Armed American Report

March 5, 2010

Hello, fellow Armed Citizen.

I began passing a Jeep Liberty on the freeway yesterday, and I noticed a USMC sticker in their rear window. I grinned, but as I squinted to read the sticker opposite of it, my grin quickly turned to tears. It was a sticker of two dog-tags that said "MY SON, MY HERO. KIA IRAQ 2009".

I felt like I’d just been kicked in the gut. I was enjoying sunshine and an open road, and it hit me hard like a ton of bricks that the reason why I even had a day to enjoy was because of fearless Americans like the Marine to whom that sticker was dedicated.

This, and every issue of the Armed American Report is dedicated to the men and women who have sacrificed so much to bring us the freedoms we enjoy.

God bless each and every one of them, and to them I say: Thank You.

Are YOU truly Prepared to Handle Whatever Comes Your Way?

"…I know as a reporter I’m supposed to remain objective, but sometimes you just can’t remain objective, when you see people hurt, and there’s nothing you can do about it."

by the USCCA

by the USCCA

There’s something very, very powerful about carrying a concealed weapon…

It’s that feeling you get knowing that you are able to protect yourself and your loved ones should trouble occur.

It’s a powerful feeling.

To know deep in your gut that you are trained and prepared to act in the face of danger.

And to know that you are contributing to the security of your community.

Friends, I’m writing to you today to warn you.

That feeling you get when you carry can be great… but it can also be deadly.

Here’s the reason:

Your Concealed Weapon Can’t Protect You
Against the Threats You Aren’t Trained to See

Carrying a concealed weapon can make you feel pretty safe and well protected.

And that’s the problem. Because “believing you’re safe” is the first step to missing potential threats that are all around you.

No, I’m not talking about a large masked thug rushing at you on the street. That’s a pretty easy threat to spot, and one that almost never happens.

I’m talking about threats that are much more subtle and far more likely. And because of that, much more dangerous.

Click HERE to Learn More…

A Brutal Defense - The Fighting Attitude for the Disabled & Use of the Common Cane

…There is no fair fighting in a fight for your life or limbs…

by Cody Alderson

Civilians have a very difficult time understanding that a defense cannot be played out as if one is the good guy in an old western. There is no fair fighting in a fight for your life or limbs. Untold numbers of new concealed carry first-time class goers invariably have the fellow student who asks, "Can’t I just shoot him in the leg?"

By our very nature we are not of the same ilk as the sociopath who targets us. This very fact of our nature makes it difficult for the civilian, who most likely has never been involved in a life or death violent encounter, to take the appropriate defensive action unless it has been successfully ingrained by repetition.

Repetition of rote training of draw, fire, assess, as well as things like tap and rack to clear a jam. It needs repeated over and over again until the muscles have been trained to the point of being able to duplicate the complex maneuvers, the same as how repetition finally allowed us to successfully drink from a cup instead of a bottle with a nipple on it.

Repetition helps a fit civilian to begin to even the odds in a violent encounter, but the attacker is by default at an advantage simply for being the attacker. Civilians are further disadvantaged by (thankfully) not having to regularly endure life or death violent encounters. Direct experience builds points of reference to draw on and learn from for future events that may occur. A battle hardened warrior who has seen much combat has knowledge that a civilian does not, and hopefully never will, have.

A civilian defensive operator (my term for the civilian with a permit to carry a concealed weapon) who is disabled in one way or another is more disadvantaged than a fit civilian with no handicaps. The disabled are more likely to also be a preferred target of many a sociopathic predator.

A gun is a great defensive tool for many of those with varying degrees and types of disabilities. Of course a gun is a lethal or deadly force weapon that can only be used to defend one’s life in the event that one is in imminent fear of death or grave bodily harm. (This is based on my state of residence. The reader needs to know the specifics of law in his own jurisdiction.)

Though in theory a disabled person needs to practice defensive maneuvers more than most fit individuals to attain the best level of proficiency attainable, it is actually less likely that a disabled person will, in fact, practice more. The disability may prevent a regular regimen of scheduled practice. So for the disabled who are reading this article, let me encourage you to incorporate into your life some structured practice that is followed as religiously as possible.

Let’s put the gun training aside for this article and focus on developing an instant and explosive counter to an initial attack from a predator. Let’s say for purposes of this article that you can readily interpret the language of when the first strike is coming. For our scenario, you do have a holstered gun on your body but have not been justified in displaying it or using it yet.

We can’t walk or wheel around with our gun held in our shooting hand within the confines of normal public society. That cashier at the convenience store would be just as upset as your waitress at the restaurant if you tried that. And I know that the officer you may encounter won’t be happy to see that gun in your hand. But actually having a weapon in your hand is advantageous for repelling a sudden violent attack. A gun inside a coat pocket with that shooting hand in a proper grip is the next best thing, but even this is not a perfect fix to gaining an advantage. Actually, there is no "perfect" fix, but there are some that are better than others.

If your disability requires you to use a cane, this will be right up your alley. If your disability is evident or visible in public, then I do recommend considering the addition of a cane as an always-with-you accessory. Even if your disability has nothing to do with your legs, if you can incorporate the use of a cane, try it for awhile.

Not just any cane either. Try a regular wooden crook handle cane. No fancy handles, no metal with push button extension pieces, just plain wood with the crook handle. I’m trying to get a manufacturer to make one out of a particular polycarbonate that will look like wood, but take extreme abuse. I haven’t heard back from them as of the date of this article submission.

If you use a quad, or other specialty cane due to the particulars of your handicap, then you can adapt some things I’m going to talk about. The reasons I recommend the plain cane is that it gets through just about every security checkpoint easier than anything fancy ever will. Security is on the lookout for sword and other types of cane weapons, but a plain cane is just an adaptive device to enable the disabled.

I am a very big advocate of teaching defensive operators to not call attention to their selves. We should not want to look like the person who is carrying any sort of weapon. Oh I can hear it now. "What about looking dangerous to criminals?" Yes, there is merit in presenting yourself as aware and confident. But if you have a visible handicap, you are already higher up on the "pick me" list for criminals.

A cane in the hand of a disabled person is a weapon that can be instantly deployed. It is also very versatile. It can be used in a fashion to allow time to draw a primary weapon, it can be used in instances that a gun cannot, and it can also be used as a primary lethal force weapon.

I would really like everyone to realize that they aren’t as tough as they think they are, but I’d especially like . . . Oh how do I say this politely? I’d like all of us old, fat, handicapped guys to particularly realize it! Although there are most certainly exceptions to the rule, it is more likely that a twenty-two year-old hoodlum will be able to run faster, jump higher, and hit harder than a seventy year-old retired Buick salesman.

This makes the brutality of defensive response to a physical attack of great concern to me as I consider how one should respond to attack if he happens to be disabled to one degree or another. There are so many legal considerations I wouldn’t be able to address them here. Know your laws in considering what I’m about to say.

The defensive operator is the only one who can truly judge what to do if attacked. Laws are in place to judge those who go beyond what society has considered an appropriate response. The disparity of force issue comes into play when a disabled person is attacked by a so-called physically fit criminal.

I could fill a book with subtle dynamics of force response as could any person who teaches or discusses this stuff. So instead of selling you an encyclopedia, let’s just stick to basics. A muscular hoodlum punching an old woman in her face to take her purse could very well kill her with a solitary punch. That same old woman cracking her cane over the thug’s head may only raise a slight welt.

