tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62270692815637828352024-03-06T12:02:15.571-08:00Female and ArmedUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-32585627089367711392021-12-15T08:21:00.004-08:002021-12-15T08:25:12.528-08:00I'm back - Living a New Life<p> So many changes. I suffered a significant injury, was mostly immobile for some time. This led to my retirement from teaching and eventually retiring all together. So, now I have joined the ranks of the unemployed (retired), moved to the country (the mailbox is a mile from the house), and am about to pick up writing again. I hope some of you are still out there.</p><p>Since I'm not longer as mobile as I once was, I've taken a new approach to adaptive carry and personal defense. I recognize if I go down, I'm not getting back up anytime soon. Frankly, me getting up off the floor looks like an obscene game of Twister. It might be entertaining, but it sure isn't easy.</p><p>There is a trend to carry Appendix. I don't understand it. I've tried. I've tried CC Leggings, Belly Band, Appendix holster. Nothing seems to work for me. Maybe I'm too fluffy, but I end up printing badly in anything less than 2 layers and a 3 size too big sweatshirt. SOB is not practical, or safe, especially for someone who is likely to get knocked down, so, I'm still strong side hip. Worked for me for more than 25 years, don't see a need to change. This seems to work whether I'm on my feet of on the ground. </p><p>What is most important when looking at adapting to a changing body? Situational Awareness. When you know you move slower, running is not an option, and you appear more fragile because of impaired walking and age, your situational awareness if your First Line of Defense. Bad guys with some experience will recognize that you see them and maybe look for a less aware target. If they come after you anyway, you have an extra second or two to prepare you plan. Either way, it is better than being blindsided. </p><p>Secondly, be aware of what you can, and can't do. My head still thinks I'm 30, riding horses and running. My body just laughs or some other obscene response. I remember what I could do, and I need to be aware of what I can do. I am also aware that under stress there are things I can do that I might not attempt otherwise, but running isn't one of them. I know my legs are strong, you really don't want my on my back where I can kick you. Ladies, I'm not talking crotch shot, guys expect that. I'm talking knee and shin. There is a good chance I could kick hard enough to fracture a leg, or at least make someone think twice about getting up soon. But it takes practice and a lack of compassion.</p><p>Lack of Compassion? Yep, we are taught to be nice, demure, quiet, almost submissive. Well, I was. But get over it. That's fine in church, being a little bit of a ball buster in the office can serve you well if you pick your timing. But in a self defense situation, nope. "Please sir, don't hurt me" isn't going to get you far with a thug screaming obscenities and trying to hurt you. I've been reading a lot lately about the increase in obscenities by aggressors. It is used as an intimidation tactic. I'm not a fan of cursing gratuitously, but it has it's place, especially if rare. But that isn't the world we're walking around in. So, remember, if you are shocked into silence, they win. Back to Compassion. Kick like your life depends on it. If you are in a physical encounter, and haven't escalated to a tool, use your body, no little taps. Pull back and thrust with everything you have. Just do it fast so you don't telegraph the move and give him to to prepare. Surprise and ferocity are your friend. Scream a sailor worthy string of words back. Catch him off guard. Yes, it is usually a him. </p><p>If you must escalate, do so, but be very certain. In this age, as we've all seen recently, there are cameras everywhere. Bystanders are more interested in getting the cell phone footage than calling 911. Stores and parking lots have cameras. If you must use lethal force to defend yourself, be prepared for the aftermath. We watched a young man have his life turned upside down recently because he defended himself. Do I believe it was self defense? Yes. The video was very clear. Do I believe a 17 year old should have been in the middle of a riot with an AR 15, even with good intentions. No. Which brings me to my closing point. If you are going someplace you expect to be dangerous, perhaps you should rethink going there. </p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you for the support all these years.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiet4WJ3QnnzyIvZvsZNAGyMHNnrWvKCGYLvu-lJxKXAtQCfS__NVGWKUsnqVIacwPU9jSzX84XdP09Qqoir3VE-_qmNh1lkkB37n7aOcI6398Vpnv3WtZWL6vGKu2zS-FJBf0r1I-lwviLMeV3AaXMN39fB0WJwnauufHN4nIpMwxssrl15FlJU6qkZQ=s832" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="782" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiet4WJ3QnnzyIvZvsZNAGyMHNnrWvKCGYLvu-lJxKXAtQCfS__NVGWKUsnqVIacwPU9jSzX84XdP09Qqoir3VE-_qmNh1lkkB37n7aOcI6398Vpnv3WtZWL6vGKu2zS-FJBf0r1I-lwviLMeV3AaXMN39fB0WJwnauufHN4nIpMwxssrl15FlJU6qkZQ=w429-h389" width="429" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-78545114170665416892019-10-02T14:33:00.003-07:002019-10-02T14:33:43.729-07:00Placing your holster in your new CC bag<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13.33px; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.99px; orphans: 2; overflow: visible; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I just got a beautiful new bag from GunGoddess.com. and it made me think others may not be as comfortable.</div>
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Just get a new Conceal Carry Handbag? They are awesome for the times you can't or don't want to carry on body. They also require a lot of vigilance. </div>
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But, if you are new to CC Bags, you may not be sure about adjusting the holster. Most bags will have a zipper on either side with the holster velcroid to the bag inside that pocket. The easiest way to remove it is to unzip both side and lift it out with both hands, This saves you from freeing one side and the other getting stuck and then back and forth to get it free.</div>
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Second, decide you preferred way to carry the bag, the 90% solution. I prefer cross body, reduces the risk of it being snatched from my shoulder. I also prefer the dual zippers close to my body. Try the bag, hold it, see what feels good to you. Some may want the zippers to the outside. Most non shooters won't recognize it for what it is. Once you have your preferred carry placement, you are ready for step 3.</div>
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Take you <u style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13.33px; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 19.99px; overflow: visible;">UNLOADED </u>pistol and place it securely in the holster. Yes, <u style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13.33px; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 19.99px; overflow: visible;">UNLOADED</u>, you will be doing a little administrative handling, and you want to stay safe. Think about if the pistol will be on the back of the front of the bag as the holster will have Velcro on both sides. Once you have ensured a solid fit in the holster, think about the orientation. For a smooth draw I prefer it with the backstrap a little higher than the muzzle. Once you are comfortable, zip the forward zipper and carefully insert the holster from the side you would draw from. Carefully so you don't stick to the Velcro too soon. Once you have is where you think is good, firmly press the holster and bag together. Now, does the zipper close easily? with the bag in your carry position, can you easily draw the gun? </div>
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If you can not say yes to both question, remove the gun and repeat the steps to remove the holster, rethink the position and reinstall until you have a comfortable placement, easy zippers and a smooth draw. </div>
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Now, just be very aware of the bag. remember it holds something precious and you can't hang it on the back of a chair, or unattended anywhere.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-70412162044663494392019-04-15T09:19:00.001-07:002019-04-15T09:19:48.064-07:00Responsible Carry<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I'm a vocal advocate for Concealed Carry, but I believe more in Responsible Carry. What is responsible carry? It means you regularly go to the range and practice your skills, not just plinking, but drawing and
firing, assessing the threat, firing again if needed. It means you understand that the annual range trip is not enough. Shooting is a perishable skill that needs to be kept up. Responsible Carry means you train, beyond whatever the minimum was to get a
permit, you take defensive training, you work on supportive skills as the gun is not always the first choice. You choose not to go areas where you have a high risk of needing your gun. You've made the decision, deep down inside, that you are prepared to
use your firearm to defend yourself or your family. You understand that there is great risk in interfering in a situation that you stumble on and don't have all the facts. Finally it is understanding when not to carry, such as when you are not able to practice
due to injury or physical instability. It is accepting that you are dangerous if you can't be confident in your skills. The only way to be confident is to practice. When you are injured you more vulnerable, and that may make you think you need your gun,
but if you are not physically able to practice, you are not in a good position to use your gun defensively, you put yourself and bystanders at higher risk.</div>
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Be smart, be responsible, be safe.</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-5672800853742822772019-03-25T05:49:00.001-07:002019-03-25T05:49:12.921-07:00#2A"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.".<br />
