With the weather like it's been, and the loss of my friend's shooting area - some kind of stupid social falling out that caught me in the fallout - I've not been out shooting for a long while. Now, this isn't so important if you are into target shooting, but I'm not. At least not yet. My focus now is on self defense tactics and in order to get competent and stay that way you have to practice. A lot.
So, I found another piece of land on which I could shoot and there was about a week between snow storms, melt and the attendant mud, so on a kind of dry day I drove out to the land and packed my handguns. LC9, LCP and SR9c. Yes, I'm a Ruger fancier for reasons I will probably go into in another post. I packed along some 9 mm FMJ and .380 FMJ practice rounds and an innocent cardboard box for the target. Walked, sluged through snow and mud mostly, about a mile to a good spot and set up.
Then commenced the lesson showing me (once again) that I am not such a good shot, especially not having been to the "range" for too long. Even more interesting is that each of these guns has a different trigger, meaning that the LCP and LC9 are "double action" with long trigger pulls before the gun fires. The LCP, being so small, seems like it has an overly long pull. It's long, but it just takes getting used to. You can't jerk this gun and expect to hit much. Anything less that a yard or two away will require some concentration on the grip and trigger action. This is something that must be practiced to get muscle memory involved because in a hurry-up self defense action, you don't have time (and probably can't) to think slowly and deliberately.
The LC9 also has a long pull, but being bigger and heavier, and fitting my hand better, is more manageable. Some story though. Practice. A lot.
The SR9c is a real sweetie when talking about triggers. It has a kind of Glock-like safety on the trigger and the pull is probably around 5 oru 6 pounds and short. Compared to the other two guns, way short. But with that, the great ergonomics and weight of the gun, it shoot fast and stable.
I had fun. Seriously wounded the cardboard box, and an innocent sandstone boulder nearby and shot up a few dollars worth of ammo.
That brings up my second point. Ammo. I worked out a minimum practice schedule and routine for the year. At the absolute minimum number of trips out and rounds fired, I would still be sending about $300 worth of lead down range each year. I thought about reloading. Then, I thought about shooting more cheaply and more often so that I could hone my shooting skills without going broke. That's when the light dawned that the answer is another Ruger!
Of course! What I really need is a new Ruger SR-22 Pistol so that I can buy carloads of .22 ammo and shoot ten times as much at less cost that I would need to even with reloading my own ammo.
Hell, I don't know why I didn't think of this before....
Discussing aspects and responsibilities of a citizen's right to carry a concealed handgun for self defense. Legal and ethical responsibilities and consequences. Safety and security. Review and analysis of various handguns, holsters, practices, techniques and training necessary to become proficient, safe and responsible.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Letter to business prohibiting firearms
Letter to ccw store prohibition:
I was (activity) and I noticed your sign prohibiting concealed weapons. I understand and appreciate your concern for the safety of your employees and your customers. I am not a nut or an extremist. I am a responsible, law abiding citizen and I would like to share with you my opinions on this topic. I would appreciate it if you would view them with an open mind.
I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon issued by the State of XXX. I have received training, passed a background check and have my photo and fingerprints registered with the state. I am careful to exercise my right to carry a concealed weapon within the laws of XXX and I understand the serious nature of this responsibility. I do this to protect myself and my family and because I feel strongly that armed, law abiding citizens are a significant deterrent to criminals. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers cannot be everywhere at all times to protect us. Sometimes we have to be prepared to protect ourselves.
Please be aware that anyone legally carrying a concealed weapon has passed a background check and has no felony convictions. These are the "good" guys, not the people you should be worried about. The vast majority of crimes involving weapons are performed with weapons obtained illegally by individuals who would not qualify for a concealed carry permit. Anyone illegally carrying a concealed weapon is not going to concern themselves with your posted prohibition, after all, we have already established that they are criminals. If anything, the sign will give criminals confidence because it is likely that they will be the only ones in your facility armed with weapons.
I generally carry a weapon. When I arrive at your location and see your sign I have four options, none of which are good.
1. "Open carry" my weapon which is legal in XXX and not prohibited by your sign but tends to make people uncomfortable.