Sure there is the possibility of a freak accident happening where the old woman causes a concussion inside the thug’s head that could lead to his death, but statistically for the mentioned scenario, it is unlikely.

So let me just repeat instructions that I gave to my mom who walked with a cane, but did not carry a gun. She knew how to use one, but didn’t carry. I remember her racking a twelve gauge out an open living room window when two criminals were trying to break into the house through the basement door when I was a kid, but she didn’t carry.

My mom died a few years ago. When she became a frail senior I taught her what to do to up her odds of surviving a violent encounter by utilizing her cane. I taught her all about the more sensitive areas of the human body that civilian martial arts schools  teach to avoid in sparring and training.

I taught my mom to attack the face of an attacker with as much force as she could physically muster. I taught her that blinding a criminal trying to hurt her with any sharp object, or even using her fingers, was more preferable to me than having to attend her funeral or visiting her in the hospital.

I taught her that slamming that cane up into the throat of an attacker in hopes of cutting off his ability to breathe was better than her getting her hip broken by him shoving her down onto a sidewalk.

I taught her to only go a bit lighter when hitting an attacker’s testicles for the simple fact of how the brain responds to trauma. When trauma is severe, the brain cuts off the full effect of pain. A smack to the testicles will allow more pain to be felt than what would be felt from a really hard hit.

The point is to cause pain to an attacker as well as to physically make it impossible for him to continue his attack. A disabled person has to be choosey about where they hit an attacker in the act of self-defense. Punching the attacker in the stomach would not be disabling if my mom was the one hitting the hypothetical attacker of my instructive sessions. Whacking his ears, elbow or wrist joints, bridge of the nose, or throat with that cane of hers would cause pain at a threshold high enough to allow small amounts of time to mount an even more aggressive counter attack.

A hard smack of a wooden cane right in the lips, at the temple, and at the base of the skull can work wonders to deter all but the most determined attackers. The problem was that my mom wasn’t strong enough in her frail years to inflict enough trauma to an attacker to make it physically impossible for him to continue an attack.

However she was strong enough to target and sustain multiple hits on an attacker who had not yet caused her any disabling trauma. She probably could have kept hitting for about thirty seconds to a minute under the influence of adrenalin. Couple that with screaming her head off, and she might have had a chance against some attackers.

So there it is. The disabled need to really put their all into hitting vulnerable pain causing, and disabling areas of an attacker until either the attacker gives up, help arrives, or a gun is successfully deployed and employed (if appropriate).

Having a weapon in hand at all times while out in public is of great benefit. And a plain old wooden crook handle cane that easily gets through most security without questions is a great tool to add to the repertoire. Even if you don’t need a cane, I’d still recommend considering the benefits of having one with you where firearms aren’t allowed.

If a friend asks why you have a cane at the school play, you can explain your need of assistance with that bum knee, ankle, leg, hip, foot, or whatever is causing some problems occasionally. No need to even lie because as we age stuff starts to hurt. If you are out among strangers, they have no idea what your handicap is or isn’t.

Seriously, have you ever wondered if that person you see with a cane actually is handicapped or not? If it’s not that obscure uncle who you know is scamming a disability claim, then we just don’t think about it. However we do pay more attention to fancy or quad canes by nature. That’s why I recommend the plain old cane.

A cane in the hands of a moderately disabled person can be quite an effective self-defense tool. In the hands of someone who is mildly disabled it is even more effective. Wrap a leather wrist strap around it so it can’t get knocked out of your hands. That’s the only accessory I would recommend.

The cane can strike, leverage, poke, hook, and so much more. It can help you back to your feet, and even help stabilize to prevent going to the ground. And it doesn’t take years of practice to be able to do a good amount of counter attack damage. Try one.

Think about how well it may have worked to whack a few nuts with box cutters who changed the way we look at everything here in our Great Land. A cane can be carried in more places and with less scrutiny than any other weapon. That’s because it isn’t a weapon until it is used as a weapon.

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

Is President Obama still a threat to gun rights?

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association

Some mainstream media pundits claim that Obama is not a threat to gun rights. Their reasoning? After a year in office, he has not done or said anything significant about guns. But is that reason to believe that he has turned pro-gun or that he has adopted an agnostic position on the Second Amendment?

Let’s take a look at the record. As a senator and presidential candidate, Obama …

• Endorsed a complete ban on handgun ownership in Illinois.
• Supported gun bans in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
• Supported the elimination of concealed carry nationwide.
• Voted for the prosecution of citizens who use firearms in self-defense.
• Voted to allow lawsuits intended to bankrupt the firearms industry.
• Supported reinstating the Clinton assault weapons ban.
• Voted to ban rifle ammunition used for hunting and sport.
• Supported gun registration for law-abiding gun owners.
• Refused to sign a court brief affirming the individual right to bear arms.
• Served on the Board of the Joyce Foundation, the #1 source of funds for anti-gun groups.
• Supported a ban on gun stores within five miles of any school or park.
• Voted to prevent gun owners from knowing when Illinois ran record searches.
• Supported mandatory micro-stamping for gun manufacturers.
• Supported the creation and enforcement of mandatory waiting periods.
• Supported the one-gun-a-month rule on gun sales.
• Supported banning cheap handguns.
• Supported banning police departments from reselling firearms.
• Supported mandatory training for all gun owners regardless of cost.
• Supported a ban on gun ownership for anyone under 21.

Are we to believe that a liberal politician with an anti-gun record like this has so quickly changed his views? What will Obama’s agenda look like if he’s able to push through his health care bill and move on to other issues?

It is naïve, bordering on foolish, to assume that Obama is no longer a threat to gun rights. He was, is, and will remain a threat until he is ex-President Obama.

Gun Rights Roundup is a joint venture of Buckeye Firearms Association and USCCA. We will keep fighting until every American enjoys their natural right to carry and self-defense. For more news on pro-gun law, politics, and events, click here to subscribe to Buckeye Firearms Association’s FREE Newsletter

Coming Up On Armed American Radio

The Official Voice of the USCCA

by Mark Walters

Folks it was a very unique week for me here at Armed American Radio. ON Monday I had the distinct opportunity to be a guest/co-host for a full hour on the G. Gordon Liddy show, heard on over 200 markets. It was a great opportunity to take our case to an even bigger listening audience.

That was Monday…we all know what happened on Tuesday, right? The US Supreme Court heard the McDonald vs Chicago “gun ban case”. All indications from the courtroom are strong and seem to support the Court “incorporating” the 2nd amendment to the states. Joining me this week on Armed American Radio to discuss this case and the hearing in DETAIL will be Mr. Dane Von breichenhardt, the President of the US Bill of Rights Foundation and original architect of the Heller case. Dane will offer his insight as to what we can expect when the court renders its decision, expected in June of this year.

Additionally, you may be aware that CSU Board of Governors has voted unanimously to ban lawful carry of guns on its two campuses at Ft. Collins and Pueblo. Well a certain Sheriff has decided that it is not in the best interest of the board to do so and has made it very clear that he will not enforce the boards unconstitutional act. Laramie County Sheriff Alderden will be here to talk about it on AAR.

Don’t miss this week, folks! For more information and to find out where to listen, please visit www.armedamericanradio.org

Also, become a fan at Facebook and follow me at www.twitter.com/aarmark.

