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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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"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, 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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“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.”
- 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, 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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“Hey Rick, I want to thank you for your help and time with me in class; it was very informative. I learned
a lot of things that I had never learned before. I wish that class was a little bit longer. Keep up the good
work! Thank you,”
- Mrs. C. Smith, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48204 |
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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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The Making Of A Firearms Instructor Part II - By Rick Ector |
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| How I Went From Being A Crime Victim To Becoming A Firearms Instructor - Part 2 |
| The First Step To Recovery Is Admitting That You Have A Problem |
Many people, such as the person who I used to be, stand on the sidelines of
the Second Amendment/gun ownership game until something adverse "happens" to them or to someone they know and value.
Personally, I never had a "perceived" need for a handgun; I had previously viewed owning a gun as a novelty and perhaps
a waste of hard earned cash. I had bought into all of the misleading anti-gun propaganda being spewed vociferously by
various people and "special interests" with hidden agendas.
I never bothered to research the facts on gun ownership for
myself. I left that task up to other people to educate me through the media via so-called factoid public service
announcements, speeches from various governmental officials who enact "feel good" legislation that doesn't work or
conduct gun "buy-backs" that can't be objectively evaluated for effectiveness, and barbershop talk with many people
in my community who discuss their feelings about guns rather than the honest-to-God facts. My problem was that I
allowed others to do my thinking for me on the subject of guns. I have since "in-sourced" that function back to the
person I trust the most: me. |
| Everybody Knows Everything Until Something Happens |
Well, something did "happen" to me - I was robbed in my own back yard while
parking my car in my garage. Prior to this event, I did not see myself as a potential victim. I have always been able
to "hold my own and handle my business" whenever I needed to do so throughout my life. The mere idea that someone
would have the audacity to size me up as a victim never crossed my mind. A gun in the hands of violent predators,
who have no qualms about using violence or the threat of violence to accomplish their evil purposes, changes the
natural order of the food chain. I then knew that I needed to make a few changes.
Consequently, I then chose to
get on the playing field. To my surprise, I have been warmly greeted by the pro gun rights side and have been
consequently shunned by the "guns are evil" side. Making the decision to own a firearm makes you a gun nut in the
eyes of many ignorant people.
The uninformed and unenlightened folk will treat you differently and are prone
to making snide comments about you. They'll either tell you that they don't "need" a gun because of where they live
or they'll demonstrate some Kung Fu disarmament moves they learned from playing Tekken on their PlayStation2 video
game console. They couldn't possibly be more wrong. However, I'll patiently wait until "something" happens to them
and I'll forget and forgive all of the ignorant things that they said and welcome them to the correct side. |
| A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With One Step - Gun Ownership |
Anyhow, after filing the crime report at my not-so-local neighborhood
police station, I headed downtown to acquire a "Ten Day Purchase Permit." The Gun Licensing Department ran my
background to see if I had any official governmental prohibitions - felonies - against owning a firearm. Of course,
the check came back clean so I was issued the permit. I was now able to legally buy a gun within the next ten days.
If I had failed to do so (buy a gun), I would have to come back downtown to repeat the process.
Next, I went
to a local gun shop without haste and bought my first handgun. I didn't let the ominous signs - warning customers
against pulling out guns because they might get shot - or the fact that all of the gunshop employees were openly
carrying their guns on their hips, deter me. I had no idea of what to buy, so I bought the same gun that my
brother-in-law owned. "If it was good enough for him, it must be good enough for me," I reasoned. I didn't
originally plan on spending several hundreds of dollars on my purchase, but my first and only thought was to buy
the best gun I could "afford" even if a few utility bills didn't get paid on time that month. My life and safety
were worth a ding or two on my credit report.
In retrospect, the gun dealer didn't offer me a lot of informed
customer service. To his credit, maybe he assumed, that since I was a guy, that I knew what I wanted. In fact, I
didn't know much of anything. My ignorance was my fault. The dealer's fault was not asking me enough questions to
allow him to best assess my needs. However, his insensitivity did not stop him from also suggesting additional
purchases: jacketed hollow points and an inside-the-waist (IWB) holster.
Pure luck, it seems, brought a gun
into my possession that fit my hand perfectly. I couldn't test fire it, as the shop didn't have a range. So I had to
"take it on faith" that I could handle shooting it. I must have filled out a ream of paperwork that day; it was like
closing on a house. Anyhow, it's funny now recounting the experience, but I was - in all truth - nervous while carrying
my new encased gun from the back entrance of the shop to my car. I mused how ironic and funny it would be if I was to now
be robbed of my new gun at the gun shop.
