Citizen Defense TrainingMichigan CPL Class in Lapeer, MI
One day Michigan CPL class in Lapeer. Beginners are welcome, with classroom instruction, live fire and one on one coaching on the range.
- One day class, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- $105 class, $21 deposit reserves your seat
- Knotted Root Tactical, 440 W Newark Rd, Lapeer
- Beginners welcome, coached one on one on the range
- Your CPL certificate at the end of class
Upcoming Michigan CPL classes in Lapeer
Pick a date to see the full class detail and reserve your seat. The class is $105. A $21 deposit online reserves your seat. The balance of $84 is due on the day of class, cash or credit. The range collects its own $23.90 fee for range time and targets.
11/15/2026 · Lapeer · Michigan CPL Class - Sunday - $105
11/28/2026 · Lapeer · Michigan CPL Class - Saturday - $105
11/29/2026 · Lapeer · Michigan CPL Class - Sunday - $105
12/29/2026 · Lapeer · Michigan CPL Class - Tuesday - $105
12/30/2026 · Lapeer · Michigan CPL Class - Wednesday - $105
01/10/2027 · Lapeer · Michigan CPL Class - Sunday - $105
01/24/2027 · Lapeer · Michigan CPL Class - Sunday - $105
About the class
Our team is made up of current and former military and law enforcement personnel along with martial arts and security professionals. We have been training civilians and law enforcement officers since 2003, and this class is built around students who are new to firearms. Bring yourself and a good attitude, and we will handle the rest.
David Essad
Citizen Defense Training
What the class covers
- Michigan firearms law, reasonable force and when deadly force applies
- Safe handling, storage, transport and how to clear a pistol or revolver
- Defensive shooting fundamentals: grip, stance, sight picture and trigger control
- Violent encounters, the aftermath, and what to do when police arrive
- Holsters, lights, safes, and building a practice routine
- Live fire on the range with one on one coaching
What is included
- All classroom materials and the written test
- Three hours of range time with your instructor
- Coffee and water, with frequent breaks
- Your CPL certificate, handed out at the end of class
What costs extra
- $23.90 range fee and targets, paid directly to the range on class day
- $35 for a firearm and ammunition if you do not bring your own
- $115 CPL application and licensing fee, paid to the Lapeer County Clerk when you apply, fingerprinting included
What to bring
- A valid state ID
- A pen and a snack
- Your pistol and ammunition, if you own one
- A good attitude
Topics covered in the CPL class
Michigan CPL class introduction
- Agenda
- Statistics and trends
- Expectations
- Schedule and breaks
Self-defense firearm basics
- Universal safety rules
- Clearing a semi-automatic
- Clearing a revolver
- Defining a gun's action
- Understanding revolvers
- Understanding semi-automatics
- Modern, striker-fired handguns
- Understanding magazines
- Selecting a handgun
- Ammunition components
- Ammunition care and storage
Defensive shooting fundamentals
- Defensive shooting versus marksmanship
- Proper grip
- Shooting platform
- Aligning the muzzle to the target
- Unsighted fire, point shooting
- Flash sight picture
- Sighted fire
- Trigger control
The legal use of force
- Applying for your Michigan CPL
- Defining the legal use of force
- Defining reasonable force
- Defining deadly force
- Defining when reasonable force ends and deadly force begins
- Detailed definitions of deadly force rules, including scenarios
- What prosecutors will want to know
- Defending the home
- Defending property
- Michigan CPL reciprocity
- Encounters with law enforcement
- Civil liability
Violent encounters and their aftermath
- Understanding fight or flight
- Effects of adrenaline and endorphins
- Recognizing a threat
- Issuing commands and evaluating options
- When you are left with no other choice
- When the right to use deadly force ends
- The immediate aftermath
- Phone calls to make
- When the police arrive
- Statement to the police
- During and after your arrest
Gear and gadgets
- Hip holsters
- Paddle holsters
- Pocket holsters
- Inside the waistband holsters
- Tactical flashlights
- Gun safes and storage
Basic and advanced skills
- Creating a training program
- Dry firing
- Fundamental drill discussion
- Discussion of what comes next
- Closing thoughts
Testing
- Take the visual test
- Grade the test as a group
- Discuss why answers are correct or incorrect
- Make sure every student understands
Practical shooting
- Fundamentals of marksmanship
- One on one coaching
- Aimed shooting
- Point shooting
- Practicing safety fundamentals
Course completion
- Certificates handed out
- Questions
Common questions
Do I need any experience?
No. Working with new gun owners is what this class is built around. We start with how a firearm works and how to check whether it is loaded, and you will be coached at your own pace.
Do I need my own gun?
No. A firearm and ammunition are available to use for the class for $35. If you do own a pistol, bring it along with your ammunition.
Is this class approved for a Michigan CPL?
Yes. This is the USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals course, which the State of Michigan recognizes for the CPL. It runs eight hours, including about three hours of live fire.
What happens after class?
You leave with your certificate the same day. Take it to your county clerk with the application fee, submit your fingerprints, and your license arrives in the mail.
What if I cannot make it?
Reply to your booking confirmation email and we will move you to another date.
What students say
Extremely knowledgeable, professional, and would recommend anybody seeking education in self defense to sign up for Dave’s classes! Thanks again!
I took the CPL instructor course with Dave. The course was great, well presented, challenging but well balanced. I feel confident I understand what I need to do to be a good instructor going forward.
Absolutely amazing and super informative! I feel extremely confident in instructing my first class! Dave made the class enjoyable and interactive!
Ready to get your Michigan CPL?
Pick a date and reserve your seat online. It takes a couple of minutes.
See class dates