Frequently Asked Questions
36 State Carry / Personal Protection Course
Photo by Jason Shade © 2004
Shade's Landing Inc. -
NRA Certified Instructor(s)
Minnesota DPS Approved (As required by the 2005 MCPPA
law),
Utah
Certified Instructor(s) (Since
2003),
Florida,
Connecticut,
New Hampshire, Maine and Pennsylvania accepted/approved
Q: Another instructor states that they are the best - that "they are the man..." - what about your instructors.
While we compete with other instructors, we will not engage in denigrating their services to enhance our own.
Of course we believe that we deliver a solid product and it is one of the best training courses that you can find anywhere in the U.S. - not just Minnesota. Our lead instructors are certified by the NRA or come from the firearms industry, law enforcement or the legal profession. You get quality, timely and most important accurate information when you take a firearms training course from Shade's Landing Inc.
Additionally,we have business and/or backgrounds in education. It's not as if we started teaching yesterday. We've been at it for years. And it is those years of experience that make a difference in the classroom.
Q: Are you approved by the Minnesota DPS, Utah and North Dakota Bureaus of Criminal Investigation to teach courses meeting their training requirements?
A: Yes. However, Minnesota certifies ORGANIZATIONS as capable of training instructors to teach the Minnesota Personal Protection Act. They do not certify instructors (or at least are not supposed to according to law). Shade's Landing Inc. is a DPS certified organization and our instructors have been certified by Shade's Landing Inc. Further, our instructors have received training in multiple disciplines by the National Rifle Association, Minnesota DNR, and other local and national organizations.
Our co-owner is certified and recognized by the Utah BCI and the ND BCI as a training instructor capable of training individuals to the Utah and N.D. standards for concealed carry. We've been teaching to Utah and North Dakota permit applicants since 2003 - ask others how long they have been teach their Utah or North Dakota course.
Q: Do your carry classes qualify me for carrying in multiple states?
A: Yes. In fact we were the first to incorporate multi-state permitting into our courses here in Minnesota back in September 2003 by combining Minnesota, Utah and Florida permits.
The
current number of states that our students will be able to legally carry
in is 36 as
of 03/02/2008. See our discussion below.
Our Multistate-Carry-36 course combines training that meets the Minnesota legal requirements for a permit to carry and those of Utah (both qualify you for either a resident or non-resident permit depending on your primary residence status). Florida has also indicated that they would accept our training course as meeting their legal requirements for obtaining a non-resident or resident permit to carry. New Hampshire and Pennsylvania permits can be easily obtained once you have a permit to carry from your state of residence, as can other states that offer non-resident permits such as North Dakota, Connecticut, Maine and others.
By combining a resident Minnesota permit and non-resident Utah, Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut permits, you will be able to legally carry in 37 states with new ones being added almost daily. In addition we supply you with the applications for New Hampshire and Pennsylvania non-resident permits. You can also take the North Dakota permit test separate from our Multi-State carry course if you choose.
Our instructors are recognized by both the Minnesota DPS and Utah BCI as being approved and certified instructors in addition to being Certified North Dakota Test Administrators.
Currently, the combined effect of having a Minnesota permit to carry and a Utah permit (resident or non-resident) or the Florida (resident or non-resident) permit would be to qualify you for legal carry in over 30 states including Alaska and Vermont. NOTE: If you are a Minnesota resident, you can combine a Minnesota resident, and Florida, Utah, Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut non-resident permits and carry in 36 states! (source: Handgunlaws.us - check off MN, FL, UT, ME, NH, and CT). NOTE: Kansas passed their Personal Protection Act becoming a shall issue state in Oct 2007. So you can add them to the list below.
