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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!"
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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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"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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"Rick, from the very beginning you showed a very professional demeanor. You also did this while being
a friendly guy. You extended your knowledge, experience, and information, in a fun way but when it came time
to get critical info or techniques across you became very serious to get the point across effectively. I
totally appreciated your class and when I am ready to advance in my training in the area of becoming a
'PROFESSIONAL' in the use of a sidearm I will be in touch. I am sorry it took so long to get back to you but
I pray that 'better late than never' applies. Sincerely,"
- Mr. M. Kleckler, Ferndale, Oakland County,
Michigan 48220 |
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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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“Rick, I want to thank you again for the class. It was very informational and helpful to my knowledge as
to how to properly use and store a sidearm as well as knowing the whole concept of personal and family
self-defense. Bringing in an attorney to answer legal questions was a huge plus. You mentioned something
about an advanced class where there are tactical concepts and other aspects of pistol training. I may be
interested in taking that class in the future. Would you have any information on that? The range was a great
experience. All the information being said was one thing, but nothing beats the experience to tie in the
practical use to what was being taught in class in terms of properly handling a sidearm and to follow all
the safety rules regarding it. Thanks again very much! If I have any questions I will be sure to contact you.
You have been a great instructor. Sincerely,”
- Mr. H. Sam, Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan 48313 |
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Confessions Of A Firearms Instructor: Part IIA - By Rick Ector |
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| Confessions of A Firearms Instructor IIA: Our Greatest Frustration |
| The very best firearm instructors have a vast knowledge of information relating to the hot-button issues surrounding the topic of
guns. They can quickly and soundly debunk many popular lies and blatant falsehoods that have been continuously spread for decades
upon decades by those individuals who want a disarmed U.S. populace. |
| Perhaps, you have heard some of their anti-gun propoganda: Guns Cause Crime, Pistol-Free Zones are Safe Hazens, Criminals Buy Guns
Via The Gun Show LoopHole, and that the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution only applies to the National Guard. |
| The well informed instructor belongs to at least one national or state level firearms organization. Amongst many functions, this
association keeps him abreast of the many assaults upon our right to keep and bear arms. |
| For example, some states are trying to adopt unproven and technologically infeasible cartridge case microstamping features into
newly produced handguns. Laws of this type - in effect - create a de-facto ban on new handgun sales as the technology to conform to
the law does not exist. |
| The best instructors let their students know that if they want to retain their newly exercised firearm ownership rights, they must
exercise eternal vigilance over their legislators at all levels of government. |
| Moreover, the firearms organizations also keep involved instructors abreast of current national trends such as the systematic
closing of gunshops and target ranges across the country, the rapidly shrinking amount of public land available for hunters to help
assist with much needed conservation efforts on the state level, and the lack of will amongst our federal legislators to enact a
national "Right To Carry (RTC)" reciprocity law despite overwhelming support at the state level as evidenced by the amount of
states that have RTC laws currently on the books. In fact, two states - Alaska and Vermont - don't require a permit at all to carry
a firearm, concealed or not. |
| Furthermore, the most sought after gun instructors devour news stories at all levels (i.e. national, state, and local) to "drive
home" important concepts to students in their gun safety classes. For example, at the national level they often point out the fact
most successful mass killings occur in so-called gun safety zones: Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people at Virginia Tech, Robert A.
Hawkins killed 8 people at an Omaha, Nebraska Mall despite being under surveillance by unarmed security guards, and Eric Harris
and Dylan Klebold killed 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. |
| In contrast, informed instructors like to also point out the fact that a bloody carnage of untold proportions was averted when an
armed security guard shot and killed Matthew Murray after he had already killed four people at a mega-church of 10,000 plus members
just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. |
| In a likewise fashion relative to their monitoring of national and regional issues, professional firearm instructors in the local
Detroit metropolitan area valiantly attempt to keep up with the numerous and all-too incessant flow of local gun-related issues.
Violence by criminals, usually with a gun, typically dominates this local news scene. It's not easy to keep the tallies current, as
the flow of bad news occurs much too rapidly to ponder and enumerate before the next atrocity against humanity and society occurs. |
| Recently, local Detroit-area media broadcasts have informed the public at-large about the execution-style deaths of two children in
a known "drug-house," the beating death of a gay man at a bus stop solely because of his sexual orientation, the death of a police
officer's wife during an apparent car-jacking at a local drugstore chain on the east side, a Washington Township plumber that
repeatedly stabbed and eventually killed a former customer for her diamond necklace, and the much publicized Stephen Grant case
in which the convicted subject not only killed his wife, but also dismembered her body at a machine shop sawing station and
sprinkled her assorted body parts all over town like Johnny Appleseed trying to sow a new forest. |
| Although it is extremely desirable for a firearm instructor to be well versed in the politics of guns, it is not a requirement.