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There have been multiple interpretations, but I tend to focus on “…shall not be infringed.” In the last few years there has been a lot of calls for “gun control” in various forms, ranging from complete disarming to banning specific types of firearms. These calls get louder after an atrocity like a school shooting, church shooting, etc. Why am I so resistant to the call for my gun rights? For one, history shows that disarming the citizens is often a first step down a very dangerous path. Also, the adage “if guns are illegal, only criminals will have guns” rings true. Just look at the rate of firearm violence in Chicago, a bastion of gun control.<br />
<br />Some are saying we need to follow the model of New Zeeland by having gun turn ins. We have our Constitution, and affirmation by the Supreme Court, that grants us the inalienable right to “bear arms”. <br />
<br />Other voices are calling to chip away at our rights, by banning specific firearms. With the swipe of a Governor’s pen, many in New Jersey became felons for possessing magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, including off duty Law Enforcement Officers. To the uneducated, calling for magazine bans for semi-automatic firearms sounds reasonable. However, the stock magazine for more of these guns holds more than 10 rounds. There is a call for banning Military Style features, but they aren’t defined. This is a move against the AR, which many call an Assault Rifle. Actually, there is no such thing as an Assault Rifle, it is an Armalite Rifle. It is not used by the military, it just looks scary to someone who doesn’t understand firearms. It is also the most popular rifle for hunting and sport. <br />
<br />I have two specific issues with those calling for firearms restrictions or bans. First, they are often protected by armed security guards. Second, they don’t know what they are talking about. The don’t understand. They are ignorant of how guns work, or what is currently legal. Most have never fired a gun. Or if they did, it was with a big show of how “scary” it was. Remember the “journalist” who was nearly knocked over shooting an AR 15? This was contrasted with videos of young girls happily shooting Ars with their families.<br />
<br />Firearms allow us defense options, fun time at the range, family outings, sport and competition. The vast majority of gun owners are law abiding citizens who use their guns for lawfully allowed purposes. We need to continue to resist the call, and support our #2A rights!<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-55639150574435957762018-12-21T03:25:00.002-08:002018-12-21T03:25:52.973-08:00Going Un-Armed in a Scary WorldDue to a series of incidents over the last couple years, I’ve learned a lot about vulnerability,<br />being realistic, and fear. I have carried through a variety of injuries, but these last few had me<br />too unsteady on my feet to practice with consistency, and my philosophy has always been if my<br />skills aren’t sharp, I don’t carry. In the course of 15 months I have both hips replaced. Then as<br />I was just about ready to start back to the range, I fell and fractured my femur. Surgery, metal<br />plate, screws. And months of crutches. All of this adds up to significant changes in my personal<br />defensive strategy.<br />I miss going to the range, but I’m just not steady enough on my feet, or crutches, to be<br />comfortable shooting. Actually, I could probably shoot, it is dragging the range bag with all its<br />assorted heavy objects that is really slowing me down. But I’m close.<br />For now, I’ve tried to ramp up my situational awareness even more than my normal, which was<br />pretty high. Because I have trouble walking or standing for any length of time, I’m at home<br />more, so my exposure is less. I still know how to swing a crutch and use is to extend my punch,<br />but with the plate in my leg I’m more fearful of falling. That, and I don’t bounce like I did when I<br />was younger.<br />I will be returning to the range soon. My plan is an hour on my own, stressing fundamentals,<br />starting at 8-10 feet and just concentrating on grip, shot placement and not falling over. The<br />next time I will likely enlist support from another instructor to help me spot anything I need to<br />correct, they can always see it faster than I can, just like I can spot something they’re doing<br />almost immediately that they aren’t even aware of. Good instructors are great allies!<br />Then, since crutches are in my future for a few more months…appendix carry will be my new<br />best buddy. I’ve always been a strong side hip, but the sound made when the crutch hits the<br />gun is pretty obvious.<br />This is new territory for me. I’ve carried through lesser injuries, and worked with people with<br />severe limitations. But I believe, if I’m not practicing, I’m not carrying. It isn’t worth the risk to<br />innocents. I need to know exactly where those rounds are going.<br />Be Safe, have wonderful holidays, and for those of you getting something special this year,<br />happy shooting! My gift to me was a new AR (but that will be a while unless I shoot sitting down.<br />
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Safe Shooting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-74876252857152330952018-06-15T06:46:00.001-07:002018-06-15T06:46:24.739-07:00Negligent Discharge<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">Negligent:<span> </span></span><span style="color: black;">failing
to take proper care in doing something.</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">We in shooting talk about Negligent Discharge (ND) when a gun is fired
without intent.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Accidental Discharge
(AD) used to be another common term that has fallen out of favor as safety has
been built in to modern firearms making the AD nearly obsolete.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">This is something I’ve been thinking about a lot as a
friend recently shared an experience of teaching a non-firearms related class
where a student ignored the safety precautions and slightly injured
herself.<span> </span></span><span style="color: black;">This was a situation that could
have been much more serious outside of a controlled environment and my friend
felt very bad for not preventing it.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">I
had to ask, can we really stop someone from doing something dumb or can we only
provide the tools and knowledge to do it right?</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">NDs come in many forms.<span>
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Have you ever sliced toward yourself, instead of away, and yep…here
comes the blood.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Did you know
better?</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Sure, but it always worked
before.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">I once dropped a freshly cleaned
rifle on my foot while putting it away.</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">It slipped.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Did I know that I
should always wear shoes while handling weighty or pointy objects?</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Yes.</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Did I that day?</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">No.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">I ended up with a 2+ inch gash on the top of
my foot and a toe with three shattered, not just broken, bones, lost the flexor
tendon in the process.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Luckily I have a
toe that is essentially one long fused piece, slightly longer than it used to
be, that doesn’t bend.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Given the damage
it could have been a lot worse.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">And, I
got a great safety story out of it.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">Many years ago I took flying lessons.<span> </span></span><span style="color: black;">If you have never been up in a small plane,
it is completely different that the commercial planes and is SO MUCH FUN!</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">My instructor, Bernie, was a sweet older man
who just loved to fly.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">He had been at it
for more than 40 years, and his career included time as a Navy Test Pilot, and
more than 20 years teaching.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">The club I
belonged to held monthly safety meetings.</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">One night our speaker was Bernie.</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">He explained there were two types of pilots. Those that have pulled the
mixture and those that would.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">If you don’t
know, pulling the mixture on a small single engine plan kills the engine.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">He had reached for the throttle, to slow the
engine, while up with a student and instead pulled the mixture.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">(Luckily I was not the student.)</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">The second part of his lecture involved
explaining the challenge and failure to air-start a Cessna 152 below 2000 feet
and the difficult but successful dead stick landing.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">No injury, no damage.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">Sometimes it is carelessness, sometimes it is
distraction.<span> </span></span><span style="color: black;">But it is avoidable.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">We know the safety rules.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">We know what we should do.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">We know bad things happen.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Was it the instructors fault?</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">No!</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Was it my fault breaking my toe?</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Yes!</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Was it Bernie’s fault for
