Site Navigation: Home >> Articles >> How Not To Be Labeled An Idiot At A Gun Range
Home |  About us |  PR |  Testimonials |  Schedule |  Articles |  Blog |  FAQ |  Privacy |  Contact us |  Index | 
CCW/CPL Class Notification E-List
Subscribe now to our CCW/CPL Class E-List and be automatically reminded by email whenever we arrange another class. View the video below to listen to one subscriber's opinion of our newsletter.

We hate spam! We will never ever sell or rent your email address to any other entity for any purpose. You can cancel from the system at any time.
CCW/CPL Class Student Testimonials
The Following Are On File In Our Office:

"Rick, Sorry that it has taken me so long to thank you. Although the class alone can't protect me or my family from danger, it has improved our ability to defend ourselves. The techniques and information that we covered in the class have taught me to be more aware and prepared period. I am more confident and comfortable when I leave home, knowing that I'm better prepared to address potentially dangerous confrontational situations. Once again thank you and I look forward to Session II (Personal Protection Outside The Home Course)."
- Mr. A. L. Odell III, Auto Industry Employee, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48075
"Rick, I really enjoyed your CCW Class and found it to be very informative. Having an attorney come in to speak about various laws and priviledges with the permit was very helpful. I would have enjoyed more shooting time at the range. Good class, very efficient, and informative. I will be sure to pass along your name to anyone considering their CCW."
- Mr. B. C. Jaussi, Novi, Oakland County, Michigan 48575
"Hello Rick. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Just to let you know, I've got my CCW license and I bought a 9mm S+W (M&P) semi-automatic. I had intentions of getting a revolver, but after seeing and shooting your semi-automatic, I changed my mind. As for your class, I found that you were not only knowledgeable but you were also enthusiastic. What really impressed me was the fact that when we went to the gun range, I was a little short on money, you were kind enough to let me use your gun. This is what convinced me to buy a 9mm. I appreciate your help and I would (and do) recommend your class to anyone wanting to get their permit. Thank you."
- Mr. C. W. Miller, Retiree, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48219
"Rick Ector's firearm safety class provides a comprehensive introduction to the possession and use of firearms for personal defense. The knowledge gained in this class is invaluable to both novices and experienced firearm owners. Mr. Ector's sincere presentation of the materials is insightful and serves as a reminder of the care and safety which must be exercised when using firearms. The course is taught in a comfortable environment which is not intimidating to the first-time gun user. Any gun owner can benefit from taking this course."
- Mr. J. Boyer, Attorney At Law, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48207
"Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit CCW class provided an excellent introduction to understanding personal firearm basics, personal safety best practices, ccw application procedural instructions, and legal implications with firearm ownership. Rick Ector and his assistant kept the class interesting with sharing personal experiences, demonstrating basic firearm techniques, discussing legal matters with a lawyer, and concluding with an exciting practice session at the firing range. Whether or not you pursue a CCW application, this class is certainly a memorable one."
- Mr. N. Franklin, Automotive Engineer, Rochester Hills, Oakland County, Michigan 48309
“Rick, it’s been a while since I took your course, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the experience. When I signed up, I had no idea of what to expect, but I found a warm and fun environment to learn the ins and outs of obtaining my CCW. There was a lot of information put out that day, and because there were so many real life examples, rather than just throwing out facts, I have been able to retain a lot. It’s funny how much my awareness of my environment has improved. I notice things I did not see before taking the class, and I feel I am better prepared to protect myself and my family. Thanks for the training and let me know when you plan to expand your training program. Regards,
- Mr. J. Grady, Network Engineer, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48206
"Rick Ector, you are a very funny man but very knowledgeable in the firearms department: 'It is not a bullet; it is called a round of ammunition!' 'Do not call it a weapon; it is a gun!' '8-1/2 x 11 center mass - it is going to be on the test!' I had a great time in the class. The eight hours really went quick. Keep up the good work, Rick!"
- Ms. D. R. Lambert, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48224
“Hello Rick, I apologize for the delay. I truly enjoyed your class! You did not only inform me about guns and gun safety but also about general safety rules on how to stay alert! I wish we would have had more time at the gun range. Having never even touched a gun, I was initially unaware on how to load the ammunition (I felt like a girl! LOL) Also, I believe we shot between 30-60 rounds. I wish we could have spent more time learning how to load the ammunition into the magazine. Also, I wished we could have spent an additional 60-90 minutes at the gun range. Or maybe just another 4 hour class on ‘How to load the gun’ and an additional 2 hrs at the range. Thank you and I hope all is well.”
- Ms. L. Johnson, Business Owner, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48037
“Rick, prior to taking your class, my thought process was to arm and protect myself in this violent world in which we live in. You have taught me that owning and carrying a firearm also brings much more responsibility. This decision was not taken lightly and forced me to research firearms, perfecting the fit (size does matter), practice handling a firearm, loading and unloading the magazine, in addition to understanding the regulations and laws associated with owning and carrying a firearm. I just wanted to thank you and your associates with all the valuable information required to obtain a CCW license.”
- Ms. T. Clifton, Harper Woods, Wayne County, Michigan 48225
"I appreciate the realness of the seriousness in obtaining a CCW/CPL. The class was informative, especially the lawyer and how the both of you agreed and disagreed on handling certain situations. However, I wished we could have practiced even longer at the range. I am going to recommend you and your class, for first-hand knowledge, to anyone who didn't have a clue, such as myself. Thank you!!!"
- Ms. A. Gilliard-Garner, RN, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235
“This class is highly recommended. If you want to know the advantages and benefits of concealed carry and of firearm ownership, this class is for you. You may go in a skeptic, but you will come out a believer.”
- Mr. N. Hardeman, Business Owner, Canton, Wayne County, Michigan 48188
“Rick, I think that the Personal Protection Class was great. I also believe having the attorney present for questions was also great. I would recommend this class to anyone who is interested in a personal protection firearm class.”
- Mr. E. Jackson, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235
"As an attorney and just as a regular citizen of Michigan, I cannot say enough good things about Rick's Firearm Academy. Rick Ector and his other instructors provided excellent training and instruction and managed to make a normally dry subject interesting and entertaining. They were patient, knowledgeable, skilled, and talented in communicating important information about gun safety, personal protection, and security. I learned a lot from Rick Ector and his staff. The info is extremely useful to my every day life, as I try to protect myself. I was so impressed with Rick and his staff that I intend to take more courses from Rick's Firearm Academy. I am very lucky to have learned about Rick's Firearm Academy, which should be a must for all Michigan residents. Rick Ector and his staff know their stuff and turned a day of training and instruction on rules - regarding firearm safety and concealed pistol licenses - into an interesting experience that benefited me and my safety. I will take the valuable information they imparted to me into my everyday life as I try to make myself more secure from crime and threats. Well, worth the money. In fact, it's a bargain."
- Ms. D. Schlussel, Attorney-At-Law, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48034
"Hello Rick! This is [Name With-held] from the August 24 class. I just wanted you to have my email address to receive information about changes in the law and whatever else you may think I need to know. Thank you and I enjoyed the class."
- Mr. G. Fields, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48204
"The firearm training class was very useful to me. The class taught me skills to protect myself and my family. Everyone should take a CCW class from Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. Thank you."
- Mr. A. Lewis, Auto Industry Worker, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48227
read more testimonials...
How Not To Be Labeled An Idiot At A Gun Range - By Rick Ector