New Hampshire
AK*, AL, AZ, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, NC, ND, OK, PA, SD, TN,
UT, VT*, WY, NH
21 states with only New Hampshire for non-residents
North Dakota
AK*, AL, AR, AZ, CO, DE, FL, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO, MT, NC, NH, NM, OK, PA,
SD, TN, TX, UT, VT*, WY, ND
25 states for non-residents (adds AR, DE, MT, NM)
Minnesota
AK*, AZ, ID, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, MT, NM, OK, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT*,MN
29 states with Minnesota (Adds MI, KS, VA and MN)
Pensylvannia
AK*, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, OK, SD, TN,
TX, UT, VA, VT*, WV, WY. PA
30 States with PA (Adds PA)
Connecticut
AK*, AZ, ID, IN, KY, MI, MO, MT, OK, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT*, CT
31 States with CT (Adds CT)
Maine
AK*, AZ, ID, IN, KY, MI, MO, OK, SD, TN, UT, VT*, ME
32 states with Maine (Adds ME)
Florida
AK*, AL, AR, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, ND,
NM, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT*, WV, WY. FL
34 States with Florida (Adds FL and OH)
Utah
AK*, AL, AR, AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC,
ND, NH, NM, NV, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT*, WA, WY, UT
36 States with Utah (Adds NV and WA)
Res Permits only: CO, FL, KS, MI, NH, WVA
No carry law: WI, IL
* Alaska and Vermont do not require carry permits.
** Michigan only recognizes resident permits (MN, UT, CT, NH, FL, PA, ND)
(Current as of 10/25/2007, verify before carrying)
If you are a resident of Minnesota, or 47 other states and obtain a resident permit for your state, Michigan will recognize it and that gives you 36 states when you combine a Utah, Florida, Connecticut and Maine non-resident permit. (Verify before carrying).
Combined, and taking into account similar states where those permits are valid, you would be able to carry in 36 states.
Q: You are approved by Utah but what about Florida?
A: Yes - Florida recognizes our training. So you will be able to apply for the Florida permit with our training.
Florida is a great permit to obtain for residents or non-residents. It is currently the most recognized permit available. And you CAN get your Florida permit with our training. Florida's application fee is $117 which is paid to the State of Florida when you submit your application.
Utah on the other hand is the second most widely recognized permit available to residents and non-residents. However, Utah only requires a $65.25 processing fee to be paid for the background check and issuance of their permit.
We have many students who get both. Others find value in the Utah permit due to the low processing fee Utah charges.
Utah also requires instructors and their courseware be certified by the state of Utah, which we are and have been since September of 2003.
Q: Do I need to take a firearms course to get my Florida Permit?
A: Not necessarily. Florida recognizes seven different competencies that demonstrate proficiency with a firearm. From statutes 790.06 they are:
1. Completion of any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a similar agency of another state;
2. Completion of any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course;
3. Completion of any firearms safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
4. Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
5. Presents evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competition or military service;
6. Is licensed or has been licensed to carry a firearm in this state or a county or municipality of this state, unless such license has been revoked for cause; or
7. Completion of any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified or National Rifle Association certified firearms instructor;
A photocopy of a certificate of completion of any of the courses or classes; or an affidavit from the instructor, school, club, organization, or group that conducted or taught said course or class attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant; or a copy of any document which shows completion of the course or class or evidences participation in firearms competition shall constitute evidence of qualification under this paragraph; any person who conducts a course pursuant to subparagraph 2., subparagraph 3., or subparagraph 7., or who, as an instructor, attests to the completion of such courses, must maintain records certifying that he or she observed the student safely handle and discharge the firearm;
To sum it up, a copy of your honorable military discharge or DD-214, a hunters safety education course from the DNR, or any firearms course conducted by an NRA instructor, or any NRA course (such as Basic Pistol). Florida will accept any of the above evidence of competency.
Other states such as Minnesota, North Dakota and Utah (all of which we teach) require that the instructors are also approved by or certified by the state.
Q: How long is the North Dakota permit test and what's involved?
The North Dakota permit testing takes a little over an hour for the classroom training and the one-hour test.
The test is a 10 question multiple choice test. Each student receives a copy of the North Dakota permit manual in class to use for the test (IT MUST BE RETURNED). Students must score 100% on the test to pass and have up to one hour to answer the ten question test.
There is no live fire requirement for the North Dakota test.
Like Utah, North Dakota requires that Test Administrators be certified. We are certified test administrators for North Dakota.
Q: I lost my certificate (and/or Utah or ND applications) can you send me another signed copy of them?
Yes we can. There is a $10 lost document fee that we charge for replacement documents. Also be aware that you must submit your Utah application within six-months of taking the class. If you are outside that six-month window then call us to schedule re-taking a Utah class. There is a one-year application window from the time of your training for the Minnesota permit application and no time limit on the North Dakota, though according to a ND BCI spokesperson, they would like you to submit ND Weapons Permit applications within one year as well.
