NTYDTTRD is taking over life as I knew it.

What a ride!  The response has been amazing, we have more ranges registering even now, with just over two weeks to go to June 9.  The planning the the founders event is pretty much set, we only have one time slot left, lots of volunteers, and lots of fun and prizes planned for the participants!  We have 34 ranges registered to date.

For planning purposes, this will be an annual event, next year will be the 3rd Sat in Jun, and each year after. 

We look forward to watching this grow, introducing safe gun handling to the youngest generation, encouraging families to shoot together and generally HAVE FUN!

Safe Shooting and thank you for sticking with me while I go a little nuts getting this together!

Why do I carry Pepper Spray when I carry a Gun?

(update from Dec 2011)

On word…safety. Another reason, Proportional Response.
Let’s address safety. Can I always use my gun in a defensive situation? What about in a crowded parking lot? What about at a park with lots of children around, or in any other environment where I cannot fire without the risk of seriously injuring or killing an innocent person? What is behind my target, or attacker? What if my attacker has intent and opportunity but not the means to seriously injure or kill me?

For you to justify lethal force there must be Means, Opportunity, AND Intent. The key word is “and”. All three must be present for you to have a chance to justify using lethal force. Yes, this is a judgment you may have to make in an instant. But, you will probably have to explain it later.
Let’s break it down;
• Means, does the attacker(s) have the means to do you serious injury or kill you? Does he (or she) have a gun, a knife, another weapon of some kind, a significant size and / or weight advantage? Are they aiming for you with their car? They have the means.
• Opportunity, does the attacker(s) have the opportunity to get to you without you being able to elude them quickly? Are you out in the open? Can you get into a secure location, or behind a barrier? Are you in your car and able to drive away? Are they far enough away that you can run to safety? They must have the opportunity to get to you without your being able to escape.
• Intent, this is a big one. Did they say they were coming for you, or going to kill you? Was there a threatening gesture as they approached you? What did he or she or they do that made you believe you were in mortal danger?
I can’t shoot someone who is yelling in my face, but not posing a serious physical threat. Similarly I cannot justify lethal force against someone today who left a threat on my voice mail saying they are coming after me tomorrow.

I once found myself in a situation where I had asked a contractor to move their truck and trailer that were blocking about six parking spaces. I was in my car, the crew were all on foot. One of them was cussing at me while another reached into a bag and pulled out a tool that looked like a screwdriver or a narrow trowel. I drove off quickly and called the police (who arrived about 70 minutes later and didn’t even write down the license plate numbers I tried to give them). Yes, when seconds count…but in their thought process I had escaped the immediate threat and they were free to work me in as their time permitted. That was right, but it didn’t feel very good. Was there means? Yes! Was there Intent? I thought so. Was there opportunity? No, I was able to get away quickly without injury and call the police from a safe distance.

Now, what about the risk to innocents? What if you have Means, Opportunity, and Intent bearing down on you but innocent people surround you? Bullets can, and do go through a human being and into other things behind them, like other people. In stress, that tight grouping you have on the range may fail you and you might miss.

According to a 1992 article on the Police Policy Studies Council website regarding number of shots fired compared to missed, the numbers are sobering. “In nine of 21 solo shootings the officer missed the target entirely.” “… police fired a total of 186 shots and scored 112 hits - missing 40 percent of their shots.” These are people who carry a gun as part of their job, and they missed nearly half the time. What will you or I do under stress?

Does this mean I won’t shoot? No! But I am considering all the factors, and running “what if” scenarios in my head. What will I do if that person comes toward me, how will I respond if this convenience store is robbed? What will I do while standing at the ATM if someone approaches?

In some cases, I might believe the intent is to hurt me but not kill me. Or the intent is to rob but not injure. Would I pepper spray someone? No doubts! I have taken the SabreRed (CSAP) Pepper Spray (you can find classes in your area on their website) class and have a reasonable understanding of how to use it, what the affects are, and that some people are immune. I also carry it in my hand in parking lots or in transit between my car and a “safe” location. Pepper spray doesn’t help you in the bottom of your purse. No mugger is going to wait patiently while you dig for it.

