Armed Citizen versus Armed Criminal

The previous post generated a lot of feedback and got me to thinking. Thanks to Cathi B. for making a great point. Many criminals (at least the thugs and muggers) do not take the time to learn and practice firearm skills. We probably won’t see them in a NRA class or at the range practicing drawing and shooting. Who do we see? Law abiding citizens who are having practicing, honing their skills and generally having fun.

What does this mean to those of us who live an armed lifestyle? We probably know a lot more about firearms than that average mugger, and have a lot more skill. Does this mean they aren’t dangerous? NO! In some ways they may be more dangerous, as many who choose to attack an innocent person have no conscience about pulling the trigger. They simply do not care. However, if it comes down to a gun fight, I take some small comfort in knowing that my skills are probably much more advanced, and I have practiced getting off the “X” and responding to a threat.

Safe Shooting

NTYDTTRD attracts anti-gun attention

On June 24, the Sun Sentinel (Central Florida) columnist Gary Stein wrote an anti-gun piece that mentioned NTYDTTRD. I guess we have hit the big time! LOL

“Of course, gun nuts always come up with ludicrous ways to promote weapons. Just recently — again, I am not making this up — gun fanatics were agog over National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day. Kind of makes your toes tingle, doesn't it?”

I did, in fact, email Mr. Stein, very politely, and mentioned that the number one objective of the event was safety education and the number two was family time. I suggested that if he tried target shooting he might understand that some of us find it fun. He responded, equally polite, but made it clear that he “abhors” guns and the NRA. Mmmm??? So much for non-biased journalism?
 
In skimming the comments I came across this one. I considered responding and decided that this kind of close minded thinking would never be phased by simple facts or anyone else’s opinion. (name withheld to protect the foolish)


XXXXXXXX at 11:19 AM June 25, 2012
“I completely agree with the author.
Guns owners are disrespectful of authority. A failure to rely on authorities is an invariable sign of improper and overly independent attitudes. The mere fact that they gather together to talk about guns at gun shops, gun shows, shooting ranges, and on the internet means that they have some plot going against us normal people. A gun owner has no right to associate with another gun owner.
Therefore, to help ensure our right to happiness and safety we must ban and seize all guns from private hands, and forbid NRA-based criticism towards people who are only trying to help. Searching the homes of all NRA members for any guns and pro-gun literature will go a long way towards reducing crime.
Common sense requires only uniformed soldiers, police, and other agents of the state have access to firearms, and think of all the money we can save by just taking away the guns from private owners and giving them to the military and police. No person should be able to challenge this by writing to Congress or the President. If they do they should be forced in court to admit to it and then fined a hundred million dollars for each time. Subjecting them to torture will probably change their minds.”

Wow…I, as most lawful gun owners do, have a true respect for the law and for doing the right thing. I also respect the constitution that allows me to not only own firearms but have free assembly. Apparently Mr. X doesn’t realize that most armed criminals are probably not NRA
members, nor are the criminals likely to be gathering to chat at gun shows or ranges. He also doesn’t seem to realize that the “authorities” are reactive, usually arriving after a crime has been committed. Good luck with that.
This was the first time I’ve really come across such vehement anti-gun sentiment. It set me back on my heels a little. I do not understand why someone thinks they have the right to decide that I’m wrong when I am acting responsibly and within the law? And torture for disagreeing? Isn’t that a bit Marxist? There is an old line, but very true, “If guns are illegal only criminals will have guns".

Safe Shooting!

Concealed Carry when you are Pregnant

Most of us understand that going to the range while you are expecting is probably not a great idea.  The lead, the noise...none of it is good for the baby.  However, as your tummy grows, your center of balance is shifted, you may feel more vulnerable and want to continue to carry concealed, but how?  This question has come up a couple times so I'd like to offer a couple options here.

After a lot of thought, and asking several women who have kids, we all came to the same conclusion, a Remora holster. Once you move from “regular” clothing to that with a stretchy panel, there is no belt to secure a holster, you need something you can tuck in to the general are of the strong side hip, shifting for comfort and the movement of your baby. If you are wearing a dress, your options are more limited, especially the closer you are to your due date as you probably can’t see your feet, let alone reach your thigh. At that point you might consider a sized up Belly Band (the stretchy band with the pockets for magazines and your gun). Wear it like a maternity belt, wrapped low under your belly. Yes, you run the risk of showing the world your Tuesday panties on Thursday if you have to draw, but it is better than being without your gun.

Stay Safe!

FAQs – Who do I teach with and why?

I’m often asked, who do I teach with and why?  I teach with Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC, in Northern Virginia, which is owned and operated by Evan Carson (who, though under 30, have a very impressive resume and credentials including NRA Training Counselor, experienced competitive shooter and he made it to Top Shot’s audition finals). 

Why?  When I first considered getting Instructor credentials, I looked on the NRA portal and found Evan and another company locally that offered instructor classes.  Evan was the one who called me back, LOL.  After we talked, I thought maybe I wasn’t ready (seems to be a common reaction from women but not men, mmm, wonder why?).  He convinced me to meet him at the range and shoot to assess my skills and he promised honest feedback on if he thought I was ready.  Evan is more concerned about getting good instructors out there than about the money, which I appreciated.  He showed me a couple things I could improve on, and made a significant difference in my grouping.  We talked, I agreed to take the class and when I passed he approached me about becoming an adjunct instructor.  He let me sit in on classes for over a month before I started teaching, getting comfortable with the material and practicing my left handed gun handling.  He was adamant that all the instructors learn to do everything with either hand because we get right and left handed students.  I still can’t load the magazine with my left hand, or one handed, but everything else I learned. 

Why do I teach?  Certainly not to get rich!  J  Simple answer is I love it.  I’m passionate about shooting and helping others learn, I really enjoy that moment on the range with a new student, someone who has never shot before, when they begin to realize they can do this!  They are doing it!  They are doing it well!!  The smile it worth so much, the high fives, the occasional hugs…all amazing.

There are not enough caring and enthusiastic women instructors out there yet.  Think about sharing the joy of shooting!  The rewards come in ways you might never have imagined.

Safe Shooting!

I need your help...

Many of you know I’ve been working on a book for women shooters, starting at the beginning, finding and instructor, buying a gun and going through concealed carry and unarmed defense (or as I like to think of it, buying time to get to where I can use my gun). 

I’m so close to being finished, but I need to add just a bit more to get to my word count.  If you were reading a book like the one described above, what would you want to read in it?  Any topic or something special you would like to see addressed?  You might identify something I haven’t thought of, and if it is something you are interested in, there are probably lots of other women who would have a similar question or thought.

Thanks for your help!  I will keep you posted on the progress.  It is currently set for a spring release.

Safe Shooting!