The Right to keep and bear arms

Grandfather held intruder at gunpoint while wife called the police

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:03:00 +0000

As reported, a South Bakersfield, California grandfather reportedly held an intruder at gunpoint while his wife called the police.

Police say that the 70 year old homeowner, who has health issues, was at home with his wife and grandson during the early afternoon, when the 9 year old boy noticed that a light was left on unexpectedly. The grandmother reportedly found signs of a burglary, at which point the grandfather grabbed his handgun. Upstairs, the couple found an armed intruder hiding in the bathroom, police say. The intruder is said to have pointed a rifle at the grandfather, at which point the grandfather fired a shot that missed but caused the intruder to give up and lay on the floor. The grandmother called 911, while the grandfather held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived. The grandparents and their grandson were unharmed, and a suspect identified as John Jenaro Garner is in custody, police say. Garner was allegedly in possession of drugs at the time of the burglary, and was wanted on an outstanding warrant, according to police.

This is yet another self defense gun use where no criminal died, and no criminal was even shot. Some anti gun individuals like to call this a failure, on the theory that the armed citizen missed his mark when shooting at the criminal. In fact, this is a success story:

When defending oneself, the goal is to prevent the criminal from inflicting harm. Shooting the criminal is certainly one way of accomplishing this goal, as a criminal who is fatally shot will be unable to continue the attack. However simply shooting at the criminal, even if one misses, can be quite effective too. When being shot at, the criminal will often take cover, which hinders the criminal’s ability to continue their attack. The criminal may also be held at gunpoint until the police arrive, as happened here, ending the threat to the citizen. Here, the criminal’s home invasion attempt was foiled, the homeowners were unharmed, the young child was unharmed, and a suspect is in custody.

Neighbor stops home from a invading rapist

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:20:00 +0000

As reported, a Shelburn, Indiana man reportedly saved his neighbors from a home invading rapist:

Police say that an intruder broke in to a rural home in western Indiana. The home invader reportedly tied up the home’s occupants – a woman and her daughter – then sexually assaulted the daughter. The mother managed to send a text message to a neighbor, asking for help, police say. The neighbor’s boyfriend is said to have come to the rescue, armed with his gun. After the home invading rapist refused to leave, the neighbor’s boyfriend reportedly shot the intruder in the legs multiple times, ending the attack. The injured attacker was treated at a local hospital then taken to the Sullivan County jail, according to police.

Once again, a gun in the hands of a law abiding citizen has stopped a crime. Rather than standing idly by as an innocent woman was further victimized, this armed neighbor was able to stop a rapist from further harming (or even killing) these women.

I also hope that these women invest in a gun for self defense for the future. Remember, when women are armed, they are in the best position possible to stop their attackers – before it is too late. A few examples: This armed woman used her gun to stop violent ex who broke into her home and cornered her in her bedroom. This ill but armed woman was able to fend off 3 home invaders, including one who came back to attack her again. This armed woman was able to defend herself against a rapist who came back to rape her for a second time in a week. This 85 year old armed woman held a young burglar at gunpoint and made the burglar call the police on himself. This armed woman stopped an attacker who tried to ambush her. This armed pregnant woman used a shotgun to scare away two home invaders. This armed female school teacher used a gun to save herself from a convicted felon who broke into her home. This armed woman saved herself and her family from a pair of armed, kidnapping, home invaders. I could list more examples, but the point should be clear: Guns save lives.

Chicago's handgun band and it's futility

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:41:00 +0000

A recent police raid in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, in which an anti tank rocket launcher and 13 firearms were recovered, shows the futility of Chicago’s handgun ban:

Fourteen weapons, including a rocket launcher, were seized when Chicago police executed multiple search warrants in the West Side’s Austin neighborhood, police said today. Police made one arrest and also seized a number of boxes of live ammunition of various calibers.The arrestee, 41-year-old Andre Tatum, of the 800 block of North Lawler Avenue, was charged with 11 counts of misdemeanor firearms possession and one count of misdemeanor possession of ammunition, police said. During one of today’s seizures, which was executed at Tatum’s residence, police confiscated five semiautomatic handguns, four rifles, two shotguns, and 15 boxes of live ammunition of various calibers, according to police. Other warrants executed today by police led to the confiscation of three more weapons. Among those weapons was a light anti-tank rocket launcher. Tatum is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. March 4.

The recent seizure of an anti tank rocket launcher and over a dozen illegally owns firearms should be a wake-up call to those who support gun control. To recap, Chicago has banned handguns and strictly regulated other firearms since before I was born. Yet, criminals (being criminals) routinely ignore Chicago’s gun ban, just as they ignore the laws against robbery and murder. Rather than disarming criminals, Chicago’s handgun ban just ensures that those criminals have a monopoly on guns, while their victims are unarmed and defenseless.

Hopefully, the Chicago handgun ban will soon be struck down by the Supreme Court in McDonald v. Chicago, allowing Chicago’s law abiding citizens to defend themselves.

Ohio man used his gun, on home invader

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:52:00 +0000

As reported, a Monroe Township, Ohio man used his gun to fend off a home invader who shot his dog 3 times and then kicked in his door.

Police say that the homeowner and his girlfriend were at home when their German Shepard became agitated and acted as though it wanted to go outside. The homeowner reportedly let his dog outside, at which point the dog encountered a home invader who was lurking outside. The criminal is said to have fired three shots from a .45 caliber pistol, all of which hit the dog, police say. The homeowner heard the shots and reportedly grabbed his gun just as the home invader kicked in the back door and entered, prompting the homeowner to fire at the intruder in self defense. The home invader then fled, and is being sought by police. The dog was treated by a local veterinarian and is expected to survive.

As this case shows, dogs can be an asset when it comes to home security, alerting their owners to the presence of a violent criminal, and buying time for self defense. However, as this case also shows, a dog is no substitute for a gun. Luckily, this homeowner had a gun to go along with his dog, and as a result was able to defend himself and his girlfriend against an armed and violent home invader. The fact that this homeowner was armed also worked out well for the dog, since the homeowner was able to quickly repel the home invader then seek life-saving medical attention for his dog.

As a life-long dog owner, who sees dogs as beloved members of family, I wish this brave dog a speedy and full recovery. Unlike humans, who all too often stand idly by as an innocent person is victimized, this dog nearly gave its life in defense of its owner. Dogs truly are “man’s best friend.”

As reported, an Albuquerque, NM woman reportedly used her gun to fend off a daytime burglar.

Police say that the woman called 911 just before noon to report an in-progress break in at her west side home. While she was still on the phone with 911, the woman reportedly fired on shot in self defense. Police are said to have arrived to find a suspect with a gunshot wound to the head laying on the woman’s front lawn. The suspect was reportedly identified as 19 year old Frank Castillo, who was listed in critical condition at a local hospital. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Gregg Marcantel reportedly stated that there was reason to believe that there was a co-conspirator, and that police are seeking the driver of a suspected get-away car that drove away after the self defense shooting.

Yet again we have a woman who was able to defend herself with a gun. Had this woman not been armed, she could have ended up like this woman or this woman – victimized in her own home. Instead, thanks to her self action actions, she was unharmed and a suspect is in custody.

Man ends attack by four attackers

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:23:00 +0000

As reported, a Buckeye, Arizona man used his handgun to stop 4 attackers who were beating him with a baseball bat.

Police say that the concealed carry permit holder was in a parking lot near 195th Avenue and Indian School Road when 4 males in their late teens or early twenties approached him and attacked with a baseball bat. After being hit several times in the head and arms, the concealed carry permit holder is said to have drawn and fired his handgun, striking one of the attackers and causing all four of them to flee. Police are seeking the suspects, and the concealed carry permit holder was treated on the scene for minor injuries.

Here we have yet another concealed carry permit holder who was saved by their gun. Had this crime victim not had a gun for self defense, he could have been beaten to death by those 4 attackers and their baseball bat. Luckily, he was armed, and as a result managed to escape with only minor injuries.

Time to Fight back! and take control!!!!!!

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:22:00 +0000

Hello fellow Armed Citizen!

I don't know if you feel this way, but I definitely feel a bond toward all other armed citizens- folks who carry guns for self defense.

We're just different (in a very good way) from those who don't get the concept. Take this story for example- this happened to me not long ago while traveling:

I had to take a taxi from my hotel to the airport, and out of curiosity, I asked the cab driver if they had a problem with criminals robbing cab drivers. To my surprise, he said "Oh no, not since we put these babies in", and pointed at a small camera below the rear-view mirror.

I said, "That actually stops people from robbing? Wouldn't they just bust the camera, or take the tape after they rob you?"

He said, "Well, it usually stops them.. but it didn't stop a guy from robbing a friend of mine almost a year ago. And he wore a mask too, so the camera didn't help."

My first thoughts was, how does he know that it stops robbers? ...But I asked him what happened to his friend. He said, "A guy came up behind him while he was parked with his window down, stuck a gun to his neck, and shot him in the back of the head."

"Holy cow', I said. "That's terrible, did it kill your friend?"

"No," he said. "The bullet ricocheted around the inside of his skull and put him in a coma. He's practically a vegetable now."

After a while, I asked the Cabby: "Are you guys allowed to carry guns to defend yourselves from murderers like that?"

He acted like I had just suggested that he go steal some guy's wallet. "Oh no! I mean, some companies let you. Ours don't, but geez, even if it did, I wouldn't carry one anyway!"

I realized I had stepped on thin ice, and just said "Oh yeah?"

He continued: "No way man- guns are for one thing, and one thing only- to kill!"

I waited a second, and said: "Riiight, but if someone gets in this cab wanting to kill you, it's either going to be you or him, right? Sure, guns kill- that's why it's important that the innocent cab driver is the one doing the shooting, right?"

He wouldn't make eye contact with me through the rear-view mirror, and he acted like I was again suggesting that he do something terrible. He thought about what I said for a few seconds while shaking his head slowly.

Then he said, "Yeah, but then you gotta deal with taking a life, and I mean, you gotta decide whose life is worth more!"

I tried acting nonchalant, and said: "Well, it's easy for me- I'd say the innocent cab driver deserves to live more than the murderer who wants to kill for cash. You've got a family, don't you?"

All he could do was shake his head, and say "Man, I just couldn't deal with taking a life like that."

