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!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Hello fellow Armed Citizen!

Get ready for a juicy start to the Armed American Report this week, because you are going to love this.

We all know there are a lot of problems with our great country right now, but here’s some GOOD news: There are still plenty of GOOD Americans out there, making a difference where it counts. Heck you’re one of them, and here’s another:

Colorado State University has recently banned concealed weapons on campus. No, that’s not the good news- that’s stupid news. But listen to this:
The sheriff in that county (Larimer County), a Mr. James Alderden is NOT happy about it. It gets better…

He’s publicly announced the following:

“I have told the CSU police chief I will not support this in any way. If anyone with one of my permits gets arrested for concealed carry at CSU, I will refuse to book that person into my jail. Furthermore, I will show up at court and testify on that person’s behalf, and I will do whatever I can to discourage a conviction. I will not be a party to this very poor decision.”

If your eyes aren’t already watering, read what he said next:

“It’s a weapons-free zone for law-abiding people, and it won’t do a single thing to keep armed criminals off of campus. It will only ensure them a lot of defenseless victims. The people who did this are lost in their own world of ideological liberalism. You would think people involved in academia would want to deal in data and experience, but this has been all about emotion.”

Wow! Does that guy think like us, or what? What a hero. Here’s to YOU, Sheriff Alderden, on behalf of 150,000 respectable, peace-loving, law-abiding armed citizens. Friend- there’s a poll on the story, at THIS website. I just voted that the students should LISTEN to their wise Sheriff, and ignore the gun-ban, and I encourage you to do the same. When I voted, 92% of the 2,935 respondents agreed with me. Let’s get to work voting, and get that number up to 99%!

Before we get started, there’s one more bit of good news. I don’t know if you’re into gadgets or not, but if you are, and if you have an iPhone, you might be interested in an iPhone app that I came across after someone pointed it out to me recently. It’s basically a handy little dry-fire practice course guide.

Check it out here: http://dryfiretrainer.blogspot.com/

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…

Don’t listen to the sales guy!

A beginner’s (and especially a senior’s beginner’s) guide to purchasing a defensive handgun.

by Uli Gebhard

There are a couple of key requirements that a gun will have to fulfill to work for you.

Let’s clean up with a couple of old myths first before we go any further.  The advice that you will most likely hear when you tell the sales guy that you have no prior knowledge of firearms and want to buy a gun for self-defense is this:

“Just get a 2” Snubbie in .38 and you’ll be fine!”

Sorry folks, but this is Bravo-Sierra, topped only by the recommendation to get a lightweight snubbie, so that the gun is not too heavy for you.

What is true is that a 2-inch barreled .38 is easy to maneuver around and simple to operate.

It is also true that it has a heavy double-action trigger pull, recoils heftily, offers little grip to counter the recoil and is limited to five rounds.

Slightly different perspective, isn’t it?

Other common statements are:

“Real men shoot a .45” or “A 9mm is a .45 set on stun!”

Really? Then let me be the unmanly girly guy that asks him to let me stun him with a couple of rounds from my dinky-girly 9mm.  I have a hunch that he’s going to decline that invitation.

Seriously:  multiple hits in vital areas with a controllable small caliber such as a .32 or .22 are better than a superficial wound with a large caliber that you cannot control.  Shot placement has a critical role in bringing down an attacker!

Most, if not all sales guys will recommend .38 Special, or 9mm as a “minimum defensive caliber”.  They have read all the tacticool test reports in the gun magazines which makes them instant academic experts on the latest one-hit ueber-manstopper round.  Most likely none of them will have any practical experience.

It is true that in terms of ability to penetrate, 9mm and .38 have a decent track record for handgun calibers.  However, this does not consider the ability of a person to wield the weapon that fires that round.

Key is that larger chamberings come with a stronger powder charge and hence with more recoil.

The lighter the weight of the weapon is, the more you will feel that recoil and the harder it will be for you to control it.

You should shoot a large caliber that you can control comfortably. For some people that will be a 9mm.  Others may only be able to manage a .22.

What can you to effectively defend yourself with a small-caliber weapon? Learn to shoot an attacker to the ground! This means that you keep shooting until he does no longer present a threat.

There is no mystical silver bullet that deanimates an assailant upon impact.  That said, a gun with a large magazine capacity and an easy to operate trigger is a wise choice.

Caliber aside, you need to look for the function of the firearm and if you can operate it easily:

First off, the grip needs to fit into your hand, allow for all fingers to get a good purchase and allow for the index finger to be comfortably placed on the trigger.  When you hold the gun with the index finger on the trigger, the barrel should be in-line with your forearm.

Functional Check:

For Revolvers:

Can you pull the trigger all the way with the index finger of your favored hand?

A secure grip on a revolver should look like this:

All fingers wrap securely around the grip and the index finger can comfortably reach the trigger.
Note that this is a pretty massive and heavy handgun.  The weight helps reducing the felt recoil.

On revolvers with an external hammer – can you readily pull the hammer back to a cocked position?

Can you work the cylinder latch on a revolver?

Can you work the ejector easily (the rod in the cylinder axis that you push back to eject the spent casings from the cylinder)?

Can you reload the cylinder easily with a speedloader?
Here is what it looks like working with a speedloader:

For Semi-Autos

Can you get a solid grip on the gun?

This pistol is too large for the hand; the fingers can barely reach around the front of the grip.

Can you pull the trigger all the way with the index finger of your favored hand?

Here we have a good grip, but the index finger can’t get enough purchase on the trigger

This pistol is a good fit to the hand: all fingers wrap securely around the grip and the index finger can comfortably reach the trigger.

On pistols with an external hammer – can you readily pull the hammer back to a cocked position?

Can you easily rack the slide?

Can you work the mag-release, can you reach it and press it?

Can you work the slide release?

If the pistol has a safety, can you easily manipulate it?

If you struggle with any of these tasks – try a different weapon!  If the sales guy answers this request with: “Oh – you’ll get used to it!” consider this your invitation to politely hand the gun back to him and leave.

Your life may depend on this gun, not the life of the salesman, which means that you will need the ability to operate it under the worst of conditions:  nervous and with a lot of adrenaline in your bloodstream that deteriorates your fine-motor skills.  Find a gun that you can operate easily and that fits your hand well – and you have your defensive tool.

If you have questions or doubts – post them on the USCCA forum or check with a local instructor.  A good instructor should be able to review your abilities and recommend an appropriate handgun for you.

What triggered this article was me training an older lady who had just purchased her first handgun.  It turned out that the sales guy at the self-proclaimed “Southern California Hunting, Fishing & Shooting Headquarters” had talked her into an airweight .38 snubbie.  She can barely cock the hammer, and needs both index fingers on the trigger to fire a round from there.  She is so frail that even standard .38 loads knock her off balance.
The sales guy never walked her through the operation of the gun.

Don’t get talked into an ineffective gun.  Take the checklist in this article to the store with you and work your way through it.  A good and diligent salesperson will work with you.  They may voice their concern that a .22 or .32 is insufficient in their mind.  That is OK – again it’s not their life that this weapon may have to defend.

The key issues are that you have to be able to operate and control the gun and to quickly get a lot of lead downrange.

Lastly – get good quality training with your firearm.  There is a lot of truth in the much recited saying that you fight like you train.  Learn how to shoot your gun efficiently, how to operate and reload it under stress.

Some people may think that they are too frail or that their disabilities limit them too much to participate in defensive training.  Take this as food for thought:  Suarez International trained an older gentleman who needed a cane to walk around – he ended up training to launch his cane as a distraction while accessing his firearm.  Another learned how to aggressively maneuver his motorized wheelchair around a potential attacker before drawing his weapon.

A student of mine learned to overcome his disability of a missing lower arm and hand and is operating a semi-auto pistol fast and efficiently, including reloads and malfunction clearing.

Chances are that you are more capable than you think.  You need to find the right tool and the right method to use it.  I hope this article helps you with the first part of finding the right tool!

Uli Gebhard is a mechanical engineer and firearms instructor.  He lives in Orange County, California.  Find out more about Uli on his website www.gebhardsolutions.com or e-mail him at uli@gebhardsolutions.com

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

The Founding Fathers Wanted EVERYONE to be Armed

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association

When we talk about the meaning of the Second Amendment, we often forget exactly what the Founding Fathers had in mind.

They didn’t merely want to ensure that every citizen had the right to bear arms or that the Constitution should make it difficult to disarm people. They literally wanted every man in the country to be armed and ready to defend himself and his country. They weren’t just okay with guns, they were vehemently pro-gun.

Just look at what some of the men of that period said about firearms and your duty as an American:

“A free people ought to be armed.” - George Washington

“The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.” - Thomas Jefferson

“Americans have the right and advantage of being armed, unlike the people of other countries, whose leaders are afraid to trust them with arms.” - James Madison

“To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.” - Richard Henry Lee

“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined…. The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.” - Patrick Henry

Those are definitive and clear statements. No one could possibly misunderstand their meaning.

To this end, we want to do our part to ensure that the spirit of the Founding Fathers lives on. So we are giving away one of the best self-defense shotguns in the U.S., the Ithaca Model 37. It’s made with pride and patriotism in the state of Ohio, home of the National Matches, the “World Series of Shooting Sports.”

Click here to enter the GUN GIVEAWAY!

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

The unbelievable growth of Armed American Radio continues!  Last week I welcomed Modesto, CA and now Statesboro, GA joins AAR beginning on 3-14-2010 along with Delray Beach, FL on the same night.  In addition it looks like Tulsa Ok may be adding us to their LIVE lineup as early as April 1st…I’ll keep you posted on station and dates.  Last weeks show was outstanding as I was joined in studio by 3 of the most down to earth folks you could imagine.  Their story is all over the internet and hitting some major news outlets.

Seems JP Mitchell and Matt Brannan were dining at the Waffle House in Kennesaw, GA a couple of months back when a scout for a heavily armed robbery crew came wandering in.  Unbeknownst to JP and Matt, who were alert and paying attention to the “out of place” young man, their OPENLY CARRIED handguns sent the scout outside to inform the crew there were guns in the store.  An alert waitress, Lynn noticed the suspicious car and its occupants and called police.

The crew was arrested in the parking lot with rifles, handguns, masks and other “tools of the trade”!  Seems during the interrogation, they admitted the openly carried weapons had kept them from going in to rob the place until the “guns” left!  Imagine that!  Head over to www.armedamericanradio.org to listen to their story in hour 2!

Coming up this week, Sheriff Mack will join me along with the grassroots folks from Ohioans for Concealed Carry and the Nevada Gun Owners.  In addition, we’ll open up the Roundtable for another great night of FREEDOM on the nations airwaves!

Oh yeah, and check out the press release below as we continue to refine and grow the broadcast to focus on the things YOU want to talk about! Below is the Press Release circulating around the nation as Rob Pincus joins me EVERY THIRD WEEK as an official co-host to talk about training and everything else related to your CCW needs and desires!

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my book, co-written with Kathy Jackson Lessons from Armed America, by heading to amazon or any other major online book retailer!

For more information on AAR, please visit me over at www.armedamericanradio.org

If you get the chance, tune in to the G. Gordon Liddy Show MONDAY 3-1-2010 from 11am till noon as I’ll be a guest on the show for the entire hour.  There’s a slight possibility that by the time you read this there may have been a program change but as of press time, we’re all set to talk about our right to keep and bear arms on the G-Mans nationally syndicated radio show!

Join the ever growing fan base of one of the fastest growing radio programs in the nation by becoming a fan over at Facebook under Armed American Radio!

I’ll see YOU on the radio!

Mark

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Armed American Radio, the nation’s fastest growing syndicated firearms talk program, announces that Rob Pincus will be a regular co-host on the show. Pincus owns I.C.E. Training Company, is the host of several Television Programs on Outdoor Channel and is the developer of the Combat Focus Shooting(tm) program.

Pincus will join host Mark Walters every third week, beginning tonight, February 7th, 2010, for the entire 3 hour program. Over the past year, Pincus has been a guest host several times on Armed American Radio, a three hour powerhouse voice of freedom heard nationwide every Sunday evening on radio stations coast to coast.

“I am really proud that Mark has asked me to join him regularly on Armed American Radio,” says Pincus, “the show is incredibly popular and it gives me the chance to address a lot of topics important to firearms owners and training enthusiasts.”

In addition to conducting training for armed professionals and those interested in personal defense at sites around the United States, Pincus currently hosts and writes for Outdoor Channel’s wildly popular show “The Best Defense” and his own “S.W.A.T. Magazine TV“, which also airs on the network. Pincus has written for or been featured in Guns & Ammo Magazine, American Handgunner, Women & Guns, GQ,Robb Report, Tactical Weapons and several other magazines including, most recently, Concealed Carry Magazine, the official publication of AAR’s sponsor, the US Concealed Carry Association.

Armed American Radio began as a one hour broadcast in Atlanta, Georgia in April of 2009.  Since its inception, AAR has grown at a record pace to become one of the nations fastest growing radio shows.  Achieving national syndication on September, 1st 2009, AAR is now heard from Florida to Alaska and worldwide on the live feed.  The show’s host, Mark Walters, a lifelong gun owner and NRA certified trainer has been an outspoken second amendment activist since an attempted car-jacking against him several years ago just two weeks after the birth of his daughter. Using a lawfully carried Glock 36, Mark successfully repelled the 2 attackers without having to fire a shot.  An avid writer and co-author of the recently released book, Lessons from Armed America (Whitefeather Press, Oct 2009), Mark used the incident against him to dedicate his writing to the right of self defense and the right to keep and bear arms.  He has been a regular columnist for Concealed Carry Magazine for the previous 5 years and is currently working on his second book with Ms. Kathy Jackson in addition to hosting AAR.

“I am thrilled to have Rob join the AAR family as a regular contributor.  As the host, one of my biggest responsibilities is stressing the importance of training and I can think of no one better than Rob Pincus.  His cutting edge methodology, the success of I.C. E. his popularity and dynamic personality provide a natural fit for Armed American Radio!”, says Mark.

For more information on Armed American Radio or to listen to past programs, please visit www.armedamericanradio.org.  The current station affiliate lineup can be found by visiting the “Where to Listen” tab at the top of the page.  Due to the rapidly changing market as new cities are constantly being added to the lineup, please check back often.  For more information and to join AAR’s sponsor, The United States Concealed Carry Association, please visit www.usconcealedcarry.com

I.C.E. Training Company is a full service tactical and defensive organization with instructors and regional representatives throughout the United States and Europe. I.C.E. Training was founded by Rob Pincus in 2007 to be consolidate various training activities and programs. The Combat Focus Shooting(tm) is an intuitive defensive firearms training methodology designed for shooters of all backgrounds. For more information, visit www.icetraining.us

—–

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.

Letter to the Editor

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

When I purchased my first weapon, a Ruger 45, I was advised to also purchase a book believe it or not. The book “How to own a gun & stay out of jail” by John Machtinger, a lawyer yet. That book and lawyers scare me more than having to some day use that 45 for protection. It has become; “The burden of proof on a deadly self defense tactic” lies with the defender of all things. If you have no witnesses to back you up the cops will have to make a quick determination as to whom is at fault. If you don’t submit to their authority, they will ruff you up almost as bad as the mugger you were trying to defend yourself from.

I want to say this to all law enforcement agencies; “If you are afraid for your life, then find another job”. The psychological mind set they have to endure in their positions, is that after a while, everyone becomes suspect. Everyone then is treated as such even the righteous defender of life and limb. I have so much more I want to expound upon, but Suffice it to say, we the average citizen are at a distinct disadvantage, and the criminals know this, for all the reasons you mentioned in your article.

The “Armed American Report” Issue 185 had some most excellent advice and information on self-defense. Hopefully it won’t have to be exercised, but essential to know.

-Skip, USN Ret. - Florida

I personally like the generic term ‘weapon” when discussing firearms to a group. I appreciate precise language. The term weapon covers revolver, pistol, handgun, etc. which tools all might be present in the group. Def: WEAPON, n. “a devise designed to inflict injury or death upon an opponent; something used to gain an advantage in a situation.” Don’t get squeamish about why we have that 38 oz. hunk of steel or plastic on our hip.

-Bob

Tim: Not so much a letter, but a thought you can feel free to elaborate on. Becoming a CCDW holder here in Kentucky has made me a better person. I find I don’t do a lot of things I used to do in order to not jeopardize my permit. Before, I could always drive after a few beers without a problem, but I don’t any more. Why take the chance. I stick a lot closer to the speed limit than I used to.

Why put a LEO through the tension of stopping a person he knows is armed. I control my anger a lot better when some idiot cuts me off and haven’t given an obscene gesture in a long time. Why do something that could potentially cause a situation where I might have to defend myself with deadly force. That won’t look good on the police report. I’m sure other permit holders can think of ways that getting their permit has changed how they act in public. It’s made me a better person

-Allan SGM USA (Ret)

. 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!

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

The Last Bastion of Home Defense

The bedrooms at my house are at the end of a hallway. I had installed, in the end wall, a battery backup floodlight that comes on if the power goes off. I can also flip the light on via wall switch that is next to the home alarm control box, if need be.

When it comes on at night there is a 100 watt spot light that illuminates the hallway.

Should a BG decide to break into the house while we are sleeping, I will use the wall switch to flood the hallway (and the BG) with light.

What the BG does not see is a handgun and/or shotgun aimed at him with the sights perfectly visible and the BG perfectly blinded.

No need for flashlights on the home defense guns.

Any comments?

******

Secure Front Door

What have you done to make your front door, or any door for that matter, more secure from a break-in or home invasion?

******

A 5.56 or 7.62. Which is better?

My question is which is better to have a 5.56 or 7.62 what ar the pros and cons of the two. Which has more choices of ammo to choose from. Which one has better barrier penetration, which one would you choose for self defense.

******

Best scope for my Mini-14?

I have the NRA model, and I want a really nice scope that will really reach out there. A lot of people seem to like the Bushnell 9×40,say its accurate and sturdy, and holds a zero well. I want a good Varmint scope, that is sturdy, but will give a good sight picture up to, and beyond 200yds. Even in low light conditions. Too many options, any suggestions of tried and proven models? Thanks for any advice. Oh ya, for shooting anything from prairie dog 2 coyotes and hogs.

Video of the Week

Look at this surveillance footage of a shooting on a public street. See how quick it happens. Watch the movements of the people involved, and pay particular attention to the people coming into view at the end of the short video. They walk into frame and just stand there! The old “Duck & Cover” from the 50’s still applies, but to more than just nukes. See the vehicles coming on scene that have no idea what is going on? What about the slow exiting of the pickup? I would have been flying out of there! Watch. Think. Learn.

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

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 23, 2010

Shelburn, Indiana

From: WAVE3

Neighbor Shot Intruder During Home Invasion

Police say an attacker who had tied up two women inside a rural western Indiana home was stopped when a neighbor shot him in the leg.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department says a man broke into the home near the town of Shelburn Sunday morning, tying up a woman and her mother and sexually assaulting the younger woman.
Sgt. William Snead says the older woman was able to send a text message to a neighbor asking for help. The neighbor’s boyfriend, Sonny Osborn, heard the confrontation and went inside with a gun.

Police say Osborn told the attacker to leave before shooting him in the leg three times. The man was treated at a hospital and was being held in the Sullivan County Jail.

USCCA Q&A

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

“I am left handed and carry a ‘double-action-only’ handgun. The safety is on the left side, and can’t be changed. Is it safe to leave the safety off when carrying? The gun is a Taurus PT 140 Rockwall.”

Russell McConnell:

I was accident prone as a young man. I beat it by being super aware of the possibilities while working or playing. As you practice with your Taurus, think it through. Can you live with the consequences of a loaded pistol off safe? My four year old son came close to blowing his head off with his grandfather’s revolver. For the past fifty years I have been safe but not sorry.

Eli Whitney:

In a real crisis with Bubba coming at you, ANYTHING that keeps you from responding as quickly as possible with your weapon could lead to disaster. Keep the safety off and learn to live with it. I carry a Glock which has no safety, so I have learned to always be extremely careful when handling my weapon under normal circumstances.

Anonymous:

MY GOD MAN… for your’s and everyone else’s safety, TRADE GUNS for a left handed safety, it’s a NO BRAINER!!!! Please let me know where you live so I may keep my friends and family safe…

Anonymous:

If it is double action only the safety should not be on, it is like having a double action revolver.Have you seen a modern double action revolver with a safety?

Bruce Luedeman from www.safeshoot.com:

My answer to you may be controversial for some. If the safety on your hand gun is in an inconvenient place for you then carry with the safety off. The only real safety, and the best safety on a fire arm, is keeping the finger off the trigger. Your gun will not fire unless a finger pulls the trigger back. When you do your dry fire drills concentrate on proper trigger finger placement i.e. keeping your finger on the hand gun frame above the trigger until you know what your target is and there is a safe back ground. Every time you touch your hand gun concentrate on keeping your trigger finger in the proper position; write sticky notes to your trigger finger and put them on the mirror; when you say your prayers at night the last line should be, “and Lord help me to remember where to keep my trigger finger”. The point is “you will react as you train and by the habits you ingrain”.

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

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.

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!

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Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

I want to begin by thanking everyone for participating in the “letter to the editor” section, and the “ask & answer” section.

I’m a firm believer that the communities we live in are ONLY as safe as the armed citizens within them- and this armed community of readers is only as useful as those who participate.

Well, by the overwhelming response of excellent answers to people’s questions each week, I can tell that the Armed American Report is absolutely doing a lot of good, and helping a lot of people. If you haven’t been following this section, it’s at the very end of the of the Report.

Each week I take a question from the growing database, and open it up for people to answer using a separate database. So the question for this week will be answered next week- and you can see a ton of answers this week from last week’s question.

Do you have a question about concealed carry? If so, use the form at the bottom of the page this week, and just shoot it off to me in an email. You don’t have to leave your name if you don’t want to, and sure- I probably won’t get to it for a few weeks, but if your question could help a lot of people, I’ll definitely post it in due time.

I mean it- go down there and post your question, then come back up to keep on reading; The first half of the Armed American Report isn’t going anywhere

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…

Senior and Handicapped Attack Mode

“…My purpose is to point out how trying to defend life within the parameters of good society may result in catastrophic failure of the endeavor. That is . . .YOU DIE!….”

by Cody S. Alderson

The Advantage of a Criminal and the Disadvantages of Being the Defender

When it comes to protecting yourself, the defender has to consider the law in addition to the act of defending. The criminal who is doing the attacking is under no such compunction. What does a sociopath care about breaking any laws? The defender has to have the additional burden of not breaking the law during their act of defense so that surviving the aftermath, if they happen to be the victor, is bearable. This puts a defender at a disadvantage from the beginning.

A defender is further disadvantaged by not having the mindset of a sociopath. We don’t want to hurt anyone. I remember being physically attacked and having a thought in the back of my mind, wondering why is a fellow human being trying to do this to me. I wouldn’t be trying to hurt them, so why would they want to hurt me? That kind of stuff has to do with warrior psychology, but it is very important for purposes of this article geared toward seniors and the handicapped as well.

