Instructor Network Spotlight: Michael Howe (Southern Minnesota)

At ConcealedCarry.com, we believe carrying a firearm for self-defense is a serious responsibility—and good training is one of the best ways to live that out. That’s why we continue building our nationwide Instructor Network, connecting responsibly armed Americans with qualified instructors who can help them build real-world skill, judgment, and confidence.

Today, we’re proud to highlight Michael Howe, a firearm instructor serving Southern Minnesota, who recently joined our instructor network.

View Michael’s instructor profile here: https://class.concealedcarry.com/instructor/michael-howe/

A foundation built on safety and respect

Michael’s story with firearms starts the same way a lot of strong “responsibly armed” stories start: a good example early on, with safety treated as non-negotiable.

“My father emphasized firearm safety and our responsibilities when using and handling firearms. His efforts instilled a realistic understanding and healthy respect for owning and using firearms.”

That early mindset carried forward as he pursued a career in public safety and security—where formal training reinforced a truth many armed citizens eventually learn the hard way: skill doesn’t magically appear under stress, and it doesn’t stay sharp without deliberate practice.

From student to instructor

Michael didn’t become an instructor because he wanted a title. He became an instructor because he loves learning—and noticed he could help others learn too.

“I love to learn, study, and practice… I discovered while attending training classes I was able to help other students better understand and improve their pistol skills.”

Teaching became personally meaningful—not just because students improved, but because of who he met along the way.

“Teaching has allowed me to meet a lot of awesome people who also take responsibility for their personal safety, care about their communities, and appreciate our country’s freedoms and constitutional rights.”

Who Michael trains (and the experience he brings)

Michael describes himself as a “short timer” compared to some long-established training companies, but he brings a strong blend of instruction time plus deep professional experience.

He has approximately 6 years of firearms training experience (including CCW classes, defensive pistol, introductory handgun, and private lessons), along with 26+ years of combined training and experience in safety, security, and emergency management.

His students commonly include:

• New gun owners building a safe foundation
• Intermediate shooters improving consistency and gunhandling
• Students working on defensive shooting ability
• Retired law enforcement completing annual H.R.218 qualifications

A calm, hands-on teaching style

Michael emphasizes engagement and retention, not information overload. That shows up in his “discussion-led” approach and how he carries himself on the range.

“I teach my classes through a discussion led approach, and I provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on activities… On the range, I maintain an instructor presence that is respectful, calm, and patient towards my students. I’m dedicated to keeping them safe while helping them learn.”

Where many instructors miss the mark: law and accountability

One of the most valuable perspectives Michael brings is his emphasis on the legal realities of self-defense. He believes it’s easy for armed citizens to train “skills” without training the legal boundaries that determine whether their actions are lawful.

“I think an area that instructors overlook is not incorporating more basic legal concepts of self-defense into live-fire training.”

And he’s direct about why that matters.

“I believe armed citizens must have a basic and working knowledge of the legalities and their responsibilities in self-defense… if they make a mistake… their actions may no longer be considered lawful, and they could be subjected to criminal prosecution and conviction.”

That’s not “fear talk.” That’s reality—especially for those who carry every day and want to stay on the right side of both the law and their conscience.

Training for reality, not range performance

Michael also works to keep students from building habits that only look good on a square range. He gradually introduces physical and cognitive stress elements to better reflect real defensive conditions.

“To reduce students picking up range performance habits, I like to gradually introduce activities into drills to help simulate physical and cognitive stress conditions… incorporating physical activities that increase a student’s physical exertion… and coupling these… with mental activities requiring students to cognitively assess and solve problems.”

This style of training helps students move beyond “standing still, shooting slow” and toward a more realistic understanding of what defensive shooting can demand.

What he prioritizes with brand-new gun owners

Ask ten instructors what comes first with brand-new gun owners and you’ll usually get the same answer. Michael is no exception—and that’s a good thing.

“My initial focus is safety… educating people on safe handling, shooting, and firearm storage practices helps establish a strong foundation to build on.”

Once safe handling is consistent and reliable, students can build toward more complex skills and defensive application.

The “must-have” skills for concealed carry

Michael’s baseline expectations are practical and defensive-focused—skills that matter when the stakes are high and time is short.

“At a minimum, I recommend students develop the following pistol skills for self-defense. First, be able to safely, efficiently, and quickly draw a handgun from concealment. Second, be able to rapidly achieve multiple hits on target at realistic contact distances. Finally, be able to reload your pistol quickly, and immediately recognize and correct common stoppages or malfunctions to keep your pistol running.”

But he’s also clear that the best win is the one you don’t have to fight for.

“But our firearm skills should only be used after all our best attempts to maintain situational awareness and avoidance have failed. Firearms are only tools of last resort.”

Gear matters… but keep it simple and effective

When it comes to everyday carry, Michael’s approach is refreshing: practical, modern, and focused on reliability.

“My overall approach to gear selection is to keep it simple and effective.”

He emphasizes a quality, reliable handgun, a solid inside-the-waistband holster that protects the trigger and stays put, and a sturdy belt that supports the system. He also recommends thinking beyond the gun itself, including a charged phone, a small medical kit, a flashlight, and (if appropriate) a less-than-lethal option with training.

Why Michael joined the ConcealedCarry.com Instructor Network

Michael was clear about what attracted him to the network: shared values, a shared mission, and a commitment to building responsibly armed citizens.

“I feel ConcealedCarry.Com and their Guardian Nation Membership program are one of the absolute best resources available for citizens who have made the decision and commitment to living a responsibly armed lifestyle… ConcealedCarry.Com empowers people with providing education, so they are better prepared, willing, and able to defend themselves and their loved ones from violent threats.”

And from the instructor side, he sees the alignment as a way to better serve students.

“As an instructor, my primary goal is to provide the best education possible for my students’ needs… I’m provided access to quality training resources, reliable gear options, and community content… and [it] helps me better serve my students.”

A reminder worth hearing

Some of the best advice isn’t tactical. It’s character.

“Before my grandfather… passed away in June of 2025… my grandfather replied without hesitation, ‘Please be kind to one another.’ I wholeheartedly agree with him.”

Michael ties that back to what it means to be responsibly armed: humility, self-control, and respect—especially when carrying a tool that demands accountability.

One action to take after reading this

Michael’s “next step” recommendation is simple, direct, and exactly what most people avoid because it requires honesty.

“Please take an honest assessment of your personal shooting skills and your knowledge of citizen self-defense. Consider what knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to learn and begin practicing now to help you increase your odds of surviving a violent encounter and its legal aftermath.”

If you’re serious about being responsibly armed, training isn’t optional—it’s part of the deal.

Train with Michael Howe (or find a class near you)

If you’re in Southern Minnesota, start by checking out Michael’s profile, reviewing his upcoming classes, and getting on the range with an instructor who prioritizes safety, lawful self-defense, and real-world preparedness.

CTA: View Michael Howe’s profile: Click here to view Michael’s instructor profile

Not in Minnesota? No problem. Our ConcealedCarry.com Instructor Network includes qualified instructors around the country offering training for responsibly armed citizens.

CTA: Search classes in our Instructor Network: Click here to search for training classes near you