I’ll see YOU on the radio THIS week, Sunday 3-7-10 at 8-11 PM EST, 5-8 PM PST, coast to coast on one of the fastest growing radio shows in America!

Mark

Young Americans want their liberties, too!

by Rick Walker

Have you ever seen an article in the news that makes you wonder where the country is headed?  The ones I’m talking about concern young people who tend to show their ignorance of and lack of interest in things like the Second Amendment and gun rights?  Well, there is a large number of young folks out there who are working as hard as you are to ensure we get to keep those rights. The group I’m talking about is the Students for Concealed Carry on Campus.

Imagine this scenario: You are at least 21 years old. You have a concealed carry permit, issued by your county’s sheriff. You have decided that you want to start a local organization of like minded people.  It would be for social and educational purposes such as enhancing knowledge and sharing information. 
You are told by the local government that you cannot do such a thing, purely due to it being related to guns. Nor would you be able to locally advertise in support of such an organization. And you certainly would be denied the use of any of the government’s facilities to have a meeting of such people.  Use the “Community Center”?  Well, not in this community, you don’t. 

Wouldn’t you be outraged at such treatment?  Especially when this treatment is prohibited by state law and the US Constitution?  Well, it is happening right now, all over the country!  The great news is that there are many of our very best young Americans (and some not so young) working very hard to change this situation.  It is called the Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, and they are continually working to eliminate such restrictions where and when they find them.  And they need your help to do more of this very important work. 

Here are some examples:

From a then-24 year old freshman in Pennsylvania:   

"When my college tried to infringe my freedom of speech because they did not want me talking about my Second Amendment rights, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education came to my aid. If you google my name it will not be hard to find the news stories about it. “

“I won, though it took 7 months to teach my college about the 1st Amendment, forcing CCAC to retract its unconstitutional solicitation policy and allow me to form a chapter of SCCC on a campus where a dean had told me "this would NEVER be allowed here" and I will win every battle like this because I am on the side of liberty and justice and anyone who opposes me is doing so out of an emotional fear and will not have a rational argument. If you find yourself in any similar situation I will help, and I will find help for you. “

Imagine a public college denying a citizen the 1st Amendment right because they wanted to use it to promote 2nd Amendment rights! However, this is more common than it should be - so we need to stand up and make ourselves heard."   Just like she did.

Fox News’ Kelley Beaucar Vlahos reported at the time that . . . .
“The latest flare-up involves Christine Brashier, who says officials at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) violated her First Amendment right to free speech when they stopped her from posting and distributing fliers advocating for concealed carry on campus, and for a new chapter of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC) at the college. The group has about a dozen chapters on other Pennsylvania campuses, Shibley said.

"I genuinely wanted to start discussion on the topic," Brasier told FOXNews.com this week. " I am not such an avid gun owner as much of the news has made me out to be — I simply believe in liberty and that college is the place for a debate about important issues such as this one."

Brashier maintains she was hauled into a meeting with the dean, who told her "that the club would never be approved, that the school did not wish to discuss the topic, and to cease speaking about it as well as destroy the literature."
David Hoovler, a school spokesman, told FOXNews.com that Brashier was a good student and that the incident had nothing to do with the issue of firearms on campus.  The student government has the authority for approving campus organizations, he said, (emphasis added) and it’s all about procedure”.

But is it really about procedure?  Or about control, and treating students like children?  This is certainly not treating people like the voting-age, non-criminal adults that they must be to obtain a concealed carry permit.  Again from the

Fox News article:

“In March (2009), Central Connecticut State University student John Wahlberg and two classmates gave a presentation for their communications class on whether the death toll at Virginia Tech might have been smaller if faculty and students had been allowed to carry guns. That night, Wahlberg says, he was called into the campus police department, which already had a list of his registered guns, which were locked away off-campus.”

“Wahlberg’s professor had reported him to security out of "safety" concerns, according to The Recorder, the campus newspaper.
Certainly, campus officials and campus law enforcement are against the idea of more guns in private citizens’ hands at school.

Lisa Sprague, president of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, said the group put out a position statement after the Virginia Tech incident against concealed carry on campus. They say there is "no credible evidence to suggest that the presence of students carrying concealed weapons would reduce violence on our college campuses," and could even serve to create more dangerous situations.”

Well, in the current case before the courts in Colorado, the proof that Ms. Sprague says she is seeking is plain for all to see.

During the timeframe that concealed carry was allowed on campus,  the last seven years, the crime rate at that campus went down, significantly and steadily. It is now at about one third of its former level.  Rapes have fallen 84%.  Shouldn’t this get someone’s attention in a positive way? 

Nearly lost in that current battle is the fact that the students at CUS have done a perfect job of not having any incidents involving those firearms that they carry. Is that not a "double win"?  Less crime and none of the bad outcomes the administration, Brady and Violence Policy Center keep warning us about?  Ah, sorry, you must be dreaming of an earlier time . . . .  

This year, the CSU Faculty Policy Committee, decided a "feel-good" gun ban was needed.  The student body clearly is opposed to this policy.  Imagine their shock when the University’s Board of Directors, led by the president of the university, overturned the vote of the student body!
Aren’t the administrators the ones who have kept saying it is all up to the students in their ability to self-govern?  Another lie, obviously.  It apparently means you can do what you want, students, as long as we agree. 

 

What a way to set the example!  They just want you to think you have say over your lives.  Well, you can still vote, can’t you? 

Are you outraged yet?  Are you ready to act?  If you are thinking "no, not in my state, not at my son’s and daughter’s campus”, you are, unfortunately mistaken.  This IS the case in the vast majority of campuses across the United States.  Think it does not apply to you, just because you are older?  Wrong.  Think it doesn’t apply to you because you are a retired law enforcement person.  Wrong again.  Former military?  Again, you are mistaken. 

 

Everyone, not just students, is prohibited from carrying a gun on most campuses except active police.  As indicated by the three robberies in the last month on our local University of Washington campus, this policy does not seem to work, preventively speaking.

So, what are you going to do about it?  Whatever it is, start now.  Educate your children and grandchildren about the importance of their rights wherever they are, including college campuses.  Have them join SCCC.   And you can too.  Take action yourselves to help bring these schools to their senses concerning the basic human right to self-defense, let alone the right to carry on campus.
This effort is primarily won or lost at the local and state level, and there is where we most need your help. 

We also need campus leaders, state and regional directors, and not all of them need to be active students.  We also need trainers and advisors for campuses to help them learn the “right stuff,” and to assist them with the pursuit of changes to local and state laws and regulations.

They also need your advice, your knowledge and your connections to ranges, training, state, county and city politicians and law enforcement officials, and to prospective donors who might be willing to help their fight for human rights.
Welcome to this part of the fight to restore the basic rights of adults.  Volunteer early and often!

Please email us at CCM@concealedcampus.org for more information, and to learn what you personally can do to help in your specific area, on the campus of your choice. 

We want to thank very much the US Concealed Carry Association for helping us to bring this important message to you. And if you want to sign up your favorite college student with USCCA, please go to our website (http://www.concealedcampus.org/) to do so. USCCA has agreed to make a donation to us for everyone who joins their group through ours.  Same great USCCA benefits and prices, while helping our young people continue SCCC’s important work.

——————————

What is Students for Concealed Carry on Campus? 

