900 W University Dr Ste C-3, Rochester , MI 48307
Michigan CPL & Home Defense Team
Dedicated Instructors
Rick Billington
Michigan Pistol Academy- Rochester Mi.
Author of The Responsible Gun Owner
Michigan Concealed Pistol Certification Class
Michigan CPL Class Near Rochester, Michigan
“Michigan Pistol Academy is one of Michigan’s top-rated firearm training schools with over 350 5-star USCCA reviews.”
“Train smarter. Train harder. Train for reality.”
– Michigan Pistol Academy
Rick Billington
Founder | Instructor | Personal Defense Expert
Rick Billington is a seasoned expert in personal defense and firearms training, dedicated to equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect themselves and their families.
With a background spanning law enforcement, aviation, and corporate leadership, Rick brings a real-world, practical approach to firearms training and personal safety.
Background & Experience
Born and raised in Michigan, Rick began his career in law enforcement, where he served his community while developing expertise in:
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis management
- Personal defense tactics
During his time in law enforcement, he became known for his commitment to public safety and his ability to mentor others. After transitioning into the corporate world, Rick continued to build leadership experience in management roles—while feeling a strong pull back to personal defense and training.
That calling led to the founding of Michigan Pistol Academy.
Michigan Pistol Academy
In 2004, Rick established Michigan Pistol Academy with a clear mission:
To provide professional, practical, and safety-focused firearms training in a supportive environment.
The academy offers structured training for all experience levels—from first-time gun owners to experienced shooters—focusing on:
- Firearm safety
- Marksmanship fundamentals
- Real-world defensive application
- Legal aspects of firearm ownership
Rick’s instruction goes beyond shooting—he builds confidence, awareness, and a defensive mindset in every student.
Professional Edge
Rick’s combined experience sets him apart in the firearms training industry:
- Former law enforcement
- Corporate leadership background
- Certified flight instructor and aviation professional
His aviation experience reinforces precision, discipline, and situational awareness—principles he integrates directly into his training programs.
Community & Mission
Rick is committed to promoting responsible gun ownership and personal safety through ongoing community engagement, workshops, and training programs.
He believes:
Everyone has the right to feel safe—and the responsibility to be prepared.
Certifications & Credentials
Rick holds extensive certifications across nationally recognized organizations:
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals
- Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals
- Countering the Mass Shooter Threat
- Children’s Firearms & Safety Fundamentals
- Range Safety Officer
NRA Certifications
- NRA Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun Instructor
- NRA Personal Protection In The Home
- NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home
- NRA CCW Instructor
- NRA Defensive Firearms Instructor
- NRA Refuse To Be A Victim
- NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
Additional Credentials
- NRA Life Member
- Member, Firearms Trainers Association
- Member, Michigan Gun Owners
- Michigan ProDefense Advisor
- Court-Ordered Firearms Safety Instructor
- Licensed Michigan Professional Investigator
- Former FAA Certified Flight Instructor (Sheriff’s Office)
- Former Law Enforcement
Continuing Impact
Even in retirement, Rick continues to train and mentor individuals from all walks of life through Michigan Pistol Academy.
His mission remains the same:
To help people become more confident, capable, and prepared—because knowledge and training can make the difference when it matters most.
Mark Cortis
Near Royal-Oak
Certified in the following disciplines:
- NRA Certified Training Counselor
- NRA Basic CCW Instructor
- NRA Certified Pistol
- NRA Personal Protection in the Home
- NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home
- NRA Range Safety Officer
Michigan Concealed Carry Classes
- AR-15 Instructor
- Rifle Instructor
- Shotgun Instructor
- Court Ordered Firearms Safety Classes
- Royal-Oak Location
Scott Stout
Lead Advisor
- Currently a First Responder,
- Police Instructor, and Supervisor,
- Scott is a certified instructor in numerous
- Police and Civilian Disciplines including:
- Firearms Instructor,
- Defensive Driving Instructor,
- Personal Protection
- Home Safety Instructor
- Civilian TASER Instructor.
Scott is also a Force Science Institute Analyst
and expert witness on Use of Force.
Scott Ruel
Instructor
Certified in the following disciplines:
- NRA Basic CCW Instructor
- NRA Personal Protection in the Home
- NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home
- NRA Range Safety Officer
- Michigan Concealed Carry Classes
- Firearms Training and Personal Protection Specialist
- AR-15 Instructor
- Shotgun Instructor
- Court Ordered Firearms Safety Classes
Michigan Pistol Academy is one of Southeast Michigan’s most trusted CPL training providers, serving Oakland and Macomb County with small class sizes and expert-led instruction.
As featured in USA News
Michigan Pistol Academy has been featured in USA News for its commitment to professional firearms training, gun safety, and responsible concealed carry education.
Now on Amazon Kindle
THE RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNER: What Every Armed Citizen Must Understand About Safety, Judgment, Self-Defense, and the True Responsibility of Carrying a Firearm
by Rick Billington (Author) Format: Kindle EditionWhether you are purchasing your first firearm, considering concealed carry, or simply want to become a safer and more confident gun owner, The Responsible Gun Owner provides the essential knowledge every responsible citizen should understand before carrying the responsibility of firearm ownership.
