Wish I could rate higher, but trainer/owner professionalism trumps course experience…read more Let's start with the positive: I'm a professional trainer and instructional designer by trade. I'm also a former Marine Corps Military Police Officer. While I could geek out on the training, there's no need. If you choose Metro Defense Training, you will accomplish the learning objectives and have the basic foundation set (for future practice and training). The training itself was fine. I thought the information was presented well. They used good, illustrative examples and anecdotal situations to correlate the learning objectives. The learning environment was fine. It was basic classroom. They did provide doughnuts and coffee/water/juice which was a nice touch. With that said, please remember this is a foundation for further training and skills practice. And as a foundation, it succeeds. Don't expect any any intro course to provide of the knowledge and skills necessary for a strong personal defense plan (handgun weapons oriented). The Veteran's discount is appreciated. They offer a better discount than other local defense training organizations. Kudos. Now the constructive criticism: I found to Michael to be unprofessional. I thought the range location was too far away. Details: Micheal was dressed like a slob. As a fellow trainer, I can't imagine showing up for my trainees in jeans (falling down) and a ratty t-shirt. I'm not saying you should have a shirt and tie for this, but some pants that fit and a shirt with a collar seem like a minimum. Also, early in the class, Micheal used the tails of his t-shirt to clean his glasses (in front of the class, while lecturing). This exposed his large belly hanging over his belt. It was unappealing and, in my opinion, unprofessional. Get a glasses cloth(!), or at least do this when you are not standing in front of the class. I've got a belly too, but I don't hang it out in front of students in a classroom! Michael had a very dry sense of humor. It was often difficult to tell when he was joking, and he made a lot of jokes. If you are going to use humor (a good idea) to engage, make sure the learners can differentiate a joke from the course content. At the first break, someone asked where the range was. Micheal's response was, "Monticello." And then (as a joke?) he added something like, "it's about a 3 hour drive". Again, most people know it's not 3 hours to Monticello, but I was wondering if the range was really in Monticello. Monticello is over 30 miles away from their classroom (Brooklyn Center). I know there are closer ranges. Bill's has a range just a few miles down the road. On the break, I saw Michael outside and asked him, "Is the range really in Monticello?" to clarify (joke or not). Mike: "Yes." Me: "OK. I was wondering because there are much closer ranges). Mike: "Are you one of the Vets?" Me: "Yes." Mike: "So, you have me in here on a Sunday for your training, I'm not making any money on you, and you're complaining?" WHAT?!!! I told him I wasn't complaining... asking a question because I know there are much closer ranges. I walked away... Then I walked back told Micheal that I thought it was unprofessional to offer a Veterans discount, make a statement at the beginning of class thanking Vets for their service, etc. -- then throw the discount in the Vet's face like a slap. I'm also a disabled veteran. I've paid a high physical and emotional cost for my service to this country. Who is he to make a comment like this? In short, we got into an argument, but not shouting. Mike got defensive. I asserted that it wasn't professional to offer a service/discount for vets and then throw a guilt trip about "not making any money of you..." Mike then pulls me to the hall and tells me that he wants me to "grab my stuff" and leave. All this because I called you on your unprofessional comment? Grow up! I explain that I'm not interested in leaving. I've paid for the class. I'm here on a Sunday. I just don't want to hear comments like that. It's a suggestion. Now he tries to tell me he doesn't feel safe going to the range with me. What? Total BS. We are in the hall. I ask him to just let it go... take the suggestion... don't get defensive... let's get back to class and a walk to the classroom. I even offered a handshake as a peace offering... he refused. As I turn and walk back to class, he says, "I'm going to be sad when you don't get your completion certificate." I ignore him. As if he can hold back my cert and claim I didn't meet the class requirements because he doesn't like me. I finished the class and qualified on the range. When I was leaving, I said goodbye and "thank you" to both trainers. Michael asks me, "Did you get your certificate?" Save it, Michael. I'd have more respect if you would have just talked to me and apologized. Don't act like you care now.