I felt a VERY clear sense of appreciation that YOU and the rest of the 36,000 USCCA members and the 145,000 Armed American Report readers know better than that crap.
You and I both know whose deserves life, and it's NOT the murderous thug.

Are YOU truly Prepared to Handle Whatever Comes Your Way?

"...I know as a reporter I'm supposed to remain objective, but sometimes you just can't remain objective, when you see people hurt, and there's nothing you can do about it."

by the USCCA
It's that feeling you get knowing that you are able to protect yourself and your loved ones should trouble occur.
It's a powerful feeling.
To know deep in your gut that you are trained and prepared to act in the face of danger.
And to know that you are contributing to the security of your community.

Friends, I'm writing to you today to warn you.
That feeling you get when you carry can be great... but it can also be deadly.

Here's the reason:

Your Concealed Weapon Can't Protect You

Against the Threats You Aren't Trained to See

Carrying a concealed weapon can make you feel pretty safe and well protected.

And that's the problem. Because "believing you're safe" is the first step to missing potential threats that are all around you.

No, I'm not talking about a large masked thug rushing at you on the street. That's a pretty easy threat to spot, and one that almost never happens.

I'm talking about threats that are much more subtle and far more likely. And because of that, much more dangerous.

"...When I was able to fully realize where I was and what had happened to me, my date told the account of what happened to the police..."

by Richard L. Hurley

I am 67 years old and this is my story from March, 1958!

I was 19 years old and I had a good job working for the U.S. Forest Service. It was November and the fire danger had allowed some much needed time off. I had asked a young lady out for the day on a nice overcast Saturday morning. She accepted so we drove about half an hour or more from our hometown in the foothills to the big city. We went to a complex that housed several entertainment features. We went bowling, ate a nice dinner and played some pinball machines. After that, we went to a movie. The movie let out at about 10:45 PM and we walked to my car in the parking lot out behind the complex. This was a not so often used parking area by patrons of the theater, but rather by shoppers at a now closed shopping complex.

I opened the passenger door for her; she got in and closed it. I then tapped on the window and pointed at the door lock and motioned to her to lock the door. As she turned to lock it with her left hand, I saw her look behind me suddenly with a surprised look on her face. I remember falling toward the front of my car and grabbing for anything to stop my fall. In doing so, I remember breaking off the new radio antenna I had installed only a few days before. I have no further recollection of any of the events following this until I awoke some one and one half hours later in a hospital. When I was able to fully realize where I was and what had happened to me, my date told the account of what happened to the police. She later told the same account to me and a police captain. The words I remember her telling me are detailed below. "When I turned around to lock the door, I saw four young men coming toward us. One ran the last few yards to hit you from behind just as I locked the door. I watched in horror as your head hit the pavement pretty hard. You immediately rolled over to your knees and started to get up. The young man who had knocked you down was trying to get your wallet out of your Levi pants pocket. The second young man kicked you in the side of the head or face and you went down again. There was very little hesitation and you started again to get to your knees to get up. Again you were kicked in the side of the face. I was so hoping that you would stay down, but again you tried to get up. In all I remember, you were kicked in or near the face four times at least.

As soon as I realized that you were hurt, I started honking the horn on the car in what my dad had taught me as a little girl was the International distress call--three long, three short, three long, brief pause and repeat. I did this over and over until help arrived. By then, they had got your wallet, and right in front of me, took out the cash and ran a few yards away before tossing it in some weeds. Some guys from a gas station just out of sight from where we were parked came running to my aid. One went back and called the police and an ambulance. The other two tried to help you. They brought you here."

My injuries were extensive, but not life threatening. I had seventeen teeth with broken roots below the gum line. My upper jaw was split apart lengthwise which required minor surgery a few days later to remove the soft tissue trapped between the bones. Over the years, I lost all of my upper teeth because of the extent of these injuries. There were no anchor teeth to hold a partial plate and this was before modern post implants. Over the years, after many recurring parotid saliva gland infections and unexplained blockages, the plate had to be removed. In the years following, I suffered from shoulder, neck and other recurring problems which led to an operation called, "Interbody disk fusion of C5-6, C6-7, with titanium and coral prosthesis." This was not a fun thing at all!

After I had been in the hospital for a while, things quieted down to where I could think about the events that had just taken place. I made a promise to myself. "I will never allow myself to become a willing victim of violence again!" Over the years, I have gone over this scenario many, many times. I blame myself for much of the results of what happened. Here is why. First, I should have been aware of my surroundings and anyone within a few seconds of closing distance. Had I been aware of these things, I wouldn't of turned my back on a possible threat. Second, since that evening so long ago, I've prepared myself in many ways for any threatening circumstance my mind can conjure up. Third, yes I carry a concealed weapon. All of the time! For many, many years I would carry to and from work. I left my pistol in a locker during work and later in the trunk of my car when management made it clear that weapons were forbidden on the premises. They didn't ask and I didn't tell about the vehicle trunk.

I now live in a state where concealed weapon permits are issued to those who have a clean record and are mentally fit (Washington). For many years, I lived in a state where they are very distressed when people carry weapons (California). I have never had to use my pistol outright. I have, on two occasions, had it in my pocket with my hand around it and told a possible assailant that I would dispatch him quickly if he did anything to raise the present threat level. In both cases, the assailant made the right choice and lived beyond that moment. In both of these instances I was aware of where I was, who was near me and what other options I had. There are many other times I can remember where I merely walked to other places to reduce the threat level. The old saying, "There is safety in numbers" is certainly true! I use that advice often.

My advice to everyone would be to always think about your surroundings; be aware of who is within threatening distance (I call it my comfort zone). You should make every effort you can to avoid being caught in a compromised condition or situation (Unarmed and in dangerous territory). You should avoid being trapped in remote or isolated areas alone. Even if you are armed, you should make every effort to minimize your own exposure to surroundings that have limited vision of everyone that could be within your own comfort zone. I won't sit in a restaurant just anywhere. I look for a place to sit that gives me the most options if things get out of hand. If you do these little mental rehearsals of what can happen enough times, it will become almost automatic after a while. Lastly, keep your mouth shut! Don't antagonize anyone with verbal anything! Don't let anyone see your weapon, even if you have to resort to intimidation to defuse a possible situation. Keep it hidden! If they see it, they can describe it. If they can describe it, they can make your life a nightmare for a long, long time. If you need to use it, your life is in jeopardy! Make sure you are the one who answers all the questions.

Store Owner used handgun to stop armed Robbers

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:35:00 +0000

As reported, a Kenner, Louisiana store owner used his handgun to stop three violent armed robbers.

Police say that just before 9 PM, the owner of a store on the 3200 block of Williams Boulevard was leaving for the day when three robbers approached him in the parking lot. One of the robbers is said to have pulled out a revolver, which he used to beat the store owner about the head. The robbers then forced the store owner into a nearby alley, at which point the store owner managed to draw his self defense gun and fire, striking two of the robbers, according to police. One of the robbers reportedly died at the scene, while the other shot robber is said to have survived after being taken to a local hospital for treatment. A third suspect reportedly fled and remains at large. Police have not yet identified those involved, other than to say that the deceased and injured suspects had identification cards from the country of Honduras.

As this case shows, robbery is primarily a violent crime against the victim’s person, rather than against their property. While it appears that the robbers primary goal was “only” to take this store owner’s hard earned money, they went about accomplishing that goal though a violent attack that could easily have ended with the store owner’s death. As such, the store owner was legally and morally entitled to fire in self defense. Thanks to his quick action, a hard working business owner went home to his family, and at least one violent criminal will never again harm another victim

Woman used her handgun to stop armed invaders

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:16:00 +0000

As reported, a Columbus, Ohio woman used her handgun to stop a pair of armed and violent home invaders. As reported, a Columbus, Ohio woman used her handgun to stop a pair of armed and violent home invaders.

Police say that a pair of robbers went to the home of an acquaintance, where they held that man and his family at gunpoint while demanding money and prescription medication. The mother of the homeowner, who was in a different room, reportedly realized what was happening and grabbed a handgun. She then fired in self defense and defense of her family, striking one home invader and sending the other running, police say. Two suspects, including one with a gunshot wound, were reportedly apprehended by police. None of the victims were harmed, police say.

Yet again, we have another woman who was able to defend herself and her loved ones with a gun. Had this woman not been armed, she and her family could have been, victimized in their own home by a pair of dangerous attackers. Fortunately, this woman was armed for self defense, and as a result was able to save herself and the rest of her loved ones. Once again, armed self defense works.

Police say that a pair of robbers went to the home of an acquaintance, where they held that man and his family at gunpoint while demanding money and prescription medication. The mother of the homeowner, who was in a different room, reportedly realized what was happening and grabbed a handgun. She then fired in self defense and defense of her family, striking one home invader and sending the other running, police say. Two suspects, including one with a gunshot wound, were reportedly apprehended by police. None of the victims were harmed, police say.

Yet again, we have another woman who was able to defend herself and her loved ones with a gun. Had this woman not been armed, she and her family could have been, victimized in their own home by a pair of dangerous attackers. Fortunately, this woman was armed for self defense, and as a result was able to save herself and the rest of her loved ones. Once again, armed self defense works.

