FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Detroit, MI - November 29, 2010 -- Detroit Michigan CCW Class Instructor offers to provide a free shooting lesson for women.
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit is announcing that they will provide a free shooting lesson at a southeast Michigan target range to women interested in learning more about personal protection.
There will be no charge for the Firearm Instructor's safety briefing and the usage of a firearm. No prior firearms training or experience is required of the women who desire to take advantage of the lesson.
However, a nominal fee - payable to the range - will apply to cover ammunition costs and range time. Ladies who consequently decide to enroll in a state of Michigan Concealed Pistol Class (CPL) will have their range fees deducted from their tuition.
The free shooting lesson offer was the brainchild of Rick Ector, an NRA Approved Firearms Trainer, after seeing a television newscast of a young woman's body being discovered on an east-side Detroit street.
Ector believes that there are many women in southeast Michigan who are curious about firearms and their role in self-defense but are reluctant to investigate due to fears. He said, "If giving women a free lesson by a credentialed professional translates into women just trying it, it'll be a productive use of my time."
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, NRAnews, Gun Digest, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, WJLB, WGPR and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about the free shooting lesson and Detroit Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
###
This blog chronicles the adventures of Rick Ector, an urban Firearms Instructor in the most violent city in the world - Detroit, Michigan. Info on Personal Protection, Firearm Safety, Concealed Pistol License CPL, Concealed Carry Weapons CCW, Detroit CCW Class, and Self-Defense. As seen on AP, UPI, NRAnews' "Cam and Co. Show," Gun Digest Magazine, Tactical-Life, The Urban Shooter Podcast, Firearms Truth, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit's - "Channel 2 News" and "Let It Rip."
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Detroit Michigan CCW Class Instructor's Self-Defense Blog Wins Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Detroit, MI - November 29, 2010 -- Detroit Michigan CCW Class Instructor's self-defense blog wins an award for its personal protection content.
The web site review staff at "BestOfTheBlogs" (BOTB) bestowed their '2010 Top Blog Award' to the web design team that operates the "Legally Armed In Detroit" (LAID) web site.
BOTB was started in 2003 as a grassroots effort to reward bloggers for their online publishing efforts. It evaluates a blog's content for original thought, for expressed passion, and for adherence to its stated mission.
LAID was launched in 2008, as a complementary resource, by Detroit Michigan CCW Class Instructor Rick Ector to provide original content, articles, and essays to continually update Michigan residents about the subjects of firearm safety and personal protection.
In response to receiving the honor, Ector stated that "although the recognition is appreciated, it was never the driving force behind the site's numerous updates and online instructional videos." Ector, a former robbery victim, added that he "wants to educate the general public how they can remain safe and sound during these currently troubling times."
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, NRAnews, Gun Digest, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, WJLB, WGPR and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about the BOTB and Detroit Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Contact: Rick Ector
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Best Of The Blogs
Contact: Kate Thompson
Web: http://www.bestoftheblogs.org
Phone: (425)827-1423
###
Detroit, MI - November 29, 2010 -- Detroit Michigan CCW Class Instructor's self-defense blog wins an award for its personal protection content.
The web site review staff at "BestOfTheBlogs" (BOTB) bestowed their '2010 Top Blog Award' to the web design team that operates the "Legally Armed In Detroit" (LAID) web site.
BOTB was started in 2003 as a grassroots effort to reward bloggers for their online publishing efforts. It evaluates a blog's content for original thought, for expressed passion, and for adherence to its stated mission.
LAID was launched in 2008, as a complementary resource, by Detroit Michigan CCW Class Instructor Rick Ector to provide original content, articles, and essays to continually update Michigan residents about the subjects of firearm safety and personal protection.
In response to receiving the honor, Ector stated that "although the recognition is appreciated, it was never the driving force behind the site's numerous updates and online instructional videos." Ector, a former robbery victim, added that he "wants to educate the general public how they can remain safe and sound during these currently troubling times."
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, NRAnews, Gun Digest, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, WJLB, WGPR and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about the BOTB and Detroit Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Contact: Rick Ector
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Best Of The Blogs
Contact: Kate Thompson
Web: http://www.bestoftheblogs.org
Phone: (425)827-1423
Last Detroit Michigan CCW Class of 2010: Sunday, December 12th
We are pleased to announce another CCW/CPL Class of this year! So, if you have a desire to qualify for a Concealed Pistol License, so that you can feel safe, register for our next class.
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
More info on Detroit Michigan CCW Class is available at our web site.
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
More info on Detroit Michigan CCW Class is available at our web site.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Detroit Michigan CCW Class Instructor Warns Shoppers About Holiday Crime
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Detroit, MI - November 26, 2010 -- Detroit, Michigan CCW Class Instructor is advising shoppers to exercise caution while shopping during this current holiday shopping season.
The official start of the holiday shopping season begins in earnest on Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving. Throngs of eager shoppers will be visiting local stores and shopping malls in search of Christmas gifts for loved ones.
One unintended consequence of the holiday shopping season is an increased likelihood of crime. Many people, in some cases, will be carrying large sums of cash and will be over-burdened with packages. As such, these shoppers will become targeted by robbers.
Shoppers can decrease their risk of being robbed by following some common-sense advice. Rick Ector, a Personal Protection Instructor, is urging shoppers to avoid late-night shopping, to not carry large sums of cash, and to utilize situational awareness to avoid placing them into harm's way.
Situational awareness, as taught in Ector's Detroit Michigan CCW Class, requires the shopper to continually poll his environment for potential scenarios which could develop into a threat. A person, in some cases, can avoid potentially dangerous situations simply by being actively aware of their environment and quickly removing themselves from it, if necessary.
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, NRAnews, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, WJLB, WGPR and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about avoiding holiday crime and Detroit Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
###
Detroit, MI - November 26, 2010 -- Detroit, Michigan CCW Class Instructor is advising shoppers to exercise caution while shopping during this current holiday shopping season.
The official start of the holiday shopping season begins in earnest on Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving. Throngs of eager shoppers will be visiting local stores and shopping malls in search of Christmas gifts for loved ones.
One unintended consequence of the holiday shopping season is an increased likelihood of crime. Many people, in some cases, will be carrying large sums of cash and will be over-burdened with packages. As such, these shoppers will become targeted by robbers.
Shoppers can decrease their risk of being robbed by following some common-sense advice. Rick Ector, a Personal Protection Instructor, is urging shoppers to avoid late-night shopping, to not carry large sums of cash, and to utilize situational awareness to avoid placing them into harm's way.
Situational awareness, as taught in Ector's Detroit Michigan CCW Class, requires the shopper to continually poll his environment for potential scenarios which could develop into a threat. A person, in some cases, can avoid potentially dangerous situations simply by being actively aware of their environment and quickly removing themselves from it, if necessary.
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, NRAnews, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, WJLB, WGPR and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about avoiding holiday crime and Detroit Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Detroit Michigan CCW Class Instructor's IHOP Boycott Site Tops 600 Members
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Detroit, MI - November 13, 2010 -- Detroit, Michigan CCW Class Instructor's boycott page of a local International House of Pancake Restaurant (IHOP) on Facebook tops 600 members.
The "Boycott The Detroit IHOP - Crime Empowerment Zone" page on Facebook - a popular social networking site - as a consequence of asking customers to not patronize that business which operates on Jefferson Avenue in downtown Detroit, has generated a lot interest. Currently, the boycott has in excess of 600 participants and is growing larger every day.
The boycott was initiated by a local Michigan CCW Class Instructor, Rick Ector, in response to that eatery's ban on the possession of all legally carried firearms - openly carried or lawfully concealed carried with a state of Michigan permit. In Michigan, open carry of a pistol in a visible holster is legal without a license. Furthermore, the concealed carry of a handgun is also legal if the person has a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL).