As I go on with this, I want it clear that I am not advocating anyone to break any laws for any reason. My purpose is to point out how trying to defend life within the parameters of good society may result in catastrophic failure of the endeavor. That is . . .YOU DIE! Also to show that under the law we should vehemently defend our own lives when threatened with death or grave bodily harm.

In a war zone the opposing forces don’t shake hands and then take up positions waiting for the bell to sound the first round. Engagement of enemy forces is quick, brutal, and bloody. Modern weapons rend flesh, crush bone, and spill blood. Soldiers wet their pants and soil their shorts on both sides. Friends die in the blink of an eye. Your buddy can be dead in an instant with his unfinished MRE right next to him, and with that photo he was showing you of his wife and children still in his hands. Worse yet, you could be the dead buddy!

Our forces are hampered more now in their theaters of operation than ever before. Urban warfare with an enemy who doesn’t wear a uniform is the norm today. In wars past the enemy wore a uniform, and most everyone in the area of the fight was considered a hostile. The same problems facing our Armed Forces today are similar to what a civilian defensive operator will face in an attack scenario where life and limb are in danger.

Criminals don’t wear a uniform clearly establishing themselves as the enemy. That dude with his hat on sideways and his pants slung low walking toward you could be the kindest young man you’d ever care to meet while the guy in the expensive clothes could be a serial killer. We take mental cues based on where we are, what time it is, and basic behaviors, but it is not cut-and-dried as to who is a criminal and who is an innocent bystander until that moment of attack.

Being attacked in public with innocent bystanders within feet, maybe even inches, of what is happening is no concern for the criminal doing the attacking, but needs to be of great concern for the defender. Then there is the concern of a uniformed peacekeeper (law enforcement) being present and not knowing who is attacking whom, and a defender being killed by so-called friendly fire. The criminal will just attack you, law enforcement, civilians, and whoever else gets in the way.

Okay, so being attacked puts the defender at a disadvantage for several reasons, with number one being that the defender is the one being attacked and not initiating the attack. Clearly the first aggressor always has the advantage. But that’s how it goes in the real world. People die every single day because of a relatively few sociopath’s who choose not to conform to the rules of our polite society. Now add in the facts of being a senior citizen, handicapped, or possibly both, and then it is even worse for the defender.

Criminals Look For Easy Prey

Some parts of the rest of this article assume that the defender is under an immediate attack where the defender is one-hundred percent convinced that there is the certain threat of death or grave bodily harm that the attacker intends to commit to him or her. I am under Pennsylvania law of self-defense. The laws in your socio-political region may indeed vary.

How can I keep all of this stuff in my head when I can’t even remember at times if I took my prescription medication today? Is that close to what you, the reader, are wondering? Okay so I’m breaking all of the conventional rules of writing and speaking directly from me to you in this paragraph. Don’t have a brain fart, I’m just trying to get your brain ready to absorb a few things. Bear with me because we are going to have a conversation!

So what is it? Are you old, fat, bad knees, bad back, lousy lungs, toting an oxygen tank or have a rescue inhaler in your pocket? Maybe it is brittle bones, a missing limb, an arm or leg that just won’t move right? Can’t run up or down a flight of stairs? Can’t run at all period? Maybe you can’t see an elephant in the room without your glasses on? So do you just give up and die when a thug wants to cut your throat? Let me give you an unequivocal NO as an answer.

I asked some questions of a young man in his early twenties who is my friend and in a very fit condition physically. At work he vaults over a four-foot railing like he is stepping over a crack in the sidewalk. He’s fast and strong. I could have a five minute head start and he could probably run me down without getting out of breath. In conversation we got brutally honest about attack and defense. I put him in the position of being the attacker and me the defender.

I asked him what he would do to try and disable me so that he could completely defeat me in an attack. He thought about it for a moment and said that he would push me over. Instinct let him know that having me on the ground would be an advantage to him, but a disadvantage to me. He knows that I’m not going to be able to just jump right up like the action hero does in the movies. He knows that if I’m on the ground that he can work me over to his satisfaction. That would be his primary goal to accomplish if he was robbing me, and just wanted the money. That would be what he would try to accomplish if he wanted me disabled but not dead yet.

Unbeknownst to him, I have considered this handicap and have made preparations for some defenses. Though I may not be able to jump right up in a split second, I am more than capable of rolling and twisting, and turning while on the ground. I can get the gun out while on the ground just as fast as when I am standing. The Crimson Trace LaserGrip on my primary gun is my backup to getting a good sight picture in such situations. Plus I have an impact weapon, a blade, and some pepper spray that can be deployed as fast as the primary gun can be. Oh, and I’m not going to give all of my little secrets away just in case.

The Mind of the Defender Makes All the Difference

Does the above mean that I would absolutely be the winner if my friend ever tried to kill me? Absolutely not. Though we run through all kinds of scenarios in our heads to help us with the “what-ifs”, a real fight is a dynamic that WILL NOT conform to the way we played it out in our heads. However, it is vitally important to imagine scenarios. The mechanics of thought actually prepare the body for something to happen. It has been proven that athletes who imagine succeeding actually perform better.

Our imaginations, if we are intelligent enough to really apply the simple laws of physics like gravity for instance, will make scenario imaginings more productive. Instead of thinking of yourself as Jackie Chan, or Bruce Willis’ Die Hard character, think of being the real you. Are you terrified of being in a life and death situation? Imagine how that would play out in a real encounter. Do you only have one working arm? Imagine how you would get your gun out if you are on the ground with someone on top of you. Thinking through things may get you to make a real world change of something, such as the holster and where you carry the gun.

Now don’t be obsessive about such thoughts. Make it part of your training. Do it when there is some down time. It’s not a cure-all-fix-all. It’s just a segment of becoming a bit better at the defense of self. We are not engaged in life and death situations daily. A whole life can pass without the need to ever resort to violence to defend the self. But if there is that one time that violent action is needed to defend, you certainly want to be able to hold your own! This is another advantage of criminals—they usually have much more experience with life and death violence than the defender.

Watch Their Hands

WATCH THEIR HANDS! Hands kill. In the reality cop shows the loudest yell from the officers is, “Lemme see your hands!” Hands can stab with a knife, pull the trigger of a gun, swing a club, punch, choke, and anything else to cause death or grave bodily harm. A trained fighter will be able to take in visual cues of attack intent from the eyes, body movement, and other behaviors from their attacker. A fighter knows that feet can kill too so they will be watching for cues that a kick is coming. I would recommend starting your awareness training by watching hands.

As an exercise that doesn’t require any new equipment purchase, unless you need new glasses, just start paying attention to peoples hands. Try to watch out of your peripheral vision. Focusing like a laser beam on hands isn’t the intent, but you certainly want to know where those hands are moving to and what is in them. Try watching people interact. At a convenience store cash register when a person is paying for their items, take a look at what the cashier’s eyes are looking at while the person paying is reaching for their money. A cashier that has been robbed recently will be watching those hands. Someone who is lackadaisical about self-defense will be looking like they aren’t really even there.

Watching hands will automatically get you looking at what most refer to as body language. Listen to victims of violent crime talk about their encounters. Almost always you will hear a victim say, “I had a feeling . . .” Those “feelings” are honed over a lifetime of experience of our minds recording what happened just prior to a bad experience. Many people today have zero experience with any animals so they have no points of reference for predator type behavior. They’ve never seen the family cat go after something in the yard. They have lived sheltered lives of videogames and operating under freedom to move in their environment without any fear of predatory attack. Well . . . Until it comes to them eventually. Then there is the sudden realization, if they survive, that no one is “free” to move about in any environment without at least a little concern of becoming prey to a predator.

Criminals Take Advantage of the Naive

When the late movie lets out on a Friday night, it’s not a good idea to go to the 24-hour diner where the drunks hang out. It’s not a good idea to take an evening stroll through the rundown neighborhood of crack houses just to see how other folks live. That’s obvious. But it’s also not a good idea for twenty-two year-old Monica to be wearing a short skirt with that blouse that showcases the effect her push-up bra has on her cleavage while out at the nightclub. Monica is certain that everything will be okay because it always has been. And it is not a good idea for grandma to be carrying her Gucci purse and wearing her big diamonds out at that new restaurant tonight to celebrate fifty years of wedded bliss.

Some things are just not a good idea but people do them anyway. We make ourselves targets for predators. Criminals want something, and they want to get it with the least amount of risk to themselves. That is natural predatory behavior. If you are advertising M O N E Y or S E X, then it pushes you up on the list of likely targets. Does that make it your fault? Absolutely not! The fault is the cause of an attack, and that rests solely with the sociopath who initiates an attack. Your goal is to lower the probability of an attack being initiated on your person.

I can hear it now, “I’m not changing my lifestyle just because there is crime in this world.” Fine. I’m not talking to those folks. I’m talking to those who recognize that this world can be an extremely violent place, and those who want to minimize their chances of ever having to face such violence. I’m not telling anyone to become anthropophobic (fear of people), but all of us can make a few small changes that will push us lower on the list of becoming potential targets of criminals.

So all that stuff is all well and good, but what should we do when violence happens to us? What can you do when there is no recourse other than to be violent in order to defend yourself from death or grave bodily harm? If you are a senior or handicapped (or both), the brutality of your defense will be a factor in whether or not you survive. Once again this assumes that your attacker is intent upon killing or maiming you. If there are avenues that will assure no violence occurs simply by handing over the Gucci purse, then avoid the violence.

Patterns of Violent Crime

Most of the crimes we read about or see on the evening news involving seniors or disabled have young strong criminals initiating the attack. It’s not too often, but it does occur, that grandma is out busting heads. Surveillance footage usually shows one or two thugs initiating a brutal physical attack on an older person with an obvious disparity of physical capabilities. And unfortunately the old folks never saw it coming, or they ignored the “feeling” they had just prior to the attack.

Watching video footage for the first time and not knowing exactly what will occur, I have been growing in the ability to know what is going to happen next. I’m rarely surprised now. The criminals repeat the same patterns over and over. They pick a target, act like they aren’t up to anything bad so they can get close enough to attack, then they attack. It’s all over in a few seconds. I can’t recall how many times I have seen video footage of a crime, and thought to myself how I would have just went the other way right there. I can pick the video frame where the point-of-no-return is.

I’m no super duper crime detector. I’ve been attacked a couple of times, and have been thrust into a couple of situations where I still get shivers thinking about how I even survived after all I did wrong. But I took an interest in learning if there is some secret to self-defense that I could share with the world to make all of polite society safe. I found out that there really is a secret, and it is contained within the act itself. S E L F – Defense. I can’t do it all for you because it is up to your SELF to learn as much as you want in order to become more proficient in the defense of your SELF. Get it? Good.

For the time when there is no other choice, those who are disabled to one degree or another need to meet the force against them with a great enough force to either stop the attacker from physically being able to continue or make the continuation of the attack not worth the perceived gain. Though there are all kinds of laws about brandishing a weapon, it is a simple fact that there have been huge amounts of criminals stopped in their tracks just because the victim showed them they had a gun. I’m not going to delve into the wisdom of when, where, and if it should be done in this article, but guns stop crime many times simply because the criminal becomes aware that their potential victim has one.

Force Multiplication

A little .38 snub nose is a force multiplier. Ninety-eight pound grandma can’t throw a punch hard enough to take out her nineteen year-old assailant, but the 110 grain jacketed hollow point traveling at 980 feet per second with an energy of 235 foot pounds from that little .38 Special can do her punching for her. The little .38 Special has ended the careers of many a sociopath over the years and is still protecting grandmas everywhere.

My first combat shooting instructor told me to “shoot to kill because you’ll probably end up just wounding them anyway.” Of course he meant when the lawful moment to use a gun has occurred. He said that when the perpetual question asked by at least one student of every class asks, “Should I just try to shoot them in the leg?” This one was in the eighties so we were learning to double-tap (two rounds fired in quick succession) the center mass of the target.

It needs to be understood by defenders that guns can kill. Oh we hear it all of the time from antigunners when they shout their mantra, “Guns Kill. Guns Kill.” But we may not think about it much depending on where we are in the learning curve of the defensive use of firearms. There is NO shooting to wound. Shooting someone in the leg like they do in the movies can kill as fast as some heart shots. Hitting the femoral artery in a leg would only be a “flesh wound” for the movie hero, but it would be a quick bleeding death for the real world victim.

Knowing what we just went over it is important to understand the brutality of defending yourself from death or grave bodily harm. Though there are instances every day where simply showing a gun stops the crime from being carried out, it is not the norm. The dynamics of violent crime are usually quick and violent to the extreme.

When it comes time to use your gun you need to have it out and putting bullets on target in less than two seconds. Can you draw from your concealment position that fast? The primary gun needs to be in a holster on the body in a position that one can successfully learn to draw and fire from as fast as his body will allow. Don’t further handicap a handicap by carrying your primary gun in a manner that takes too long to deploy it.

Here is the final word on manner of dress. If you decide to carry a gun, your wardrobe needs to adapt to the carrying of the gun, not the gun adapting to your wardrobe. Of course we compromise all of the time, but at what cost? What good is it to carry a pocket gun as a primary weapon just so you can wear shorts and a tee shirt if you can’t successfully deploy that weapon quickly from your pocket? Better than nothing? Of course. Optimal? No. You decide. I’m just letting you know the facts.

If you can’t run. If you can’t “step off the X” as they instruct in classes. If you can’t use the Secret Squirrel Ninja Death Move. Simply if you can’t do all those fancy self-defense things (and truth be told even if you can) the gun will be your lifesaving tool. If a criminal is in the act of trying to maim you or end your life, you need to put bullets into him (where legal of course) fast. Not only fast, but several of them. And not only several of them, but ones of a sufficient mass and velocity to STOP his attack.

Though my instructor in the eighties said to “shoot to kill” the truth is that we are not soldiers, we are not assassins, we are shooting to save our lives, and that means shooting to STOP the attack. That’s it. No more, no less. But in the real world it takes one of a few things to happen in order to stop a determined attacker. The attack is either stopped because the attacker fears getting shot or is in fear because they have been shot. It can be stopped by pain the attacker might be experiencing (unlikely due to adrenaline rush). And the attack can be stopped because the attacker has been physically disabled from continuing due to damage from the bullets. That is unconsciousness or death.

Now that we have some preliminary stuff out of the way I can delve further into specifics in my next article. What to carry, where to carry, comfort versus real comfort, improvising, avoidance, how to initiate brutal self-defense, and weapons other than firearms. Sorry that a lifetime of experience can’t be said on a thousand words or less, but I do hope that you walk away with some things to think about.

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

CA Police Officer Suggests Shooting Open Carry Advocates

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association
If you haven’t heard about this story, get ready to be both angry and afraid.

Because if the reports from MercuryNews.com are correct, a California police officer recently posted comments on Facebook to advocate shooting citizens who open carry.

You read that correctly. A duly-sworn law enforcement officer has actually suggested that citizens who carry openly should be shot on sight.

Here is part of the story from Mercury News:

Detective Rod Tuason apparently made the remarks in response to a friend’s status update, which joked that gun advocates who carry unloaded weapons in plain view as a political statement should start doing so in places such as Oakland, Richmond and East Palo Alto “and not limit themselves to hoity toity cities.”

“Haha, we had one guy last week try to do it!” Tuason replied, referring to a Redwood City man who strolled into the Mi Pueblo Food Center in East Palo Alto on Jan. 27 with a gun on his hip. “He got proned out and reminded where he was at and that turds will jack him for his gun in a heartbeat!”

After several more comments in the thread, Tuason apparently joked that officers should shoot the advocates, who have made recent headlines throughout the Bay Area for sipping coffee at cafes and performing other everyday acts with visible weapons.

“Sounds like you had someone practicing their 2nd amendment rights last night!” Tuason wrote. “Should’ve pulled the AR out and prone them all out! And if one of them makes a furtive movement … 2 weeks off!!!”

These comments are dangerous and inexcusable. And we strongly urge you to voice your opinion to this officer’s superiors to demand his immediate dismissal from the force.

Click here for details and contact information.

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

***THIS JUST IN!***

Coming THIS SUNDAY to AAR listeners in northern California. KMPH 840 AM THE PATRIOT, Modesto CA covering a HUGE chunk of the San Francisco area, Oakland, Stockton, Merced, San Jose, Sacramento, Fairfield, Concord and ALL POINTS IN BETWEEN.  YOU are on the ARMED AMERICAN RADIO NETWORK beginning THIS Sunday, 2-21-2010!  PLUS, we’ll be focusing on the East Palo Alto Ca detective who made the incendiary Open Carry comments on a Facebook page last week!  WELCOME TO AAR!

FOR COVERAGE MAP PLEASE VIEW THIS LINK!

http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=KMPH&service=AM&status=L&hours=N#nite

Programming now resuming as normal…

Before we get started with this week’s AAR adventure, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk a bit about last weekends show.  My in -studio guest “David” was a victim of an attempted armed robbery and because he himself was armed, the robber didn’t get very far.  His story was followed up with analysis by Massad Ayoob and attorney John Monroe.  The show was incredibly compelling and if you have already made the decision to carry a gun or are even thinking about it, please visit last weeks program at www.armedamericanradio.org, it truly is “must listen” to radio.

California is heating up and I mean like a wildfire.  Seems a detective in East Palo Alto made some pretty incendiary comments on a Facebook page about law-abding residents who choose to lawfully open carry and his descriptive’s of what would happen to them by police was nothing short of….well, YOU decide.  I’ll be talking to Mr. John Taylor, who immediately started his own Facebook page calling for the detective to be fired.  Also, joining me will be representatives of OpenCarry.org.  These guys make no bones about where they fall in the open carry debate and they’ll weigh in on the E. Palo Alto situation.

Also, I’ll be continuing the Grassroots discussions with guests from Nevada Gun Owners and Ohioans for Concealed Carry.  Folks, it’s the local grassroots groups in your neck of the woods that are responsible for so many of the freedoms you have.  I’ve talked to groups from Iowa, Oregon, Ohio, Virginia, Georgia, and now Nevada and we’ll get to every state that airs AAR in the near future.!  During the Roundtable in hour 3 I’ll be joined by Morgan Boatman, George Hill-The Mad Ogre, and Ms. Kathy Jackson!

Speaking of states that air Armed American Radio, I’ll be welcoming a new one this Sunday, California joins the ever growing list!  Modesto will be listening this weekend for the first time LIVE so welcome!

Please visit me at www.armedamericanradio.org for all of the latest info on one of America’s fastest growing radio shows!  You can also pick up a signed copy of my book,Lessons from Armed America  co-written with Kathy Jackson and foreword by Massad Ayoob by clicking on “Lessons from Armed America” over in the links section.  Tom Gresham has it listed as one of the TOP 5 all time MUST READ books for personal defense!

Don’t forget to join Armed American Radio on Facebook, too!  Look us up and become a fan!

Thanks for listening and I’ll see YOU on the radio!

Mark

-
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

“One bleeding-heart type asked me in a recent interview if I did not agree that ‘violence begets violence.’ I told him that it is my earnest endeavor to see that it does. I would like very much to ensure — and in some cases I have — that any man who offers violence to his fellow citizen begets a whole lot more in return than he can enjoy.”

—Jeff Cooper

Letter to the Editor

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

Tim, I drive a 84 Chevy pickup and also have a 65 Ford Falcon as a family car. Now I know a lot of the newer vehicle don’t allow you to use a ankle holster on the steering colum but I found this as a great place to attach one. It is always available if I need it in a safe place and unless you are really looking for it why you won’t spot it is there. I just use the velcro strap to attach it to the column. I have used this method for several years now and have never had the unit come loose and fall to the floor, My pickup has a tilt steering wheel and the holster still allows it to work. Just another way of having your weapon available so thought I would share it with you and the rest of the members if you feel it is worth passing on.

George

Sorry to disagree with you Tim, regarding your statement that the job of the police is not to predict where the next armed robbery will occur. Sadly, that statement just reinforces the reactive nature of police work as the public sees it. Only the larger departments have “Intelligence Units” that believe it or not can be proactive by developing strategic (long range) intelligence through the analysis of previous committed crimes, the use of informants, and other techniques such as “profiling” when allowed to do.

Tactical deployment of police can then prevent or interrupt the criminal activity before or as it happens. Being allowed to do so, isn’t politically correct. So as I said, sadly, most police action is reactive and after the fact. In some cases serious bodily injury, loss of valuable property or fatality to the victim occurs. Then only through extensive investigation is it possible, some of the time, to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the crime.

Prediction of certain crimes by certain persons, groups or gangs is possible, certainly not with 100 % accuracy, but the citizenry and the politicians have to allow such proactive conduct by the police for that to occur. I doubt I’ll see such a change in my lifetime, and so I chose to be as best prepared as I can, to protect myself, family and my property. Best Regards,

Russ, NC

Dear Tim, I know that people cannot believe that the National Guard would deny people of their rights. In NC when martial law is declared the average person loses some of their rights. I have not checked out other states but, I would guess that the rights would also be taken during times like Katrina, in other states. If you are on your property they cannot take the weapons, I know that if you leave they can. “5. Areas of Emergency and Riot It is also a misdemeanor under North Carolina law for a person to transport or possess, off his or her own premises, a dangerous weapon in an area during a declared state of emergency, or in the vicinity of a riot. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-288.7 A concealed handgun permit does not allow a permittee to carry a weapon in these areas. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.11(c)”

http://www.jus.state.nc.us/NCJA/ncfirearmslaws.pdf

Thanks for all of the great stuff. Sincerely,

Gordon S. Dempsey II

. 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!

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

Self Defense Shooting First Hand Report.

Here is a personal account posted on another forum

The actual incident took place in Jefferson City, MO on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 around 10:22 pm.

It’s a long read, but there are a lot of things to take away from this man’s encounter.

Two Dumb Question From A Newbie

Please forgive my ignorance, but ask questions and a person can learn no matter how dumb the question seems. So here goes:

I just received my new Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. I have never reloaded before, so I have been doing a lot of reading on the subject. This system will remove the old primer and insert the new Primer without removing the casing. The information I have read says I need to clean the Primer Pocket before I put in a new Primer. This now defeats the Auto Loader as it adds an extra step. I will have to remove that Casing to clean it. Does anyone have any input on this subject?

I have another dumb question.

Steel Targets.
I own a Machine Shop and Cutting Tool Manufacturing business and can make my own steel targets at a fraction of the cost other suppliers want. Has anyone made these and gotten bad results such a ricochet or bad splattering. Any recommendations on this subject?

Defensive (Combat) Accuracy

Surprisingly, I don’t see too much discussion on this subject even though I imagine that the majority of us here have a gun partly or mainly for defensive purposes.

So, I tried to fill the gap a bit with an article I wrote on the subject.

(USCCA members can find the link to the article by clicking the link above)

I know it would probably be better if it was just pasted in right here, but it contains a number of graphics that wouldn’t work out too well here.

Hope it helps…

Video of the Week

Check out the video at the following link. These troubled times are an opportunity to make things better. The Great Depression didn’t destroy us, it made us stronger. Get inspired and do something toward making positive change.

http://www.bornagainamerican.org/index.html

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 28, 2010

Cincinnati, Ohio

From: WKRC Channel 12

Emergency rooms around the Tri-State are on alert, waiting for a suspect police believe was shot by a 77 year old Avondale man in self-defense.