Q: I already have my Minnesota permit to carry. Can I take your course just for the Utah qualifications for their permit application?
A: Yes, we've had hundreds of students take our Advanced Carry course even though they took their Minnesota permit training elsewhere. You can take a Utah only class for $75 from us, or.. we offer current Minnesota permit holders a discount for our Multistate-36-state carry course (effective July 1st 2004). Either way you save.
Even if you don't have a Minnesota Permit to carry - you can get a Utah permit which allows non-resident carry in about 28 states including Minnesota (as of 2006 - check before you carry into other states to ensure the Utah non-resident is honored there.) The Utah only class is the one you would want to take.
Q: What is the L.F.T.S referred to in your new brochures?
A: The L.F.T.S. refers to our Laser Fire Training Simulator.

L.F.T.S. is particularly well suited for training students on marksmanship & safety fundamentals including range safety prior to any live fire exercises or range sessions.
We will be able to give individual feedback, and with the simulator and provide tips to students to make them better instinctive shooters. More important, we will be able to assess a student's firearms knowledge in a safe environment. Using our simulator, students experience actual shooting exercises designed to make them better defensive shooters and develop muscle memory.
Our simulator utilizes real pistols and revolvers and allows us to simulate jams, confirm the student understands and knows the fundamentals of safe firearms use, can safely load and unload a firearm and more.
This is just one more reason to choose our training over our competitors.

Q: What is the Minnesota training requirement of an "Actual Shooting Qualification Exercise". What does it mean?
A: A good question.
The MN BCA has recently ruled (12/04/2006) that "actual firearms" must be used in performing an actual shooting qualification exercise (which we have always used in our training). Note that the BCA has NO administrative law making capability under this law, but instead tied thier interpretation to the certification of companies that provide training (i.e. do it our way or lose certifcation).
Further, the BCA interpretation of the 2005 MCPPA law is one that requires "live fire" (though live fire is not explicitly stated in the law). The BCA Comissioner's office recently issued a ruling (though they have no administrative law powers under MCPPA) that MN Law requires an "actual shooting qualification exercise" which is interpreted by the MN BCA (the entity who certifies training organizations) to mean an exercise using "actual firearms". If an "actual firearm" is not used, then the certifying organization risks being de-certified.
However, note that Minnesota does not have a set course of "qualification" per se. There is no fixed course of fire specified by the law, no live fire requirment fixed by statute (though the BCA as stated above has issued their interpretation of the law), no minimum caliber and the exercise is NOT a test. We only fail students who do NOT perform the shooting exercise safely.
You qualify by performing it and by learning something in the process. If you need work on shooting accuracy, we work with you as the exercise is being performed. It is in all respects a learning experience and NOT a pass/fail proposition. It does however, require a trip to the range.
Q: Why is everybody charging over a $100 for the training?
A: Not everybody charges over $100. We offer a Minnesota only course for $75 and a Utah course for $75. Our Multi-State course combines multiple state requirements in a one-day course for $125 or $100 if you are an NRA member, or bring a friend, spouse or relative. So for $25 more than just our Minnesota course - you get it all.
Here is the best quote I've ever come across in regard to pricing:
John Ruskin (1819-1900)
It’s unwise to pay too much. But it’s worse to pay too little.
When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that is all.
When you pay too little you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you
bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.
The common law of business balances prohibits paying a little and getting a
lot. It can’t be done.
If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk
you
run.
And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.
There is hardly anything in the world that someone can’t make a little
worse
and sell a little cheaper—and people who consider price alone are this
man’s
lawful prey.
Keep that in mind when you choose your Firearms Training.
Q: Are the range fees included?
A: No. For courses that utilize a live fire and range component, the range fee is paid directly to the range by all students. The amount of the fee depends on the range and directly reflects their policies. It usually is no more than $12-$25. Sometimes we use public land to target shoot and conduct a live fire exercise.
Q: I am a new shooter and don't know much about firearms. Can I take your Personal Protection course?
A: Yes
Q: Can I qualify with a .22 caliber pistol?
A: Yes.
Although state laws for both MN and UT do not specify the minimum caliber or firearm to be used for carry or self-defense, we don't recommend a .22 unless you have a disability that precludes you from using a larger caliber, center-fire.