Ector, a former robbery victim, believes that the restaurant's ban on handguns creates a dangerous dining environment for customers. The reasoning, according to Ector, is that if a business bans guns then armed criminals will know where they can find unarmed people to rob, rape, and assault. The boycott will remain in effect until this local IHOP location drops it gun ban.
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, NRAnews, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, WJLB, WGPR and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about the Detroit IHOP boycott and Detroit Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
###
Detroit, MI - November 13, 2010 -- Detroit, Michigan CCW Class Instructor's boycott page of a local International House of Pancake Restaurant (IHOP) on Facebook tops 600 members.
The "Boycott The Detroit IHOP - Crime Empowerment Zone" page on Facebook - a popular social networking site - as a consequence of asking customers to not patronize that business which operates on Jefferson Avenue in downtown Detroit, has generated a lot interest. Currently, the boycott has in excess of 600 participants and is growing larger every day.
The boycott was initiated by a local Michigan CCW Class Instructor, Rick Ector, in response to that eatery's ban on the possession of all legally carried firearms - openly carried or lawfully concealed carried with a state of Michigan permit. In Michigan, open carry of a pistol in a visible holster is legal without a license. Furthermore, the concealed carry of a handgun is also legal if the person has a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL).
Ector, a former robbery victim, believes that the restaurant's ban on handguns creates a dangerous dining environment for customers. The reasoning, according to Ector, is that if a business bans guns then armed criminals will know where they can find unarmed people to rob, rape, and assault. The boycott will remain in effect until this local IHOP location drops it gun ban.
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, NRAnews, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, WJLB, WGPR and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about the Detroit IHOP boycott and Detroit Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Friday, November 12, 2010
Next Detroit Michigan CCW CPL Class: Sunday, November 14, 2010
We are pleased to announce another CCW/CPL Class of this year! So, if you have a desire to qualify for a Concealed Pistol License, so that you can feel safe, register for our next class.
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
6 Myths About Open Carrying A Handgun In Michigan
In Michigan, it is unquestionably legal for a person - at least 18 years of age - who has his firearms rights intact to display a handgun - registered in his name - in a completely visible holster as long as he is on foot and he is not present in a statutorily defined "Pistol-FREE Zone."
As a practicing "Open Carrier" of a visibly displayed handgun in a holster, I get asked a lot of questions about the practice. Over time, I have consistently heard six myths from members of the general public about Open Carry. Thus, this article will enumerate and dispel the most commonly believed myths about the Open Carry of a handgun in Michigan without a special license.
OC Myth 1: Open Carry Is Now Legal In Michigan Because Of A New Law
While Open Carry of a handgun is definitely legal in Michigan, it is not because of some new law that was recently enacted by the state legislature. In fact, the practice of openly carrying a handgun is legal in Michigan because there was never a law enacted that made the practice illegal.
The perception that a new law, authorizing open carry of a handgun, was recently enacted is due to the fact that many Michigan residents were not aware of the legality of Open Carry and that there has been a noticeable increase in the number of citizens exercising their right to carry an openly displayed handgun.
OC Myth 2: A Person Needs A Concealed Pistol License (CPL) To Open Carry A Handgun
It should seem quite absurd to an average person that a license to carry a concealed pistol is needed to carry a non-concealed pistol. If anything, it would be more palatable to believe that a person needed a "Carry A Non-Concealed Pistol License" to open carry a handgun. However, as stated earlier in this post it is legal to open carry a handgun in Michigan without any sort of special license.
The confusion about the necessity of needing a CPL to open carry a handgun in Michigan may be due to the fact that a CPL-holder is statutorily allowed to open carry a handgun in state enumerated Pistol-FREE Zones. However, personal property rights supercede open carry rights. Thus, for example, Ford Field security employees can bar from entry CPL-holders who desire to open carry a handgun in their sports arena - a state of Michigan enumerated Pistol-FREE Zone.
OC Myth 3: Open Carrying A Handgun In Michigan Is Brandishing
The most interesting thing about the term "brandishing" is that it is not defined in Michigan law, even though there are statutorily defined penalties for brandishing a firearm. Nonetheless, in a published 2002 Opinion, Attorney General Jennifer Granholm relied upon The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition (1982), at page 204 to define the term:
1. To wave or flourish menacingly, as a weapon.
2. To display ostentatiously. –n. A menacing or defiant wave or flourish.
Furthermore, the same opinion - referenced above - made the following conclusion:
"carrying a handgun in a holster in plain view, is not waving or displaying the firearm in a threatening manner. Thus, such conduct does not constitute brandishing a firearm."
OC Myth 4: Being Issued A CPL Invalidates A Person's Open Carry Rights
I'm not totally certain how this myth got started, but it is patently false. There is nothing in Michigan law that requires a person with a CPL to involuntarily relinquish their right to also open carry a handgun.
The most interesting thing about this misconception is that I have heard it with my own ears from only active-duty police officers and have gotten into many debates about it as a consequence. Furthermore, I have heard other folks tell me that they have heard this statement from law enforcement officers, usually CPL teachers, that they trained under to satisfy Michigan's CPL requirements. Hopefully, it is not a nefarious plot to discourage folks from open carrying firearms but merely a training issue with their respective agency.
OC Myth 5: A Person Open Carrying A Firearm Will Create A Panic
From my personal experiences and conversations with others who regularly open carry, it is a myth that unarmed citizens will be frightened at the sight of a person who is openly displaying a pistol. Of course, that outcome assumes that unarmed citizens will even see the handgun. Most people in the general public are too caught up in their own thoughts to be paying attention to anything that doesn't impact them in any meaningful way.
If you really think about it, the person who is visibly armed is not going to surprise you with the fact that he has a firearm in his possession. Accordingly, it is highly unlikely that a jacker or rapist is walking amongst the general public, while looking for victims to assault, with a .40 caliber Glock 9mm handgun strapped onto his waist. Criminals hide their firearms.
Furthermore, of those that do notice that a person is open carrying a handgun, many folks continue to go about their personal business as if there is nothing amiss. As I usually tell people, who are considering to engage in the practice of open carry, "if you act cool, they'll act cool." Sometimes though, a person will feel compelled to come over to you and ask if you are a police officer. In those situations I answer, "No. Open Carry is legal in Michigan." Most nosy people are satisfied with that response.
Moreover, the whole concept of open carry has gotten a lot of media coverage lately and more people are aware of its legality. A few months ago, there was a lot of hand-wringing and public debate between gun rights activists and local politicians about whether open carry would be allowed at the Arts, Beats, & Eats Fair in Royal Oak.
Ultimately, open carry was allowed at the fair and the imagined fears about problems were unrealized. In fact, the fair was well attended by the general public, no problems with guns occurred, and more money for its organizers was made than in other year when the event was held in Pontiac.
OC Myth 6: Open Carriers Lose The 'Tactical Advantage'
Visit any online firearms bulletin board on the Internet and you'll see a raging and never-ending debate about open carriers supposedly losing their 'tactical advantage.' Some folks have the opinion that if a person is open carrying in a place that is about to be robbed, he will be shot on sight by the bad guys before the place is eventually robbed. These folks reason that guns should be legally concealed so that can be used in a surprise counter-attack against the bad guys at the first 'tactically' determined opportunity to thwart the crime.
The opposing opinion is that if bad guys see visibly armed people in a place that they were about to rob, the bad guys would call off the attack and look for safer places to victimize. Most people who take this view, as I do, usually cite the fact that there have been no known incidents in Michigan where a person who was open carrying was shot before before a crime occurred.
The latter view is supported by some findings of a scientific study, underwritten by a federal grant from the National Institute of Justice of the U.S. Justice Department. The research was performed by Professors James D. Wright and Peter H. Rossi, who conducted thorough interviews with 1,874 imprisoned felons between the time period of August 1982 and January 1983.
