LAID - Legally Armed In Detroit (Michigan CPL CCW Classes): January 2014

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Should All House-Hold Firearms Be Unloaded and Locked Up To Protect Children?

Along with everyone else in the metro-Detroit area, I was saddened to see on the news telecast last week that a four year old child had retrieved a loaded rifle from under a bed and fatally shot another four year-old who was also present.

My sentiment mirrors the observation delivered by the quoted Detroit Police Department Spokesperson: The unfortunate incident was preventable and would have never occurred if the firearm's owner was more responsible. As a result of that irresponsibility the gun owner could face serious criminal charges.

In the same video clip a neighbor, who happened upon the scene, also shared his opinion on camera. He also voiced the opinion that the incident was tragic, however, he went a significant step further in his analysis when he stated that he also owns a firearm but keeps it secured with a gun cable lock.

It is a fundamental responsibility of gun owners to ensure that unauthorized users do not have access to their firearms. Obviously, four year old children fit that bill. A failure to be responsible occurred in the aforementioned incident.

In general, any firearms which are "not in use" should be unloaded, separated from ammunition, and secured with a lock of some sort: trigger, cable, a safe, and etc. Firearms that are "not in use" are those guns that are not being actively being used for home defense, self-defense, or personal protection.

Another issue that should also be addressed is the safeguarding of any guns that were carried in coats by adult guests that have been taken off upon entry or the safeguarding of any guns that are being carried in purses.

In contrast, firearms that are actively being used should be loaded and ready for use, however, they should either be under the direct control and/or supervision of authorized users and simultaneously NOT be accessible to any unauthorized users.

A firearm "actively in use" that is unloaded is as good as not having a firearm in the event of an emergency, such as a home-invasion. A home-owner can't call a time-out when predators barge uninvited into his home.

If children reside in a home with a firearm or visit a home with firearms, the gun owners and/or persons watching and supervising the children should ensure that any guns in the home are not accessible to the children. This protocol is not necessary for every home, as every home doesn't have resident children or children visitors.

One solution for "in use" firearms - specifically handguns - in a home with children present is to wear the gun in a holster. Another solution is to keep the firearm in a fast-open safe to keep it safeguarded while loaded until it is needed.

Once children have acquired a certain level of maturity, parents can introduce "age specific" gun safety training and awareness to their children. In any case, access to an unsupervised firearm by a child at fours years of age should not be possible due to appropriate security measures by responsible firearm owners.

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: 313.733.74

If this information was useful for you, would you please make a small recurring donation to support this site?

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Michigan Personal Protection Tips - Avoid Installing Glass Panes Along The Side of Front Door

Michigan Personal Protection Tips - Avoid Installing Glass Panes Along The Side of Front Door

Glass panels installed along the periphery around your front door are definitely ornate and provides welcoming sunlight into your home, but it is a liability.

All it would take for a bad guy to enter your home is to pick up a nearby brick paver and burst out the glass so that he can reach in and manually unlock the door. Homeowners should make it more difficult for predators to enter their homes.

Home-owners with glass installed around the doors should remedy the issue instead of installing Key-only-exit locks, which may be against the locking building code and could present a safety problem in the event that there is ever a fire on the premises.

About The Author

Should Concerns About Violent Crime Be A Justification To Not Help People?

Should Concerns About Violent Crime Be A Justification To Not Help People?

As many of you know, I am passionately consumed with the act of sharing information about how people can increase their personal safety from violent crime during these truly perilous times. My interest in this subject - Personal Protection - was created as a direct result of being robbed at gun-point by a couple of thugs one evening in my own driveway several years ago.

As a result of that experience, I have over the years expended a considerable amount time, money, and effort to learn everything that I could to ensure that it never happened again.

As testament of that commitment, I created a photo album entitled "Personal Protection Tips" on Facebook which has a total of 150 FREE different tips that people can read and adopt into their lifestyles to decrease their odds of being selected for victimization by predators.

You see, not only do I want to be safe but I want you to be safe too. Please note that I assembled this info and gave it away FREE of charge to anyone who would be so bold as to look at it and possibly learn from it.

Well, yesterday I published a safety tip that generated a lot of feedback. The safety tip cautioned people to "Beware of Good Samaritans Stings." The published tip was a psychological "downer" to many people because the apparent moral of the tip to many people was that violent crime is so prevalent now, that it can be dangerous to offer help and assistance to someone who appears to be in dire need of a helping hand.

In the tip, I made reference to an unfortunate incident that occurred in Detroit this past Sunday morning at 3:00am. In the story, a would-be good Samaritan allowed himself to be flagged down by an apparent damsel in distress. I can imagine what he was thinking: it is late, dark, crime is bad, the weather is bad, and this woman needs help.

