Armed American Report

January 22, 2010

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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