The study examined "deep-seated attitudes of criminals on the questions of weapons choice, deterrence, attitudes toward gun control, criminal history, and firearms acquisition." The surveyed inmates were from the diverse states of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada and Oklahoma.
The Wright-Rossi Study had among its many findings the following observations:
- 74% of polled inmates agreed that one reason burglars avoid houses when people are at home is that they fear being shot.
- 34% of polled inmates agreed that they ran into a victim armed with a gun.
- 37% of polled inmates agreed that they had at one time ever been scared off, shot at, wounded or captured by an armed citizen?
In essence, from the above results it is reasonable to infer that most criminals prefer to attack unarmed victims and that criminals also take due care to not attack citizens whom they suspect to be armed with firearms. Thus, I believe criminals would not be likely to preemptively shoot someone who is open carrying a firearm.
Bottom Line:
A lot of misinformation about open carrying a handgun in Michigan is stopping people from exercising their right to bear a firearm. As with all information that reaches you on a particular topic, due care should be used to ensure that the information is accurate. In that vein, knowledgeable and reputable resources for open carry info should be consulted for guidance rather relying upon something that you overheard at a barbershop.
As a practicing "Open Carrier" of a visibly displayed handgun in a holster, I get asked a lot of questions about the practice. Over time, I have consistently heard six myths from members of the general public about Open Carry. Thus, this article will enumerate and dispel the most commonly believed myths about the Open Carry of a handgun in Michigan without a special license.
OC Myth 1: Open Carry Is Now Legal In Michigan Because Of A New Law
While Open Carry of a handgun is definitely legal in Michigan, it is not because of some new law that was recently enacted by the state legislature. In fact, the practice of openly carrying a handgun is legal in Michigan because there was never a law enacted that made the practice illegal.
The perception that a new law, authorizing open carry of a handgun, was recently enacted is due to the fact that many Michigan residents were not aware of the legality of Open Carry and that there has been a noticeable increase in the number of citizens exercising their right to carry an openly displayed handgun.
OC Myth 2: A Person Needs A Concealed Pistol License (CPL) To Open Carry A Handgun
It should seem quite absurd to an average person that a license to carry a concealed pistol is needed to carry a non-concealed pistol. If anything, it would be more palatable to believe that a person needed a "Carry A Non-Concealed Pistol License" to open carry a handgun. However, as stated earlier in this post it is legal to open carry a handgun in Michigan without any sort of special license.
The confusion about the necessity of needing a CPL to open carry a handgun in Michigan may be due to the fact that a CPL-holder is statutorily allowed to open carry a handgun in state enumerated Pistol-FREE Zones. However, personal property rights supercede open carry rights. Thus, for example, Ford Field security employees can bar from entry CPL-holders who desire to open carry a handgun in their sports arena - a state of Michigan enumerated Pistol-FREE Zone.
OC Myth 3: Open Carrying A Handgun In Michigan Is Brandishing
The most interesting thing about the term "brandishing" is that it is not defined in Michigan law, even though there are statutorily defined penalties for brandishing a firearm. Nonetheless, in a published 2002 Opinion, Attorney General Jennifer Granholm relied upon The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition (1982), at page 204 to define the term:
1. To wave or flourish menacingly, as a weapon.
2. To display ostentatiously. –n. A menacing or defiant wave or flourish.
Furthermore, the same opinion - referenced above - made the following conclusion:
"carrying a handgun in a holster in plain view, is not waving or displaying the firearm in a threatening manner. Thus, such conduct does not constitute brandishing a firearm."
OC Myth 4: Being Issued A CPL Invalidates A Person's Open Carry Rights
I'm not totally certain how this myth got started, but it is patently false. There is nothing in Michigan law that requires a person with a CPL to involuntarily relinquish their right to also open carry a handgun.
The most interesting thing about this misconception is that I have heard it with my own ears from only active-duty police officers and have gotten into many debates about it as a consequence. Furthermore, I have heard other folks tell me that they have heard this statement from law enforcement officers, usually CPL teachers, that they trained under to satisfy Michigan's CPL requirements. Hopefully, it is not a nefarious plot to discourage folks from open carrying firearms but merely a training issue with their respective agency.
OC Myth 5: A Person Open Carrying A Firearm Will Create A Panic
From my personal experiences and conversations with others who regularly open carry, it is a myth that unarmed citizens will be frightened at the sight of a person who is openly displaying a pistol. Of course, that outcome assumes that unarmed citizens will even see the handgun. Most people in the general public are too caught up in their own thoughts to be paying attention to anything that doesn't impact them in any meaningful way.
If you really think about it, the person who is visibly armed is not going to surprise you with the fact that he has a firearm in his possession. Accordingly, it is highly unlikely that a jacker or rapist is walking amongst the general public, while looking for victims to assault, with a .40 caliber Glock 9mm handgun strapped onto his waist. Criminals hide their firearms.
Furthermore, of those that do notice that a person is open carrying a handgun, many folks continue to go about their personal business as if there is nothing amiss. As I usually tell people, who are considering to engage in the practice of open carry, "if you act cool, they'll act cool." Sometimes though, a person will feel compelled to come over to you and ask if you are a police officer. In those situations I answer, "No. Open Carry is legal in Michigan." Most nosy people are satisfied with that response.
Moreover, the whole concept of open carry has gotten a lot of media coverage lately and more people are aware of its legality. A few months ago, there was a lot of hand-wringing and public debate between gun rights activists and local politicians about whether open carry would be allowed at the Arts, Beats, & Eats Fair in Royal Oak.
Ultimately, open carry was allowed at the fair and the imagined fears about problems were unrealized. In fact, the fair was well attended by the general public, no problems with guns occurred, and more money for its organizers was made than in other year when the event was held in Pontiac.
OC Myth 6: Open Carriers Lose The 'Tactical Advantage'
Visit any online firearms bulletin board on the Internet and you'll see a raging and never-ending debate about open carriers supposedly losing their 'tactical advantage.' Some folks have the opinion that if a person is open carrying in a place that is about to be robbed, he will be shot on sight by the bad guys before the place is eventually robbed. These folks reason that guns should be legally concealed so that can be used in a surprise counter-attack against the bad guys at the first 'tactically' determined opportunity to thwart the crime.
The opposing opinion is that if bad guys see visibly armed people in a place that they were about to rob, the bad guys would call off the attack and look for safer places to victimize. Most people who take this view, as I do, usually cite the fact that there have been no known incidents in Michigan where a person who was open carrying was shot before before a crime occurred.
The latter view is supported by some findings of a scientific study, underwritten by a federal grant from the National Institute of Justice of the U.S. Justice Department. The research was performed by Professors James D. Wright and Peter H. Rossi, who conducted thorough interviews with 1,874 imprisoned felons between the time period of August 1982 and January 1983.
The study examined "deep-seated attitudes of criminals on the questions of weapons choice, deterrence, attitudes toward gun control, criminal history, and firearms acquisition." The surveyed inmates were from the diverse states of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada and Oklahoma.
The Wright-Rossi Study had among its many findings the following observations:
- 74% of polled inmates agreed that one reason burglars avoid houses when people are at home is that they fear being shot.
- 34% of polled inmates agreed that they ran into a victim armed with a gun.
- 37% of polled inmates agreed that they had at one time ever been scared off, shot at, wounded or captured by an armed citizen?
In essence, from the above results it is reasonable to infer that most criminals prefer to attack unarmed victims and that criminals also take due care to not attack citizens whom they suspect to be armed with firearms. Thus, I believe criminals would not be likely to preemptively shoot someone who is open carrying a firearm.
