Michigan Concealed Pistol License: Licensee Duties

With a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL), a duly licensed person has the authority to carry a concealed pistol "on or about his person" in the state of Michigan. Obviously, this privilege greatly enhances a person's ability to defend himself in a variety of situations. However, once a person applies for and is granted a CPL, he has implicitly agreed to honor several statutorily defined duties as specified by PA 381 of 2000.

This article will enumerate the aforementioned duties of CPL licensees and specify the consequences of being "found responsible" for any violations.

Duty 1: Possess License When Carrying Pistol Concealed
CPL licensees must have their state issued Concealed Pistol Licenses in their possession at all times they are carrying a concealed handgun. If they are not carrying their pistols, on a concealed basis, they do not need to have physical possession of their permits.

Some licensees don't carry daily and keep their permits in their range bags. As a practical matter, licensees should place their permits in the same location they normally keep either their Driver's Licenses or State IDs. This way, they'll never have to worry about forgetting it when they decide at the last moment to conceal carry their pistols.

Failure to adhere to this duty may cause CPL licensees "to be found responsible" for a state civil infraction which carries a maximum fine of $100. Further, the CPL licensee's handgun MAY be subject to immediate seizure.

Duty 2: Present ID To Law Enforcement Officers Upon Request
CPL licensees, upon request by a law enforcement officer, must present to the law enforcement officer both of the following:

• Driver's License or State ID
  
• Concealed Pistol License

Failure to adhere to this duty may cause the CPL licensee "to be found responsible" for a state civil infraction which carries a maximum fine of $100. Further, the CPL licensee's handgun MAY be subject to immediate seizure.

Duty 3: Immediately Disclose Status As CPL Licensee
Upon being stopped by a law enforcement officer, a CPL licensee must immediately disclose that he has a permit, despite the fact that this info is recorded in Michigan's LEIN System and is tied to his vehicle registration and Driver's License.

Failure to adhere to this duty may cause the CPL licensee "to be found responsible" for a state civil infraction with the following penalties:

• For the first offense, a fine of not more than $500, or a six month suspension of CPL privileges, or both.
  
• For a second or greater offenses, a fine of not more than $1,000 AND a revocation of CPL privileges.

Further, the CPL licensee's handgun MAY be subject to immediate seizure.

Duty 4: Honor Pistol-Free Zones
CPL licensees with restricted permits are not allowed to enter statutorily defined Pistol-Free Zones while armed. Pistol-Free Zones, in the state of Michigan, are defined as the following:

• Bars
  
• Large Entertainment Facilities
  
• Religious Facilities
  
• Hospitals
  
• Casinos
  
• University Dormitories and Classrooms
  
• Sports Arenas and Stadiums
  
• Child-Care Facilities
  
• Schools and School Property
  

Failure to adhere to this duty may cause the CPL licensee "to be found responsible" with the following penalties:

• For the first offense, the licensee will be guilty of a state civil infraction with the penalty being a fine of not more than $500 AND a six month suspension of CPL privileges.
  
• For a second offense, the licensee will be guilty of a misdemeanor with the penalty being a fine of not more than $1,000 AND a revocation of CPL privileges.
  
• For a third or higher offense, the licensee will be guilty of a felony with the penalty of imprisonment for not more than four years, or a fine of $5,000, or both. Further, the CPL WILL be revoked.
  

Duty 5: Have Lawful BAC While Carrying Pistol
CPL licensees must not have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of greater than 0.02 or be under the influence of a controlled substance while carrying a concealed handgun. If a CPL licensee wants to have a drink while in possession of a pistol, he must properly secure and transport his firearm in the same manner as he would be required as if he didn't have a CPL: unloaded, separate from ammunition, in a locked case, and physically in the trunk.

Failure to adhere to this duty may cause the CPL licensee "to be found responsible" with the following penalties:

• If the CPL licensee had a BAC of greater than 0.02 but less than 0.08, he would be guilty of a state civil infraction and be subjected to a fine not to exceed $100. Further, his CPL privileges MAY be revoked for one year.
  
• If the CPL licensee had a BAC of greater than 0.08 but less than 0.10, he would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by not more than 93 days of incarceration, or $100 fine, or both. Further, his CPL privileges MAY be revoked for not more than three years.
  
• If the CPL licensee had a BAC of greater than 0.10, he would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by not more than 93 days of incarceration, or $100 fine, or both. Further, his CPL privileges WILL be permanently revoked.
  

Duty 6: Implied Consent To Chemical Analysis
CPL licensees, upon receiving their carry permits, have consented to being tested via chemical analysis whenever requested by a law enforcement officer. Refusing a test MAY result in the suspension or revocation of CPL privileges. If a CPL licensee refuses to submit to a chemical analysis, the attending law enforcement officer must notify the respective County Gun Board.

Five Fundamental Firearm Safety Rules

No self-respecting firearms instructor will let a student handle - let alone fire - a handgun until he has learned and fully understood the five most fundamental firearm safety rules. These safety rules are that important. Not knowing and understanding those rules can result in disastrous consequences.

In fact, every single time before I conduct a firearms safety training course, I go over to Youtube and watch the video of the DEA Agent who shot himself - both literally and figuratively - in the foot in front of a room full of soon-to-be traumatized children. I view the video to remind myself that safety is of paramount importance.



The opening speech of the DEA Agent was hauntingly arrogant:

"Just this week, at the begining of the week, a young boy not even 16 years old was killed because he was playing with a gun. You see, this is an unloaded gun. This is a Glock .40. This is the same gun that Too Short and all them talk about. I am the only one in this room professional enough, that I know of to carry this Glock .40. I am the..."

