MIKE ABRAMOVICH
AND
CERTIFIED INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING, LLC
Abramovich explaining Sight Deviation Drill to Instructor Candidates
Jen's Editing Note: Mike Abramovich is a community leader, businessman, husband, and a devoted and proud father. He is one of the first people I met when we moved to the West Valley ten years ago. I'm honored he was willing to be interviewed for "People of the West Valley" as his expertise is truly worth noting.
Did you know? As of April 2015, The state of Arizona reports 232,943 active concealed weapons permits. About 15% of the permits are held by women. The majority of permits are issued in Maricopa County. And each permit holder had to complete a firearms safety training program.
Abramovich is not only an NRA Certified Instructor, he's also a business owner training others to become certified instructors, as well. Courses also include home firearm safety and personal protection for the average firearms enthusiast.
Did you know? As of April 2015, The state of Arizona reports 232,943 active concealed weapons permits. About 15% of the permits are held by women. The majority of permits are issued in Maricopa County. And each permit holder had to complete a firearms safety training program.
Abramovich is not only an NRA Certified Instructor, he's also a business owner training others to become certified instructors, as well. Courses also include home firearm safety and personal protection for the average firearms enthusiast.
Q. How old were you when you first learned about firearms? Is there a hobby or interest that ran in your family when you were young?
A. I don’t remember the first time I shot a gun. My dad had guns and taught me young. When other kids in the neighborhood would be putting on their Little League uniforms on to play ball on a Saturday, we were loading our guns and equipment to go to the range. It would be an all day event, lunches packed in a cooler, 1 hour drive each way to the range.
Q. How have you integrated your love for firearm skills with your family and, in particular, with your children?
A. I have a 24 year old daughter and an 18 year old son. Both were taught how to be safe with a firearm, and both were taught how to shoot. My daughter enjoys it, but not as much as my son. He loves going to the range with me, and became an NRA Apprentice Instructor at 13 years old, helping me teach firearm safety classes to my students. He is now an NRA Assistant Instructor, and is a big part of my Training Team.
A. I don’t remember the first time I shot a gun. My dad had guns and taught me young. When other kids in the neighborhood would be putting on their Little League uniforms on to play ball on a Saturday, we were loading our guns and equipment to go to the range. It would be an all day event, lunches packed in a cooler, 1 hour drive each way to the range.
Q. How have you integrated your love for firearm skills with your family and, in particular, with your children?
A. I have a 24 year old daughter and an 18 year old son. Both were taught how to be safe with a firearm, and both were taught how to shoot. My daughter enjoys it, but not as much as my son. He loves going to the range with me, and became an NRA Apprentice Instructor at 13 years old, helping me teach firearm safety classes to my students. He is now an NRA Assistant Instructor, and is a big part of my Training Team.
Abramovich giving commands during a dry fire exercise. "With 15 students on the firing line, we use plenty of Instructors to ensure safety and adherence to the fundamentals taught."
Q. You are a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. Why?
A. I believe in the entire Bill Of Rights, a document that protects out rights. We have seen many citizens of various nations fall victim to a tyrannical government throughout history. Our founding fathers saw this too, and wanted to protect future generations form this. I truly believe that our country has persevered through the many struggles over the years because of our 2nd Amendment. The Right To Bear Arms is not about hunting or even self defense against a robber, but about an citizen’s right to protection against an abusive government.
Q. Do you believe the 2nd Amendment is in jeopardy?
A. We have seen our Right To Bear Arms infringed upon little by little since the civil war. With each generation, it seems that we lose sight of why our founding fathers did what they did, and why this country was formed. Many people today take our country and our freedoms for granted. Never in the history of the world has a country endured as long as we have. When the 2nd Amendment falls, the rest will fall soon after. But it will not fall with a thundering crash, rather it will continue to be taken away little by little until there is nothing left of it. Probably not in my lifetime, or my kids, but in my grandchildren's lifetime. The good news is that recently, the state legislators have enacted favorable laws and many court decisions have sided with citizens rights. So there is hope.