Bottom Line:
A lot of misinformation about open carrying a handgun in Michigan is stopping people from exercising their right to bear a firearm. As with all information that reaches you on a particular topic, due care should be used to ensure that the information is accurate. In that vein, knowledgeable and reputable resources for open carry info should be consulted for guidance rather relying upon something that you overheard at a barbershop.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
FAQ: How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For A Michigan CCW/CPL?
Ask The Michigan Firearms Instructor
Q: How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For A Michigan CCW/CPL?
A: Generally speaking, a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CCW/CPL) applicant should allow two to three months for the entire process. In truth, some counties process their applicants more expeditiously than others. Moreover, some county gun boards still require applicants to appear before the county gun board, thus, the total time required for the entire process may vary widely. If three months have passes since you submitted your application, follow up with the County Clerk's Office.
Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.
Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Q: How Long Does It Take To Get Approved For A Michigan CCW/CPL?
A: Generally speaking, a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CCW/CPL) applicant should allow two to three months for the entire process. In truth, some counties process their applicants more expeditiously than others. Moreover, some county gun boards still require applicants to appear before the county gun board, thus, the total time required for the entire process may vary widely. If three months have passes since you submitted your application, follow up with the County Clerk's Office.
Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
FAQ: What Is The Difference Between A Michigan CCW And A Michigan CPL?
Ask The Michigan Firearms Instructor
Q: What Is The Difference Between A Michigan CCW And A Michigan CPL?
A: A CCW - Carrying A Concealed Weapon - is a crime in which a person unlawfully possesses a hidden weapon, usually a handgun, on or about his person without authorization.
In contrast, a CPL - Concealed Pistol License - is a document granted by the state of Michigan which authorizes the named licensee to possess a concealed pistol on or about his person. In many contexts, many people use the two terms - CCW and CPL - interchangeably.
Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.
Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Q: What Is The Difference Between A Michigan CCW And A Michigan CPL?
A: A CCW - Carrying A Concealed Weapon - is a crime in which a person unlawfully possesses a hidden weapon, usually a handgun, on or about his person without authorization.
In contrast, a CPL - Concealed Pistol License - is a document granted by the state of Michigan which authorizes the named licensee to possess a concealed pistol on or about his person. In many contexts, many people use the two terms - CCW and CPL - interchangeably.
Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
FAQ: How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A CCW In Michigan?
An applicant for a state of Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL/CCW) must be at least 21 years of age.
Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.
Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.
About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.
For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:
Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404
Next Detroit Michigan CCW CPL Class: Sunday, November 14, 2010
We are pleased to announce another CCW/CPL Class of this year! So, if you have a desire to qualify for a Concealed Pistol License, so that you can feel safe, register for our next class.
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
You May Have To Defend Yourself Against The Attack Of A Woman
On February 12, 2010 a Harvard educated female neuroscientist - Dr. Amy Bishop - shocked our nation when she went on a shooting rampage at the University of Alabama that resulted in the death of three colleagues and the wounding of three others. Apparently, she was exacting revenge for not being awarded tenure at the school.
This incident proves that although the FBI Uniform Crime Statistics clearly show that violent crime is usually committed by men, it is entirely possible that women can committ violent offenses. In 2009, women in the United States were arrested for the following violent crimes: 931 Murders, 187 Forcible Rapes, 10,898 Robberies, and 68,412 Aggravated Assaults.
Accordingly, I teach and challenge students in my Personal Protection/Self-Defense classes not to cling too dearly to any pre-conceived notions of what an assailant "looks" like. A violent assailant may be a woman.
Some Recent Metro-Detroit Cases Involving Violent Females
On Sunday, November 7th, 2010, a 46 year-old Detroit man was killed when his 46 year-old girlfriend deliberately ran him over with a U-Haul Truck. Police say that the victim exited the vehicle after getting into a dispute with his girlfriend. The dead man's girlfriend is in police custody awaiting charges.
On Thursday, November 4th, 2010, a 49 year-old Detroit woman was seriously injured after being initially hit with a car and then subsequently slammed into the porch by the same car which was driven by the 21 year-old woman who had previously dated the victim's boyfriend. The assailant is in police custody awaiting charges.
On July 25, 2010, a 23 year-old Pontiac woman, who had an ongoing online Facebook feud with another woman, repeatedly rammed her car into the vehicle driven by her rival. The rival, as a consequence, feared for her life and ran a red traffic signal. The rival's car crashed into a dump truck. The resulting accident left the driver in critical condition and killed a passenger who was also present in the rival's car. The assailant was taken into police custody and arraigned on murder charges. The online dispute was reportedly started over the attention and affection of an unnamed man.
On July 12, 2010, a 27 year-old Detroit woman armed with a baseball bat and an illegally possessed stun gun arrived at the Ferndale home of her ex-boyfriend whom she thought was cheating with another woman. She proceeded to repeatedly beat on the house, broke the front door, and broke out a window. The police were summoned and arrived before she could gain entry into the home. The assailant was taken in custody.
On December 2, 2009, a 29 year-old Detroit woman reportedly poured gasoline onto porch of the home of her 40 year-old ex-boyfriend and set it on fire. Allegedly, the incident was sparked - pun not intended - when she was told that she could no longer live at the residence over suspicions of cheating. The woman was taken into custody and no injuries were reported in the blaze.
Bottom Line:
Although women, as a rule, do not committ violent acts as often as men statistically, they are still capable of doing so. Thus, individuals desiring to exercise more involvement in their personal safety should take a more expansive view of the types of people they view as potential threats. A woman can be a threat to another person's safety.
This incident proves that although the FBI Uniform Crime Statistics clearly show that violent crime is usually committed by men, it is entirely possible that women can committ violent offenses. In 2009, women in the United States were arrested for the following violent crimes: 931 Murders, 187 Forcible Rapes, 10,898 Robberies, and 68,412 Aggravated Assaults.
Accordingly, I teach and challenge students in my Personal Protection/Self-Defense classes not to cling too dearly to any pre-conceived notions of what an assailant "looks" like. A violent assailant may be a woman.
Some Recent Metro-Detroit Cases Involving Violent Females
On Sunday, November 7th, 2010, a 46 year-old Detroit man was killed when his 46 year-old girlfriend deliberately ran him over with a U-Haul Truck. Police say that the victim exited the vehicle after getting into a dispute with his girlfriend. The dead man's girlfriend is in police custody awaiting charges.
On Thursday, November 4th, 2010, a 49 year-old Detroit woman was seriously injured after being initially hit with a car and then subsequently slammed into the porch by the same car which was driven by the 21 year-old woman who had previously dated the victim's boyfriend. The assailant is in police custody awaiting charges.
On July 25, 2010, a 23 year-old Pontiac woman, who had an ongoing online Facebook feud with another woman, repeatedly rammed her car into the vehicle driven by her rival. The rival, as a consequence, feared for her life and ran a red traffic signal. The rival's car crashed into a dump truck. The resulting accident left the driver in critical condition and killed a passenger who was also present in the rival's car. The assailant was taken into police custody and arraigned on murder charges. The online dispute was reportedly started over the attention and affection of an unnamed man.
On July 12, 2010, a 27 year-old Detroit woman armed with a baseball bat and an illegally possessed stun gun arrived at the Ferndale home of her ex-boyfriend whom she thought was cheating with another woman. She proceeded to repeatedly beat on the house, broke the front door, and broke out a window. The police were summoned and arrived before she could gain entry into the home. The assailant was taken in custody.
On December 2, 2009, a 29 year-old Detroit woman reportedly poured gasoline onto porch of the home of her 40 year-old ex-boyfriend and set it on fire. Allegedly, the incident was sparked - pun not intended - when she was told that she could no longer live at the residence over suspicions of cheating. The woman was taken into custody and no injuries were reported in the blaze.
