Friday, October 29, 2010

L.A.I.D. Won A 2010 Top Blog Award

We were recently notified that our blog, "Legally Armed In Detroit" (L.A.I.D.), was chosen as a recipient of a "2010 Top Blog Award." The notification was delivered as the following:

Dear Rick,

Congratulations! This is Kate, and your blog, Legally Armed In Detroit, is a recipient of our 2010 Top Blog Award!

Nothing is more important to us than safety. So we've teamed up with HomeSecuritySystems to provide the very best resources to keep you and your family safe. So we've scoured the internet looking for the best available, and your blog was one of them!

Cheers,
Kate Thompson
(425)827-1423
www.bestoftheblogs.org


We proudly display the award graphic, as pictured below, on our blog:


Every Michigan Firearms Owner Should Read The Latest MSP Update

Every two months the Executive Division of the Michigan State Police publishes its "Legal Update" bulletin. The purpose of this document is to keep law enforcement officers in the field throughout the state updated on various aspects of the law which changed recently or has been misunderstood. In my opinion, their latest issue - No. 86 - which was published on October 10th of this year has information in it that is valuable to every firearms owner in the state.

Some of the issues addressed in this edition includes but is not limited to the following:

- The Legality Of Open Carry In Michigan
- Michigan Pistol FREE Zones
- MI CPL Holder Exemption to Pistol FREE Zones
- Whether A CPL is Needed to Open Carry
- What Constitutes Firearm Brandishing
- How To Properly Transport A Firearm
- How To Register A Pistol In MI

The update is only three pages long but is packed with valuable info on MI Firearms Law along with the MCL References. In my opinion, it should be read by all persons who carry a firearm in our state.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

What To Do If You Find A Handgun

A couple of days ago, the Detroit Free Press ran a story on an Oak Park woman who mistakenly left behind and consequently lost a pistol in a clothing store's dressing room. Apparently, the handgun was "found" by another person and was not turned in to the local enforcement agency.

Presumably, the thief in this story knew how to safely handle a firearm without accidentally discharging it. However, many other people who are unfamiliar with handguns may be unsure as to what they should do if they unexpectedly find a pistol. This post will discuss this situation and offer suggestions.

How Many Handguns Are Being Carried In Michigan?
According to info on the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO) web site, there are approximately 247,000 Michigan residents who have state-issued Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs). Add in an unspecified number of visitors to our state from 35 other states which have concealed firearm reciprocity with Michigan and a growing number of criminals who illegally carry firearms, you'll reach the inescapable conclusion that there is a considerable amount of handguns being carried across the state.

How Exactly Does A Person Fail To Retrieve A Handgun?
While most firearm owners are responsible with their handguns, there is always a chance that a person, whether he is a civilian or a law enforcement officer, will mistakenly fail to retrieve their unholstered handgun.

In almost all of these cases, the gun carrier knowingly disarmed himself so that he could accomplish a task that is tough to do while being armed: use the services of a restroom, undress to go to bed for the night, or to change clothes in a dressing room. The problem rears its ugly head when the gun owner fails to remember to reclaim possession of his firearm before leaving the area.

Dealing With A Found Firearm
An unattended firearm, not dangerous or incapable of harming anything all by itself, can quickly become problematic if it is possessed by an unauthorized or inappropriate user. Obviously, if a small child finds a handgun it is almost assured that a tragedy will ensure if not detected and resolved quickly. In the same vein, a firearm controlled by anyone, regardless of age, who has not been trained in the fundamentals of firearm safety is also a dangerous scenario.

A person who has taken a firearm safety class will know and adhere to the rules:

- Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded.
- Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire

It would only take a moment for a trained person to safely handle and unload the handgun. If all safety rules are followed, there is no way that a bad consequence - an accidental discharge resulting in property damage or injury - can occur. The unloaded handgun, in this case, should then be placed back at its original resting place, until it can be turned over to the police.

If an untrained person finds a handgun, he should not attempt to handle the firearm under any circumstances. The handgun should be left in its current location while the owner or manager of the facility can be alerted. The "finder" should take appropriate measures to ensure that it is safeguarded in the meantime. It would then be expected that the local law enforcement agency would be contacted to take possession of the pistol.

The police will take possession of the handgun and will conduct an investigation to determine its lawful owner. Presumably, the handgun will be returned to the owner with a lecture.

