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CCW/CPL Class Notification E-List |
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CCW/CPL Class Student Testimonials |
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| 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 |
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"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 |
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"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."
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Mr. C. W. Miller, Retiree, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48219 |
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"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 |
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"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 |
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“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 |
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"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 |
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“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 |
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“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 |
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"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 |
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“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 |
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“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 |
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"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 |
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"Hello Rick, I just wanted to inform you how insightful your CPL class was. Not only did you and Damian educate me better on the usage of
a firearm but you also helped me with being aware of my surroundings and how I am approached by strangers as well. I am in the sales and
marketing profession for an aluminum manufacturer. I am often in rural and industrial areas and I am much more comfortable after taking your
class. I now have better firearm knowledge, know the difference of taking cover, and have knowledge of when it is illegal to shoot when you
have been victimized. I have recommended your class to most of my friends who have an interest; some have handled firearms, but they will
find that they too need to take your class. I have every intention to stay in contact for additional training and updates. Thanks again.
Regards,"
- Mr. M. Jackson, Sales and Marketing Executive, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48206 |
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"Hey! I just wanted to let u know that I really enjoyed your class and since then I've referred a few of my co-workers to participate just
this past month and they also enjoyed themselves and learned a whole about carrying a concealed weapon. Expect more of my coworkers to take
the class. On behalf of me and Wayne County Roads keep up the Great Work!!! :-))"
- Ms. D. Montgomery, Detroit, Wayne
County, Michigan 48235 |
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"First of all, let me express how pleased I was with your rapport with your students. 8am-6pm is a loooooong time,
but in your class it didn't seem that way. You were informative, knowledgeable about the subject, and willing to address concerns. Thanks for helping me to
reach my goal of obtaining a CPL. See ya on MYSPACE!"
- Ms. L. Gray-Anner, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, 48219 |
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Michigan CPL: Basic Pistol Safety Training Class - By Rick Ector |
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| Michigan CPL: Basic Pistol Safety Training Class |
| Michigan residents, desiring to apply for a state of Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL), are required by
law to satisfactorily complete a bona fide "Basic Pistol Safety Training Class." However, due to fact that there are so many con artists operating in the
firearms training field, many people are unwittingly taking the wrong class.
Many graduates of these unlawful programs are getting short-changed with respect to the knowledge that they are supposed to receive. Furthermore, the
info they receive in these rogue classes - or in some cases do not receive - can make the community, as a whole, less safe and subject the student to
criminal charges and civil lawsuits. This article will explicitly detail how a prospective student can determine whether the class they are considering is
appropriate training for a Michigan CPL.
Michigan Public Act 254 of 2004, is
very specific as to what constitutes a Basic Pistol Safety Training Class. A bona fide class meeting the requirements of the aforementioned statute has
the following characteristics:
- The program is certified by this state or a national or state firearms training organization and provides 5 hours of instruction in, but is
not limited to providing instruction in, all of the following:
- The safe storage, use, and handling of a pistol including, but not limited to, safe storage, use, and handling to protect child safety.
- Ammunition knowledge, and the fundamentals of pistol shooting.
- Pistol shooting positions.
- Firearms and the law, including civil liability issues and the use of deadly force. This portion shall be taught by an attorney or an
individual trained in the use of deadly force.
- Avoiding criminal attack and controlling a violent confrontation.
- All laws that apply to carrying a concealed pistol in this state.
- The program provides at least 3 hours of instruction on a firing range and requires firing at least 30 rounds of ammunition.
- The program provides a certificate of completion that states the program complies with the requirements of this section and that the
individual successfully completed the course, and that contains the printed name and signature of the course instructor. Not later than October
1, 2004, the certificate of completion shall contain the statement, "This course complies with section 5j of 1927 PA 372."
- The instructor of the course is certified by this state or a national organization to teach the 8-hour pistol safety training course
described in this section.
The first thing that a student should check when evaluating a CPL training class is to check out the credentials of the organization sponsoring the class.
The state of Michigan, as a governmental organization, has chosen the Michigan Coalition Of Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) organization as its
officially designated organization to provide CPL training.
In addition, the statute also makes reference to "national firearms training organizations" as being qualified to conduct CPL training classes. It is
widely understood that this designation in the statute authorizes credentialed National Rifle Association (NRA) trainers to conduct CPL training courses.
For corroboration, both MCOLES and NRA certified instructors have credential cards that can viewed by prospective students to confirm they are
qualified - by the state of Michigan statute - to conduct CPL training. Credentials from other organizations - "state firearms training organizations"
or otherwise - conducting CPL training should be scrutinized closely. If necessary, contact your local county gun board to confirm whether they would
accept a Course Completion Certificate from that group.