puling the wrong knob?</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Yes!</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">What is the common denominator?</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Negligence.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">Don’t fool yourself into skipping a safety rule “just
this once”.<span> </span></span><span style="color: black;">It only take one round
missed when cleaning a gun to shoot yourself or someone else.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">There are so many things that can go
wrong.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Be smart, not a cautionary
tale.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">If you’ve done some of these
things and are not scarred, you are lucky.</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Be smart and don’t try it again.</span><span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">You never know when the next time may be the last time.</span><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">You won’t always have an instructor close to
jump in and rescue you.</span><span style="color: black;"><span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 13.33px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;"><span></span></span><span style="color: black;">Only you can prevent a ND.</span></span></div>
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</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-71564542507301522212018-05-19T17:24:00.000-07:002018-05-19T17:24:05.180-07:00Why Blame the NRA?Another school shooting, a tragedy for students, parents, teachers, and first responders. I'm a baby-boomer, when I grew up, my biggest concern was getting chased home by the school bully, not getting shot at my desk. <br />
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There is an alarming trend, people are grieving and scared. So, they blame the NRA, call it a terrorist organization. Never mind the thousands of people who are trained annually, from safety for children to advanced skills for Law Enforcement and everything in between. Never mind that historically NO NRA members have been identified as the assailant in a mass shooting, although there are examples of NRA members stopping them, as in the church shooting in Texas.<br />
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The NRA was formed in 1871. In 1966 an Engineering Student entered a tower at the University of Texas and terrorized people for 96 minutes, killing 17 and wounding 31. For most of us, the earliest memory is Columbine High School, April 20, 1999. They murdered 13 and injured 21. News sources report 18 school shootings in 2018, but two of those were what we think of as school shootings, the others being 1 on 1 situations. But two is two to many.<br />
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What does this have to do with the NRA? Well, nothing, really. In spite of the rantings of some traumatized teens, the NRA is not the problem. Evidence from the school shootings from Columbine forward shine a bright light on violent video games, bullying, social outcasts, the breakdown of family norms and personal responsibility and a general lack of understanding or appreciation for the value of life. <br />
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Also note, the Gun Free Zone law went into effect in 1990. School shooting have risen dramatically since that time. This is a classic fish in a barrel. There is a reason why concealed carry states have less instance of person on person crime. Thugs don't want to risk being shot. Hanging a Gun Free Zone sign is like ringing a dinner bell. Some schools are arming well training volunteers and hanging up a sign warning intruders that staff may be carrying concealed weapons. To date, we have not heard of a school shooting there.<br />
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This is not a gun culture issue, this is much more personal. Our country was founded on a "gun culture". We shot for defense, liberty and food! In current day add competition and fun.<br />
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If it was the NRAs fault, this would not be a relatively new phenomenon. Could it be the manufacturers? The advances in the technology? The civilian use of "military" weapons? Well, design hadn't changed that much, pull the trigger, go bang. As a Veteran, I can attest that the weapon I fired on active duty is not the same as the weapon in my gun safe.<br />
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I would be the first to line up to surrender my firearms if I believed it would prevent another tragedy. It won't and I'm not handing in anything.<br />
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There are no easy answers, but there are a lot of accusations. <br />
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Blame me if you must, but know that in all the years I've been a NRA member I have not shot anyone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-22529943731860573462018-04-15T17:31:00.002-07:002018-04-15T17:31:11.523-07:00Where do you get your advice?
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Got a question about shooting?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Looking for a suggestion on a new gun?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Looking for advice on how to respond in a
particular situation?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Who do you
ask?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Well, it depends.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’ve been involved in several Facebook groups
that are firearms and shooting centered.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>There are a lot of great people out there who are happy to help and
provide sound advice.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are also a
multitude of, presumably well intended, people who are keyboard warriors with
lots of opinions based on, well, I can’t tell what. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It can be challenging, as an instructor, not
to comment on every post, jump on each thread.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>It is frustrating to read potentially dangerous advice being spread with
a very authoritarian tone.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no shortage of opinions and recommendations.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>How do you sort through the uninformed but
vocal and the trained, informed opinion?<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>It isn’t easy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One clue is if the
person is advocating their position as the only solution, odds are they are not
someone to listen to.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>People who have
been at this awhile generally agree that shooting is not a one size fits all
activity.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As an example, the pistol that
fits me best, may not be right for you.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I like 9mm, you might prefer 40.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I have a defensive mindset, you might be a plinker.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are so many variables that there truly
is no one best answer.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Sure, we can ask
for ideas, what worked or didn’t, to help narrow our focus.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are some easy “not for anyone” answers,
but no “great for all” answers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is ultimately up to you, the individual, to find the
right answer for you.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Pick through
advice and suggestions if you want, it can save you time and money, narrowing
your options.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But choose the solution
that is the best for you.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Remember, the
most insistent voice may not be the wisest voice.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Everyone has different experiences and
different needs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are on the giving end of the advice, stay within your
knowledge and remember that what works for you might not be the perfect
solution for anyone else.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you on the
receiving end, like any free advice, be smart, take advice with a grain of salt
and remember that opinions are just that, opinions. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Be smart and be safe.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-71098075267612571072018-03-26T18:17:00.000-07:002018-03-26T18:17:07.494-07:00Why I Carry<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #1d2129; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Years ago a man I was dating threatened my life, I believed him. I called the police, they contacted him to schedule an appointment for him to come in and interview, several days later. Because of that a judge expedited my carry permit from what was then 30-45 days to 3. Of course, I had to quickly take a basic course. As soon as I could I took more advanced training on carry techniques, shooting and carry law. He got off with probation and a warning I learn</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">ed a valuable lesson about being responsible for my personal safety. That was 25years ago. Who knew it would turn into a love of the sport and a passion for the 2nd Amendment. Also to the honor to introduce so many to shooting in a safe way, to train with some gifted instructors, to meet and befriend some of the best people in the nation, and spread my passion through 4 books. I started from a place of fear. I grew to a place of passion and love and joy. <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/2a?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">2A</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/femaleandarmed?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">FemaleandArmed</span></span></a> #WhyICarry</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-19762601530289121132018-03-24T18:14:00.001-07:002018-03-24T18:14:13.669-07:00Shall Not Be Infringed
