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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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Musings Of A Firearms Instructor: Part III - By Rick Ector |
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| Musings Of A Firearms Instructor: Gun Rights Are Easy To Lose |
| As a firearms instructor, I field a lot of questions about guns, gun rights, and concealed pistol license
(CPL) eligibility. As a consequence of talking to many people about their individual situations, I have reached the inescapable conclusion that it is
just too easy to lose your firearm ownership rights. |
| I am a die-hard and hard core 2A supporter. As a "purist," I personally don't think that anyone not currently
imprisoned should be barred from owning a gun. Why? Because the Constitution says "that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." |
| You may be shaking your head in disbelief as my stated position implies that people with felony convictions
should be able to own a gun. That's exactly what I meant. First and foremost, understand that no law against a felon having a gun is ever going to
prevent an incorrigible criminal from committing a crime with a gun. By definition, a criminal is someone that breaks the law. |
| Law abiding citizens on the other hand obey the law. In fact, it is the law abiding citizen's fervent support
of the law in general that blinds him to the fact that a significant segment of our society has no qualms about committing crimes. It is this blind eye
to reality that also causes him to also associate guns with bad behavior and thus "go unarmed in paradise" without being absolutely sure of where he is
located. |
| To add insult to injury, the courts have consistently ruled that no individual person is guaranteed protection
from the police. The job of the police is to investigate crimes and support the general peace. If you become a crime victim, you can't sue the police;
they have immunity. Maybe, just maybe, if felons were legally armed, more people would take on a greater role in their personal safety by owning and
carrying a gun. |
| When a felon is released from prison and has met all specified conditions (i.e. parole, fines, restitution,
etc.), he has paid his debt to society and in my humble opinion should have all of his rights restored: voting rights, right to sit on a jury, right to
run for elected, and right to own a gun. |
| Many states differ as to how they handle rights restoration for the recently released. Invariably, firearm
ownership rights, despite what the Constitution says, are the most difficult to restore. Most people know that under US federal law, a convicted felon
can't have a gun. (There are some exceptions that I am not going to cover in this post today.) But did you know that a misdemeanor conviction for domestic
violence (DV) also extinguishes firearm rights? Probably not. |
| How do I know? I know because I have talked to many people with DV convictions who are shocked to discover that
not only can they not get a CPL but they also can not own a gun. I can understand their amazement that a misdemeanor has the same power as a felony with
respect to firearm rights. |
| Please don't confuse my issue with a misdemeanor DV conviction extinguishing firearms rights like a felony does
with sympathizing with a person who beats his wife. Spousal abuse is intolerable and the perpetrator should be punished. However, punishment should be just
that - a penalty - not a lifetime ban on gun ownership. |
| In a significant number of these cases, an argument between family members breaks out and a call is made for the
police to show up and to quell the disturbance. Many states require an arrest on a DV call. So, a person goes to jail and is charged with DV even if family
members don't want to pursue the matter in the courts. |
| The defendant is then poorly served by his court appointed attorney to plead guilty to a DV misdemeanor in
exchange for no jail time and maybe a few hours of community service. His counsel did not tell him that doing so will take also take away his firearm rights
forever. Many years later, the economy is in the toilet, violent crime rates are rising, law enforement budgets are being cut, and more prisoners are being
released early. Now is the time to have a gun but he can't legally own one. |
| Having a criminal charge on one's record is a tough challenge. It is our time's equivalent of a scarlet letter, as
jobs are tougher to get and opportunities are in short supply. Personally, I know a lot of people with records. "These" people are not criminals - they just
have a charge on their record. |
| They work, raise families, and pay taxes just like people without records. It's a raw deal that a mistake made long
ago takes away a right for a lifetime. If the mistake was "that big of a deal" they should be still in jail - not on the outside trying to defend their familes
from the real criminals without a gun. |
| In some cases, the police set up multiple stings with a person committing a crime to set up multiple felony counts at
the arraignment. It's almost as if the real goal is to permanently strip away his ability to ever own a gun at any time in his lifetime - however many decades
that might be. In my humble opinion, if the police catch a criminal in the act, arrest and charge him then - at that time. Let the one felony conviction serve as
a reminder as to what is at stake. Give him an opportunity to make a choice to do right. |
| For some, there are remedies such as expungement, gubernatorial pardon, and presidential pardons that can provide relief.
For others, they have to make do without a right. That's criminal. |
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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)
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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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