2. Leave my weapon in my vehicle, unsecured while XXX, which is much riskier than keeping it with me.
3. Ignore your sign and carry my weapon legally concealed.
4. Leave and find another place to do business.
Of course, the safety of your employees and customers is infinitely more important than my dilemma about what to do upon seeing your sign. Please understand that a concealed weapon which remains concealed is much safer than one in transition from concealment to open carry or to storage. A quality weapon secured in a quality holster is very safe. Also understand that a trained, certified, permit carrying "good guy" in your facility with a legally concealed weapon may be your best defense when a criminal shows up with no regard for your signs or your safety.
Michael
I was (activity) and I noticed your sign prohibiting concealed weapons. I understand and appreciate your concern for the safety of your employees and your customers. I am not a nut or an extremist. I am a responsible, law abiding citizen and I would like to share with you my opinions on this topic. I would appreciate it if you would view them with an open mind.
I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon issued by the State of XXX. I have received training, passed a background check and have my photo and fingerprints registered with the state. I am careful to exercise my right to carry a concealed weapon within the laws of XXX and I understand the serious nature of this responsibility. I do this to protect myself and my family and because I feel strongly that armed, law abiding citizens are a significant deterrent to criminals. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers cannot be everywhere at all times to protect us. Sometimes we have to be prepared to protect ourselves.
Please be aware that anyone legally carrying a concealed weapon has passed a background check and has no felony convictions. These are the "good" guys, not the people you should be worried about. The vast majority of crimes involving weapons are performed with weapons obtained illegally by individuals who would not qualify for a concealed carry permit. Anyone illegally carrying a concealed weapon is not going to concern themselves with your posted prohibition, after all, we have already established that they are criminals. If anything, the sign will give criminals confidence because it is likely that they will be the only ones in your facility armed with weapons.
I generally carry a weapon. When I arrive at your location and see your sign I have four options, none of which are good.
1. "Open carry" my weapon which is legal in XXX and not prohibited by your sign but tends to make people uncomfortable.
2. Leave my weapon in my vehicle, unsecured while XXX, which is much riskier than keeping it with me.
3. Ignore your sign and carry my weapon legally concealed.
4. Leave and find another place to do business.
Of course, the safety of your employees and customers is infinitely more important than my dilemma about what to do upon seeing your sign. Please understand that a concealed weapon which remains concealed is much safer than one in transition from concealment to open carry or to storage. A quality weapon secured in a quality holster is very safe. Also understand that a trained, certified, permit carrying "good guy" in your facility with a legally concealed weapon may be your best defense when a criminal shows up with no regard for your signs or your safety.
Michael
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Holster Boot Camp
I now suspect that when moving to concealed carry, after which gun would be best, the question of concealment is next in importance, namely, which sytle and make of holster will do the job. Unfortunately, there is no recourse but to try out a number of them in order to decide.
Everyone is different: different shape, size and preferences. By preferences, mean the kind of wardrobe one is accustomed to wearing and where is it least objectionable to carry a holstered handgun.
In general, semiautomatics are the best to conceal, given they are much thinner than revolvers. Even a model 1911 .45 is often easer to conceal, and wear, than a large frame revolver. So, sticking with semiautos as the point of discussion, and with male shooters, there are only a few places to carry concealed that are effective in concealment and access. They are:
1. IWB - Inside Of Waistband.
This is probably the most used type of carry. The gun is carried in a holster of varying designs that fit between the wearer's waistband and body. This arrangement covers the holster and gun that extends below the upper belt line so less will show should the outer garment ride up momentarily.
The holster is held in place by various means - metal or plastic clips that attach to the belt on the outside (or sometimes, inside) of the belt. The inside attachments really rely on gripping, or clipping to, the waistband and the clip is mainly there to keep the holster from being pulled out of the waist on the draw.
Some holsters of this type also depend on leather loops attached to the holster and through which the belt is threaded. They are also made to be "tuckable" if desired, by attaching the clip, or loop, at the bottom of the holster so that it will hinge outwardly enough to tuck a shirt tail between the hook or loop and the holster body, covering the gun and holster from view. This, of course, makes access more difficult, but not excessively so. One can yank the shirt up with the non-shooting hand while grasping the gun with the other.