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Passions are running high.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Students are protesting, demanding to take away our rights, claiming NRA
members have blood on their hands…I have not found any record of an NRA member
involved in a mass shooting, or attempted mass shooting, except as a
defender.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Unless you live under a rock,
you have been bombarded with the Florida School Shooting.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Tragic, sad, traumatic…but not the fault of
the law, except maybe the Gun Free Zone law.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>No one is talking about the more recent school shooting in Maryland that
was stopped by an Armed School Resource Officer who actually did his job and
saved lives.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The protests are showing the worst of our youth.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Profane, uneducated, ignorant.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I give them credit for passion and courage to
speak in front of large groups.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I fault
them for not doing the research.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The
Florida students are balking about the school forcing clear backpacks, citing
losing their rights because of the actions of someone else.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is the definition of hypocrisy since
they are the same children screaming for my right to own and safely operate
firearms to be taken away.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take away our guns and we all sit in a Gun Free Zone, easy pickings
for any criminal.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>People are putting red
bulbs in their porch lights.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Hello, ring
the dinner bell for the bad guy!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Plus,
it is ironic as the red light was a known symbol for prostitutes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The most frightening thing to me is history.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Look back at socialist and communist regimes,
they erased history, disarmed the populace and then ground the people into the
dirt.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>That is how it goes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is terrifying, there are people who are
actively looking to do this and others who are following blindly, not realizing
where it leads.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="margin: 0px;">I am proud of my history as an author and instructor. I will not be silenced. I am a Veteran, I am a gun owner, I am a NRA member, and I am an American!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">#2A<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>#ShallNotBeInfringed</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-47375614579403552772018-02-16T12:01:00.001-08:002018-02-16T12:01:19.104-08:00Social Media: A Blessing and a Curse
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Social Media: A Blessing and a Curse</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m active on Face Book and in several different groups,
many of which are shooting oriented.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Occasionally
I get so overwhelmed with the SJWs and the political nonsense and the fake
news, I post #cutenessoverload and put up photos of my fur babies.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Yes, I’m an obsessive Cat Mom.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But I also love others pet photos.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It can soothe the nerves when I need it most.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I recently left a group for Women Shooters, most of whom
were new to shooting and just getting their permits.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There were some good questions posted, but
there was so much bad advice, and I finally posted a gently worded good-by and
warning about taking advice on line.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
found myself commenting on nearly every post and I don’t have the time or
patience.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Bottom line, be careful what
you listen to.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If is it someone at a low
skill level, probably best not to take their advice.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>How you can tell?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You know who the top instructors and pros
are.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Listen to them.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Ignore your FB Buddies 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> cousin
who gets their info from watching SWAT reruns.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The most common advice I kept seeing was shoot into the
air.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>NO!<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>This is incredibly dangerous.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Remember Newton and the apple?<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Gravity?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Bullets don’t go up and
get caught in a cloud, they fall, at a minimum at terminal velocity which is
approximately 300 feet per second (yes, there are lots of factors and
computations, but that is an estimate).<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>For the true math geek, look at <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080331192517/http:/www.loadammo.com/Topics/March01.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Bullets
in the Sky</span></a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can kill someone and
not know it until the police come to your door to arrest you, and it is
unlikely you will have a defense for reckless acts.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>NEVER point your firearm in the direction of
anything you do not intend to kill.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>ALWAYS know your target and what is beyond it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Plus, a true bad guy will not be frightened
off by you shooting into the air as that shows a lack of willingness to shoot
him or her, and may in fact be emboldened by with the prize being a free gun,
yours! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The other most scary thing I was reading was essentially I
have my shiny new permit, I’m going to start carrying my gun.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is not like having a new lipstick!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are a lot of things to consider.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Holster, practice, knowledge of laws,
additional training, and…can I pull the trigger?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’ve written before, a gun in NOT a
panacea.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you are not mentally
prepared to pull the trigger on a human being who is threatening you, and deal
with the consequences, DO NOT CARRY!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be wise, be careful and as always, Safe Shooting!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-5058603286839808422017-12-29T12:45:00.000-08:002017-12-29T12:45:02.842-08:00Profiles in Excellence: Julie Golob
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Julie has a long list of accomplishments; Veteran, Mom,
Wife, Author, Hunter, Pro Shooter, TV personality, Captain of the Smith &
Wesson shooting team, and IPSC World Champion Ladies Classic Division (and
probably the nicest shooter on the circuit). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduEw0pZgsqFRdm6cB2fUT7FGWIgsmb9KucIX_1nkSytSYH1eDWI5wbE-YpOK38Ar7TxpIlCct07Bb8Tslv1-m2oX4t-Eq0bl_KFtHVylwAC2KhK-ju5pjXzK4Cf6Li-t9m5OEZq9oBA_R/s1600/julie+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduEw0pZgsqFRdm6cB2fUT7FGWIgsmb9KucIX_1nkSytSYH1eDWI5wbE-YpOK38Ar7TxpIlCct07Bb8Tslv1-m2oX4t-Eq0bl_KFtHVylwAC2KhK-ju5pjXzK4Cf6Li-t9m5OEZq9oBA_R/s320/julie+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have been honored to meet Julie on several occasions and
follow her on FaceBook, Twitter, <a href="http://www.juliegolob.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.juliegolob.com</span></a>,
and YouTube, JulieG.TV.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If this woman
has the ability to frown, I’ve never seen it.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>She is upbeat, generous of spirit and inspiring.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I learn so much watching her, but never feel
like I’m being taught.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She is
approachable, funny and most importantly genuine.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11ExOVDUa_TIEIq1EXMNcYVlLftoTXQoSZNlm615Lh1KBmBMdMvMJKaT8ei-S7McAUBvM3O7iP3JNhS6uXyV-6v-rpenIzbCpiXXk7Z1jOYR8B_26n_iQ-4r7OkL8OaZkwcOiIha6KCcg/s1600/IMG_45231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11ExOVDUa_TIEIq1EXMNcYVlLftoTXQoSZNlm615Lh1KBmBMdMvMJKaT8ei-S7McAUBvM3O7iP3JNhS6uXyV-6v-rpenIzbCpiXXk7Z1jOYR8B_26n_iQ-4r7OkL8OaZkwcOiIha6KCcg/s320/IMG_45231.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Julie is truly an inspiration for girls and women everywhere.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ll probably never rise to her level, but
she never makes you feel that way.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This
is someone I would love to just sit down for coffee with, not that she has time
between her competition schedule, writing, blogging, appearances and spending
time with two adorable little ones, teaching them early about gun safety.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It isn’t possible to watch Julie’s vlog and
not smile.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She has been nominated for