The second item that should be checked, by a prospective CPL student, is the agenda of the class under consideration. If the class does not explicitly
cover the items specified in the statute, it (the class) does not meet the state of Michigan's requirements for a CPL Class.
Caveat Emptor! Several firearms instructors in the metro-Detroit area are promoting their "Basic Pistol" classes as suitable training for a
CPL. These firearms instructors are knowingly defrauding their students, who don't know enough about the CPL statute to know that they are being taught the
wrong class.
These instructors are intentionally teaching the "wrong" class because if they taught the correct class, "Personal Protection In The Home," a
lawyer would have to be present to teach the legal topics that the state of Michigan wants each CPL student to know. As you can imagine, lawyers are
costly. Thus, these scam artists would rather save a couple hundred dollars and have their students not fully informed.
Students that do not have the requisite legal training are a danger to the community. They don't have the slightest clue as to what they can and can't
do with a CPL. They are running a great risk of behaving unlawfully - perhaps out of ignorance - and are being setup to catch a murder charge and a civil
lawsuit. Michigan's laws regarding self-defense and lethal force are very clear. Ignorance of the law will not serve as a valid defense for inappropriate
and unlawful conduct.
Do not make the mistake of assuming - like the county gun boards who metaphorically look the other way when these certificates arrive in their
offices - that if the Course Completion Certificate says that the class "complies with section 5j of 1927 PA 372" that it actually does. In most cases,
these counterfeit classes are cheaper - which should be a tipoff that something is wrong.
Instructors, who teach the class the correct way, tell "bargain shoppers" that when "you pay less - you get less." The irony is that if these students
ever find themselves in a bad situation, where they behave irresponsibly with a firearm, this class will end of being significantly more expensive in the
long run: murder charges and civil lawsuits. |
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| Musings of a Firearms Instructor - Part II |
Return to our Articles & Essays Page
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Registering For Our Next Michigan CCW/CPL Class Is Easy! |
Our next three "Personal Protection in the Home" (Michigan CCW/CPL) classes will be
conducted on the following dates:
- Saturday, April 4th, 2009 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 7 Seats Left!
- Sunday, April 19th, 2009 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 10 Seats Left!
- Saturday, May 12th, 2009 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 12 Seats Left!
- Sunday, May 17th, 2009 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 15 Seats Left!
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| All classes start at 8:00 a.m. sharp! |
Please note that the openings (i.e. "seats left" counts) are not made in "real time." Thus, we may have even fewer openings than
is currently listed. We strive to update our web site at least once daily.
RSVP now with your tuition investment to avoid missing out on this event!
If you require a training date further ahead than listed above, visit our 2009 Schedule Page to RSVP Now!
Our classes are usually conducted in the Oakland Conference Room at the Hampton Inn in Southfield, Michigan 48034. This hotel's address is
27500 Northwestern Highway. (Map to Hotel)
View Larger Map
Please note that unexpected and unforeseen circumstances may necessitate a change in the class's location. If an change is made, you will notified
in advance of the new venue.
The tuition investment for this training event is $170.00 - A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat.
Thus, you must either pay the full tuition amount or remit a deposit.
Please note that if you pay the full tuition in advance, you will receive a $20 discount. We provide this discount
to encourage students to pay in advance so that we can pre-pay expenses necessary to hold these events: hotel conference
room rental, attorney's speaking fee, official NRA program materials, refreshments, and etc.
To RSVP for our class on the date of your selection, you must choose exactly one of the following five personal
investment options:
Option 1. Remit Full Tuition Now via PayPal™
Option 2. Remit A Tuition Deposit Now via PayPal™
Option 3. Schedule An Appointment To Pay Full Tuition In Person.
Payment options 1, and 2 require you to click the PayPal™ "Buy Now" button for the class date of your choice.
Your web browser will then load a secure web page from the PayPal™ site where you will then be able to safely and
securely enter your credit card info to complete your registration.
Note: Payment options 1 and 2 do not require you to register with PayPal™ to use their secure, free, fast, and
convenient service to register for our classes. |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Saturday, April 4th, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($150) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($85) in Advance and Pay Balance ($85) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $170 + Range Expenses) |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, April 19th, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy.
(Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($150) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($85) in Advance and Pay Balance ($85) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $170 + Range Expenses) |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Tuition in Advance ($150) and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($85) and Pay Balance ($85) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $170 + Range Expenses) |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, May 17th, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($150) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($85) in Advance and Pay Balance ($85) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $170 + Range Expenses) |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Registering For Our Class!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Class!
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If you are interested in attending any of the aforementioned classes, don't delay! They fill up fast and are limited to the first
fifteen students that have registered. So, RSVP now!
When we receive notification of your registration
from Paypal™ you'll receive a confirmation from us via email. |
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