It all comes down to the level of the threat and your response. If the threat is there but not lethal, you can’t justify a lethal response. You probably can justify a non-lethal response.

Remember, once they are down, try to get to a safe area as fast as possible, and CALL THE POLICE! You need to be the one to report the incident first. If the bad guy calls in an assault by you, the police may look at you differently than if you call in an attack and that you defended yourself.

Stay Safe!!

Update:  I carry a lot of things on a regular basis, besides by gun and my pepper spray, I have a flashlight with a tactical bezel that can temporarily blind an assailant or be used as a striking tool.  I also usually have a knife.  I also have my wits and situational awareness.  I've trained and practice for personal defense, learning how to hit and practicing on a heavy bag is very empowering. 

You need lots of tools in your toolbox to keep yourself safe.  Your first best defense is your brain.  Be aware, avoid situations that don't "feel" right and practice your "what ifs". 

Give yourself options.  Remember, the best fight is the one that doesn't happen. 

Thank you Veterans!

Sincere thanks to those who have put country ahead of self and protected our freedoms, yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

God Bless our Veterans and our Military.

Winchester Marksmanship Program - UPDATE

(As you know, I'm recycling some older posts because I'm swamped with NTYDTTRD, but I'm also adding to them as I go.  I will get back on "target" soon.

Have you looked at this? Information is available on the NRA site under Programs. This is a great program, even for an experienced shooter. It uses the honor system, except for the final level, where you meet minimum standards to achieve each level. They get progressively harder as you progress.  

I’m working the Pistol Qualification program now. I just finished the third level, where I had to shoot two handed grip with strong and weak hand. I had shot one handed before, but never two handed leading with my weak hand. It was a challenge. I think that was the idea.

I’ve heard people say that no one does this program anymore. I would like to see that change. This is a great way to measure your progress against defines standards. It encourages work on fundamentals and shooting skills. It addresses a variety of firearms, not just pistols, but rifle and shotgun as well.

I’m still an advocate for formal training, but we can’t go to the range with an instructor every week. This program adds a touch of discipline to my practice sessions, and gives me a goal to work to meet. This isn’t the only way I practice, but it is one aspect of my practice.

Let me know if you have worked through this program or considered it. I’m very interested in what others think.

UPDATE:

I have completed the Expert, all that is left now is DE.  I know several ladies who have completed their DE, and I'm so proud of them.  I'm a little nervous about trying but I think once the event is past, and I'm off the Prednisone (I've been sick the last few weeks and my asthma got bad) I'll give it my best.

You may have read recently about my thoughts on shooting for marksmanship vice shooting for defense.  Huge Difference!  However, this program isn't just about marksmanhip, it also addresses many areas critical to defense, such as shooting one handed and shooting with your weak hand.  I have a tremendous appreciation for the effort it takes to get through this, there were some frustrating moments along the way.  For those of you who are working through it, display your rockers or pins proudly, let people know that this is so much more than just hitting the target. 

My small range bag has all the rockers on the top, with room for the last one after I earn it. 

Safe Shooting!

Grip Tricks

Updated from Feb (most of you know I've been swamped with NTYDTTRD so forgive me for a little re-cycling and updating)

Mastering the Art of the Grip

This is a tough concept for a lot of people. I once heard someone say “Maximum meat on the gun”. Maybe not very eloquent but an excellent point. Simply put you want to maximize the contact with the surface area of the grip.

