I'm back - Living a New Life

 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.

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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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.  

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.  

Thank you for the support all these years.

  

Placing your holster in your new CC bag

I just got a beautiful new bag from GunGoddess.com. and it made me think others may not be as comfortable.

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. 

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.

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.

Take you UNLOADED pistol and place it securely in the holster.  Yes, UNLOADED, 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? 

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. 

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.

Responsible Carry

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.

Be smart, be responsible, be safe.

#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.".

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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!

Going Un-Armed in a Scary World

Due to a series of incidents over the last couple years, I’ve learned a lot about vulnerability,
being realistic, and fear. I have carried through a variety of injuries, but these last few had me
too unsteady on my feet to practice with consistency, and my philosophy has always been if my
skills aren’t sharp, I don’t carry. In the course of 15 months I have both hips replaced. Then as
I was just about ready to start back to the range, I fell and fractured my femur. Surgery, metal
plate, screws. And months of crutches. All of this adds up to significant changes in my personal
defensive strategy.
I miss going to the range, but I’m just not steady enough on my feet, or crutches, to be
comfortable shooting. Actually, I could probably shoot, it is dragging the range bag with all its
assorted heavy objects that is really slowing me down. But I’m close.
For now, I’ve tried to ramp up my situational awareness even more than my normal, which was
pretty high. Because I have trouble walking or standing for any length of time, I’m at home
more, so my exposure is less. I still know how to swing a crutch and use is to extend my punch,
but with the plate in my leg I’m more fearful of falling. That, and I don’t bounce like I did when I
was younger.
I will be returning to the range soon. My plan is an hour on my own, stressing fundamentals,
starting at 8-10 feet and just concentrating on grip, shot placement and not falling over. The
next time I will likely enlist support from another instructor to help me spot anything I need to
correct, they can always see it faster than I can, just like I can spot something they’re doing
almost immediately that they aren’t even aware of. Good instructors are great allies!
Then, since crutches are in my future for a few more months…appendix carry will be my new
best buddy. I’ve always been a strong side hip, but the sound made when the crutch hits the
gun is pretty obvious.
This is new territory for me. I’ve carried through lesser injuries, and worked with people with
severe limitations. But I believe, if I’m not practicing, I’m not carrying. It isn’t worth the risk to
innocents. I need to know exactly where those rounds are going.
Be Safe, have wonderful holidays, and for those of you getting something special this year,
happy shooting! My gift to me was a new AR (but that will be a while unless I shoot sitting down.

Safe Shooting!

Negligent Discharge

Negligent:  failing to take proper care in doing something.  We in shooting talk about Negligent Discharge (ND) when a gun is fired without intent.  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.

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.  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.  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?

NDs come in many forms.  Have you ever sliced toward yourself, instead of away, and yep…here comes the blood.  Did you know better?  Sure, but it always worked before.  I once dropped a freshly cleaned rifle on my foot while putting it away.  It slipped.  Did I know that I should always wear shoes while handling weighty or pointy objects?  Yes.  Did I that day?  No.  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.  Luckily I have a toe that is essentially one long fused piece, slightly longer than it used to be, that doesn’t bend.  Given the damage it could have been a lot worse.  And, I got a great safety story out of it.

Many years ago I took flying lessons.  If you have never been up in a small plane, it is completely different that the commercial planes and is SO MUCH FUN!  My instructor, Bernie, was a sweet older man who just loved to fly.  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.  The club I belonged to held monthly safety meetings.  One night our speaker was Bernie.  He explained there were two types of pilots. Those that have pulled the mixture and those that would.  If you don’t know, pulling the mixture on a small single engine plan kills the engine.  He had reached for the throttle, to slow the engine, while up with a student and instead pulled the mixture.  (Luckily I was not the student.)  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.  No injury, no damage. 

Sometimes it is carelessness, sometimes it is distraction.  But it is avoidable.  We know the safety rules.  We know what we should do.  We know bad things happen.  Was it the instructors fault?  No!  Was it my fault breaking my toe?  Yes!  Was it Bernie’s fault for puling the wrong knob?  Yes!  What is the common denominator?  Negligence.