the 2018 NRA Board of Directors.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
support her!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span>#JulieGforNRA </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-78574658797247299982017-12-29T08:19:00.003-08:002017-12-29T08:19:35.263-08:00to Tell or Not to TellThere comes a time for every shooter to decide do I tell someone that I like to shoot or that I carry a concealed firearm. This is a very personal choice, and can have profound consequences. Just look to media over the past year. Some very outspoken gun rights advocates have received death threats against themselves and their families. Some have been forced to move after their addresses were published on social media.<br />
<br />Oh, that’s not me, I’m not a public figure. Well, that may be, but it doesn’t protect you from bullying behavior from intolerant people. In my experience, most people are ok or neutral, but I’m not walking around telling everyone or being obnoxiously obvious, either. People in my office generally know I shoot, have instructor credentials and have written a few books. I get teased good naturedly at times, people will come for advice. But not everyone is positive. There is a woman who is a rabid anti-gun nut. She states that NO ONE should have a gun, period. She will make statements like this when I’m nearby. She will sometimes pose what seems to be a reasonable question, then turn it around into a rant against shooting. No argument is acceptable; she is against self-defense, hunting and recreational shooting. This is baiting and bullying, I have to ignore her when she starts in. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I’ve experienced this type of reaction, and likely won’t be the last. I had a woman complain that my owning a gun made her feel unsafe. This was in an office, she had never seen it, they were prohibited on the property. She had eavesdropped on a private conversation with another co-worker about a trip to the range. She made a complaint to the company and I nearly lost my job. Most people are fine, but for the irrational or strongly opinionated, some will stop at nothing to make you regret them find out. <br />
<br />This reaction gets even more extreme when children are around. Many people support teaching children gun safety, and families enjoying the shooting sports together. Others see it as child abuse or reckless endangerment. Just look at some states that are requiring foster parents to remove guns from their homes or not be allowed to provide a loving home to kids who need it. <br />There are still youth shooting teams, sometimes in schools, sometimes Scouts or other organizations. But there are parents who would not allow their child to be friendly with another who shoots because they think it is dangerous. In truth, well trained shooters are safer than the child who stumbles upon a gun with no idea how to use it safely. But that is logic, and this is an issue often responded to with emotion, not logic. <br />
<br />Some extremes illustrated here but it happens. My policy is to not bring it up unless asked. <br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-83720633033797009772017-09-06T08:35:00.004-07:002017-09-06T08:35:34.208-07:00It's Been Amazing
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Little did I know, when I started training hard, teaching
and writing over 10 years ago that I would one day be hanging up my Out of
Business sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many reasons,
actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve endured some major
personal issues that really slowed me down and took all my attention, then I
got hit with serious health issues that limited my ability to get around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That ended with my not having any money
coming in, but too much going out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a
good business model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So…I’m shutting
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last straw for me was the cost
of the website, which is now down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I may take the time to write more, and as soon as I’m physically
able I would like to take some additional training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, I don’t have the endurance to make
it through a class and the type of training I want can get physical, I
can’t risk additional injury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Looking back, I think of the amazing people I’ve met, and
incredible people I’ve worked with, and just the sheer joy of watching the
smile spread across the face of a scared new shooter who just realized how
amazing this can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had some
incredible opportunities, traveling to Shot Show, getting encouragement from so
many very special people that I admire and respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t think of a single time that I wasn’t
happy teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-17753166243637504762017-09-06T08:33:00.003-07:002017-09-06T08:33:30.934-07:00The World is a Scary Place
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So much happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Riots, attempts to rewrite history, natural disasters…Who is safe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At any moment you could become the target of an attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One reporter was attacked on the edge of a
rally because of his polo shirt, and you know, Nazis wear polo shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WTF?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The truth is, there are bad people out there who want to hurt you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All you can do is be aware, walk away when
you see a crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By-standers are now
targets at these protests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone is
fair game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let yourself get caught
up and drawn in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That said, it isn’t all bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are heartwarming images coming out of Texas of people who do not
have to risk their lives stepping in to rescue strangers and animals from the
flood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rescuer and victim come in all
shapes, sizes and races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one is
asking gender preference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
simply being decent Americans, helping those who need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bless them all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What does all this mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Be responsible, look out for yourself, but look out for your
neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never know when you might
be the one who needs to be rescued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t get caught up in the hype about protests and statues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are still Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as we remember and respect our
history we can work together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
the greatest country on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may
not be friends, but we are Americans and that means a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-63334084132188330322016-12-09T03:50:00.000-08:002016-12-09T04:02:05.647-08:00Mourning the Loss of NRA First Steps Program<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">First, this is not a bash the NRA piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m proud to be an Endowment level member,
and before that was a life member for nearly 20 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The NRA First Steps was a great introduction to safety and
the basics of shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hands on time
with an instructor followed 3-4 hours of classroom instruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was easy, not intimidating and covered a
lot of material at a high level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Students were encouraged to seek more advance training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a “dip your toes in” kind of
class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the NRA decided to abandon
this popular option in favor of a blended learning Basic Pistol which, if
taught as written, requires a student to complete an on –line portion, then
find an instructor and complete class room and range sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “as written” has the class and range
alternating to accomplish skills that add on to one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t have your own range, it is kind
of tough to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I have multiple instructor credentials, but rarely taught
the more advanced classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My preference
was the new shooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly women, but
not all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some nervous or scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My preferred venue was in their home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I went to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My classes were limited to 4 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all knew each other, were comfortable asking
questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made it like a Tupperware
party, except with guns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave away
pens, keychains, gift certificates for an hour of range instruction, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the inevitable discussion of safe
direction came up, we were in a home, we could talk real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For gun handling, I had a Kevlar vest I could