Home owner used his gun to stop three violent home invaders

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:29:00 +0000

As reported, a Greene County, Tennessee homeowner reportedly used his gun to stop three violent home invaders.
Police say that three home invaders broke in to a house on Houston Valley Road late at night. The homeowner, who has suffered three burglaries in the past year, reportedly heard the noise and went to investigate. In the kitchen, the homeowner is said to have found three home invaders, and ordered them to stop. When the intruders refused to stop, the homeowner reportedly feared for his life and fired in self defense, striking and killing one of the home invaders and causing the others to flee. The deceased home invasion suspect was reportedly identified as 17 year old Michael Edward Aldridge Banner. Police are said to have arrested two other suspects in the home invasion, reportedly identified as Joshua Martin and James McMahan. The homeowner was unharmed.
In the homeowners statement to the news, he reportedly expressed regret for fatally shooting a 17 year old. To that, I would say a few things. Firstly, a 17 year old male is often near the peak of his physical strength, and can pose quite a threat if violent. Secondly, while a 17 year old likely lacks the judgment of a 40 year old, they certainly know right from wrong, and are not immature children. Virtually every 17 year old who commits a home invasion does so with the understanding that their actions are illegal and dangerous, and cannot reasonably claim age as an excuse. Thirdly, I would caution against second guessing self defense actions, as discussed more fully in this article. Finally, while it is sad that this young man’s life is over, just as any loss of life is sad, it is far better that the attacker die than his victims.
My thanks to Don for pointing out this self defense case

Senior Citizen used gun to stop home invader

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:25:00 +0000

As reported , a disabled Las Vegas, Nevada senior citizen reportedly used his gun to stop a home invader.
Police say that just after midnight, a home invader kicked in the door of a house located in a quiet neighborhood. Upon hearing the unexpected noise, the homeowner reportedly grabbed his self defense gun and went to investigate. After finding the intruder, the homeowner is said to have fired in self defense, fatally wounding that intruder and putting an end to the home invasion. The disabled elderly homeowner was unharmed, and his neighbors are said to have come over the following to day to help repair his door.
Few unarmed senior citizens can fight off even a single a younger, stronger, and faster attacker – even if that attacker is unarmed. When that senior citizen is also disabled, things are even worse. The result the result can terrible for that elderly citizen , as well as their loved ones.
Armed senior citizens, on the other hand, have the best possible chance of defending themselves against attack by criminals. This armed 85 year old woman held a home invader at gunpoint, and made him call the police on himself. This armed 93 year old man shot a home invader in self defense after the home invader began to attack him. This armed 70 year old woman held an intruder at gunpoint until the police arrived to arrest him. This armed 91 year old man used his handgun to fend off two home invader who had broken in and threatened his wheelchair-bound wife with their guns. This armed 84 year old man used his handgun to stop a criminal who repeatedly tried to enter his home through the front door, back door, and a window. I could go on with more examples , but the point should be clear: gun ownership saves lives every day and allows crime victims to defend themselves against even the strongest of criminals.

I am tired of people been victims !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:45:00 +0000

As reported, at 10AM a suspect hit another car then fled at high speed, driving on the wrong side of the street to flee. The suspect then reportedly pulled in to a strip mall, struck 3 more cars, then jumped out of his vehicle while brandishing a pistol. The suspect is said to have pointed the gun at bystanders as well as firefighters, who were at the strip mall responding to a suspected natural gas leak. The suspect gun reportedly appears to have failed to fire, at which point the suspect fled on foot. Police are said to have arrested Adrian Hines, a 30 year old man who had reportedly just been released from prison after serving 7 years for drug distribution. Hines is said to face multiple felony charges, including being a violent felon in possession of a firearm.
Brian Presnell, one of the victims, reportedly stated “I wish I had my pistol. I left my pistol at home . . . I’ve got my conceal and carry permit. I would have gave him something, for real. He was pointing his Tec-9 at me.”
The lesson to be learned
Here, we had a concealed carry permit holder who ended up unarmed, at the time when he needed his gun the most. As a result, he was defenseless when a convected felon allegedly rammed his car and then threatened his life with a gun. Luckily, the attacker’s gun apparently failed to fire – however this could easily have ended in a much more tragic way.
The lesson to be taken from this incident is that violent crime can happen anywhere, and at any time. As such, those of us with concealed carry permits would do well to carry to the fullest extent possible. Having a gun, knowing how to skillfully use it for self defense, and having a permit to carry that gun are all important. However leaving that gun at home for just once can render all that preparation moot.

Robbers shot at car wash

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:41:00 +0000

As reported , a pair of robbers were shot by their victim at a Kansas City, Kansas car wash.
Police say that a pair of robbers approached a man at the car wash on the 2700 block of Merriam Lane just before 8 AM, and tried to rob the man of his wallet and vehicle. The man reportedly drew his self defense gun and fired, striking both robbers and ending the attack. One robber suffered life-threatening injuries and was unable to flee, while the other robber managed to run to a get-away car, which was driven by an accomplice, according to police. The robber victim was reportedly unharmed, and at least two of the three robbery suspects are already in custody. One of the robbers reportedly died of his wounds.
When law abiding citizens are armed, and therefore able to defend themselves, this is how robberies can end – with the victims unharmed, and the suspect in custody. Rather than being harmed for not having enough money , or just because the robbers felt like hurting him , this man went home uninjured. It is also quite possible that by defending himself, this man saved many future robbery victims from the terror of being robbed and carjacked by violent criminals.

11 year old boy Defence his home from three home invaders

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:49:00 +0000

As reported, an 11 year old boy from Palmview, Texas used his .22 rifle to defend himself and his mother from three home invading criminals.
Police say that the boy and his mom were in their house just after midnight when three armed home invaders forced their way inside. The boy and his mother hid in a bedroom and closed the door, at which point one of the home invader fired a shot through the door, striking the boy in the groin area, according to police. Although injured, the child, who was carrying a .22 rifle, returned fired, striking one of the home invaders in the neck, and causing all three of them to flee, police say. The boy was reportedly taken to a local hospital for treatment, and is expected to make a full recovery. The police are said to have three home invasion suspects in custody, including one who is in the hospital with a gunshot wound to the neck.When there is a gun in the home, and a child of sufficient maturity is able to access that gun in an emergency, that child is in the best position possible to defend themselves against violent criminals. As another example, this 16 year old boy was able to save himself from a violent home invader by firing in self defense. Similarly, this young man was able to fend off a home invader by using his BB gun. The same is true for older students who are in college, such as this University of Arizona student who shot two violent home invaders in self defense, or this Georgia college student who used his gun to stop 10 murders and several rapes from being committed.
To be clear, it is tragic that a boy this young was first hurt by a criminal and then had fire a gun in self defense. In a perfect world, no child would have to suffer that traumatic experience. Sadly, we live in an imperfect world, filled with evil people who don’t think twice about harming innocents. Given that fact, the outcome where a child defends himself and his mother against 3 armed criminals is far better than that child and his mother being terribly harmed or killed – which is how all too many violent home invasion end.
I would also not that I’ve heard some anti gun and anti self defense people suggest that banning gun would prevent the child from being shot, and prevent the child from needing to fire in self defense. That is simply untrue. Banning guns doesn’t stop criminals from illegally having guns and using them to commit such crimes, as we can see from American cities with strict gun bans, as well as other countries that have nation-wide gun bans. Instead, such gun control laws merely ensure that violent criminals will have a monopoly on (illegal) guns. Furthermore, even if such laws really did make all guns magically disappear, that would lead to a situation where unarmed criminals would use their superior strength to inflict terrible harm upon their unarmed and physically weaker victims.

NRA report

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:33:00 +0000

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERTVol. 17, No. 2 01/15/10
Sleep Easy, America --Feds' Terrorist Watchlist Nabs Cub Scout
Click here to vote in this week's poll.
As we've reported before, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), encouraged by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, wants to prohibit anyone on the FBI's terrorist watchlist from possessing a firearm. Yet, the list and its criteria are secret, and Lautenberg's bill would criminalize the exercise of a constitutionally protected right while denying a person the opportunity to clear himself of accusations in a fair and open hearing before a court of law. Even today, thousands of people who aren't terrorists cannot prevent the list from misidentifying them, causing them delays and embarrassment when trying to board commercial aircraft.
It's one thing when an adult gets the run-around at an airport, because he or she has a name identical or similar to someone the FBI is watching. As the American Civil Liberties Union has pointed out, the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) "automatic selectee" list -- its list of people who are not permitted to board an aircraft without being given the once-over by the agency's machines and uniformed, latex-gloved personnel -- is based on people's names, not on physical factors like age.
Help Us Help You: The 2010 legislative session has started, with Congress and most states currently in session. With the holidays now in our rearview mirrors, it is time to turn our energies toward our critically important legislative agenda and the 2010 elections. Much is on the line for our gun rights, our country, and our future. In recent election cycles, gun owners have enjoyed great successes. But none of our victories have happened by accident. It takes careful, long-term, advance planning to ensure victory for the Second Amendment on Election Day, as well as in the legislative arena. In order for us to meet the inevitable challenges and opportunities we will face this year, our preparation must begin now.
Arizona: NRA Wins Right To Defend Hunters Against Lawsuit Seeking To Ban Lead Ammunition - As reported on CalGunLaws.com, U.S. District Court Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt has ruled that NRA has a right under federal law to intervene in a lawsuit filed, in the plaintiff's own words, as part of a campaign "to ban the use of lead bullets[.]" NRA will now be able to defend hunter's rights against the claims of extremist environmental groups that filed the lawsuit.
Your Help Is Needed In Support of BATFE Reform Bills S. 941 And H.R. 2296: As we've been reporting for months, Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) have introduced S. 941, the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act" in the U.S. Senate.
INTERPOL: Over the past year, we have reported several times on the abundance of rumors being circulated regarding firearm issues. Among other things, we've heard phony tales circulating about such things as guns being banned for the elderly, ammunition with expiration dates, a requirement that guns be listed on tax returns, and a prohibition on gun and ammunition imports. The latest scuttlebutt has to do with a recent Executive Order by President Obama concerning the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
The UN And International Treaties: Over the last several weeks, we have received many inquiries regarding the UN and the impact of international treaties on our Second Amendment freedom.
Sign-Up For New American Rifleman Insider Newsletter: Get exclusive videos, articles and breaking industry news with the American Rifleman Insider e-newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up here to receive the next Insider!
The NRA Online Advisory Panel: A few weeks ago, we launched a brand new service -- the NRA Online Advisory Panel -- a community of our most active and loyal supporters.
Help Defend Your Gun Rights One Click At A Time: We have a revolutionary yet simple tool that will allow you to stay connected to NRA-ILA and raise valuable contributions to defend our Second Amendment rights without spending a dime! It's the NRA-ILA Toolbar, and you can make a difference by downloading and using it.
Grassroots Minute Video:

STATE ROUNDUP (Please note the only items listed below are those that have had recent action. For other updates on state legislation, please go to the state legislation section at http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.5701.20.4365586, and check each week's issue of the Grassroots Alert.")
ALABAMA: Legislature Reconvenes in Montgomery The Alabama Legislature reconvened in Montgomery on January 12, for the 2010 Legislative Session. NRA-ILA is working to introduce several bills including "Workplace Protection" and "No-Net-Loss" legislation. The "Workplace Protection" bill would allow the lawful storage of firearm(s) in locked motor vehicles while individuals are at work. The No-Net-Loss bill would require that if an area currently open to public hunting is closed to hunting, the same number of acres of public land must be opened to hunting elsewhere. Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org and your e-mail for updates throughout the legislative session.CALIFORNIA: Right-to-Carry Bill Defeated in Committee The Assembly Committee on Public Safety defeated Assembly Bill 357, by a vote of 4 to 1. The lone vote in favor of the bill was Assembly Member Curt Hagman (R-60), Vice Chair of the committee. AB357 would have created a "shall issue" concealed handgun permit system in California. Under current law, an applicant must show cause as to why they should be issued a permit to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense. AB357 sought to remove that stipulation and require sheriffs to issue the license if all other mandated criteria are satisfied. Thank you to all of the NRA members who took action in support of AB357. Hunting Threatened on Mojave National Preserve The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), in concert with the Sierra Club and other anti-hunting organizations, has filed a petition with the California Fish and Game Commission to ban most hunting in the Mojave National Preserve, including rabbit and varmint hunting. What hunting remains (resident game birds, deer, and bighorn sheep) would be restricted. The "Petition for Rulemaking Regarding Hunting in the Mojave National Preserve" blames hunters for the declining population of the desert tortoise, a threatened species under the state's Endangered Species Act. CBD filed a similar petition in 2003, but the commission did not act on it. The commission could schedule a hearing on it early this year.
The petition contains the flimsiest of evidence that hunting in the preserve is the cause or even a contributing factor of the decline in the tortoise population. In fact, statistics confirm that vehicular traffic and increased tourism within the designated critical habitat of the tortoise have increased substantially since 1994 when the preserve was established. Those activities are believed to be the leading causes of tortoise mortality. Further, there is sufficient research to suggest that predation by ravens and coyotes are also taking its toll on this protected species. The objective of the petition is not to protect and enhance the tortoise population. Rather, it is an attempt by this coalition of anti-hunting organizations to permanently end hunting in the Mojave National Preserve. CBD was also behind the ban on the use of lead ammunition for hunting big game within the range of the California condor, and earlier this year, CBD attempted unsuccessfully to extend that ban to all game species.
Please take a few minutes to contact the commission and ask that they deny the petition. Please address and mail comments to:
John Carlson, Jr., Executive DirectorCalifornia Fish and Game Commission1416 Ninth Street, Room 1320Sacramento, CA 95814fgc@fgc.ca.gov
Hunters are continually being harassed with restrictions on hunting and access to hunting areas for reasons not based on science. Please do not let CBD impose their pseudo-science on those who hunt in the Mojave National Preserve!
COLORADO: Support Needed to Re-Open Rampart Shooting Range! Following an accidental shooting last July, the Forest Service closed the very popular and heavily used Rampart Shooting Range on the Pike National Forest. In its nearly 20 year history, Rampart had never before experienced a shooting-related injury or fatality. Rampart is the only free public range in El Paso County and receives 40,000 visitors a year. The Service called the closure a "time-out" in order to assess whether the design of the range was a factor. An investigation determined that the range was not a factor in the accident. Safety experts have said that the accident could have happened at any range. But after it closed Rampart, the Forest Service devised a scheme to keep the range closed permanently.
The Forest Service has listed requirements that must be met before it will reopen Rampart. There is no timetable for meeting these requirements and likely no money to cover costs. The most significant issue is the requirement of full time supervision. Most ranges on federal lands operate without supervision and this requirement could place all such ranges in jeopardy. Rampart Range is in need of improvements, which were identified more than two years ago. Such improvements can be addressed and implemented with the range reopened. The Forest Service has said that it could take up to five years before Rampart is reopened, but there is no guarantee that it would reopen Rampart in that timeframe or at any time in the future.
NRA has been working to get Rampart Range reopened since the day it was closed, but we need the help of Colorado hunters and shooters to show the Forest Service and your elected officials that the federal government cannot continue to close public lands to recreational shooting, and certainly not without replacing those areas lost with other areas of the same or great value. Rampart Shooting Range is an important resource for the shooting community along the Front Range. There is no incentive for the Forest Service to reopen Rampart unless the shooting sports community demands it!
Shooting ranges on public lands are few and far between in Colorado. In addition to the closure of Rampart, the Forest Service has closed its lands to recreational shooting near Boulder and on the Pawnee Grasslands, and large acreage closures have occurred west of Sedalia. The Forest Service is not planning for recreational shooting. Closures are imposed without opening new areas and needed improvements to existing areas, including the Rampart Shooting Range, have not been made. Recreational shooting is not being treated by the Forest Service in Colorado as a legitimate and valued recreational activity on forest lands. Please send an e-mail in support of the immediate reopening of Rampart to:
Tom Tidwell, Chief of the Forest Service, at ttidwell@fs.fed.us, and copy your letter to:
Senator Mark Udall at senator_mark_udall@markudall.senate.gov, Senator Michael Bennet at http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.5701.23.4365586, Congressman Doug Lamborn at CO05ima@mail.house.gov, and Governor Bill Ritter by clicking here.
Please stress that keeping the range closed is not supportable by the investigative report; that the closure has robbed the shooting community of a valuable resource; and that needed improvements to the range can be planned and implemented without closure.
GEORGIA: 2010 Legislative Session Reconvenes The Georgia Legislature reconvened for the 2010 Legislative Session. NRA-ILA is keeping a close watch over firearm and firearm-related bills being introduced.
Currently, in the Senate, Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-28) introduced SB 308 and Senator David Shafer (R-48) has introduced Senate Bill 291, both pro-gun Right-To-Carry reform and clarification bills. In the House, Representative Timothy Bearden (R-68) has introduced House Bill 615, also a pro-gun Right-To-Carry reform and clarification bill. Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org and your email for updates on these bills and others throughout the legislative session.INDIANA: Two Important Pro-Gun Bills Need Your Help!On Thursday, January 14, the Indiana House Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously to pass House Bill 1068. The bill now heads to the House floor for consideration. HB1068, sponsored by State Representative Peggy Welch (D-60), would limit access to the Indiana Right-to-Carry permit list in order to protect the privacy of law-abiding Hoosiers. If passed, this legislation would make Right-to-Carry permit information confidential and would prohibit the publication of that information. Also, the committee will consider House Bill 1065 next week. Sponsored by State Representative Bob Bischoff (D-68), HB1065 would prevent state or local government authorities from confiscating lawfully owned firearms during declared states of emergency, such as occurred in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Moreover, this bill would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles. Please contact your State Representative TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB1068 when it comes before them on the House floor. Also, please contact the members of the House Natural Resources Committee and kindly urge them to pass HB1065. To find contact information for your State Representative, please click here.Self-Defense Bill Heads to Senate Floor in the Hoosier State!On Tuesday, January 12, Senate Bill 25 passed out of the Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal, and Civil Matters by a vote of 8 to 3. SB 25, will now head to the full Senate for a floor vote. This legislation would prevent a business from adopting or enforcing a policy or rule that prohibits an individual from legally possessing a firearm that is locked in the individual's private vehicle while the vehicle is in or on the business' property. Twelve states have already enacted similar legislation to protect their law-abiding citizens from being wrongfully terminated for exercising their Second Amendment rights, and its time Indiana did the same. Please contact your State Senator and urge him or her to support Senate Bill 25. Your can find their contact information by clicking here.IOWA: NRA-ILA Grassroots to Conduct Workshops Across the Hawkeye State!Iowa's state legislature has convened for 2010, and important legislation affecting your rights, including Right-to-Carry legislation, will be considered. In order to ensure that Iowa's gun owners are fully engaged to protect freedom, NRA-ILA will be hosting a series of FREE Grassroots Workshops across the state to help gun owners join the Frontlines today! At these FREE Workshops, NRA-ILA Staff will discuss how you can take on an even more active role in your community in our fight to advance and protect our freedoms in this very busy year! We will provide you with the materials and strategies needed to educate, empower, and engage your fellow gun owners as well. With your support and attendance at these Workshops, you'll help ensure that NRA members and gun owners across Iowa are actively in engaged in the battle to protect the Second Amendment. Please encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to attend as well! Please click here for the full list and schedule of the NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshops.
MONTANA: Montana FWP Proposes Politically-Motivated Lead Shot BanThe Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is proposing to ban the use of lead shot for upland game bird hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) as part of its 2010-2011 hunting season regulations (http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.5701.33.4365586). While FWP has provided no information as to why the ban is being proposed, this is a move straight out of the radical anti-hunting crowd's playbook. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has called for a nationwide ban on the use of lead ammunition for all purposes. The proposal by FWP moves them one step closer to this goal. HSUS spends $120 million a year lobbying and litigating against our hunting rights. Its President has said, "If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would." Comments are due Friday, January 22nd on the changes to the state's hunting regulations, including the addition of this new lead shot ban. The NRA urges all hunters to submit comments to FWP in opposition to the expansion of the lead shot ban. A short, simple note in opposition is sufficient. The lack of any scientific evidence to justify the proposed ban suggests that this fight is going to be decided by popular support or opposition, and rest assured that the anti-hunting radicals will be active. In the end, this proposal is a symbolic gesture that only serves to continue the expansion of a lead ammunition ban to all hunting. Science, not symbolism and politics, should drive good wildlife management decisions. Please click the following link, http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.5701.34.4365586, and submit your comments under "15. Upland Game Bird hunting season comment, if any:" to make your voice heard! Comments may be copied and pasted into the dialogue box. FWP reads these comments carefully, which will weigh heavily on the proposal's fate. Comments on other proposals may also be submitted and it is vitally important that FWP hears from you. Information about the proposals may be found at http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.5701.33.4365586.NEVADA: Clark County Shooting Park Needs Your Help! The Clark County Shooting Park has been the target of a lawsuit by a handful of anti-gun homeowners intending to close this major shooting facility north of Decatur Boulevard in Las Vegas. The Shooting Park was established by federal legislation in November 2003 by transferring nearly 3,000 acres of land from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to Clark County.
The NRA previously sent an alert on this issue asking for its members to submit comments to the BLM in support of an Environmental Assessment that the court required BLM to prepare. It was released for public comment in August. More than 1,000 comments in support of the Shooting Park were received by the BLM compared to a fraction in opposition.
However, the issue has not been settled. Because some of the comments provided new information or raised questions or concerns regarding the Environmental Assessment, the BLM was forced to consider a wider range of alternatives and thus had to prepare a supplement. The revised document has been released for a 45-day comment period that will end January 29th.
We ask that our members in Nevada and the surrounding states once again take the time to submit comments to the BLM in support of the Preferred Alternative A, which is the conveyance of the federal lands to the County for the Shooting Park. The environmental assessment is available online at http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.5701.35.4365586. Written comments should be addressed to Bob Ross, BLM Las Vegas Field Manager, 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV, 89130. Your comments will make a difference as to whether the Shooting Park becomes a reality or falls victim to the whims of anti-gunners.
NEW JERSEY: Governor Corzine Signs Marginal "One-Gun-a-Month" Reform BillOn Tuesday, January 12, Senate Bill 3104/Assembly Bill 4361was signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine (D). S3104/A4361 attempts to address the problems with New Jersey's "one-gun-a-month" law; however, it falls far short. While it will, in very limited circumstances, allow a law-abiding person to purchase multiple handguns, an individual will only be able to do so after filing a formal application with the State Police. In addition, the individual will need to justify why they "need" to purchase these firearms together and why it would not be "feasible or practical" to purchase the firearms separately. New Jersey gun owners are already some of the most heavily regulated in the nation and New Jersey's "one-gun-a-month" law simply heaps additional complications on an already overly burdensome process. We would like to thank those NRA members who contacted their legislators requesting that they broaden the exemptions to New Jersey's "one-gun-a-month" law and for continuing the fight against further encroachment of our Second Amendment rights and freedoms in the Garden State.
RHODE ISLAND: South Kingstown Zoning Ordinance is Attempting to Force Gun Shops Out! As early as Monday, January 25, the South Kingstown Town Council could consider two amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would put restrictions on firearm retailers, such as how and where they can operate their business'. Firearm retailers in the state of Rhode Island are already licensed by both the Federal and State government and go through an extensive background check process. The extra restrictions proposed by these amendments are unnecessary, burdensome and unfairly target one industry. The Town Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of each month and these amendments could be brought up as soon as Monday, January 25. Please contact members of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown and request that they oppose any proposals that would place further restrictions on firearm retailers. Contact information can be found by clicking here.VERMONT: Anti-Gun Bill Introduced in Montpelier The Vermont State Legislature reconvened in Montpelier this week for the 2009-2010 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 168 would penalize the "negligent use of a firearm." This proposed legislation is an irrational attack on gun owners, as Vermont already has reckless endangerment laws under which an individual who acts in a negligent manner can be charged, whether the incident involves a firearm, a vehicle or a backyard swimming pool. Please call members of the Vermont State Legislature TODAY and respectfully urge them to oppose Senate Bill 168. Contact information for the members of the House of Representatives can be found by clicking here. Contact information for members of the Senate can be found by clicking here. VIRGINIA: More Firearm-Related Bills Introduced in the General AssemblyThe Virginia General Assembly opened its 2010 legislative session on Wednesday, January 13, and thus far nearly two dozen firearms-related bills have been introduced. Earlier this week we reported on the introduction of more than a dozen pro-gun bills. As of today, lawmakers in Richmond introduced several more gun bills, including several anti-gun bills. For a list of these bills please click here.
WASHINGTON: "Assault Weapons" Ban Proposed in Olympia!A group of four State Senators has introduced Senate Bill 6396, legislation that would bring California-style gun-control to the Northwest, and ultimately ban many semi-automatic firearms commonly owned by Washingtonians. This legislation would establish far-reaching restrictions on semi-automatic firearms (dubbing them "assault weapons") and ammunition magazines. SB6396 affects every firearm modified to conform with the expired Clinton Gun-Ban, plus many other semi-automatic firearms that have no lineage to those rifles or any military-style orientation whatsoever. Please contact both of your State Representatives and your State Senator TODAY at 800-562-6000 and politely urge them to oppose SB6396. More contact information for your legislators can be found here.
Legislation Introduced to Attack Gun Shows in WashingtonState Representatives Brendan Williams (D-22) and Maralyn Chase (D-32) have introduced House Bill 2477, a bill that seeks to abolish the private transfer of firearms at gun shows, even between family and friends. HB2477 would hold law-abiding gun owners liable for the acts of criminals. Under this bill, if a firearm is privately transferred at a gun show to a person who is ineligible, even if the seller had no reason to suspect there was any problem the seller can be held liable for injury or death caused by the criminal use of that firearm. Liability would apply even if the injury wasn't caused by the unauthorized buyer. Please contact both of your State Representatives and your State Senator TODAY at 800-562-6000 and politely urge them to oppose HB2477. More contact information for your legislators can be found here. Gun Ban Upheld by Snohomish County CouncilThe Snohomish County Council decided to uphold a 1970s-era prohibition on firearms in county parks. Councilmember John Koster introduced a proposal that would have overturned the county's ban and brought Snohomish County into compliance with state law but it failed due to a procedural motion. Please take the time to respectfully voice your disapproval with the County Council's actions. Also, please contact Councilmember Koster and thank him for his efforts to defeat this outdated, Draconian restriction. For more information on the proposed effect of the proposal and how to contact the City Council, please click here.WISCONSIN: Mentored Hunting Program Proves Far Safer than Critics PredictedBased on the most recent numbers detailed in the Wisconsin DNR Chief Warden's 2009 Season Report, NRA and other sportsmen's groups now have clear data that proves the new Mentored Hunting Program is safe. Of the nearly 10,000, 10 and 11 year-old children who participated in the program, there was not a single hunting related shooting incident. Consistent with the experience in more than two-dozen states that have enacted similar legislation, critics who emotionally claimed this program would pose a danger to public safety have been proven wrong.

