FAQ

What are your hours?

Our hours are by appointment. We’re closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Opening Day of Deer Season (Bow and Firearm), Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

What is your best method of contact?

Email through the contact page. We’ll respond back within 48 hours (excluding the holidays listed above). You’re also welcome to reach out by call or text at 517.731.1135. If you’re in need of advice (i.e. emergency preparedness supplies, ideal firearm for self-defense, etc), we recommend taking a course and/or you can reach out to schedule a virtual consultation via Minnect, Smeeple, Brave Talk or Proton Meet.

What is your mailing address?

Our mailing address is PO Box 644, Lake Odessa, MI 48849.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept debit/credit, money orders/cashier checks, cash, gold and silver (i.e. coins, Goldbacks), Cash App and cryptocurrency. There is a 3.1% processing fee when paying with a credit or debit card. In order to mitigate potential conflicts, we’re no longer accepting personal checks as a form of payment. We also offer payment plan options. Contact us to learn more.

Do you offer virtual advising and consulting? If so, what platforms do you use?

Yes we do! Whether you have questions on self-defense, emergency preparedness guidance, physical security, strategies to develop situational awareness, or choosing the right firearm, you can connect with us on Minnect and Smeeple. We also offer consulting via Brave Talk and Proton Meet where payment can be made via CashApp, cryptocurrency or debit/credit card. Contact us to learn more.

What’s your return and exchange policy?

Click here to review our return and exchange policy.

Do you sell your products internationally?

Due to restrictions on some of our products, we only sell and ship products within the United States.

What’s your policy on face masks?

While we see wearing masks as a personal option, we ask that you don’t wear a mask at our facilities, classes, etc due to security and liability reasons. If you’re experiencing symptoms or illness, we ask that you contact us to reschedule your appointment or transfer to another class date in order to keep others healthy and safe.

Can I use my concealed carry license as a form of identification?

We only recognize state ID/driver’s licenses and passports as forms of identification as it’s company policy. Furthermore, concealed carry licenses are not a recognized form of identification by the State Police and Secretary of State as the concealed carry license doesn’t list your residential address.

Do you only service the Lansing area or are you willing to service outside that area?

We can only teach the CPL/CCW curriculum in Michigan, Wisconsin and Florida until we get licensing approved in other states; however, we’re able and willing to provide our other courses and services anywhere where we’re needed in the United States.

Where are your classes hosted at?

We typically host our classes on Brave Talk, Proton Meet, Centershot Gun Range in Dorr, MI and at the Mulliken District Library; however, if you’d like to host a class or a private lesson at your residence or place of business, we can accommodate that. Contact us if you’d like more information.

Can I have an interpreter with me in class?

Due to safety and liability reasons in our firearms courses, we prefer that you register for a private 1-on-1 course if you’d like to utilize your interpreter. Aside from our private courses, in order to properly communicate with the Range Safety Officer and Instructor, it’s best to speak, hear (whether with the use of cochlear implants or not), read and write in English. However, with our non-firearm courses, it is permitted.

I want to host a private CPL class. What’s the minimum number of students required for the class?

We require a minimum of 3 month’s notice and a minimum of 8 students to register for the class. However, if you’d like to have a private 1-on-1 class in Michigan, we charge $200 + range fees and the cost for 50 rounds of ammo as well as mileage if we must travel outside a 30-mile radius of our office.

Should I bring my firearm to a CPL class?

For liability reasons, we require that you leave any and all weapons (i.e. firearms, pepper spray, knives, tasers, etc) and ammunition in your vehicle until given instruction by the RSO and instructor. If a weapon(s) is brought into the classroom without prior written consent, you’ll be asked to place it back in your vehicle. If you refuse to follow instructions, law enforcement will be notified and you’ll be removed from the class. No refunds will be issued!

A judge ordered me to take a CPL / CCW course as part of my sentence for carrying a handgun without a license. What’s the process?

You’ll need you to provide us with a copy of the court order for our records. You won’t be able to participate in the range qualification but you will receive a certificate that’ll say ‘Basic Handgun’ at the completion of the classroom portion instead of what’s stated on the CPL certificates for you to turn into the court.

I have a CPL but would like to sit in with my friend/spouse/etc. Would I be able to?

As long as a spot is available, you can pay the class fee and register but you won’t be able to attend the range qualification.

I’m not 21 years old yet. Can I still sign up for the CPL class?

Yes, however, your 21st birthday must be within 6 months of taking the class.

How many attempts do I get to qualify for my CPL/CCW?

Three and you have 6 months to complete your attempts. If you don’t qualify within those three attempts, you’ll need to re-take the entire class again.

My certificate is lost, damaged, etc. Can I acquire a new one?

As long as we have a record of you passing our class, we can provide you with a new certificate for a $25 service fee as long as the certificate hasn’t expired. The service fee also applies if you’ve registered for the concealed carry course with an alias or nickname as opposed to your legal name and need a correction.

My handgun has a red dot and/or laser sight. Am I able to use those to qualify for my CPL/CCW?

Unfortunately, no. We require that you utilize your iron sights for when you attempt to qualify on the range with us.

What’s the minimum age to sign up for your New Shooter package?

12 years. Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. There’s a 2 person max limit for the class.

Is your range open to the public?

Due to liability reasons, our range is reserved for classes only. Furthermore, there are multiple ranges that are available to the public as is.

Since marijuana is legal in Michigan, can I use the range after smoking?

We abide by local, state and federal laws. Also, due to liability reasons, anyone that is presumed to be under the influence of drugs, marijuana (also including if you possess a medical marijuana card), alcohol and/or suffer from mental illness will not be permitted to use the range. It’s important to be coherent when handling a firearm so that you and others are safe.

What attire is required to using the range?

The range is outdoors so dress appropriately. Closed toed shoes (if you’re wearing flip-flops, you must also wear socks), and no sleeveless or low-cut shirts. You must also wear eye and ear protection (prescription eye or sun glasses is fine).

What must I provide during the Basic Handgun course?

For the basic course, you’ll need to bring a handgun, 100 rounds of ammunition, targets, and ear and eye protection. However, we can also sell you the targets, as well as, ear and eye protection if it’s needed. For our prices, click here.

Can I use self-reloaded or remanufactured ammunition?

Due to liability reasons, reloaded ammunition is not allowed. All ammo must be factory-made (i.e. Federal, Magtech, etc).

Can I use tracer, incendiary, frangible, birdshot, black powder, steelcase or armor-piercing ammunition?

Due to liability reasons, we can’t allow such ammo to be used while on the range.

Does Brooks Defense sell ammunition?

The limited amount of ammunition that we have is reserved for our classes only.

If I’m pregnant or nursing, can I still use the range?

Due to the risk of potential lead exposure, we strongly recommend that you wait.