Among this type of 'tuckable' IWB holsters are the so-called hybrids. They are typically composed of a wide and rather tall piece of leather cut to offer some protection to the body from the gun that sticks up out of a synthetic, usually kydex, holster that is moulded to the gun's shape for retention. The broad leather backing goes next to your body and is secured to you by metal clips, fore and aft, that clip to your belt. For almost any handgun, these are very comfortable although they can be a small hassle to put on and are not amenable to being moved to a different position without taking the entire rig off and repositioning it and re-clipping it to your belt. Most have different mounting holes for the metal clips so that the holster can be adjusted for ride height, and for cant - up to a point. Also, most designs now are 'tuckable' since the clips are held to the leather backing at their bottom ends, enabling the user to tuck his shirt over the holster and gun and below the clips. The only down side to this is the fact that your belt will bulge out over the holstered gun and you will have to yank your shirt out of the way before you can get to it.
Another more recent innovation is the "clipless" holster, pioneered by Remora. It is a synthetic holster, slick on the inside for easy draw, but made of a high friction material on the exterior which grips the waistband and inner garment, like the shirt, tenatiously. These are surprisingly effective, lightweight and inexpensive.
2. OWB - Outside Of Waistband.
These types are what most people think of when they think about holsters. They are worn primarily on the belt outside the waistband secured by a loop, slots or metal clip. They are the most comfortable and the least concealable without a coat or other covering garment. They are often equipped with a security device like a thumb break snap or other locking device that makes it easy for the person carrying to release it but difficult for anyone else to draw the gun. For all day comfort I prefer the OWB style.
Some holster makers are designing OWB holsters to be more concealable. D. M. Bullard, working out of his shop in Azle, Texas has a new design called. BTB (Between The Belt) which is very compact and holds the gun snug to the body. This, and keeping the bottom of the holster close to the bottom of the belt will make a very concealable OWB holster for wearing under a light shirt or T-shirt. The biggest advantage I can see with this style is its rounded bottom, which, if exposed below a garment, does not look like a holster.
There is a new design called the "3-Speed" holster, made of softer materials and held about the waist with a soft, integral belt, secured with velcro. This is demonstrated to be worn at the 12 o'clock position and can be pulled down deep into one's pants so that the gun does not show at all. One would have to wear pants loose enough to get a hand under the belt and waistband deep enough to grab the pistol and yank it out. It can also be made to ride higher so that the grips are above the belt line, but still at the 12 o'clock position. I would think that this might be acceptable for a small gun, like a Ruger LCP, but something larger would require a big gun and holster to be stuck right down the middle of your pants behind your fly. I think this might prove to be uncomfortable both when sitting and when having to heed nature's call. But it might work for some. I will watch for reviews of this product.
3. Pocket
A good pocket holster, for either front or back pockets, is a fine way to carry a small gun like a Ruger LCP either as a primary carry or back up gun. There are many fine holster makers who cater to this type of carry, so there are many quality designs and holsters to choose from. Most effective designs incorporate some kind of panel that lies between the gun and the front, or outside, of the pocket, to prevent the gun's outline from "printing" through the pocket. The panels are attached in such a way that one's hand is easily inserted between the panel and the grips of the gun to draw it from the holster, which stays in the pocket.
Obviously, the larger the gun, the larger the pocket needs to be to conceal it. This is a matter of diminishing returns. Some guns are o.k. for pocket carry and most are not.
4. Ankle
It's what it says it is. A holster for your gun strapped to your ankle. Suitable for a back up gun, should you lean that way, but difficult to get to. Certainly, some situations would favor this style of carry, but not many. If you are down, for whatever reason, it might be easier to grab your gun from an ankle hoster than, say, an IWB carry. But, maybe not. I've never fancied having a gun strapped to my ankle, so I can't report on this style from any personal experience.
5. Shoulder
The classic "detective" rig. A gun slung under the weak-side armpit, secured by an arrangement of straps and buckles and concealed by a loose shirt or coat. I would consider that this is a good choice for someone who sits a lot during the day and may need quick access to his or her firearm. There are many different rigs running from $40 or so for the synthetic materials rig, to well over $100 for leather.