If all of the fundamental firearm safety rules are followed, there is no way that anything bad can happen.


A. Always Treat A Firearm As If It Is Loaded
Every single time that you handle a firearm, you must treat it as if it is loaded - even if you "know" it is unloaded. Always take on the mindset that your gun is always loaded. If you do this, you will treat the gun with the respect and reverence that it deserves. History has shown - including in the above video - that many people are shot every year with "unloaded" handguns.

Further, you should never hand someone a loaded gun. The recipient may not have had any gun safety training. If you give a gun to the average person, his response is all too predictable; he will put the trigger. What do you think will be the first thing that he will say? He'll say without hesitating, "I didn't know it was loaded!" Surely, he had enough time to check if it was loaded but he didn't. He's an obvious amateur gun-handler.

In this situation, the gun should be opened such that a visual look at the action will clearly show that it is unloaded. When the recipient has verified that the gun is unloaded, he should then take possession of the gun.

B. Always Keep The Firearm Pointed In A Safe Direction
If the muzzle of the gun is always pointed in a safe direction, there is no way that anyone or anything can be shot if the gun was fired. Another way of stating this safety rule is to "Never Point It At Something That You Don't Want Destroyed."

When I conduct my firearm safety training class, I ask my class to tell me a safe direction. I always get an interesting and varied array of responses. Some people say "up" and other people say "down." Neither answer is acceptable. The true answer, however undefinitive it may sound, is "it depends." A safe direction is based upon where you are and who is around you. Sometimes the correct answer for a given scenario may be "up" and on others the correct answer may be "down."

C. Always Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Ready To Shoot
The trigger finger should always be kept on the frame of the handgun - not in the trigger guard. It only takes a split-second to move your finger to the trigger when needed. If you still watch TV, you will undoubtedly see this rule violated incessantly. The reason for this rule is very simple. It helps to eliminate the possibility of a gun-handler from accidentally shooting a handgun.

There is no justifiable excuse for accidentally shooting someone. Besides, what friend of yours would respond to your apology favorably. The only valid justification for shooting someone is that you meant to do so. Keep in mind that if you do intentionally shoot someone, you better have a good reason that falls within the confines of the law.

D. Always Keep Your Firearm Unloaded Until It Is Ready For Use
A gun that is not being actively used should be unloaded. This rule has the potential for confusing many students. Sometimes, a student will ask me how he expects to protect himself with an unloaded gun. The answer is very clear: If a gun is being used for personal protection, it should be loaded. An unloaded gun is of no practical use when an intruder is climbing through your bedroom window at 2:00 a.m. in the morning.

With respect to guns being used for personal protection, the handgun owner must responsibly balance accessibility with keeping the gun away from unauthorized users - children.

E. Always Be Sure Of Your Target and What Is Beyond It
Never shoot your handgun at a target until you have verified that it is a valid target. Once a gun is fired, you can't recall the bullet. Thus, if you fire upon an improper target you will have to live with the consequences. Also, you need to know what is beyond your target because if you haven't been to the range in a while, you might miss. If you fire your gun and miss, you are criminally and civilly liable for wherever that bullet lands. So, don't "take any shots in the dark" and don't miss.

Firearm safety is not complicated. Actually, it is quite easy. However, it requires that a handgun handler be extremely focused when handling a handgun. If all of the aforementioned safety rules are followed, nothing bad can happen. In fact, a few rules can be simultaneously broken and nothing catastrophic may not happen.

In the above Youtube video, several rules were broken. Do you know which ones?

Why Pay A Crook For The Privilege of Breaking The Michigan CPL Law?

I just got off the telephone with a person who had a few questions about my Michigan CCW/CPL Class. Apparently, the amount of time to attend the class (8 hours) and the cost of the class ($150) was way more than the figure she was quoted from a charlatan operating in the firearms training industry.

This person was hoping that I would at least match the figures that the con artist was quoting. You see, the guy she had previously talked to, before calling me, was hoping to come over to her house with only a few hours notice and "talk" with her in the living room for an hour or two. She also said that she might have to watch a very short but entertaining DVD video as extra training. Her quoted price for this "personalized" service was ONLY $75.

In response to her investigatory research, I told her that there was no way that I could match the quote that she was given. I also told her that the guy she was talking to was a con artist. Sure, he might have official firearms training certifications, but nevertheless he was running an illegal scam.

Usually, when a person hears something that sounds like it is too good to be true, bells and alarms go off in a prospect's head. Apparently, this was not the case here. Furthermore, I explained to her that it was a felony to teach in this manner and that it was a felony to submit a certificate from a class like this to a County Gun Board. You know, nothing turns off a prospective student like telling them that what they are considering is felonious behavior.

Somehow, as I got a little agitated while explaining to her how irresponsible it would be to get a Michigan Concealed Pistol License without even knowing how to shoot a handgun - let alone not knowing what the law says about carrying a handgun - she still didn't hang up on me.

At one point, I verbally "threw up my hands" and just asked her bluntly, "Why pay a crook for the privilege of breaking the law?" She was stunned, as she didn't know what I meant. I explained to her that if she really wanted to make a mockery of the CPL licensing system she didn't need pay for the privilege.

State of Michigan law does not describe or mandate what the class completion certificate has to look like. It can be of any size or color. All jokes aside, the certificate could be consisted of toilet paper with markings in crayon, as long as the bare minimum of statutorily required info is on it. All she needed to do is "make up" a certificate of her own original design and submit. In the process she would be saving herself the $75 the con artist was going to charge her.