Personally Preared for Self Defence

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:14:00 +0000

I would like to encourage everyone to not only be personally prepared for self defense, but to also encourage their loved ones to similarly prepared. While there is no magic formula for preparedness, here are some suggestions:
1. Have the proper self defense tool – The proper self defense tool will vary by the situation and applicable laws, however I’m comfortable saying that a firearm is generally the best self defense tool.
2. Practice – the old saying that “practice makes perfect” is true. Training to skillfully use your self defense tool is vital. Should you ever face a violence criminal, that is not the time that you want to try and learn how to use your firearm or other self defense tool.
3. Teach a friend or family member about self defense – Helping a friend or family member to be prepared for self defense might just save that person from a violent attack one day. You can help by dispelling anti gun and anti self defense myths, and teaching them about the value of gun ownership for self defense.
4. Take action to protect our self defense rights – In the United States, unlike many other countries, citizens often enjoy the protection of laws that favor crime victims over their attackers. American gun law are also some of the best in the world, unlike the gun laws of other countries which leave crime victims defenseless against the gun-ban-ignoring criminals. However, we must all do our part if we are to retain and improve upon those rights.

$6,000 WAS TAKEN FROM WOMAN IN HOME INVASION

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:33:00 +0000

CRIME: Arrests made in Wheatfield home invasion By Neale GulleyE-mail NealeThe Tonawanda News
Three Buffalo men were arrested Wednesday after allegedly forcing their way into a Wheatfield home and stealing $6,000 from the female occupant.The woman, 28, whose name has not been released, placed a 911 call around 9 p.m. stating two males wearing ski masks took the money at gun point before fleeing the home at 3634 Moyer Road in a waiting car. The getaway vehicle was driven by Joseph Cruz, 23, 8 Oregon St., Buffalo, who was pulled over on Dexter Terrace, between Ellicott Creek Road and Forbes Avenue in the Town of Tonawanda by an Amherst police officer in an unmarked car a short time later, after first being spotted on Niagara Falls Boulevard. Police sources say Cruz was held at gunpoint while the other two fled.Eusebio Morales, 18, 102 Pennsylvania St., and Luis M. Davilla, 16, 840 Niagara St., led police on a brief foot chase into an adjoining neighborhood with the Amherst police K-9 unit in pursuit along with state troopers and Town of Tonawanda police officers.Morales and Davilla were found in the back yard of a nearby home.All were charged with second-degree robbery.The Niagara County Sheriff’s Department reports the cash grab may have been drug related.A source said the woman initially told police she opened the back door for the men thinking it was her wood supplier. She also apparently told police one of the men pressed a sharp object, possibly a knife, to her back during the ordeal.A male was also home at the time of the robbery, confirmed Sheriff’s Department Investigator Dan Brown. It appears he and the female victim drove in pursuit of the alleged robbers while calling police.The victim was present when the men were stopped and claimed Cruz was her husband’s drug dealer. Police, however, aren’t sure whether or not the claim can be substantiated. No reason has yet been given for the large amount of cash found in the home, which has been the focus of an ongoing drug investigation. It was the subject of a search warrant on suspicion of drug activity last year. Recently, a resident from the same address was convicted on drug charges.Brown declined to comment on what weapons if any were recovered.‘We’re not going to comment on that at this time,” he said.The suspects in Wednesday’s robbery were arraigned in Lewiston Town Court where bail was set at $25,000 each. Contact reporter Neale Gulley at 693-1000, ext. 114.

20 year-old woman found shot to death

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:27:00 +0000

The 20-year-old woman found shot to death Monday night was shot in the back during an apparent home invasion robbery, police said Wednesday.
Stacey Brown
But police say they do not believe there is a link between Monday's shooting and another suspected home invasion robbery in late December in which a University of Florida doctoral student was shot in the face and back.
The culprits in both of the shootings remain on the loose, but police say the community should not be worried about a serial offender targeting area apartment complexes.
Gainesville police said Wednesday that preliminary autopsy results show Stacey Brown, a Gainesville resident who was scheduled to begin classes Tuesday at Santa Fe College, was shot once with a handgun Monday. Police also said a small amount of marijuana and cash were taken from the apartment Brown had been visiting.
"This tells us that she was not the intended target. Home invasion was the motive," Police Capt. Ed Book said. "We are wondering if she was intending to flee and that is why her back was to the shooter."
On Dec. 22, 36-year-old UF student Meng Mu Shin survived being shot twice during a suspected home invasion robbery.
"There is nothing to indicate they are related," Book said of the two recent shootings. "We're taking a look at both of them. Until we get more suspect information, there is no way to say.
"We don't believe there is a general threat to everybody that somebody is going to barge through their door with guns," Book said.
Police on Wednesday said they have determined the case involving Brown was a home invasion. Conflicting information was given just after the shooting.
Brown was shot Monday night in an apartment in the Pine Ridge complex at 5811 N.W. 23rd Terrace.
She was a friend of the girlfriend of a man who lived there, Mannual Shaw, 21.
Police say it appears two men entered the apartment, after which Shaw took out an unloaded handgun. The intruders fired before fleeing from the apartment and might have been driving a white 1990s-era Honda - possibly a Civic.
The assailants were described as being black, 25 to 35 years old, with short hair. One possibly had tattoos, particularly on his hands, police reported.
The gun Shaw said he pulled out during the incident eventually was found in a relative's car, Book said, after which Shaw was arrested for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
In the Dec. 22 case, Shin told police he had been home about 30 minutes when he heard a knock on the door. When he answered the door, a man rushed in, robbed him of an undisclosed amount of cash and fired at him twice before leaving, police reported. The victim dialed 911 from his cell phone.
Shin was taken to Shands at the University of Florida, where doctors decided it would be best to leave in place the bullet in his back.
Officers were assigned to canvass the neighborhood and nearby apartment complexes looking for anyone with information. In addition to going door to door, police also are looking for surveillance cameras that might have caught images of the gunman.
While not speaking specifically to either of the two recent cases, Book said home invasion robberies typically involve drugs.
"The common denominator in most of our home invasion robberies over the last few years have been drugs," Book said. "We have had cases where people are misidentified or in the wrong apartment, but in general if we felt there was some generic threat to people in their homes, we would be getting out that information.
"In general, the home invasion robberies we have are not random targets," Book