I hope this helps those new to concealed carry and who are dealing with holsters. No matter what you end up with, you can count on having probably three or more holsters per gun. The only way to know which suits you and your lifestyle and wardrobe is to try some out, and the used holster market isn't all that great. If you know someone who is a licensed conceal carry holder and has a few extra holsters (and who doesn't) you could ask to borrow a few to try out. Otherwise think carefully about how yo think concealed carry would work best for you, given the gun or guns you will be carrying, and get the best holster(s) you can. Buy one good holster be done, or buy three or four bad ones and spend more.
Everyone is different: different shape, size and preferences. By preferences, mean the kind of wardrobe one is accustomed to wearing and where is it least objectionable to carry a holstered handgun.
In general, semiautomatics are the best to conceal, given they are much thinner than revolvers. Even a model 1911 .45 is often easer to conceal, and wear, than a large frame revolver. So, sticking with semiautos as the point of discussion, and with male shooters, there are only a few places to carry concealed that are effective in concealment and access. They are:
1. IWB - Inside Of Waistband.
This is probably the most used type of carry. The gun is carried in a holster of varying designs that fit between the wearer's waistband and body. This arrangement covers the holster and gun that extends below the upper belt line so less will show should the outer garment ride up momentarily.
The holster is held in place by various means - metal or plastic clips that attach to the belt on the outside (or sometimes, inside) of the belt. The inside attachments really rely on gripping, or clipping to, the waistband and the clip is mainly there to keep the holster from being pulled out of the waist on the draw.
Some holsters of this type also depend on leather loops attached to the holster and through which the belt is threaded. They are also made to be "tuckable" if desired, by attaching the clip, or loop, at the bottom of the holster so that it will hinge outwardly enough to tuck a shirt tail between the hook or loop and the holster body, covering the gun and holster from view. This, of course, makes access more difficult, but not excessively so. One can yank the shirt up with the non-shooting hand while grasping the gun with the other.
Among this type of 'tuckable' IWB holsters are the so-called hybrids. They are typically composed of a wide and rather tall piece of leather cut to offer some protection to the body from the gun that sticks up out of a synthetic, usually kydex, holster that is moulded to the gun's shape for retention. The broad leather backing goes next to your body and is secured to you by metal clips, fore and aft, that clip to your belt. For almost any handgun, these are very comfortable although they can be a small hassle to put on and are not amenable to being moved to a different position without taking the entire rig off and repositioning it and re-clipping it to your belt. Most have different mounting holes for the metal clips so that the holster can be adjusted for ride height, and for cant - up to a point. Also, most designs now are 'tuckable' since the clips are held to the leather backing at their bottom ends, enabling the user to tuck his shirt over the holster and gun and below the clips. The only down side to this is the fact that your belt will bulge out over the holstered gun and you will have to yank your shirt out of the way before you can get to it.
Another more recent innovation is the "clipless" holster, pioneered by Remora. It is a synthetic holster, slick on the inside for easy draw, but made of a high friction material on the exterior which grips the waistband and inner garment, like the shirt, tenatiously. These are surprisingly effective, lightweight and inexpensive.
2. OWB - Outside Of Waistband.
These types are what most people think of when they think about holsters. They are worn primarily on the belt outside the waistband secured by a loop, slots or metal clip. They are the most comfortable and the least concealable without a coat or other covering garment. They are often equipped with a security device like a thumb break snap or other locking device that makes it easy for the person carrying to release it but difficult for anyone else to draw the gun. For all day comfort I prefer the OWB style.
Some holster makers are designing OWB holsters to be more concealable. D. M. Bullard, working out of his shop in Azle, Texas has a new design called. BTB (Between The Belt) which is very compact and holds the gun snug to the body. This, and keeping the bottom of the holster close to the bottom of the belt will make a very concealable OWB holster for wearing under a light shirt or T-shirt. The biggest advantage I can see with this style is its rounded bottom, which, if exposed below a garment, does not look like a holster.