hang over a chair if I needed to create a safe direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave significant discounts to military and
law enforcement spouses, trained women in danger for free…the goal wasn’t to
make money, although I did try hard to break even on materials and
insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My costs were lower since I
didn’t have to rent a classroom, just cover range time and ammunition for those
borrowing my firearms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
students loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many used that class
to get a Concealed Carry Permit, and then went on to get private coaching and
or take more advanced classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">That is no longer an option, and I, like many of my fellow
instructors, have given up the teaching business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is sad, and I hate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m not ready to take on the Basic Pistol
model, which would mean classrooms, more instructors, new materials…or to teach
the more advanced courses, for the same reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That isn’t where my passion lay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">One sad aspect of this decision is that, in Virginia at
least, students can take a 1.5 hour on-line course, and use that to get a
permit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No live instructor, no
questions, and no practical application at a range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that terrifying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had students who didn’t get their
certificate the first time out because they weren’t safe, and we spent more
time together, at no cost to the student, to ensure they were at lease
minimally competent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I am slowly dismantling my business, and it hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have lots of equipment; projector,
holsters, blue guns, SIRTS, etc., that I need to do something with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have quite a few First Steps packets
left that when the NRA made the switch they offered a turn in of Basic Pistol
packets but I never saw the same for the First Steps packets, so I still have a
dozen or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I will still write, still take friends to the range, but my
formal instruction is done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
agree with the decision the NRA Training Department made, but they didn’t ask
my opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure they have a “good”
reason, but I don’t know what it is, and I know a lot of instructors were
impacted. But more than that, a lot of students are impacted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who would come to a 4 hour class to
“try it out”, an entry level starting point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not all of these people will commit to a couple days, or the extra
expense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we are doing them a
disservice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Be safe!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter
what your skill level, never stop practicing and never stop training.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C5RlIk776bmT3QkwQXvNCGcjqcTzWxxxHEDtWopJ8nVsyXNOCApjtjaoi8hqMx1M5g2ukGbxcxh85dieYMRj-rKQDvr45K9UkZdVpr0YEi5LqO0KrHv-kvTa92plDQpx4qTpCjKMybmE/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C5RlIk776bmT3QkwQXvNCGcjqcTzWxxxHEDtWopJ8nVsyXNOCApjtjaoi8hqMx1M5g2ukGbxcxh85dieYMRj-rKQDvr45K9UkZdVpr0YEi5LqO0KrHv-kvTa92plDQpx4qTpCjKMybmE/s320/093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVNIiPNaNZrqBQ4Vw6Ld-yX8uBwN75RqHFOMTMHsGktA7EhMTGe1BItyphmOrMrwJxOm-QKdR4ziRp4AzfupA5xcS7LRTeCazgXoIYZn0WRuKv7ylUEyJ8WXf_xLZDIe-DWq3S0JzEPS5/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVNIiPNaNZrqBQ4Vw6Ld-yX8uBwN75RqHFOMTMHsGktA7EhMTGe1BItyphmOrMrwJxOm-QKdR4ziRp4AzfupA5xcS7LRTeCazgXoIYZn0WRuKv7ylUEyJ8WXf_xLZDIe-DWq3S0JzEPS5/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4wNvDO1fZTHiCtspCRr59BAnRMmKxVq58vvSg-1zYWEl_K_WGR7ZaqVvK00q9mA8dBVc2PcaFMlWX6256qnJxHnI7DUOTpXa3cZCIjitlW1EZEVySQ2eq63EohgFhRLE3kSGIhNXNF0W/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4wNvDO1fZTHiCtspCRr59BAnRMmKxVq58vvSg-1zYWEl_K_WGR7ZaqVvK00q9mA8dBVc2PcaFMlWX6256qnJxHnI7DUOTpXa3cZCIjitlW1EZEVySQ2eq63EohgFhRLE3kSGIhNXNF0W/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-6213282896490209142016-09-01T16:25:00.000-07:002016-09-01T16:25:00.169-07:00Living An Armed Life
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Living an Armed Life will be available on Amazon and in select
retailers on or about Sep 16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my
fourth book in five years, and yes, I’m taking a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For regular followers, you will see RPA,
first introduced here last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will also learn more about me and my ability to trip over shadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LAAL addresses the changing defensive
techniques we need based on our life situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Injury, kids or aging. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had a tremendous amount of help putting this together, and
I’m very grateful to everyone who contributed advice, posed for photos or
helped me figure it out when it was me on crutches, in a sling, using a
cane…remember the tripping on shadows?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The book also introduces Laurie, an instructor in Virginia
Beach, who was seriously injured several years ago and is now in a
wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her humor, candor and
dedication come through in her advice on shooting and defensive techniques
while wheelchair bound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This book is full of advice I hope you will never have to
use, but gosh, when you need it, it is nice not to have to figure it out on
your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Special thanks to The Gun Diva
for her kind Foreword.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a special
friend and I’m honored that she contributed to my book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi192Cjg5oFlCJk5yMBeoqb3vQqX3NqPAtCMDhHhIhPsu108xoXcJEKcvzBwHdPO0fVKJ89aCV8mVsGOq6Wnf2u67Omz3quWnc3SJeRNV3nyuaSPcnIUouXhyphenhyphenHil71aNB4yyMD41qlO5Z85/s1600/20160827_150016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi192Cjg5oFlCJk5yMBeoqb3vQqX3NqPAtCMDhHhIhPsu108xoXcJEKcvzBwHdPO0fVKJ89aCV8mVsGOq6Wnf2u67Omz3quWnc3SJeRNV3nyuaSPcnIUouXhyphenhyphenHil71aNB4yyMD41qlO5Z85/s320/20160827_150016.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-26441929789781101842016-08-31T16:28:00.000-07:002016-08-31T16:28:01.900-07:00I Feel a Rant Coming On…
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Politically Correct crowd is run amuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, I wrote it, in plain letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so tired of being told I can’t do
something because some group will get offended, or I have to learn to express
myself differently because another group might be offended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thoughts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>GROW A SKIN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, there are
extremes and vernacular that has, rightfully, crept out of our lexicon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is being replaced with so much
nonsense!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;">We are a binary people, genetically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Male and Female.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not a 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> gender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people believe they are
Transgendered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn’t not make them a 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>
gender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are either Male or Female,
be it by birth or by choice, I’m not making that argument, but I still don’t
want to share a public restroom or dressing room with a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is my choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in Target recently, and wanted to try
on a blouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I generally avoid that as
they have taken a very “progressive” stance, but I was distracted and wandered
in to the dressing rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the stalls
were labeled “Family”, which I guess is how they get around the gender
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, be true to yourself, but
don’t expect me to use made up pronouns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I use the wrong one, tell me, and I will do my best to fix it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I live just outside of DC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was across the street from the Pentagon 15 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can say “terror attack” with a straight
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that mean I think Muslims are
bad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think terrorists are bad!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not all terrorists are Muslim and not all
Muslims are terrorists.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I want to
see my country flooded with refugees?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No, I live in a high risk area (which happens to have some of the
strictest gun laws).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, with
employment and economy issues, I don’t want to shoulder the burden of even more
people that can’t find work, struggling to assimilate…I am 100% in favor of
providing assistance without relocation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, since Syria is so much in the news these days, why should the U.S.