Surprisingly enough, this "solution" was a little too illegal for her to consider. She'd rather pay some money to somebody for the right to commit a felony. I am floored.

Need I mention that she didn't want to sign up for my legit class? Don't worry about it; I don't need her business.

Michigan Concealed Pistol License: Pistol-Free Zones

Individuals with state of Michigan issued Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs) and people with CPLs from other states that have reciprocity with Michigan are authorized to carry concealed pistols on or about their person in our state. However, the law - Public Act 381 of 2000 - specifies certain places (i.e. Pistol Free Zones) where a pistol can not be possessed unless the person has an unrestricted CPL.

Most individuals applying for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License will NOT be issued an unrestricted permit. By statute, only the following classes of persons are eligible for an unrestricted license:

• State of Michigan Licensed Private Investigators
  
• Retired Law Enforcement Officers
  
• County Sheriff's Corrections Officers
  
• State Police Motor Carrier Officers
  
• State Police Capitol Security Officers
  
• Sheriff's Posse Members
  
• Police Reserve Officers
  
• Parole and Probation Officers
  

Furthermore, it should be noted that owners of Pistol-Free Zones and their specified employees, who provide security services, can carry concealed pistols on those premises if they have CPLs.

State of Michigan Pistol-Free Zones

1. Bars
The Michigan statute very clumsily defines a bar as a place where the primary source of income of the business is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass and consumed on the premises.

Obviously, patrons of a particular venue, that serves alcoholic beverages, would not know how much of that business' revenue is generated by the sale of liquor by the glass. However, the general rule is that a CPL holder can carry in a "real" restaurant that also serves alcohol but not in a bar that also serves food.

As an illustration, it is generally considered OK to carry in places like in the following list: Chili's, Fridays, Ruby Tuesday, and the Olive Garden.

2. Large Entertainment Facilities
The statute, once again clumsily tries to define a Pistol-Free Zone. In this case, a facility with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more individuals that the individual knows or should know has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more.

Confusion can be an issue with a CPL holder as to whether "he should know" how many seats are in a particular entertainment venue. In large venues like the Fox Theatre or the Music Hall, most people "could reasonably" know that there are at least 2,500 seats in the building.

In other cases, a sign above the entrances stating the exact seating capacity could also provide definitive info. However, what about smaller venues that don't have a sign posted? What about movie theatres? Is it the total number of seats in the entire complex or just in theatre where you are going to watch a movie? The statute is not clear.

3. Religious Facilities
The statute defines this Pistol-Free Zone as any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship. One source of confusion that could exist with this provision is that it is not totally clear if it includes businesses such as church-owned apartment buildings, car washes, and retail shops.

Also, note that it is okay to carry a concealed pistol on church property if you have permission from the presiding official of the respective religious institution. I recommend that you get permission in writing and keep the note in your purse or wallet.

4. Hospitals
Everyone knows what a hospital looks like and should not have any problems with unknowingly carrying a handgun into a Pistol-Free Zone here. How about a doctor's office or a local clinic? It's open to interpretation. What do you think?

5. Casinos
I think that everyone can agree as to what constitutes a casino. We have several in the area: MotorCity, Greektown, and the MGM.

6. University Dormitories and Classrooms
The statute does not mention any other areas on campus as Pistol-Free Zones. Thus, one can assume that the campus grounds are "fair game." Also, keep in mind that a university's policies, as to whether students can carry at school, do not affect non-students.

7. Sports Arenas and Stadiums
We have several stadiums and arenas in the local area: Joe Louis Arena, Cobo Hall, Ford Field, The Palace of Auburn Hills, and etc.

8. Child-Care Facilities
The statute defines this Pistol-Free Zone as a public or private child care center or day care center, public or private child caring institution, or public or private child placing agency.


9. Schools and School Property
The statute expressly allows parents and legal guardians of students at a specific school to be armed while dropping off and picking up their kids, as long as the parent of legal guardian does not exit his vehicle.

A Couple Observations

One point to keep in mind with all of the above statutorily defined Pistol-Free Zones is that the parking lots of those facilities are exempt. Thus, if you are carrying a pistol while driving to a Pistol-Free Zone, it is perfectly legal to leave your handgun in your car. Preferably, you will have already bought a car-safe just for that express purpose.

Another point to ponder is the fact that there are some gray areas in the law. If you are in doubt as to whether you are in a Pistol-Free Zone, you may want to err on the side of caution and leave your handgun in your car.

Our 2009 Detroit Michigan CCW/CPL Class Schedule

We have just set our calendar for year 2009. Look at the following dates to assess when you would like to receive CCW/CPL Basic Pistol Safety Training so that you can qualify for applying for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License:

Saturday, January 10, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009

Visit my web site now to RSVP now!

Safety Awareness Tips For The Holiday Season

The Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season is rapidly approaching. During this time of year most folks pause to give thanks for what they have and to celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, there is another class of people who are rejoicing during this period: violent predators. For these low-lifes, the holidays translates into their version of the Superbowl: car-jackings, armed robberies, and home invasions.

During a typical end-of-year shopping season, the criminals know that law-abiding citizens will most likely be distracted and will be prone to have larger sums of cash in their possession to buy gifts for their families and friends. The purpose of this post, is to arm law-abiding citizens with some fundamental awareness skills to reduce the likelihood of them being victimized.

Being in a proper state of awareness can reduce a person's odds of being a crime victim. Keep in mind that no one single strategy is fool-proof, however, seeing events as they unfold can provide one with time to execute other options. There are four levels of awareness: unaware, aware, alert, and alarm.