As he exited his vehicle and approached the woman, another man suddenly appeared from the shadows and proceeded to beat him with a long gun. The woman was bait for a trap. Both predators took the victim for a ride in which the lady he thought he was helping was actually burning him with a cigarette lighter as a form of torture. By the end of the ordeal, the victim was severely beaten, burned, robbed, carjacked, knocked unconscious, and had his body discarded in the street as if he was discarded trash.

Although I am a highly credentialed NRA Firearms Instructor, only a literal handful of my personal protection tips I suggest involve legally owning, operating, and using a firearm. Avoiding violent crime is not just owning and carrying a firearm. It is so much more than just that.

Good decision making and awareness, for example, are tools that can prevent you from being in a situation in which you can victimized. Thusly, in some situations a firearm is not even needed because you have not given a criminal an opportunity to strike. Avoidance is the best defense. A firearm is a tool of last resort.

If you notice someone in need of assistance, it is important to realize at least two things. For one, getting involved in a situation does incur an element of risk. One should not just blindly running to the aid and assistance of strangers. Everything may not be as it appears.

The other point to keep in mind is that giving aid and assistance can done in many ways. It is not always necessary to help by direct contact. If you think about it, there is probably another way to help: calling for a tow truck, calling 9-1-1, being a good witness, and etc.

Like many other people who have been attacked, I know that danger can appear at almost any time without any advance notice. Despite knowing that, I am not above rendering help and assistance to others. However, I will always make a conscious decision to evaluate the situation and associated risks, think about different ways to help, and have a plan of action just in case I have made an error in judgement.

In conclusion, crime is a persistent problem in the region. Moreover, it also appears that there is no limit to the extremes that violent predators will use to find unsuspecting victims to attack. However, I have not completely sworn off the option of helping people in need but I will go into the situation with my eyes wide open and being fully aware of the risks to my personal safety while doing so.

About The Author

Detroit Michigan Personal Protection Tips - Beware of Good Samaritan Stings

Detroit Michigan Personal Protection Tips - Beware of Good Samaritan Stings

One very old ruse used by predators to set up victims is to stage a scene whereby it appears that a person is in need of assistance. Once the would-be hero offers aid, he is distracted and victimized.

For example, one such incident happened in Detroit this past Sunday morning at 3am in the bitter cold of the Polar Vortex.

A woman pretended to have car trouble and flagged down a man for help. He stopped and was promptly attacked by another man working with the woman. The victim was repeatedly beaten with a shotgun and taken for a ride during which the aforementioned woman repeatedly tortured him by burning him with a cigarette lighter. At the end of the ordeal, he was robbed, knocked-out, and discarded in the street like trash.

The moral of this tip is to be especially careful of coming to the aid of strangers. Instead of getting personally involved one may elect to call 9-1-1.

About The Author

Monday, January 27, 2014

Next Detroit Area Concealed Pistol License Class - Southfield, MI - Feb. 1rst, 2014 - RSVP Now!

We are pleased to announce another Michigan Concealed Pistol License 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 Comfort Suites
24997 Northwestern Hwy.
Main Conference Room
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.

FREE Crime Prevention Ebooks For A Limited Time!

Register for this CCW Class and receive the following Ebooks:

Total Value $115!!!!! - Yours For FREE - Register Now!

Register now: Click here!

About The Author

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Should You Alter The Way You Conceal Carry A Firearm In Cold Weather?

Should You Alter The Way You Conceal Carry A Firearm In Cold Weather?

Carrying a firearm in cold weather often does not get the attention it definitely deserves. For one, it's a topic that is only relevant for people who live in the cold climate states of our country. Toss in the fact that winter only lasts a few months, and it is easy to see how this topic can be overlooked by the media that serves the gun-owning and gun-carrying community.

Personally, this topic has come to the top-of-mind lately because my state - Michigan - has been hit a few times already this winter season with the dreaded "Polar Vortex." In a nutshell, this condition is when very cold and arctic weather conditions drop down geographically from Canada into our area of the country - the Midwest.

There was a period about a week or so ago when our high temperatures - in Detroit and the surrounding suburbs - for a few days were sub-zero degrees Fahrenheit AND the low temperature for one of those days measured in at a negative forty degrees Fahrenheit when you factored in the wind chill.

It would only be too easy for me to let the discussion of absolutely dreadful weather conditions preempt a much needed discussion about why people in my community carry firearms. Crime is a pervasive and persistent issue here.