Born out of the Virginia Tech shootings, and raised through the magic of the Internet, SCCC began as a Facebook page.  It was formed for the discussion of this single issue, on-campus carry. This became a very hot topic as the story at VA Tech unfolded in April of 2007. Seemingly overnight, the members of the Facebook page grew extremely fast. It went from zero to over 20,000 members in a very short time. The organization grew from below, finally getting campus, state and national leadership in place.

There was no shortage of volunteers from among the students and even some from the staff and faculty of colleges and universities around the country.  Communications became difficult as the number of members, now nearly 43,000, overwhelmed Facebook’s limits.  SCCC has leaders at almost four hundred campuses in nearly every state in America. If you search Facebook for groups under “Concealed Carry students” you will
see 381 different groups.  Your favorite campus may be among them.

Note:  All SSSC members are unpaid volunteers.

Author: Rick Walker, SSSC board member, USCCA member, Colonel, US Army, Retired

Thanks to Christa Brashier, Kacey Cooper, David Burnett, and Jim Manley, SSSC Regional or State Directors, for their contributions, as well as Fox News.

Quote of the Week

“I brought way too much ammo for this gunfight.”

—Never uttered by anyone who has had to use a gun to defend their life

Letter to the Editor

Have something you want to get off your chest? Post it here, and share it with the Armed American community.

Greetings, I am a retired Army Ranger and firm believer in the right to carry. Recently a friend whom I had not seen in some time found himself in my neck of the woods and dropped in for a visit. When he learned that not only do I carry a gun, but I carry a “Back-up” gun as well he told me:”What’s with all the firepower? You’re not in Iraq anymore!”.

I replied:”Anyone who does not take every precaution to ensure their safety is just another victim waiting for their turn”. He said that was a very “Paranoid” way to think. I disagree, so you be the judge; is it overkill, or is it just being prepared.

On any given day I carry a Springfield XD40compact on my right hip,it holds 10rds and I carry two 12rd back-up clips with it. On my left hip I carry a S&W 640-3 .357 Magnum,it holds 5rds and I have two speed strips for it as well.(I also carry a tactical combat knife in my boot as well). Now,am I being “Paranoid”; or am I just being prepared for whatever may be lurking in the shadows? I’d like to hear some opinions on the matter.

-Anonymous

Note from the USCCA Team: That’s what’s great about freedom: You can carry as many, or as few guns as you like.. and as a retired Army Ranger, it sounds like you’ve earned the right to do just that! Carry on- your community is safer because of YOU.

I thought everyone or at least some would be happy to know,I just contacted Springfield Armory today with an Inquiry and was told that the XDM would be released this yr in .45 Cal. but were reluctant to advice which month.

-Anonymous

Greetings, my name is Jamison… I am a retired Army Ranger and I’m writing you from a small mountain town in Oregon called “Rainier”. More then 70% of the folks in my town carry concealed, and because of that fact we have not had a “major crime” committed in almost 12yrs.

We don’t even have police on duty after 8pm. Here in Rainier we have a very strong sense of community, and as armed citizens we feel a responsibility to each other to safeguard our own streets and neighborhoods from those who would cause us harm.

It is a real shame more folks don’t feel the same civic duty and pride elsewhere that we do here, suffice it to say most people these days are only looking out for #1; and it burns me up. I would just like to say: “I’m an armed citizen, and damn proud of it!”, and to all the street-walkin’ scum out there… Stay away from Rainier, because the only time we call on the sheriff is to come and pick-up the bad guys’ body! Thank you,

-Sgt Jamison K.

I applaud your efforts to educate “Americans” about guns. The Liberals have, however, morphed in to what they feel is more acceptable, they feel, ie., they are now “Progressives” in name. It really should be called “evolutionary Marxism” and if they reach their goals, we will have to be the “Militia” Ben Franklin talks about.

-”joel the plumber” Kitty Hawk, NC

Submit your letter to the editor HERE, and I’ll share it next week!

USCCA Forum Highlights

Every paying website member has complete access to the USCCA forum, which is constantly being accessed by members sharing information, knowledge, insight, and fun. With well over sixty-thousand posts and growing by the hour, this is one heck of a valuable resource!

If you have never logged in but are a member, visit THIS location to watch help videos, including how to find out your username and/or password!

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Safe Recommendation? Trigger Locks?

For home protection I have a Glock 21SF sitting on a high shelf (just over head level & I’m 5′10") behind a picture frame in my bedroom. I also have a Rem 870 perched at about the same height inside my closet. Then there’s the Ruger SP 101 on another overhead shelf inside a different closet.

You cannot see any of these guns, but I can put my hands on them in the dark pretty darn quick.
I keep the mags full, but don’t chamber them, except of course for the revolver, which is loaded. The problem is that although I find this plenty safe for keeping arms with my 4-year-old in the house, my wife disagrees. So I’m thinking of other measures.

I could get some trigger locks, which I think are lame because I would have to find a key and unlock it in the dark, adding precious seconds to our defense. I’ve been looking at some of those nightstand/valuables safes that have the finger touch combo lock. I just want to be able to satisfy the safety concerns but also be able to get to my guns quick. Any advice or tales of experience would help.

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Airline Travel - Flashlights

Hi Everyone,

I’m getting ready for a business trip and decided to carry on all my luggage since it is only overnight. The downside is that I won’t be bringing my handgun and won’t be able to check my knives. However, I do own a Fenix LD10 flashlight that I’m hoping is allowed through airport security.

I have access to an airport that is easy to get in and out of so I can always check with security before boarding and return it to my car if it isn’t allowed. Has anyone had any experience with this?

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How Do I Start A Preparedness Group?

I am true believer that there will be strength in numbers in a true emergency scenario.

I have been tempted to talk to some of my neighbors (keep in mind I live in the country and have 1 neighbor within a mile and maybe 15 within 5 miles.)

I don’t know how to go about bringing up emergency preparedness or if it is even a good idea. After all I don’t want all my neighbors to realize that I am the only guy around with food.

Your thoughts? How do I attract like minded people? I can prepare all I want but there is no way in an emergency situation that me alone can protect my place.

Video of the Week

Ever wonder about those Hi-Point firearms? Well here’s a Hi-Point .45 & 9mm in action. For less than $200 it’s an option for home and vehicle use. Probably too heavy and blocky to carry though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT3Jxz1QG6c

USCCA Photo of the Week

All Photos of the Week are taken from Mr. Oleg Volk’s
website:
http://www.a-human-right.com/.

It is a fantastic site. Please check it out!

USCCA Self Defense Story

Every day, thousands of Armed Americans use their firearms to preserve human life. Let this section of my newsletter serve as a record of this fact!

February 20, 1010

North Harris County, Texas

From: The Houston Chronicle

Suspect Killed In Home Invasion Gun Battle

A north Harris County man shot a pair of suspected home invaders on Friday, killing one and wounding the other, during a gun battle outside his house, officials said.

The homeowner was also wounded, authorities said.

“He was shot by one of the suspects,” said Sgt. Craig Clopton with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. His condition was not available.

Gunfire erupted at 11:30 a.m. at a home in the 1300 block of Spring City after two people forced open the front door, officials said. The homeowner and the suspects both were armed and exchanged gunfire, authorities said.

One attacker, an adult, fell to the ground in the yard. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. The wounded juvenile ran to a nearby home in the 14000 block of Coveney and pounded on the front door.

“He told me that he had gotten shot and to call his mother. I thought he was just crazy,” said Pamela Grant, who cares for an elderly woman who lives there.