A. I believe in the entire Bill Of Rights, a document that protects out rights. We have seen many citizens of various nations fall victim to a tyrannical government throughout history. Our founding fathers saw this too, and wanted to protect future generations form this. I truly believe that our country has persevered through the many struggles over the years because of our 2nd Amendment. The Right To Bear Arms is not about hunting or even self defense against a robber, but about an citizen’s right to protection against an abusive government.
Q. Do you believe the 2nd Amendment is in jeopardy?
A. We have seen our Right To Bear Arms infringed upon little by little since the civil war. With each generation, it seems that we lose sight of why our founding fathers did what they did, and why this country was formed. Many people today take our country and our freedoms for granted. Never in the history of the world has a country endured as long as we have. When the 2nd Amendment falls, the rest will fall soon after. But it will not fall with a thundering crash, rather it will continue to be taken away little by little until there is nothing left of it. Probably not in my lifetime, or my kids, but in my grandchildren's lifetime. The good news is that recently, the state legislators have enacted favorable laws and many court decisions have sided with citizens rights. So there is hope.
Q. What was your role in building the Joe Foss Shooting Complex?
A. I am part of the Buckeye Sportsman Club that operates the range complex. We operated a small primitive range within the Buckeye Hills Regional Park before the Joe Foss Range was built. The Maricopa County Parks And Recreation Department manage the park and built the range. Once the Joe Foss Range was built, a Request For Proposal was published, and our club submitted a proposal. Our club researched shooting ranges across the country, learned about lead removal, safety, SOPs, range design, etc. We were awarded the contract. Since then, we have expanded the range offerings by building a trap and skeet range, and 2 archery ranges, an hunter safety trail. We are all volunteers, so every dollar spent at the range stay there to go towards maintenance and improvements.
Q. What are some interesting facts about the shooting complex?
A. The Joe Foss Shooting Complex is named after Joe Foss, the World War II Flying Ace, and Medal of Honor recipient. We get all of our electricity from a solar power system in site. Our water comes from a well, and we utilize a septic system. So we are pretty self sufficient. Our Main Range is 200 yards and has 40 tables, each with two stools. Out Training range is 50 yards and also has 40 tables. It costs $7 to shoot pistols or rifles all day. We pride ourselves on our customer service.
A. I am part of the Buckeye Sportsman Club that operates the range complex. We operated a small primitive range within the Buckeye Hills Regional Park before the Joe Foss Range was built. The Maricopa County Parks And Recreation Department manage the park and built the range. Once the Joe Foss Range was built, a Request For Proposal was published, and our club submitted a proposal. Our club researched shooting ranges across the country, learned about lead removal, safety, SOPs, range design, etc. We were awarded the contract. Since then, we have expanded the range offerings by building a trap and skeet range, and 2 archery ranges, an hunter safety trail. We are all volunteers, so every dollar spent at the range stay there to go towards maintenance and improvements.
Q. What are some interesting facts about the shooting complex?
A. The Joe Foss Shooting Complex is named after Joe Foss, the World War II Flying Ace, and Medal of Honor recipient. We get all of our electricity from a solar power system in site. Our water comes from a well, and we utilize a septic system. So we are pretty self sufficient. Our Main Range is 200 yards and has 40 tables, each with two stools. Out Training range is 50 yards and also has 40 tables. It costs $7 to shoot pistols or rifles all day. We pride ourselves on our customer service.
I love sharing my passion with new gun owners as well as seasoned shooters. We have had the pleasure of teaching students that are now on the USA Shooting team representing our country, and one that has participated in the Bejing Olympics for air pistol. We have also taught active military and police to better defend themselves. But still one of my greatest pleasures is to help the new gun owner learn the shooting fundamentals, seeing that smile on their face when the hit the bullseye or break the clay target with the shotgun. Stay safe, and I’ll see you on the range.