There is a new design called the "3-Speed" holster, made of softer materials and held about the waist with a soft, integral belt, secured with velcro. This is demonstrated to be worn at the 12 o'clock position and can be pulled down deep into one's pants so that the gun does not show at all. One would have to wear pants loose enough to get a hand under the belt and waistband deep enough to grab the pistol and yank it out. It can also be made to ride higher so that the grips are above the belt line, but still at the 12 o'clock position. I would think that this might be acceptable for a small gun, like a Ruger LCP, but something larger would require a big gun and holster to be stuck right down the middle of your pants behind your fly. I think this might prove to be uncomfortable both when sitting and when having to heed nature's call. But it might work for some. I will watch for reviews of this product.
3. Pocket
A good pocket holster, for either front or back pockets, is a fine way to carry a small gun like a Ruger LCP either as a primary carry or back up gun. There are many fine holster makers who cater to this type of carry, so there are many quality designs and holsters to choose from. Most effective designs incorporate some kind of panel that lies between the gun and the front, or outside, of the pocket, to prevent the gun's outline from "printing" through the pocket. The panels are attached in such a way that one's hand is easily inserted between the panel and the grips of the gun to draw it from the holster, which stays in the pocket.
Obviously, the larger the gun, the larger the pocket needs to be to conceal it. This is a matter of diminishing returns. Some guns are o.k. for pocket carry and most are not.
4. Ankle
It's what it says it is. A holster for your gun strapped to your ankle. Suitable for a back up gun, should you lean that way, but difficult to get to. Certainly, some situations would favor this style of carry, but not many. If you are down, for whatever reason, it might be easier to grab your gun from an ankle hoster than, say, an IWB carry. But, maybe not. I've never fancied having a gun strapped to my ankle, so I can't report on this style from any personal experience.
5. Shoulder
The classic "detective" rig. A gun slung under the weak-side armpit, secured by an arrangement of straps and buckles and concealed by a loose shirt or coat. I would consider that this is a good choice for someone who sits a lot during the day and may need quick access to his or her firearm. There are many different rigs running from $40 or so for the synthetic materials rig, to well over $100 for leather.
I hope this helps those new to concealed carry and who are dealing with holsters. No matter what you end up with, you can count on having probably three or more holsters per gun. The only way to know which suits you and your lifestyle and wardrobe is to try some out, and the used holster market isn't all that great. If you know someone who is a licensed conceal carry holder and has a few extra holsters (and who doesn't) you could ask to borrow a few to try out. Otherwise think carefully about how yo think concealed carry would work best for you, given the gun or guns you will be carrying, and get the best holster(s) you can. Buy one good holster be done, or buy three or four bad ones and spend more.
Monday, January 30, 2012
NRA and Politics
I am a member of the NRA, and plan to remain so. However, I am getting fed up with the continual barrage of emails and magazine content devoted to scare tactics and outright political distortions meant to make people vote for the candidates of their choice (regardless of the other issues on the table - not just Second Amendment rights), and to generate more money for their cause.
I want the NRA too get back to its roots as an association of gun owners and enthusiasts who support gun rights, safety, education and public awareness, not some "political action committee" dedicated to getting the candidates of the President and the board elected to office. For the NRA's information, there are many liberal minded citizens who support gun rights and the second amendment who do not also support right-wing conservative evangelical "the sky is falling" candidates or viewpoints. I am one of them and am tired of the NRA pushing the idea that since I am liberal in my political views, I must somehow be a gun hater and want to outlaw guns.
I will continue to be an NRA member in order to support their activities in support of our Second Amendment rights, education and safety, but will not give to their misguided and sometimes insulting political rants. In fact, NRA, reserve my annual membership money for activities directly related to gun rights legislation and educational programs, and don't give any of it to support political candidate activities.
I want the NRA too get back to its roots as an association of gun owners and enthusiasts who support gun rights, safety, education and public awareness, not some "political action committee" dedicated to getting the candidates of the President and the board elected to office. For the NRA's information, there are many liberal minded citizens who support gun rights and the second amendment who do not also support right-wing conservative evangelical "the sky is falling" candidates or viewpoints. I am one of them and am tired of the NRA pushing the idea that since I am liberal in my political views, I must somehow be a gun hater and want to outlaw guns.
I will continue to be an NRA member in order to support their activities in support of our Second Amendment rights, education and safety, but will not give to their misguided and sometimes insulting political rants. In fact, NRA, reserve my annual membership money for activities directly related to gun rights legislation and educational programs, and don't give any of it to support political candidate activities.
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