Grant said he came to the window and showed her his foot, where he had been apparently struck by gunfire. She could tell that he was bleeding.

“I told him to get away, but he wouldn’t leave,” Grant said.

By that time, deputies had arrived. The youth was taken by ambulance to a hospital. His condition was not available.

Courtney Brooks, who lives nearby, was watching television when the commotion started.

“There was shooting, and my dogs were barking,” Brooks said. “A good five minutes later, that’s when I heard the sirens coming.”

Brooks looked outside and saw a pair of Harris County sheriff’s deputies standing over the juvenile lying in the front yard of his neighbor’s house.

He said the deputies tried to question the juvenile about an accomplice.

Irma Miranda, who has been staying at her brother’s home for the last few months, said the area has recently been plagued with crime.

“It seems quiet, but lately there has been a lot of robberies. It’s scary,””she said.

Miranda said someone recently broke into her brother’s home, and she said she knew of at least two other houses on the same street that have been struck by burglars.

“They just kicked it (the door) in, and they went straight for the TV,” Miranda said.

Sheriff’s officials at the scene could not confirm whether Friday’s home invasion suspects could be linked to other crimes in the area.

USCCA Q&A

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

"We stress the total concealment of our weapon under our clothing. Other than the element of surprise if encountered, is there any legal reason it should/must not be visible? After all the constitution doesn’t say it must be concealed."

Mikey G:

I’m sorry, but what is the big deal about carrying your weapon for all to see? Unless you are the current Mr. America, or a trained professional in retaining your firearm in a physical confrontation, why risk having your firearm taken control of by a BG. Let’s be totally honest with ourselves, many of them are younger and stronger. I’m a “Boomer” and although aging gracefully, I’m not the strapping young man of thirty or forty or fifty that I used to be. I’m not pointing fingers, but some of the guys I see at the ranges practicing their marksmanship skills aren’t exactly just out of basic training. Carry concealed, that way the BG will always be guessing about who is and who isn’t.

Anonymous:

Depends on the jurisdiction you are in. Some locals will allow open carry some will not. You don’t need every withering liberal calling 911 at the sight of your handgun. You don’t need the hassle from law enforcement throwing you in the back of a squad car and taking your gun away so they can verify the validity of your permit. You don’t need an attacker blind siding you and drawing your gun from your holster before you can react. Keep it concealed all the time.

Paul from Austin:

To the question if it should be concealed. Then answer is, the laws in your state will dictate if your handgun can be openly carried. Even if you are able to openly carry, I would seriously think about, do I really want a potential robber to know if I have a gun and take up a better position to attack, or do I want the element of surprise. I live here in TX and if the law passed where I could carry openly, I would still carry concealed, because I want the element of surprise on a would be robber, murderer, or rapist. The bad wolf deserves no less.

Dana Fultz:

It is not a matter of legality. It is a matter of public ignorance. Ohio is an open carry state. Legally, you can walk down the street with pistol/revolver on your side. The problem is that most people are not aware that this is legal. If you walk your dog through town, or the burbs, with a gun in open view, some fool will call the police. The police will probably shoot your dog, tackle you and arrest you for inciting riot, disturbing the peace, or some other BS law. Eventually, you will be found innocent, but you may have to spend a lot of money for an attorney, defending your rights. Why put yourself through the hassle? If you think you live in a free country, then you better think again.

David H:

“Legal” may be defined differently depending on where you are. In Ohio, open carry is legal without a permit/license, but does that make it right? There is a classic audio file on the Web of an exchange between a young Ohioan openly carrying (legally) who was accosted by two police officers who were unaware of the law. Besides that hassle, open carry makes you a target - for liberals who despise your right to carry, for police officers who may mistake you for a bad guy, as well as the bad guys who will take you out first so they can “safely” commit their crimes. Carry concealed at all times - no printing, no flashing, no mention of it - never show your weapon unless you intend to use it.

This week’s question. Have an answer? Use the “Ask Tim” form below to give an answer- I’ll share them here next week!

# How is the information about a gun’s purchase, i.e., serial number, name of buyer, etc. stored and used? Who has access to this information and does this vary by state? My concern is liability if I must use a gun that I did not personally purchase. Thank you.

Do you have a pressing concern? Use the ‘Ask Tim’ contact form found at this page to let me hear your advice. Just use the graphic below!

February 5, 2010

Hello fellow Armed Citizen!

I don’t know if you feel this way, but I definitely feel a bond toward all other armed citizens- folks who carry guns for self defense.

We’re just different (in a very good way) from those who don’t get the concept. Take this story for example- this happened to me not long ago while traveling:

I had to take a taxi from my hotel to the airport, and out of curiosity, I asked the cab driver if they had a problem with criminals robbing cab drivers. To my surprise, he said “Oh no, not since we put these babies in”, and pointed at a small camera below the rear-view mirror.

I said, “That actually stops people from robbing? Wouldn’t they just bust the camera, or take the tape after they rob you?”

He said, “Well, it usually stops them.. but it didn’t stop a guy from robbing a friend of mine almost a year ago. And he worse a mask too, so the camera didn’t help.”

My first thoughts was, how does he know that it stops robbers? …But I asked him what happened to his friend. He said, “A guy came up behind him while he was parked with his window down, stuck a gun to his neck, and shot him in the back of the head.”

“Holy cow’, I said. “That’s terrible, did it kill your friend?”

“No,” he said. “The bullet ricocheted around the inside of his skull and put him in a coma. He’s practically a vegetable now.”

After a while, I asked the Cabby: “Are you guys allowed to carry guns to defend yourselves from murderers like that?”

He acted like I had just suggested that he go steal some guy’s wallet. “Oh no! I mean, some companies let you. Our’s don’t, but geez, even if it did, I wouldn’t carry one anyway!”

I realized I had stepped on thin ice, and just said “Oh yeah?”

He continued: “No way man- guns are for one thing, and one thing only- to kill!”

I waited a second, and said: “Riiight, but if someone gets in this cab wanting to kill you, it’s either going to be you or him, right? Sure, guns kill- that’s why it’s important that the innocent cab driver is the one doing the shooting, right?”

He wouldn’t make eye contact with me through the rear-view mirror, and he acted like I was again suggesting that he do something terrible. He thought about what I said for a few seconds while shaking his head slowly.

Then he said, “Yeah, but then you gotta deal with taking a life, and I mean, you gotta decide whose life is worth more!”

I tried acting nonchalant, and said: “Well, it’s easy for me- I’d say the innocent cab driver deserves to live more than the murderer who wants to kill for cash. You’ve got a family, don’t you?”

All he could do was shake his head, and say “Man, I just couldn’t deal with taking a life like that.”

I felt a VERY clear sense of appreciation that YOU and the rest of the 36,000 USCCA members and the 145,000 Armed American Report readers know better than that crap.

You and I both know whose deserves life, and it’s NOT the murderous thug.

Are YOU truly Prepared to Handle Whatever Comes Your Way?

"…I know as a reporter I’m supposed to remain objective, but sometimes you just can’t remain objective, when you see people hurt, and there’s nothing you can do about it."

by the USCCA

by the USCCA

There’s something very, very powerful about carrying a concealed weapon…

It’s that feeling you get knowing that you are able to protect yourself and your loved ones should trouble occur.

It’s a powerful feeling.