Talking to the Semi-Auto shooters here: You start by wrapping your strong hand around the backstrap (the back of the grip) so that it fits snuggly into the webbing between your thumb and index finger. The goal is to be as high as you can. Stretch your index finger along the frame, and then curl your fingers around the front strap under the trigger guard. Then take your weak hand and get as much of the heel of your hand on the grip panel as you can (again maximum contact with the pistol) stretching your thumb forward, (and parallel under your strong hand thumb) aligning with the strong hand thumb, and curl your fingers over your other hand fingers, under the trigger guard. Your knuckles on both hands should line up, and there shouldn’t be any air space between any of your fingers and the others. How does it feel? Can you support the weight of the gun comfortably? Can you see daylight between the heels of your hands? If you can, you need to bring the weak, or support hand in a little tighter. Are you high on the backstrap without blocking the slide? Some guns have a tang, beaver tail or protrusion that prevents you from being too high, like the 1911, but not all.

 

When you take your shot, does the slide abrade your hand? Does your grip come loose and you have to readjust? Neither of these is desirable. You don’t want to cut yourself, it HURTS! You don’t want to readjust your grip constantly, it means you are breaking your grip, wasting precious seconds, and then still need to reacquire your site picture.

Recently, my instructor told me I needed to be higher on the backstrap. Looking at my grip, I probably would have said the same thing to a new student. When I tried to inch up (fraction of an inch actually) I found the recoil was more painful, I was adjusting my grip every couple rounds, and I started anticipating the recoil. How did I know? My shots were centered and low. (more on reading your target in a future blog). I kept trying to find the sweet spot for me, and when I did I was once again drilling the dot. However, it was a little lower than I would advise. So…now what? I had good control, good grouping, but my grip looked a little off. Mmmm. Ok, admittedly, we all have a sweet spot, but they should be pretty close. What does this mean for me? I need to practice with a higher grip until I can control it and then have my instructor re-evaluate.

What is the take away for you? A couple things, 1., be aware of your grip, and make sure you work with someone who knows to ensure you have it correct. This is important because it is a lot harder to break a bad habit than to form a good one. 2. If you are consistently shooting low center, you are anticipating the recoil or jerking the trigger, assuming you had the correct sight picture, and there are ways to overcome that, but it takes practice. One way is to have someone else load your magazine and insert a dummy round. (ball and dummy technique). You won’t know when it is coming up and you will see yourself drive the barrel down. That will help you realize that you are doing it and give you some feedback to break yourself. Another way is to safely practice dry fire with an empty cartridge or coin on top of your front sight or your slide. Does it fall off or stay put?

We all need instructors…

 

UPDATE:  When I teach, I advise students to fit the heels of their hands together like puzzle pieces, that seems to make it easier to understand.  Then I tell them to grip like they are squeezing orange juice.  Not white knuckle, but not loose.  Interestingly, almost everyone immediately "gets it".  Bottom line, if you are having to adjust your grip frequently, you aren't there.  If you are getting mis-feeds, your wrist is probably too soft and the gun isn't cycling properly.  Also, if you are shooting with one hand, remember that you want a slight cant to your gun.  If you are using your right hand, the gun will be angled somewhere around the 320 degree line, if you are shooting left handed it will be somewhere around 40 degrees. Not "gangsta" sideways, but angled toward the center of your body.  This gives you maximum wrist support, still allows you good sighting, and minimizes the recoil.Safe Shooting!

Cleaning my gun

I am always surprised how often I get asked about cleaning.  How often, how to...

First, read your owner's manual.  Yes, I know the ladies did, but the guys need to as well.  It will tell you how to field strip your gun, what to look for, how much oil to use (yes, they are not all the same, some like to be mostly dry and some like to be basted like a turkey). 

ALWAYS use eye protection, ensure that ammo is no where in the area and where protective gloves.  Use a bore cleaner and a lubricant, two separate products.  Use a shot glass or small glass dish (I use a little Pyrex bowl) that is dedicated for the bore cleaner and stays with your cleaning kit.  Pour bore cleaner in it, and when you are done, toss the remainder, this means you are not contaminating fresh cleaner.