Bottom Line:
Given the growing number of firearms being carried across the state of Michigan, there may be a time or two when a knucklehead accidentally leaves a handgun unattended. In such scenarios, the "finder" if trained in firearm safety should safely unload it and return it to its original location. If untrained, the "finder" should not attempt to handle the firearm but safeguard it from others until the police can be called to take possession of it. Firearms are completely safe when handled by trained citizens but can create a serious hazard if used by anyone else.

Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.

About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.7404

Friday, October 22, 2010

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

[Video] What Are The Two Most Dangerous Places To Be In The City?

http://twitter.com/detroitccw - In this video clip our Chief Instructor tells the class about two of the most dangerous places to be in the city. View and learn.



Watch video clip on Youtube!

[Video] When Is The Only Time You Should Be Unaware Of Your Surroundings?

http://detroitcpl.blogspot.com - In this video clip, our Chief Instructor details the only time a person should be completely unaware of his surroundings. View to find out.



Watch clip on Youtube now!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

[Video] What Does It Mean To Be Actively Aware?

http://detroitcpl.blogspot.com - In this video clip, our Chief Instructor explains what is meant by being in an active state of awareness. View it now!



View this clip on Youtube!

Monday, October 18, 2010

[Video] Always Use The Correct Ammunition For Your Firearm

http://facebook.com/detroitccw - In this video clip our Chief Instructor discusses the importance of using the correct ammunition in your firearm.



Watch on Youtube!

[Video] Characteristics of a Good Hearing Protection Solution For Shooting

http://detroitccw.com - In this clip, our Chief Firearms Instructor discusses the importance of hearing protection while shooting a firearm.



Watch video online at Youtube.com

[Video] The First Rule For Using And Storing A Handgun

http://www.detroitccw.com - The first rule for using and storing a handgun is to know your target and what is beyond it. Watch this video clip to see why that rule important.



View online at Youtube.com

Detroit Michigan CCW CPL Class - Saturday, October 30th, 2010

We are pleased to announce another CCW/CPL Class of this year! So, if you have a desire to qualify for a Concealed Pistol License, so that you can feel safe, register for our next class.

Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034

Option I

Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)

Option II

Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)

Register at our site: Online Now!

Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.

Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!

Detroit Michigan CCW CPL Class - 99 - December 28, 2008






Friday, October 8, 2010

[Video] How To Determine If Your Handgun Is Safe To Operate

http://detroitccw.com - This video clip explores how a new user may determine whether his handgun is safe to operate. If you already know, don't watch this video.

[Video] Why Is It Important To Regularly Clean And Maintain Your Handgun?

http://www.detroitccw.com - In this video clip our Chief Firearms Instructor explains why it is important to regularly clean and maintain your handgun. Do you know? Watch the clip to see!

[Video] Gun Range Safety: The 'Cease Fire" Command

http://detroitccw.com - In this video clip our Chief Firearms Instructor explains the meaning and the importance of the 'Cease Fire' command at the gun range.

[Video] What Is The Difference Between Defensive Accuracy And Marksmanship?

http://www.detroitccw.com - In this video, Chief Firearms Instructor Rick Ector explains the difference between defensive Accuracy and Marksmanship. Do you know the difference?

[Video] How To Develop A Sight Picture With Your Handgun

http://www.detroitccw.com - In this video clip our Chief Firearms Instructor Rick Ector explains how to develop a sight picture with your pistol.

Media Appearance: Urban Shooter Podcast #184

Urban Shooter Podcast
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Next Detroit Michigan CCW CPL Class: Sunday, October 17th, 2010

We are pleased to announce another CCW/CPL Class of this year! So, if you have a desire to qualify for a Concealed Pistol License, so that you can feel safe, register for our next class.

Location:
Southfield Hampton Inn
27500 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, Michigan 48034

Option I

Pay Tuition 7 Days in Advance ($150) and Save $25!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses)

Option II

Pay Tuition ($175) within 7 days before class.
(Total Cost: $175 + Range Expenses)

Register at our site: Click here!

Range expenses will be incurred at the range to handle gun rental, range time, ammunition costs, and a fee for a target. The estimated fee is $35.

Our class starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

7 Myths About The Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) You May Have Heard

As a Firearms Trainer, I have a lot of contact with people who are interested in learning more about the state of Michigan's Concealed Pistol License (CPL). During many of those conversations, I am informed of inaccurate info that was shared with them by a friend. This post will document and debunk the top seven myths I have heard about the Michigan CPL.