In the first state of awareness - unaware - a person is completely oblivious to his surroundings and is not paying attention to others around him. Perhaps, you have seen an unaware person. He is the person who is watching the television screen while pumping his gas at a Speedway gas station, the person walking down the street with an Ipod earpiece attached to his head, or the person talking via cell phone to a friend while sitting in a parked car.

All of the aforementioned persons would make great crime victims. They aren't paying any attention to a person who may decide at a moment's notice to make them an unwitting victim. Any of those distracted citizens could be hit with a pipe upside their heads or could have a handgun shoved into their torsos without any warning. It is these unaware folks who claim that the predator "popped out of nowhere."

The sad truth is that violent predators do not have access to Star Trek type teleportation devices. These criminal lowlifes were there the whole time watching the soon-to-be victims completely disregard the entire world around themselves. Being unaware is how criminals "get the drop" on their victims. The only time that a person should be in the state of being unaware is when they are sleeping.

In the next state of mental awareness - aware - a person is actively engaged in his environment. As such, he sees everyone in his immediate environment, has looked at everybody good enough to describe them if the need ever arose, and doesn't let anyone violate their personal spacial boundaries. The aware person knows that distance is his friend and is willing to preserve the space even at the sake of hurting someone's feelings. An aware person can not be followed without knowing about it unlike many victims today who are trailed home from the local drug store to be robbed in front of their homes.

An aware person is always sizing up relative risks that others can present to his safety. An aware person looks into an area, such as a gas station, before entering it. In a similar fashion, he looks around when leaving an area to ensure that no surprises await his exit. It is very hard to startle a truly aware person. An aware person can avoid a potentially bad situation simply by leaving the area before a planned crime can be initiated.

The next level of awareness - alert - is achieved when an aware person senses that something is amiss in his current environment. Often, to an aware person there is a feeling or sensation that another person is "up to no good." When this level of awareness is reached, a tentative plan of action is to be put into play such that if a violation of an established threshold is violated, the person in alert status definitely knows that further action is warranted to preserve his safety.

For example, a woman is walking down a neighborhood block when four guys decide to get out of a car and walk down the same street on a path to intercept his journey. She was aware because she saw a potential threat to her safety. Bells went off in her mind as she thought that "something might be up." Rather than "being nice" by continuing to walk towards the guys for risk of hurting the feelings of the guys coming her way, she elects to cross the street. Further, her threshold for action was established; she decided that if the guys also crossed the street, her safety was definitely in jeopardy.

The last level of awareness is alarm. A person reaches this state when circumstances are such that an alert person's threshold for action has been violated. In the above example, the woman needs to immediately implement her "safety plan" immediately. Obviously, the more tools, training, and strategies that she has at her disposal to call upon during this trial, the more likely she is to make it through this situation safely.

Awareness skills, by themselves can stave off some attacks, as some predators prefer victims who are completely unaware of their surroundings and as a consequence could not make good witnesses for law enforcement officers whose jobs are to hunt down the criminals in the aftermath. On the other hand, simply being in the state of awareness can not be solely relied upon the keep a person safe. However, being aware can buy crucial moments of time to put into play additional personal protection strategies to successfully execute a defense against violent predators.

Be aware!

A Glowing Testimonial About My Michigan CCW/CPL Class

A Very Shameless Plug By A Recent Graduate

It is not rare for me to receive a testimonial from a former student of my CCW/CPL Classes that I conduct in Detroit, Michigan. However, I must say that I recently received the "mother of all reviews" from one student. It was so detailed that I felt compelled to share it. In all honesty, it's kind of embarrassing for me - at times - at some of the passages he wrote, but I met him and know that he's sincere. Check it out for yourself!

RICK'S CPL COURSE FULL UNBIASED REVIEW

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH RICK'S FIREARM ACADEMY

If I had to summarize words to describe Rick's CPL Course it would be "impacting," "electrifying," "empowering," and "sensational!" After leaving Rick's CPL Course you will surely feel as if you were blessed by God Almighty, Himself, for leading you to it.

After attending Rick's CPL class on Sunday, July 27th, 2008, I felt accomplished and OVER-satisfied. Rick's CPL course left me knowing that I eradicated another one of life's barriers. Rick's CPL/Firearm class was the next best thing to making love to and afterwards having hot-nasty-sweaty sex with your high school crush.

I am no square; however, being a so-called "black" man and twenty-one years of age, at the time, Rick's CPL class made me feel that obtaining a CPL was all worth me staying out of trouble with the law in my younger years.

The entire experience was a true blessing seeing a strong, extremely articulate, compassionate, and passionate brother instructing the meek and guiding men AND women in the right direction of protection, safety, and just decisions.

I did not leave Rick's CPL class feeling a sense of loss, confusion, or as if I had been cheated for another's personal gain. I felt EMPOWERED, INSTRUCTED, and ENSURED that I had this sort of divine firearm knowledge that would be useful not only with myself, but for the well-being of others as well. The class was so fantastic that I would pay ANOTHER one-hundred and forty hard-earned dollars just to sit through his CPL class many times more (If I had money like that, LOL!).

Note: Everything in Rick's firearm course is done professionally "on schedule" putting an end to the stereotype that "black men are never on time."

An exceptional situation that might delay the course from moving exactly to schedule is if Rick takes notice that ANY of his students has not fully comprehended the lesson. I would also like to add, Rick will most certainly ask if anybody has any questions about ANYTHING pertaining to "firearms" before moving on. Do not think or even attempt to lie in this course because Rick will question YOU based on what he has just presented to see if you only replied "No" out of shyness! Rick will not move on or rush his class through a lesson.