As for how often?  I've never heard of a malfunction caused by a gun being too clean!

I may not clean my Glocks every time I shoot it, but I do clean my .22s every time.  Get to know your guns.  There is great satisfaction to be had in knowing how to field strip, clean and reassemble your own firearms.  You can see the wear, you can see if things look right.  If you have trouble, consult a knowledgeable shooter, instructor, or Range Officer for help.  Never try to force the parts, they should come apart fairly easily and go back together easily.  If not, double check the owner manual, or someone experienced with your model of gun.  When got my first Glock, I was a little mystified by the take down lever until someone showed me...then...EASY!

Safe Shooting!

Training for Real Life

My instructor just came back from Rob Pincus' Combat Focus Shooting Instructor Development course and was nice enough to lend me the book, Combat Focus Shooting: Evolution 2010, Rob Pincus (on Amazon).  Interesting read. 

He also pulls in the Tony Blauer SPEAR Personal Defense Readiness program.   You can find it on the web, or if you are in Northern Virginia, http://www.novaselfdefense.com/, Evan is an awesome trainer. 

Bottom line, it incorporates your reflexes, natural responses and addresses a lot of information that makes you think.  I got a lot of feedback on marksmanship vs defensive training.  A gun isn't always the first answer and I believe it is import to understand at least the basics of personal defense to get you through the initial attack and on to an armed response, if needed. 

Drills and marksmanship are fundamentals, and are still critical.  Learning to shoot one handed, do your handling with either hand, important.  Then, learning to take those skills and put them into practical application and think through real life situations...PRICELESS! 

Some people say shooting competiton simulates reality,  but in truth, you study the course, plan your shots, and yes, there is stress, but it is the stress of waiting for the timer and then executing your plan.  In real life, the bad guy(s) may not react like targets or your plan. 

I don't know enough to share all the details here, but I'm learning, and plan to learn more.  I just wanted to toss this out for you to consider.  If you carry for personal defense...you need to be ready, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Safe Shooting!

Wow, almost 10,000 views

I celebrated 5,000 with a giveaway.  I would like to celebrate 10,000 in the same way. 

So much has happened to me since I started this, and I'm very grateful for the comments, support and ideas.  Please respond to to the post and I will enter your name for something special when I hit 10,000.

Thank you all!!

Safe shooting!

Do I know who is around me? (update from Dec 2011)

Situational Awareness…knowing what is around you. How often do you see someone wandering through a parking lot, texting frantically and staring down at their phone? One of them walked into the side of my car the other day. Hard to imagine? Next time you are at the mall or even the grocery store, look around! They are everywhere, another word for them is ‘Victim”. As we are coming into prime shopping season more of us are walking through the parking lot focused on either getting into the store to find the perfect gift, or getting to the car with our hands full of bags. Don’t forget to keep your head up, your keys out, be aware of who and what is around you. Don’t become an easy target. Remember you are your own best defense and projecting confidence and attention in your walk and posture can cause the bad guy to look for an easier target.

Don't be afraid to look someone in the eye! That tells them you know they are there. Take advantage of reflective surfaces; car windows, mirrors at the ATM, store windows... Watch for people making eye contact across a space, looking at you and then looking at each other, they could be targeting you. Flash mobs are a real problem, be alert to a group of people suddenly moving in one direction.

 

Being aware of who and what is around you is the first step in keeping yourself safe. If you see it unfolding you can begin to plan your response, your "what if" scenarios. Don't be shy, this is your safety. Better to embarrass someone who is being stupid, than to let them get too close.

Your safety starts with your situational awareness.

Stay Safe!

Marksmanship versus Defensive Shooting

There are two types of shooting practice.  Marksmanship focuses on hitting the center of the target.  Defensive shooting focuses on hitting the target to stop the threat.   What does this mean?  Think about 3 shots in a two inch group in 10 seconds versus 5 shots in a 6 inch group in 5 seconds.  Which is more likely to stop the threat?