My next stop on my personal armament tour would be to venture back downtown to police
headquarters to have my new firearm "safety inspected." Before having my gun inspected, I had no idea of what tests
they were going to perform to properly test my gun. After they safety inspected my gun, I am still ignorant to the
process even though I witnessed it with my very own eyes. Bottom line: by the time I left police headquarters this
time, my name, my personal info, and the fact that I owned a handgun were now entered into a database.
On my
departure from police headquarters I picked up a copy of an application for a Concealed Pistol License (CPL/CCW) from the
front desk. I opened the enveloped and read the application. It was rather lengthy but informative. I figured that I
would peruse it more thoroughly in my car. Right before I left the building, I asked a near-by police officer for a
place where I could go and shoot my new gun. He specified a range and told me how to get there. |
| I'll Do Or Try Almost Anything Once - Even Shoot A Gun |
So, my big adventure continued as I went to a local range to shoot a
handgun for the very first time in my life. For the record, it is not recommended to visit a firing range without
first taking a gun safety class or at the very least taking along a knowledgeable shooter with you. In fact, it is
dangerous. I didn't know any better. You have read this passage, so now you know. Ignorance kills. The Bible
says, "My people perish for lack of knowledge."
I didn't know what I didn't know. I was lucky. Any number of
things, all of them bad, could have happened that day. Fortunately for me, I checked my ego at the door and asked
someone behind the counter for help. I got a very basic introduction but critical 20 second tutorial: Don't load
it until you are in the booth, Always keep the gun pointed downrange, Position your hands so that they are not in the
path of the slide, and Unload the gun before you leave the booth.
I managed not to hurt myself or anyone else.
However, if I had experienced a hangfire or a squib load in the booth, things may have turned out differently.
I must say that I was rather proud of myself after shooting. Shooting was an enjoyable experience. It was a blast -
pun intended. My adrenaline was pumping; I was high off of shooting a gun. I guess I had just found myself a new and
exciting hobby.
As I was driving home from the range that afternoon, still mentally digesting the requirements
for the CCW Permit, I had arrived at an intersection whereby the stoplight had just turned red. The car in front of
mine had an advertisement on the back of it for a CCW Class. More than ever, I believe that when your mind is
truly ready for something, the Lord will make it appear. This situation merely provided confirmation. I immediately
called the displayed phone number and discovered that there was a class being held on the very next day. I RSVP'd and
took the class on the very next day. |
| A Responsible Gunowner Needs Training |
During the class, I learned a staggering amount of information about the
safe usage, storage, loading, unloading, handling, purchasing, transporting, and maintenance of firearms. Before that
day, I truly did not know how much I did not know about firearms.
I was introduced to the nomenclature of all
of the firearm's constituent parts on both a revolver and a semi-automatic, learned how the parts inter-operated to
create a discharge, learned the legal aspects of self defense and lethal force, learned how the media and "certain
powers that be" distort the truth and spread outright lies about handguns, learned the proper fundamentals of shooting
a firearm, learned a few shooting stances, and learned how to become a more hardened target.
More than anything,
I was a little disheartened by my instructor's admonition that I was now not a gun-fighter. I was told in plain and in
no uncertain language that I had now just met the state's minimum requirements to qualify for a CPL/CCW. Thus, I was
just given another clue that there was much more to learn about firearms and their role in personal protection. I
still didn't know what I didn't know. I then dedicated my spare time to devouring any literature that I could buy or
find on the Internet that had anything to do with firearms and their role in personal protection. |
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| How I Went From Being A Crime Victim To Becoming A Firearms Instructor - Part 3 |
| How I Went From Being A Crime Victim To Becoming A Firearms Instructor - Part 1 |
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:
- Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 4 Seats Left!
- Saturday, December 13th, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 8 Seats Left!
- Sunday, December 28th, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 10 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 2008 Schedule Page to RSVP Now!
Usually, our Saturday classes are conducted in the main conference room of the Days Hotel in Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. This hotel's
address is 1 West Nine Mile Road - One block east of I-75. (Map to Hotel)
Also, our Sunday 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)
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 $160.00 - 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. Remit Half Of Tuition Now & Pay Balance In 14 Days via PayPal™
Option 4. Mail Deposit To Our Address Within 7 Calendar Days Before Class Date
Option 5. Schedule An Appointment To Pay Deposit In Person.
Payment options 1, 2, and 3 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, 2, and 3 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 - Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy.
(Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($140) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) in Advance and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
| Option III |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Saturday, December 13th, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Tuition in Advance ($140) and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
| Option III |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, December 28th, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($140) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) in Advance and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses) |
| Option III |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days.
(Total Cost: $160 + 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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