Attending one of Rick's firearm courses you will see that Rick's Firearm Academy is not all about money, hustling the unaware, and taking advantage of the naïve like most firearm instruction posers. You will witness that Rick's goal is to arm you with KNOWLEDGE first before giving you the certification to arm you with a pistol!!!

Ricks CPL course is about eight hours long and divided into four sections, which I will briefly discuss. I do not intend to completely spoil Rick's firearm course for you because I delight in saving all the excitement for when you are sitting in front of Rick's demonstration and presentation.

Note: BE PREPARED TO TAKE NOTES, OR YOU WILL CHEAT YOURSELF! I still review my notes to this very day; very critical and handy to have.

RICK'S NRA CERTIFIED ACADEMIC FIREARM LESSONS

Defensive Shooting: The Psychological and Spiritual Stage

The first division of the course is "Defensive Shooting" which lasts about 50 minutes ON SCHEDULE unless "thee exception" applies. During this lesson, the first principles you will learn are GUN SAFETY rules; SAFETY FIRST! This lesson will gear you with the wisdom of becoming a responsible firearm owner.

Rick will train your MIND to handle a firearm and defend yourself CORRECTLY. YES, there is a "correct" and "incorrect" way of defending yourself; the incorrect way can result in your physical survival, but in fatal injuries to innocent bystanders.

In the Defensive Shooting lesson, Rick will teach you strategies on how to gain the odds in the favor of yourself and ALL innocents when attacked by a "threat"! This lesson is the most important of all the lessons within the course because it prevents the misinformed from endangering ourselves and others. Rick will transform your mentality about firearms and graduate it during this lesson!

***Spoiler Alert***

You, the student, will learn the difference between "killing somebody", "eliminating a threat", and "defending yourself" against "unnecessary evils". You, the licensed self-defender, will also be instructed how to defensively and effectively "eliminate the threat". In Layman's terms, you will learn the best place to shoot a violent attacker assuring you "eliminate the threat" when necessary.

Handgun Skills: The Physical Stage

The Handgun skills course will enlighten you in the physical aspect of gun handling and gun range safety and preparation. You DO NOT want to alarm or endanger law enforcement agents or other CPL registrants at the range, doing so may result in your own demise! In the Handgun Skills lesson you will learn everything you need to know about operating, handling, and storing a firearm. This is the part of the course when things become more serious because Rick requires that everyone in his Firearm Academy makes it out ALIVE, UNINJURED, and INFORMED!

***Spoiler Alert***

Things you'll learn:

- Proper Firearm terminology, for the misinformed, to prevent you from walking into a firearm's store and making ourselves look-like a complete jackass with our ignorance.

- Types of ammunition, the names of and different types of ammunition available for defensive firearm weapons. Learn how to maximize your stopping power without over-penetrating the threat and endangering innocent victims.

- Firearm testing, to ensure that your defense weapon is functioning properly, preventing lethal freak accidents.

Those are just the least of the things you will learn during this lesson!


Legal Topics: The Judicial Stage

Hands down, this has to be the most dynamic part of the Rick's entire course. This is the moment you have been waiting for, when you get to ask a professional ABA accredited criminal lawyer as many daring and challenging questions as your heart desires. (Your eyes should be big and sparkly right now!)

You will become so damn empowered with knowledge in legalities and technicalities of the American judicial system to guarantee that you make correct judgments in possible future occurrences. You have civilian rights that most likely you are not familiar with, it is a NECESSITY that you learn of these rights immediately!

This lesson will employ with such extensive wisdom to assure you that law enforcement sees to it that you, the victim, are treated as such and not the "threat", "attacker" or "criminal". You will also learn how to wisely make a response and cooperate with law enforcement after an incident or during a routine traffic stop while having your defensive firearm in possession. Additionally, after this course you are entitled to one free hour of personal consultation with the same ABA accredited lawyer. YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT!


***Spoiler Alert***

Purchasing Firearms: How and where to "legally" obtain a firearm, also what kinds of firearms are legal, which ones are effective in self-defense, and which ones to stay away from.

Pistol Free Zones: Rick and the ABA accredited lawyer, Joseph A. Boyer, will go into depth of where it is and where it is not legal to carry your registered firearm.

CPL Recognition: other states that acknowledge Michigan CPLs, the states that do not acknowledge Michigan CPLs, and how to go about becoming obtaining firearm permission in those unrecognizing states.

Again, those are just the least of the things you will learn during this lesson!


Home Safety/Violent Encounters: Strategizing Self-Defense

The title of the lesson speaks for itself, Home Safety/Violent Encounters, instructs you on how to better protect and defend yourself and others "in" and "outside" of your home against "threats". Rick will teach you in this course how to judge when or when not to exercise deadly force against "violent encounters". Sometimes it is better to flee than to fight a losing battle that may jeopardize the safety of you, your family, law enforcers, and other innocent civilians. SAFETY FIRST!!!

Characteristics of Rick Ector as an NRA Firearm Instructor

- Safety First: a zero nonsense attitude when it comes to safety.

- Ecstatic presentation: Rick is not the type of instructor that makes you feel as if he does not want to be there himself. You can tell that Rick is really passionate about what he does as an instructor. He actually gives a damn what you do in and outside of his academy.

- Effective Technique: delivers everything in a well-mannered understandable high quality fashion. Rick has great inter- and intrapersonal communication skills.