Don’t fool yourself into skipping a safety rule “just this once”.  It only take one round missed when cleaning a gun to shoot yourself or someone else.  There are so many things that can go wrong.  Be smart, not a cautionary tale.  If you’ve done some of these things and are not scarred, you are lucky.  Be smart and don’t try it again.  You never know when the next time may be the last time.  You won’t always have an instructor close to jump in and rescue you. 

Only you can prevent a ND.

Why 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are no easy answers, but there are a lot of accusations.

Blame me if you must, but know that in all the years I've been a NRA member I have not shot anyone.

Where do you get your advice?

Got a question about shooting?  Looking for a suggestion on a new gun?  Looking for advice on how to respond in a particular situation?  Who do you ask?  Well, it depends.  I’ve been involved in several Facebook groups that are firearms and shooting centered.  There are a lot of great people out there who are happy to help and provide sound advice.  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.  It can be challenging, as an instructor, not to comment on every post, jump on each thread.  It is frustrating to read potentially dangerous advice being spread with a very authoritarian tone. 

There is no shortage of opinions and recommendations.  How do you sort through the uninformed but vocal and the trained, informed opinion?  It isn’t easy.  One clue is if the person is advocating their position as the only solution, odds are they are not someone to listen to.  People who have been at this awhile generally agree that shooting is not a one size fits all activity.  As an example, the pistol that fits me best, may not be right for you.  I like 9mm, you might prefer 40.  I have a defensive mindset, you might be a plinker.  There are so many variables that there truly is no one best answer.  Sure, we can ask for ideas, what worked or didn’t, to help narrow our focus.  There are some easy “not for anyone” answers, but no “great for all” answers. 

It is ultimately up to you, the individual, to find the right answer for you.  Pick through advice and suggestions if you want, it can save you time and money, narrowing your options.  But choose the solution that is the best for you.  Remember, the most insistent voice may not be the wisest voice.  Everyone has different experiences and different needs. 

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.  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.

 Be smart and be safe.

Why I Carry

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 learned 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. #2A #FemaleandArmed #WhyICarry

Shall Not Be Infringed

Passions are running high.  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.  Unless you live under a rock, you have been bombarded with the Florida School Shooting.  Tragic, sad, traumatic…but not the fault of the law, except maybe the Gun Free Zone law.  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.

The protests are showing the worst of our youth.  Profane, uneducated, ignorant.  I give them credit for passion and courage to speak in front of large groups.  I fault them for not doing the research.  The Florida students are balking about the school forcing clear backpacks, citing losing their rights because of the actions of someone else.  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.

Take away our guns and we all sit in a Gun Free Zone, easy pickings for any criminal.  People are putting red bulbs in their porch lights.  Hello, ring the dinner bell for the bad guy!  Plus, it is ironic as the red light was a known symbol for prostitutes. 

The most frightening thing to me is history.  Look back at socialist and communist regimes, they erased history, disarmed the populace and then ground the people into the dirt.  That is how it goes.  It is terrifying, there are people who are actively looking to do this and others who are following blindly, not realizing where it leads. 

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!

#2A  #ShallNotBeInfringed

Social Media: A Blessing and a Curse

Social Media: A Blessing and a Curse

I’m active on Face Book and in several different groups, many of which are shooting oriented.  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.  Yes, I’m an obsessive Cat Mom.  But I also love others pet photos.  It can soothe the nerves when I need it most.

I recently left a group for Women Shooters, most of whom were new to shooting and just getting their permits.  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.  I found myself commenting on nearly every post and I don’t have the time or patience.  Bottom line, be careful what you listen to.  If is it someone at a low skill level, probably best not to take their advice.  How you can tell?  You know who the top instructors and pros are.  Listen to them.  Ignore your FB Buddies 3^rd cousin who gets their info from watching SWAT reruns.

The most common advice I kept seeing was shoot into the air.  NO!  This is incredibly dangerous.  Remember Newton and the apple?  Gravity?  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).  For the true math geek, look at Bullets in the Sky.  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.  NEVER point your firearm in the direction of anything you do not intend to kill.  ALWAYS know your target and what is beyond it.  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!

The other most scary thing I was reading was essentially I have my shiny new permit, I’m going to start carrying my gun.  This is not like having a new lipstick!  There are a lot of things to consider.  Holster, practice, knowledge of laws, additional training, and…can I pull the trigger?  I’ve written before, a gun in NOT a panacea.  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! 