accept thousands of refugees from the other side of the world when we are already
overrun with refugees from Central and South America?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to a lot of people, this makes me a
bad person, someone without a moral compass…or not PC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">BLM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, that is
Blue Lives Matter, but not to everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Personally, I think all lives are important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless of age, race, profession, religion,
gender or birth status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankly, there
are examples of “wrongs” on all sides of that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> Amendment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you guess where I fall on that one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I support national reciprocity for Concealed
Carry Permits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each state has their own
requirements for Driver’s Licenses, and issues them, but all the other states
recognize them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have to have one
for Virginia, one for Maryland, and oh wait, DC won’t give me a license since I
don’t live there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is national reciprocity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times have you seen the statistics
about how many hundreds of thousands of permit holders weren’t involved in a
crime or mass shooting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m not a bigot, I’m not a racist, not even a
nationalist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a conservative gun
owner who believes that everyone is important, but also that we need to get our
country on track before we try to fix the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rant
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now return you to your regular
scheduled programming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-27058591287908166832016-08-31T16:22:00.002-07:002016-08-31T16:22:51.347-07:00The Impact of NRA Eliminating First Steps Training
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m sure it was unforeseen, but in eliminating the First
Steps program, which was an approximately 4 hour introduction to shooting,
covering the fundamentals of safety, stance, handling and some time on the
range, many instructors have given up teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The First Steps has been superseded by Basic Pistol, which was available
previously, but not as common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
offered in a Blended Learning format which requires a student to complete an on
line portion, then work with an instructor to review the material and complete
the range portion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many instructors
the new format just wasn’t cost effective to continue teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me personally, I taught in small groups,
one to four students, and I can’t afford to do that for Basic Pistol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not have the statistics on participation
rates but I hope it is working out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve talked to many instructors who have simply given up
their businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t cheap, we
have business licenses, insurance, overhead costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t afford to do that on a large
scale, it can be tough to break even.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some have switched to coaching one on one, but that is very time
consuming and you have to do a lot of it to cover the cost of instructor
insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;">I still encourage every new shooter to take a basic level
course, and then more advanced training as the budget allows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what kind of shooting you are
interested in, there is training available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing beats working with a live instructor who can see what you are
doing and offer corrections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-17695066661274130722016-08-31T16:21:00.000-07:002016-08-31T16:21:23.881-07:00Whatever happened to National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This was a good idea, had a robust start, but like so many
endeavors, it required a lot of work by a lot of dedicated people to get up and
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, like so many things, it
took a lot less effort to take it apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without going into the painful details, the organization crumbled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">However, there are still a few clubs across the country who
host annual events, some under a slightly different title, but the concept of
safety, encouragement and promotion of the Shooting Sports is still
strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That being said, there is no
reason any range can’t support a family event or set aside a Daughter Day, do
some type of promotion that may include extra instructor staff support, use of
.22 caliber firearms, or even a reduced cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some clubs have prizes and a cook out and certificates and advance
registration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">No matter how you do it, formal or informal, this is a great
family activity and girls as well as boys love to make the first trip to the
range in a supported way, and most have so much fun they can’t wait to go
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, consider encouraging your local range to promote a
family day, or a daughter day, and get everyone out for some fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-36587925299514517672016-07-29T04:25:00.003-07:002016-07-29T04:25:23.894-07:00Gun Free ZonesGun Free Zones. Words that chill my heart, because we all know, in a Gun Free Zone, only<br />
honest law abiding citizens don’t have guns. However, not having a firearm doesn’t make up<br />
defenseless. I once told someone that in trained hands a knitting needle was an “Assault<br />
Weapon”. Think about it, long, strong, pointy…but no, I’m not advocating that you carry knitting<br />
needles everywhere you go. What I am suggesting is that you think about what you do have, or<br />
could easily add, and practice how to use them.<br />
<br />
Because if where I work I cannot carry my firearm to and from work. Hanging on the front of my<br />
purse is an assortment of charms, they are fun, and express my personality. They also give me<br />
an inconspicuous place to hang my SABRE Personal Alarm. These little noise makers couldn’t<br />
be easier. Grab, yank and throw. Yep, grabbing then yanking disengages the pin which sets off<br />
a loud noise. Throwing it makes it harder for an attacker to silence since they would have to<br />
find it. To shut it off, simply reinsert the pin. Works on purses, backpacks, lanyards…don’t<br />
have to worry about age and legal issues.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SOj3bC1fDfrENVVPcGG3lUzS4nzCNYFfZnAtCw9oFeM7y17am-wYYiwiXK4_SDdvK3VI6Q6Y96ugNRbGlsa9E4RDpAQSGfrjoxaI4i-IKCYZx23-ktjQlrBMDflp7YzWXhXkAihvJkd-/s1600/20160728_082808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SOj3bC1fDfrENVVPcGG3lUzS4nzCNYFfZnAtCw9oFeM7y17am-wYYiwiXK4_SDdvK3VI6Q6Y96ugNRbGlsa9E4RDpAQSGfrjoxaI4i-IKCYZx23-ktjQlrBMDflp7YzWXhXkAihvJkd-/s320/20160728_082808.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Inside my purse, in designated pockets, I have a quick open folding knife with a window break<br />
on the end and a tactical flashlight. Both handy if you ever need them. On my keychain I have<br />
pepper spray. I also have some basic empty hand skills learned from a variety of personal<br />
trainers (I have a few limitations so I take private training whenever I can to work around them<br />
and avoid slowing down a class or getting injured by a hyper millennial).<br />
<br />
Recently, with all the nastiness in the world, I started thinking more about being out and<br />
about…the mall, a theater, etc. Violence is everywhere and living in a concealed carry state we<br />
are more likely to be attacked in a “gun free” zone. What to do. I did some research, watched a<br />
great “The Best Defense” video and decided to look for a ballistic pad to fit in a backpack. Well,<br />
turns out there are a lot of them out there. Some already incorporated into the backpack. I<br />
opted for a level IIIA soft pad that slips into the laptop straps on most of my backpacks (the<br />
tactical looking and the cute ones). It is 16”x12”, and weighs about 2 pounds, which is pretty<br />
light. I found it on Amazon, and after reading all the reviews made my pick. Several people had<br />
bought two, one to shoot up and one to use. Based on those reviews I opted to buy one and<br />
save my pennies. But, from now on if you see me at the mall I will likely have a backpack<br />
nonchalantly thrown over my shoulder (Sorry Michael Kors) instead of a purse. My charms will<br />
be clipped to the pack, and my knife and light will be within easy access, but I will have an area<br />
of cover, within my grasp should something happen. I hope I never need it, but it will be nice<br />
knowing that I have a little extra protection.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpE3iKDTEhLNBUQn9XmtJ0blQJkYb9DgbsNtGy7prnvVE3CYSk6tT4KylDZ9-BXYhLNlOsChbAxsepF6Y2oUJuovnKZvIPuTrXR53pEq5JGNjoTWeAJJ3UD3kElX9IMq70EHU9EJdJKpv/s1600/20160729_072154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpE3iKDTEhLNBUQn9XmtJ0blQJkYb9DgbsNtGy7prnvVE3CYSk6tT4KylDZ9-BXYhLNlOsChbAxsepF6Y2oUJuovnKZvIPuTrXR53pEq5JGNjoTWeAJJ3UD3kElX9IMq70EHU9EJdJKpv/s320/20160729_072154.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-10539141636357985942016-07-08T14:16:00.000-07:002016-07-08T14:16:18.445-07:00The world around me is changing…<br />
I can’t turn on the news without a report of violence, mass shootings, corrupt politicians and<br />
more calls to strip me of my 2A rights. Last night 5 Police Officers lost their lives in Dallas,<br />
responding to sniper fire and trying to protect the protestors who were protesting Police<br />
shootings (note the irony here). POTUS and the left immediately responded with the cry for<br />
“gun control”.<br />
<br />
I recently watched the movie 13 Hours, the story of Benghazi and the heroes who risked<br />
everything to save American lives. This was my second time watching this film. It isn’t an easy<br />
film. I was a bystander to 9-11- 2001, being directly across the street from the Pentagon. I<br />
watched the live coverage of the second plane flying into the WTC. I heard the third plane and<br />
felt the blast even before the sound of the explosion as the plane entered the Pentagon. Those<br />
are hours, minutes and seconds, that still haunt my memory and my nightmares. Watching 13<br />
Hours I started thinking about what is happening here. I realized that we are on a steep slope<br />
and picking up speed to becoming just as dangerous as many places in the middle east. Taking<br />
my gun won’t make me, or you, any safer. It makes both of us nothing better than a staked goat<br />