A .22 is just too light of a cartridge to be used for reliable self-defense purposes. Small handguns are available in .32 and .380 calibers. Some are excellent semi-auto firearms such as the Beretta Tomcat in .32 or the Bersa Thunder or better still, the German made version of the Walther PPK in .380 (it has a better action than the domestic version in my opinion). And of course there are excellent firearms by Glock and Walther in 9mm and .40 caliber as well. On the big-bore size there are .45, 10mm, and .357 Sig or .357 Mag. All make excellent calibers for carry and self-defense.
You choose a caliber and a firearm that is the largest caliber that you can accurately control and shoot.
The choice is yours. We won't erect any false or self-imposed barriers to your constitutional right to carry.
Q: I don't currently own a pistol, can I still take your course and what do you recommend I purchase?
A: Yes you can. You will qualify using one of our firearms.
You can also take the classroom portion of the course, and then schedule time with us to go shopping with you so that we may demonstrate and discuss various pistols and revolvers with you. Then after you decide on what is right for you, schedule range time to complete your course. We'll do that for you at no additional cost (we love looking at firearms!)
We recommend you purchase a firearm that:
Other factors may enter into your selection such as the manufacturer's reputation for quality and service, and the safety features found on the firearm. Price may also be a consideration but it should not be your primary concern when selecting a firearm to protect yourself and loved ones.
We cover all of this and more in our class. Also, no live ammo or loaded firearms are allowed in our classroom. Leave your firearm and ammo secured in your vehicle until we go to the range.
Q: How many students do you have in a class?
A: We typically run between 10 and 30 but will host a class of just about any size, We require a minimum of five students locally and 20 or more students when travel is over 100 miles from HQ.
Q: Why do you require registration prior to the class?
A: To ensure you have a seat in the class and so that we are able to put together all the course materials for your personal use. It takes us a full day to put together student packets and those include the production and pressing of our exclusive CD-ROM Reference that is yours to keep along with the other reference materials including text book(s) that we provide.
Q: Can I register for the class and pay at the door?
A: Yes. You must pre-register for the class by calling us or registering online, but you can pay at the door on the day of the class. You can pay your tuition fee with cash or credit card. We accept Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.
Q: Where do you hold your classes?
A: Class locations and range locations are subject to change. You can check on a specific class and location on our schedule page. We also provide you with maps to the location(s) on those pages and in your handouts in class.
Q: Do all of your students pass the training?
A: Not all will be certified even though we as instructors would like to see 100% graduation.
We reserve the right NOT to allow a student to receive a certificate for completion of our course for any reason we deem appropriate. Possible causes & reasons for not completing the course would be:
Q: If the legislature ever repeals the MCPPA, would I be eligible for a refund?
A: Fist we don't believe it will be repealed. No state that has passed a shall issue carry law has ever had it repealed. In answer to your question, the answer is no. In fact, in May of 2005, the legislature in Minnesota reenacted the MCPPA of 2003 after a Judge found it was passed in a method contrary to our state constitution.
Your training is still good as would be your Minnesota permit for the five years it is issued in Minnesota. Additionally, any multi-state permits that you apply for and obtain, would not be affected by the MCPPA. And you can still apply for a permit to your local Chief of Police (but it is a one-year permit instead of five year and the application fee is $10 instead of $100 under the MCPPA).
In fact, the 2005 legislature passed the MCPPA reenactment after a MN Judge (Judge Finley) declared the original law was unconstitutional based on the way it was originally passed. Instead of repeal, our state legislature has passed it twice.
Q: Why should I choose you for my firearms training?