Bottom Line:
Although women, as a rule, do not committ violent acts as often as men statistically, they are still capable of doing so. Thus, individuals desiring to exercise more involvement in their personal safety should take a more expansive view of the types of people they view as potential threats. A woman can be a threat to another person's safety.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Michigan Open-Carry Seminar Recap
This past Saturday afternoon I attended a FREE Open-Carry seminar in Utica, Michigan. It was sponsored by those great guys and gals at Michigan Open Carry, Inc. The seminar was hosted without charge by Gander Mountain.
The express purpose of this seminar was to inform and educate members of the community about Open-Carry in Michigan. Some of the items covered in this informative session included, but was not limited to, the following:
- The Legality Of Open-Carry In Michigan
- How To Legally Open Carry In Michigan Without A Permit
- Pistol-FREE Zones When Carrying A Firearm Openly
- Suggestions On How To Handle Inquiries By Law Enforement
- Myths About Open Carry In Michigan
- Issues When Open Carrying By A Person With A CPL
The session ran about an hour in length and was well attended.
I have long considered whether to host an Open Carry seminar in Detroit. After having attended this session, I am encouraged. I have fielded a lot of questions about the legality of Open Carry in Michigan throughout the past four years I've been teaching firearm safety and now feel that the time is right to make a concerted effort to push this info out to residents of the city of Detroit.
After the seminar, about 10 of us headed over to a local pizza eatery to fellowship. We hit a small snag when the manager of the establishment asked us to disarm. He had some concerns about small children being frightened at the sight of our arms, as he runs a "family friendly environment." After some discussion and debate, he relented and us to patronize his establishment.
Some time later, he came over and apologized for his previous position. He admitted that he was ignorant about the legality of Open Carry in Michigan. In fact, he passed out FREE meal vouchers as a goodwill gesture.
In the end, we not only informed the public about Open Carry at the seminar but we also put our theory into actual practice in the community. We educated the public at-large of the legality of Open Carry and that was the whole point of the day. This day was a good day.
Would you attend an Open Carry seminar in Detroit?
The express purpose of this seminar was to inform and educate members of the community about Open-Carry in Michigan. Some of the items covered in this informative session included, but was not limited to, the following:
- The Legality Of Open-Carry In Michigan
- How To Legally Open Carry In Michigan Without A Permit
- Pistol-FREE Zones When Carrying A Firearm Openly
- Suggestions On How To Handle Inquiries By Law Enforement
- Myths About Open Carry In Michigan
- Issues When Open Carrying By A Person With A CPL
The session ran about an hour in length and was well attended.
I have long considered whether to host an Open Carry seminar in Detroit. After having attended this session, I am encouraged. I have fielded a lot of questions about the legality of Open Carry in Michigan throughout the past four years I've been teaching firearm safety and now feel that the time is right to make a concerted effort to push this info out to residents of the city of Detroit.
After the seminar, about 10 of us headed over to a local pizza eatery to fellowship. We hit a small snag when the manager of the establishment asked us to disarm. He had some concerns about small children being frightened at the sight of our arms, as he runs a "family friendly environment." After some discussion and debate, he relented and us to patronize his establishment.
Some time later, he came over and apologized for his previous position. He admitted that he was ignorant about the legality of Open Carry in Michigan. In fact, he passed out FREE meal vouchers as a goodwill gesture.
In the end, we not only informed the public about Open Carry at the seminar but we also put our theory into actual practice in the community. We educated the public at-large of the legality of Open Carry and that was the whole point of the day. This day was a good day.
Would you attend an Open Carry seminar in Detroit?
Friday, November 5, 2010
Michigan Gun Rights Survey Needs Your Input
Dear Gun-Rights Activists and Enthusiasts:
A friend of mine - Jenny Carlson - is writing her PhD dissertation on gun-rights activism in Michigan. As part of her research, she has developed an online survey for gun-rights enthusiasts and activists. It is live and running at the following link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/michigangunrights
The survey asks questions about your background with firearms, activism, gun-rights politics, open carry versus conceal carry and demographics. It is a little long, but since there is so little good data out there on gun-rights activists, she strongly believes that your time will be well spent.
Also, she would *greatly* appreciate it if you'd be willing to send out the survey link to your activist networks. There is a survey question that asks how people learned about the survey. Thus, she'll be able to track this, but please feel free to keep her updated as to who you are sending it along to, as well.
Also, if you run a blog or news site and you're be willing to post the link, she'd be happy to send you a short write-up of her project.
If you have any questions, you'd like answered before participating, contact her:
Jennifer Carlson
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Sociology
jdawncarlson@berkeley.edu
312 391 1433
A friend of mine - Jenny Carlson - is writing her PhD dissertation on gun-rights activism in Michigan. As part of her research, she has developed an online survey for gun-rights enthusiasts and activists. It is live and running at the following link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/michigangunrights
The survey asks questions about your background with firearms, activism, gun-rights politics, open carry versus conceal carry and demographics. It is a little long, but since there is so little good data out there on gun-rights activists, she strongly believes that your time will be well spent.
Also, she would *greatly* appreciate it if you'd be willing to send out the survey link to your activist networks. There is a survey question that asks how people learned about the survey. Thus, she'll be able to track this, but please feel free to keep her updated as to who you are sending it along to, as well.
Also, if you run a blog or news site and you're be willing to post the link, she'd be happy to send you a short write-up of her project.
If you have any questions, you'd like answered before participating, contact her:
Jennifer Carlson
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Sociology
jdawncarlson@berkeley.edu
312 391 1433
FREE "Open Carry in Michigan" Seminar - Sat. November 6th, 2010 - 11am
My buddies at Michigan Open Carry, Inc. will be sponsoring a FREE seminar on "Open Carrying Of A Firearm In Michigan" tomorrow.
Many people have heard a lot of info about carrying a pistol without a license and are curious to learn more about it. Quit listening to folks talking to you about what they think it is all about - Come attend a FREE seminar and get the info you want.
I apologize for the short notice, but the details are as follows:
Saturday, November 6th, 2010 (tomorrow) at 11am
Gander Mountain
13975 Hall Road
Utica, MI 48315
Not familiar with the area? Google it or use the GPS function in your phone.
I'll be there. Come up to me and introduce yourself.
Many people have heard a lot of info about carrying a pistol without a license and are curious to learn more about it. Quit listening to folks talking to you about what they think it is all about - Come attend a FREE seminar and get the info you want.
I apologize for the short notice, but the details are as follows:
Saturday, November 6th, 2010 (tomorrow) at 11am
Gander Mountain
13975 Hall Road
Utica, MI 48315
Not familiar with the area? Google it or use the GPS function in your phone.
I'll be there. Come up to me and introduce yourself.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Next Detroit Michigan CCW CPL Class: Sunday, November 14, 2010
We are pleased to announce another CCW/CPL Class of this year! So, if you have a desire to qualify for a Concealed Pistol License, so that you can feel safe, register for our next class.
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
How To Reduce Your Odds Of Being Carjacked In Metro-Detroit
Carjackings are definitely on the minds of many metro-Detroiters in the aftermath of a few high profile incidents that managed to make the local newspapers. This article will define the crime, attempt to explain roughly how many occur within the city of Detroit, and offer up a few suggestions how a person might reduce his odds of becoming a victim of this violent offense.
What Exactly Is A Carjacking?
A carjacking is a serious and violent offense whereby an assailant, many times armed with a firearm or other weapon, forcibly removes an occupant from a vehicle so that it can be stolen. This method of auto theft is often preferred over stealing an unoccupied parked car because the car does not have to damaged to be stolen. It is not uncommon for a carjacker to either kidnap the selected victim or to shoot the victim - whether or not he has complied with the presented demand for the car.