To know deep in your gut that you are trained and prepared to act in the face of danger.

And to know that you are contributing to the security of your community.

Friends, I’m writing to you today to warn you.

That feeling you get when you carry can be great… but it can also be deadly.

Here’s the reason:

Your Concealed Weapon Can’t Protect You
Against the Threats You Aren’t Trained to See

Carrying a concealed weapon can make you feel pretty safe and well protected.

And that’s the problem. Because “believing you’re safe” is the first step to missing potential threats that are all around you.

No, I’m not talking about a large masked thug rushing at you on the street. That’s a pretty easy threat to spot, and one that almost never happens.

I’m talking about threats that are much more subtle and far more likely. And because of that, much more dangerous.

Click HERE to Learn More…

March, 1958 - This is My Story!

"…When I was able to fully realize where I was and what had happened to me, my date told the account of what happened to the police…"

by Richard L. Hurley

I am 67 years old and this is my story from March, 1958!

I was 19 years old and I had a good job working for the U.S. Forest Service. It was November and the fire danger had allowed some much needed time off. I had asked a young lady out for the day on a nice overcast Saturday morning. She accepted so we drove about half an hour or more from our hometown in the foothills to the big city. We went to a complex that housed several entertainment features. We went bowling, ate a nice dinner and played some pinball machines. After that, we went to a movie. The movie let out at about 10:45 PM and we walked to my car in the parking lot out behind the complex. This was a not so often used parking area by patrons of the theater, but rather by shoppers at a now closed shopping complex.

I opened the passenger door for her; she got in and closed it. I then tapped on the window and pointed at the door lock and motioned to her to lock the door. As she turned to lock it with her left hand, I saw her look behind me suddenly with a surprised look on her face. I remember falling toward the front of my car and grabbing for anything to stop my fall. In doing so, I remember breaking off the new radio antenna I had installed only a few days before. I have no further recollection of any of the events following this until I awoke some one and one half hours later in a hospital. When I was able to fully realize where I was and what had happened to me, my date told the account of what happened to the police. She later told the same account to me and a police captain. The words I remember her telling me are detailed below. "When I turned around to lock the door, I saw four young men coming toward us. One ran the last few yards to hit you from behind just as I locked the door. I watched in horror as your head hit the pavement pretty hard. You immediately rolled over to your knees and started to get up. The young man who had knocked you down was trying to get your wallet out of your Levi pants pocket. The second young man kicked you in the side of the head or face and you went down again. There was very little hesitation and you started again to get to your knees to get up. Again you were kicked in the side of the face. I was so hoping that you would stay down, but again you tried to get up. In all I remember, you were kicked in or near the face four times at least.

As soon as I realized that you were hurt, I started honking the horn on the car in what my dad had taught me as a little girl was the International distress call–three long, three short, three long, brief pause and repeat. I did this over and over until help arrived. By then, they had got your wallet, and right in front of me, took out the cash and ran a few yards away before tossing it in some weeds. Some guys from a gas station just out of sight from where we were parked came running to my aid. One went back and called the police and an ambulance. The other two tried to help you. They brought you here."

My injuries were extensive, but not life threatening. I had seventeen teeth with broken roots below the gum line. My upper jaw was split apart lengthwise which required minor surgery a few days later to remove the soft tissue trapped between the bones. Over the years, I lost all of my upper teeth because of the extent of these injuries. There were no anchor teeth to hold a partial plate and this was before modern post implants. Over the years, after many recurring parotid saliva gland infections and unexplained blockages, the plate had to be removed. In the years following, I suffered from shoulder, neck and other recurring problems which led to an operation called, "Interbody disk fusion of C5-6, C6-7, with titanium and coral prosthesis." This was not a fun thing at all!

After I had been in the hospital for a while, things quieted down to where I could think about the events that had just taken place. I made a promise to myself. "I will never allow myself to become a willing victim of violence again!" Over the years, I have gone over this scenario many, many times. I blame myself for much of the results of what happened. Here is why. First, I should have been aware of my surroundings and anyone within a few seconds of closing distance. Had I been aware of these things, I wouldn’t of turned my back on a possible threat. Second, since that evening so long ago, I’ve prepared myself in many ways for any threatening circumstance my mind can conjure up. Third, yes I carry a concealed weapon. All of the time! For many, many years I would carry to and from work. I left my pistol in a locker during work and later in the trunk of my car when management made it clear that weapons were forbidden on the premises. They didn’t ask and I didn’t tell about the vehicle trunk.

I now live in a state where concealed weapon permits are issued to those who have a clean record and are mentally fit (Washington). For many years, I lived in a state where they are very distressed when people carry weapons (California). I have never had to use my pistol outright. I have, on two occasions, had it in my pocket with my hand around it and told a possible assailant that I would dispatch him quickly if he did anything to raise the present threat level. In both cases, the assailant made the right choice and lived beyond that moment. In both of these instances I was aware of where I was, who was near me and what other options I had. There are many other times I can remember where I merely walked to other places to reduce the threat level. The old saying, "There is safety in numbers" is certainly true! I use that advice often.

My advice to everyone would be to always think about your surroundings; be aware of who is within threatening distance (I call it my comfort zone). You should make every effort you can to avoid being caught in a compromised condition or situation (Unarmed and in dangerous territory). You should avoid being trapped in remote or isolated areas alone. Even if you are armed, you should make every effort to minimize your own exposure to surroundings that have limited vision of everyone that could be within your own comfort zone. I won’t sit in a restaurant just anywhere. I look for a place to sit that gives me the most options if things get out of hand. If you do these little mental rehearsals of what can happen enough times, it will become almost automatic after a while. Lastly, keep your mouth shut! Don’t antagonize anyone with verbal anything! Don’t let anyone see your weapon, even if you have to resort to intimidation to defuse a possible situation. Keep it hidden! If they see it, they can describe it. If they can describe it, they can make your life a nightmare for a long, long time. If you need to use it, your life is in jeopardy! Make sure you are the one who answers all the questions.

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

Airline Outrage: Federal Officers Carry “Locked Guns”

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association

What would make you feel safer the next time you boarded a plane, having an $8-an-hour security agent X-ray your shoes or having an armed Federal Officer fly along?

If you have half a brain, you want the Federal Officer, locked and loaded, ready and willing to stop any nutjob who decides to blow up the plane with an underwear bomb. But apparently the Transportation Security Administration (TSA ) has different ideas.

Right now, a program exists to train and arm Federal Flight Deck Officers and have them serve aboard U.S. flights. But because of politics and red tape, the TSA requires that these officers lock their weapon whenever they are in the passenger cabin or in the airport terminal.

In other words, whenever armed officers are anywhere a terrorist might be, they must lock their guns and render them useless!

This is more than dumb. It’s an outrage. And it’s yet one more example of how common sense goes out the window whenever an issue involves guns.

Frankly, traveling by air would probably be safer if licensed citizens could carry concealed on planes just like they do nearly everywhere else. One reason planes present an attractive target is that terrorists know they are victim zones full of trapped, disarmed people.

Concealed carry on planes isn’t likely to happen any time soon, but having armed Federal Officers onboard would be a big step forward. We have the personnel. They’re trained. They’re ready. All we have to do is convince our legislators to force the TSA to unleash them.   

Click here for details on this outrage and what you can do about it.