waiting for a predator.<br />
<br />
Police Officers are second guessed at every turn. Terrorists, both home grown and infiltrating,<br />
are attacking our way of life and killing without discrimination or warning. We are at war, and it<br />
is the worst kind of war because there are no uniforms to help discriminate one side from<br />
another. Angry protests erupt every time a black person is shot by a police officer. Where are<br />
the protestors when a cop is shot, or a white person is killed by a Police Officer? I subscribe to<br />
a simple rule:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SHOT BY A COP, DON’T BREAK THE LAW!</div>
<br />
If we don’t put the brakes on fast we could easily be overrun by thugs and criminals who have<br />
no regard for life or property and the Police won’t be able to stop them. Stop pandering to the<br />
loudest and teach personal responsibility.<br />
<br />
I am proud to support the Law Enforcement agencies of our Nation. I may not always agree<br />
with those at the top (i.e., Director Comey), but I support the boots on the ground. The men and<br />
women who risk their lives for ours every day. I support our Military, even when our government<br />
looks at them with disdain. I wore a uniform for 20 years. I know the sacrifices, the long hours,<br />
the feeling of homesickness when on the other side of the world. I even support Government<br />
employees, who are some of the most maligned workers in the country and the first to suffer<br />
pay freezes, furloughs and job loss at the hands of a bloated Congress.<br />
I love my country, and I want it back…from the thugs, the terrorists and the corrupt politicians.<br />
Do what you can…<br />
Thank a Law Enforcement Officer.<br />
Thank a Military Member.<br />
Display the Flag.<br />
VOTE!<br />
<br />
#Blue Lives Matter<br />
#All Lives Matter<br />
#USA<br />
#Dallas<br />
#911Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-75600373623498184422016-06-30T14:47:00.003-07:002016-06-30T14:47:42.465-07:00It's a Mans Word
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, not really, just some of them think that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been reading stories lately from women
instructors who are belittled by men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are not a lot of them that do it, but they are getting more
attention as out numbers grown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I call these men “Range Randies”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have another, less polite term for
them, you can probably figure that out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve had my share, having shot for more than 15 years, and
taught for nearly 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it is an
instructor, sometimes it is a gun store clerk and sometimes it is a RR on the
range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked off the range one time
and got stopped by a man who asked what I was shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, didn’t think much about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GLOCK 19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He proceeded to inform me that I had too much “muzzle flip”, yep, “flip”
not climb for a 19 and clearly I wasn’t shooting it right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of responses ran through my head; the
excruciating case of tendonitis, aka shooter’s elbow, that almost stopped me
from going to the range, my credentials, the single hole, albeit jagged as befits
multiple rounds through almost the same space, in the center of my target and
the fact that he appeared to be shooting buckshot, or the fact that his “big
ole pistol” might be over compensation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, I smiled and walked away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was taking an instructor course, was on the range and this
RR yelled some instruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on the
line, gun up…I turned my face toward him and said “What?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He repeated the same words, louder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave him a blank look and he repeated
himself, even louder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lowered my
muzzle, looked him straight in the eye and said “until you put it in different
words, you can get as loud as you want, I don’t understand what you are asking
for”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then told me to rack the slide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I nearly punch him. Did I leave out the
escalating set of instructions was roughly 3 sentences long about sliding my
support hand up, blah, blah, blah?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
that point, I had multiple instructor credentials already, so I knew who to
rack a slide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought he was
funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had it been up to him, I might
not have passed that class but fortunately he was one of 5 votes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Hang in there!!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-39970546075367948722016-06-25T13:07:00.002-07:002016-06-25T13:07:35.238-07:00The world is changing...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">The world is changing so fast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, more than ever, you need to be aware,
and prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you carry a gun, when
is the last time you went to the range to practice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When is the last time you practice your draw
stroke with an unloaded gun?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When is the
last time you did a defensive drill with the family?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">Do you have your peripherals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flashlight, knife, pepper spray?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is your Situational Awareness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you practiced active threat assessment
to help focus your attention?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
mentally running what if scenarios in your head?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you done any personal defense
training?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, even we aging baby
boomers can kick butt if we know how!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you aren’t a member of the American Warrior Society, consider joining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some awesome training tips and
videos by Mike Seeklander that are well worth the cost of joining. </span><a href="http://www.americanwarriorsociety.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">http://www.americanwarriorsociety.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">What about Active Shooter training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all pray it will never happen to us but it
is becoming more common, in more environments, and odds are it will get worse
before it gets better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Department of
Homeland Security had Active Shooter training on its website, free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is actually pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial";">https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If nothing else, it will give you something
to consider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227069281563782835.post-35352440478459944402016-03-10T04:28:00.001-08:002016-03-10T04:28:16.087-08:00From There to Here<br />
As an instructor I frequently get asked how I got started shooting. I grew up in a house with <br />
guns, rifles and pistols, although I didn’t get to shoot them. Not sure my Dad did either but he <br />
had them, all the kids knew where they were (on the shelf in the den closet) and not to touch <br />
them, which we didn’t. I didn’t have strong feelings one way or the other. <br />
<br />
At the age of 17 I enlisted in the Air Force. This was a long time ago, and women didn’t shoot in <br />
Basic Training then, instead we had a “grooming” class. Yes, go ahead and snort, but it was the <br />
70’s. I didn’t actually shoot until 1983 as I was about to go to South Korea. I did a couple hours <br />
of training on an M-16, went to the range, shot .22lr via an adapter, which didn’t work <br />
particularly well, and that was it. It would be years before I would shoot again. <br />
In the mid-90’s (years, not age) I was dating a man who had a real issue with truth. As I began <br />
to realize this, I knew I needed to break it off. I did, and the response was pretty intense. He <br />
left a long message on my answering machine that included a lot of profanity and ended with “I <br />
hope you’ve enjoyed your life.” Well, I took that as a threat. Contacted the police, played the <br />
tape and filed a complaint. He was called and asked to turn himself in so he could be <br />
processed and released. Yep, they took it real serious. Me, I bought my first gun, a Ruger P-95 <br />
9mm. I didn’t have a clue, but got lucky in that the man behind the counter did and gave me <br />
excellent advice. Not always the case, btw. I had to wait 3 days to pick it up, that was the law <br />
at the time, and then immediately took it to the range and shot a few hundred rounds. Not me <br />
recommendation for anyone! Now I know, read the manual, clean it, and if you don’t <br />
already know how to shoot, your first trip should be with an instructor. But I was scared, <br />
and determined, and I made some pretty big holes in the targets, and in my thumb (metal <br />
magazines, no speed loader). I took a quick NRA course and applied for a Concealed Carry <br />
Permit. Thanks to the pending charges and a supportive judge, I got it in record time and began <br />
to carry. <br />
<br />
Over the years, I gradually stopped carrying, but kept my permit current, just in case. (Also not <br />
smart but I still had a lot to learn). Things started to get interesting in the community, more <br />
violence. I still went to the range occasionally because it was fun, but something told me I could <br />
do better. I went instructor shopping. I talked to a couple and then found the right one for me. <br />
When you find him or her, you will know. We hit it off, and went to the range to “assess my <br />
skills”. Well, he turned out to be a training counselor and talked me into taking an instructor <br />
course. I worked for him (he has a robust training company and is an outstanding trainer) for a <br />
couple years until it was time to move on and go independent. <br />
<br />
I found a passion for teaching, a joy in helping someone learn new, or enhance existing, skills. <br />
There is nothing like it. I don’t teach as much now, maybe going independent wasn’t the <br />
smartest move. But I also spend a lot of time writing. <br />
<br />
So, in a nutshell, that is my journey, how I got here. If not for a threat of domestic violence, I <br />
might not have come to this point. What happened with that? He made a deal, plead guilty to <br />
making an obscene phone call, and got community service and a stern warning to stay away <br />
from me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0