In Michigan, it is difficult to determine exactly how many carjackings occur in this state because the Michigan Incident Crime Reporting (MICR), as compiled by the Michigan State Police, classifies all carjackings as robberies. In Michigan, a robbery is defined as the following:
in 2009, the last full year of available crime statistics, it was reported that 2,647 robberies occured within the city limits of Detroit, Michigan.
Three Recent High Profile Metro-Detroit Carjackings
Last Friday, a 67 year-old man was temporarily abducted as a robber ordered him to enter his automobile and to drive the robber around the scene of the crime - The Schoenherr Market in Warren. After relieving the victim of his personal effects, the robber exited the vehicle. The suspect remain at-large.
Almost two weeks ago, a 49 year-old woman, the city of Detroit's Director of Human Resources, was approached and robbed of her vehicle at gunpoint on the city's west side of town while she was placing items inside her automobile. The suspect in this case was arrested a few hours later when patrol cops spotted the car and chased down the alleged robber who bailed from the car and tried to hide in some bushes.
Two weeks ago, a Detroit man on the west side of town was forced to defend himself after an armed assailant approached him while he was fueling up his vehicle at a gas station. Reportedly, the alleged jacker demanded the vehicle while a five year old was seated in the back seat. In the ensuing gun battle, the victim was shot at least three times and the attacker was shot an unreported number of times and died.
Safety Concept #1: Being Safe Is A Conscious Decision
For many people, personal protection is not a conscious choice. In many cases, it is only after a person has been victimized, that he realizes that decisions he made may have put him at greater risk of being attacked. Every habit, association, and behavior that a person makes should be scrutinized to determine the relative risks.
As human beings, we are largely creatures of habit. Some habits could lead to a person's victimization if they are discovered and exploited. Of the following habits, which are you guilty of doing consistently:
- Do you leave your home every day at the same time?
- Do you arrive back to your home every day at the same time?
- Do you always use the same door to enter and exit your home?
- Do you take the same route to and from work every day?
- Are elements of your daily routine largely predictable?
Associations with people of questionable character can also lead to victimization. It is easy for some people to overlook serious flaws of others who are allowed to occupy their inner circles. Rest assured, sooner or later, a bad actor who commits trespasses against others will eventually harm those whose confidences he has gained. So, if you know, associate, or befriend criminals don't be shocked if they have you set up for victimization.
Further, certain behaviors can also lead to an increased risk for victimization. In many cases, a simple change can mitigate the relative risk. For example, simply altering the time of day when you do something can be of benefit:
- Fuel up your automobile during the day
- Utilize the drive-through ATM during the day
- Not make any unnecessary trips or errands at night
Safety Concept #2: Be Situationally Aware Of Your Environment
By simply being actively aware of what is going on around you, it is possible to engage in the art of avoidance and prevent an attack before it can occur. During your every waking moment, you should always know where you are located, know who is around you, and know what other people in the area are doing.
For example, an attack can be avoided altogether if the questionable environment is not patronized. For example, if you need to stop at a gas station to fuel up your car and there are suspicious characters around, you should find another gas station.
With respect to "suspiciousness" of a person, don't place too much emphasis on actual physical appearance; their behavior or actions should also be examined. At a gas station, the people present should be predictably be engaging in the following activities: fueling up their car, arriving to the station, or leaving the station. Everyone else present should be evaluated to determine why they are there. Gas stations and parking lots are the most dangerous places to be.
Far too often many people are engrossed in activities that distract them from what is occurring under their noses. How many people have you seen sitting in a car while texting or talking on a cell phone? Or perhaps, you may have noticed someone at a gas pump watching a television screen to catch a quick update of the weather or the latest sports scores?
When people are victimized, they frequently state that their assailant seemed to "appear out of nowhere." Nothing could be further from the truth, as the bad guy was always there; the victim never paid the lurking assailant any attention. Predators prefer distracted prey.
Moreover, while on the road you should check to see if someone is following you. It is not too difficult to determine if someone "tailing" you. If you are actively aware, you will know if someone is behind you because you will check your rear-view mirror periodically throughout your trip.
If for some distance or period of time the same vehicle is behind you, you may have a carjacker in tow. To know for sure, you should vary your route - either change lanes, adjust your speed, or go off-course from your planned destination. If after several turns and changes in route do not "shake" your follower, you should assume you have a tail. In some case, a predator may break off his planned attack if he feels that he has lost the element of surprise.
Many victims are robbed in their own driveways because they didn't notice the same set of headlights following them for four blocks from the parking lot of the all-night drugstore.
Safety Concept #3: Distance Is Your Friend
A carjacking requires that an assailant be in close proximity to his targeted victim. It is next to impossible to rob someone without being physically close to him. In that vein, your personal space - whether it is your car on the road or your physical person outside of your car - should be vehemently guarded.
If you are actively aware of your environment, no one can sneak up to you to announce a surprise attack. However, not all predators will be deterred by your awareness, especially if he's confident that he can continue with the victimization quickly and safely. If the predator wants to continue with his crime, he will need to distract you. Common ruses include asking seemingly harmless questions while he continues to advance and close the distance.
A couple of years ago, a "20-something" predator attacked a WWII veteran in a Detroit parking lot in broad daylight in front of several witnesses after asking the targeted victim if had a light for a cigarette. When the victim took his eyes of the predator, he was struck 22 times in the head before the criminal drove off with the car.
Never allow someone to invade your space. You should "call him" on his aggressive behavior and ward him off from proceeding. Do not be afraid to be forceful in your warning. If you have misjudged the advancing person's intentions, he will understand your cause for alarm and not be offended. However, if you have a predator on your hands you will need to assess your options: leaving the scene or preparing to defend yourself.
Safety Concept #4: You Can't Be Carjacked While Your Car Is Moving
A driver on the road in a moving car can't be carjacked. A carjacking requires that the car be stationary. So, while you are moving you are relatively safe. However, you could be at risk as soon as you approach a stop sign or a red traffic signal. Thus, it is imperative that you practice a few practical tips.
The first thing that you want to do while stopping, is to leave yourself an "out," such that if you need to quickly leave the area nothing would impede your movement. Always allow a decent amount of space between your front bumper and the rear bumper of the car in front of you. As a general rule, you should at a minimum be far enough back so that you see the entire exposed wheels of the car ahead of you.
Secondly, when stopped on the road you should go into a heightened sense of awareness and look around you. You should assess who else is around and whether their actions are normal. Further, you should also scan the area for other folks on foot who might raise your suspicions. If trouble presents itself, you will have an opportunity to leave the area if you have left yourself a clear path.
Safety Concept #5: Pick Up The Pace
Whenever you are in the process of exiting or entering your vehicle, you are most vulnerable to being carjacked. You need to be aware and have some hustle in your gait. Hopefully, you will have scanned the area for out-of-place folks and determined that it is safe to proceed. You should already have keys in hand and not be burdened with items that take a lot of time to put away or retrieve. Getting into and exiting your car, should be "hustle time."
Safety Concept #6: A Firearm Is A Tool Of Last Resort
Sometimes, you can do everything right and still be selected for victimization. If you are being carjacked, I can think of no greater tool to have in your possession than a loaded firearm. In Michigan, a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) allows the named person to have firearm hidden on his person or in his vehicle. With a CPL, you will have a chance to defend yourself, as opposed to leaving it to the whims of a violent predator whether you will be harmed. In Michigan, it is lawful for a victim who is being forcibly removed from a vehicle to use lethal force.
Bottom Line:
No set of rules can prevent a person from being selected for victimization by a violent predator. However, by using some simple concepts a person can reduce his odds: making personal protection a conscious decision, practicing situational awareness, guarding personal space, and having a firearm present as a tool of last resort.