“I shot because he was going to shoot me. I could have shot him two or three times.”

Clyde Tucker says two men broke down his door at the Hale Apartments on Tuesday. Tucker says lately, residents of his building have been victims of the same kind of crime-thugs who break down doors and rob them. So Tucker says, he was ready. “The guy was knocking on my door and I didn’t respond so I got my pistol out.”

Tucker fired, and the men ran out of the building. A witness, Eric Hamilton, saw the men run out and says it was clear one of the suspects had been hit by a bullet. He was holding his torso. Police found a trail of blood coming out of the apartment building. “I could have shot him if I wanted to kill the guy or something but I don’t want to do nothing like that. They’ll get their lesson though.”

Police say the suspect will likely show up for treatment of his wound and when he does, they’ll be ready to arrest him.

USCCA Q&A

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

“As a new CCW I found myself in a situation which turned out to be mild. But my emotions turned on the adrenaline. I found this dangerous under the situation. I am 49 years old, and I served 8 years in the army with no combat experience. What are the community’s recommendations on mental and physical training in order to help control the effects of adrenaline? “

Anonymous:

I am a fan of IDPA and other competitions. They introduce some amount of stress and adrenaline and help you meet other people to learn from and shoot with.

Anonymous:

Any kind of competition will develop a level of excitement and adrenaline which exceeds what you will experience with solo practice. Try ISPC or IPDA. Both have “realistic” scenarios (moving targets, hostage situations, etc.) which impart a degree of realism to a practice situation. Shooting against the clock helps, as well as the sound of firing from other competitors.

Daniel T. Higgins:

The issue you describe is more complex than a simple adrenaline dump; it is in fact the activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System or SNS and is the result of Survival Stress. Survival stress is a condition that results from the perception of substantial imbalance between environmental demand and response capability, under conditions where the demand has important consequences. A deadly force threat perception, within close proximity where the time to control the threat is minimal and we are not confident in our abilities or have never experienced this type of threat will often stimulate survival stress reactions.

The best way to verify activation of the SNS is by noting your heart rate. The activation of SNS will dump an enormous amount of stress hormones, including adrenaline, into the body and drive the hear rate from its normal range of 60-80 BPM to over 200 BPM within seconds. This will cause the negative effect on motor skills and performance you noted in the incident you experienced. In addition to a rapid heart rate you quickly loose your ability to use fine motor skill and complex motor skills.

At a heart rate above 175 gross motor skills are the only physical actions that can be performed well so you will want to train to push/pull strength events for less than lethal responses and simple motor skills such as the point shoot binocular vision driven shooting stance for armed response.

Among the best techniques for controlling the effects of survival stress are; technique confidence, (which actually lowers heart rate and creates a positive mindset which leads to performance enhancement). Neural programming including static, fluid and dynamic drills as well as visualization will be very helpful. The development of personal values and a solid faith system will be very helpful in a crisis. When the bad men are pointing a canon at you, (they always look like canons when they are pointed at you), is not the time to ponder your eternal destiny.

And always remember that “Practice makes perfect” is only true when you practice perfectly. Always start with the basics and move at your rate to higher levels of proficiency. Tim has several very helpful training tools that you can use in a variety of environments. I particularly like, “How To Improve Your Shooting Accuracy in One Evening” USCCA October 2009. And, as much as humanly possible embrace reality based training scenarios because you will ALWAYS do in the field what you do in training. Good luck and God’s speed.

Bruce Luedeman of www.safeshoot.com:

Here are two ideas for overcoming the effects of the adrenaline rush. The first is Force on Force training using air soft type pistols. A good instructor will have you act through various scenarios using both physical and decision making skills. Secondly visualize your defensive reaction in the various environments you will find your self in during a average day (your drive way, grocery store parking lot, bank ATM ect). Replay those scenarios each time you visit those environments until your defensive response becomes ingrained in your subconscious. When something awful happens you will react as you have trained and from what has imbedded your subconscious. People who have reacted properly in emergency situations have said afterward, “I felt as if I was standing there watching someone else,” or “I reacted like I was on autopilot”. If you have not taken a CCW class, take it from an instructor who has significant law enforcement experience. You will get the depth and scenarios you need to assist in forming appropriate defensive responses and visualizations.

Anonymous Combat Veteran:

“Combat Breathing” will help: Breath through your nose; count of 4; Hold breath; count of 4; Exhale; count of 4; Hold breath; count of 4; Restart cycle! Breath deeply filling & emptying your lungs completely with each cycle, breathing in this manner will lower your blood pressure, arousal, stress level & minimize the overwhelming side effects of adrenaline dump. Hardest part is practicing this breathing to memory so you can implement it when you need it!You might want to take a course in Tai Chi, it does help teach you how to breath and stay calm,keeping as calm as you can during stress is key. Good Luck.
This week’s question. Have an answer? Use the “Ask Tim” form below to give an answer- I’ll share them here next week!

I am left handed and carry a ‘double-action-only’ handgun. The safety is on the left side, and can’t be changed. Is it safe to leave the safety off when carrying? The gun is a Taurus PT 140 Rockwall.

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!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

I want to begin this week’s Armed American Report by reminding members of the USCCA of our members-only video tip page, located here:

http://www.usconcealedcarry.com/members/1491.cfm

We’re always adding new member-only content, and our video tip library is just one area in which we’re seeking to add value to your membership, and help you get the most out of your concealed weapon.

Okay, let’s get rolling!

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…

Uncle Sam Needs You!

“…Did they disrupt a planned attack on the base by home-grown extremists, or did they put a group of wannabe’s behind bars….”

by Ed Lovette

For maybe six months or so after the 9-11 attack, Americans stayed extra-vigilant. But in time they returned to business as usual. The recent incident involving Ft. Dix, New Jersey, should serve as a reminder to us all that we cannot yet afford to drop our guard.

From what we know at present, the activities of the group planning the attack to “kill 100 soldiers” were brought to the attention of authorities by an alert employee at a store where a member of the group brought a DVD to be copied. The DVD apparently showed the group conducting tactical exercises and firing weapons. The authorities began an investigation culminating in the arrest of six individuals. Did they disrupt a planned attack on the base by home-grown extremists, or did they put a group of wannabe’s behind bars. Even though several of those arrested were here illegally, it is too soon to tell. But while the facts are sorted out, the important point is that these guys are off the street, thanks to the actions of a single concerned individual, a member of the community just like you and I.

As a concealed carry permit holder, I expect that you are probably more attuned to what is going on around you than most. It soon becomes second nature for you to constantly be on the lookout for potential problems. Most of the homeland security advisories tell us that if we see “suspicious activity” we should report it. So far so good–especially if we add “suspicious interest” as well. But people are sometimes hesitant to call their state tip-line due to concerns regarding racial profiling. Note that “suspicious activity” and “suspicious interest” are behaviors and have nothing to do with a person’s race or sex. You might also be concerned about calling because you are not really sure if what you saw is something of interest and you don’t want to appear foolish. So before picking up the phone, if you want to double-check yourself, consider the following:

1) Think outside-the-box. The activities we are most likely to see are related to pre-attack planning and preparation. Consider your info with that in mind. (Remember the DVD involved in the Ft. Dix case.)

2) Is critical infrastructure involved? These days critical infrastructure can be anything from a major bridge to a middle school.

3) Trust your common sense. If it doesn’t pass the smell test you may possibly be on to something of interest to the authorities.

4) Does it pass the “1+1″ test? Look at the totality of the activity or interest. Is there additional info to justify your suspicions?

Example 1: A man taking pictures with a video camera in a food court in a shopping mall + we know the bad guys like to use video cameras so they can study the target as they do their attack planning + the mall is within sight of the Pentagon + the man leaves as soon as he sees a security officer.

Example 2: Three people enter a hospital unannounced posing as hospital inspectors at 3:00 A.M. (inspectors normally show up during daylight hours) + they are very interested in day-to-day hospital operations and services + they leave when security is called. (Boston, LA, Detroit)

Example 3: Several people enroll in a program to earn a commercial drivers license + they successfully complete the course and are never heard from again. (There have been reports in which 18 wheelers might be used to deliver large amounts of explosives in a suicide bomber attack)

Example 4: Two men are staying in a motel room during the winter + despite the cold they insist on keeping a window open + they refuse maid service although they are there for several days. (the Millennium bomber preparing his explosives)

And who do you call? We’re much better at this since 9-11. Many states now have a suspicious activity tip-line for both terrorism as well as criminal activity. The larger police agencies may have a dedicated number for this as well and you can usually find it online.

Homeland security requires 3 elements which must work together in order to be effective–good intelligence; proactive policing; and an alert, informed citizenry. Someday what you see or learn may make a difference. When/if that day comes, don’t forget, “Uncle Sam needs you!”

Mr. Lovette is a retired CIA paramilitary operations officer. He is a former Captain in the U.S. Army’s Special Forces and is also a 10 year law enforcement veteran in which capacity he served as a patrol officer, sheriff’s deputy and as the senior firearms and tactics instructor for the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy. Mr. Lovette currently writes the Survival Savvy column for “Combat Handguns” magazine.

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

Pro-gun Facebook fan page sabotaged by anti-gun Brady Center?

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association
The anti-gun Brady Center is desperate after years of humiliating political losses. They are so desperate that they have resorted to faking research on shootings and attacking Starbucks because it welcomes concealed carry.

And now their childishness may have sunk to an all-new low.

On December 4, 2009, Buckeye Firearms Association launched a Facebook fan page. Within two months, we grew to over 4,400 fans who were hungry for pro-gun news and information.

On February 8, 2010, our Facebook fan page vanished. No warning. No reason given.

What happened? We have only one clue: The day before, our Facebook fan page administrator had the audacity to post a pro-gun message on the Brady Center’s anti-gun fan page. What did that message say?

If you’re tired of the anti-liberty nonsense here, visit Buckeye Firearms Association.

The HORROR! We can only conclude that the Brady Center was so flummoxed, so frightened, so intimidated by this, they ran to Facebook management and, sobbing uncontrollably, lodged a complaint that lead to our page being deactivated.

This is our opposition. This is the mentality of the anti-gun crusaders. Not only are they wrong on the gun rights issue, they are scared silly of any viewpoint other than their own. This reveals who they really are. It shows the sort of world they long for, where there is only “approved” opinion and adherence to central authority.

As we’ve pointed out many times, the fight for gun rights is about more than guns. It’s about liberty, freedom, individualism, and self-reliance. These are ideas that “intimidate” anti-gun advocates. And that’s all the more reason to keep voicing your opinion loud and clear.

Click here to read the full story.

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

As the weeks continue to fly by…Scary, I know…Good things continue to happen, not the least of which is steady growth.  Minneapolis, MN fans can now LISTEN LIVE for THREE hours every Sunday on WWTC 1280 The Patriot starting THIS weekend!  That’s great news for a number of reasons as AAR enters yet another TOP 26 radio market in less than 6 months of national syndication.  But that’s not all.  AAR starts on Feb 21st in Modesto, CA and the first week of March in Kingman, AZ on KAAA am and Bullhead City, AZ on KZZZ am.  There’s more to come but I can’t release the information yet, so hang in there.

The Nugent interview continues to draw big hits so in the event you missed listening to Uncle Ted LIVE on Armed American Radio, please head over to the website at www.armedamericanradio.org to listen to it or download it to your system.  Like every AAR broadcast, it’s also available on Itunes, too.

Lots of really fun things happening as AAR continues to take the country by storm as one of the fastest growing radio broadcasts in America.  Last Sunday I announced on air that I would be joined EVERY 3rd Sunday by Mr. Rob Pincus, of Outdoor Channel’s Best Defense TV.  Rob will be on air with me for the full broadcast as regular co-host every third week as we continue to do our best to educate the listeners.

This week promises to be very intense on AAR.  My in-studio guest will be telling you what happens when your worst nightmare comes true.  You’ll hear what happened to him as he exited a restaurant last January in a major American city.  The criminal was armed.  So was he. You’ll hear, in his own words in an Armed American Radio exclusive, what happened as the crime unfolded and the aftermath.  Joining him in studio will be noted defense attorney, John Monroe.  In addition…listening to the LIVE broadcast from a remote location, MASSAD AYOOB will join me in the second hour for a complete expert analysis on air of everything you just heard.

It will be intense and at times disturbing …violent crime usually is and you’ll learn how one man, JUST LIKE YOU, took the necessary action to save his LIFE.  Real life can be dirty business and my guest will be telling his story publicly for the first time since being “cleared” by prosecutors of any wrongdoing.  He isn’t happy about how he was treated for lawfully defending his life and you’ll hear why!

Join me THIS Sunday for Armed American Radio, live and coast to coast from 8-11pm EST, 5-8 PST.  For more information on WHERE TO LISTEN and to stay up to date on the ever changing list of affiliate stations across the country airing AAR and to listen to past shows, please visit www.armedamericanradio.org

You can also buy a SIGNED COPY of my book, co-written with Kathy Jackson by clicking on “Lessons from Armed American Radio” in the links section. Signed quantities are limited.

Follow on Facebook by visiting Armed American Radio and clicking “become a fan”.  You’ll get real time updates each day on guest lineups and anything else related to the show as it breaks in real time.  Don’t forget Twitter at twitter.com/aarmark.

I’ll see YOU on the radio!

Mark

Quote of the Week

“There are hundreds of millions of gun owners in this country, and not one of them will have an accident today. The only misuse of guns comes in environments where there are drugs, alcohol, bad parents, and undisciplined children. Period.”

—Ted Nugent

Letter to the Editor

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

Tim, just wanted to weigh in on my practice and training. Being well into my 50’s I’d like to add some food for thought regarding practice and training for my real world. I suffer from arthritis in my hands and elbows which require me use over the counter pain control products daily. I realized one day while practicing dry fire drills that my range of motion and presentation was affected by my discomfort levels at different times of the day.
Since this realization I now purposely allow a gap in my “meds” to practice and get a real feel for the motions and actions because I feel that when awakened in the middle of the night or in an unexpected situation I might not have the benefits of relatively pain free movements or reactions. I’ve taken this practice to the range as well and have found that practicing like this has allowed me to be better prepared for such situations regardless of how my affliction is effecting me on any given day.
Just thought I’d share this for others who might find themselves with similar physical condition so they too can be better prepared.

Ronnie D.

Another thought on “mouse guns”. My wife and I are both ccw cardholders for self defense purposes only. When she carries, it is never in her purse but always on her person. My wife and I are both sensitive to recoil. Subsequently, I have carried a colt 380 for over 20 years until recently. I have fallen in love with my walther ppk/s in 380 and now have a walther pp in 32 cal for her. Both of these so called “mouse guns” will shoot thru and splinter 2 inch wood using ball or hollow points ammo, and I for one would definitely not want to be on the receiving end of either.

My wife can quickly place three rounds onto a paper plate at 7 yds consistently, therefore, I feel that shot placement like this will outweigh the recoil of a heavy cal pistol that she cannot shoot very well. Thanks for the use of your soap box and keep up the great work you are doing by getting the word out.

G.e.h. In Oregon

I’ve noticed that the word “weapon” is used frequently in your articles, in the forum, and in the weekly Armed American Report. This strikes me as odd since it is often used here to describe the good guy’s concealed carry firearm. In my experience, it is widely taught that the word “weapon” conveys a negative connotation since it is the word used to describe the bad guy’s “tool of choice” in many instances.

This is even taught in the NRA’s instructor certification courses in order to prevent the use of the word in NRA certified training classes. I’d like to get input from the readers on this as I’m curious what other opinions are out there regarding the use of the word “weapon”.

-Anonymous

. 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!

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

Sustainable Small-Footprint Food Production

Those interested in making their own food will find a wealth of information in the two DVD set offered by this lady in Texas.

(The link to this member recommended website  is available by following the link to the thread above)

Several months ago she contacted me for permission to use some of my Self-Reliance info in her production. I gave permission, as I have others in the past who have stumbled across some of my info.

I received a copy of her DVD several weeks ago, where it sat on my desk unopened. Videos from others, I’ve received in the past, were so poorly scripted and produced that I’ve tossed them after only a few minutes of tortured viewing. I finally opened and viewed her video and found it a refreshing departure from all the previous junk I’ve received.

If you’re at all interested in growing or raising your own food, or have friends or relatives who may be interested, in my opinion, this DVD would make a great stocking stuffer.

P.S, I have absolutely no monetary connection to this company. Just think it’s a good resource.

Centurion Multi-Defense Buckshot – Opinion

I have been a proponent of #4 Buck for the defensive 12-gauge ever since my LEO days. I’m sure that others share my preference while other promote 00 Buck for defensive purposes.

I decided to order some Centurion Multi-Defense shotgun and try them out. I wish I had a digital camera to record the results but, unfortunately, mine decided to relinquish itself to the camera-god heaven. So, I’ll have to give you the short story.

The round consists of a plastic-wadded .65 caliber single projectile surrounded by 6 - #1 Buckshot pellets. Made in Italy, the rounds are labeled “Law Enforcement” and the little balls travel at around 1300 fps.

My reasoning behind the trial was that I find the recoil (from an 18″ barrel on my Mossberg 500 and Winchester Defender) a little too much in my old age. I wanted to find something that was in between #4 Buck and 00 Buck. The Centurion looked something that I wanted to look into.

From 15 yards I got a spread of about 2 inches with the big round ball right in the middle. I didn’t try a longer range as I intended for this outing to be a test for defensive purposes within a defensive range. I would assume that the round would do it’s job at 25 yards. At 21 feet, the results were just as impressive. I would not want to be on the receiving end of these loads.

Recoil was as expected - stout. I could not tell any difference between 00 (somewhere around 1325 fps), #4 Buck at about 1225 fps for the 3″ version of the round, and the Centurion load.

Since I have a right collarbone broken in several places and separated from the Sternum, I am greatly concerned about recoil (which is why I now prefer a handgun). After two rounds firing right-handed I switched and fired 3 left-handed. There is Advil in my future.

In my opinion, the Centurion Multi-Defense configuration is better than standard 00 buckshot. The reason is that there is a .65 caliber/394 grain round-ball slug that hits in the middle of the 6 - 1B pellets at about the same time.

If they only made them in 20 gauge.

How Many Rounds Have You Shot This Year?

We all shoot for sport (fun) and for training. If you do not have an exact count, what is your best guess of the number of rounds you have shot in 2009 from your various handguns, for any reason.

For example:
Kel Tec P11 = 4500 rounds of 9mm
SW 9VE = 2000 rounds of 9mm
Kimber 1911 = 300 rounds of .45

Total = 6800 rounds

Want to venture a cost for the ammo?

The totals might be interesting reading!

Video of the Week

Who can resist a tiny revolver that may actually serve a defensive purpose?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyuizl26K6Y

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 8, 2010

Tulsa, Oklahoma

From: Tulsa World

Shooting Victim Charged In Accomplice’s Killing
Police allege that the two men were trying to rob someone when the shooting occurred.

A man who was injured during a gunfight that resulted in Tulsa’s first homicide of the year was arrested Thursday on complaints of first-degree felony murder and armed robbery.

Kendall Roland, 21, was shot in the arm Sunday night when Shawn Huber, 25, was killed by three gunshot wounds to the chest.

Detectives determined that the shooting occurred in a residence at 621 E. 42nd St. North, an arrest report states.

Witnesses told police that Huber and Roland had gone there to commit a robbery.

Huber, who was armed, reportedly struggled with one of the residents over the gun. The resident was able to take control of the weapon and shoot both Huber and Roland, the report says.

Huber was hit three times, and a woman drove him to a nearby convenience store, police said. An ambulance met them there, and medics took Huber to St. John Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Roland ran to his grandmother’s house after the shooting, and someone there called 911 for help. He was treated at St. John Medical Center and released.

Roland was “less than cooperative” with investigators and denied knowing that Huber had been shot, police said.

They initially said it appeared that the two men had been walking down the street near the 3900 block of North Hartford Avenue when someone began shooting at them from a moving vehicle.

When police interviewed Roland on Thursday, he admitted to police that he had lied about how he was shot, a police report states. He also admitted to being in the house on 42nd Street North with Huber when the shooting occurred, reports indicate.

He was arrested after being interviewed by police and was booked into the Tulsa Jail about 1:30 p.m.

The arrest report indicates that Roland is accused of felony murder, which asserts that the death occurred while the defendant was in the commission of a felony, which in this case was robbery.

Roland and Huber were co-defendants in a 2007 drug case. They received suspended sentences in that case after they pleaded guilty to drug and paraphernalia possession, court records show.

Roland also has a conviction for carrying a concealed weapon and faced a domestic assault charge last year, but that case was dropped when a witness didn’t testify.

USCCA Q&A

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

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! “

Anonymous:

Sig and Smith and Wesson both sell actual weight and size models of some of their guns in BB or airsoft format. Smith sells the M&P polymer ones like the real thing. I don’t know which models sig sells, but I have seen them at BIG 5. Glock may also sell these types, but I have only seen them at gun shows.

Anonymous:

I would suggest that you get a model of airsoft gun that resembles (if not a direct replica of) a firearm that you might get later when you can. I have one that resembles a Beretta 92 and I own a Beretta 92FS. This is a great practice for the real gun. The thing that I attribute to the airsoft gun is that it teaches me to not anticipate the recoil and therefore I am able to concentrate on the trigger pull. This has prepared me greatly for the real target practice and also allows me to practice various types of “situational” practice without ever leaving my basement.

Grampy from TN:

There isn’t one… period. Start with a 22 cal semi-auto, average weight and size. Cheap ammo for training. Then when you are comfortable with all aspects of using it, then consider an upgrade to a 9 mm or 40 S&W minimum. The 40 is superb all around.

Anonymous:

To the gentleman who wants to know about an air pistol he can use for practice: I own a few Crossman simulated semi-auto CO2 pistols that have 8-round magazines. I bought refurbished ones for about $17 each, and they work well. I use them to practice in my backyard. I set up a cardboard box with white paper self-drawn silhouette targets taped to them, or Crosman bullseye targets that show where your pellets hit. I use a tree and my fence as a backstop. Crosman also sells a nylon outside the belt nylon holster made for their imitation semi-autos that works well. Both are available at my local Wal-Mart. To find the refurbished ones at about half price, go online to the Crosman web site. I ordered several extra magazines for the pistols from Crosman. I get about 80 shots per CO2 cartridge, which is a pretty good practice session. I can even practice rapid fire. Loading up about 10 magazines makes things work out pretty well. Good luck, I hope you get some good practice.