Selecting Metro Defense from the many available choices for my Minnesota CCW class turned out to be…read morea good decision. I had a number of questions before deciding to enroll, and when I emailed them, the owner/instructors were very responsive and made sure I understood the information they provided, as they would throughout the entire course. The classroom portion of the course was taught in a conference room setting in a nice office building, and instruction was a combination of Powerpoint, video, lecture/discussion and instructional props. The pace of the course was fast because there was a lot of material to cover, but it was never so fast that you couldn't ask questions, get clarification if you needed it, or where an average person would feel overwhelmed. The instructors actively engaged the students by quizzing them on the material and inviting comments. Despite its fast pace, the course is comprehensive and covers everything from selection of guns, ammunition, holsters and other accessories to gun handling, gun safety, the legal aspects of concealed carry, and the psychology of highly stressful self-defense situations. A lot of the material is very sobering, and you come away from the course with a strong appreciation for what a serious thing it is to carry a gun, and god forbid, have to use it in a self-defense situation. It is not a "Rambo" atmosphere at all, in fact if anything, you're taught to do everything possible to avoid putting yourself into situations where you would even need a gun, never mind actually have to use one. I appreciated that the instructors, Michael and Jason, were regular, down-to-earth guys, and not bad-asses, posers, or wanna-be cop types. Both were very knowledgeable, personable, had a good sense of humor, and did their best to make a course about a serious subject a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. There was nothing intimidating about them or the course, and even a person who has never owned, fired, or even held a gun before (and we had quite a number of students in that category) will feel very comfortable taking their class. The students were a mix of people from all walks of life: young and old, male and female, and from military veterans and others who had a lot of experience with firearms, to people who had never even held a gun. The practical portion of the course is held at a shooting range that's about 15 minutes away from where the classroom portion of the course is taught. Both practice (laser) and actual firearms are used in the course. You can bring your own gun, ammunition, and safety accessories, or rent or buy everything from them for a modest fee. Safety is paramount, and all training and live fire exercises are conducted under the direct supervision of an instructor (1 student/1 instructor). The class was a great experience for me, and I highly recommend Metro Defense to anyone who is looking to get their CCW permit.

Polite, helpful, informative, kind, and nonjudgmental! Always a great place to learn and explore…read moreand ask questions! Thanks

Came in today and the black male with the slicked-back hair at the range desk had a terrible…read moreattitude. He was being very short and acting like he didn't want to be there. I saw he was helping another client, so I moseyed around for a bit, grabbed some targets, and set them up on the desk. I noticed his attitude right away with the other customer. When the customer asked him a question, he didn't respond at first, and when he finally did, he sounded like a pouting child who was upset that the guy had to ask him what caliber gun was on the wall. As things continued, he stacked a gun case on top of the targets. When I got close enough, he told me to put my targets back on the rack and basically get out of the way so he could finish helping the other client. I have never experienced service like this at this location before. This used to be my go-to place. I felt safe and comfortable here. I started my firearms journey here, and I just recently updated my CCW here with another gentleman who was courteous and professional. But because of today's experience, I will never return to this location again because of that employee. I will also be posting this same review on other social media platforms.

Says communication to me. Found zero communication on GunBroker or my email. It is what it is. Junk…read morefor my money. Some people are just not honest.

These guys are great. I've been in multiple time for custom work on several guns. Quick turn…read morearound, great service and knowledgeable staff. Keep it up guys!

Excellent value! Very friendly and helpful staff! Clean environment and very well run!read more

Had a problem with a magazine and they exchanged it for me no questions asked. Overall very…read morefriendly staff and awesome service

This store is huge! Similar to Home Depot but way bigger and…read moremore stuff We came to see the garden center and brought our dog with us, she got some friendly petting along the way from customers Easy to navigate around the store- although did not see a lot of staff available Huge parking lot

I googled for a Programmable Thermostat on Tuesday morning... Fleet Farm came up as the simplest…read morefor a reasonable price. Google listed the Add To Cart option so... I did. Within a couple hours I had the Come Get It email. I went the store per the instructions, the lumber yard for pick up. I pulled up to the gate and a jolly fellow came out. I handed him my license and showed him the email barcode. Easy Peasy and he instructed me to drive to the other side of the yard to get my item, without having to get out in the cold! Before I pulled away he said "make sure to tell them who you saw today" as he pointed to his name bade "Santa Mark" we had a chuckle. Thanks Fleet Farm for the friendly, efficient and fast service!

Good for finding and ordering specialized firearms, the boss worked with me to find the best match…read morefor the firearm I wanted, recommended a better one than i was planning on getting, and it was even cheaper than the one I planned on. Laid back, no pressure to buy approach has me going back for multiple firearms

Great little gun shop with great prices!!!…read more The owner Mike is very helpful and knows his stuff!

Kelsey is very knowledgeable and very friendly. She can custom Cerakote your gun 8 engrave it too…read more She has done some cool a$$ designs. Realm has great prices. Definitely check them out at their new spot in Spring Lake Park, MN.