What Exactly Is A Carjacking?
A carjacking is a serious and violent offense whereby an assailant, many times armed with a firearm or other weapon, forcibly removes an occupant from a vehicle so that it can be stolen. This method of auto theft is often preferred over stealing an unoccupied parked car because the car does not have to damaged to be stolen. It is not uncommon for a carjacker to either kidnap the selected victim or to shoot the victim - whether or not he has complied with the presented demand for the car.
In Michigan, it is difficult to determine exactly how many carjackings occur in this state because the Michigan Incident Crime Reporting (MICR), as compiled by the Michigan State Police, classifies all carjackings as robberies. In Michigan, a robbery is defined as the following:
the taking or attempting taking anything of value under confrontational circumstances from the care or custody of control of a person or persons by force, threat of force, or violence, and/or by putting the victim in fear of immediate harm.
in 2009, the last full year of available crime statistics, it was reported that 2,647 robberies occured within the city limits of Detroit, Michigan.
Three Recent High Profile Metro-Detroit Carjackings
Last Friday, a 67 year-old man was temporarily abducted as a robber ordered him to enter his automobile and to drive the robber around the scene of the crime - The Schoenherr Market in Warren. After relieving the victim of his personal effects, the robber exited the vehicle. The suspect remain at-large.
Almost two weeks ago, a 49 year-old woman, the city of Detroit's Director of Human Resources, was approached and robbed of her vehicle at gunpoint on the city's west side of town while she was placing items inside her automobile. The suspect in this case was arrested a few hours later when patrol cops spotted the car and chased down the alleged robber who bailed from the car and tried to hide in some bushes.
Two weeks ago, a Detroit man on the west side of town was forced to defend himself after an armed assailant approached him while he was fueling up his vehicle at a gas station. Reportedly, the alleged jacker demanded the vehicle while a five year old was seated in the back seat. In the ensuing gun battle, the victim was shot at least three times and the attacker was shot an unreported number of times and died.
Safety Concept #1: Being Safe Is A Conscious Decision
For many people, personal protection is not a conscious choice. In many cases, it is only after a person has been victimized, that he realizes that decisions he made may have put him at greater risk of being attacked. Every habit, association, and behavior that a person makes should be scrutinized to determine the relative risks.
As human beings, we are largely creatures of habit. Some habits could lead to a person's victimization if they are discovered and exploited. Of the following habits, which are you guilty of doing consistently:
- Do you leave your home every day at the same time?
- Do you arrive back to your home every day at the same time?
- Do you always use the same door to enter and exit your home?
- Do you take the same route to and from work every day?
- Are elements of your daily routine largely predictable?
Associations with people of questionable character can also lead to victimization. It is easy for some people to overlook serious flaws of others who are allowed to occupy their inner circles. Rest assured, sooner or later, a bad actor who commits trespasses against others will eventually harm those whose confidences he has gained. So, if you know, associate, or befriend criminals don't be shocked if they have you set up for victimization.
Further, certain behaviors can also lead to an increased risk for victimization. In many cases, a simple change can mitigate the relative risk. For example, simply altering the time of day when you do something can be of benefit:
- Fuel up your automobile during the day
- Utilize the drive-through ATM during the day
- Not make any unnecessary trips or errands at night
Safety Concept #2: Be Situationally Aware Of Your Environment
By simply being actively aware of what is going on around you, it is possible to engage in the art of avoidance and prevent an attack before it can occur. During your every waking moment, you should always know where you are located, know who is around you, and know what other people in the area are doing.
For example, an attack can be avoided altogether if the questionable environment is not patronized. For example, if you need to stop at a gas station to fuel up your car and there are suspicious characters around, you should find another gas station.
With respect to "suspiciousness" of a person, don't place too much emphasis on actual physical appearance; their behavior or actions should also be examined. At a gas station, the people present should be predictably be engaging in the following activities: fueling up their car, arriving to the station, or leaving the station. Everyone else present should be evaluated to determine why they are there. Gas stations and parking lots are the most dangerous places to be.
Far too often many people are engrossed in activities that distract them from what is occurring under their noses. How many people have you seen sitting in a car while texting or talking on a cell phone? Or perhaps, you may have noticed someone at a gas pump watching a television screen to catch a quick update of the weather or the latest sports scores?
When people are victimized, they frequently state that their assailant seemed to "appear out of nowhere." Nothing could be further from the truth, as the bad guy was always there; the victim never paid the lurking assailant any attention. Predators prefer distracted prey.
Moreover, while on the road you should check to see if someone is following you. It is not too difficult to determine if someone "tailing" you. If you are actively aware, you will know if someone is behind you because you will check your rear-view mirror periodically throughout your trip.
If for some distance or period of time the same vehicle is behind you, you may have a carjacker in tow. To know for sure, you should vary your route - either change lanes, adjust your speed, or go off-course from your planned destination. If after several turns and changes in route do not "shake" your follower, you should assume you have a tail. In some case, a predator may break off his planned attack if he feels that he has lost the element of surprise.
Many victims are robbed in their own driveways because they didn't notice the same set of headlights following them for four blocks from the parking lot of the all-night drugstore.
Safety Concept #3: Distance Is Your Friend
A carjacking requires that an assailant be in close proximity to his targeted victim. It is next to impossible to rob someone without being physically close to him. In that vein, your personal space - whether it is your car on the road or your physical person outside of your car - should be vehemently guarded.
If you are actively aware of your environment, no one can sneak up to you to announce a surprise attack. However, not all predators will be deterred by your awareness, especially if he's confident that he can continue with the victimization quickly and safely. If the predator wants to continue with his crime, he will need to distract you. Common ruses include asking seemingly harmless questions while he continues to advance and close the distance.
A couple of years ago, a "20-something" predator attacked a WWII veteran in a Detroit parking lot in broad daylight in front of several witnesses after asking the targeted victim if had a light for a cigarette. When the victim took his eyes of the predator, he was struck 22 times in the head before the criminal drove off with the car.
Never allow someone to invade your space. You should "call him" on his aggressive behavior and ward him off from proceeding. Do not be afraid to be forceful in your warning. If you have misjudged the advancing person's intentions, he will understand your cause for alarm and not be offended. However, if you have a predator on your hands you will need to assess your options: leaving the scene or preparing to defend yourself.
Safety Concept #4: You Can't Be Carjacked While Your Car Is Moving
A driver on the road in a moving car can't be carjacked. A carjacking requires that the car be stationary. So, while you are moving you are relatively safe. However, you could be at risk as soon as you approach a stop sign or a red traffic signal. Thus, it is imperative that you practice a few practical tips.
The first thing that you want to do while stopping, is to leave yourself an "out," such that if you need to quickly leave the area nothing would impede your movement. Always allow a decent amount of space between your front bumper and the rear bumper of the car in front of you. As a general rule, you should at a minimum be far enough back so that you see the entire exposed wheels of the car ahead of you.
Secondly, when stopped on the road you should go into a heightened sense of awareness and look around you. You should assess who else is around and whether their actions are normal. Further, you should also scan the area for other folks on foot who might raise your suspicions. If trouble presents itself, you will have an opportunity to leave the area if you have left yourself a clear path.
Safety Concept #5: Pick Up The Pace
Whenever you are in the process of exiting or entering your vehicle, you are most vulnerable to being carjacked. You need to be aware and have some hustle in your gait. Hopefully, you will have scanned the area for out-of-place folks and determined that it is safe to proceed. You should already have keys in hand and not be burdened with items that take a lot of time to put away or retrieve. Getting into and exiting your car, should be "hustle time."