Another home invasion it's time to stop this stuff

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:30:00 +0000

January 3, 2010
BY FRANCINE KNOWLES AND TINA SFONDELES Staff Reporters
Detectives are questioning a man and woman in the home-invasion death of Joyce Fulgium, 62, a retired administrative assistant.
Fulgium’s death is the first confirmed homicide in Chicago in the new year.
» Click to enlarge image
Joyce Fulgium was found fatally stabbed inside her home in the 11000 block of South Lowe Street. Her home had been broken into and a number of her belongings taken, according to police. (Keith Hale/Sun-Times)
She suffered trauma at her Far South Side Chicago home and was pronounced dead Saturday at an unidentified time and location, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
An autopsy Sunday determined Fulgium died of multiple stab and incise wounds, according to the medical examiner's office, which ruled her death a homicide.
Fulgium was found at 4:17 p.m. unresponsive in her home in the 11000 block of South Lowe Avenue with signs of blunt head trauma. The door of her residence was kicked in and a number of belongings — including her vehicle — were taken, police said.
Police saw Fulgium’s 1998 Jeep Wrangler with a black top, maroon bottom and “Tasmanian Devil” wheel covers on the Southwest Side and stopped the vehicle about 4 a.m. Sunday, police said.
Police are talking to the man and woman in the vehicle, but their involvement in the incident was not yet known, according to a police source. Police are officially calling the two “persons of interest.”
Fulgium had lived alone since her 104-year-old father died a couple of months ago, according to a relative.
A neighbor said Fulgium’s block had its share of recent break-ins, with a homeowner selling her home after just one year following two robberies. The woman placed gates on her windows and installed a sturdier door to protect her home after the first break-in, which didn’t seem to prevent the latest attempt in which the burglar was seen in the act by police but fled and was not caught. The home remained unoccupied Sunday morning, with its windows boarded up.
Contributing: Mike Lansu
var BLOGBURST_WIDGET_ID = "B8k88rWwXopuz5STgLeVwBLu";
var BLOGBURST_TRACKING_CODE = "";
Related Blog Posts
Suspect Shot by Police on Chicago’s South Side
From Turning Left
Suspect Shot by Police on Chicago’s

Lets make 2010 one hell of a year!!!

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:41:00 +0000

Armed American Report - Issue 178Click here for important Membership Information!
January 1, 2010Happy New Year! Let's make 2010 one heck of a good year.To kick off the FIRST Armed American Report of the decade, I've got a call-to-action special message from the host of Armed American Radio, Mark Walters.Mark Walters:Ladies and Gentlemen, 2009 was absolutely one for the record books on Armed American Radio! We defied the odds according to some of the biggest names in radio syndication management! They told us that "we were crazy", that we would "need to be on the air for at least a year" before we could "even THINK of national syndication". You know what my response was? "Yeah, sure"! Guess what, in less than 3 months of being on the air in one city for one hour, Armed American Radio defied those predictions and went national. In addition to that, in less than 3 months of syndication, AAR is now heard on DOZENS of stations across American and all time zones LIVE for THREE solid hours. Those career radio folks have since apologized for doubting our dreams! Although it felt good to hear them tell us we were doing things that they thought could never happen, WE KNEW FROM THE START IT COULD BE DONE!
See, what those career radio folks didn't understand was our PASSION for freedom as LAW-ABIDING gun owners!
Operation Velvet Hammer is designed to defy the odds even greater! Your response so far has been overwhelming and humbling to say the least BUT we can do even better! So far, hundreds of you have offered your assistance in growing AAR even faster than it has in 2009 and with your help, together we can OWN 2010. Please help us show the radio guru's that not only do we mean business and not only have we become one of the fastest growing radio programs in America but WE CAN BE EVEN BIGGER even FASTER. Get involved in this fight today by clicking here and learning more...

Situational Awareness
"...The major desired result from awareness is of course gaining thinking time and therefore the greater ability to escape safely or determine when things have gone too far and escape is no longer possible, then responding to hopefully survive another day..."by Chris Beglin
One of the prerequisites of concealed carry should (must) be avoidance of dangerous situations, by which I mean we escape them at all costs rather than enter into conflict. To maximize that requires good awareness, which I consider the most important and vital aspect of being alert. Our firearm is no passport to a gunfight. The major desired result from awareness is of course gaining thinking time and therefore the greater ability to escape safely or determine when things have gone too far and escape is no longer possible, then responding to hopefully survive another day.
There are popular "condition" colors we can allude to, suggested originally by the venerable Jeff Cooper (white, yellow, orange and red) which conveniently separate and demarcate the levels of awareness we can employ. As we may know, many people do indeed live most of their lives in condition white - meaning that while they might think they look and listen, they do not in fact see and hear as an effective information gathering experience. Rather they remain in their personal space sometimes oblivious to most of the environment that is around them. I think we all see vehicle drivers who can be labeled this way! There are other factors that can play a part also, including excessive alcohol intake effects and severe tiredness. It is these people who also perhaps exhibit what we may refer to as "victim status," because they can be recognized by criminals as unaware, sometimes slow, often trance-like and certainly potentially vulnerable.
Fish-eye view to show the choice of a seating position with a near-full scanning view of the whole interior. The outside window is to the author's back.
Condition yellow is a step up from white and in my opinion where we should all be as responsible firearm carriers. It does not need any stress level because it is calm and relaxed but does require that we hone our senses to maximize their usefulness and habitually absorb the incoming information to good effect - ALERTNESS! It is what I think we should practice at all times possible, all our waking hours.
Orange is effectively an enhanced yellow state where we sense something is not quite right and things do not add up, so we think through our options for flight or fight.
Finally, condition red. The fight is on and you have to take decisive action to defend yourself or flee the latter being as ever the better choice if possible. It is though please note only with a firm grasp on yellow that the transition to orange and red can be properly and usefully achieved as, with white as a starting point sensory overload and denial will possibly be the main consequence resulting in a very non-productive panic. The transition through these three important stages is actually seamless.
Of all the senses, sight and hearing are the most obvious and applicable here, with touch taste and smell being secondary. The final one I include is "intuition" which is actually a "cerebral sense" and less apparent. I may be stating the obvious to some but, there is a very significant difference between looking and seeing, as there is also with listening and hearing - even the sense of smell should not be totally disregarded though I am not dealing with that here, other than to maybe state the obvious whereby if we smell smoke there just may be fire! I am assuming that all readers have their senses intact, however for those who may be hearing or vision impaired then they must further hone their remaining sense skills that much more. The majority of people I find do tend to let their senses run on "idle" when actually they have much remaining potential.
Let's look briefly at specific sensory aspects and ways to better exploit them for situational awareness.
For the majority of us blessed with sight, this is perhaps the best sense to capitalize on, and remember, looking is not always seeing. Here is where practice with peripheral vision really helps because not only is that function acutely motion sensitive but also most people can manage very nearly 180 º coverage. To most gainfully use that however requires some extra work initially, so as to "register" in the mind what is out there over and above the central vision field, forming a habit of including that wide area in one's appraisal.
When eating out next, for example, try to observe what you can see with peripheral vision and notice that movement in particular is well included by the eyes. Extend that further to try and recognize colors and types of clothes and you may be amazed that with a small increase in mental concentration and analysis you actually "see" a great deal more. Try also to practice subtle scanning actions, which can include extra eye movements side to side as well as subtle head movements, disguised more as general interest looks than actual intrusive intrusions into the space of others. Even an apparent cursory look at one's wristwatch can effectively allow for a wider sweep which would not be noticed by most others. When out and about, even reflections in window glass can be very informative, such as glancing in a store window to see a reflection in another area while seeming to be window shopping. Auto glass can also be useful in a similar manner. Another ploy that can be used is to make a casual glance upward as if interested in something flying perhaps and then when returning to a low gaze, include a target area in the return sweep! Learn to place image "frames" grabbed during a sweep in temporary store and if possible make 360º sweeps too.
It is further important to practice scanning at all ranges. We have probably seen drivers who appear isolated in their own small cocoon and probably looking no further than ahead by one vehicle. It is they who may fail to see a wreck a quarter mile away and fail to act soon enough to avert trouble. They might equally fail to see the same distance behind and not see an errant truck barreling down on them with failed brakes. Apply this to everyday life. Do not just look within your local space but also scan at distance for anything unusual. In a street situation it might mean spotting a vehicle behaving strangely long before it has got close, or a person moving in an odd manner.
Much of our waking life, sound is a constant input and also very mixed in content. One thing we can fail to exploit is "selective hearing," which we often use unwittingly in a crowd when talking, shutting out extraneous sounds as we concentrate on a speaker. This can be developed considerably if when listening to input we consciously do a separation exercise. An easy example might be imagined when again, sitting in a restaurant, we attempt listening to and trying to tune in on and identify each voice or sound, attempting then also to even listen for outside sounds like vehicles.
Shop front to demonstrate using reflections to advantage - in each case an oblique view shows people or vehicles - and of course movement is easily seen with no obvious give-away of what one is doing. This is useful for those situations if you are suspicious of being followed etc.
Intuition. What is it? Well as individuals we have it to greater or lesser degrees and it is perhaps (arguably) something more applicable to older people with more experience. How can we train for this? I doubt we can but we can allow ourselves to listen to our inner self when alarm bells ring and try to rationalize our "gut-feelings." It is I consider a part of condition yellow anyway and goes with a heightened state of awareness. The hardest part is knowing whether to heed or disregard. This decision will necessitate a rapid weighing of facts as available. Imagine a noise in the night and we wake in a state of immediate heightened alertness, at which point we have to make quick decisions. Is the sound we heard a "normal" one such as a dog stretching his legs, or a cat jumping off a chair? We could call this waking to yellow. Rapid analysis is essential.
So, where are we now? Well, I have covered aspects regarding our two main sensory tools and also our intuitive instincts but also under this heading of situational awareness I am choosing to include what we might call situational assessment. Let us flex the imagination and suppose that we are in a public place, having already been alerted to some less than desirable people nearby. This we have ascertained by already being in yellow condition. Being unsure of our company we may now slide into condition orange because we feel uncomfortable and want to leave the area but also consider options if escape is not possible. This is where awareness usefully becomes assessment and there is much to be gained sometimes by looking at someone close enough, in the eye. In some cases this can be taken as an offensive gesture if not subtle enough but it can give some clue as to the possible intentions of third parties. A firm confident return of a look may well show no evil intent whereas a shifty look may well show nervousness, sometimes a danger sign.
In conclusion, remember once more that your prime responsibility as a bearer of a concealed weapon is to avoid trouble. The best way to do so is to know what is going on around you at varying distances and positions and it is something everyone can do, because the potential is there but it must be used and enhanced through practice. Every extra piece of sensory input you can accumulate represents vital fractions of time you may be better able to plan for flight or flight.
I have had to keep this fairly concise but it should hopefully set you off in the right direction, all the better to be a responsible and safe bearer of a firearm.
About The Author
I am an ex-pat' 60-year-old Englishman and a proud American citizen, married to an American lady for the last six years and living happily in SW Pennsylvania. My daily carry is a SIG 226 ST in 9mm, in a custom K&D Holsters belt slide. I used to do freelance photography. I am a degreed Engineer, even though these days, I work mainly on the computer dealing in web design and kidding myself that I am semi-retired! In 1997, I suffered the ignominy of loosing my prized collection of 24 handguns, thanks to the UK Government revoking my "privilege." As a result, I now cling on tightly to our right to keep and bear arms in the U.S.A. I am an NRA Certified Instructor in all disciplines and enjoy passing on my experience as well as bringing in new shooters whenever possible. This allows me to feel that I give a little something back.
USCCA Toon of the Weekby Chaim's Cartoons
Disabled Man Stops Home Invasion with 3 Gun Shots
Gun Rights Roundupby Buckeye Firearms Association
Gary Wroblewski is confined to a wheelchair and therefore an easy target for criminals. His physical limitations and lack of mobility are the type of weakness that cowards look for in an easy mark. But, Mr. Wroblewski is anything but a helpless victim.
That's because he exercises his natural right to bear arms, which may have saved his life on December 15th when thugs attacked him inside his home in Ocala, Florida.
In a premeditated act of crime, three young hoodlums forced their way into Wroblewski's home, knocking over Wroblewski in his wheelchair. On his way down, he fired three shots, fatally wounding one of the men and scaring off the other two.
If the anti-gun crusaders in America had their way, instead of a .45 in his hand to ward off his attackers, Mr. Wroblewski would have had nothing but a telephone to feebly dial 911, perhaps after he had been beaten. Or worse, the police may have had one more brutal murder to investigate that night.
The Founders knew what they were doing when they wrote the Second Amendment. And it had nothing to do with target shooting or sport. Our liberty is predicated on feeling secure in our own homes and having the ability to protect ourselves. Without that, the American experiment is a failure.
Read the full story, watch a video interview with Wroblewski, and listen to the 911 call.
Gun Rights Roundup is a joint venture of Buckeye Firearms Association and USCCA. We will keep fighting until every American enjoys their natural right to carry and self-defense. For more news on pro-gun law, politics, and events,click here to subscribe to Buckeye Firearms Association's FREE Newsletter.