Marksmanship is great, and I believe in going to the range and working on fundamentals.  However, once you know you can hit your target, consistently, then what?  Do you carry for self defense?  If so, you should practice like you will shoot.  When you are startled, what do you do?  Think about the last time you were scared?  Did you square to the threat?  Did you go into a little bit of a crouch?  Can you draw and present your gun in one smooth motion, bringing it up to your head, maybe sighting insensitively versus with the sights?  Can you get off several shots into a target without trying to get them all through the x and not use your sights?

Do you keep your gun in a high ready until you are ready to shoot, then return to high ready?  In a real situation if your gun is in close to you, and pointed slightly down, it is easier for you to maintain control of, minimizing the risk it could be taken from you.

Think about how you will react in a real life situation, and practice that way.  Think, plan, practice...

Safe Shooting!

Firearms are like Potato Chips (or Shoes) Part II

Updated from a post in Dec 2011

Truer words were never written, at least for me. For those who know me well, I am a shoe-addict! My husband keep threatening to build a wing just for my shoes! Now, we are looking at maybe need a new safe for the guns because I'm looking at my first rifle.

Once you start, you need more! Buying your first firearm can be a stressful and exhilarating experience. Then you start to practice, get comfortable with it. Then the brain kicks in, Gee if one is good, two is better! And, we are off and running. As of this writing I have a modest collection of pistols with two more on my radar. I’m also starting to look at rifles. Why? They’re fun!

Lays ® potato chips popularized the expression; “I bet you can’t eat just one.” Well, I know a lot of people who shoot. Of them, the only ones I know who have one gun are those who have been shooting less than six months. Don’t be surprised. You wander through your first gun show and suddenly…there is it. A rainbow wood stock on a rifle, a pink finish on a revolver, a beautiful carved wood stock, or a hot AR-15! Whatever it is that figuratively trips your trigger, you will find it nearly impossible to resist. You might resist this time, but the image will stay in your mind. Actually gun shows are a great place to see lots of different makes, models and styles in one place. You might not buy it there, this time, but don’t be surprised if you are checking the calendar to see when the next one is!

I’m still dreaming of the Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 revolver (that is the high polished one!). What can I say, it would perfectly match a pair of shoes I already have! 

I wrote the above last year, since then I have started adding slide plates to my Glocks, bought a terribly fun Henry Lever Action .22 Rifle, a .22 pistol with an exotic wood stock, and am still drooling over Charter Arms who is coming out with a leopard print pistol, oh my!  I know, I once poo-pooed the colored guns, what can I say...I'm really changing my tune on that one.  Partly after speaking with the President of Charter Arms and learning more about the company.  They have a real commitment to quality, to their employees and to quietly supporting women without boasting about it (the publicist filled me in).  They are also donating to giveaways to the local National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day event, and sending some stuff to VA for our event. 

I was asked a question about what is the right first gun for someone.  Basic answer is something that fits your hand, but deeper than that...a gun is a financial commitment.  When you are starting out, your needs in the first few months may be different than in the first year.  What kind of shooting will you do?  Will you carry concealed?  Are you a plinker?  A .22 is a great plinking gun, and a difficult carry gun.  A 9mm is good for both, but maybe not the full sized (I like the Glock 19 and 26s).  Are you looking for something a little bigger, want to go up to a .40?  Think about how you see yourself with your gun in the first year, and shop for what works best for you for all of those things.  Trust me, more will come, but your initial investment should be adequate to hold you for a little while.

Safe Shooting!

Finding an instructor

There have been so many comments about women looking for classes taught by women lately.  There are not enough of us to go around, and please do not skip training just because it is a man.  Not all women are going to be a perfect fit either.

Most instructors do this as a part time passion, so give us a day to get back to you.  Be prepared to ask questions and listen to the answers, they will help you judge if the instructor is a fit for you.  If you don't hear back within 24 hours, they may not have the training at the top of their priority list and I would keep looking.

