Welcome to 2024!!!

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News & Updates

Rochester and NY State's Choice for True Self Defense Training

Hello everyone.

Welcome to a new year. We're excited that there is more to do in your training path and we can defintele help you out!

Enclosed you'll find some information about changes in laws, some training program offerings, and a job opportunity as well!

First: The law changes. Then, scroll down for more!

From December 8, 2023

You may or may not be aware but yesterday, the NYS 2^nd Circuit Court FINALLY released their decision on the challenges to the CCIA (Concealed Carry Impairment Act).

The arguments were heard at the end of March 2023 and a decision was supposed to have been ‘forthcoming without undo delay’ as directed by the Supreme Court of the United States. They still took their time and understandably so. The cases that were heard were very important.

In the 261 page decision- located here: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca2.59354/gov.uscourts.ca2.59354..0_1.pdf

they kept some of the injunctions in place while vacating others. The cases mentioned in the decision are from the challenges brought by Antonyuk, Hardaway, Christian, and Spencer.

Here’s the list of what was challenged:

1. Licensing Regime:

a. Character Requirement (4 references)

b. The ‘Catch-All’ (“A licensing officer can request further information.”

c. The cohabitant Requirement (names of adults living in the home)

d. The Social Media Requirement (provide all social media accounts used in previous 3yrs)

2. Sensitive Locations (A ban on carrying in or on the following)

a. Treatment Centers

b. Places of Worship

c. Parks and Zoos

d. Places license for alcohol consumption

e. Theaters, Conference Centers, and Banquet halls

f. First Amendment Gatherings

3. Restricted Locations (AKA All private property)

Bear in mind that this is early, and I have only read through this a few times. This document requires a lot of study and research to fully understand what the decision truly means. All the following information is based on my knowledge of the CCIA, the lawsuits, and experience in legalities and firearms laws. Although I have obtained a lot of background info from various attorneys – some of whom were involved with these cases, I am not an attorney and NONE of this information should be construed as legal advice.

In a nutshell, the 2^nd Circuit believes that the following are valid and Constitutional:

1. The character requirement

2. The catch all

3. The co-habitant requirement

On the positive side, they rule that an applicant does not have to provide their social media account information for scrutiny.

Regarding Sensitive Locations, they ruled that restricting possession/carry in most of the sensitive locations was historically allowed. A lot of states had laws preventing the carrying of arms in fairs, meetings, and parks. They also affirmed that the prevention of carry in treatment centers, parks and zoos, theaters, etc were also valid. It is also still unlawful to carry at a gathering to express your Constitutional rights. In essence, it is still illegal to carry in a sensitive location.

EXCEPT FOR: Houses of worship. In my reading of the section, it appears that the court ruled in favor of the two churches mentioned – but ONLY those two churches. HOWEVER, when I obtained information from one of the attorneys in this exact case, their opinion is that the ruling applies to ALL churches/houses of worship. I am waiting for more clarification on this one

The court also ruled that you can carry conealed in a restricted location "that is normally open to the public". However, the part of 'normally open to the public' was not in the original law so I have no idea why they are adding that disclaimer.

Private property such as your home is not part of this decision, and you’ll still need to either give permission to people or post a sign allowing CCW. This means that you can now go about your daily lives, carry concealed, and go get groceries, gas, eat at a restaurant (provided they do not serve alcohol)

In the end, this is pretty good “Win” for our side. We gained back the ability to be in public and carry concealed legally. We did not gain back some of the sensitive locations that we should have but that’s a fight we will have to keep working on. We also did not gain back a lot of the other infringements that were created. As for the other details, all other aspects of the CCIA remain in effect.

There is a VERY good chance that the state in it's infinite idiocy will appeal this ruling. If they do, we go to SCOTUS. if they do not, we still go to SCOTUS based on the rest of the challenges that are unresolved. THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER!!!

I would urge people to get involved. Support organizations such the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America, and your local gun clubs.

Without you getting involved, we have to fight even harder.

If you have any questions, please let me know and I will TRY to find the answer for you. I would also encourage you to read the decision as well. That way you can see hwo it is laid out and how it affects you.

If you have a NYS Pistol License, you need to go to THIS page and check your recertification status. NOW!

https://firearms.troopers.ny.gov/pprecert/welcome.faces

You MAY have to do your recertification ASAP. This catch was not publicized very well as a result of the CCIA in 2022. It was very convoluted and vague.

Go to the web page above, check your recertificaiton status, and do the recertification if your date is expired or close.

If the site says "No recertification on file" then start the process.

