Millions of Americans choose to carry firearms for personal protection. In many jurisdictions, including Michigan, the successful completion of a firearms training course is a legal requirement for concealed carry. By knowing what to expect when you enroll in a training program, you can be prepared for the class.
Michigan Concealed Pistol License Requirements
In Michigan, a CPL applicant must meet specific eligibility criteria. For example, the applicant must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and a legal resident of the state of Michigan, having resided in Michigan for at least six months before submitting your application. In addition, the person will need to have passed a pistol training course to demonstrate basic knowledge in the use of firearms.
Michigan Pistol Safety/Training Program
According to the Michigan State Police, the pistol training course you must complete as a CPL applicant has to be certified by the state or a “national or state firearms training organization.” An example would be the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course.
There are also specific requirements regarding the instructor and the certificate you receive upon completing the training course.
The law requires that the certified training course lasts at least eight hours. This eight-hour class will include at least three hours on a firing range. As part of the live-fire exercise, you’ll need to fire a minimum of 30 rounds.
You’ll also receive a minimum of five hours of instruction in the following topics:
- How to safely handle, operate, and store a pistol, including for the protection of children
- How to safely manipulate the controls of various firearms
- Knowledge regarding ammunition and the fundamentals of pistol shooting
- How to shoot a pistol from different positions
- The law regarding the use of deadly force and civil liability
- How to avoid criminal assault and take control of a violent encounter
- The law as it relates to carrying a concealed handgun in the state of Michigan
Firearms Training
To fulfill these requirements, your certified instructor should teach the following topics:
Firearms Safety
Understanding basic gun safety rules is essential to safe firearm handling. While formulated in a variety of ways, the four rules that are commonly taught consist of the following:
Assume your gun is loaded
You should never assume that a gun is unloaded. If you want to examine a gun or someone hands you a gun, always check its loaded status by retracting the slide or opening the cylinder. As part of your firearms training, you’ll learn how to operate and clear different types of firearms.
Only point the muzzle at your target
Always keep the muzzle of the gun pointed in a safe direction. If the gun were to fire, the bullet would not cause personal injury or property damage when pointed in a safe direction.
Put your finger on the trigger only when your sights are on the target
Your index finger should remain off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you’ve placed your sights on the target and are prepared to fire.
Be aware of your target and beyond it
Whether you’re firing on a range for practice or at a criminal assailant, you should know what will happen to your bullets should they pass through the intended target. You should never shoot at a noise, a silhouette, or a shadow. Never shoot at a target that you have not positively identified.
Safe Storage of Firearms
Safely store your firearms to prevent theft and unauthorized access and comply with child access prevention laws. Your instructor will discuss different methods of securely storing your firearms and ammunition. At IFA Tactical Training, we cover everything from traditional gun safes to more sophisticated biometric options.
Handgun Training
If you’re new to firearms, you’ll need to understand the differences between revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, including the safe operation. In those classes where no live ammunition is permitted outside a designated range, snap caps can be used as a substitute. The instructor should also teach different shooting positions, such as firing from cover and kneeling or crouching.
A discussion of different ammunition types and how to select effective, reliable defensive ammunition should accompany your handgun training.
While the MSP only requires you to fire 30 rounds of ammunition on a range to demonstrate proficiency with a firearm, your instructor may require you to fire more than this amount.
However, it’s not a legal requirement. As a result, it’s important you continue your training on your own time. There is no substitute for range time. You should also practice dry firing when you don’t have access to a firing range. Dry firing allows you to practice your draw stroke, grip, stance, and trigger control without expending live ammunition.
The Law
Familiarity with deadly-force statutes and the aftermath of a defensive shooting, including potential civil liability, must be provided according to the law. At IFA Tactical Training, a law-enforcement officer discusses the legal considerations of deadly-force encounters and what to expect afterward. You’ll also be taught the laws regarding concealed carry in the state of Michigan.
We Can Provide the Training You Need
At IFA Tactical Training, we can teach you how to safely and effectively operate handguns for self-defense, store your weapons safely when not in use, and comply with the laws regarding deadly force and concealed carry. To enroll in one of our classes, call us at (586) 275-2176.