Gun Rights Roundup is a joint venture of Buckeye Firearms Association and USCCA. We will keep fighting until every American enjoys their natural right to carry and self-defense. For more news on pro-gun law, politics, and events, click here to subscribe to Buckeye Firearms Association’s FREE Newsletter.

 

Coming Up On Armed American Radio

The Official Voice of the USCCA

by Mark Walters

Photo Courtesy of www.tednugent.com

Ladies and Gentlemen, you’ve heard me say this before but NEVER has it been said in this vain before…IF YOU MISSED LAST WEEK’S AAR BROADCAST, YOU BLEW IT!  I was fortunate enough to be joined by American Guitar legend, rocker extraordinaire, NY Times best selling author and NRA board member Uncle TED NUGENT.  Ted was scheduled to join me for the complete second hour and had SO much fun on AAR that he, and this is almost unheard of, agreed to stick around with me for the COMPLETE THIRD HOUR AS WELL!  NO one says it like The NUge so if you missed last week, please head over to www.armedamericanradio.org and LISTEN TO THE PODCAST VERSION OF LAST WEEKS SHOW!

THIS WEEK…tough to top the NUGE, I know BUT we have a great one lined up for you!  Super Bowl Who? Super Bowl What?  The heck with football.  Too much is at stake in this great country and freedom must ring without a BREAK, EVER!  I will joined this week by PA. Gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Sam Rohrer.  Pro-gun and pro-freedom.  A nice combination!

Also joining me will be the Executive Director of America’s NO COMPROMISE pro-gun organization, Gun Owners of America, Mr. Larry Pratt will be here.  In addition, Mr. Rob Pincus will join me for the entire three hour show and it promises to be a GOOD ONE!

Be there THIS Sunday and forget the football game.  That’s what they makes DVR’s for!  For more info and to stay up to date on AAR’s incredible growth, visit us at www.armedamericanradio.org and check us out on FACEBOOK too!

I’ll see YOU on the radio!

New Trijicon Tritium Ghostring Sites

USCCA Gear Review

by George Harris

OK guys, just try and bare with me. I am new at all of this picture taking and transferring stuff so…

Anyway I ordered my sites from a company called Mounting Solutions Plus, http://www.mountsplus.com/

Great people to talk with and very helpful. I just wish I had all of my questions ready when I called them. So the company name of the sites was AmeriGlo. $84.99 that included the shipping.

I am a do-it-yourself kind of guy and didn’t want a gun smith putting them on with a mallet and punch so I did my research on what type of site tool I would need for the front and the back, so…

I ordered a MGW site tool, but for some reason the name of the company I ordered it from escapes me and I can’t find the receipt, I believe the tools together came out to about $80.00. I also ordered the front site tool (the little hex head wrench) this is why I wish I had all of my question for the MSP people when I called, I didn’t know the AmeriGlo sites came with the front site tool.

Well my sites show up in great shape and noticed that they are stamped with the Tijicon name, VERY COOL!

So I read the directions for the rear site from MGW and the tool works like a charm. I used to build printing machines so I have a lot of calipers/micrometer’s in my box of tools and get the rear with in .001 from left to right in the dove tail, EXCELENT!

Now for the front site.
Everything I have read or watched on YouTube showed people just pulling the front site off with a vice grip, seemed strange to me since there is a very small hex screw inside the slide.

So I take 1 of my 2 front site tools (now that I have 2 of them) and just unscrew the front site and off it comes.
Now I still have both, the front & rear stock sites for my Glock 27 VERY COOL again!

For me getting the SMALL screw in the front site was harder then the rear site, (i have fat fingers). I had to do it twice, once to make sure it would fit correctly and the second time using BLUE locktite. ONLY BLUE if you ever want to take them off in the future. Again I used my calipers and got the front site lined up within less than .001.

All in all a very fun adventure and with the right tools there is no reason that a gun smith needs to install these for anyone.

Shoot straight & safe!

George Harris

—–

ATTENTION USCCA MEMBERS!

How would you like to have your gun or gear review published in this Armed American Report?

To have your review considered for publishing, simply email your word document with photos as separate attachments to gearreview@usconcealedcarry.com

Reviews should be between 800 and 1600 words long. Photos are encouraged and should be in .jpg format and less than 500 kb in size (each).

I look forward to reading your submission.

P.S. -Be sure to include your full name and email address so I can email you with questions or comments.

 

Quote of the Week

“In a polity, each citizen is to possess his own arms, which are not supplied or owned by the state….”

—Aristotle

Letter to the Editor

Have something you want to get off your chest? Post it here, and share it with the Armed American community.

 

I just finished my first ever concealed carry course yesterday. Of course, during class the usual discussion about the best gun came up. The instructor said the best gun was the one you were comfortable carrying and could shoot effectively with. Well we had two soldiers in the class both of whom just came back from Iraq and Afghanistan and both had seen combat. Both men roundly stated that the Beretta 92 was a piece of junk and someone else added that it was too big for concealed carry. I just happened to have a Beretta 92D (double action only), my old duty firearm from my law enforcement days. On the qualification range I soundly out shot both soldiers with absolutely no gun malfunctions.

One soldier’s new gun jammed. As for the person who suggested the gun was too big I carried it concealed for years as a deputy sheriff with no problems. My style of dress (jeans and t-shirts) allows for such carry and I don’t dress down in hot weather so it has never been an issue. I did find it funny that no one questioned the full sized S&W or the Colt 1911 imitators in the class. I look forward to carrying concealed with my old “piece of junk”. As long as you like what you are carrying don’t be bothered when someone doesn’t agree with your choice of gun. If it works for you that’s what matters

Gary Smith, Arlington, Texas

WARNING!! After reading the article Contact Shooting With A Pistol by Gabe Suarez (CC Magazine Nov/Dec 2009) I wondered how my friend “Sally” (4″ Compact XD .45 in OD Green) would react to her slide being immobilized. Holding the pistol as shown in the picture, spent casing was not ejected, but the slide moved enough to cock the firing pin again. Then I tried the palm to the back of the slide as suggested in the text. OUCH!! I think she broke a bone in my hand! I hate to write this, because I feel like an idiot. But hopefully I can save someone else the heartache (or in this case the Handache!) When trying SI training, do so under the direction of an official SI trainer.

-MT Michigan

RE: Cody Alderson’s article “What Handicap” I would like to see more articles aimed at people that are 50 plus. He hit the nail on the head when he talked about we don’t have the mobility or strength we had when we were younger . . . I don’t mean to imply that we are all overweight or have some other physical impairment. It’s just that we are older and our bodies do not have the same capabilities as a twenty year old even if our mind disagrees with our body. The 1.5 second draw is nice, but it’s not the answer, even for the twenty year old. We are always going to be behind the curve because more than likely we will be responding to a surprise attack. Even if we see the dirt bag coming and feel an attack is going to happen we cannot draw until he does. We’ve seen enough articles about drawing and gun handling in general. Also, not every dirt bag is going to have a gun. He may have a knife, bat, or just his physical strength as his weapon. Since many of your members are 50 plus years old we need more articles on being able to identify and react to signs that we are in danger (situational awareness).

For example, I’m sure the police see attackers evolving their methods of selecting a target and their attacks that we should be aware of. How about more articles against physical attacks, such as use of pepper spray, batons, pens, keys and other simple and easy to use methods of stopping an attack. One point that many of your gun carrying articles do not cover is what do we do when State and Federal laws do not allow us to carry guns in defined places, for example in South Carolina we cannot carry a gun in a place that serves alcohol. This means that when we go out to a restaurant at night we must go unarmed. If we must talk about guns how about more articles on selecting the proper gun.