Be wise, be careful and as always, Safe Shooting!

Profiles in Excellence: Julie Golob

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).  

I have been honored to meet Julie on several occasions and follow her on FaceBook, Twitter, www.juliegolob.com, and YouTube, JulieG.TV.  If this woman has the ability to frown, I’ve never seen it.  She is upbeat, generous of spirit and inspiring.  I learn so much watching her, but never feel like I’m being taught.  She is approachable, funny and most importantly genuine. 

Julie is truly an inspiration for girls and women everywhere.  We’ll probably never rise to her level, but she never makes you feel that way.  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.  It isn’t possible to watch Julie’s vlog and not smile.  She has been nominated for the 2018 NRA Board of Directors.  I support her! 

#JulieGforNRA

to Tell or Not to Tell

There 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.

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. 
 
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.
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. 

Some extremes illustrated here but it happens.  My policy is to not bring it up unless asked. 

It's Been Amazing

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.  For many reasons, actually.  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.  That ended with my not having any money coming in, but too much going out.  Not a good business model.  So…I’m shutting down.  The last straw for me was the cost of the website, which is now down.

 

I may take the time to write more, and as soon as I’m physically able I would like to take some additional training.  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.

 

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.  I’ve had some incredible opportunities, traveling to Shot Show, getting encouragement from so many very special people that I admire and respect.  I can’t think of a single time that I wasn’t happy teaching. 

The World is a Scary Place

So much happening.  Riots, attempts to rewrite history, natural disasters…Who is safe?  No one.  At any moment you could become the target of an attack.  One reporter was attacked on the edge of a rally because of his polo shirt, and you know, Nazis wear polo shirts.  WTF?  The truth is, there are bad people out there who want to hurt you.  All you can do is be aware, walk away when you see a crowd.  By-standers are now targets at these protests.  Anyone is fair game.  Don’t let yourself get caught up and drawn in. 

 

That said, it isn’t all bad.  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.  Rescuer and victim come in all shapes, sizes and races.  No one is asking gender preference.  They are simply being decent Americans, helping those who need help.  Bless them all.

 

What does all this mean?  Be responsible, look out for yourself, but look out for your neighbor.  You never know when you might be the one who needs to be rescued.  Don’t get caught up in the hype about protests and statues.  We are still Americans.  As long as we remember and respect our history we can work together.  This is the greatest country on earth.  We may not be friends, but we are Americans and that means a lot.

Mourning the Loss of NRA First Steps Program

First, this is not a bash the NRA piece.  I’m proud to be an Endowment level member, and before that was a life member for nearly 20 years.

The NRA First Steps was a great introduction to safety and the basics of shooting.  Hands on time with an instructor followed 3-4 hours of classroom instruction.  It was easy, not intimidating and covered a lot of material at a high level.  Students were encouraged to seek more advance training.  This was a “dip your toes in” kind of class.  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.  The “as written” has the class and range alternating to accomplish skills that add on to one another.  If you don’t have your own range, it is kind of tough to do.

I have multiple instructor credentials, but rarely taught the more advanced classes.  My preference was the new shooter.  Mostly women, but not all.  Some nervous or scared.  My preferred venue was in their home.  Yes, I went to them.  My classes were limited to 4 people.  They all knew each other, were comfortable asking questions.  We made it like a Tupperware party, except with guns.  I gave away pens, keychains, gift certificates for an hour of range instruction, etc.  When the inevitable discussion of safe direction came up, we were in a home, we could talk real world.  For gun handling, I had a Kevlar vest I could hang over a chair if I needed to create a safe direction.  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.  My costs were lower since I didn’t have to rent a classroom, just cover range time and ammunition for those borrowing my firearms.

I loved it!  My students loved it.  Many used that class to get a Concealed Carry Permit, and then went on to get private coaching and or take more advanced classes.

That is no longer an option, and I, like many of my fellow instructors, have given up the teaching business.  It is sad, and I hate it.  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.  That isn’t where my passion lay. 

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.  No live instructor, no questions, and no practical application at a range.  I find that terrifying.  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. 

 

I am slowly dismantling my business, and it hurts.  I have lots of equipment; projector, holsters, blue guns, SIRTS, etc., that I need to do something with.  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. 