Anonymous:

Hi, I am an NRA Instructor in both pistol and rifle. During the winter where I live, I’m pretty much home bound so I have found that airsoft works for me. I have several carry arms, a Walther PP, a Taurus PT111 Pro or a Taurus 24/7 Pro in 9mm. I have found airsoft copies of each of these. They are lighter than the real ones but, they do fit the holsters and are much safer to use indoors than a BB gun is. I also have a bolt action airsoft copy of a Remington 700 and an AR-15. Airsoft is a great way to train, you can practice drawing from concealment, trigger control, breathing and sight picture all in the comfort of your home. Go to http://www.pyramydair.com or http://www.airsplat.com You can get spring powered, air powered by either green air or CO2, some even have the action slide blow back for true simulation. Prices to fit everyone’s budget.
This week’s question. Have an answer? Use the “Ask Tim” form below to give an answer- I’ll share them here next week!

As a new CCW I found myself in a situation which turned out to be mild. But my emotions turned on the adrenaline. I found this dangerous under the situation. I am 49 years old, and I served 8 years in the army with no combat experience. What are the community’s recommendations on mental and physical training in order to help control the effects of adrenaline?

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!

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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:

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.

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Hello friends, another solid edition of the USCCA’s Armed American Report for you. Let’s dig in.

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…

Good, Better, Best

“…taking them to the range to shoot at paper targets may hone their entry level skills, but it will do little to save them in a real life scenario…”

by Patrick Benner

(Good)

For decade’s, firearms instructors have been taking their students out to the range and setting up paper targets and helping their students hone their aiming and firing techniques. (THIS IS GOOD)

(BETTER)

Some instructors engage their students in skill-based tactical exercises at professional ranges where the student is placed under pressure such as firing from doorways, hallways and up & down stairways. Students have to make shoot and don’t shoot decisions with split-second timing. (THIS IS BETTER)

(BEST)

Either of the above scenarios would be great for a student that simply wants to learn how to use his or her firearm for target practice or even competitive shoots. However, instructors today are training an ever growing number of individuals who use their firearms for personal defense–and more so for home defense. So taking them to the range to shoot at paper targets may hone their entry level skills, but it will do little to save them in a real life scenario.

Professional ranges and their competitive time training may quicken their actions, but it does not take into account the psychological pressure that you are under in a darkened room, in your bed, tucked snuggly under the blankets and half asleep when someone kicks in your front door, awakens you from a sound sleep and demands all your valuables! What races through your mind? “Where’s my gun? Can I reach it? Is it loaded? Should I or shouldn’t I confront this individual?” Are you even awake enough and alert enough to make a life and death decision? None of this happens at the range, professional or otherwise. But, it is all too critically real.

You’re not going to be challenged on the range, at your desk or in line at the grocery store. It most likely will happen at night. In your car at an intersection or as you complete your transaction at the ATM and turn around with a hand full of cash, or as I said earlier, at home in bed half asleep. I call this “Murphy’s Law at Muzzle Velocity.”

In another article article, I spoke of taking a new student through the proper gun, proper holster, legalities and proper range training aspects. After that, I try to encourage students to move onto reality training techniques. For example: After all of one of my students level one training, she confided in me that now that she is trained, she would “put the gun in the nightstand” where it would be when she needed it. I asked if she preferred lilies of orchids at her funeral. Her bedroom windows were only two feet off the ground and the nightstand six feet from the bed, closer to the entry window than to her hand (get the picture?). She would most likely be assaulted with her own gun. We’re about real life tactics and training. If you’re going to keep your gun in the nightstand, you have to be able to get to it before the attacker gets to you. That’s it! It’s that simple! It has to be loaded and un holstered. Seconds count!

The gun in your glove compartment can’t help you if someone opens your driver-side door and yanks you out by the scruff of your neck. Your gun should be in a shoulder holster or waistband holster. It has to be where you need it, when you need it. Tucking your gun away in the zipper compartment of your purse will not help you when you’re grabbed from behind at the ATM. I practice these drills with students and I show them that I can get from their front door to their bedside before they can even throw off the blankets. I can pull them from their car before they can reach for the glove compartment. And, when my arm is around their neck cutting off their air supply, they’ll need both hands to pull me off of them just to catch their next breath. So a zippered purse is out of the question. All of these sound cruel but we know they are brutally real. I teach my students to think in terms of real life. Because, a wise man once said “It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it”. (THIS IS BEST!)

Patrick Benner owns Armed and Ready, a civilian training/instruction company in Vermont. You can e-mail Patrick at: maj.benner@verizon.net

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

Gun Rights Are About More Than Guns

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association

If you’re reading this newsletter, you firmly believe in gun rights. You’ll fight for gun rights, debate about gun rights, and support the idea of protecting gun rights.

But have you ever thought about what that really means? What are gun rights? What exactly are you trying to protect with all the fighting, debating, and supporting?

Wikipedia says this: “Gun politics is a set of legal issues surrounding the ownership, use, and regulation of firearms as well as safety issues related to firearms both through their direct use and through legal and criminal use.”

Is that what it’s all about? Legal issues? Owning guns? Crime?

I don’t know about you, but that rings hollow. I think gun rights are about a lot more guns. I think it runs deeper than that.

When former NRA President Charlton Heston held aloft a muzzle loader from the Revolutionary War and in a loud, firm voice declared to the world that it could only be taken from his “cold, dead hands,” every gun rights supporter knew exactly what he was talking about. And it wasn’t about that rifle.

It was a challenge. But it was also a prayer, a voice lifted up in steely resolve calling to Americans like you and me who hold in our hands something more powerful than a gun, something that must be cherished and guarded each day. It’s something no one has ever invented a word for but which we all know to be true.

Read more here.

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

TED NUGENT JOINS MARK WALTERS ON ARMED AMERICAN RADIO THIS SUNDAY NIGHT 1-31-2010 FOR ONE SOLID HOUR!

STOP the presses.  My original blurb announcing the guest lineup for this weeks Armed American radio show changed at the last minute!  PLEASE JOIN ME THIS SUNDAY 1-31-2010 on Armed American Radio as I will be joined for ONE SOLID hour with TED NUGENT!  That’s right, Uncle Ted will be on Armed American Radio for a solid hour to give you his thoughts on YOUR RIGHTS and freedoms.  Trust me ladies and gentlemen, this is one Armed American Radio broadcast YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!  No one, and I do mean NO ONE speaks louder for your freedoms and second amendment rights than Ted Nugent and WE WILL BE TAKING YOUR CALLS LIVE THIS SUNDAY!  Check out www.armedamericanradio.org to see the video of this weeks upcoming broadcast and remember to CRANK UP THE VOLUME!

In addition to the Nuge, TN State House Representative Curry Todd will join me to discuss the activist judge who tossed out the restaurant and bar right to carry law passed by the TN Legislature and signed into law by the Governor.  Mr. Todd will tell us just exactly what they plan to do about this freedom hating judges decision in an effort to restore the rights of law-abiding citizens!

I am also happy to announce new cities joining the AAR family in Kingman, Arizona, Bullhead City, Arizona, Del Ray and West Palm Beach Florida…Your prescription for freedom has been filled.  Welcome to the broadcast!  More cities to come folks,I just can’t give them away yet!

Please visit me at www.armedamericanradio.org for up to the minute information and don’t forget to join the growing list of fans at FACEBOOK by visiting Armed American Radio over there, too!

This interview has been in the making for months and I am thrilled to bring this incredible freedom fighter, author, patriot, lifelong outdoorsman, NRA board member and AMERICAN ROCKER to YOU on ARMED AMERICAN RADIO!

Ted Nugent and I will see YOU on the radio THIS weekend, 1-31-2010 at 8-11pm EST, 5-8pm PST.

For Gosh Sakes BE THERE FOR THIS ONE!

Mark

Quark 1232 Tactical Flashlight

USCCA Gear Review

by Chris Fry - USCCA Member

Another trainer and friend of mine recently pointed me to a new series of “tactical” flashlight offerings from 4sevens.com. For some reading this you already know about my light and gear habit, so it will be no surprise to hear I immediately contacted 4Sevens for a light and liked it so damn much I decided to do a review. Be warned, I am no professional gear reviewer. I have included the information I think is important prior to purchasing a tactical light.
I received my Quark 1232 Tactical flashlight early last week and have been carrying and testing it out ever since.

4sevens owner David Chow used his experience and knowledge as well as the feedback from Candlepowerforums.com members to create a light that he hoped would meet everyone’s demands. The Quark Series is the culmination of his efforts. Quark is a new series of flashlights produced and manufactured by 4sevens.com and their team of engineers over the last five years. 4sevens.com has been around for awhile and I have purchased a couple Fenix flashlights and a Nitecore from them over the last couple years and have been very satisfied with every purchase.

What’s in the Box?

First, I have to say that for the price of this light (which I will touch on again later) they spared no expense. The packaging itself is high end and I was immediately encouraged by this fact. Sometimes we see things we want and when we finally get them the cheap packaging is a bad omen for the product in general. This was not the case with the Quark 1232 Tactical.

Included in the package is the light body itself, instruction, manual, integrated and reversible clip, a set of CR123 batteries, a set of replacement O-rings (another very nice feature) for the bezel and tail cap, a quark grip, belt holster and lanyard.

Specifications

The Quark 1232 Tactical comes with an impressive array of options. It takes the standard CR123 batteries that most “tactical” lights do and although costly the performance of these batteries is better according to 4sevens literature than the lights which run AA. The emitter is a Cree LED XP-G R5, it has 5 current regulated output levels, 3 flash modes (strobe, sos and beacon), momentary activation and level memorization. The body is fully knurled aircraft grade aluminum with a Type III hard anodized finish with IPX-8 waterproofing and comes with a reversible/removable pocket clip. The lens is impact resistant glass with a dual coating, a sapphire coating on the outside and anti-reflective coating on the inside for maximum efficiency and durability.

Output settings and runtime are generous with the 8 basic output levels/modes available and the option to program the light for 2 specific user-defined modes. See below for exact output specs:

Moonlight: 0.2 lumens for 30 days
Low: 4 lumens for 5 days
Medium: 22 lumens for 20 hours
High: 85 lumens for 4.5 hours
Max: 230 lumens for 1.8 hours
Strobe: 230 lumens for 3 hours

Beacon: 0-230 lumens pulse for 23 hours

The Quark 1232 tactical light measures 4.5 inches in length, it is 0.86 inches in diameter and weighs 1.8 ounces.
It is very comfortable in the hand and enough of the light protrudes from the front and rear of the hand to facilitate striking with the light when justified.

One feature I really prefer on my lights is a “clickie” tail cap. This offers the user the ability to momentarily touch the tail cap and emit a burst of light without having to fully click the light on. I recently got another tactical light for more money than the Quark and while it is nice a big negative is that the light has to be clicked fully on prior to operating any of its special modes such as the strobe feature or low level navigation mode.

The Quark also comes with a protruding tail cap where the switch sits higher than the actual body. See picture above (you can buy a “flat” tail cap if that’s what you prefer). I also prefer this type of tail cap as it facilitates easier function of the light from various flashlight/gun techniques such as the Roger’s/Surefire or Hargreaves lite-touch techniques.

The Quark 1232 tactical comes with a unique “grip” that I have never seen before. It looks and feels like bicycle inner tube which loops around the bezel and tail cap forming a horseshoe grip. It seems pretty durable but I am not convinced of any tactical application for this type of grip.  Once on and in the hand it does not facilitate switching grips or provide the ability to remove the light from the working surface (palm) of hand momentarily to perform tasks such as magazine changes or manipulations. This may be why a lanyard was also included. It bears more testing on my part.

Personal Impressions

This is a solid light and meets all the requirements I look for in a “tactical” flashlight that I may have to depend upon in a bad situation. It is rugged, having survived 2 drop tests from shoulder height onto the concrete floor at the range. It also survived 1 throw test where I threw it from my porch out onto my paved driveway. It is waterproof having been dropped into a puddle of water and left there for several minutes, rolled around, submerged and then ran flawlessly. I cannot say how many feet underwater it is waterproof to.

The Quark 1232  tactical output is a tightly focused bright white hotspot with excellent throw. Beam spill is also good providing a large corona of light with which a large room or area can be viewed. The user interface is simple with only a twist of the bezel to change between your two user-defined output modes. Programming the two user-defined modes took me a few minutes but 4sevens manual and website with YouTube video helped with the process.

Quark 1232 Tactical hot spot on right, 190 lumens
Surefire L4 Digital Lumamax hotspot on left, 120 lumens with slight donut effect

Offering 190 lumen max output this light is more than capable of location, identification and engagement of potential threats. Even the high output setting emits 85 lumens which are well above the industry accepted standard of 60-65 lumens for indoor tactical usage.

Conclusion

Overall I am very pleased with this light. When I first got it and noticed the cylindrical body I was a little worried about the potential for the light to roll if dropped. However, design and placement of the removable/reversible pocket clip prevents this. 4sevens offer some great products with this new Quark line taking the lead, in my opinion. Especially nice is the price point of the Quark 1232 Tactical compared to some of the other “tactical flashlight” industry offerings. I have paid a lot more for a lot less.

Price: $69 + Shipping

Quark 1232 Tactical Light

About Chris Fry

Chris is the owner and director of training and curriculum development for Modern Defensive Training Systems in Utica, NY where he conducts courses in reality driven practical combatives, extreme close quarters physical defense, tactical folding knife and edged weapon combatives and combative pistol, carbine and shotgun skills. Chris has been an active instructor with Progressive F.O.R.C.E. Concepts in Nevada since 2003, servicing law enforcement, military and select government agencies. Chris is a certified AR15/M4/M16 and Glock armorer, contributor to various online firearms resource websites and a frequent presenter at national and international personal protection and small arms training conferences for both citizens and law enforcement. For more information see: www.MDTSTRAINING.com
—–

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

“To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them…”

—Richard Henry Lee, 1787

Letter to the Editor

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

Russ T. Roxboro, NC

Sorry to disagree with you Tim, regarding your statement that the job of the police is not to predict where the next armed robbery will occur. Sadly, that statement just reinforces the reactive nature of police work as the public sees it. Only the larger departments, have “Intelligence Units” that believe it or not can be proactive by developing strategic (long range) intelligence through the analysis of previous committed crimes, the use of informants, and other techniques such as “profiling” when allowed to do. Tactical deployment of police can then prevent or interrupt the criminal activity before or as it happens. Being allowed to do so, isn’t politically correct. So as I said, sadly, most police action is reactive and after the fact. In some cases serious bodily injury, loss of valuable property or fatality to the victim occurs. Then only through extensive investigation is it possible, some of the time, to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the crime. Prediction of certain crimes by certain persons, groups or gangs is possible, certainly not with 100 % accuracy, but the citizenry and the politicians have to allow such proactive conduct by the police for that to occur. I doubt I’ll see such a change in my lifetime, and so I chose to be as best prepared as I can, to protect myself, family and my property. Best Regards

–

After my wife and I received our CCW we needed a place to practice. The only place is the police range and you must have special permission and have your own targets and stands. I asked and got the permission and then with a little ingenuity I made the target stands. My wife, who by the way, carries a 357 magnum revolver as her concealed weapon, and I went to the range where I proceeded to unload and set up the target stands. She looked at me quizzically and asked why there were two stands. The look on her face when I told her that one was hers was priceless. It is the only stand on the target range that is stained and polished and receives a weekly dusting. By the way, with her 6 shots at 7 yards the bullseye is gone.

–

Mike W.

Regarding the post “MORE REVIEWS FOR OTHER BODY TYPES” I am 5′11″, 325lbs. I sympathize with the problem of finding a comfortable IWB holster. I daily carry 1911-style .45’s. A Springfield V-10 Ultra is on me most often, but I also carry a full size Combat Commander or a Combat Elite. After several purchases….I found the Galco Royal Guard series is the most comfortable. The RG218 fits the smaller Springfield. The RG 212 fits the full size Colts. Over time, I have found real leather to be the most comfortable vs. the Serpa-style of hard material or even ballistic nylon. for what it’s worth…

Submit your letter to the editor HERE, and I might 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.

Reasons Mature Men Conceal Carry

I was reading another thread and was just wondering if most mature men, that now conceal carry, have military in their background. I do but it is not the reason I conceal carry. I would have done it any way because I learned very young how important it is.

I also wonder if diminishing capabilities are another factor influencing our carry. I know I sure recognize my lessened alpha-male prowess. I have diabetic neuropathy in both hands and feet and are real unstable on my feet. I have decided to work on my overweight status and physical conditioning. Exercise brings much pain and I am in pain this morning. Diminished health may also be an influencing factor. There are no more fist fights, in my future, if you “know-what-I-mean!

My main reason was protection of my wife and myself, in that order. It would really upset me if I knew it was my fault my wife, or daughters when around me, were physically harmed because of my lack of means and ability to protect them.

What say You?

Church Security

Well, I don’t know if I’m in the right forum, but here goes. I am looking for information from someone who is part of a church security team. Our church is in the beginning stages of starting one. So far, we have never had an incident, but we want to be a head of the game. I’m kind of looking for help in establishing a church policy for our team members who have a CCW permit. I figure that someone out there has already done this so we don’t have to re-invent the wheel. I know there are lots of organizations out there and that for $299.00 a person you can sit in a seminar and learn that stuff, but we are a small church, and I personally don’t have that kind of money at the moment. I would appreciate any help that I can get. It’s looking like my husband and I will be heading this thing up. Thanks Everyone!

A new AR in 5.56 or an M1 Carbine?

I have resisted the urge to buy a black gun for a long time. One of the reasons is I already have a perfectly good M1 carbine including several 30 round and 10 round GI magazines that all work and there are Picatinny rails available to install an ACOG type sight and all the current goodies for a lot less than a new or used AR. During WWII I have read special ops troops, US and Allied, actually preferred the Carbine. Neither they nor I need something that will guarantee a kill at 300 plus yards/meters and they felt its stopping power at close range was more than adequate.

So my question is: If I already have a perfectly good carbine why should I spend a whole lot more for an AR? Has anyone actually compared the two for the purpose of home defensive use.

I have no varmint hunting opportunities in central FL and I am not going to compete or hunt with it. My question is about use as a home defensive weapon only. Obviously I would use it for whatever else appeals such as plinking etc but defensive use is my question.

Video of the Week

Love guns? Write a song about it! That’s what this guy did…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TC2xTCb_GU

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 15, 2010

Mission, Texas

From: KRGV

Homeowner Shoots Intruder

An 11-year-old shot during a home invasion is expected to recover. But one of the men involved in the crime is now in a San Antonio hospital.
Sheriff’s deputies say he was shot in the neck, as he and two other masked men tried to rob a home. It happened overnight in Mission on Minnesota Road and 8 Mile.

The men allegedly forced their way into the home. We’re told the family barricaded themselves in a bedroom. Deputies say the home invaders shot through the door and hit the 11-year-old.

The homeowner had a rifle and fired back, hitting one of the men. The homeowner’s son was the child hit. The 11-year-old is in the hospital and expected to recover.

Closing Thoughts

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

“I hear and read a lot on the need for carrying a big 45 but I don’t especially like the 1911 and I’m more comfortable carrying a Kel-Tec P11. primary with a P32 loaded with Xtreme Shock ammo. Is this enough firepower, or am I wimping out?”

Bruce, Wellington, NV

As someone who has carried concealed for quite a number of years, here are some realities I have come to accept. If it’s not comfortable to wear, you will begin to find reasons not to carry it. Caliber is not as important as it was in times past. With the new ammunition available, opinions have truly changed regarding caliber. When person (good or bad) looks at the business end of a weapon in the “heat of battle” all bores are at least 2″ in diameter. Psychologically, perception is reality.

Anonymous:

My concern for the reader who asked “my primary cal.for carry is .32. Am I wimping out”? If I may, “sir I applaud your courage to carry anything less than a ,45. No, you are not a wimp at all. It takes more courage to carry something that most likely be ineffective than one which has has an excellent 1 shot center mass stopping record. I encourage you to check a ballistic chart any of the well known ammo manufacturers to reach an informed decision, Statistics continue to show ,”handgun defense cases occur at 6 feet our less”. Justified use of lethal force tends to have very short distances and time limits,do take care my brave friend !!!

Paul from Austin

Hello, in regards to the gentlemen carrying a Kel-Tec P11 and P32. I don’t believe for one minute you are wimping out by not carrying a .45. I don’t think it is as important as to the round you are shooting as it is the steadfast placement of that round. An Accurate deadly shot with your P11 or P32 is better than a miss with your .45 or .50 AE. A properly controlled and well placed shot is paramount to the round you are shooting.

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

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)?

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!

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I hope this edition of the Armed American Report finds you happy and healthy. If you’re not either of those, I hope you’re at least well-armed

Let’s get started.

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

We all know that we need to be prepared for the very realistic possibility of having to defend our lives from a violent attacker.

You and I both know that this happens dozens of times every single day in the USA, and we KNOW how it usually ends up if the victim has no means to defend himself.

We love the police, because they are ’sheepdogs’ like us. BUT- we know that you absolutely cannot count on the police being there to save you when an attacker strikes- and 99% of police officers understand that- that’s why they are in favor of armed citizens- they hate seeing evil triumph as much as we do.

Not to mention, the police are about as good at predicting the next armed assault as the Red Cross is at predicting when the next natural (or man-made) disaster will occur- it’s not only impossible; it’s not their job.

It’s OUR job to prepare in advance for these things.

I know you are actively working on becoming prepared for when an attacker strikes, because you’re a member of the USCCA, you are armed, and you are reading this right now.

But how are your preparations for when a disaster strikes?

We’re here to help you.

What Handicap?

“…it is unlikely that folks like us will be able to pass some of the tough concealed carry training courses. We need a middle ground…”

by Cody S. Alderson

Sometimes the older we are, or the more out-of-shape that we are, we get pushed to the back of the class when it comes to the efforts of some of concealed carry’s best instructors. I believe that regardless of whether or not a so-called handicap is or is not the fault of a person, that the person still deserves the best training in concealed carry defensive tactics that they can effectively perform. I also am of the opinion that there is a huge (pardon the pun) market for such training.

I got fat because I kept eating the same amount of calories that I consumed when I was digging trenches, climbing ladders, and carrying eighty pound bags of concrete. So basically getting fat was my fault. Then a few things happened with injury and disease that makes it super tough to get back on track physically, but it’s still relatively easy to eat some potato chips instead of carrot sticks.

Come on—many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. We all have excuses and rationalizations to go along with our real reasons for our current level of physical conditioning and ability.

Maybe you just got old and frail, but still want to be able to defend yourself while taking a trip out to the local eatery for a bite of dinner with the spouse (senior discount of course). Maybe you use a cane, a wheelchair, or other mobility or adaptive equipment. Does that mean you should be on the same list with concealed carry training as our new version of government healthcare would like to put you on? Absolutely not! But on the other hand, it is unlikely that folks like us will be able to pass some of the tough concealed carry training courses. We need a middle ground.

Let’s start out with a ‘criminal tied to a pole three yards away from two good guys holding guns’ scenario. Hypothetical, of course. Both good guys are each holding a .38 Special revolver of identical make and model. Both are loaded with the same make and type of ammunition. Both qualified with the same score shooting stationary targets while standing in one spot. Both are instructed to hit the bad guy with three shots center mass. Bang, bang, bang . . . Bang, bang, bang. Bad guy is dead. Hypothetically, of course. Both good guys with the guns hit their target three times center mass as instructed. No problem.