Essentially, if a person is deemed qualified by a respected national or state level firearms organization (e.g. the Michigan
Coalition Of Law Enforcement Standards) of being capable of teaching new shooters how to safely load, use, unload, store, and carry
guns, he can lawfully and ethically carry out his function. |
| However, it is my fervent belief that students acquire a better appreciation of the rights they are about to exercise - gun
ownership - when an instructor can navigate the gun-politic environment and show students how the uniformed masses are brainwashed
and fed lies in an effort to keep them voluntarily disarmed. |
| Professional firearm instructors are often consulted for advice on issues that relate to firearms. For example, one instructor
might receive an email inquiry on the proper way to transport a checked firearm on an airplane. Another question may ask for the
proper way for a Concealed Pistol Liscensee to conduct himself during a routine traffic stop. It is not uncommon for a firearm
instructor to know the gun laws better than a full-time law enforcement officer. |
| The flip side of being a knowledgeable authority on gun laws and gun politics is that the instructor will often find himself
involved in a debate. The professional instructor can effectively debate gun issues at length with reasoned logic and common sense.
He doesn't necessarily want to engage in this conversation because he knows that even if he refutes and rebuts every argument made
by his debate opponent, the opposing side will relent and make the following emotiotional proclamation: "I just don't like guns!" |
| So why does the firearm instructor even bother to debate if he can't convert his "emotional" opposition? The answer is very simple:
Other people with open minds that haven't taken an official position on this issue are listening.The objective in many debates with
anti-gun folk is not to convert them into pro-gun folks. The true prize is winning the argument in the hearts and minds of the
onlookers. Besides, many anti-gun folk will suddenly become pro-gun folk after they have survived a violent crime; they'll come
around sooner later. I know I did. |
| The single greatest frustration of a seasoned firearms instructor, especially in a violent town like Detroit, is wondering exactly
what unspeakable acts of terror or heinous crimes must be committed by hardened predators before area residents will finally
acknowledge that now - not tomorrow - is the time to take up arms to defend themselves and their families. Let's examine and
survey the known facts. |
| First, the courts have told us repeatedly that the police do not have a legal responsiblility to protect any single person from
crime. The duty of the police is to uphold the general peace and to investigate crimes. In fact, when the aforementioned
assassination of the two boys in the alleged drug-house happened Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummins was quoted as saying
the following at a news conference, "It shouldn't be me, as chief of police, saying we have to put a blanket on our city and take it
back." |
| Second, local and state budgets across our country have been hit hard. Less money from the federal government and a lingering
recession-like economy have left many local and state communities strapped for cash. Accordingly, less funds are being used for
law enforcement. Thus, police officers have been laid off or taken off the streets. |
| At one point in time, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm threatened to take 200 felonies off the books and as a consequence
threatened to flood and inundate already over-crowded county jails across the state. This idea prompted Oakland County Executive
L. Brooks Patterson to quip, "Everybody should go out and buy a gun. I recommend an Uzi. If you don't like guns, then I suggest
you buy a pair of guard dogs, preferably a pit bull and a Rottweiler. You're going to need them." |
| In Detroit, the number of police stations in the city were sliced in half during a controversial downsizing effort a short time ago.
The inevitable result was that response times to reported crimes have increased. I appreciate the job that Detroit's finest perform
for us on a day-to-day basis. However, I believe that they can't do it all. |
| They consistently show up after the criminals have left and have a poor record of closing the crimes that they investigate.
In fact, just a couple of days ago it was reported in the Detroit Free Press Newspaper that Detroit Police have a one-in-three
clearance rate for homicides. This means that in 66% of all murders in that happen Detroit, the police have failed to identify the
killer. |
| Third, Detroit has consistently over the years been rated as a rough place to live. On November 19th of this year, Detroit was
named the most dangerous city by CQ Press in their 14th annual publication "City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan America."
Reportedly, the study is based on the FBI's crime statistics and had examined 378 cities with at least 75,000 residents and
based its rankings on per-capita rates for auto theft, burglary, homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. After all the
numbers were calculated Detroit was number one and Flint, Michigan was ranked number three. |
| I am a firearms instructor, a defender of freedom, and an empowering force in
my community. |
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| Confessions Of A Firearms Instructor - Part IIB |
| Confessions Of A Firearms Instructor - Part I |
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)
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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) |
|
| 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) |
|
| 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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