I will still write, still take friends to the range, but my formal instruction is done.  I don’t agree with the decision the NRA Training Department made, but they didn’t ask my opinion.  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.  People who would come to a 4 hour class to “try it out”, an entry level starting point.  Not all of these people will commit to a couple days, or the extra expense.  I think we are doing them a disservice.

Be safe!  No matter what your skill level, never stop practicing and never stop training.

Living An Armed Life

Living an Armed Life will be available on Amazon and in select retailers on or about Sep 16.  This is my fourth book in five years, and yes, I’m taking a break.  For regular followers, you will see RPA, first introduced here last year.  You will also learn more about me and my ability to trip over shadows.  LAAL addresses the changing defensive techniques we need based on our life situation.  Injury, kids or aging.

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?

The book also introduces Laurie, an instructor in Virginia Beach, who was seriously injured several years ago and is now in a wheelchair.  Her humor, candor and dedication come through in her advice on shooting and defensive techniques while wheelchair bound. 

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.  Special thanks to The Gun Diva for her kind Foreword.  She is a special friend and I’m honored that she contributed to my book.

I Feel a Rant Coming On…

The Politically Correct crowd is run amuck.  There, I wrote it, in plain letters.  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.  My thoughts?  GROW A SKIN!  Yes, there are extremes and vernacular that has, rightfully, crept out of our lexicon.  But it is being replaced with so much nonsense! 

 We are a binary people, genetically.  Male and Female.  There is not a 3^rd gender.  Some people believe they are Transgendered.  Fine.  That doesn’t not make them a 3^rd gender.  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.  That is my choice.  I was in Target recently, and wanted to try on a blouse.  I generally avoid that as they have taken a very “progressive” stance, but I was distracted and wandered in to the dressing rooms.  All the stalls were labeled “Family”, which I guess is how they get around the gender question.  Well, be true to yourself, but don’t expect me to use made up pronouns.  If I use the wrong one, tell me, and I will do my best to fix it.

I live just outside of DC.  I was across the street from the Pentagon 15 years ago.  I can say “terror attack” with a straight face.  Does that mean I think Muslims are bad?  No!  I think terrorists are bad!  Not all terrorists are Muslim and not all Muslims are terrorists.  Do I want to see my country flooded with refugees?  No, I live in a high risk area (which happens to have some of the strictest gun laws).  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.  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?  According to a lot of people, this makes me a bad person, someone without a moral compass…or not PC.

 

BLM.  To me, that is Blue Lives Matter, but not to everyone.  Personally, I think all lives are important.  Regardless of age, race, profession, religion, gender or birth status.  Frankly, there are examples of “wrongs” on all sides of that one. 

The 2^nd Amendment.  Can you guess where I fall on that one?  I support national reciprocity for Concealed Carry Permits.  Each state has their own requirements for Driver’s Licenses, and issues them, but all the other states recognize them.  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.  Nope.  There is national reciprocity.  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? 

 

I’m not a bigot, I’m not a racist, not even a nationalist.  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.

Thank you.  Rant over.  I now return you to your regular scheduled programming. 

 

 

The Impact of NRA Eliminating First Steps Training

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.  The First Steps has been superseded by Basic Pistol, which was available previously, but not as common.  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.  For many instructors the new format just wasn’t cost effective to continue teaching.  For me personally, I taught in small groups, one to four students, and I can’t afford to do that for Basic Pistol.  I do not have the statistics on participation rates but I hope it is working out.  

I’ve talked to many instructors who have simply given up their businesses.  It isn’t cheap, we have business licenses, insurance, overhead costs.  If you can’t afford to do that on a large scale, it can be tough to break even.  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.

 I still encourage every new shooter to take a basic level course, and then more advanced training as the budget allows.  No matter what kind of shooting you are interested in, there is training available.  Nothing beats working with a live instructor who can see what you are doing and offer corrections. 

 

Whatever happened to National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day?

 

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.  Also, like so many things, it took a lot less effort to take it apart.  Without going into the painful details, the organization crumbled. 

 

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.  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.  Some clubs have prizes and a cook out and certificates and advance registration. 

 

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.

 

So, consider encouraging your local range to promote a family day, or a daughter day, and get everyone out for some fun!