February 12, 2010
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.
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
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!
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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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Tim Schmidt
Founder - U.S. Concealed Carry
http://www.usconcealedcarry.com
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