~Mike Abramovich
Q. Can you tell us about Certified Instruction and Training, LLC? What do you offer?
A. My company has been around since 2002, offering firearm safety classes to law abiding citizens. We offer CCW classes, basic shooting classes, advanced classes, and we offer an NRA Instructor Academy for those wishing to share their passion and knowledge with others. We teach some non-shooting classes as well, such as pepper spray, and collapsible baton classes. We teach the Eddie Eagle program for children, which does not promote gun ownership or teach how to shoot a agun, but rather if the chilc comes across a gun when their parent is not with them, such as at a friend’s house, they should Stop, Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, and Tell An Adult. This program saves lives. One of the most versatile classes we offer is the Refuse To Be A Victim seminar. Here we teach citizens how to be safe in their every day life, how to be aware of their surroundings, identify possible threats to themselves or their families. We cover how to make their home safer from bad guys that want to do them harm.
Q. It literally took me years to gain the confidence to enroll in a gun safety class. I am so happy you were willing to put together a special class for me along with some other of your closest friends. For someone reading this who has the same fears I had about firearms, what are some words of wisdom you can share about safety and education?
A. Like anything, we are all afraid of what we are unsure of. The key to addressing that fear is education. We often get hesitant students who, maybe because of past history in their lives, are afraid of guns. We take our time and move at a pace that is comfortable for each student. It is very rewarding for our instructors to see the confidence build in these students. It is not unusual to have these reluctant students develop a passion for shooting, either as a hobby or a means of self-defense. You don’t have to own a gun to learn how to shoot. In fact, we encourage those looking to buy a gun to take a class first so you will know what to look for in your search for the right gun for you.
A. My company has been around since 2002, offering firearm safety classes to law abiding citizens. We offer CCW classes, basic shooting classes, advanced classes, and we offer an NRA Instructor Academy for those wishing to share their passion and knowledge with others. We teach some non-shooting classes as well, such as pepper spray, and collapsible baton classes. We teach the Eddie Eagle program for children, which does not promote gun ownership or teach how to shoot a agun, but rather if the chilc comes across a gun when their parent is not with them, such as at a friend’s house, they should Stop, Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, and Tell An Adult. This program saves lives. One of the most versatile classes we offer is the Refuse To Be A Victim seminar. Here we teach citizens how to be safe in their every day life, how to be aware of their surroundings, identify possible threats to themselves or their families. We cover how to make their home safer from bad guys that want to do them harm.
Q. It literally took me years to gain the confidence to enroll in a gun safety class. I am so happy you were willing to put together a special class for me along with some other of your closest friends. For someone reading this who has the same fears I had about firearms, what are some words of wisdom you can share about safety and education?
A. Like anything, we are all afraid of what we are unsure of. The key to addressing that fear is education. We often get hesitant students who, maybe because of past history in their lives, are afraid of guns. We take our time and move at a pace that is comfortable for each student. It is very rewarding for our instructors to see the confidence build in these students. It is not unusual to have these reluctant students develop a passion for shooting, either as a hobby or a means of self-defense. You don’t have to own a gun to learn how to shoot. In fact, we encourage those looking to buy a gun to take a class first so you will know what to look for in your search for the right gun for you.
Abramovich working with Instructor Candidates in lesson preparation
Q. The day I took your introductory class, you invited other instructors along to help. I found them to be very informed and incredibly helpful. I got the feeling you really enjoy helping others achieve their goals in becoming instructors, as well. What do you enjoy the most about your business?
A. I know that when I teach one person to safely use a firearm, that person will eventually help other friends or family. Most of us learned how to shoot from a knowledgeable gun owner, not necessarily an Instructor. So I know when I help others to become successful Instructors, I am making a difference not only in that Instructor’s life, but in all of their future student’s lives as well. I love teaching, and especially love teaching new Instructors. I feel my role is to not just conduct the class he is in, but after the class, to be there for them, mentor them to be the best Instructor they can be. In the journey of becoming an instructor, and before they teach their first class, there are many questions that come up, and the answers aren’t always in the book. I want to make their journey comfortable and fun.
Q. Last year, you traveled to St. Louis to speak at The Well Armed Woman Chapter Leader Conference. What is your connection with the group and what did you teach?