The Balance Between Being Warm and Safe

There is hardly a day when a local newscast informs the citizenry on the newest atrocities that were committed: homicides, rapes, abductions, shootings, carjackings, and home-invasions. The irony, as I see it, is that crime has not taken any days off during this current brutal winter season which already has broken the all-time record for snow-fall.

It seems as though that the bad guys have already quickly adapted to the environmental conditions or they just stubbornly refuse to be slowed down by Mother Nature. In that vein, I am suggesting that good Americans who legally carry firearms for personal protection must also adapt if they are to remain both warm and safe.

Protect Your Hands Yet Be Able To Draw

The first item to be addressed is the hands of the gun owner. Should he wear gloves or do without them

altogether to preserve his ability to properly handle and operate his firearm? Forgoing gloves in arctic temperatures for a prolonged period of time may compromise health and performance. If cold weather exposure can be guaranteed to exist for only brief periods of time, this can be the solution - no gloves at all.

Alternatively, a gun carrying citizen needing to endure longer exposure times in the cold may wish to explore a variety of gloves to see if another solution can be found. Options include regular insulated gloves with the fingers cut off, mechanic's gloves, or special "tactical" gloves worn by law enforcement.

Obviously, one would need to practice drawing, handling, and operating their firearm with the gloves in a safe and controlled environment. Needless to say, an operator needs to at least be sure he can get his finger into the trigger guard cleanly and not negligently pull the trigger when he didn't intend to do so.

Access To Your Firearm Is Crucial

The next item to be addressed is the issue of being able to quickly access your firearm when it is needed. By definition, cold weather implies that the gun carrier will most likely be wearing a lot of layers to keep warm. Methods and modes of carry typically done during warm weather will not prove useful or practical during very cold temperatures.

The overall consideration or point to be made is that if you can't get to your gun when you need it most - during a violent attack - then on a functional level you are no different than someone who does not carry a firearm at all. You can become a victim by default.

Let's Open Carry Our Arms!

Openly carrying a firearm on your waist outside of your coat or on your leg in a tactical rig is obviously a

great solution for ease of access, regardless of the season. However, many people are not quite ready to take the plunge into this truly alternative lifestyle despite its legality in Michigan.

Perceived drawbacks of this manner of carry are unfounded rumors of being shot on sight by bad guys instead of the gun having a much more likely deterrent effect of subtly convincing criminals to ply their trade elsewhere and acquiring the unwanted attention by the general public and law enforcement officers in the area.

One thing to keep in mind when open carrying in very cold temperatures is that your firearm could jam if the lubricant in it was not formulated to work under sub-zero temperatures. Some oils can harden and gel. Accordingly, you should check the specifications of the oil you are using and change it if necessary.

Open Carry Alternatives That Yield Fast Access

Another cold weather fast access solution is to wear enough layers of clothing such that you can be
reasonably warm if you leave your outer garment unfastened. By leaving your coat open, you can still have ready access to your concealed firearm at your preferred on-body location. This option obviously allows you to have the benefit of your prior firearm access training at your disposal without having to learn another method of drawing a handgun.

Other modes of fast access carry in cold weather also include carrying a firearm in your coat or outer garment pocket, carrying a firearm in your front pants pocket, or carrying a firearm in your rear back pocket. Unlike open carry which does not limit your firearm options, the type, size, and caliber of firearm you will be able to carry in these other locations will be limited by the amount of space you have in the respective pocket.

If you elect to use any of these other suggested carry locations, it is strongly endorsed that you always use a holster. There are holsters available to accommodate each and every one of the above modes of carrying.

Not using a holster can lead to a dangerous mishap which could result in the unintentional damage of property, injury, or death to yourself or another person. If someone gets shot by your firearm, it should be because you were justified under Michigan law to shoot them and that you made the conscious decision to pull the trigger.

Moreover, you will need to practice drawing your firearm from your chosen location. If you will be wearing gloves, then they should also be used when training.

The Bottom Line of Cold Weather Carry

Carrying a firearm in very cold conditions does present some challenges. Chiefly, you have to ensure that you are reasonable warm and comfortable while still ensuring that you can have fast access to your firearm.

Solutions available to you include open carrying, wearing enough layers to leave your jacket open, and exploring additional locations on your body to carry your gun. Whatever option you choose, please ensure your success by practicing and taking the appropriate safety equipment precautions.

About The Author

Name That Firearm Safety Violation: Ice Cube and Kevin Hart in "Ride Along"

In the following photo, which fundamental firearm safety rules, if any, are being violated?

This picture contains a shot of actors Ice Cube and Kevin Hart in the new film "Ride Along."

If you can't see the image, visit our Detroit Michigan CCW Class blog site.