Safety Concept #6: A Firearm Is A Tool Of Last Resort
Sometimes, you can do everything right and still be selected for victimization. If you are being carjacked, I can think of no greater tool to have in your possession than a loaded firearm. In Michigan, a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) allows the named person to have firearm hidden on his person or in his vehicle. With a CPL, you will have a chance to defend yourself, as opposed to leaving it to the whims of a violent predator whether you will be harmed. In Michigan, it is lawful for a victim who is being forcibly removed from a vehicle to use lethal force.
Bottom Line:
No set of rules can prevent a person from being selected for victimization by a violent predator. However, by using some simple concepts a person can reduce his odds: making personal protection a conscious decision, practicing situational awareness, guarding personal space, and having a firearm present as a tool of last resort.
Monday, November 1, 2010
7 Suggestions For Reporters Who Cover Stories Involving Firearms Involved Offenses
As a credentialed Firearms Trainer/Self-Defense Instructor, I have a vested interest in staying current on news stories involving firearms, lethal force, and self-defense. I follow these stories closely, as I supplement the official Michigan CPL/Self-Defense Class training that I provide to my students with actual case studies from the headlines of local newspaper stories.
With very few exceptions, I notice either erroneously reported nomenclature, badly stated technical information, information that could be reported in a way that would more helpful to informed readers, or information that should not be reported at all.
Suggestion 1: Don't Report The Names Of Crime Victims
Detroit is apparently a town where relatives of alleged violent predators have no qualms about making threats towards victims who shoot their assailants in apparent self-defense. As such, reporters should shield and not report the names of violent crime victims. In one recent case, security concerns from members of one dead alleged carjacker led to a wounded victim changing hospitals.
Suggestion 2: Always Report An Accurate Description Of A Wanted Suspect
In quite a few news stories involving violent attacks, a full description of the suspect-at-large is incomplete. It would seem that - at a minimum - the predator's race would be relevant yet it is absent in many reports. I would hate to believe that "political correctness" in our society has reached an absurd level such that reporting a critical metric, such as race, is taboo in a news story.
Suggestion 3: Stop Referring To A Concealed Weapons Permit
The state of Michigan only issues a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). As such, a holder of that license is only authorized to conceal carry a handgun. Other states, such as Kentucky, issue Concealed Weapons Permits which allows the licensee to carry a variety of weapons such as throwing stars, TASERs, batons, and brass knuckles.
Suggestion 4: Report The Caliber Size Of Firearms Used In The Story, If Known
Many readers of stories involving the use of firearms would want to know the caliber sizes of firearms used in the reported incident. There would indeed be value-added info conveyed if readers knew not only how many times a person was shot but also knew the caliber size of the firearm used in the shooting.
Suggestion 5: De-Emphasize "Possible Charges" In Self-Defense Cases
In cases where the evidence reported seems to suggest a valid self-defense incident, reporters should de-emphasize the term "possible charges." Using that phrase sends a chilling message throughout the community that victims using lethal force to defend themselves from predators will be prosecuted. While it is true that every shooting will be reviewed by the County Prosecutor for legality, there is no need to send an unintended signal to the law-abiding community-at-large.
Suggestion 6: When A Victim Has Been Cleared In A Shooting, Report The Status Of His Firearm
It would be value-added for reporters to state whether a handgun has been returned to its owner in cases where the shooter has been cleared of any wrong-doing. This bit of trivia would be helpful to many observers, as persistent rumors on the street refuse to die regarding the non-timely return of firearms to their owners.
Suggestion 7: Use The Correct Technical Terminology
News reporters are notorious for not using the correct technical nomenclature when referring to firearms. If necessary, they should be required to attend a basic firearms class to learn the difference between a magazine and a clip, the difference between a bullet and a cartridge, and learn how to correctly specify a handgun's caliber size.
With very few exceptions, I notice either erroneously reported nomenclature, badly stated technical information, information that could be reported in a way that would more helpful to informed readers, or information that should not be reported at all.
Suggestion 1: Don't Report The Names Of Crime Victims
Detroit is apparently a town where relatives of alleged violent predators have no qualms about making threats towards victims who shoot their assailants in apparent self-defense. As such, reporters should shield and not report the names of violent crime victims. In one recent case, security concerns from members of one dead alleged carjacker led to a wounded victim changing hospitals.
Suggestion 2: Always Report An Accurate Description Of A Wanted Suspect
In quite a few news stories involving violent attacks, a full description of the suspect-at-large is incomplete. It would seem that - at a minimum - the predator's race would be relevant yet it is absent in many reports. I would hate to believe that "political correctness" in our society has reached an absurd level such that reporting a critical metric, such as race, is taboo in a news story.
Suggestion 3: Stop Referring To A Concealed Weapons Permit
The state of Michigan only issues a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). As such, a holder of that license is only authorized to conceal carry a handgun. Other states, such as Kentucky, issue Concealed Weapons Permits which allows the licensee to carry a variety of weapons such as throwing stars, TASERs, batons, and brass knuckles.
Suggestion 4: Report The Caliber Size Of Firearms Used In The Story, If Known
Many readers of stories involving the use of firearms would want to know the caliber sizes of firearms used in the reported incident. There would indeed be value-added info conveyed if readers knew not only how many times a person was shot but also knew the caliber size of the firearm used in the shooting.
Suggestion 5: De-Emphasize "Possible Charges" In Self-Defense Cases
In cases where the evidence reported seems to suggest a valid self-defense incident, reporters should de-emphasize the term "possible charges." Using that phrase sends a chilling message throughout the community that victims using lethal force to defend themselves from predators will be prosecuted. While it is true that every shooting will be reviewed by the County Prosecutor for legality, there is no need to send an unintended signal to the law-abiding community-at-large.
Suggestion 6: When A Victim Has Been Cleared In A Shooting, Report The Status Of His Firearm
It would be value-added for reporters to state whether a handgun has been returned to its owner in cases where the shooter has been cleared of any wrong-doing. This bit of trivia would be helpful to many observers, as persistent rumors on the street refuse to die regarding the non-timely return of firearms to their owners.
Suggestion 7: Use The Correct Technical Terminology
News reporters are notorious for not using the correct technical nomenclature when referring to firearms. If necessary, they should be required to attend a basic firearms class to learn the difference between a magazine and a clip, the difference between a bullet and a cartridge, and learn how to correctly specify a handgun's caliber size.
[Video] Detroit Michigan CCW Class - New Shooter In The Stall
http://www.legallyarmedindetroit.com - A brand new shooter learns how to discharge a pistol.
View this video and 1,600 more on our Youtube Channel.
View this video and 1,600 more on our Youtube Channel.
[Video] Detroit Michigan CCW Class Student Testimonial #183
http://legallyarmedindetroit.com - A student share his experiences with our state of Michigan compliant Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Class. - http://www.detroitccw.com
Watch CCW Class testimonial #183 on Youtube!
Watch CCW Class testimonial #183 on Youtube!
[Video] Detroit Michigan CCW Class Student Testimonial #182
http://legallyarmedindetroit.com - A student share his experiences with our state of Michigan compliant Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Class. - http://www.detroitccw.com
View a videotaped student testimonial - number 182 - at our Youtube Channel.
View a videotaped student testimonial - number 182 - at our Youtube Channel.
[Video] Detroit Michigan CCW Class Student Testimonial #181
http://legallyarmedindetroit.com - A student shares her experiences with our state of Michigan compliant Concealed Pistol License Class. - http://detroitccw.com
View videotaped student testimonial #181 at Youtube.
View videotaped student testimonial #181 at Youtube.
Next Detroit Michigan CCW CPL Class: Sunday, November 14, 2010
We are pleased to announce another CCW/CPL Class of this year! So, if you have a desire to qualify for a Concealed Pistol License, so that you can feel safe, register for our next class.
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!
Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Option I
Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)
Option II
Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)
Register at our site: Click here!
Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.
Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!