How to get started?

           You can find a NRA certified instructor in your area by visiting the NRA Instructor portal at www.nrainstructors.org , selecting the course(s) you want, inputting your zip code and radius you are willing to travel, and you will see a list of offerings in your area with dates, locations and contact information. You can also visit your local range or gun store and look for fliers or business cards. You can ask around, odds are you already know someone who shoots; you just might not know it. These people might be able to recommend a good instructor.

            I encourage new shooters to start with a NRA First Steps, or Basic Pistol class, or a similar introductory level class. Your course should cover a general introduction to pistols, what the main components are, generally how they work, the basics of cleaning, shooting fundamentals and some hands on live fire at a range with an instructor to help you get started.

groups; this can be a great source of support and encouragement.

            You have identified a couple classes or instructors that look interesting, but how do you know you have found “the one”? Talk to him or her. If they are not willing to spend a few minutes answering questions, move on to the next instructor on your list. If you have to leave a message, or send an email, give them at least 24 hours to get back to you. Most of us have day jobs, and we teach shooting because it is our passion. We love it! But, that means it can take us a day to get back to you. Once you get in contact, what questions should you ask? Following are some suggestions that should help you get a sense of the instructor and their personality so you can judge if you would be comfortable with them.

·         Are you a NRA Certified Pistol Instructor?

·         Are you following a NRA approved curriculum?

·         How many students are in an average class?

·         Is there range time included in this class?

·         What is the ratio of instructors to students on the range? (If it is less than one instructor for every two or three students consider going to the next one on your list.)

·         Do I have to have my own pistol or will you have guns I can shoot?

·         Are you the one who will be teaching my class, and if not, what can you tell me about the instructor I will have?

·         How long have you been teaching?

·         What kind of shooting do you do?

·         What is the number one priority for this class? (SAFETY!)

·         Where will the class be held?

·         What range do you use?

·         Does the range have eye and ear protection I can borrow?

·         Are there any additional costs above the tuition?

These should give you a sense of the instructor, and how you will respond to him or her. Ask any other questions you may have, such as; “How do you handle nervous students?” Are you comfortable with the person you spoke with, their answers, and attitude? The introduction to shooting can be a little scary and you want someone to lead you through the first shots that you feel comfortable with and trust. If you are not satisfied, keep looking! I promise there is an instructor out there for you. The adage “You have to kiss a lot of toads to find a Prince” applies to finding the perfect instructor. We all have different needs, and there is at least one perfect toad, or instructor, out there for you. Your first class can set the tone for the rest of your shooting experience. If you leave with a huge grin thinking, “That was AWESOME!” your instructors job was done well and you will want to come back and do it again! If not, returning to the range can be a little intimidating and might not be a high priority. I have worked with many students on the range, some had shot before, some were afraid to pick up the pistol the first time, some were so anxious to shoot they were jumpy. 99% of them shared one thing; they left with huge smiles, clutching their targets with nice tight groupings and were ready to go again!

Safe Shooting!

Happy Mother's Day

Thank you to the Mom's who have taught us to be confident, strong and independent.  They are our past, our daughters are our future...teach them well, help them grow, let them be strong and teach them to shoot straight!  :-)

Safe Shooting!

National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day

One of the questions I hear most often in interviews and discussions recently is. "How does it make me feel to see NTYDTTRD be so openly accepted and embraced?".  The answer to that is ... humble.  I'm so very grateful to the people who are working to make events happen across this wonderful country, to the shooting community who are embracing this idea and participants who are planning to attend.

It is difficult to describe the feeling of seeing your idea blossom and grow, to be accepted...I can not yet imagine what the coming years will bring, but I anticipate that this will become a treasured memory for many, who will want to repeat it year after year, and hopefully introduce families to shooting sports that they will enjoy in safety for years to come.