The problem comes in when more dynamics are thrown into the scenario. Good Guy number one is a thirty-eight year-old former Navy SEAL. He left the military after a fantastic career to become a S.W.A.T. officer of a major metropolitan city. He trains in tactics three times per week, every week, and responds to about eight S.W.A.T. operations calls per month for his area and surrounding jurisdictions. Good Guy number two is a seventy year-old retired office worker who was chubby while he was in the work force, and got a bit fatter after the grand kids arrived. He’s got some emphysema from too many cigarettes in years passed and a really bum knee from that time he fell down the stairs.

For the stand in place scenario of shooting the tied-up bad guy, the two men were essentially equal in their abilities to perform the required task. Let the bad guy loose from that pole, give him a loaded gun, and the differences in abilities will readily become apparent. Does this mean that Good Guy number one deserves to live more than Good Guy number two? No. But is it more likely that Good Guy number one will be better equipped to survive the suddenly changed scenario? Obviously that is a yes.

Though physical ability and training do not equate in an exact one-to-one ratio in probabilities of surviving a violent encounter, simply because of the variables, it is just common sense that better training will up the odds of being able to survive a violent encounter as will better physical abilities. Just like a surgeon is more likely than me to be able to successfully remove a ruptured appendix from someone since I’m not a surgeon, it is more likely that a highly trained soldier or law enforcement officer will be better able to survive extreme violence than me.

Believe me; I am under no delusion that I am some sort of Superman. And you shouldn’t be either, about yourself. Even if you are Good Guy number one! As I read from a survival writer on how we all think that we are the heroes of our own action movie and how that is such a dangerous delusion, so should we all be diligent to not imagine beyond the true reality of our individual abilities.

Fortunately for us concealed carry permit holders, we are all human beings. Human beings are incredibly adaptable to almost any situation and condition. It is built into us to want to survive. And we can adapt quickly too. Another positive for the old-timers among us is that there is a higher likelihood of having to have endured many more severe hardships growing up than much of the last couple of generations. You know what pain is, and you know how to make it through tough times. You have points-of-reference for handling the worst that life can dish out. In other words, you are tougher than you might be aware of.

So I’m not Superman, and I’m not Caspar Milquetoast either. Now I have to find the real balance of the self-defense me. That is if I can keep my balance. Those blood pressure pills sometimes make me woozy!

As I have determined certain things worthy of my own self-defense toolbox, I thought I might share a few with you here. As an important aside, if you are floating along in the same boat as me, as far as the points in this article, please let USCCA know if you would like to hear more about this from me.

Okay the basics of having a gun and knowing how to use it are a given for this article, so let’s pick up from there. Right up there at the top of my “Be able to do list” is being able to draw and fire my defensive weapon fast. The standard I keep reading about is being able to draw and hit the target within 1.5 seconds. I do agree that is the goal we should be working toward.

I would like all of my so-called handicapped concealed carry permitted friends to seriously take a hard look at both the gun that they choose to carry, and the on body mount of that gun no matter if it is some kind of holster or other method or apparatus. Most of the slow down comes more from the gun and carry position for non-handicapped people. For those who have any sort of common handicap, a poor gun and holster choice will just exacerbate the slow down.

It certainly would be a sad thing to have a news story written about a victim of violent crime that included a line of how video showed that he tried to use his legally carried firearm to defend his life, but the perpetrator of the crime was quicker.

You’ve probably heard about how fast a gun can be put into action using a gun that is in a coat pocket with a proper firing grip already on the gun (index finger straight and off the trigger). Maybe you’ve even seen video of an instructor firing a revolver through a coat pocket. Now that’s fast. And when the weather and other variables allow such carry, by all means use it if it works for you.

One doesn’t have to be the fastest draw around, but there should be continued practice to get to that 1.5 second time. Oh, and do it safely. Repeating a safe and smooth draw over and over builds the speed correctly. Trying to speed up a sloppy draw will get your foot shot, possibly something even worse!

If there is someone out there who is on the handicap list of concealed carry permit holders who has been carrying for decades or just a few weeks, I’d like to suggest something to consider. If that person is comfortable with their self-defense abilities and toolbox, that is fine. However, if there is someone who is concerned about their ability to quickly put their weapon into action, I would like to suggest a couple of things.

1. Reconsider the gun choice. Maybe a smaller, larger, thinner, fatter, or other change may make a difference. I can’t decide that for you sitting here typing this without knowing you, but I did think about it for myself and found what works for me. Consider whether or not a change to the opposite of what is carried may be of benefit as well. Carrying a revolver? Try an autoloader and vice versa.

For me, a 1911 in .45 ACP fits me and draws really fast. Ergonomically it fits me like a glove. I can manipulate the safety, slide stop, slide, magazine release, hammer, and trigger perfectly. No other gun fits me like the 1911.  You might get such a fit out of a 1911, and maybe you won’t. That’s why a good gun store lets us handle the product before we purchase it.

2. Consider a fast drawing holster that does provide automatic retention. If you are reading this article in hopes of learning something to personally put to use, it is unlikely that you are a super duper special agent. So don’t act like one. You don’t want to make it easy for a sociopath to grab your gun, nor do you want it to clatter on the floor if you happen to have to go Number 2 in the public stall!

The Blackhawk SERPA platform of holster with the retention built in is my favorite at this time. It provides for a smooth natural draw, and the gun is locked solidly in the holster until I want it to come out.

Those two things can greatly improve one’s speed of deploying their weapon in a critical moment. The next is where on the body the weapon is carried. That’s another set of experiments the reader needs to carry out. Climate, attire, level of concealment needed, and other variables are too varied for me to give something here that will work for everyone.

What I’d rather accomplish here is to get the interested reader out of their apathy and complacency and into a re-evaluation mindset. Never considered shoulder carry? Consider it. Never considered appendix carry? Consider it. Then there are sub methods to each carry style. There are horizontal, vertical, and inverted shoulder carry options. For the appendix carry, there is the consideration of the level of cant (angle of tilt) of the holster. Once again the SERPA shines here. Not only can the cant be adjusted, but there are many options as to where the SERPA can be carried on the body. (For inverted shoulder carry a secondary retention system is recommended in case the primary fails. Because an upside-down gun can fall out a lot easier).

This has just been the beginning of leveling the playing field for those who have certain physical issues that they need to adapt concealed carry methods for. There is so much more, and I’d like to have opportunity to tell you about it.

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

The U.N. Gun Ban Treaty That Threatens Your Gun Rights

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association
During his presidential campaign, Barack Obama assured gun owners that he was no threat to gun rights. And so far, his administration has publicly steered clear of the issue.

However, behind the scenes, he and his staff have shown support for the U.N. Gun Ban, an international treaty on small arms sales that could sidestep established American gun rights and pose a serious threat to the Second Amendment.

President George W. Bush refused to involve America in any aspect of the U.N. Gun Ban treaty. But the government’s position changed when Obama gave Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the green light to begin the negotiation process.

Worse, the small arms treaty brings up a horrifying proposition that the theory of “international norms” means the U.S. might be bound by the treaty even if we never sign on.

Basically, once the small arms treaty is accepted by enough nations, the argument can be made that the provisions become accepted practice and binding on all nations. Based on that logic, America is hurt by the U.N. treaty whether we are a party to it or not.

Barack Obama is the most anti gun president in history and his anti-gun views are a threat to gun rights. If he can destroy the right to bear arms while cozying up to the U.N., without paying a political price, he will surely do so.

Click here to read the full story.

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

What a week folks, what a week!  The SHOT floor is jam packed with more fun stuff than I could ever talk about.  What an opportunity to meet with the biggest names in the industry here in Vegas and bring some great info to you “right from the belly of the beast” so to speak.  More to come on that, I promise.

Last weeks broadcast was one of the best yet on AAR.  Two titans of the training world in the same room together?  YOU BET.  I was joined by Rob Pincus and Gabe Suarez for what went down as one of the best hours of AAR to date.  By all means if you have not heard it, go get it.

Coming up this week on 1-24-2010 I’ll be joined by National Shooting Sports Foundation Director of Communications, Mr. Bill Brassard.  Also, from Iowa gun owners, Mr. Aaron Dorr will be here.  In addition the roundtable will be chock full of info from this years SHOT show and we’ll give you as much as the hour allows.

For up to the minute pics from the Vegas show floor, please visit us on FACEBOOK and become a fan.  There are some great pics being posted up in REAL time.  Also please visitwww.armedamericanradio.org for up to the minute info on AAR happenings.  Well, back to the meetings here in Las Vegas soooooo,

I’ll see you on the radio THIS weekend!  Be there!

Mark

REVIEW OF THE TAURUS PT 709 SLIM

USCCA Gear Review

by Ray Hawk - USCCA Member

About six months ago, at a local gun shop, I saw the Taurus PT 709 Slim - semi-auto 9mm pistol.  When the clerk gave it to me, I removed the magazine and pulled the slide back to make sure it wasn’t loaded.  Then I tried the trigger.  I pulled it back until it was almost against the back of the trigger stop.  I thought I had not pulled the slide back far enough to cock the mechanism.  I did so again making sure the trigger was set.  Then I pulled it again.  Same experience.  I told the clerk that I thought it was broken.  He smiled and said, “Pull it all the way.”  I did and it clicked.   The front of the trigger measures 12/16 of an inch to the back of the trigger well before being pulled.  When it is pulled and it is 5/16 of an inch from the back wall, it is ready to release the firing pin with a little more pressure.  The reset is short which I immediately liked.  The pistol has two trigger pulls, much like other Taurus semi-auto models.  The double action pull is slightly stiffer, but the release point is the same.  If for some reason a primer is bad, one may pull the trigger again to see if that will activate it.  After the first shot, the pistol is in single action mode.  The double action pull is not bad at all.

The magazine that came with the gun fits flush against the bottom of the grip to help with concealment.  At this writing, the store had not received the mags with the extended grip for the pinky finger.  Two extra magazines were $35 each.  Each mag holds seven rounds.

The pistol is less than 1″ wide, 6″ long and 4 ½” high.  It uses the same system to disassemble as the Glock.  It has a safety catch on the left side which I use at night with the pistol at my bedside.  There is a load indicator on top of the slide just behind the ejection port. The sight system is three dots.  The rear sight may be adjusted up or down or left and right.  A tools is supplied to adjust the sight and also lock the gun.  The hole for locking is on the right side of the slide just below the rear sight.

I have put FMJ as well as lead reloads through the pistol without any problems.  At this point I have shot between 900 to 1,000 rounds through it without a jam or any mechanical problems.  The gun is very accurate even at 40 yards.  It comes in a black matt finish, much like the Glock.  The other model has a stainless steel type slide.  The lower is polymer and the slide is steel.  The pistol sells for under $400.

I highly recommend it.
—–

ATTENTION USCCA MEMBERS!

The gun review you just read was written by a member of the USCCA.

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

“The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun.”

—Patrick Henry

Letter to the Editor

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

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

ALL IN GOOD HUMOR:
My neighbor’s wife saw the bulge under my shirt and said ,”I don’t like guns because they are bad.” I sheepishly replied,”really,including mine”? “Yes”,she said in an abrupt manner. I immediately lifted my shirt enough to expose the butt protruding from my holster and briskly spanked my 1911 then told her ,in my most serious expression,”If my gun ever misbehaves again you just let me know and I promise I will be quick to discipline it again ! Her husband whom was present laughed with slight refrain as she turned away and went back inside her house , grumbling.

MORE REVIEWS FOR OTHER BODY TYPES::
I really have learned a lot from USCCA, but every time I see someone reviewing holsters they are always skinny to medium build guys. I’m 5′9 and 300lbs I use a LCP in my pocket because it fits, I would like to carry IWB or OWB but I’m lumpy and those holsters stick out bad. I can’t carry crossdraw because I can’t reach it. So lets see some overweight guys and see what they would use and see how to cover up a compact XD or Glock or similar firearm. Thanks for taking this challenge it will be helpful. Thank you Lenny C

TRAMPLED RIGHTS:
When you mentioned Katrina, I thought back as to how the 2nd Amendment was stomped on and kicked aside. I heard the National Guard Members on t.v. They were saying that they did not want to shoot or kill any citizens- When they were in N.O. My question is why did they enforce disarming law abiding citizens? Why did they not go after the gangs of thugs that were looting shooting and threatening the citizens? The troops were under no obligations to follow illegal orders.They violated there oaths to uphold the Constitution. Why did the citizens give there only protection, handguns and rifles to the police and troops? What should the citizens have done?

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.

Right To Carry Where LEO Do

Hi All, I know that this might not sit well with some of you but do you think we should be able to carry anywhere the LEO’S (Law Enforcement Officer) do. Seems to me that a lot of us train more with our firearms than most leo’s do. Just how many hrs of range time do you think the average leo shoot per month. I still believe that a police officer can snap as fast as anyone of us. We all go through all the background checks and training that is required to get our CCW and most get additional training as well. I hope you all don’t get offended by this but I think we should be able to carry anywhere that an leo can. What are your feelings, i think ex leos and present leo’s might think differently, but if so why do they get their CCW permits when they are no longer leo’s except to protect themselves and families.

What Religion?

(Though we have a whole bunch of On Topic discussions concerning concealed carry, our member community is so tightly knit that we also have Off Topic discussions as well. There is an entire message board of Off Topic discussions with Politics & Religion being two sub-topics. You won’t find this type of family style closeness on any other forum.)

What is everyone’s religious background?

Another Weapon

I just took a trip on the airlines. Ever since 9/11 I have hated the idea of being totally defenseless on an airplane. I had to travel soon after 9/11. I had already thought about getting a cane for self defense. A friend told me about canemasters.com. I bought a combat cane from them and carry it when I travel on the airlines or when I cannot carry concealed. There is actually a martial arts discipline using a cane. It is better than not having anything to defend yourself with. I thought some of you would be interested in this.

Video of the Week

Watch out! Grandma Knows Cane-Fu!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2lJWAIyYtU

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!

December 29, 2009

Fort Myers, Florida

From: News Press

Would-Be Robber Shot Dead In Fort Myers Identified

Fort Myers police have confirmed that a shooting Monday night at an apartment complex near the Edison Mall during an attempted robbery has left one of the assailants dead and the would-be robbery victim wounded.

The shootings and attempted robbery took place outside on the second floor of the Sundance Grove apartments off East Mall Drive.

Fort Myers police Capt. Dennis Eads said one of the two robbers was shot in the head and killed by the would-be robbery victim, who was armed.

The other robber fled the scene and is considered armed and dangerous. He’s described as a large man dressed in all black, and police believe he may be hiding at a residence in the area.

The victim of the attempted robbery was hit in the shoulder during the exchange of gunfire and taken to a hospital. His condition isn’t known, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

“I am a 100% disabled Veteran that has to use a wheelchair for mobility. I have no problems using my upper body. I am very concerned for our safety when out in public places with my wife because I feel that we are vulnerable to attack. At present, I carry a .38 special in a concealed weapon fanny pack but am afraid that if some store manager should decide to inspect it, that my weapon might be discovered. Is there a better method of carry or choice of handgun and holster that someone like me could carry that would ease my concerns?”

Anonymous:

A store manager has no business inspecting anyone’s personal bag. Something very similar happened to my wife. She was accused of shoplifting and asked to open her handbag. She refused and asked for a police officer to respond. She showed the officer her permit and then proceeded to empty her bag. No stolen merchandise was found, and the employees nearly wet their pants when she pulled out a large frame semi-auto. They asked the officer to stay until she finished shopping in case she tried to rob them. He gave them a good talking to and sent them on their way.

Anonymous:

There is no reason for a store manager to search your pack; if they should for some reason, ask to do it in private {office, etc.} and explain your reason for carrying. If you have a CCW permit the most that should happen, is they ask you to leave.

Anonymous:

Physically disabled shooters have fewer options than the able-bodied shooter. I have used crutches all my life and am now spending more and more time in a wheelchair. The options I’ve used to conceal carry are: one, crossdraw at 10:00 position-this requires a cover garment, but it is the easiest way to draw while in a wheelchair or on crutches; two, undergarment holster-harder to reach, but I have a button shirt that uses a velcro closure behind a fake button to more quickly access the gun; three, pocket pistol that can be transferred to jacket pocket when using wheelchair. The hardest carry position is strong-side, because of the wheelchair side arms or crutches that impede easy access. I’ve tried the fanny pack, but I agree that it could be susceptible to inquiry by store personnel. I’ve seen fanny packs with a red cross type emblem on them which may make it seem more reasonable for a wheelchair user to have it on their person. CR Williams carries crossdraw at 9:00 position, by the way.

Craig R. Brownell Chief Instructor www.mnpistolclass.com:

Thank you for your sacrifice. Some retail stores will want a look into backpacks or bags upon entry and/or departure. Many prohibit them. However, private property owners, managers and their security employees have no authority to search you against your will under any circumstances. If you will not submit to a search when attempting to enter, their ONLY option is to insist that you leave and trespass laws require that you comply. If approached after entry or when attempting to leave, they cannot lawfully search against your will unless they are willing to file a complaint alleging criminal behavior. In this case, they must to bring in the police and the police WILL search you. If any private citizen, including a security guard, even touches you without your permission or specifically against your will, it is at least simple assault in all fifty states and could rise to battery in some. It is also grounds for litigation. Your mobility limitations and disability will tip the disparity of force fear scale in your favor more than for an able-bodied individual. I have run into some security personnel who believe themselves to have far more authority than they actually do. Be cool, but firm. If you are detained against your will, this is a citizen’s arrest and they are subject to criminal and civil penalties if they are wrong.

Mike from Jacksonville NC:

Regarding the 100% disabled veteran who was looking for alternatives to a fanny pack type holster; Consider either a shoulder holster during weather when substantial covering garment can be inconspicuously worn or a crossdraw holster with a light t-shirt, polo shirt or other square cut untucked shirt to conceal it. Also, depending on whether he uses a seat belt o strap himself into his chair, the nature of his injuries and his personal preferences, our veteran might consider a thigh holster rig and a simple covering blanket. After all, what could be more natural than resting your hands in your lap, or ‘unconsciously’ crossing your arms ‘protectively’ in front of your chest when confronting a potential hostile situation - and what better way to get that gun hand close to the protective tools? And what about a BUG in one of those holster style undershirt garments? Also consider encouraging the spouse to undertake the concealed carry permitting process so he has someone he can trust to cover his six.

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

I hear and read a lot on the need for carrying a big 45 but I don’t especially like the 1911 and I’m more comfortable carrying a Kel-Tec P11. primary with a P32 loaded with Xtreme Shock ammo. Is this enough firepower, or am I wimping out?

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!

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Is it just me, or do these keep getting better each week? Let’s get started!

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

We all know that we need to be prepared for the very realistic possibility of having to defend our lives from a violent attacker.

You and I both know that this happens dozens of times every single day in the USA, and we KNOW how it usually ends up if the victim has no means to defend himself.

We love the police, because they are ’sheepdogs’ like us. BUT- we know that you absolutely cannot count on the police being there to save you when an attacker strikes- and 99% of police officers understand that- that’s why they are in favor of armed citizens- they hate seeing evil triumph as much as we do.

Not to mention, the police are about as good at predicting the next armed assault as the Red Cross is at predicting when the next natural (or man-made) disaster will occur- it’s not only impossible; it’s not their job.

It’s OUR job to prepare in advance for these things.

I know you are actively working on becoming prepared for when an attacker strikes, because you’re a member of the USCCA, you are armed, and you are reading this right now.

But how are your preparations for when a disaster strikes?

We’re here to help you.

The Great Debate

“…what should you do when you encounter someone who just doesn’t share your belief in the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms?…”

by Robert Childers

Because humans have the ability to reason, we’re unique in being aware of our own mortality. It’s why we worry so much about the future, our personal security and spend vast amounts of time, money and energy planning for both. Yet despite this, the unexpected does happen and it usually happens when we are least prepared.

Though individual reasons vary, a common thread through all of this is protection against the unexpected. That’s why the insurance business is the mega-billion-dollar, worldwide industry it is today. With the attacks of 9/11 and the ensuing war on terrorism, a large number of police departments are being stretched thin due to new homeland defense responsibilities. Add to this fact that many experienced LEO’s are being recalled for service in the military, and the result is fewer officers are available to protect us from the normal crimes we encounter every day here at home.

In New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina showed us another sobering fact; there will be times when our government either can not or will not be there when we need them most, leaving us to fend for ourselves. Along with other events, this should be a wake up call to all Americans that we must take responsibly for our own safety and well-being. For many of us, that responsibility includes the owning and carrying of a firearm. If asked why we own and carry a concealed weapon, most would likely respond that we consider it our BEST form of personal protection “insurance.”

Despite the above facts and the current nationwide interest in passing concealed carry and right to carry legislation, what should you do when you encounter someone who just doesn’t share your belief in the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms? There are still tens of millions of Americans who have never seen a real gun unless it was carried by law enforcement officers. Even more have never seen a gun fired except in movies or on TV. Due to this unfamiliarity and the constant barrage of negative information put out by anti-gun groups and the media, many people are afraid of guns and see them not as a tool in defending us against crime, but a cause of it.

We should all begin by educating non-gun owners about the true purpose of firearms. Like an automobile, a gun is no more dangerous than the person using it. My favorite analogy is comparing a firearm to my home’s smoke detectors; I hope they will never be needed, but they can and do save lives when used as intended. You can also point out countries like Australia and Great Britain, or American cities like Washington, DC. where gun ownership has been banned in for most citizens for at least a decade now. In all of them, crime rates have consistently risen yearly since gun control laws were passed, not dropped compared to the United States on general!

Still, we must remember while there are a vast number of positive reasons to support firearm ownership, you must first get a ‘non-believer’ to hear them. We’re all entitled to an opinion in America. Unfortunately, the expressing of that opinion can lead to arguments. Though it may sometimes be tempting, arguing with someone and saying he has no idea what he’s talking about won’t win you much support. All too often, one (or both) of the participants enters a discussion with the assumption, “My opinion is right. Since you don’t agree, yours must be wrong”. After that, things usually go down hill faster than water rolling off the side of Mount Rushmore. Participant “A” begins to push his view while participant “B” begins to defend his and soon, nobody is listening anymore. On the other hand, most people are willing to listen if you try talking WITH them instead of at them.

Listening to an opinion contrary to your own with an open mind can be very difficult at times. However, you’d be surprised at how often you can effect a change in opinion by letting the other person have his say without becoming too defensive of your own. By stating your side of the discussion, listening to the other person’s perspective and saying; “Think about what I’ve said and decide for yourself,” most people will at least consider what you have to say. The WORST thing you can do is tell someone that they’re wrong, they’re stupid, blind or a fool because they don’t agree with you. It’s a part of human nature that nobody wants to admit that they may be wrong, especially on issues they feel are important to them — Even if I had been willing to consider your opinion before, if you’ve just insulted me, I’ll probably no longer listen to anything you have to say.

