I don’t have a regular schedule for my classes. When someone contacts me about taking a class, they typically have several acquaintances wanting to take the class together. I then use this core group around which to build my next class. I then apprise any individuals who may be waiting to take a class of the class date. My classes have ranged in size between 1 and 12 students, though for the last several years they’re typically between 4 and 8.
My teaching philosophy for CPL training is different than that of many instructors. The main reason for this is because of the seriously limited amount of time (in my opinion) that I have with my students. Within reason, I put far less emphasis on accuracy and more emphasis on the student becoming comfortable with rapidlly shooting a multi-shot string, in a controlled, safe, comfortable and confidant manner. The accuracy level necessary to successfully defend yourself with a handgun is far less than what many instructors would have you believe. But the shooter’s confidence in their ability to safely operate and control a handgun while delivering multiple shots on target in a few seconds is essential. The accuracy will improve (if necessary) with “trigger time”, but you must begin with a reasonable level of confidence in operating your handgun.
The cost of my Concealed Pistol License (CPL) class is $125. I charge a nonrefundable deposit of $25. The remaining $100 is due on the day of the class. The use of my handguns, lunch, snacks, and beverages are all included in the cost of the class. You don’t need to bring anything with you other than your enthusiasm and a desire to seriously apply yourself to this topic. If you wish, you may bring your own handgun. Be forewarned however, that unless you have a CPL holder accompanying you, the regulations regarding a non-CPL holder transporting a handgun in Michigan are quite rigid. The following information is taken directly from the MSP website, and describes the only ways in which you may legally transport a handgun in a vehicle in Michigan if you don’t have a CPL. It states that you must be transporting it for a “lawful purpose”. It then lists the lawful purposes as “going to or from any one of the following”: a hunting or target area, a place of repair, moving goods from a home or business to another home or business, a law enforcement agency (for a safety inspection or to turn the pistol over to the agency), a gun show or place of sale or purchase, a public shooting facility, public land where shooting is legal, private property where a pistol may be lawfully used” (The last one covers you for this class). It then states that if you are transporting it and do not have a CPL that it must be ALL of the following: “unloaded, in a closed case designed for firearms, in the trunk (or if the vehicle has no trunk, it must not be readily accessible to the occupants).” As you can see, transporting a handgun in Michigan without a CPL is full of legal snares. Simply having a valid CPL removes all of the aforementioned requirements.
Other than the class fee, the only other cost is for ammunition. I have ammo for sale in all popular calibers at a cost comparable to, or lower than, you will find in area stores. If you bring your own handgun, you may also bring your own ammo. I have no preference in which you do, but if you use my handguns I require you to buy ammo to use in them from me. When you arrive, leave your handgun and/or ammo in your vehicle.
The course is designed to be 8 hours long, but it usually takes at least 10 hours. There are two reasons for this. First, this class assumes that you have already taken the NRA course titled “Basic Pistol”, which I also teach; or that you possess at least an equivalent degree of knowledge and experience in handling and shooting a handgun. Since the NRA course you are taking, titled “Personal Protection in the Home”, meets all of the training requirements to obtain a Michigan CPL, most people do not want to spend the extra time and money to take both courses. Also, this course obviously deals with protecting yourself in your home. You do not need a CPL to “carry” in your home or on your property. You are obviously interested in obtaining a CPL to carry when you are NOT at home. Due to the fact that I get many students who do not possess the assumed knowledge and experience, coupled with the problem that this course deals very little with carrying outside the home, we usually spend a significant amount of time discussing details and concerns not specifically addressed in this course. How much I include varies with the makeup of each class, and how things are going timewise. I am telling you all of this to forewarn you to be prepared for a day that will probably go considerably longer than eight hours. We usually get done between 6 and 7 PM.
All classes are held inside my pole barn, including shooting. I have both heat and air conditioning, but when temperatures are quite warm or cold they struggle to keep up. Of course, students’ comfort zones also vary. For these reasons, I advise students to dress in layers to assure a reasonable level of comfort throughout the day.
Before we get into the particulars of obtaining a Michigan CPL, I should clear up a source of confusion that is thankfully slowly dying, but I still hear every so often. States differ on what they call their permit or license to carry a concealed weapon. Prior to Michigan becoming a “shall issue” state in 2001 (see my post “A Short History of Michigan’s Gun Laws”), several states had already adopted right-to-carry laws. Some of them named what they issued a License (or Permit) to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW). Several other names are used in various other states, but the acronym “CCW” quickly took hold as a generic term. When Michigan began issuing CPLs, many referred to them as CCWs. In the legal world, in Michigan at least, CCW actually refers to a felony charge for Carrying a Concealed Weapon (without having a CPL). So, let it be known now and forever that when someone refers to a Michigan license to carry as a CCW, they’re actually referring to a CPL.
Most people take this class because it satisfies the training requirements to obtain a CPL in Michigan. This is only one step in that process, albeit the most difficult one. Please understand that I have nothing to do with the process of obtaining a CPL. This process involves only the officials in your county of residence and the Michigan State Police. Passing the class simply gives you the proof of training that is required to obtain a CPL. Though this is probably your reason for taking this course, please do not consider it as the completion of something, but rather the beginning. If you’re going to carry a concealed handgun, you’re embarking on a significant and critical change in your life. You must see your preparation for, and maturation in, this new routine as never-ending. This includes practice in handling and shooting your handgun, staying intimately familiar with any gun you plan to use or carry for self-defense, and staying abreast of what is and is not legal in any area in which you plan to carry or transport a firearm.
I try to run the class in a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere. It is of necessity a long day, so I try to make it as comfortable, interesting, and enjoyable as possible. The most important concern at all times is safety. Knowledge is secondary, shooting tertiary. All of these concerns are totally dependent upon one thing, your attitude. You’ve all heard the cliché “Attitude is everything”, and in no endeavor is it truer than this one.
There is supposed to be a minimum accuracy requirement for this class. Do the best you can, and do not worry about it. Accuracy has yet to become an issue, and I’ve had quite a number of students in my classes who had never fired a handgun. I try to be encouraging, not critical. Learning to shoot a handgun proficiently can be challenging enough, especially for those with little or no experience. I want you to leave class feeling confident and encouraged, and I will do everything I can to make that happen. After safety, I view this as my most important goal. If you don’t feel encouraged and confident, you’ll lose interest in shooting. Carrying a loaded gun without maintaining your knowledge and skills is a recipe for disaster!
Eye and ear protection are required during range time. Any eyeglasses will suffice for eye protection, including prescription glasses. Ear protection can be the muff type or the earplug type. Some shooters use both at once, especially in enclosed areas. Disposable earplugs are available at many stores (such as Meijer’s, Wal-Mart, Dunham’s, and most large drug stores), and are among the most effective protection available at any price. Take it from one who suffers from severe hearing loss; protect your hearing as much as possible. Though I keep extra muffs, earplugs, and shooting glasses on-hand, I want to encourage my students to get their own, so they have them. Never, ever, shoot without eye and ear protection!
I send a confirming email to students as they’re registered. I also send another email shortly before class with further instructions. I usually include a little “homework assignment” to pique students’ interest, and ask at least some students to share their findings during class. It’s also a good idea to check other posts on my site. I add new ones from time to time, and many are relevant to the subject of self-defense. I also may update this post as I feel it necessary, as I do most others.
I look forward to having you as my student!