- Energetic: Ever heard the phrase "never a dull moment?"

- Innovative: Rick's course is inspiring; it should be a required credit for graduation in all graduate and post-graduate institutions.

- Motivational: Rick gives empowers the law-abiding productive citizens.

- Balanced: Rick Ector IS NOT gender or racially biased. Firearm safety is color-blind and androgynous in nature.

- Clarity: There is no deceitfulness, vanity, or arrogancy within Rick's Academy.

FINAL SUMMARY

Through-out his lessons, Rick throws in humorous gestures, so you will not feel as if you are being instructed by a monstrous drill sergeant or being bored to death by the white dude from the Clear Eyes commercial.

Before the course ends, you will have been armed with enough firearm knowledge to make you feel more secure in society and you will have shot at least thirty rounds of live ammunition from a real firearm at a non-living target at a real live gun range.

- An extra included in this course is the Concealed Pistol License Application packet. Participants also receive NRA Personal Protection Book, NRA Sports Shooting Guide, and NRA Gun Safety Brochure. As mentioned before, you will receive an hour long presentation on lethal force/self defense from a MI bar approved attorney, a framable Certificate of Completion, and all the coffee you can drink.

- All students receive a voucher for one free hour of coaching ($75 value) at a local shooting range (range time, ammo, & gun rental not included).

- All graduates are entitled to a free life-time retake of the class for renewals (No materials/certificate issued).

PRE-CONCLUSION

Cedric J. Ector, better known as "Rick", is the Miyamoto Musashi of Firearm safety and defense. Daniel-son are you ready to be taught by Mr. Miyagi? Time to wax-off and relinquish your mind, body, and spirit of vain ignorance and wax-on some everlasting power and wisdom!

By being ignorant of firearm safety and defense, you make yourself, YOUR LOVED ONES, your friends, AND innocent men, women, and children a victim: a victim to violent threats, a victim to the legal justice system, and a victim to yourself.

Rick is always readily available to answer your concerns as well as message you through internet resources or randomly call to follow up with you to see if all is well. I forgot to mention, if based on circumstance you happen to be low on cash, Rick will work with you to ensure you complete the course.

After attending Rick's Firearm Academy, you will return back to society fully assured that you were not misinformed, feel as if you have a degree in Firearms, and were instructed by a Firearm Professor. If Rick continues in truth, justice, and righteousness, maybe one day soon we will see Rick win a Nobel Peace Prize. Welcome to the family Rick!

FINAL CONCLUSION

Only take Rick's Firearm Academy CPL course if you are willing to handle receiving accolades of power and wisdom! If you believe anything I said is a lie, take Rick's Firearm course, and if you do not leave with a sensation matching what I described, then write a rebuttal opposing my review and I will shoot myself in the foot! (Joke!)

Mr. Johnta J. Robinson, Detroit, Michigan

Last CCW/CPL Class Before The Price Increase - Saturday, December 13, 2008

Hello again!

I just wanted to remind you that we are conducting another CCW/CPL Class on Saturday, December 13th, 2008. You can register for this class at our web site: Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

The class will be held at the following location:
Southfield Hampton Inn Conference Room
27500 Northwestern Hwy
Southfield, MI 48075

There is a 15 seat limit on this class. Also, I am making this same announcement to my friends on Facebook, contacts on Myspace, former students who have referral leads, and my LinkedIn contacts. This class will fill up in the next couple of days.

If you have any interest at all in getting a Michigan Concealed Pistol License, don't delay. Register now!

Also, this is my last class this year before the price tuition price increase.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

C. Rick Ector, Chief Instructor

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Address: POB 805, Sterling Hts, MI 48311
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com
PH: 313.733.7404

I Witnessed A Counterfeit CCW Class Today

If you read this blog with any familiarity, you already know that one of my biggest pet-peeves about the firearm training services business is counterfeit/rogue Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) classes.

Well, believe it or not, I actually saw one in operation today. Today, for me, was not unlike any other weekend day. I usually "camp out" in a local coffee house and work over the public Internet to publicize my CCW/CPL Classes.

At one point of the day, I refreshened my cup of coffee and headed to the back of the cafe to add sugar and creamer. I then "overheard" a gentleman, seated at a table with four women, giving advice on how to be safe. Of course, my ears perked up and I thought to myself, "No way!"

Yep! You guessed it! This guy was teaching a "Basic Pistol" class in hushed tones at a back table. The advice he was doling out was of the common variety; it failed to pass the muster when compared the tips and strategies given out in a bona personal protection (i.e. Personal Protection in the Home) class.

Okay. So now I glance at the clock in the lower left-hand window of my laptop. After the "class" concluded, I was then able to verify that this session lasted for about an hour. What a gip!

For the record, there are no restrictions on where a NRA class can be taught; coffee houses are fair game. However, there are certain rules about the class length and subject matter that must be adhered to if this class is to meet both the NRA's and the state of Michigan's guidelines.

As this "instructor" and his students headed for the door, I came up to him introduced myself. Of course, I provided him a business card and he reciprocated. I asked if he was teaching "Personal Protection in the Home" and he confirmed that he was teaching "Basic Pistol." He then had to gall to share with me that he didn't want to pay a lawyer to do the class with him.

He also claimed to be an instructor, certified by the NRA. I'll follow up on that personally.

I wonder how in the world do people find these guys? His students don't have a clue about the law and will packing heat on the streets very soon. The streets have suddenly became more dangerous. At one end of the "outcome spectrum" these students are risking prison sentences and civil liability lawsuits. At the other end, they are going to get hurt because they don't have a clue.

