September 2025 CPL Report

MCRGO saw a +37% increase in CPL student certifications in August 2025 compared to August 2024 and +26% compared to August 2023. This increase was likely as a result of the well-publicized events at CrossPointe Community Church in June and at the Traverse City Walmart in July.

Despite this, total statewide CPL numbers saw their largest monthly drop since MCRGO began recording them in 2010. Even the May 2020 and June 2020 decreases early in the COVID pandemic, as a result of clerks' offices being closed, were half this size.

It's the pandemic that is the cause of this decrease five years later. Interest in obtaining a concealed pistol license is volatile, with factors such as the economy, the state and national political situations, and high-profile news events causing significant increases and decreases in student certifications and license applications.

The most significant of these in recent history was the result of the COVID pandemic of 2020. Once firearms safety instructors resumed CPL classes in June 2020 and county clerks' offices reopened in July 2020, new CPL applications skyrocketed, driven by the unprecedented uncertainty at the moment in our nation's history. Five years later, many of the people who obtained a concealed pistol license due to pandemic panic are letting their license lapse as it comes up for renewal. The pandemic-era surge lasted for 18 months. So we will likely see similar monthly drops over the next year and a half.

This month's full report from the Michigan State Police can be found HERE.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MCRGO Southwest Michigan Picnic

Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM EDT

Southern Michigan Gun Club, 22471 38th Ave., Mattawan, MI 49071

NO RSVP is required. Open to MCRGO members, friends & family. We will provide grilled items and beverages at no cost. We encourage you to bring your firearms, ammunition, and ear and eye protection.

MCRGO 2025 Annual Meeting

Friday, December 5, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM EST

Coral Gables Restaurant, 2838 Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823

MCRGO will provide a pizza and salad buffet along with non-alcoholic beverages. The annual meeting is open to current MCRGO members. Please RSVP to [email protected].

Outdoorama

Thursday-Sunday, February 19-22, 2026, Hours Vary by Day

Suburban Collection Showplace; 46100 Grand River Ave.; Novi, MI 48374

MCRGO's booth number is 5415.

Ultimate Sports Show

Thursday-Sunday, March 12-15, 2025, Hours Vary by Day

DeVos Place; 303 Monroe Ave. NW; Grand Rapids, MI 49503

MCRGO's booth number is 2153.