Coming Up On Armed American Radio
The Official Voice of the USCCAby Mark Walters
Well, it's here. The new year. 2010. Elections. The choice between freedom and socialism. This is the year we can make our voices heard and KICK some well deserving arse out of DC permanently.
The previous year was a huge success for Armed American Radio and 2010 is already looking like it's going to blow 2009 right off the map. The interest in the program nationwide is building to unbelievable levels and more great things are bound to come.
For now, I'll make this one short and sweet and let you get back to enjoying your families on another deserved day off but before I go I want to say THANK YOU! Thank you for making AAR one of the most talked about radio broadcasts in America and for all of your support. The lineup for the first show of 2010 is a huge one with Tim Schmidt, Oregon Firearms Federation's Kevin Starrett, Dr Bruce Eimer exploring the criminal mind, the unbelievable gun photographer Oleg Volk and MORE!
Don't forget to join us on Facebook at Armed American Radio and visit http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=ML9ih&m=1avOgl.JKOLm3P&b=wpl7c2klXPF.H3gsaSypqw for up to the minute info on everything we're doing to bring freedom to America's airwaves, coast to coast every Sunday evening for 3 solid hours of hard hitting talk about YOUR rights.
You have my word that I will continue to put myself on the line to carry the torch of freedom nationwide in 2010! Keep the letters and emails coming, the show suggestions, and when you see the freedom haters in your back yard be sure to let me know... I'll take them to task and make sure the entire nation knows what they are up to! Buckle up folks, 2010 is gonna be a wild ride and I'm driving!
Thanks again and I'll see YOU on the radio, this Sunday January 3rd at 8pm EST, 5pm PST!
Mark Walters
A Big Boy's "Toy" - The Ruger LCR
USCCA Gear Reviewby Todd Metzger - USCCA Member http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=ML9ih&m=1avOgl.JKOLm3P&b=pmxiVOY.rTOjvV8cusGaYQ
Squirt guns, airsoft equipment, Nerf blasters, Glocks and the Ruger Lightweight Compact Revolver (LCR) all have one thing in common: plastic as a material of construction. Plastics are materials that are typically known for their light weight, relative strength and corrosion resistance. Modern day technologies allow for the manufacture and production of economical, high performance plastics that rival the properties of many materials of construction that have traditionally been used in the past for everything from spaceships to firearms. It is the use of plastics in modern day firearms that has created a revolution in their design and manufacture over the past several decades and brought new and unique products to the market.
I have been an owner and user of the commonly labeled Tupperware guns, Glocks, for years. I have even carried one as a law enforcement officer. Within the last couple of years, we have seen an explosion in the Tupperware handgun market, from pocket sized, semi automatics to even a revolver, the Ruger LCR. The plastic revolver is something that is quite unique in regards to the world of handguns. The Ruger LCR, with its use of plastic (polymer for those that don't care for the term plastic) as the material of construction for its frame, aluminum and streamlined design, is one of, if not the lightest pocket snubbie out there when it comes to a .38 special pocket revolver.
In addition to the use of plastic, aluminum and component optimization achieves further lightening of the revolver. The great design of the LCR goes beyond just simple weight reduction. The fire control system was designed in such a way as to produce a very smooth and consistent trigger pull from start to finish. Even the grips of the revolver are designed to reduce the impact of recoil on the shooter in an effort to counter the increased recoil from such a lightweight handgun. The individual features of the Ruger LCR are designed and produced to work together to achieve a smooth, homogeneous system that leaves little to be desired.
I have read the reviews and seen them in the shops. While I found the revolver interesting when it first came onto the market, I didn't have any interest in owning a LCR or any snubbie for that matter. However, over the last few months, I have evaluated and revised my daily carry gear, training and mindset where required. While OC Spray is an example of a new carry tool that I added that this reevaluation resulted in, I also realized that as much as I wanted my daily carry, IWB Glock 26 to serve all purposes, all of the time, it simply could not. I needed something that could be easily moved from pocket to pocket, accessible in bulky outer layer, cold weather garments and a lightweight pocket gun for my lawn mowing shorts. The Ruger semi automatic, .380 ACP LCP was actually on the top of my list to begin with. However, I realized that I wanted something with more energy, more punch. The .38 Special cartridge, which is the chambering for the Ruger LCR, in +P will give approximately 30% more energy than the .380 ACP cartridge. Additionally, snubbies purposely built for concealed carry, i.e. double action only, lightweight, short grip, concealed hammer, have a reputation for being workhorses. Given my requirements, the Ruger LCR was a near perfect fit. Since the LCR can actually be found in various stores and shops today, I was able to recently purchase one and bring it home with me.
The LCR was supplied with a nice Ruger emblazoned pistol case, user manual, various paperwork, fired casings in an envelope and a gun lock. Right from the box, I found that everything that I had heard about the revolver was accurate and truthful. The Ruger was lightweight, good looking, had a smooth trigger and lightweight. Yes, I said lightweight twice for emphasis! The LCR is also available with factory installed Crimson Trace Laser Grips for an additional price if desired. The size of the Ruger is consistent with every other .38 Special snubbie on the market. The LCR is about the same size as my Glock 26 and, obviously, slight smaller than the Glock 19 as seen in the photo below.
The LCR, as should be any concealed carry weapon, is rugged, simple and requires little in the way of supporting accessories. The direct supporting accessories for the LCR that are required are quality personal defense cartridges, an adequate holster and at least one reload worth of cartridges in the form of QuickStrips or other speedloader.
Based on my personal experience with firing this load as well as various technical/review data that is available, I prefer the Winchester's Bonded PDX1 +P JHP Personal Protection cartridge as my primary self defense load.
The best method that I have found for carrying a spare load of cartridges is the Tuff Products QuickStrips. They allow for all of the rounds to lie flat in line, can slip in and out of my pocket easily and much quicker than carrying individual rounds loosely. While a traditional revolver speedloader is the quickest method to reload an "empty" revolver, I have found that the "cushy" Hogue Tamer grips supplied with the LCR interfere with the correct size HKS speedloader, size 36-A. While the HKS speedloader can be used, the grip interference requires some rather fine motor skills to align and drop the rounds into the cylinder that I do not believe would be available during a high stress event such as a self defense scenario.
As far as holsters, I own and recommend both a pocket and a belt, tuckable IWB in my case, holster. I purchased a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster that works like a pocket holster should. It holds the LCR as it should, covers the trigger guard as it should and stays in your pocket on drawing your revolver as it should. The belt holster, a tuckable IWB, that I purchased was a High Noon Leather Hidden Ally. The High Noon is a basic leather, IWB without any major bells or whistles, but it gets the job done.
I have mentioned numerous times as to how lightweight the LCR is. Ruger specifications indicate that the LCR, empty, weighs in at a tremendous 13.5 ounces. For a means of comparison, an unopened 12 fluid ounce can of soda weighs approximately the same. But, we all know that we don't conceal empty weapons. If you conceal an empty weapon regularly, I will give some free advice that will save you hundreds of dollars: sell the gun and get a rock! Returning to the subject of weight, the revolver empty is light and the revolver loaded is still light. The revolver fully loaded with PDX1 and in a holster weighs in at a whopping 1 pound 2.7 ounces, an addition of 5.2 ounces.
The revolver not only looks and feels good, it operates great too! The revolver, for its intended purposes of personal defense, provides the accuracy needed! I have only had the opportunity to put approximately 30 rounds downrange in an effort to proof the basic operation of the revolver. However, those 30 rounds proved that the revolver puts the rounds where I need them. I fired 25 rounds of Winchester White Box FMJ and 5 rounds PDX1 +P. The recoil of the standard pressure rounds was stout but more than manageable. The +P loads definitely are snappier than standard pressure rounds, but are still manageable, although I wouldn't care to put 200 rounds of +P downrange in a single session. The target pictured below is from the 30 proofing rounds that I fired during the first and only range session with the LCR. The target was at a distance of approximately 7 yards. The red circle indicates the location of aimed, snap shots, the yellow circle indicates the location of point shots and the green rectangle indicates the location of a mixture of a few hip shots (one hip shot was dumped) and a few shots on the move. As one can see, the revolver puts them where they are needed.
The final verdict is... This one is a keeper! I like this handgun so much that, if it weren't for the limited capacity, it would be my daily carry piece starting yesterday. I am definitely happy with the purchase and it will certainly fill the niche that I was intending it to fill as well as much more!The end.
ATTENTION USCCA MEMBERS!The review you just read was written and photographed completely by a member of the USCCA, who originally posted it on the USCCA Member's Only Forum.Over 130,000 Armed Individuals will read this review, and be helped immensely because of it.How would you like to have your gun or gear review published in this Armed American Report? To have your review considered for publishing, simply email your word document with photos included or as seperate attachments to gearreview@usconcealedcarry.comReviews should be between 800 and 1600 words long. Photos are encouraged and should be in .jpg format and less than 500 kb in size. I look forward to reading your submission. P.S. -Be sure to include your full name and email address so I can email you with questions or comments.

