AED use, and emergency management prepares students to respond effectively to medical emergencies.

Course Details

  • Cost: $149
  • Duration: 6-8 Hours (Roughly 3 hours of self-paced video instruction and 4 hours in-person, hands-on training)

Who Should Enroll:

  • Individuals seeking certification in first aid and CPR.
  • Firearm owners wanting complete emergency preparedness.

Prerequisites

  • None

8. ONLINE Multi-State Concealed Carry or Permit Renewal Course

A great option for seasoned permit holder seeking renewal or individuals who can safely handle and shoot their firearm. This online course can be completed at your leisure and is designed to satisfy the Minnesota requirements for handgun proficiency and classroom lecture. Through a series of online lessons permit seekers will train themselves on how to properly react while carrying a firearm. Participants will be eligible to apply for their Minnesota, Wisconsin, or North Dakota Carry Permit or renew current carry permit. Please note that you will be required to schedule and shoot qualification in-store after completing the online lessons.

Course Details

  • Cost: $119
  • Duration: Self-paced

Who Should Enroll:

  • Individuals seeking to obtain or renew a Minnesota, Wisconsin or North Dakota Permit to Carry

Prerequisites

  • The ability to safely operate the firearm being used to demonstrate proficiency.

9. Customized Private Training

Whether you are a beginner or advanced shooter, we can tailor training to your needs. Work one-on-one with an expert instructor to gain confidence and sharpen skills. We offer flexible scheduling to find a time that works for you. Fee includes instructor, classroom materials, range fee, firearms rental, ear and eye protection. Ammunition and targets not included but available for purchase. Add a friend or family member for $75.

Course Details

  • Cost: $75/hour
  • Duration: Minimum of 2 hours

Who Should Enroll:

  • Beginners or advanced shooters looking for private training.

Prerequisites

  • None

10. Suggested Course Sequences & Pathways

Pathway A: New to Firearms & Emergency Preparedness

  1. How to Handle a Gun (6 hours)
  2. Permit to Carry Class (4 hours)
  3. Practical Concealed Carry & Holster Skills (4 hours)
  4. Systems of Vigilance (2 hours)
  5. Stop the Bleed (2 hours)
  6. Emergency First Response (6-8 hours)
  7. Virtual Decision-Making Range Session (2 hours)

Pathway B: Permit Holders Looking to Improve Safety Mindset & Concealed Carry Skills

  1. Systems of Vigilance (2 hours)
  2. Practical Concealed Carry & Holster Skills (4 hours)
  3. Stop the Bleed (2 hours) — Optional but recommended
  4. Emergency First Response (6-8 hours) — Optional but recommended
  5. Virtual Decision-Making Range Session (2 hours)

Pathway C: Beginners Interested in Personal Safety (No Immediate Desire to Carry)

  1. Systems of Vigilance (2 hours)
  2. Optional: How to Handle a Gun (6 hours) or Practical Concealed Carry & Holster Skills (4 hours) if pursuing proficiency later
  3. Optional: Stop the Bleed (2 hours) and Emergency First Response (6-8 hours) for broader emergency preparedness

Pathway D: Experienced Shooters Seeking Skill Refreshers or Medical Training

  • Enroll directly in Virtual Decision-Making Range Session (2 hours) after completing prerequisites elsewhere
  • Consider Stop the Bleed and Emergency First Response courses for enhanced emergency response skills

11. Enrollment Options

  • Single Module Enrollment: Choose based on your needs and interests.
  • Combined Packages: Bundled courses available for comprehensive training with pricing benefits.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Modules offered separately or combined into full-day sessions.

Book Your Training Today!

To view current course schedules and book your training class, visit the class schedule page for your nearest Bill’s location.

Our Firearm Training Instructors

Get to know the professionals behind our training programs. Each instructor brings years of experience and a passion for helping shooters grow their skills.

Firearm Training FAQs

Have questions about prerequisites, what to bring, or how to prepare? Our FAQ page covers everything you need to know before your class.

Can't Make it to Class?

Life happens—we get it. If you need to cancel or reschedule your class, please contact us in advance. Our full cancellation and refund policy is outlined on the dedicated policy page.

Have a Question?
We're Here to Help!

Reach out with any training questions you have or contact us to schedule private training. Just stop by your nearest Bill’s Gun Shop & Range location or fill out the contact form and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.

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