I consider arguments just another version of leading a horse to water; you can talk until your jaw hurts, but you can’t force the other guy to listen if he doesn’t want to. After many years of trial and error, I discovered that the other guy is usually more open to your side of a discussion if you state your point using facts instead of opinion, if you listen to your opponent without being argumentative or judgmental, and can offer a logical rebuttal or alternative to their opinion. If I still can’t persuade him to change his opinion and he can’t persuade me to change mine, we’ll just have to “agree to disagree.” While I may not have changed his mind, I’m more likely than not to at least get a positive response because I was willing to listen to his viewpoint, even if I didn’t agree with it.

If you find yourself engaged in the great debate over the pros and cons of firearms, just remember the old saying, “You catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar”.

Bob Childers has a Degree in Theology and retired from the United States Navy in 1994. He’s a member of the NRA, Texas State Rifle Association, the East Texas Rifle and Pistol Club and holds a Texas CCL. You can find out more about him at his website: http://vchilder.home.netcom.com

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

More Guns, Less Crime in 2009

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association

Driven by fear of Barack Obama’s anti-gun past, Americans bought more guns in 2009 than in any other year on record, yet homicide and violent crime rates plummeted nationwide.

The most striking decrease took place in Washington D.C., which had the lowest number of homicides since 1964 despite the end of the city’s longtime ban on private ownership of firearms. Not surprisingly, the city’s administration and the anti-gun doomsayers were wrong. As any clear-thinking person knows, law-abiding residents of Washington D.C. are perfectly suited to owning guns for self-defense.

The Chicken Little predictions of mass killings and bloody scenes of gun owners running amok never materialized, and the panic about the presence of guns in people’s homes was much ado about nothing.

Even though the country enjoys historic low homicide rates, the anti-gun community continues to circulate press releases claiming an unprecedented level of gun related mayhem. Most recently, they fed the media stories about how concealed carry license holders are going on killing sprees across the nation. Yet, when the end-of-year crime rates showed a huge decrease in violent crime, mainstream reporters never questioned the anti-gun group’s unfounded ravings.

But facts are facts. And the sharp decline in homicides in 2009 is something to celebrate, and something that all Americans can understand and be happy about. Violence has decreased. The m-urder and mayhem so prevalent in cities like Washington D.C. has abated. And once again we see the wisdom of the Second Amendment.

Click here to read the full article about guns and crime.

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

Holy Growth, Batman!  It never stops folks, I’m telling you!  More interest in Florida cities…I can’t name them yet BUT, they’re coming!  More interest in Oregon…Can’t name them yet but they’re coming too!

So the bottom line is that the march continues and the guest lineups keep growing bigger and bigger.  This week coming up is HUGE.  I’ll be speaking with a PRO GUN candidate for sheriff in San Diego County, California, Mr. Jay La Suer (www.sheriffjay.org)  This is a great guy and someone that AMERICA needs in office, not just Californians.  I’ll be doing anything I can to help him and you will hear from him yourself this weekend.  Remember the old saying “So goes California, so goes the nation”.  You know darn well how important it is to put someone like this in office out on the left coast!

In addition to Mr. La Suer, Gabe Suarez will be back to talk about a couple of DVD’s I want to cover with him and the advice you will get is absolutely priceless.  Joining me for the entire broadcast will be Mr. Rob Pincus from Best Defense TV on the Outdoor Channel and we’ll be getting some great info to you from all of the guests!.  Finally, the third hour which is rapidly becoming known as the “roundtable” promises to be the best one yet!  I will be joined by Rob Pincus, The Mad Ogre, George Hill and get this, Morgan Boatman, son of the late and GREAT gun Writer Robert Boatman, author of Living with Glocks, Living with the Big 50 and Living with the 1911 will chime in for the ENTIRE hour.  In addition to a tremendous lineup for the Roundtable, we will be discussing the upcoming events in Vegas at the SHOT show where the Roundtable members will literally come together hours after our on air discussion.  The information we will be able to bring you from SHOT will be insight that no one else will get unless they attend themselves.

This weeks AAR promises to be one of the best yet and YOU stand to learn from of each of my guests this weekend!  For more information about Armed American Radio please visit www.armedamericanradio.org and for up to the second info that also links to Twitter, please visit us on Facebook and click the “become a fan” button to add your name to the ever growing list of AAR fans online.

Also, this past weekend, Tom Gresham named my book, Lessons from Armed America, co written with Kathy Jackson and foreword by Massad Ayoob, one of the TOP 5 recommended books for those interested in self defense.  That folks, is a HUGE honor and one that we are very proud of.. especially considering the company he was comparing us with!  For your own copy, please visit any online book retailer (which are selling out and constantly backordering)!

Thanks for listening and I’ll see YOU on the radio!

Mark

Review SERPA Quick Disconnect System

USCCA Gear Review

by Cody S. Alderson

This holster platform just might have more civilian applications than military and law enforcement put together. SERPA holsters come with both a belt loop and paddle mount that the user can choose from. Add the Quick Disconnect Kit and this holster is absolutely incredible.

I like the SERPA’s reflex activated safety locking system that retains the firearm. In my opinion a firearm retention device is a great idea for civilian weapons, but the SERPA retention lock is by far the best I’ve ever seen. If one follows his training of keeping his finger off of the trigger by keeping it straight along the side of the gun until it is time to fire, then the SERPA lock works perfectly every time.

Every training class and instructor I have ever heard teaches his students to keep their trigger finger straight until it is time to fire. This naturally places the trigger finger in the exact spot needed to release the SERPA retention lock mechanism.

The SERPA is comfortable, and it stays right where I want it. It is also angle adjustable to suit the desired level of cant forward or backward to satisfy every user. It’s built like a tank so it should last as long as the gun it is holding. It has a one-year warranty that I think Blackhawk should extend to suit the product. The SERPA is made very well and priced right.

Now what does the Quick Disconnect Kit for a SERPA holster do? Well if you don’t already know, you are in for a treat. How would you like a holster platform that offers a retention lock that is naturally disengaged during a proper draw stroke and also allows the holster to be mounted just about anywhere?

Ever hop in the vehicle and think how tough it might be to draw that gun on your hip if it is needed while you are still seated in the vehicle? How about being able to disengage the holster from the belt loop or paddle mount, and instantly lock it into place at an easy to reach spot somewhere inside the vehicle? This is all made easy with the SERPA Quick Disconnect Kit.

How about being able to take the holster off your body and lock it in place under a desk, or behind a piece of bedroom furniture such as a nightstand? Maybe even lock the holster in place on a bed frame, behind a door, in a locker, in a filing cabinet, under a shelf, or just about anywhere?

The Quick Disconnect Kit was designed for military and law enforcement so that the SERPA holster could be easily swapped back and forth from different platforms such as a tactical vest or a drop-leg holster mount. However, we civilians who are incredibly ingenious with any new product have quickly discovered that the SERPA Quick Disconnect Kit makes it easy to mount the SERPA retention holster just about anywhere.

Each SERPA Quick Disconnect Kit comes with one male adapter and two female adapters. The male adapter mounts to the holster as shown below.

Then take one of the female adapters and attach it to either the paddle mount or belt-loop mount. Then you can mount the other female adapter somewhere else where you would like to be able to quickly attach and detach the holster. Maybe you have a need to switch back and forth between paddle and belt-loop mounts often. The Quick Disconnect Kit makes it easy and quick!

To attach the two pieces of the Quick Disconnect Kit together, just align the male and female adapters at the angle you want, press, turn, and it’s locked.

To disengage the Quick Disconnect Kit adapters, just lift the tab on each side of the female adapter, twist in the opposite direction, and they come apart. I could do it one-handed on the first try, though I must admit that it appears to be designed to be a two-handed operation.

Of course it should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway—do the operation in as safe a manner as possible. You must decide if it is safer to do it with the gun in the holster or placed aside in another safe location. I can’t make that decision for you. It makes sense to attach and detach the parts without a gun in the holster, but always mind your muzzle no matter what you decide because YOU are the one who is responsible if something should go wrong.

Even if you don’t want to use the SERPA as a carry holster, it is still perfect for its mounting option versatility. Hey, maybe someone out there has a need to mount a handgun in a retention holster on a piece of farm equipment. Though that might seem a bit extreme to many of us, I’m just pointing out that it is easily possible with a SERPA holster and a Quick Disconnect Kit. Maybe Bubba needs a place to holster his handgun while he is using the outhouse at his backwoods cabin. The SERPA with a Quick Disconnect Kit will do the job. What I’m telling everyone (and pay close attention here) is that a SERPA retention holster with a Quick Disconnect Kit can be mounted just about anywhere.

The mounting options are limitless for this platform. Just use common sense and follow the safety rules. Also consider gun laws for your own geopolitical location. I can’t begin to address the nutty laws that exist across our Great Land.

Check out both the SERPA line of holsters and the Quick Disconnect Kit at www.blackhawk.com. While you are there take some time to check out the rest of Blackhawk’s gear line. Honor. As A Way Of Life. Blackhawk.

—–

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

“Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? … If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?”

—Patrick Henry

Letter to the Editor

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

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.

How would you handle this?

This is based on a situation that happened to me a short time before I started carrying and I’d like some opinions on how to handle something similar to this.

You take your dog for a short walk in your neighborhood at night and encounter a group of 5 or 6 apparently high-school aged males who upon noticing you begin to approach you and taunt you apparently trying to start trouble. To continue back to your home you need to pass by or through this group of individuals. Other than superior numbers and a confrontational attitude they have made no physical or verbal threats but are directly in your path and approaching you. You are legally carrying a concealed firearm, as well as a flashlight and a cell phone, while walking a small dog which serves as no deterrent. There are no side streets at this point and yards are fenced. What are some good ways to approach this situation? If they have no visible weapons but are attempting to block your path and confront you what kind of action should you take? 6 people is definitely disparity of force. People also tend to be more bold in groups.

Should you turn around and head the other way? You can’t get home that way and they are already walking towards you and less than 50 feet away. How should you verbally and physically respond in this type of situation?

I know this is kind of a loaded scenario but it is very similar to a situation I encountered where I was able to turn onto my street and be within about 60 feet of my front door and just went inside. I also wasn’t carrying at that time. I have since pondered the appropriate response to that situation if I were further away from my house and not able to immediately escape it.

I wouldn’t think it would be advisable to try to split the group and walk through them.

I’m sorry if this thread isn’t very well constructed but I would appreciate some input on possible ways to handle this situation because to this point nothing that has happened would justify brandishing a weapon which is illegal in my state.

January Issue of Concealed Carry Magazine - Feedback Please!

(Note: Members of USCCA have direct access to the editor of the magazine on our Members Only Forums. Where else do the subscribers have such access and input in shaping the direction the company goes? If you are a member, then go to the link above and reply!)

What did you all think of the January issue of the magazine?

What could we do better?

Which of the articles taught you something you didn’t know?

Which one was your favorite?

Which one could we have left out?

As always, I’m available via PM or email if you’d rather give your feedback in private. I don’t promise to respond to every feedback message, but I do promise to read every one and reflect on it.

Thanks,

Kathy Jackson

Tactics for “Pocket Pistols”

I’d like to solicit some thinking along a new line in the tactical arena.

Since this forum has been around, and on many other forums, the prevailing wisdom is “Carry the biggest gun you can, with the largest capacity”. Usually, whenever someone states that they carry a Beretta Tomcat it’s “open season” and everybody else pounces denouncing the efficacy of a small caliber weapon with limited capacity. The original poster then says something like “Do you want to take three in the chest from my Tomcat?” and it’s out the door with reasoning, and the thread is into hysterics.

I’d like to try something new, an experiment, if you will.

Imagine that you have NO option to carry anything but a Snubby, or a small caliber semi auto, with a 5-7 shot capacity. How would you adjust your tactics to make the most of the situation?

Thoughts anyone?

I think you kind people will be able to help us limit the downside in those situations when we might be “under armed”. And it’ll no doubt be more productive than “That gun’s just too little!” . . . “Would you like to be shot with it?” etc.

Video of the Week

Yes it can happen to you! This is actual footage of a crime from 2008, but the video can teach a whole lot to the student of self-defense who wants to learn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-1O5IpERY0

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 4, 2010

Houston, Texas

From: The Examiner

Violent Home Invader Shot By Armed Homeowner

A Houston, TX homeowner reportedly used his shotgun to save himself and his wife from a violent burglar.

Police say that the husband and wife, who own a home on Cloverleaf Street in Houston, were awakened by the sound of breaking glass and their home security system siren. The wife reportedly noticed an intruder, and yelled for her husband to grab his shotgun. Shotgun in hand, the husband is said to have seen a burglar dressed in black, who was brandishing a fire extinguisher. The husband reportedly fired one shot in self defense, hitting the burglar in the hip and causing him to scream then flee. Police are said to have found a suspect, who was reportedly identified as 17 year old Mark Galvan, laying in a neighbor’s yard and suffering from a gunshot wound. Galvan was reportedly taken in to custody, treated for his wounds, and then charged with burglary.

As this case shows, it is not wise to trust one’s life to the hope that a violent burglar will flee upon hearing an alarm.  A burglar may decide that although the alarm is sounding, they can complete their crime in the (at least) several minutes that it will take for the police to arrive.  Or, the criminal could be a drug user or mentally disturbed person who is simply not amenable to reason.  Regardless of the criminal’s underlying motive, the net result can be unarmed citizens harmed in their own home by a violent burglar.

A couple of real-life examples reinforce this point, while showing the value of gun ownership for self defense:  In one case, a man was asleep in his home when his burglar alarm woke him up.  Standing over him was a knife wielding criminal, who forced the man to turn off the alarm, and then proceeded to rob the man at knife point.  Luckily that man was a gun owner, and managed to grab a self defense gun and scare the criminal away.  In another case, a woman was home sick from work when her burglar alarm went off.  Despite the fact that the alarm was sounding the police were on their way, the criminals continued to break in.  Upon seeing the woman, the three criminals fled.  Amazingly, however, one of the criminal circled back and tried to break in yet again.  Fortunately, the woman had a gun, and shot the home invader in self defense.

Closing Thoughts

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

“Armed American Report Reader: I keep a .357 revolver in my car year round in the center console. It gets very hot in the car in the summer, and sometimes below zero in the winter. I have had no problems shooting the gun at all, but would like to know if these extreme temperature fluctuations will affect the gun in any way.”

Anonymous:

The main environmental threat to your gun in the console is a car burglar who may or may not be much intimidated by your car alarm. These guys only need about a minute to be inside, have everything loose or in the glove box or console bagged, and back out. The one who got me a few months ago was extremely efficient. High temps may gum your lube and could affect ammunition. Low temps cause condensation on metal and subsequent rust. I’d say dry-lube the innards to the extent possible and wipe out and lightly re-lube the rest fairly often; use up old ammo every time you get to the range.

Anonymous:

If the revolver doesn’t get wet or too dusty there should be no problem. One issue would be the stocks. If they are wood the severe changes in the micro-environment of the console could have major negative effect on the structure of the wood. Some inexpensive plastic stocks will also show extreme deterioration due to such environmental changes.

Anonymous:

In regards the the question about temperature extremes while leaving a gun in the car: This shouldn’t be an issue. It is irresponsible and absolutely unacceptable, in my opinion, to leave any gun (especially a handgun) outside of your home, unsecured or under-secured not on your person. Adequately securing a handgun in a vehicle is very difficult, if not impossible. A handgun kept in the console of your vehicle is not adequately secured and is, whether you care to admit it or not, far too likely to end up stolen. The thought of YOUR gun ending up in the hands of a criminal should be appalling to any responsible gun owner. You should be willing to do whatever is necessary to avoid a dangerous practice like leaving a handgun unsecured off your person while away from home.

Anonymous:

You do not say if the gun is blue or stainless steel. The blued gun is prone to damage because the humidity levels change with the temperature also.The gun should be cleaned and oiled often, inside and out. The extreme heat will make the oil dry out and get sticky and extreme cold will cause it to gel. Mil spec oil like Break Free should be used. The unstable temps also will cause the ammo to deteriorate quickly and should be changed every 6 month or at a minimum once a year.Use ammo with nickel plated cases, they resist corrosion. Police officers weapons are exposed to temp extremes also but not to the levels of a firearm left in a car 24/7/365 a year. If you want it to work when you need it, take care of 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!

I am a 100% disabled Veteran that has to use a wheelchair for mobility. I have no problems using my upper body. I am very concerned for our safety when out in public places with my wife because I feel that we are vulnerable to attack. At present, I carry a .38 special in a concealed weapon fanny pack but am afraid that if some store manager should decide to inspect it, that my weapon might be discovered. Is there a better method of carry or choice of handgun and holster that someone like me could carry that would ease my concerns?

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!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Armed American Report has seen a lot of changes since it’s humble beginnings, and based on your feedback, we keep making it better. (Some of you may remember when it was simply called The USCCA Weekly Newsletter!)

For example, a few weeks ago I tried something new with the ‘Ask Tim’ Q&A. Rather than giving you my one answer to a member’s question each week, I decided to try proposing the question to YOU, and then post some of the answers I received through the ‘Ask Tim’ feedback utility..

As it turns out, that was a huge success based on participation, and I’m proud to say that beginning next week, this will become a permanent addition to the Armed American Report (I’ll be updating the ‘ask Tim’ picture/link to something a bit more appropriate too!).

Also beginning next week, will be a “letter to the editor” section. Sometimes, we just need to vent, and I see a lot of it submitted to the “Ask Tim” section: Comments on new frustrating laws, comments about poor experiences with the public or law enforcement, and even comments about how a particular piece of gear failed them.

I also get great, positive comments about individual’s experiences, and I’d like to share them with you. Well, now you will have a designated place to submit your ‘letters to the editor’, and a section right here inside every Armed American Report in which to read them.

Thank you for being a reader of this publication and helping us grow: through your reading, your feedback and possibly even your membership to the USCCA. This is gunna be a great year.

-Tim

A Typical Night

“…That day, I was to find out, was the most important decision I had ever made involving hand guns…”

by Ronnie K.

It was one in the morning and it was cold. I just finished the typical drive from Denver to Salt Lake City. The air was filling with snow as I began the nightly ritual of setting up the room It was the usual room at the usual hotel. The parking space was not usual due to the late hour of arrival.

In 1984 I bought my first handgun. It was a fascination really, not familiar to the world of guns. During my younger years, I did not really care to learn. That would change in time. The thought of having one around was only one step in a series of decisions to empower myself with the ability to have a say in anything life threatening that might come my way. Just two months prior to tonight I engaged in a one-on-one training session with an incredible human being, Jerry S. Jerry is a retired sheriff of Weld County, Colorado. I have known him for 25 years. We talked before on many occasions as to me spending time with him on the course to get more comfortable in tactical situations. That day, I was to find out, was the most important decision I had ever made involving hand guns.

For the past 2 years, I found myself leaving my Glock 21 locked under the seat of my car. I guess I had become lax and less vigilant and had not included the gun in my nightly rituals. The first thing I do when I enter a hotel room is turn the bed down. I then throw all of the POP and advertising and Gideon’s book in a drawer and finally proceed in turning the room in “MY” room. I un-wrap the soap and throw a towel over the shower rail. I throw the old toilet paper roll away and put a new one into place. I unpack my travel bag and I strategically place the 28 things used to start the next day off quickly.

Because of the late arrival, I had to park a row further down than usual. Making the trek back and forth until I had transferred everything I needed was a multi-trip task. For some odd reason, I picked up the gun case and laid it next to the television; away from the line of sight of any passer-by. I was almost finished. I set-up the laptop on the bed and returned to the car for one last trip. As I reached into the middle doors of the car, I heard a strange noise behind me. I turned to look and saw a dark-headed guy trying to get into the dumpster of the business next to the hotel. He looked to be about my height. As he fell from the dumpster he made a loud noise; at first, I did not think much about it. That was about to change.

As I approached room #145, I turned to my left and there he was. Realizing that I was right about the height, he was much younger and heavier. I put my hand out in his direction and authoritatively said, “NO!” as I walked into the room. He said something that I did not understand. I set the bags on the bed and turned to find this guy standing at the door of the room. Filing the door frame with heavy snow as a backdrop, unbuttoned shirt and apparently, little ability to communicate in my native language - English; I knew I was about to find out the answer to the question many people ask themselves in a stressful or life-threatening situation.

I looked at him, and in a strong voice barked, “GET OUT OF THE ROOM!” He took 2 steps towards me and I took 2 steps back. The only way out was blocked by my new friend. He turned, and to my disbelief, he closed the door. Before he was able to turn back towards me, I had the Glock 21 in my hands, slammed the no-drop mag into the well, popped the trigger block out and racked the gun. When he turned completely back, he was staring down at a big bore barrel and me, squared off at him. It all seemed like slow motion. I felt electrical pulses through my quads and calves. My trigger finger was firm against the guard. I could see the tritium dots try to glow in the hotel room light.

Just then, I heard Jerry S. in my head. It happened fast, but it seemed like an eternity. I didn’t think, it just happened. I looked at this intruder through the trijcons and as loud as I could, issued two identical demands, “GET OUT OF THE ROOM, I DON’T WANT TO HURT YOU! GET OUT OF THE ROOM, I DON’T WANT TO HURT YOU!” He didn’t move; he just stared. I took one step towards him and still with authority, but not as loud, “GET OUT NOW OR YOU WILL DIE RIGHT HERE!” He looked and reached behind him. The closing the door was not enough - my finger jumped to the trigger and then back to the outside of the guard. I thought that I was going to have to shoot this guy. I was ready to do so, and right then, I knew that I could. His hand began to move forward and the door began to open. My heart stopped for a second - I think - and as he exited, I began to breathe evenly again. It was clear that this ordeal was about to end successfully. As he walked down the hall, I went to the door and yelled, “Where are you going?” He said, “To my room.” I responded, “What is your room number?” As he disappeared around the corner, he said, “206.”

Still revved up, I called the front desk. No one answered, so I called 911. I told the operator what had happened and in 12 seconds 8 Midvale police cars were at my door. I told the 911 operator that there was a loaded handgun in the room and this it would not be on my body when they arrived. I wanted the officers to know everything so that they would feel comfortable. I told the officers what had happened and they listened intently. A couple of them went to room 206, but there was no sign of him there. They came back and told me to lock the door. If anything else happened, I was to call 911 again. They left and I went on setting up the room for my three-day business trip. I realized that the cable I needed for the laptop was still in the car. It was still snowing and was 30 minutes since the police left. I opened the door and took 2 steps - to my surprise, he was back! Not 15 feet away, I looked up and he looked at me and said, “I didn’t mean to disrespect you.” I yelled to him, “DO NOT MOVE!” He complied. “TURN AROUND!” He complied. “PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD!” He complied. At this point, I grabbed the phone and dialed 911. I thought about the Glock, but he was far enough away that all I had to do to avoid him was close the door. I also heard the doors of both rooms on either side of me jiggle their locks. Thanks neighbors… The police returned, took statements and locked up my new friend.

