FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUESTION: Why do you have a minimum age limit of 21 for your classes?
ANSWER: Because federal law prohibits anyone under 21 from getting a handgun and matching ammunition from a federally licensed dealer and because Michigan law prohibits anyone under 21 from getting a Concealed Pistol License (CCW).
QUESTION: Why do you limit your concealed carry classes to Michigan residents?
ANSWER: Because the class is specifically designed for Michigan residents. While the firearm techniques portions apply to anyone, the legal portion is based upon Michigan law. The laws of each state are unique and what one has to do to be law abiding in Michigan may not be the same as is required in other states. It simply would be a waste of time and money to take this class if the student was not a Michigan resident, or did not intend becoming one.
QUESTION: Can my husband and I make arrangements to take private lessons or do we have to sign up for a group class?
ANSWER: While private lessons are designed for those who have busy schedules and cannot make group classes, or for those who prefer the convenience and personalized attention of private classes, I will accommodate 2 people who wish to share a class at the group rate. If a group of people greater than 2 wish to make special arrangements for a group class specifically scheduled for that group, I will also accommodate those wishes. Just contact me for special arrangements.
QUESTION: What do you mean when you say that one must "be legally able to use a firearm" as part of the requirement for your classes?
ANSWER: Both Michigan and federal law prohibit certain classes of individuals from owning or using firearms. A person convicted of a felony is one example. Indeed, federal law prohibits such a person from even holding a bullet. I offer my classes to honest, law abiding citizens only. When you sign up for my classes you attest to that fact on your application. If you are not legally entitled to own or use a firearm, you are not only wasting your time and money on my classes, in those in which firearms are used, you are also violating both state and federal law.
QUESTION: Why do you limit the size of your classes?
ANSWER: For two reasons. First, it's for safety. It's simply dangerous to have a bunch of firearms mixed in with a bunch of people without those using the firearms being closely supervised. Smaller numbers mean closer supervision which makes for a safer class. Second, it's for education. Smaller classes enhance the learning experience. Smaller classes mean hands-on one-to-one instruction. That sure beats the alternative. Ever been in a large class at school? Enough said.
QUESTION: I have a prior criminal record. May I still take your classes?
ANSWER: Not if you are still precluded from owning or using firearms. If you have questions about whether or not you fit that category, contact me and we can discuss your situation. I do offer legal services to help restore people's rights to keep and bear firearms. However, much depends upon your prior record and how much time has lapsed from your earlier offenses.
QUESTION: Will I receive my CCW license right after I finish your CCW class?
ANSWER: No one receives a concealed pistol license (CPL) in Michigan directly after completing the required course of instruction, regardless from whom you take the class. What you do receive, if you pass the class, is a Certificate which entitles you to get your Concealed Pistol License. The actual license is issued by your local gun board after you apply for it, supply the state with your certificate and the necessary fees and have your application processed.
Please be aware that going through the class is not a guarantee of receiving a certificate. Your tuition entitles you to qualified and competent instruction and training. However, you earn the certificate. They are not simply bought.
If for some reason a student does not qualify for the certificate at the end of the class, I make special arrangements with that student to help him or her qualify. Usually, it merely takes some additional range time and the only additional student expense would be for range time.
QUESTION: Do I have to own a gun to take any of your classes?
ANSWER: No. While it is advantageous for anyone to train with the pistol that one will carry and use, it is not necessary for you to own a handgun. I offer several rental firearms for training purposes at a nominal fee.
QUESTION: I have heard that you can only use large caliber handguns to qualify for Michigan's CCW. Is that true?
ANSWER: No. I have heard some people say that, but there is no requirement in Michigan law that says one needs to have a large caliber handgun. While I agree with many experts in ballistics who assert that the minimum caliber one should have as a defensive handgun is a .38 spl. or 9 mm, any caliber handgun is acceptable for the purposes of my classes.
QUESTION: I would like to bring my wife to your CCW class, but she does not have much experience with firearms and is afraid of my .40 caliber semi-automatic. Any suggestions?