A. The founder of The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) became an instructor though one of my classes, before she started the company. When she decided she wanted a TWAW Instructor program, she contacted me. We have ladies come in to the Joe Foss Shooting Complex from all over the US every other month for a 3-day Instructor Academy. They in turn, go back to their home state to Educate and Empower women to be able to defend themselves and their families. At the TWAW Chapter Leader conference, I gave a presentation on the 2nd Amendment to all participants at the reception. The following day I had all the Chapter Leaders in a seminar that covered shooting range safety. And finally, I held a seminar for the husbands about teaching women how to shot, and the differences between how men and women learn and why. We have been asked to come again to the conference this year in October, so I am working on a few great presentations that will build upon what we did last year.
A. I know that when I teach one person to safely use a firearm, that person will eventually help other friends or family. Most of us learned how to shoot from a knowledgeable gun owner, not necessarily an Instructor. So I know when I help others to become successful Instructors, I am making a difference not only in that Instructor’s life, but in all of their future student’s lives as well. I love teaching, and especially love teaching new Instructors. I feel my role is to not just conduct the class he is in, but after the class, to be there for them, mentor them to be the best Instructor they can be. In the journey of becoming an instructor, and before they teach their first class, there are many questions that come up, and the answers aren’t always in the book. I want to make their journey comfortable and fun.
Q. Last year, you traveled to St. Louis to speak at The Well Armed Woman Chapter Leader Conference. What is your connection with the group and what did you teach?
A. The founder of The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) became an instructor though one of my classes, before she started the company. When she decided she wanted a TWAW Instructor program, she contacted me. We have ladies come in to the Joe Foss Shooting Complex from all over the US every other month for a 3-day Instructor Academy. They in turn, go back to their home state to Educate and Empower women to be able to defend themselves and their families. At the TWAW Chapter Leader conference, I gave a presentation on the 2nd Amendment to all participants at the reception. The following day I had all the Chapter Leaders in a seminar that covered shooting range safety. And finally, I held a seminar for the husbands about teaching women how to shot, and the differences between how men and women learn and why. We have been asked to come again to the conference this year in October, so I am working on a few great presentations that will build upon what we did last year.
Q. Is owing a firearm enough? How much practice and other self protection education should a woman have?
A. New gun owners often think about the process and expense of selecting and purchasing a firearm, but rarely in obtaining quality training to become proficient with it. Whatever you spend for the firearm itself, you should anticipate in spending the same amount for training over the next 5 years. Taking one class is a good start, but continuing to hone your skills and learn new tactics will help you survive a threatening encounter. Plan on practicing at least once a month, and have a plan. Document your practice so you can see your progress.
Q. Home protection. Do you offer courses on this topic, too?
A. One of our most popular classes is Personal Protection In The Home. We cover making your home safer, having a safe room, developing a plan in the case of a bad guy in the house, dealing with the police after you call 911. There is a lesson that covers the defensive mindset, physiological reactions and psychological reactions to a threatening encounter. We also discuss the emotional and legal aftermath of a deadly encounter. On the range we teach flash sight picture, practice using cover and concealment, shooting from kneeling position, point shooting, assessing for additional threats, verbal challenge, and the Tueller Drill.
A. New gun owners often think about the process and expense of selecting and purchasing a firearm, but rarely in obtaining quality training to become proficient with it. Whatever you spend for the firearm itself, you should anticipate in spending the same amount for training over the next 5 years. Taking one class is a good start, but continuing to hone your skills and learn new tactics will help you survive a threatening encounter. Plan on practicing at least once a month, and have a plan. Document your practice so you can see your progress.
Q. Home protection. Do you offer courses on this topic, too?
A. One of our most popular classes is Personal Protection In The Home. We cover making your home safer, having a safe room, developing a plan in the case of a bad guy in the house, dealing with the police after you call 911. There is a lesson that covers the defensive mindset, physiological reactions and psychological reactions to a threatening encounter. We also discuss the emotional and legal aftermath of a deadly encounter. On the range we teach flash sight picture, practice using cover and concealment, shooting from kneeling position, point shooting, assessing for additional threats, verbal challenge, and the Tueller Drill.
Students learning how to engage threats from 180 degrees with Assistant Instructors looking on
Q. What is your best advice for parents when teaching firearm safety to children?
A. We are often asked what age we start teaching children about gun safety. However the parent is the best person to make the determination of when their child is ready, and what type of class they are ready for. All children are different, and the maturity level of each child is more important than their age. As a guideline, kindergarten through 3rd grade should attend an Eddie Eagle program, even of the parents do not want them to learn how to shoot, and even if there is no gun in the house. Kids are already seeing guns on TV and in movies, it is natural for them to want to, touch, or try to use a gun. If they attempt that without proper instruction or supervision, tragedy often occurs.