Myth 1: A Michigan CPL Is A 007 License
A Michigan CPL is permit that allows a person to carry a concealed pistol "on or about his person." In contrast, Ian Fleming's fictional character - James Bond - has a License To Kill.

All citizens in Michigan - whether they have a CPL or not - have a right to use lethal force in the defense of their lives, however, the intent is not to kill; it is to stop the imminent threat presented by the assailant. Obviously, a concealed pistol affords the carrier a greater chance at surviving a violent attack than being unarmed.

Lethal force in Michigan can only be used under a very narrow band of circumstances. As such, all persons who own a firearm for personal protection should take a bona fide Personal Protection course to learn the law or risk being prosecuted, imprisoned, and sued.

Myth 2: A Michigan CPL Holder Is A Deputized Officer
Michigan law does allow legally armed citizens to come to aid of "third persons" who are under an imminent attack of severe bodily harm under a narrow band of circumstances. However, no provision exists in the law that gives a Michigan CPL-holder the status of a sworn law enforcement officer.

While Michigan law, under certain circumstances, may allow a CPL-holder to defend a person accompanying him or even a complete stranger, he should not engage in any activity performed by an officer such as chasing and "arresting" suspects.

Myth 3: A Michigan CPL Is Needed To Open Carry
A Michigan CPL is not needed to openly carry a registered pistol, as long as the carrier is 18 years of age, is not intoxicated, and does not breach any state enumerated pistol-free zones.

One interesting quirk in Michigan law, which may be the source of this myth, allows persons with a Michigan CPL to open carry in state enumerated pistol-free zones. This interpretation of Michigan law was reached by then state Attorney General Jennifer Granholm in an opinion written in 1991. Of course, private property rights of the respective owners, trump any open carry rights in enumerated pistol-free zones by CPL-holders.

Myth 4: A Renewal Class Is Needed To Renew A Michigan CPL
Many CPL-holders, when they realize that their permit will be expiring soon, will call a Firearms Safety Instructor to inquire about a Renewal Class. They are usually pleasantly surprised to find out that such a class, although routinely offered in the marketplace is not required.

The CPL stature merely requires the submission of another application, payment of the $105 fee, and a sworn statement that they have reviewed their previous course materials and have recently visited a gun range to practice shooting at a target.

Some CPL-holders elect to retake the class anyway so that they can learn about changes in the law. Accordingly, many significant changes were made in Michigan firearms law in 2006. So, in my professional opinion, if a CPL-holder first received his permit before then, the class should be taken again. Again, it is not a requirement but the changes in the law were profound and significant.

Myth 5: A Michigan CPL Is The Same Thing As A CCW
Many people use the terms CPL and CCW interchangeably. A CPL is a permit which gives a specified person permission to carry a concealed pistol "on or about his person." In contrast, a CCW is a felony that person will be criminally charged with if they "Carry A Concealed Weapon" (e.g. a pistol) without a CPL.

Context is everything, so depending on how the two terms are used will usually convey the correct meaning. In fact, many Firearms Instructors intentionally use the CCW term in their promotional offerings so that interested students will "know" what the class teaches. Of course, the instructors will need to clear up the confusion when the students come to class.

Myth 6: Law Enforcement Notification Is Still Needed If Not Concealed Carrying
Although Michigan law requires CPL-holders to disclose their status, when stopped by law enforcement officers while concealed carrying a handgun, there is no legal requirement to do so if they are unarmed. As a practical matter, it would be prudent to do so to avoid raising any suspicions about not making the disclosure but it is not required while you do not have a loaded handgun in your car or "on or about your person."

Myth 7: A Michigan CPL Holder Can Carry Only One Pistol
There is no specified limit in Michigan law that limits the number of handguns a CPL-holder can conceal carry. He is free to carry as many concealed pistols as he desires. As a practical matter, many licensees don't carry too many at one time; loaded firearms have weight, make concealment tougher to pull off without detection, and take up room that could be used for other self-defense accessories. So, while it is legal to conceal carry several pistols, many opt not to do so.

Bottom Line:
Gun laws are incredibly easy to violate and carry harsh penalties when discovered and prosecuted. It would be wise for a CPL-holder to research the laws for himself and to consult with a knowledgeable authority when required to ensure that his actions while armed are legal. Free advice from laymen, including active-duty sworn police officers, is usually worth exactly what you paid to receive it - nothing. Govern yourself accordingly.