ANSWER: Yes. I would welcome your wife, or any other person who is new to shooting handguns. For these people, I suggest the Basic Pistol class before they take the CCW class. However, regardless of the class such a person takes, I strongly encourage that student to use a .22. I offer a couple of very nice Ruger semi-automatics just for these kinds of students for several reasons. First, their recoil and report are mild. Second, with such pistols, most students are able to focus on fundamentals. Third, the pistols are extremely accurate enabling most students to achieve remarkable success. Finally, ammunition is cheap.
QUESTION: I have a single-action revolver. Can I use that for your CCW class?
ANSWER: No. I don't have anything against single-action revolvers. However, they are not the kind of firearm which is ideal for concealed carry. Also, they cannot be used for the "double action" portions of the firing exercises in the classes. The single-action revolver would be acceptable for the Basic Pistol class.
QUESTION: I have an old pistol my uncle gave me years ago. I think it's a .25 caliber. Do you think this gun would be appropriate for your classes?
ANSWER: You haven't provided me with enough information. First, does the pistol work? Second, is it safe? By safe I mean, is it mechanically sound and does it have mechanical safety devices that work? Third, what is the caliber? The age and the caliber do not bother me. The safety of the pistol does concern me. If the firearm functions appropriately and is safe, it is fine. Be advised, however, that smaller handguns are generally more difficult for most people to shoot well. Additionally, smaller semi-automatic pistols have more of a tendency to malfunction than do full sized pistols. Finally, with some guns, especially those of small caliber or those which may be older, you may not be able to find ammunition for the pistol for the class.
QUESTION: I know I can't carry my handgun with me to your classes because I do not have a Michigan CCW. So how do I get my pistol from my home to your class and the range?
ANSWER: You raised a very important point. Because you do not have a Michigan Concealed Pistol License, you cannot transport your gun with you unless you follow certain requirements. Here is what to do.
First, while still at home, unload the gun. If it's a semi-automatic, remove the magazine and clear it and the chamber of any ammunition. If it's a revolver, empty the cylinder of all ammunition.
Second, place the unloaded firearm, and any unloaded magazines, in a pistol container which can be closed and locked. Most new handguns come in a plastic case which will work. If you don't have one, get one. They cost less than $10. Place your unloaded pistol, and any unloaded magazines, in the container and close it.
Third, place the container in the trunk of your car and lock the trunk. Make sure the ammunition is separate from the pistol and in a separate container, also locked in your trunk.
If you don't have a trunk, put the pistol in a container and lock the container. Place the locked container in your vehicle where it is not readily accessible to you. Do the same with your ammunition. While Michigan law does not require that the container be locked, locking it deals with the issue of accessibility of the firearm. The idea is to keep the firearm from being readily accessible to you. You may now transport that pistol to where you have a lawful right to have it. The firing range is a good example.
Once you have completed your class, go through the same process to transport the gun back home. Once you have a Concealed Pistol License, you will not have to worry about that method of transportation within the state. Outside the state is another story.
QUESTION: Why do you have a no refund policy for your classes?
ANSWER: For both the Basic Pistol and the CCW class, I must reserve both a classroom and a range. I have to make these arrangements in advance of any scheduled class. If I don't use those reservations because students do not show up, I still have to pay. To assure that I am able to pay for the time reserved, I need to be assured of student payment. This is why I ask for a minimum of 50% of the class tuition upon registration for any class. If a student is unable to make the scheduled class, I will make arrangements for a substitute class at any time in the future and any payment made may be used for that future class. Under extenuating circumstances, I will return tuition to a student if justified by conditions out of the student's control.
QUESTION: Will you help me select a handgun?
ANSWER: Buying a handgun is like buying shoes. It's very individualized. That being said, I do spend time in each class discussing handgun selection. Additionally, there is ample time, because of class size, to go into more detailed discussions with any students who wish additional information on handgun selection and fit. Getting a handgun which properly fits is very important. I do have some suggestions and would be pleased to help you with this. I would also be happy to share with you my opinions about guns I personally believe are good defensive firearms as well as provide suggestions on how to select the select your handgun.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT MY CLASSES. I'M ONE OF THE FEW ATTORNEYS WHO WON'T CHARGE YOU FOR A QUESTION. BE ADVISED, HOWEVER, I DO CHARGE FOR MY LEGAL SERVICES WHICH INCLUDES GIVING LEGAL ADVICE.
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