Many parents start their child off with a rifle at about 6 or 7. We teach the student to shoot from a benchrest position using sandbags, and always have a one-to-one student/instructor ratio. A .22 rifle is a great gun to start with because it has low recoil and less noise than larger rifles. Many manufacturers make .22 rifles sized right for kids. When kids are 11-13 they start to have the upper body strength to learn to shoot a handgun or shotgun. Too often I see parents get their child a shotgun chambered in .410 gauge, mistakenly thinking it is for kids. A .410 shotgun is an expert’s gun, and due to the small number of shot in the shell, it can be harder to hit the target, resulting in disappointment. Shotguns that are semi-automatic rather than a pump action gun will have less felt recoil and are a great starter shotgun for most children.
Q. Please feel free to share anything else that comes to mind...
A. Thank you for this opportunity. I love sharing my passion with new gun owners as well as seasoned shooters. We have had the pleasure of teaching students that are now on the USA Shooting team representing our country, and one that has participated in the Bejing Olympics for air pistol. We have also taught active military and police to better defend themselves. But still one of my greatest pleasures is to help the new gun owner learn the shooting fundamentals, seeing that smile on their face when the hit the bullseye or break the clay target with the shotgun. Stay safe, and I’ll see you on the range.
A. We are often asked what age we start teaching children about gun safety. However the parent is the best person to make the determination of when their child is ready, and what type of class they are ready for. All children are different, and the maturity level of each child is more important than their age. As a guideline, kindergarten through 3rd grade should attend an Eddie Eagle program, even of the parents do not want them to learn how to shoot, and even if there is no gun in the house. Kids are already seeing guns on TV and in movies, it is natural for them to want to, touch, or try to use a gun. If they attempt that without proper instruction or supervision, tragedy often occurs.
Many parents start their child off with a rifle at about 6 or 7. We teach the student to shoot from a benchrest position using sandbags, and always have a one-to-one student/instructor ratio. A .22 rifle is a great gun to start with because it has low recoil and less noise than larger rifles. Many manufacturers make .22 rifles sized right for kids. When kids are 11-13 they start to have the upper body strength to learn to shoot a handgun or shotgun. Too often I see parents get their child a shotgun chambered in .410 gauge, mistakenly thinking it is for kids. A .410 shotgun is an expert’s gun, and due to the small number of shot in the shell, it can be harder to hit the target, resulting in disappointment. Shotguns that are semi-automatic rather than a pump action gun will have less felt recoil and are a great starter shotgun for most children.
Q. Please feel free to share anything else that comes to mind...
A. Thank you for this opportunity. I love sharing my passion with new gun owners as well as seasoned shooters. We have had the pleasure of teaching students that are now on the USA Shooting team representing our country, and one that has participated in the Bejing Olympics for air pistol. We have also taught active military and police to better defend themselves. But still one of my greatest pleasures is to help the new gun owner learn the shooting fundamentals, seeing that smile on their face when the hit the bullseye or break the clay target with the shotgun. Stay safe, and I’ll see you on the range.
CONNECT WITH CERTIFIED INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING, LLC
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ON THE WEB: http://www.certifiedtraining.net/
ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Certified-Instruction-and-Training-LLC/427059780213 BY EMAIL: Mike Abramovich |
ADDITIONAL LINKS
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Joe Foss Shooting Complex
Link 26700 Buckeye Hills Dr, Buckeye AZ 85326 623-474-5004 National Rifle Association or NRA Link NRA Member Programs 1-800-672-3888 Arizona Department of Public Safety Link for Concealed Weapons and Permits The Well Armed Woman Based in Scottsdale Link Contact: [email protected] |
Map of the Joe Foss Shooting Complex
It's located in the Buckeye Hills Regional Park. The Park is located about 10.5 miles south of I-10 on S.R. 85 at mile post 144. |
