Approved Instructors with Townsend’s Firearms Instructions Through Minnesota Personal Protection Act.
We have been fortunate to have skilled instructors join our team and help teach you both in classroom settings on at the range. Take a minute to get to know your instructors!
Mike Townsend
Erik Gravely
Art Vinson
Grant Larson
Mike Townsend has been involved in shooting sports for roughly 40 years. His first shooting experience was trap shooting at 10 years old, when his dad would let him shoot a couple of shells a night. This turned into working at the trap range as a youth. He also is an avid hunter and has been hunting since the early age of 12.
Professional and Volunteer experience: Mike is a Sergeant at the Douglas County Jail since 2004 and has been a Correctional Officer for almost 21 years. In this role, Mike has been a Training Sergeant off and on since 2004. He also served on the Miltona Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department from 1995 to 2021. Mike worked as an adjunct instructor for Alexandria Technical and Community College in the Customized Training Department instructing Firefighters. This experience in adult education has given Mike a great understanding in the importance of keeping the students engaged in the learning process, and presenting them with knowledge and skills that they can apply in their professional and personal settings.
Mike enjoys doing classes where people are willing to learn and dive into shooting sports or self defense more in-depth. He currently holds certifications for NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Instructor, NRA Basic Personal Protection in the Home Instructor, NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor, NRA Defensive Pistol Instructor, NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Instructor, NRA Basic Shot Gun Shooting Instructor, Volunteer for the MN DNR Firearm Safety Instructor, and a volunteer coach with the Alexandria Area Highschool Clay Target League. Mike is also an active member of the Alexandria Gun Club.
Erik Gravely has been an actively involved in hunting and shooting sports his entire life. He has been a CCW holder for more than 20 years and frequently trains and practices shooting techniques. He has worked with Mike for the past four years as a Range Safety Officer and Trainer.
Grant Larson has enjoyed shooting sports and waterfowl hunting since he was 12 years old. He was fortunate to have been taught the importance of firearm safety from a young age and honored to be able to share what he has learned with the students that come through firearm classes. Grant has worked in law enforcement since 2009 and enjoys providing students with the practical knowledge needed for responsible firearm use and ownership. He is continuously trying to build his skill set and enjoys watching shooters of all skill levels increase their confidence and abilities.
Art Vinson – Picture Coming Soon
Art Vinson is currently assigned to the Investigations unit at the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. He has been with the department for 26 years. Art has been involved in hunting and shooting most of his life both personally and professionally. He has been helping Mike with permit classes for about 10 years, starting with doing the legal portion and now teaching classes as a Range Safety Officer.