How Not To Be Labeled An Idiot At A Gun Range

As a firearms instructor, I spend an appreciable amount of time at area gun ranges. As such, over the years I have witnessed quite a few potentially unsafe practices. In most cases, the miscues were committed by people who had never previously gone to a gun range. This article will provide a best practices guideline for new visitors at a gun range.

Suggestion 1: Bring Along A Guide
The first general rule for a new target range visitor would be for him to take along a knowledgeable gun owner. The key term is 'knowledgeable.' Just because a friend says he knows what he is doing, does not necessarily mean that he does. Ask him a few questions to gauge his firearms handling experiences: how many firearms he owns, how long he has owned them, how he learned how to safely operate them, and how often he shoots. If your friend's answers to those questions do not instill a sense of confidence, keep looking until you can find a friend you can trust guiding and teaching you at the range.

Suggestion 2: Familiarize Yourself With The Range's SOPs
There are no special licenses or permits that a person needs to have before visiting a target range. However, there are both formal and informal codes of conduct that should be obeyed to ensure a safe and productive visit.

Formal rules of conduct for a specific range are typically codified in a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document. When visiting any range for the first time, you should ask employees for a copy so that you will know what is expected of you. In general, typical SOPs cover the following items:

  • Allowable Ammunition Caliber and/or Brands Allowed
  • Whether Eating, Drinking, or Smoking is Allowed
  • Whether Drawing From Concealment is Allowed
  • Minimum Age Requirements
  • Specified Non-Acceptable Behavior
    • Horse-Play
    • Shooting Under The Influence
    • Shooting at Non-Approved Targets
    • Loading of Firearms Outside Shooting Stall
    • Transporting A Loaded Firearm From Stall
    • Poor Muzzle Control/Discipline
    • Failure To Heed Fire Line
    • Failure To Obey Range Commands
    • Failure To Wear Safety Equipment
    • Failure To Police Brass
    • Rapid Fire Shooting
Failure to follow range SOPs is grounds for immediate ejection from the premises without recourse. So, visitors should govern themselves accordingly.

Range visitors should also learn about and heed local customs. For example, at metropolitan Detroit area gun ranges it is strongly discouraged for visitors to produce a handgun while not in the shooting both. Range employees are an understandably and easily excited class of people who may mistake your actions as an attempted armed robbery of the establishment.

Suggestion 3: Don't be Afraid To Ask For Help
Personally, I would never advocate that a person, who has never shot a firearm, visit a range alone to shoot. There are too many things that can go wrong. However, many people do just that every day and nothing adverse happens. I attribute that fact to the dilligence of the staff who work at these facilities and other helpful shooters present at the range.

If you are new to the shooting sports and insist upon visiting a range by yourself, I have one piece of advice for you: Check your ego at the door. Introduce yourself to a range employee and explain that you have never shot a handgun and wish to do so. Many range employees are Range Safety Officers (RSO) and Certified Instructors. Qualified staff can give you a relatively quick safety briefing and explain all of the controls on the firearm you will be using. Furthermore, depending on staffing levels and how busy the range is during your visit, range staff can volunteer to be present in the booth with you to offer you some 'on-the-spot' coaching.

Bottom Line:
Visiting a local target can be an enjoyable experience. It is imperative that new range visitors and shooters avail themselves of all available resources at their disposal to best ensure that a safe and productive experience is the eventual result. Availing yourself of knowledgeable friends, familiarizing yourself with the range SOPs, and not being afraid to ask for help are all great ways not be labeled an idiot at the range.

Return to our Articles & Essays Page

Register Now For Our Next Metro Detroit Michigan Area CCW/CPL Class!

HomeAbout usPRTestimonialsScheduleArticlesBlogFAQPrivacyContact usIndex
All information on this web site is copyright protected in the favor of Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit. No information on this site may be copied, duplicated, or redistributed in any form without express and written permission. All violations will aggressively pursued to the fullest extent possible under the law.

All information on this site is strictly for informational purposes only. 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 on this web site. 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.