Written by veteran firearms instructor Rick Billington, founder of Michigan Pistol Academy, this comprehensive guide is built on decades of real-world experience in law enforcement, firearms instruction, personal protection, and civilian safety training.
This book goes beyond simply owning a firearm. It teaches the mindset, discipline, and responsibility required to safely own, handle, store, and use firearms with confidence and sound judgment.
Inside this book, you will learn:
• The core principles of firearm safety and safe handling
• How to develop confidence through proper training and consistent practice
• Understanding the legal responsibilities that come with firearm ownership
• Situational awareness and personal protection strategies
• Home defense considerations and protecting those who matter most
• The mindset of responsible gun ownership and avoiding costly mistakes
In a world where firearm ownership carries serious responsibility, knowledge and preparation matter.
The Responsible Gun Owner is designed to help new and experienced gun owners alike build the confidence, awareness, and practical understanding needed to become safer, more responsible, and better prepared.
Responsible ownership begins with knowledge.
Train smart. Stay prepared. Protect what matters.
Now on Amazon Kindle
THE RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNER: What Every Armed Citizen Must Understand About Safety, Judgment, Self-Defense, and the True Responsibility of Carrying a Firearm
by Rick Billington (Author) Format: Kindle Edition.
Owning and carrying a firearm in the state of Michigan is both a constitutional right and an enormous responsibility.
Many Michigan residents earn their first Concealed Pistol License with enthusiasm. They complete training, pass qualification, submit paperwork, and legally begin carrying.
But something dangerous happens over time. That's Complacency.
Many CPL holders assume renewal is simply paying a fee and continuing on.
That assumption can be dangerous.
Michigan law requires continuing review of legal responsibilities, firearm safety principles, and practical competency.
The purpose of this book is not simply helping you renew paperwork.
The purpose is helping you remain legally protected, tactically prepared, and mentally responsible for the serious responsibility of carrying a firearm.
This guide breaks down exactly what Michigan law requires under MCL 28.425l, while also addressing the real-world responsibilities every armed citizen must understand. If you carry a firearm for protection, your education should never stop.
Now on Amazon Kindle
THE RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNER: What Every Armed Citizen Must Understand About Safety, Judgment, Self-Defense, and the True Responsibility of Carrying a Firearm
by Rick Billington (Author) Format: Kindle EditionWhether you are purchasing your first firearm, considering concealed carry, or simply want to become a safer and more confident gun owner, The Responsible Gun Owner provides the essential knowledge every responsible citizen should understand before carrying the responsibility of firearm ownership.
Written by veteran firearms instructor Rick Billington, founder of Michigan Pistol Academy, this comprehensive guide is built on decades of real-world experience in law enforcement, firearms instruction, personal protection, and civilian safety training.
This book goes beyond simply owning a firearm. It teaches the mindset, discipline, and responsibility required to safely own, handle, store, and use firearms with confidence and sound judgment.
Inside this book, you will learn:
• The core principles of firearm safety and safe handling
• How to develop confidence through proper training and consistent practice
• Understanding the legal responsibilities that come with firearm ownership
• Situational awareness and personal protection strategies
• Home defense considerations and protecting those who matter most
• The mindset of responsible gun ownership and avoiding costly mistakes
In a world where firearm ownership carries serious responsibility, knowledge and preparation matter.
The Responsible Gun Owner is designed to help new and experienced gun owners alike build the confidence, awareness, and practical understanding needed to become safer, more responsible, and better prepared.
Responsible ownership begins with knowledge.
Train smart. Stay prepared. Protect what matters.
Now on Amazon Kindle
Michigan CPL Renewal Guide: The Responsible Gun Owner’s Practical Guide to Staying Safe, Legal, and Prepared
Michigan CPL Renewal Guide
The Responsible Gun Owner’s Practical Guide to Staying Safe, Legal, and Prepared
Renewing your Michigan Concealed Pistol License is more than checking a box. It is an opportunity to sharpen your knowledge, reinforce responsible habits, and stay informed about the legal and safety responsibilities that come with carrying a firearm.
Michigan CPL Renewal Guide is a practical, easy-to-follow resource designed specifically for Michigan gun owners who want to remain confident, compliant, and prepared.
Created by the training professionals behind Michigan Pistol Academy, this guide goes beyond basic renewal requirements and delivers real-world knowledge every responsible concealed carrier should understand.
Inside this guide, you will learn:
• Michigan CPL renewal requirements and self-certification process
• Essential firearm safety principles every concealed carrier should review
• Current legal considerations and responsible use of force concepts
• Situational awareness and conflict avoidance strategies
• Safe firearm storage and transportation best practices
• Mindset and decision-making under stress
• Home and personal defense planning considerations
• Common mistakes concealed carriers make — and how to avoid them
• Practical defensive preparedness principles for everyday carry