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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."
- 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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"Mr. Ector's class was well worth the fee. He was very informative. He really was an excellent teacher.
Under his instruction I learned more than I had planned. The things that I thought I knew about guns and
their use was all wrong. He made the class easy and made me feel comfortable at the range. If you are getting
a gun permit, his class is definitely the one to take."
- Ms. C. Boyce, Detroit, Wayne County,
Michigan 48205 |
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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.”
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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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"Dear Mr. Rick Ector, I was in your class and really enjoyed it. I really thought that you were very
helpful and you made me understand how important was all of the information that you gave us for safety
reasons. I do appreciate your service and keep up the good work!"
- Mr. A. Gjergji, Sterling Heights,
Macomb County, Michigan 48312 |
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"Rick, you're great! You taught me everything that I didn't know. You did a great job! Just the class was
too long. I guess that's not up to you. That's the state's fault or the federal government's. Thank you. You
were great!"
- Mr. W. N. Kiryakoza, Farmington Hills, Oakland County, Michigan 48331 |
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"Mr. Ector: I very much enjoyed your firearm safety class on February 24, 2008. I have been around guns (weapons for us
military types) all of my life. Your comments about Rule Number Zero, "All weapons will be treated as if they are loaded
even if we have confirmed that they are not," is a basic rule and is one that I learned as a child on the farm in
Pennsylvania. The class was very informative and your repeated insructions and demonstrations on the important safety
precautions, that each of us will need to follow to prevent accidents, was outstanding. The additional information provided
from your legal counsel was also very good. In summary, I will recommend anyone seeking to learn about handguns attend your
class. You have my permission to quote from my comments and use those quotations in your ads, brochures, mailings, and other
marketing promotions. Good Luck! Thanks for the class."
- Mr. R. W. Bryson, Harrison Township, Macomb County, Michigan
48045 |
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"I have been involved with firearms since I was 12 years old. I am an avid hunter and I also participate
in various shotgun sports like Sporting Clays and Skeet. My experience with handguns has been minimal and I
have thought about participating in a class like this for quite a long time. I have several friends that have
taken a similar class and earned the CCW/CPL permits and after talking to Rick about his class and asking
questions about the class experiences of my other friends I decided to sign up for Rick's class. I think this
was a great decision and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. The format of the class was very informal and
participative. Rick does a great job involving those in the class with questions and in doing so gets people
to participate and absorb the material. I really like the inclusion of an attorney to discuss the legalities
and Rick's questions at the appropriate time to emphasize points the attorney was making. The two of them
have a great rapport and it really helped move the class along. The class flowed along at a great pace and
kept everyone's attention for the whole time. Personally - I learned a bad habit in firing a handgun for my
two hand position which definitely put my left thumb at risk for firing a semiautomatic pistol. Rick's
watchfull eye saved my thumb at the right time. Old habits are hard to break and I'm glad for the one-on-one
range time and his help. Thanks Again for a great class Rick!"
- Mr. A. Kropiewnicki, Oxford, Oakland
County, Michigan 48370 |
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Confessions Of A Firearms Instructor: Part I - By Rick Ector |
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| Confessions Of A Firearms Instructor: Part I |
| The True Reason Why We Teach People How To Use Firearms |
| The responsibilities and duties of a firearms instructor are not trivial.
He has the awesome responsibility of training people, who in many cases have absolutely zero knowledge about guns,
how to safely and legally purchase, sell, load, use, store, transport, and carry their firearms. Thus, safety is of
paramount importance. While it is true that new gun owners and shooters don't usually have any bad habits that need to
be broken, new gun users still have quite a few good habits they do need to develop and cultivate to ensure not only
their own personal safety but also the safety of others around them. |
| The firearms instructor must not only "talk the talk" but he must also
"walk the walk." At all times, especially when teaching new shooters, safety rules must be obeyed and followed -
by his students and by himself. When a firearms instructor becomes lax in his teaching practices, bad things can
happen. For example, everyone remembers seeing the video of the DEA Agent who, after bragging to a classroom full
of Florida school children about how he - alone in that room - was the only person qualified to hold his gun while
violating at least three (possibly four) major gun safety rules, promptly shot himself in the foot - literally and
figuratively. A firearms instructor must demonstrate at least the same level of worthiness and professionalism,
that his students bestowed upon him when they chose him, to be entrusted with their training. |
| Being a firearms instructor is not for the faint of heart. It is a very
stressful job. While part of the instructor's role is be a calming and informative resource for his students, he
has to also constantly be on the look-out for any number of potentially hazardous things that can occur while
conducting firearms training. For example, despite repeatedly drilling students all day about gun safety and the
major rules of gun handling, a new student may have a lapse in memory and commit a major violation: attempting
to load or unload his firearm outside the shooting stall, attempting to remove his earmuffs so that he can hear
better, starting to turn the gun along with his body while asking or answering a question, or attempting to place
his thumbs under the recoil slide of a semi-automatic pistol. A good instructor will take the appropriate action with
the proper amount of authority to preserve the safety of the shooter and all others who are present. |
| Moreover, the instructor must also be vigilant for ammunition or gun
malfunctions: misfires, hang fires, squib loads, stove-pipes, and gun jams. An overlooked malfunction can result
in an explosion that can quickly transform the shooter's hand into a bloody stump. Furthermore, the instructor
must periodically survey the range to monitor the actions of other range users present. Everyone present at a
gun range has not taken, let alone passed a gun safety training class. The potential hazards of this profession
dictate that the professional trainers in this industry get adequate liability insurance and receive certified
training in first aid, CPR, and AED. |
| Firearms instructors, by and large, do not choose this vocation for an
opportunity to be well regarded. In fact, It is not uncommon for many uninformed people to blame firearms instructors
for the wanton violence they witness during their nightly media newscasts, to accuse firearms instructors as being
part of the violence problem and not part of the violence solution, to make firearms instructors the official spokesmen
and the "public face" of the misdeeds of criminals, or to call into question the integrity of the firearms instructor
solely based on the fact that he owns and shoots a gun. |
| Many firearms instructors do not choose this vocation to become rich.