About The Author

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Name That Firearm Safety Violation: "I-Spy's" Bill Cosby

In the following photo, which fundamental safe firearm handling rules, if any, are being violated?

This picture contains a shot of actor Bill Cosby in his ground-breaking TV role on the show "I-Spy."

If you can't see the image, visit our Detroit Michigan CCW Class blog site.

About The Author

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Quiz: Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Common Myths

Quiz: Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Common Myths

While on social media, I come across many people who have been told by an "authority" that certain myths about Concealed Pistol Licenses were actually true.

As a teaching exercise, I created an infographic quiz on my Instagram page to see if any of my followers believed any of the common wive's tales I have heard.

Q: Which of the following statements are TRUE?

A. CPL-holders can't Open Carry.

B. CPL-holders can only conceal carry one pistol.

C. CPL-holders can Open Carry in public elementary schools.

D. CPL-holders can never carry in a church.

Comment and let me know your answer!

For more Personal Protection Tips and info on responsible firearm ownership, please visit our blog - Legally Armed In Detroit - on the Internet at the following address: http://www.legallyarmedindetroit.com

About The Author

Quiz: Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Gun Free Zones

Quiz: Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Gun Free Zones

While on social media, I come across many people who do not know the statutorily defined gun free zones in the state of Michigan.

As a teaching exercise, I created an infographic quiz on my Instagram page to see how well my followers understood gun free zones.

Q: How many of the following are defined in state law (Michigan) as concealed carry pistol free zones for CPL-holders?

A. Corporation owned bank

B. Local police station

C. Secretary of State branch

D. Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing

Comment and let me know your answer!

About The Author

Marksmanship Is A Part Of Responsible Firearm Ownership

Many good Americans own firearms for the sole purpose of personal protection and self-defense. Not only are these fine citizens discharged with the duty of knowing exactly when they are lawfully able and justified to use their firearms but they are also expected to be able to hit their authorized targets when shooting.

Shooting is known as a "depreciable" skill. It is totally unlike a skill such as riding a bicycle. In theory, once you acquire the requisite skill to balance and operate a bicycle, you can avoid riding one for many years before riding one almost as effortlessly as the last time.

The skill involved with operating a handgun is different. Once you have learned how to be an accurate shooter, you must continue to practice on a regular ongoing basis to maintain your accuracy. A handgun owner "should" shoot at an approved target at a gun range at least once a month.

During that monthly exercise, a minimum of 50 cartridges should be discharged. The more you shoot, the more accurate you'll be but I am mindful that target practice can be an expensive hobby. If one can afford it, I would endorse shooting as many as 200 rounds of ammunition during a range visit.

Marksmanship is extremely important within the realm of self-defense. For starters, if you are a good shot you will be able to more quickly quell any legally justified threats to your safety. The sooner that a threat is neutralized, the greater are your odds of not being hurt by your assailant during an attack.

In addition, if you are an accurate shooter you will probably not run the risk of missing your intended target and shooting something or someone else. Please understand that you are responsible for every bullet that leaves your firearm. Any bullets that miss your intended mark carry along with them liability for you. If your missed bullet strikes and injures an uninvolved person to your attack, you can be charged and convicted of a crime.

Carrying a firearm is a grave responsibility. Marksmanship is an important part of that responsibility. A responsible shooter will regularly practice shooting at least 50 rounds at a range every month. Doing so will result in increased safety to you by being able to end threats quickly and by not needlessly endangering the community around you when defending yourself.

If you have not gone shooting lately because you need coaching, then you should consider booking a shooting lesson with me at a gun range. Lessons can be scheduled online at the following URL:http://tinyurl.com/ShootWithRickEctor

About The Author

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Name That Firearm Safety Violation: Flypaper

In the following photo, which fundamental safe firearm handling rules, if any, are being violated?

This picture contains a scene from the 2011 film entitled "Flypaper."

If you can't see the image, visit our Detroit Michigan CCW Class blog site.

About The Author

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Next Detroit Area Michigan Concealed Pistol (CPL) Class - Southfield, MI - Sat. Feb. 1rst, 2014

More info on Detroit Michigan CCW Class is available at our web site.

FREE Crime Prevention Ebooks For A Limited Time!

Register for this CCW Class and receive the following Ebooks:

Total Value $115!!!!! - Yours For FREE - Register Now!

Register now: Click here!

About The Author

Pages

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Should All House-Hold Firearms Be Unloaded and Locked Up To Protect Children?

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Monday, January 27, 2014

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Marksmanship Is A Part Of Responsible Firearm Ownership

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Tuesday, January 21, 2014