This should include size, type (semi auto vs. revolver), gun operation, methods of carry, stopping power, etc. Another point many gun articles do not consider is that everyone does not have the time to practice on a regular basis or have the time and money to go to a gun range on a regular basis. In 2010 lets start thinking out of the box on articles about self defense. Regards, Jim Curry Rock Hill, SC USCCA Member

REPLY FROM TIM:

Great news: On the USCCA website, we’ve got a whole section dedicated specifically to Armed Senior Citizens.

Here’s a link:

USCCA Armed Seniors

You have to be a member to access the articles there- but that’s just another reason to join.

. Submit your letter to the editor HERE, and I’ll share it next week!

USCCA Forum Highlights

Every paying website member has complete access to the USCCA forum, which is constantly being accessed by members sharing information, knowledge, insight, and fun. With well over sixty-thousand posts and growing by the hour, this is one heck of a valuable resource!

If you have never logged in but are a member, visit THIS location to watch help videos, including how to find out your username and/or password!

*******************

This week in the Forum Highlights I’m giving you an example of the responses members get from their posts. I want you all of you who aren’t yet members of our exclusive online members only forums to not only get a taste of the questions and other posts, but also the wonderfully informative replies.

Holster For Car

I carry IWB at 4 o’clock (primary) 8 o’clock (secondary) while driving. As you know, either is somewhat difficult and slow to retrieve in an emergency.

What have any of you found to be most useful while driving?

I’ve thought about a separate holster to fasten to seat belt (most are at incorrect angles), also door side of seat; there are some visibility and holstering issues there. Center between the console and seat (very tight there and possibly not quickly accessible, then forward of that area attached to the console itself; but visibility issues there as well…….,

We have two cars to think about and (I’m very lucky) wife carries 24/7 as well so there’s that consideration.

Open and anxious for all your suggestions.

‘Apocalypse Man’ on History Channel

(Note From The Editor: Curious about whether those TV shows about survival are worth watching? Read the responses to this forum thread by clicking the above link.)

Watching it now. I’m having a LOT of trouble with some of the ideas presented in this one.

Go BACK into a city to establish a BASE?

Seeking out the hospital as an operations center?

Running a generator like that 4 or 5 HOURS on a gallon of diesel? Are they really THAT efficient?

I don’t know about this one, guys. I just don’t know.

Anybody else think this one is a touch off the mark in it’s path to survival?

‘After Armageddon’ on History Channel

Came in late, but it’s not bad. Interesting commentary as well. Comes on again later tonight and Saturday. Anybody else watching, what do you think?

Video of the Week

You might be seeing this young fellow on your favorite shooting shows soon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNzTU63uRI0

USCCA Photo of the Week

All Photos of the Week are taken from Mr. Oleg Volk’s
website:
http://www.a-human-right.com/.

It is a fantastic site. Please check it out!

USCCA Self Defense Story

Every day, thousands of Armed Americans use their firearms to preserve human life. Let this section of my newsletter serve as a record of this fact!

January 7, 2010

Charlotte, North Carolina

From: Mooresville Tribune

Woman turns tables on rape suspect

A Charlotte woman managed to get a gun from her attacker and held him until authorities arrived, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office reported.

O.C. Billings of Harmony faces seven charges, ranging from first-degree rape to possession of drug paraphernalia, and is in the Iredell County Detention Center in lieu of a $225,000 bond.

Billings has an extensive criminal history, dating back 20 years, and many of the offenses involved sexual conduct with children. The victim in this case, said Capt. Darren Campbell, is an adult.

She called the sheriff’s office early Thursday morning from Billings’ home on East Memorial Highway and said she’d been raped and was holding her attacker at gunpoint, Campbell.

Deputies arrived and took Billings into custody.

The woman told authorities she was able to free herself during the assault and grab the gun, which Billings earlier held on her, and strike him in the head, Campbell said.

USCCA Q&A

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

"I am having rotator cuff surgery to repair my right shoulder- my primary shooting hand. I’ll lose true range of motion for several months while I rehab it. I have been practicing with my left hand somewhat I have 2 sidearms (Taurus millennium pt 145 ACP 45 10+1 and a Taurus 38 spec 5rd J frame 2″) both conceal carry holsters BUT FOR RIGHTHANDED CARRY ONLY. Should I invest in two left handed holsters or just learn to draw from them differently (ie, Cavalry style)?"

TJH:

Regarding the person having surgery on their right rotary cuff, it just happens that I had the same surgery. I found two ways to carry that were sufficient for my purposes. First, and easiest, was to attach an IWB holster to either my sling or to the arm wrapping itself. You then just have to reach in and pull out your pistol. The second way I found to carry was a bell-band holster. Most of them are set up for ambidextrous use, so there is already a holster cutout on your left side, to draw with a normal grip. I hope this provides some help to you.

Paul from Austin

To the gentleman having the rotator cuff surgery. I believe it would be good practice to have a left and right hand holster for your weapons just due to the fact of the situation you are in. To have the ability to use your complimentary hand is excellent practice and while in your therapy, essential. Always have the ability to use both left and right hand drawing techniques. Stay Safe out there.

J. Eaton in Virginia:

In answer to the question about how to carry after a rotator cuff surgery: I believe the best way to accommodate for your restrictions post surgery would be to try the cavalry style first as it has been shown to be as fast, or nearly as fast, of a draw stroke in some articles I read a while back. Depending on comfort level with this draw you may want to look into a fairly inexpensive slide holster (Yaqui, Triple K Skeleton, or NRA Slide Holster) . While not considered ideal by many, it would serve its purpose for the 12 or so weeks after surgery that you will be unable to actively lift your dominant arm. As a physical therapist, let me give you a friendly word of advise: Rehab is slow and steady, do what your surgeon and therapist tell you, and BE PATIENT!

Anonymous:

I would not invest a lot of money in weak side holsters that you would probably never use after your shoulder mends. What I would do is get an inexpensive pocket holster for the small frame Taurus and carry that in my weak side pants or jacket pocket. I paid less than $15 OTD for a Blackhawk pocket holster that I like real well. I can discreetly keep my hand in the pocket on my gun if the situation calls for it. Their Size 3 is perfect for J-frame sized revolvers. I would invest the money saved in practice ammo to practice drawing and shooting with my off hand.

Anonymous:

I had the rotator cuff situation come up and just learned to draw cavalry style from the right-hand holster worn on the left side. It wasn’t but a little slower once I got used to it, and once the cuff healed and I could go back to shooting with the strong hand, it had some lasting advantages. Notably, I occasionally use cross-draw holsters with long-barreled handguns or when wearing a heavy coat, and I practice weak-hand draws with any holster I carry. Once I had gone through the “cavalry” period, I was much better at a weak-hand draw with a cross-draw holster.

This week’s question. Have an answer? Use the “Answer” button below to give an answer- I’ll share them here next week!

I am not able to buy a gun right now, and I was wondering what would be recommended as a good BB or airsoft gun to train with, that is most similar to a real pistol. I haven’t decided on a specific gun that I would get, other than that it would be a semi-auto. Thank you!

Do you have a question? Use the ‘Ask’ button below to ask it, and I’ll share it with the community so they can give you an answer.