These ladies didn't even get to shoot a gun.

Oh well, all I can do is teach and educate. Hopefully, someone will hear me.

7 Ways We Can Preserve The Second Amendment

Over the past couple of weeks, I have participated in numerous discussions - both online and in person - about the results of our nation's recent Presidential Election results. Predictably, most gun rights activists are concerned about our future ability to keep and bear arms.

Unless you have been living in a cave the past month, you know that our next President will be Barack Obama. No disrespect to the President-Elect, but his positions on gun rights are abominable. As an example, when he was a state legislator in Illinois, he voted to prohibit homeowners from owning handguns to defend themselves and their families against home invasions.

Personally, I am dedicating the next four years to becoming more active politically to do my part to preserve the Second Amendment. I will teach even greater numbers of citizens how to safely operate a firearm and strongly encourage them to get Michigan Concealed Pistol Licenses. No one single election is going to take away my rights.

This post will share with its readers, some very practical and easy ways for the average freedom loving gun owner to preserve firearm ownership rights for at least another generation. Each generation must do its part. It was once written, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." I am going to do my part. Please join me.

1. Continue To Be Responsible With Your Firearm
One of the best ways to preserve our gun ownership rights is to behave responsibly with firearms. The last thing we want to do is "give them ammunition" for another assault on our rights. For good or bad, all gun owners not only represent themselves and their respective communities but also represent other firearm owners.

When "shall issue" became law in Michigan, all the nay-sayers incorrectly predicted that the streets would be inundated with blood. In fact, the statistics consistently show that Concealed Pistol Licensees (CPL) are the most law abiding citizens across the state. The gun-grabbers consistently fail to realize, that by definition, criminals break the law; New laws only penalize and harm law-abiding citizens.

2. Join A Firearms Rights Organization
Aligning yourself with a firearms rights organization will also help to preserve our gun ownership rights. Among other things, you will be kept abreast of the issues, be informed of activities happening nationally and in your community, and be told the truth about guns and their role in personal protection.

Further, you will enable firearms organizations to lobby legislators against passing ill-informed "do-gooder" legislation that will not curb crime and will hamper law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves and their families during these dangerous and perilous times.

Some organizations you should consider joining are the following:

• The National Rifle Association
  
• Citizens Committe Right To Keep And Bear Arms
  
• Gun Owners of America
  
• Second Amendment Foundation
  
• Second Amendment Sisters
  

3. Write Letters To Your Local Newspapers
Another means of preserving your Second Amendment right is writing letters to your local newspaper's "Editor's Page." Opponents of gun rights are incessant in their efforts to demonize guns in the media. We need you to counter-act these activities by becoming more vocal. For example, every single time a person is assaulted or attacked in a Pistol-Free Zone, fire off a letter to the newspaper that calls for the abolition of these zones of hazard-free working environments for violent predators.

4. Take A Friend To The Gun Range
One means of preserving our Second Amendment rights can be the act of taking a friend, neighbor, or family member to the gun range. Many people are abivalent about firearms and the Second Amendment because they don't see the relevance in their life. Perhaps, they were never a victim of a violent crime or simply don't think that they know any law-abiding gun owners.

Many people who I have publicly debated with on the subject of guns and firearms rights are definitely anti-Second Amendment. In fact, I don't relish the opportunity to "shoot down" their positions with the facts. I engage in these debates because "fence-sitters" are listening and deserve the opportunity to hear our side of the gun rights argument.

Taking a friend to the range can do wonders for our cause. Among other things it can show that law-abiding citizens can handle the responsibility of gun ownership, dispel untrue stereotypes, and introduce folks to a great sport and enjoyable activity.

5. Don't Patronize Anti-Gun Businesses
One way to preserve our Second Amendment rights is to not patronize businesses that are anti-gun. Private property owners (e.g. brick and mortar businesses, shopping malls, and eateries) have the right to bar law-abiding armed citizens from their premises. Accordingly, they make their position known by posting signs on their premises.

In a smiliar vein, law-abiding gun owners do not have to patronize these businesses. We need to get their attention and hit them where it hurts: their bottom lines. If enough gun owners not only avoid these establishments but also write letters to the respective owners and managers of these places we can get their attention.

Besides, by barring guns these places are unwittingly placing their customers at risk. They don't have a clue that a violent criminal could care less about what a sign says what he can or can't do. Furthermore, the criminal "knows" that his intended victims are unarmed - or at least should be unarmed. I don't patronize Pistol-Free Zone Businesses for precisely this reason. In my humble opinion, you shouldn't either.

6. Educate Yourself - Buy A Gun Rights Book
Another means of protecting your Second Amendment rights is by educating yourself on the issues. There is no easier way to get started on this journey of self discovery and personal growth than by visiting your favorite bookseller - online or offline - and purchasing a Pro-Gun Rights book.

Personally, as you might imagine, I own quite a few. If you want to get started right away, I suggest you check out these books:

• Black Man With A Gun - Kenn VF Blanchard
  
• More Guns, Less Crime - John Lott
  
• Thank God I Had A Gun - Chris Byrd
  
• The Global War On Your Guns - Wayne LaPierre

7. Never Vote For An Anti-Candidate
Under absolutely no circumstances, should a freedom loving gun owning citizen ever vote for an anti-gun candidate at any level of government. Personally, if I had to vote in my local community for the elected position of dogcatcher he couldn't get my vote unless he was pro-gun.