A: For all the above reasons plus some. To summarize:
Feature |
Advantage |
Benefit |
Certified Training Organization |
Quality Instruction, many have NRA certifications,
and state designations. |
You receive firearms training and knowledge you can
bet your life on. |
Our instructors/Guest speakers have backgrounds in
business, military service, classroom instruction, gunsmithing, law enforcement
and the legal profession. |
The broadest possible perspectives on firearms, carrying
firearms in public, technical aspects of firearms, ammunition and
more! |
You won't suffer through myopic views of the topics
being discussed. |
We were the FIRST to offer
a Multi-State Course in Minnesota. Ours has been offered since September
2003. |
We are the most experienced Minnesota company & instructors
in regards to teaching a true Multi-State Carry course |
Accurate and timely information |
Multi-State Carry Course |
Carry in 36 states in the Union! |
You won't have to disarm on many cross country trips
you may take |
Laser Fire Training System |
Learn basic defensive shooting skills in exercises
that most live-fire ranges will not allow due to their liability |
Come away with tips and exercises on how to train
for violent encounters. Know what it takes to survive. |
Real life survivor and victim scenarios |
See what happens in our in-class videos where you
see real-life violent encounters. |
Analyze what went wrong and what you might do if
you similarly face such a violent encounter. |
Guest Speakers are frequently used |
Get more than one perspective on important carry
topics |
Being instructed by experts means that you take with
you a higher skill set when the class is over |
We teach more than just a carry course! |
All of your firearm training needs can be met by
one company! |
Long term relationships with a company and people
you can trust. |
Unlimited phone and e-mail after-class support! |
You are part of our alumni and we treat you as such |
Always get your questions answered. If we don't have
the answer we'll use our network of law enforcement professionals and
attorneys to get your question answered. |
Discounts on all future classes |
Saves you money |
Use that money for other things like a power lunch,
or perhaps one of training videos! |
Receive our Carry Newsletter |
Timely information on what's happening with our service
and product offerings |
Keeps you informed and up-to-date on any changes
in the law etc. |
We also distribute carry related products |
Shade's Landing Inc. is your one-stop shopping place
for carry related items such as training videos, clothing, and ammunition. |
Saves you time, and money! Former students get discounts
on select items. |
Priced for your budget! |
Firearms training you can afford |
Again you save money that you can use elsewhere!
Use the money you save on your next trip to Las Vegas, win at the slots,
become a millionaire and retire! Anything is possible when you train with
Shade's Landing Inc.! |
* NOTE: Our North Dakota training and exam are not included in our Multi-State Personal Protection course. The North Dakota permit training and exam are additional, and are offered at $25 and can be completed on the same day as our Personal Protection course offering.
Q: What are your instructor qualifications?
A: Good question! You should be concerned about the qualifications of your instructors.
Shade's
Landing Inc. instructors are: |
|
|
|
|
MCPPA Instructors
we have certified are: *
Call them for their class scheudles and pricing - Instructors must be on ACTIVE status or they can not teach MCPPA * Instructors we have certified are not employees of Shade's Landing Inc. |
|
Joel Charchenko |
David Chies |
William Drummond Eden Prairie MN STATUS: ACTIVE 612-207-6936 captaindrummond@yahoo.com Expires: 08-26-2011 |
Max Loder Burnsville MN 651-336-9564 STATUS: ACTIVE |
Terry W. Hartin |
Steven C. Lenhart |
Gene Naftulyev Chaska MN STATUS: INACTIVE (Requires 2008 update) (952) 906-1111 genen@mnccw.com Expires: 08-26-2011 |
|
Mark McCallum |
Benjamin Pena |
Joseph Siewert St. Paul MN STATUS: ACTIVE (651) 592-8885 Expires: 07/29/2012 |
Daryl Siewert St Paul MN STATUS: INACTIVE (Requires 2008 update) (651) 387-5633 biffieboy1969@msn.com Expires: 07/29/2012 |
Randy Terpstra Brooklyn Park MN STATUS: INACTIVE (Requires 2008 update) (763) 300-6719 tdelta@onebox.com Expires: 08-26-2011 |
Doug Tuchtenhagen Chaska STATUS: ACTIVE (218) 779-4816 Expires: 03-26-2012 |
Nathan Vilmain Cologne MN STATUS: INACTIVE (Requires 2008 update) nathan.vilmain@advantagemn.com Expires: 02-18-2012 |
Steve Wein Cologne MN STATUS: INACTIVE (Requires 2008 update) (952) 250-4772 wein@sendoutcards.com Expires: 02-18-2012 |
Guest Speakers (Present and Past)
We utilize guest speakers to teach the use of deadly force and the law in our Personal Protection Courses. Our Guest Speakers are highly qualified experts in the use of deadly force and the law.
Shade's Landing Inc.
POB 240653
Apple Valley Minnesota 55124
(952) 891-1537 || (952) 431-6733 (Fax)
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