It took 2 extra hours to fall asleep. The adrenaline was still high. I sat there watching pre-Super Bowl late night shows and reliving what had happened. Where was I mentally? What did I do right? What did I do wrong? I realized some fascinating things about this ordeal. Not once was anything that happened - forced. In fact, I did not think or analyze anything as it was unfolding. Everything that happened was automatic. It was a response to detailed training by Jerry S. The procedures that I followed with his guidance, only months prior to this night, were integral to the way it played out. It saved the life of my intruder and probably saved me 10’s, if not 100’s of thousands of dollars, in legal fees. Not once did I allow any negotiation between me and my new friend. Not once did I curse at or belittle him. My goal was NOT to perpetuate or escalate the confrontation. Remember, I did not know if he was drunk or on some type of illicit stimulant. I did not know, nor did I want to get close enough to this guy to find out. Everything that happened that night, happened, and I was prepared.

The next night at 8:25 p.m. there was a knock at my door. There was not supposed to be a knock on my door seeing that I was 550 miles away from home. I looked through the view hole to see what I thought was a neighbor. I opened the door and was face-to-face with a big 6ft. 7in. man with a buddy who was the same gigantic build. In a thick southern drawl he said, “My name is Jim, were you here last night?” I said, “Hi Jim, I’m Ronnie, where are you from?” He said they were from Birmingham, Alabama. I went on to let him know I was here the previous night and it was me screaming to someone that I didn’t want to hurt them. They acknowledged that they heard the statement. I thought, as I stood in front of my big neighbors, that’s what Jerry S. advised -to bark out my intent so others could bear witness later and it worked. I also wondered why I heard these two big boys jiggle their lock the night before and why they had not come out to help. The real answer is: YOU are responsible for yourself. Your neighbors or local law enforcement might not be able to be there.

I never knew how I would respond in a situation like this. I am sure now that everything I did was because of the training. I often hear from others that they would or could shoot someone in a situation like this. They say this and have never shot nor even leveled a loaded gun at a human being. I know this and I am proud of how I responded. I am confident that I can handle stress situations with a gun in my hands. I am forever appreciative of the time Jerry S. spent with me. The things he taught me will be with me for the rest of my life.

Did I ever think that I would be in a situation like this? Probably not. Did I feel certain that I could control this confrontation? I do now. Am I happy that I took this training course from Jerry? YES!

It is not just about buying a gun or ammunition that makes you and others safe. It is the time spent training and then training even more that makes gun ownership a worthwhile process. It doesn’t matter if it is a .22 or a .50 caliber. What does matter is what the brain is doing while you are holding the gun in your hand.

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

Chicago: Center of the Gun Rights Universe in 2010

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association
The Constitution of the United States guarantees your First Amendment right to free speech. And as you would expect, when you enter the city of Chicago, you continue to have that right.

The Constitution of the United States also guarantees your Second Amendment right to bear arms. But when you enter the city of Chicago, you are stripped of that right.

Why would you retain one right and not the other? Because for many years, Chicago has been at war with the notion of private firearm ownership. And today, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley may be the most anti-gun elected official in America.

But his dream of a gun-free, Second-Amendment-free city may come to an end this year when the U.S. Supreme Court hears the case of McDonald v Chicago, the most significant gun rights case in the nation’s history. At stake is whether the Second Amendment applies to the states in the same way that all the other amendments apply.

Although most experts predict a convincing win for the pro-gun side in this case, most experts also readily admit that anything could happen. Remember that when the Heller case was decided in 2008, we were only one vote away from losing the individual right to bear arms and having only a “collective” right.

Buckeye Firearms Association and the United States Concealed Carry Association have teamed up to submit a vital legal brief to the court arguing that just as you retain your right to free speech when you enter Chicago, you should also retain your right to bear arms. Rights do not and cannot end just because you cross a border from one city into another.

Click here to read more about this case and download your own copy of this historic document, which you helped created through your support of BFA and USCCA. This is YOUR contribution to history.

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

Just hours before this Armed American Report went out I found out that Armed American Radio is adding yet MORE new stations in the first week back to work for the syndicators! Corpus Christi, TX is now on the network at KCCT 1150 AM! KITZ in Port Orchard/Kitsap Peninsula/Puget Sound WA is now a member of the AAR network and here’s where we need YOUR help…WPNN in Pensacola Florida is airing us LIVE for THREE hours THIS Sunday 1-10-2010 at 7-10pm CST. That’s GREAT news BUT it’s a TEST. They are looking for feedback from listeners and the ENTIRE station management team is listening in to make a decision whether to carry us LIVE and sign the affiliate contract! Here’s what we ned YOU to do. If you are a listener from the Pensacola Florida area, PLEASE call the station on MONDAY 1-11-2010 at 850-433-9538 and ask for the program director. Politely THANK them for bringing AAR to your area and ask them to please keep the show! They are wanting to hear from YOU!

Last weeks show was one of the funnest we have done and I say that due to hour 3 of the roundtable. Myself, Tim Schmidt, George Hill and Dr. Bruce Eimer had a plain old great time and the humor was flowing freely! Believe me, I had my finger on the “dump” switch during the entire hour, not because the conversation got rough but simply because it was 4 friends talking about whatever came to mind, laughing, cutting it up and having a great time! When that happens amongst friends it’s almost like being out together and having a beer and it’s real easy to forget you’re live in cities across the country in cars, on computers, in living rooms, garages, basements, places of business and anywhere else you may be listening to the radio! GREAT fun and GREAT conversation. Give it a listen and I promise it’ll kind of remind you of “overhearing” a conversation at another table at the restaurant you’re eating at!

Coming up THIS week… another great lineup. Expert LEO/CCW trainer, Mike Rayburn joins me for some great advice and training tips. In addition to Mike, Luby’s Cafeteria survivor, Author and Texas State Legislator Suzanna Hupp makes her second appearance on AAR! We’ll be discussing her new book From Luby’s to the Legislature in detail! Also, Concealed Carry Magazine writer Duane Daiker chimes in this week in hour 2 and will stick around for the roundtable discussion in hour 3 and you never know who else may want to get involved!

Don’t forget, Armed American Radio is on FACEBOOK. Head over and “Become a Fan” for up to the minute updates that link to us at Twitter also. Check us out at www.twitter.com/aarmark too!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Tom Gresham! See, This past Sunday, my co-author Ms. Kathy Jackson was a guest on Guntalk and she and Tom discussed our book, Lessons from Armed America for almost 15 minutes of a 30 minute segment. Tom Gresham then told his listeners that Lessons from Armed America was one of his TOP 5 books recommended for anyone carrying a concealed weapon or thinking about it! That’s a HUGE statement from Tom Gresham when he mentions our book in the same breath as Copper, Ayoob, etc. For your own copy of Lessons from Armed America, please head over to www.whitefeatherpress.com and pick one up! It’s also available at all major book retailers online and soon in stores however they keep selling out! Not a bad thing BUT you can head over to www.whitefeatherpress.com and have one sent RIGHT away instead of waiting!

Please visit www.armedamericanradio.org for all of the latest info on upcoming shows, where to listen, and all of the latest news as it happens FAST on one of the FASTEST GROWING radio broadcasts in the United States of America!

I’ll see YOU on the radio, THIS Sunday at 8-11pm EST, 5-8pm PST! Be there!
Mark Walters

Raven Concealment Systems – Phantom Modular Holsters

USCCA Gear Review

by Chris Fry - USCCA Member
www.mdtstraining.com/

Like numerous other handgun owners, over the last 20+ years I have been on a continuous quest to find the best holster for my needs. The holster box is overflowing with all sorts: leather, kydex, hybrids, IWB, OWB, Slides, etcetera. Of all that I own I find myself going back to a select few.  Recently, my friend and fellow trainer Paul Gomez sent me a couple Raven Concealment Systems holsters and accessories to test out. I had read a couple of forum posts from fellow shooters about the Raven holsters but I thought they were just another kydex holster company. I am happy to say that my assumption couldn’t have been farther from the truth and the Raven holsters I now own have become my go-to holsters of choice.

Design Background

Raven Concealment Systems (RCS) is a relatively new holster company. Its three owners set out two and a half years ago to develop the “perfect” holster. As their website states, the guys from Raven are not a bunch of spec op shooters or SWAT officers. They are regular guys who wanted a better holster. Listening closely to the input of their friends and contacts in the LE and MIL communities and top level competitive shooters combined with their unique approach to working kydex, Raven Concealment Systems was born.

Left: RCS Phantom Modular Holster for Glock 19
Right: RCS Modular Double Magazine Carrier

The design element that separates’ Raven Concealment Systems from other holster manufacturers is their “modular” designs and options. RCS holsters are available with numerous options for each holster, magazine carrier or accessory. For example, the Phantom holster comes with solid fixed belt loops attached to the rear of the holster making it an outside the waistband (OWB) holster. For about $15 a set of soft belt loop attachments can be purchased and attached to the front of the Phantom, changing it from an OWB to an inside the waistband holster (IWB). Other attachments include paddle attachments, J-hooks, offset hooks, IWB overhooks, tuckable J-hooks, tuckable C-hooks, tuckable velcro hooks, pancake wings and others. These same modular options are available for most of the accessories like the magazine carriers, light carriers and less lethal tool carriers. Simply stated, when you buy a piece of RCS gear you have a lot more options than other holster manufacturers on the market offer without having to buy a different holster for each of your desires or needs.

	RCS Phantom with modular “Paddle” attachments
	Two RCS Phantom Holsters: Left with soft belt loop attachments for IWB carry. Right with solid belt loop attachments for OWB carry

If you own a Philips head screwdriver then you can change between the various attachments as needed. Extra hardware can be purchased for $5 and switching from one attachment to another takes literally 5 minutes. Not bad if you want to switch your holster from an OWB range training or duty holster to a low profile IWB concealment holster.

RCS Phantom G17, Blade-Tech G19

Specifications

The first observation I had upon getting my RCS Phantom holster was its size. It is approximately five inches wide compared to a blade-tech holster I have which is 3 inches wide. It is seven inches tall from the base to the top of the sweat guard. The kydex is molded for each gun and by the looks of their website you would be hard pressed finding a gun they don’t already have a mold for. The standard kydex body is held together with twelve open grommets, five on each side and two at the base of the holster. Some kydex makers prefer to stitch kydex almost like leather while others use solid rivets or screws to hold the two pieces together. Using the open grommets provides the modularity that Raven has become known for, allowing various carry attachments to be swapped on and off of the holster via screws.

Several other kydex holsters I own have some type of screw that is used to adjust holster tension, allowing for more or less retention. In my experience these tension adjustment screws usually loosen up or back off after some hard use. Sometimes they require a little loctite which defeats the purpose altogether, in my humble opinion. The Phantom does not have this option which is refreshing to see since it speaks to the craftsmanship of the product. Unlike most fold-over kydex holsters that seem to be the norm the Phantom is two separate pieces of kydex molded perfectly and fit together almost seamlessly around the firearm. This makes them extremely secure for a holster with no dedicated retention device such as a thumb break or hood.

The Phantom is slightly concave with a very mild 10 degree cant. This concave feature is another diamond in the rough when compared to other manufacturers since it greatly adds to the overall comfort of the holster when worn for extended periods of time.

All RCS gear is made right here in the USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Personal Impressions

At first glance I thought the Phantom would be too bulky and uncomfortable, but that is not the case. The width distributes weight, pressure or force exerted on the holster across a larger surface area making the holster more comfortable for extended duration wear. Some of my other holsters dig into my torso and hip when worn for more than eight hours and can become very uncomfortable leaving bruises or welts. It’s obvious that comfort was a major design concern with the Phantom and I can honestly say it is the most comfortable holster I have owned, to date, leather included. The first day I received the Phantom LC (light compatible) I wore it 14 hours straight in and out of the car with no discomfort or marking.

One group the guys from RCS relied upon for research and field testing were executive protection operators who required maximum concealment. The wide body design spreads the outline of the holster out more reducing typical “blocky” printing seen with some holsters. The ultra thin, slightly concave body hugging design coupled with the modular options provide excellent overall conceal-ability.

Another impressive feature is the thin shell design. This design allows the kydex to be somewhat pliable against the torso, but not enough to effect security or durability. It doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a piece of plastic and rides extremely close to the torso compared to other kydex holsters I own. Retention was one of my major concerns since the Phantom has no tension adjustment screw or option. With one other holster I own that doesn’t have a tension adjustment, the handgun is very loose in the holster and during a grounded shooting evolution with my long gun the handgun actually slid out of the holster. Needless to say that was the last time I used that particular holster. This is not a concern with the Phantom. Due to the molding method, all three of my RCS Phantom holsters hold the handgun firmly in place even when I turn the holster upside down and shake in an attempt to dislodge the handgun.

The durability and longevity of kydex is well known and so far my Ravens have held up strong with no problems. I have read accounts of clips breaking on the RCS Appendix rigs but have not had this problem with any of my RCS Phantom holsters or the RCS Appendix that I tested for several weeks of daily carry. From feedback I have received these problems were dealt with in a professional and timely manner by RCS with no questions asked.

Above: Phantom LC-Light Compatible

A feature I immediately liked about the Phantom was the ease of draw-stroke and re-holstering it offers. Some holsters, mostly leather but some kydex, require a “break in” period in which numerous draws from the holster are required to eliminate any drag or snags. The Phantom required none of this and was extremely fast out of the holster from day one. Due to its slight forward cant re-holstering comes naturally without having to get a visual on the holster first.

A final difference I noted with the Phantom is how it rides higher than any other kydex holster I currently own (Comp-Tac, Blade-Tech, Gideon, SideArmor, Cen-Dex and others). Generally speaking the Phantom rides approximately half an inch higher than the Comp-Tac and Blade-Tech holsters. When I first put it on I didn’t think I would like this added height. But, once again RCS proved me wrong. After running the Phantom in several classes I realized that I actually liked this small amount of added height better.

Left: RCS Phantom Modular Holster for Glock 19
Middle: One Source Gideon Holster for Glock 19
Right: Blade-Tech IWB Glock 19

Accessories

Since it’s virtually impossible for me to order just a holster I had to order some accessories to go along with my RCS Phantom. I ordered a double modular magazine carrier for standard support side carry and a single modular magazine carrier for strong side carry. All of the same positive attributes found with the Phantom holster come on the magazine carrier to include the open grommets, thin kydex and concave body hugging design. I had some concern about the larger profile of the RCS double magazine carrier since I wear my magazine carriers in front of my hip. I was worried it would dig into my upper leg/hip flexor when displacing to a speed kneeling position but again my concern was misplaced. The RCS magazine carriers ride just as nicely as the Phantom holster inside the waistband and out.

Conclusion

Overall I couldn’t be more pleased with the Raven Concealment Systems holsters and accessories I currently own. Last week I ordered 2 more RCS holsters and a couple more modular carriers. Having spoken now to several shooters running RCS holsters and gear it is apparent that RCS will soon be a dominant force in the holster industry. Despite their fairly new found success it is nice to know that the guys from Raven are easy to get a hold of either by phone (see number below) or via email if you have a question or concern about your product or if you have a custom tweak for your specific needs or requirements. At roughly $100 for an outstanding holster and magazine carrier you cannot go wrong with RCS.

Price:
Phantom Modular Holster: $69.95 + Shipping Phantom Holster

Phantom Modular Light Compatible Holster: $79.99 + Shipping Phantom LC Holsters

Magazine Carriers: Single 29.95 + Shipping, Double 49.95 + Shipping
Single & Double Modular Magazine Carriers

Raven Concealment Systems Phone: (440) 465-7111

About Chris Fry

Chris is the owner and director of training and curriculum development for Modern Defensive Training Systems in Utica, NY where he conducts courses in reality driven practical combatives, extreme close quarters physical defense, tactical folding knife and edged weapon combatives and combative pistol, carbine and shotgun skills. Chris has been an active instructor with Progressive F.O.R.C.E. Concepts in Nevada since 2003, servicing law enforcement, military and select government agencies. Chris is a certified AR15/M4/M16 and Glock armorer, contributor to various online firearms resource websites and a frequent presenter at national and international personal protection and small arms training conferences for both citizens and law enforcement. For more information see: www.MDTSTRAINING.com

ATTENTION USCCA MEMBERS!

The review you just read was written and photographed completely by a member of the USCCA.

Over 130,000 Armed Individuals will read this review, and be helped immensely because of it.

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 included or 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 reach you with questions or comments.

Quote of the Week

“No law ever prevented a crime.”

—Anonymous

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.

Tips For A First Time Carrier

A few years ago I carried a 9mm Glock for a couple of days, just to see how it felt. I was nervous all day, like I was doing something wrong, and going to be caught. I was wondering if any other people have felt this way. It is a big deterrent to carrying.

I am currently the father of 2 little ones, and trying to choose a .380 for carry again. Any tips on kicking the heebe-geebes about carrying?

Free Downloadable Targets

I found this web site a while back and thought I’d share it.

This site has hundreds of free targets you can download and print out.

http://www.targetz.com/

Have fun!!!

Concealing In The Curves

Hey there….
I am new to carrying and my nickname comes from my granddaughter. So the curves I am referring to are that I am a serious grandma with curves, I do NOT resemble the Twiggy types (ok, i have dated myself) and I am struggling to get my handgun concealed. I originally purchased a Springfield Armory XD 9 but with these issues, concealment was just NOT happening and so i went to the S&W 642 .38 and when the really nice young man at the gun shop smiled and said I could always add it to my “box of holsters”.if it didn’t work out.. well you can imagine i was less than thrilled! He is awesome and is doing all he can to help me accomplish the goal. BUT . . .

I do not always wear jeans and a belt. I often wear a suit or that kind of thing that has no real substantive waistband. And then there is the fact that i am quite short-waisted and the lovely leather holster that fit in the curve of my waist nicely, well it held that gun like a croc with a chicken in its jaws and i couldn’t get it loose. no room to draw..and that is just one of the issues.

I have a paddle holster that is lovely but what i don’t need is another bum and it sticks a way out there on my hip. I have a Clipdraw which is good because there is no holster but on the flipside “there is no holster” and i feel a bit … well shall we say, exposed…so any suggestions that you all would have would be quite helpful. (No extra charge for the entertainment)
Lord’s blessings on each of you this new year!

Video of the Week

Would you ever hit a 101 year-old woman and rob her? This guy didn’t have any qualms committing the predatory act.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-wTVnmHqoY

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!

December 21, 2009

Cleveland, Ohio

From: NBC4

Armed Robber Shot, Killed By Auto Sales Employee

Police say an armed man robbing an auto sales store in north Columbus was shot and killed by a store employee.

The shooting occurred at Advanced Auto Sales at 657 E. 5th Avenue about 5:00 PM Monday.

According to Columbus police, the shooting stemmed from an attempted robbery. The suspected robber entered the business and asked to use the restroom, then came out showing a gun and demanding cash.

Police told NBC 4 that the attendant gave the robbery suspect money, but he said it wasn’t enough and began pistol-whipping the attendant.  Another employee was able to retrieve a gun and shot the robber.

The robber was pronounced dead at the scene.

The employee suffered a broken nose and was treated and released from Grant Medical Center.

Police continue to investigate the robbery and shooting.  No charges have been filed at this time.

Closing Thoughts

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

“I understand old ammunition can be dangerous. My question is, How old is TOO old?? Thank you!”

1895GG:

I have been reloading shotshells, rifle and handgun ammo since 1971 and have kept detailed records. I have shot ammo that I have loaded the day before and I have shot some that I had reloaded 30 years earlier. All has performed as desired. Although not measured for pressure or velocity, the 30 year old ammo appeared to perform just a good as newer ammo. I think one of the main factors to consider is how was the ammo (or components such as primers and powder) stored. If stored at “room temperature”, not too hot or too cold, there should not be any problem. For a more scientific answer, you might want to check with some of the ballisticians at an ammo or powder company.

“Old dude and long-time shooter”:

As in personal age, actual “age” depends more on usage than years. If the ammunition has been stored in a relatively dry area, it can be safe and effective for years. I have had shotgun shell dating back to the “paper hull” days that functioned perfectly well after years of storage. Conversely I have seen these same shells fail miserably (or even fail to enter the breech) after short-term storage in a damp environment. For brass encased loads (as most defense cartridges) the moisture tolerance for short-term storage is better, but can be bad in the long term.

Self Reliant:

Old ammunition, properly stored, should be almost as good as new. I am currently using ammunition that I purchased in the early 60’s. My confidence is based upon the fact that I have had control of this ammunition since its purchase. I always visually, by touch and chamber gauge check ammunition before using. Properly stored in sealed ammo containers, kept in cool dry conditions, under your control, should be fine. On the other hand, ammunition you get from some unknown person, has no history to trust. It all boils down to who do you trust??

Rick Chastain:

Regarding the safety of “old ammunition”, I do not consider myself any kind of expert but have never had any problems with old ammo. I still have some WWII surplus 30-06 ammunition that — so far — continues to perform flawlessly; no misfires, no odd pressure spikes, no erratic accuracy. Due to several household moves and a career that involes a lot of travel and consumes a great deal of my discretionary personal time, I am also just now firing some of my own handloads — and those left to me by my father — that are in excess of 40 years old. (We used to load in batches as large as 10,000 rounds.) I cannot speak for ammunition older than about 70 years, but so far, no problems. Basically, if I was 30 years old, I would have no fears about stockpiling a lifetimes worth of ammunition (for me, something in excess of 200,000 rounds).
This week’s question. Have an answer? Use the “Ask Tim” form below to give an answer- I’ll share them here next week!

Armed American Report Reader: I keep a .357 revolver in my car year round in the center console. It gets very hot in the car in the summer, and sometimes below zero in the winter. I have had no problems shooting the gun at all, but would like to know if these extreme temperature fluctuations will affect the gun in any way.

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!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Happy New Year! Let’s make 2010 one heck of a good year.

To kick off the FIRST Armed American Report of the decade, I’ve got a call-to-action special message from the host of Armed American Radio, Mark Walters.

Mark Walters:

Ladies and Gentlemen, 2009 was absolutely one for the record books on Armed American Radio!  We defied the odds according to some of the biggest names in radio syndication management!  They told us that "we were crazy", that we would "need to be on the air for at least a year" before we could "even THINK of national syndication".  

You know what my response was?  "Yeah, sure"! 

Guess what, in less than 3 months of being on the air in one city for one hour, Armed American Radio defied those predictions and went national.  In addition to that, in less than 3 months of syndication, AAR is now heard on DOZENS of stations across American and all time zones LIVE for THREE solid hours. Those career radio folks have since apologized for doubting our dreams!  Although it felt good to hear them tell us we were doing things that they thought could never happen, WE KNEW FROM THE START IT COULD BE DONE!

See, what those career radio folks didn’t understand was our PASSION for freedom as LAW-ABIDING gun owners!

Operation Velvet Hammer is designed to defy the odds even greater!  Your response so far has been overwhelming and humbling to say the least BUT we can do even better!  So far, hundreds of you have offered your assistance in growing AAR even faster than it has in 2009 and with your help, together we can OWN 2010.  Please help us show the radio guru’s that not only do we mean business and not only have we become one of the fastest growing radio programs in America but WE CAN BE EVEN BIGGER even FASTER. 