Don't get me wrong, you can make a few bucks doing this gig, but the scam artists are making it very difficult to
make an honest dollar in this industry. Why would a person desiring a Concealed Pistol License take a state
mandated eight (8) hour training class for $160 with a nationally certified firearms instructor when he can pay $50
to a crooked cop or a dishonest instructor with questionable credentials to receive a firearm safety certificate in
less than ten (10) minutes? The truth of the matter is that many do not, but some do. |
| The students of these gun certificate paper mills do not realize that
they are placing themselves in jeopardy - physically and legally. First, if these "graduates" only received a ten
minute gun safety lecture, how well would they able to develop and maintain code-yellow awareness to be aware of
impending threats? Secondly, would these "graduates" hesitate to shoot and give their assailants time to harm them,
when the law says they can shoot based on certain circumstances, because they didn't know what the law in their
state says? Thirdly, is it likely that a "graduate" would shoot their would-be assailant at the wrong time and
possibly face a murder conviction and a civil law suit? The answer to all of these questions is, "Yes, it is possible
and likely." |
| Moreover, if a gun safety certificate mill graduate ever found himself
involved in an unjustified shooting, depending on the circumstances, his credentials may be investigated. In some
states, like Michigan, it is a four-year felony along with a $2,500 fine to knowingly present a fraudulent gun safety
certificate to a gun board. Thus, a graduate of this bogus training program now faces even more jail time. |
| Furthermore, students with questionable gun safety certificates present a
danger to their respective communities. How likely is it that this student learned the fundamentals of shooting a
handgun? Can this student reliably hit what he is aiming at from a distance of fifteen feet? Has this student been
told what type of ammunition to use to avoid the "over-penetration" problem that can result in the death of a child
playing down the street in his own front yard? Probably not. In all, the scammers are endangering our communities
just to avoid paying a few dollars in extra tuition and spending eight hours of their time in a class room. |
| With all the negatives surrounding the firearms training industry, one
might be hard-pressed to find just one good and worthy reason to make this vocation worthwhile. I can give two reasons
why firearms instructors do what they do (teach): helping others and preserving liberty. |
| Men and women, who undergo the scrutiny and training necessary to become
certified firearms instructors do so principally because of their desire to impart knowledge onto others. They teach
in spite of the negative slights that they experience in their daily existence: being shunned by people who have
irrational fears of guns, being made the butt of jokes and snide remarks that thinly veil and hide predjudices, and
being thought of and regarded as gun-nuts and borderline homicidal maniacs. |
| In this day and age, our country - especially in our major cities - is
experiencing an up-tick in the incidence rate of violent crime. The courts have repeatedly issued rulings that
have absolved the police from the legal responsibility of guaranteeing that any single person would be free of crime.
The police have the job of investigating crimes after they have occurred and the job of supporting the general peace
of the community. Thus, if you are selected for victimization by a predator, you are officially on your own - from a
legal standpoint. Firearms instructors exist to train people how to defend themselves until the police arrive. |
| Currently, thirty-five states (including Michigan) have "shall-issue"
legislation enacted into law such that if any person meets the mandated criteria, the state shall issue him a
Concealed Pistol License (CPL/CCW). This current style of licensure differs significantly from prior discretionary
methods where a person had to "demonstrate a need." |
| Many instructors teach so that the tradition of firearm ownership lives
on with another generation. Make no mistake about it, gun ownership is under constant attack in our nation. Every
time something negative happens (e.g. Columbine and Virgina Tech) there are new calls for new restrictions on the
ownership, the purchasing, and the carrying of firearms despite the fact that there are already more than 20,000
gun laws on the books. We need better enforcement of current laws - not new laws. Special interest groups have
repeatedly focused their efforts on blaming the tool and not the actions of the criminal: ballistic fingerprinting,
gun purchase waiting periods, organized protests at gun shops, attempts to outlaw ammunition, restrictions on hunting,
and discretionary gun permit laws. Firearms instructors empower people to be self reliant. |
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| Confessions 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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