In this last election at the presidential level, in my humble opinion, many people in my beloved country chose to "drink the Kool-Aid" because we had a chance to show the world how far we have come with regards to race relations.

No person, of any color, can get my vote unless he is pro-Second Amendment. End of argument.

The next four years will bring a lot of challenges to our country on many fronts. Together, we can preserve liberty. Please join me. For it was once said, "If we don't hang together, we shall definitely hang separately."

Are Michigan Police Departments Violating One Of Your Rights Granted By PA 381 of 2000?

As a firearms safety expert, I field a lot of questions about gun safety, personal protection, and Michigan's Concealed Pistol License (CPL) law. Accordingly, some inquiries require me to do some research before I can give a definitive answer.

Recently while doing some research, I came across two Michigan police department web sites that had information contained therein which is in violation of Michigan PA 381 of 2000. If you recall, one of my earlier articles enumerated several rights that are granted to Michigan CPL applicants.

Specifically, Section 5 (1) of Michigan's CPL law states, "County sheriffs, local police agencies, and county clerks shall provide concealed pistol application kits during normal business hours and free of charge to individuals who wish to apply for licenses to carry concealed pistols."

As of today, at least two Michigan police departments are apparently illegally charging a fee for CPL Application Kits: Flint Police Department and Pontiac Police Department.

I have not contacted these two agencies about the aforementioned info on their internet sites. As a public service, I am notifying you that being charged a fee for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License Application Kit, however small, is in violation of state law. Thus, you should refuse to pay the fee and demand to be given a kit free of charge. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General's Web Site.

Hopefully, this matter is a simple misunderstanding of what the CPL statute expressly forbids. This matter is especially troubling, given the high rates of violent crime being committed in Pontiac and Flint during these troubling times.

Check Out My Interview On Fox News Detroit!

This past Saturday while at the gun range to teach a firearm safety class, I was approached by local TV station - Channel 2 - to do an interview on rising gun sales ater last week's Presidential Election.

Check out the newscast!

Detroit Michigan CCW/CPL Class - Sunday, November 23, 2008

Hello again!

I just wanted to remind you that we are conducting another CCW/CPL Class on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008. You can register for this class at our web site: Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

The class will be held at the following location:
Southfield Hampton Inn Conference Room
27500 Northwestern Hwy
Southfield, MI 48075

There is a 15 seat limit on this class. Also, I am making this same announcement to my friends on Facebook, contacts on Myspace, former students who have referral leads, and my LinkedIn contacts. This class will fill up in the next couple of days.

If you have any interest at all in getting a Michigan Concealed Pistol License, don't delay. Register now!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

C. Rick Ector, Chief Instructor

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Address: POB 805, Sterling Hts, MI 48311
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com
PH: 313.733.7404

I Want To Reward You For Voting!

Tomorrow's presidential election will be historic. I am excited to see which direction America takes. I will be in line with my fellow citizens to cast my vote. I have a say as to who gets into the Oval Office. And so do you!

As a firearms instructor, I have very strong opinions about the Second Amendment. This sentiment will definitely be a factor as to who I vote for tomorrow. I just want to take this moment to encourage you to vote, regardless of who you actually vote for.

To show my support for the American process, I am going to put "my money where my mouth is" and pay you to vote. Yes, pay YOU to vote.

I am paying you with $61 off my next CCW Class which will be held this Saturday at 8 am in Southfield, Michigan at the Hampton Inn (27500 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI, 48034). There is a catch (isn't there always - LOL):

You must RSVP by paying the heavily discounted tuition price of $99 by 11:59 pm tomorrow - Tuesday, November 4, 2008. I am giving you four hours extra time after the polls close to cast your vote and register for the CCW Class. According to all media reports that I have heard, voter turnout will be very high.

Also, you will be required to present your Voter's Registration Card when you show up for class as proof that you voted in this historic election. If you pay the discounted rate and forget your ID, you'll have to pay the additional $61.

The link for taking advantage of this Election Day Special is:

Election Day Special

Please note that you will still have range expenses - not to exceed $35.

Please note: this link and special is not mentioned anywhere on my official company web site at http://www.detroitccw.com

I look forward to meeting you. Thank you for voting!

Rick

Detroit Michigan CCW/CPL Class - Saturday, November 8th, 2008

Hello again!

I just wanted to remind you that we are conducting another CCW/CPL Class on Saturday, November 8th, 2008. You can register for this class at our web site: Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

The class will be held at the following location:
Southfield Hampton Inn Conference Room
27500 Northwestern Hwy
Southfield, MI 48075

There is a 15 seat limit on this class. Also, I am making this same announcement to my friends on Facebook, contacts on Myspace, former students who have referral leads, and my LinkedIn contacts. This class will fill up in the next couple of days.

If you have any interest at all in getting a Michigan Concealed Pistol License, don't delay. Register now!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

C. Rick Ector, Chief Instructor

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Address: POB 805, Sterling Hts, MI 48311
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com
PH: 313.733.7404

My "Urban Shooter Podcast" Interview

Hello Blog readers!

This post is to just let you all know that I was interviewed on the internationally acclaimed podcast show, "The Urban Shooter" a few days ago. The show's host, Kenn Blanchard, is perhaps the most well known gun rights advocate for gun owners in urban America.

I met Kenn a few years ago at the Gun Rights Policy Convention in Fort Mitchell, KY. Since then we have kept in touch. Despite the fact that we are friends, I was still honored that he wanted to interview me on his show.

Visit the following link to hear me being interviewed on his show: http://urbanshooter.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=397352

After you check it out, let me know your thoughts.

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