Get involved in this fight today by clicking here and learning more…

Situational Awareness

"…The major desired result from awareness is of course gaining thinking time and therefore the greater ability to escape safely or determine when things have gone too far and escape is no longer possible, then responding to hopefully survive another day…"

by Chris Beglin

One of the prerequisites of concealed carry should (must) be avoidance of dangerous situations, by which I mean we escape them at all costs rather than enter into conflict. To maximize that requires good awareness, which I consider the most important and vital aspect of being alert. Our firearm is no passport to a gunfight. The major desired result from awareness is of course gaining thinking time and therefore the greater ability to escape safely or determine when things have gone too far and escape is no longer possible, then responding to hopefully survive another day.

There are popular "condition" colors we can allude to, suggested originally by the venerable Jeff Cooper (white, yellow, orange and red) which conveniently separate and demarcate the levels of awareness we can employ. As we may know, many people do indeed live most of their lives in condition white - meaning that while they might think they look and listen, they do not in fact see and hear as an effective information gathering experience. Rather they remain in their personal space sometimes oblivious to most of the environment that is around them. I think we all see vehicle drivers who can be labeled this way! There are other factors that can play a part also, including excessive alcohol intake effects and severe tiredness. It is these people who also perhaps exhibit what we may refer to as "victim status," because they can be recognized by criminals as unaware, sometimes slow, often trance-like and certainly potentially vulnerable.

Fish-eye view to show the choice of a seating position with a near-full scanning view of the whole interior. The outside window is to the author’s back.

Condition yellow is a step up from white and in my opinion where we should all be as responsible firearm carriers. It does not need any stress level because it is calm and relaxed but does require that we hone our senses to maximize their usefulness and habitually absorb the incoming information to good effect - ALERTNESS! It is what I think we should practice at all times possible, all our waking hours.

Orange is effectively an enhanced yellow state where we sense something is not quite right and things do not add up, so we think through our options for flight or fight.

Finally, condition red. The fight is on and you have to take decisive action to defend yourself or flee the latter being as ever the better choice if possible. It is though please note only with a firm grasp on yellow that the transition to orange and red can be properly and usefully achieved as, with white as a starting point sensory overload and denial will possibly be the main consequence resulting in a very non-productive panic. The transition through these three important stages is actually seamless.

Of all the senses, sight and hearing are the most obvious and applicable here, with touch taste and smell being secondary. The final one I include is "intuition" which is actually a "cerebral sense" and less apparent. I may be stating the obvious to some but, there is a very significant difference between looking and seeing, as there is also with listening and hearing - even the sense of smell should not be totally disregarded though I am not dealing with that here, other than to maybe state the obvious whereby if we smell smoke there just may be fire! I am assuming that all readers have their senses intact, however for those who may be hearing or vision impaired then they must further hone their remaining sense skills that much more. The majority of people I find do tend to let their senses run on "idle" when actually they have much remaining potential.

Let’s look briefly at specific sensory aspects and ways to better exploit them for situational awareness.

For the majority of us blessed with sight, this is perhaps the best sense to capitalize on, and remember, looking is not always seeing. Here is where practice with peripheral vision really helps because not only is that function acutely motion sensitive but also most people can manage very nearly 180 º coverage. To most gainfully use that however requires some extra work initially, so as to "register" in the mind what is out there over and above the central vision field, forming a habit of including that wide area in one’s appraisal.

When eating out next, for example, try to observe what you can see with peripheral vision and notice that movement in particular is well included by the eyes. Extend that further to try and recognize colors and types of clothes and you may be amazed that with a small increase in mental concentration and analysis you actually "see" a great deal more. Try also to practice subtle scanning actions, which can include extra eye movements side to side as well as subtle head movements, disguised more as general interest looks than actual intrusive intrusions into the space of others. Even an apparent cursory look at one’s wristwatch can effectively allow for a wider sweep which would not be noticed by most others. When out and about, even reflections in window glass can be very informative, such as glancing in a store window to see a reflection in another area while seeming to be window shopping. Auto glass can also be useful in a similar manner. Another ploy that can be used is to make a casual glance upward as if interested in something flying perhaps and then when returning to a low gaze, include a target area in the return sweep! Learn to place image "frames" grabbed during a sweep in temporary store and if possible make 360º sweeps too.

It is further important to practice scanning at all ranges. We have probably seen drivers who appear isolated in their own small cocoon and probably looking no further than ahead by one vehicle. It is they who may fail to see a wreck a quarter mile away and fail to act soon enough to avert trouble. They might equally fail to see the same distance behind and not see an errant truck barreling down on them with failed brakes. Apply this to everyday life. Do not just look within your local space but also scan at distance for anything unusual. In a street situation it might mean spotting a vehicle behaving strangely long before it has got close, or a person moving in an odd manner.

Much of our waking life, sound is a constant input and also very mixed in content. One thing we can fail to exploit is "selective hearing," which we often use unwittingly in a crowd when talking, shutting out extraneous sounds as we concentrate on a speaker. This can be developed considerably if when listening to input we consciously do a separation exercise. An easy example might be imagined when again, sitting in a restaurant, we attempt listening to and trying to tune in on and identify each voice or sound, attempting then also to even listen for outside sounds like vehicles.

Shop front to demonstrate using reflections to advantage - in each case an oblique view shows people or vehicles - and of course movement is easily seen with no obvious give-away of what one is doing. This is useful for those situations if you are suspicious of being followed etc.

Intuition. What is it? Well as individuals we have it to greater or lesser degrees and it is perhaps (arguably) something more applicable to older people with more experience. How can we train for this? I doubt we can but we can allow ourselves to listen to our inner self when alarm bells ring and try to rationalize our "gut-feelings." It is I consider a part of condition yellow anyway and goes with a heightened state of awareness. The hardest part is knowing whether to heed or disregard. This decision will necessitate a rapid weighing of facts as available. Imagine a noise in the night and we wake in a state of immediate heightened alertness, at which point we have to make quick decisions. Is the sound we heard a "normal" one such as a dog stretching his legs, or a cat jumping off a chair? We could call this waking to yellow. Rapid analysis is essential.

So, where are we now? Well, I have covered aspects regarding our two main sensory tools and also our intuitive instincts but also under this heading of situational awareness I am choosing to include what we might call situational assessment. Let us flex the imagination and suppose that we are in a public place, having already been alerted to some less than desirable people nearby. This we have ascertained by already being in yellow condition. Being unsure of our company we may now slide into condition orange because we feel uncomfortable and want to leave the area but also consider options if escape is not possible. This is where awareness usefully becomes assessment and there is much to be gained sometimes by looking at someone close enough, in the eye. In some cases this can be taken as an offensive gesture if not subtle enough but it can give some clue as to the possible intentions of third parties. A firm confident return of a look may well show no evil intent whereas a shifty look may well show nervousness, sometimes a danger sign.

In conclusion, remember once more that your prime responsibility as a bearer of a concealed weapon is to avoid trouble. The best way to do so is to know what is going on around you at varying distances and positions and it is something everyone can do, because the potential is there but it must be used and enhanced through practice. Every extra piece of sensory input you can accumulate represents vital fractions of time you may be better able to plan for flight or flight.

I have had to keep this fairly concise but it should hopefully set you off in the right direction, all the better to be a responsible and safe bearer of a firearm.

About The Author

I am an ex-pat’ 60-year-old Englishman and a proud American citizen, married to an American lady for the last six years and living happily in SW Pennsylvania. My daily carry is a SIG 226 ST in 9mm, in a custom K&D Holsters belt slide. I used to do freelance photography. I am a degreed Engineer, even though these days, I work mainly on the computer dealing in web design and kidding myself that I am semi-retired! In 1997, I suffered the ignominy of loosing my prized collection of 24 handguns, thanks to the UK Government revoking my "privilege." As a result, I now cling on tightly to our right to keep and bear arms in the U.S.A. I am an NRA Certified Instructor in all disciplines and enjoy passing on my experience as well as bringing in new shooters whenever possible. This allows me to feel that I give a little something back. 

USCCA Toon of the Week

by Chaim’s Cartoons

Disabled Man Stops Home Invasion with 3 Gun Shots

Gun Rights Roundup

by Buckeye Firearms Association

Gary Wroblewski is confined to a wheelchair and therefore an easy target for criminals. His physical limitations and lack of mobility are the type of weakness that cowards look for in an easy mark. But, Mr. Wroblewski is anything but a helpless victim.

That’s because he exercises his natural right to bear arms, which may have saved his life on December 15th when thugs attacked him inside his home in Ocala, Florida.

In a premeditated act of crime, three young hoodlums forced their way into Wroblewski’s home, knocking over Wroblewski in his wheelchair. On his way down, he fired three shots, fatally wounding one of the men and scaring off the other two. 

If the anti-gun crusaders in America had their way, instead of a .45 in his hand to ward off his attackers, Mr. Wroblewski would have had nothing but a telephone to feebly dial 911, perhaps after he had been beaten. Or worse, the police may have had one more brutal murder to investigate that night.

The Founders knew what they were doing when they wrote the Second Amendment. And it had nothing to do with target shooting or sport. Our liberty is predicated on feeling secure in our own homes and having the ability to protect ourselves. Without that, the American experiment is a failure. 

Read the full story, watch a video interview with Wroblewski, and listen to the 911 call.

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

Well, it’s here. The new year. 2010. Elections. The choice between freedom and socialism. This is the year we can make our voices heard and KICK some well deserving arse out of DC permanently.  

The previous year was a huge success for Armed American Radio and 2010 is already looking like it’s going to blow 2009 right off the map. The interest in the program nationwide is building to unbelievable levels and more great things are bound to come.  

For now, I’ll make this one short and sweet and let you get back to enjoying your families on another deserved day off but before I go I want to say THANK YOU!  Thank you for making AAR one of the most talked about radio broadcasts in America and for all of your support. The lineup for the first show of 2010 is a huge one with Tim Schmidt, Oregon Firearms Federation’s Kevin Starrett, Dr Bruce Eimer exploring the criminal mind, the unbelievable gun photographer Oleg Volk and MORE!

Don’t forget to join us on Facebook at Armed American Radio and visit www.armedamericanradio.org for up to the minute info on everything we’re doing to bring freedom to America’s airwaves, coast to coast every Sunday evening for 3 solid hours of hard hitting talk about YOUR rights.

You have my word that I will continue to put myself on the line to carry the torch of freedom nationwide in 2010!  Keep the letters and emails coming, the show suggestions, and when you see the freedom haters in your back yard be sure to let me know… I’ll take them to task and make sure the entire nation knows what they are up to!  Buckle up folks, 2010 is gonna be a wild ride and I’m driving!

Thanks again and I’ll see YOU on the radio, this Sunday January 3rd at 8pm EST, 5pm PST!

Mark Walters

A Big Boy’s “Toy” - The Ruger LCR

USCCA Gear Review

by Todd Metzger - USCCA Member
www.greenandbrass.com/

Squirt guns, airsoft equipment, Nerf blasters, Glocks and the Ruger Lightweight Compact Revolver (LCR) all have one thing in common: plastic as a material of construction. Plastics are materials that are typically known for their light weight, relative strength and corrosion resistance. Modern day technologies allow for the manufacture and production of economical, high performance plastics that rival the properties of many materials of construction that have traditionally been used in the past for everything from spaceships to firearms. It is the use of plastics in modern day firearms that has created a revolution in their design and manufacture over the past several decades and brought new and unique products to the market.

I have been an owner and user of the commonly labeled Tupperware guns, Glocks, for years. I have even carried one as a law enforcement officer. Within the last couple of years, we have seen an explosion in the Tupperware handgun market, from pocket sized, semi automatics to even a revolver, the Ruger LCR. The plastic revolver is something that is quite unique in regards to the world of handguns. The Ruger LCR, with its use of plastic (polymer for those that don’t care for the term plastic) as the material of construction for its frame, aluminum and streamlined design, is one of, if not the lightest pocket snubbie out there when it comes to a .38 special pocket revolver.

In addition to the use of plastic, aluminum and component optimization achieves further lightening of the revolver. The great design of the LCR goes beyond just simple weight reduction. The fire control system was designed in such a way as to produce a very smooth and consistent trigger pull from start to finish. Even the grips of the revolver are designed to reduce the impact of recoil on the shooter in an effort to counter the increased recoil from such a lightweight handgun. The individual features of the Ruger LCR are designed and produced to work together to achieve a smooth, homogeneous system that leaves little to be desired.

I have read the reviews and seen them in the shops. While I found the revolver interesting when it first came onto the market, I didn’t have any interest in owning a LCR or any snubbie for that matter. However, over the last few months, I have evaluated and revised my daily carry gear, training and mindset where required. While OC Spray is an example of a new carry tool that I added that this reevaluation resulted in, I also realized that as much as I wanted my daily carry, IWB Glock 26 to serve all purposes, all of the time, it simply could not. I needed something that could be easily moved from pocket to pocket, accessible in bulky outer layer, cold weather garments and a lightweight pocket gun for my lawn mowing shorts. The Ruger semi automatic, .380 ACP LCP was actually on the top of my list to begin with. However, I realized that I wanted something with more energy, more punch. The .38 Special cartridge, which is the chambering for the Ruger LCR, in +P will give approximately 30% more energy than the .380 ACP cartridge. Additionally, snubbies purposely built for concealed carry, i.e. double action only, lightweight, short grip, concealed hammer, have a reputation for being workhorses. Given my requirements, the Ruger LCR was a near perfect fit. Since the LCR can actually be found in various stores and shops today, I was able to recently purchase one and bring it home with me.

The LCR was supplied with a nice Ruger emblazoned pistol case, user manual, various paperwork, fired casings in an envelope and a gun lock.  Right from the box, I found that everything that I had heard about the revolver was accurate and truthful.  The Ruger was lightweight, good looking, had a smooth trigger and lightweight.  Yes, I said lightweight twice for emphasis!  The LCR is also available with factory installed Crimson Trace Laser Grips for an additional price if desired.  The size of the Ruger is consistent with every other .38 Special snubbie on the market.  The LCR is about the same size as my Glock 26 and, obviously, slight smaller than the Glock 19 as seen in the photo below.

The LCR, as should be any concealed carry weapon, is rugged, simple and requires little in the way of supporting accessories.  The direct supporting accessories for the LCR that are required are quality personal defense cartridges, an adequate holster and at least one reload worth of cartridges in the form of QuickStrips or other speedloader.

Based on my personal experience with firing this load as well as various technical/review data that is available, I prefer the Winchester’s Bonded PDX1 +P JHP Personal Protection cartridge as my primary self defense load.

The best method that I have found for carrying a spare load of cartridges is the Tuff Products QuickStrips.  They allow for all of the rounds to lie flat in line, can slip in and out of my pocket easily and much quicker than carrying individual rounds loosely.  While a traditional revolver speedloader is the quickest method to reload an “empty” revolver, I have found that the “cushy” Hogue Tamer grips supplied with the LCR interfere with the correct size HKS speedloader, size 36-A.  While the HKS speedloader can be used, the grip interference requires some rather fine motor skills to align and drop the rounds into the cylinder that I do not believe would be available during a high stress event such as a self defense scenario.

As far as holsters, I own and recommend both a pocket and a belt, tuckable IWB in my case, holster.  I purchased a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster that works like a pocket holster should.  It holds the LCR as it should, covers the trigger guard as it should and stays in your pocket on drawing your revolver as it should.  The belt holster, a tuckable IWB, that I purchased was a High Noon Leather Hidden Ally.  The High Noon is a basic leather, IWB without any major bells or whistles, but it gets the job done.

I have mentioned numerous times as to how lightweight the LCR is.  Ruger specifications indicate that the LCR, empty, weighs in at a tremendous 13.5 ounces.  For a means of comparison, an unopened 12 fluid ounce can of soda weighs approximately the same.  But, we all know that we don’t conceal empty weapons.  If you conceal an empty weapon regularly, I will give some free advice that will save you hundreds of dollars:  sell the gun and get a rock!  Returning to the subject of weight, the revolver empty is light and the revolver loaded is still light.  The revolver fully loaded with PDX1 and in a holster weighs in at a whopping  1 pound 2.7 ounces, an addition of 5.2 ounces.

The revolver not only looks and feels good, it operates great too!  The revolver, for its intended purposes of personal defense, provides the accuracy needed!  I have only had the opportunity to put approximately 30 rounds downrange in an effort to proof the basic operation of the revolver.  However, those 30 rounds proved that the revolver puts the rounds where I need them.  I fired 25 rounds of Winchester White Box FMJ and 5 rounds PDX1 +P.  The recoil of the standard pressure rounds was stout but more than manageable.  The +P loads definitely are snappier than standard pressure rounds, but are still manageable, although I wouldn’t care to put 200 rounds of +P downrange in a single session.  The target pictured below is from the 30 proofing rounds that I fired during the first and only range session with the LCR.  The target was at a distance of approximately 7 yards. The red circle indicates the location of aimed, snap shots, the yellow circle indicates the location of point shots and the green rectangle indicates the location of a mixture of a few hip shots (one hip shot was dumped) and a few shots on the move.  As one can see, the revolver puts them where they are needed.

The final verdict is…  This one is a keeper!  I like this handgun so much that, if it weren’t for the limited capacity, it would be my daily carry piece starting yesterday.  I am definitely happy with the purchase and it will certainly fill the niche that I was intending it to fill as well as much more!

The end.

ATTENTION USCCA MEMBERS!

The review you just read was written and photographed completely by a member of the USCCA, who originally posted it on the USCCA Member’s Only Forum.

Over 130,000 Armed Individuals will read this review, and be helped immensely because of it.

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 included or as seperate 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.

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

(From The Editor: Is this the source of the gun control tactics?)

“Tell a lie loud enough and long enough and the people will believe it.”

—Adolf Hitler

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.

This Happened To Me–Forced To Disarm

(From The Editor: What this person posted in the forums is totally unacceptable, and absolutely ridiculous! Sure officers need to be kept as safe as possible in these troubled times, but ordering a person in his own home to disarm is not the answer. There is no argument here for that police agency, for if the homeowner meant any harm to the police, he would not have told them he was armed!)

On Dec. 18th 2009 at or around 12 noon, I had someone attempt a forced burglary on my home here in South Seattle. I called the Police to report it. Operator 117 took the phone call. She asked me if I had any weapons. I replied yes I do. I am armed all the time. Told her I also have a permit. I also told her I was reporting it for information so they would know that something was going on in this area and I did not request they send the Police. She requested that I disarm. I asked why should I since this is my house and home. Her response was because I said so. She then referred me to Chief Dispatcher 20 who demanded that I disarm before they would even dispatch.

Very nicely as with the other dispatcher I stated I would not. My weapon is in my holster. She got on the radio and I heard her say “he is arguing with me and refuses to disarm” I informed her that I was not arguing with her. She stated again sir disarm and come out of the house with your hands up or we will not respond onto your property. I told her I would put the gun down and come out but not with my hands up. 2 minuets later there was a knock and I went outside. 2 officers then began to lecture me that I should obey the dispatcher and do what they tell me to do. There were about 9 officers outside.

They did not take a report or check the property or look at anything except for walking up and down the street. Then they left. I cannot understand why a legal gun owner on their own property has to disarm just to have the Police show up. Plus why I should come out of the house with my hands up.

Testimonial

Just installed a Crimson Trace on my SA 1911. Went to the range yesterday and all I can say is WOW. Drew and fired as soon as it cleared the holster and oddly enough it hit where the little red spot was. Every time. I fired from the close ready position with deadly accuracy. As a sideline benefit, as I fired the laser traced my hand and trigger mistakes for me. As I corrected them, accuracy improved. Only regret was that I only had 300 rounds. If you are on the fence about one get off and get it.

Best Value Officer’s Model 1911?

Hello all, I am looking for a budget minded officer’s model 1911. Does anybody have any input who makes a good one at a decent price?

Video of the Week

The tones of the voices, the words, the body language and facial expressions. This video tells me all I need to know. Watch it closely, and never give up the fight to keep the Second Amendment an individual right to bear arms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4138T2VRgxs&feature=related

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!

December 28, 2009
Peoa, Utah

From: KSTU

Mountain Lion Shot After Killing Family Dog

PEOA, Utah - Elain Jorgenson walked outside her house to feed her dog only to discover her 11-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mauled to death, bloodied and in nearly an unrecognizable state. She turned around and took two steps back to find a Mountain Lion hissing at her. Reeling in shock, she turned and ran into the house calling out her husband. "So I’m yelling at him ‘please get the gun’; he shoots it, we call 911 to let them know what happened."

The couple is from Peoa, a small town just northeast of Park City, nestled in the mountains.

Wildlife experts call this an isolated incident, but warn those to be safe and try to keep pets inside as much as possible this winter.

"This situation was a young juvenile cat, first winter on its own in my estimation… looking for food in the winter," Jorgenson says.

Closing Thoughts

Last Week’s Question: ANSWERED.

"How important in performance is barrel length? Specifically, is 4.5″ an whole lot better than 3.8″ in 9 mm or .40 cal? -John"

Paul from Austin:

Hello John, in response to your question about a barrel length of 4.5 or 3.8 inch barrel in 9mm and 40mm calibers and the difference of the two. I don’t believe you will find a whole lot of difference in barrel length in regards to close quarter confrontations. There may be a 5-20 fps difference in velocity through the chronograph maybe a bit more or less but not much with the length you’ve given. Even in sniper applications in the military they are looking at a shorter barrel as opposed to a longer barrel on their rifles for better portability and lighter overall weight. But with your case it’s which ever you like best. You can’t go wrong with either length, both will shoot excellent groups. Hope this helps your decision.

Phil R.:

In my opinion the only real concern over barrel length is it’s relation to sight radius. The shorter the barrel the shorter the sight radius thus a small sight misalignment equals a miss. Of course the speed of the bullet will be effected but that will not matter as much as missing the target. The target will not ask was that a 3 or 4″ barrel after being hit. If you are going to use a compact or sub-compact just practice with it until you can put all your shots in a 4″ paper plate out at 10 yards.

Mark Avery, Beavercreek, Ohio “DesertLion” on the USCCA Forum:

Barrel length - To some extent, it depends on what you mean by “a whole lot better”. There are differences in ballistics between barrels of different lengths in otherwise similar guns, but the differences are small. The main difference most people will notice is due to sight radius. The longer barrel guns have their sights further apart. The longer sight radius magnifies any sight alignment inaccuracies and are therefore easier to align properly. A very small error in sight alignment (the precision with which the sights are aligned with the eye) will have a much greater effect on shot placement, especially at longer distances, than small errors in sight picture (where the sights are aligned on the target). Most people attribute the perceived difference in accuracy between longer and shorter barrels to the barrels themselves, but the majority of the difference is due to the ease of aligning the sights correctly. At typical personal defense distances, from contact out to about 15 feet, precise accuracy is less of an issue. For that, you need to be able to get to your gun in the very few seconds you have from the time you have identified the threat. If a smaller gun means you are more likely to have it with you and easily accessible, the decreased ease of aiming precisely and very slight decrease in muzzle energy will be trumped by having the gun when you need 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!

I understand old ammunition can be dangerous. My question is, How old is TOO old?? 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!

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