Pistol Safety & Carry (Michigan CPL)
This class meets Michigan’s training requirement to apply for a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). I teach it through the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO), and it exceeds the requirements of section 5j of 1927 PA 372, the Michigan law that sets what a CPL course must cover. The class is a full day of classroom instruction followed by range time, and it ends with a live-fire qualification. When you pass, you’ll get a certificate to submit with your CPL application.
No prior experience is required. The class is beginner-friendly, and you won’t be rushed or talked down to. It does end with a live-fire qualification, though. If you’ve never shot a handgun, I recommend taking Basic Handguns first so the qualification isn’t your first time firing a pistol. See the FAQ for more on that and on what to bring.
What the course covers
- Firearm handling and the safety rules. The core rules of safe gun handling, and the three “P’s” that define when a firearm should be loaded.
- Types of pistols. How revolvers and semi-automatics work, the parts of a pistol, the pros and cons of each, and how to load and unload them safely.
- Ammunition. The parts of a cartridge, common bullet types, and how to recognize the three most common ammunition malfunctions.
- Shooting fundamentals. Eye dominance, stance, grip, sight alignment and sight picture, trigger press, and follow-through. You’ll also learn the difference between marksmanship and defensive accuracy.
- Stoppages and malfunctions. How to tell a quick-to-clear stoppage from a true malfunction, and the drills that get a semi-auto or revolver running again.
- Avoiding violent confrontations. A survival mindset, the levels of situational awareness, cover versus concealment, how the body reacts under extreme stress, and the emotional aftermath of a defensive encounter.
- Carrying your firearm in public. Your responsibilities as an armed citizen, public perception, avoiding criminal attack, open versus concealed carry, and common concealment methods and their trade-offs.
- Michigan concealed-carry law. Where, when, and how you can legally carry in Michigan, where firearms are prohibited, and the legal consequences of using force. Near the end of the day, before we go to the range, we’ll watch a detailed video on Michigan law.
- Practical range training. A range safety briefing, dry-fire practice, and a live-fire session that builds up to your qualification.
Before you register
If you’re new to handguns, take Basic Handguns first. Learning the safety rules and fundamentals beforehand will make the CPL range qualification much easier.
The range we use doesn’t rent firearms or eye and ear protection. You can bring your own, or add the Range Equipment Package when you schedule. It’s a $20 add-on with eye and ear protection, ammunition, and a loaner 9mm Glock 19 for the range qualification. There’s one loaner per class, and up to two students can share it during range time, so spots are limited. If you need it, book early or contact me to make sure one is still available for your date.
If you’re supplying your own gear, you’ll need:
- Your handgun, unloaded and cased until the live-fire portion
- 50 rounds of factory ammunition
- Eye and ear protection
Either way, everyone needs:
- Closed-toe shoes
- A high-collared shirt (no tank tops)
- A notebook and pen
- A willingness to learn
The class fee includes the range fee and a target.
Class scheduling & registration
You’ll find class dates, times, locations, and pricing on my online scheduling page, where you can book directly.
Don’t see a date on the calendar? Contact me and tell me what you’re looking for. I’ll do my best to get something scheduled.