DO NOT WAIT

If you have any questions regarding the process (not HOW it came to be or a complaint - that call should be to your elected representatives)

If you need asssitance completing your recertification, call us. 585-406-6758. We can help you do it in person. (not over the phone)

Byrna Less-Lethal pistols

We have partnered with Byrna Less Lethal Products to offer another possible solution to your self defense needs. hat also means we are a dealer for them and can offer thier less lethal pistols to you!

Matt and I discovered the Byrna a little while ago based on a lot of student inquiries. In researching them, we found that these could possiby be another choice for those looking for either an alternative to a real firearm or another tool to have in their arsenal of choices to utilize for their self defense needs.

We're now offering an Instrduction To Byrna Pistols course that will give you the chance to experience them, try them, and even obtain one if you choose to.

In the course, you'll cover:

Byrna Pistol Components and Features

Ammunition and Projectile Options

Byrna Pistol Safety and Handling

Byrna Pistol Shooting Techniques

Legal Considerations

As with any tool, you need to know how it works, what it's advatanges are, and what it's limitations are as well.

Check out the class here: https://safeinrochester.corsizio.com/c/65a465a246d8f25685827320

Looking forward to working with you!

Yes! We are looking for you!!!

With the increase in students and classes, we are looking for some help!

Here you go!

Rochester Personal Defense, LLC has been providing firearms education training and personal defense courses in the Rochester, Central, and Western NY area since 2005. We have always been committed to providing high-quality instruction and ensuring the safety of our clients.

With the recent growth of the company, we are looking to hire additional office support staff to continue to serve our current as well as our potential customers.

Key Responsibilities:

- Provide customer service in person and over the phone

- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the office, including light cleaning, restocking paper goods, snacks, and refreshments

- Handle rosters and paperwork for classes, ensuring accuracy and completeness

- Scan and file course paperwork, both past and current, to maintain record-keeping

- Conduct regular inventories of office, class, and range materials

- Coordinate the delivery of promotional materials to various locations as needed

- Serve as a backup for instructor coordination and assisting with administrative tasks

Required Skills and Qualifications:

- High school diploma or equivalent education

- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

- Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail

- Proficiency in using office equipment such as scanners and printers

- Basic computer skills

- Familiar with Microsoft Office tools

- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively

Please note that the position requires availability primarily during the day on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with occasional weekend work as required. The expected working hours are approximately 15-20hrs per week.

Resumes and letters of interest should be sent to info@safeinrochester.com

Thank you for your interest in this position at Rochester Personal Defense, LLC. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Handgun Master Training Group program

There is still room left for you to join. THIS IS YOUR CHACNCE TO BECOME BETTER!!!

DON'T HESITATE AND MISS OUT

What this is:

A program that will develop the attendee into a professional, efficient, safe, and competent concealed carrier by a continual path of instruction that is specifically designed to advance and solidify a skillset to a near autonomous level. Instruction will be given primarily by Dave Jenkins, Matthew Underwood, or a guest instructor depending on topic and need.

The details:

The attendees of the Handgun Master program will be those who have been hand selected to join. The limit will be 20 people. Those 20 will meet once a month for training and will continue to train and develop as a team as well as individual progression. Unless a major event or weather prevents the group from meeting, it is a guaranteed training day. Based on weather or need, we may double up dates if needed.

Benefits:

You, the participant, will train alongside other like minded individuals as a team to develop into highly experienced and proficient shooters. The camaraderie and learning possible in this setting will be unmatched in other courses. The group dynamics will allow for support, feedback, and competitive advancement throughout the process.

Curriculum:

The program will begin with a skill evaluation and baseline development session. The remaining sessions will build upon the previous ones. Topics will include (but may not be limited to): fundamental CCW skills, one handed, tactical/two person skills, off position shooting, speed vs precision, movement, target threat assessment, stress / cognitive shooting, and more. The last session will be an evaluation based on standard established throughout the program and a competition against the group and against yourself.

By the end of the program, you will have gained a regimen of learning, skills, and have progressed through and will hone yourself and your skills, completed coursework, and have been measured against high end industry standards such as Rangemaster, Handgun Combatives, Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, Glock, Sig Academy, and more.

YOU WILL BE PUSHED AND TESTED FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM.

Materials needed:

- Defensive or CCW handgun

- A quality holster and magazine holder

- Extra magazines (we suggest 3 to 4 extra)

- A personal first aid kit (provided after Training Day 1)

- A maintenance kit for your handgun (cleaning/lube/etc)

- Approx. 2500 rounds of ammunition (not all at the beginning)

- Eye and ear protection

- Note taking material

- Normal clothing and gear. No specialized material needed.

Mandatory reading list

Concealed Carry Class – Tom Givens

In the Gravest Extreme – Massad Ayoob

Gun Fight – Richard Nance