All 10 50-round boxes were either were either damaged or open when I opened the shipping box. Loose…read morerounds and damaged boxes, and this was supposed to be a gift? I contacted Kelsey, the owner, and she blamed it on this ammo being "drop shipped". Of course, it's not their fault. Beware of this seller!!!

Kelsey is very knowledgeable and very friendly. She can custom Cerakote your gun 8 engrave it too…read more She has done some cool a$$ designs. Realm has great prices. Definitely check them out at their new spot in Spring Lake Park, MN.

ABSOLUTELY CRIMINAL. They try to keep your money and never ship. Order was placed late December of…read morelast year. After I had the local police pay them a visit, I FINALLY got my refund the last day of March. Over 3 months of frustration. These people SUCK in a major way. No emails, no updates, no ammo, nothing but silence and phone calls that go unanswered. How in the hell these people run a business is beyond me. They belong in jail.

Dale the owner and repair is a good guy, does very good work and at a very reasonable price!read more

Small music shop with an interesting and eclectic assortment of instruments. Visited when a string…read morecame loose on my daughter's violin. They repaired it quickly and cheaply and were very friendly towards us both.

If you love Lego, this is the off brand store for you. If you don't, this might be the store that…read moreconverts you! They specialize in unofficial Lego, specifically military sets. You'll find jet fighters, submarines, humvees, and more. You'll still find a selection of official Lego sets along with stations to build your own mini figures.

It's difficult to talk about a lifelong affliction - one that struck me at an early age and has…read morebeen de-habilitating, costly in terms of monetary impact and emotional damage to my loved ones, and countless hours of pain upon my soul. Folks, it's time to talk seriously about Early Onset Pre-Lottery Anxiety (EOPLA), which is a condition bought about by the lack of excessive liquidity (also known as f-you money) in my bank account. Every day I wake up with the embarrassing realization that I am just a middle class dude with an slightly better than average job, a mortgage, a wife and only so much disposable income to buy Legos for the past 35+ years. ..what, you thought I am going to talk about my lifelong addiction to Lego bought on by my first set (the 6382 Lego Firehouse from 1983 given to me by my late father) and I've been an infectious carrier of AFOL (adult fan of Lego) even throughout their malaise years of the 1990s? Nah, son - I own that one proudly. No past girlfriends have ever emerged unscathed without stomping on at least one errant brick late at night, and at one was on the losing end of an "either I go or the Legos" argument at an NYC metro area Lego store. Hell, my wife got the ring in June 2015 partly because she bought me the Lego Creator Parisian restaurant set in December 2014 and helped finished 1/3 of it (what, she was also my lovely soulmate, the Lego was simply the shorthanded girlfriend goal that sealed the game). The Lego insanity on the analytical side of my brain is only matched by the military/aviation/rail geekdom, the IT/programming ability, kitchen jiujitsu and my appreciation for cats. You can just imagine my mind going crazy over folks doing military MOC (my own creations) back in the 90s when SNOT (studs on the side) techniques wasn't a thing and the Lego parts library were much smaller. This was before Bricklink allowed you to easily order parts from 3rd party resellers and Bricklink Studios gave you the ability to design virtual sets quickly. Of course, the thing is that just like every single budding padawan needs a lightsaber swinging jedi to educate, and that's where Dan Siskind and the Brickmania guys come in. Despite my dehabiliating EOPLA condition I still manage to fling money at their general direction for digital instructions, decals and books, and then spend a fairly ridiculous amount (my wife's words, not mine) furthering my collection of Lego plane and tank MOCs - usually built based on BKM instructions and often with my own modifications baked in. I can't really afford their actual sets due to a distinct lack of f-you money, but I still have IT-job-stress-relief money (and thanks to Crowdstrike I am doing more BKM buys these days), so it's more decal packs, Brickarms accessories, minifigs, 3D printed parts and such sent to me from BKM GHQ near Minneapolis. And thanks partly to this hobby I manage not to go into the data center cage at my workplace with a sledgehammer with the intent to "percussively patch" Microsoft servers last weekend. So yeah, please please please donate your unwanted future winning lottery ticket numbers to me. One day we will overcome Early Onset Pre-Lottery Anxiety, and this adult will have f-you money to spend on Brickmania custom Lego sets. And if not, eeeeh, I'll still buy from them. And one day while doing a layover on a Delta flight I'll stop by for a visit. Until then, pass that Bricklink shopping cart XML file and keep stacking bricks and plates...