Safe Shooting and Thank You All!!

One Month to National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day!

We are one month away.  Things are coming together across the country, more ranges are still asking about getting involved.

Moms and Dads across the country will be taking their daughters and sons to the range, some to introduce them to shooting, some for a fun outing.

I hope everyone has a marvelous time, builds wonderful memories and has a safe day!

Charter Arms leads the way in colored revolvers for women

As a result of their support for a National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day event I had the privledge of speaking with Nick Ecker, President of Charter Arms, today. What a nice man! Charter Arms is the leader in producing revolvers in colors. I really liked the passion for quality and support of the shooting community, especially the women. I usually lean toward semi-auto but I may need to consider a carry revolver. One thing is for certain, my next revolver will be from Charter Arms. I was sincerely impressed by this man.

New NRA Site for Women

Not sure how long this has been there but there is lots of great info and fun things to see.  Check out  NRA Women TV @ http://nrawomen.tv/#/home

Enjoy!

Safe Shooting!

Ammo Review

I received my first request to do a review!  www.LuckyGunner.com sent me two boxes of MAGTECH First Defense .380 77 gr Copper Tip Hollow points.

First, let me tell you I checked over the site and the prices are very competitive.  Then I looked at shipping.  If you want one box of something, probably not, but if you are looking for bulk, this is the way to go.  Even with the shipping costs it a great deal.  I like that they let you know right on the site what the inventory is.  Shipping is very fast, no surprises, emails were polite and professional.

Now, the Magtech rounds.  I had never shot them, I have a Ruger LCP .380.  Many of you know that the LCP can be pretty picky and jam easily.  I had no problems, the rounds performed nicely, where not "snappy" or hard on the wrist.  They were actually easier to shoot than my normal practice rounds.

Bottom line, I did some on-line comparisons between the Magtech and my normal defensive carry round and they compared well for stopping and penetration.  Will I buy Magtech going forward?  Probably.

Will I buy from www.LuckyGunner.com in the future?  Absolutely! 

Thank you to Lucky Gunner for the opportunity to try your site, a new ammo, and then share my thoughts.

Living an Armed Life

Choosing to live your life armed means that you have made the decision to protect yourself, that you are prepared to stop a fight but not to initiate.  You have choosen to hold yourself to a higher standard that than the average person.  It is truly an awesome decision, there is a lot to consider.  But you understand that you are important, you are valuable and some thug is not going to hurt you without a fight.  More than that, you have a confidence that comes from learning to defend yourself.  Your firearm is not your first choice, you are alert and will avoid a confrontation if at all possible. 

Most of all you recognize that if someone else chooses to start a deadly confrontation, they have made the decision to take the risk and you have the right to defend your life.

Be smart, be alert, and be safe!

Safe Shooting!

NTYDTTRD In Northern Va

If you are in the Northern Va area we still have a few slots open for participants to join our event at the HQ NRA Range.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (unless they already have their own range card, then they must be accompanied by an adult).

We will have .22 rifles and pistols, as well as some additional firearms to be borrowed. 

Email Lynne@innovativedefensivesolutions.com to register!

over 8000!

Wow, when I started this at the end of November last year, I never imagined that we would be here, over 8000 views, in just a few months!

Thank you all for your support, encourangement, comments and for following along on this journey.

Safe Shooting!
Lynne

NTYDTTRD Update

Growing, growing, growing!  We are still registering ranges, and still just over a month to go.  The folks over at NRA have been incredibly supportive.  We are so excited. 

Texas is still leading the country with FIVE ranges, we just added Chattanooga Tenn...This will be an amazing day, and I can't wait for the brief downtime after it is over, catch my breath, and then start doing the after actions review and planning for next year.

I hope some of you will be able to come to the Fairfax VA event, and it you aren't in this area, please consider looking for a range near you that you can participate or volunteer. 

Safe Shooting!