Quote of the Week
(From The Editor: Is this the source of the gun control tactics?)"Tell a lie loud enough and long enough and the people will believe it."
--Adolf Hitler
USCCA Forum Highlights
Every paying website member has complete access to the USCCA forum, which is constantly being accessed by members sharing information, knowledge, insight, and fun. With well over sixty-thousand posts and growing by the hour, this is one heck of a valuable resource!If you have never logged in but are a member, visit THIS location to watch help videos, including how to find out your username and/or password!
*******************This week in the Forum Highlights I'm giving you an example of the responses members get from their posts. I want you all of you who aren't yet members of our exclusive online members only forums to not only get a taste of the questions and other posts, but also the wonderfully informative replies.
This Happened To Me--Forced To Disarm(From The Editor: What this person posted in the forums is totally unacceptable, and absolutely ridiculous! Sure officers need to be kept as safe as possible in these troubled times, but ordering a person in his own home to disarm is not the answer. There is no argument here for that police agency, for if the homeowner meant any harm to the police, he would not have told them he was armed!)
On Dec. 18th 2009 at or around 12 noon, I had someone attempt a forced burglary on my home here in South Seattle. I called the Police to report it. Operator 117 took the phone call. She asked me if I had any weapons. I replied yes I do. I am armed all the time. Told her I also have a permit. I also told her I was reporting it for information so they would know that something was going on in this area and I did not request they send the Police. She requested that I disarm. I asked why should I since this is my house and home. Her response was because I said so. She then referred me to Chief Dispatcher 20 who demanded that I disarm before they would even dispatch.
Very nicely as with the other dispatcher I stated I would not. My weapon is in my holster. She got on the radio and I heard her say "he is arguing with me and refuses to disarm" I informed her that I was not arguing with her. She stated again sir disarm and come out of the house with your hands up or we will not respond onto your property. I told her I would put the gun down and come out but not with my hands up. 2 minuets later there was a knock and I went outside. 2 officers then began to lecture me that I should obey the dispatcher and do what they tell me to do. There were about 9 officers outside.
They did not take a report or check the property or look at anything except for walking up and down the street. Then they left. I cannot understand why a legal gun owner on their own property has to disarm just to have the Police show up. Plus why I should come out of the house with my hands up.
Testimonial
Just installed a Crimson Trace on my SA 1911. Went to the range yesterday and all I can say is WOW. Drew and fired as soon as it cleared the holster and oddly enough it hit where the little red spot was. Every time. I fired from the close ready position with deadly accuracy. As a sideline benefit, as I fired the laser traced my hand and trigger mistakes for me. As I corrected them, accuracy improved. Only regret was that I only had 300 rounds. If you are on the fence about one get off and get it.
Best Value Officer's Model 1911?Hello all, I am looking for a budget minded officer's model 1911. Does anybody have any input who makes a good one at a decent price?
Video of the Week
The tones of the voices, the words, the body language and facial expressions. This video tells me all I need to know. Watch it closely, and never give up the fight to keep the Second Amendment an individual right to bear arms.
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=ML9ih&m=1avOgl.JKOLm3P&b=ONeWfP58rdQNTfQ1R7D9fQ
USCCA Photo of the Week
All Photos of the Week are taken from Mr. Oleg Volk's website: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=ML9ih&m=1avOgl.JKOLm3P&b=QCtcvp.Dnwf0WFAWMY.X.A.
It is a fantastic site. Please check it out!
USCCA Self Defense Story
Every day, thousands of Armed Americans use their firearms to preserve human life. Let this section of my newsletter serve as a record of this fact!
December 28, 2009Peoa, Utah
From: KSTU
Mountain Lion Shot After Killing Family Dog
PEOA, Utah - Elain Jorgenson walked outside her house to feed her dog only to discover her 11-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mauled to death, bloodied and in nearly an unrecognizable state. She turned around and took two steps back to find a Mountain Lion hissing at her. Reeling in shock, she turned and ran into the house calling out her husband. "So I'm yelling at him 'please get the gun'; he shoots it, we call 911 to let them know what happened."
The couple is from Peoa, a small town just northeast of Park City, nestled in the mountains.
Wildlife experts call this an isolated incident, but warn those to be safe and try to keep pets inside as much as possible this winter.
"This situation was a young juvenile cat, first winter on its own in my estimation... looking for food in the winter," Jorgenson says.
Closing Thoughts
Last Week's Question: ANSWERED.
"How important in performance is barrel length? Specifically, is 4.5" an whole lot better than 3.8" in 9 mm or .40 cal? -John"Paul from Austin:Hello John, in response to your question about a barrel length of 4.5 or 3.8 inch barrel in 9mm and 40mm calibers and the difference of the two. I don't believe you will find a whole lot of difference in barrel length in regards to close quarter confrontations. There may be a 5-20 fps difference in velocity through the chronograph maybe a bit more or less but not much with the length you've given. Even in sniper applications in the military they are looking at a shorter barrel as opposed to a longer barrel on their rifles for better portability and lighter overall weight. But with your case it's which ever you like best. You can't go wrong with either length, both will shoot excellent groups. Hope this helps your decision. Phil R.: In my opinion the only real concern over barrel length is it's relation to sight radius. The shorter the barrel the shorter the sight radius thus a small sight misalignment equals a miss. Of course the speed of the bullet will be effected but that will not matter as much as missing the target. The target will not ask was that a 3 or 4" barrel after being hit. If you are going to use a compact or sub-compact just practice with it until you can put all your shots in a 4" paper plate out at 10 yards. Mark Avery, Beavercreek, Ohio "DesertLion" on the USCCA Forum:Barrel length - To some extent, it depends on what you mean by "a whole lot better". There are differences in ballistics between barrels of different lengths in otherwise similar guns, but the differences are small. The main difference most people will notice is due to sight radius. The longer barrel guns have their sights further apart. The longer sight radius magnifies any sight alignment inaccuracies and are therefore easier to align properly. A very small error in sight alignment (the precision with which the sights are aligned with the eye) will have a much greater effect on shot placement, especially at longer distances, than small errors in sight picture (where the sights are aligned on the target). Most people attribute the perceived difference in accuracy between longer and shorter barrels to the barrels themselves, but the majority of the difference is due to the ease of aligning the sights correctly. At typical personal defense distances, from contact out to about 15 feet, precise accuracy is less of an issue. For that, you need to be able to get to your gun in the very few seconds you have from the time you have identified the threat. If a smaller gun means you are more likely to have it with you and easily accessible, the decreased ease of aiming precisely and very slight decrease in muzzle energy will be trumped by having the gun when you need it.
This week's question. Have an answer? Use the "Ask Tim" form below to give an answer- I'll share them here next week!I understand old ammunition can be dangerous. My question is, How old is TOO old?? Thank you!
Do you have a pressing concern? Use the 'Ask Tim' contact form found at this page to let me hear your advice. Just use the graphic below!

Happy New Year! It's time to protect our Rights

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:30:00 +0000

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERTVol. 16, No. 51 12/30/09
FBI Reports Huge Decrease In Murders As Firearm, Ammunition And "Large" Magazine Sales Soar
Last week, the FBI issued its preliminary 2009 crime report, showing that the number of murders in the first half of 2009 decreased 10 percent compared to the first half of 2008. If the trend holds for the remainder of 2009, it will be the single greatest one-year decrease in the number of murders since at least 1960, the earliest year for which national data are available through the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Also, the per capita murder rate for 2009 will be 51 percent lower than the all-time high recorded in 1991, and it will be the lowest rate since 1963 - a 46-year low. Final figures for 2009 will be released by the FBI next year.
Click here to vote in this week's poll.
According to gun control supporter dogma - "more guns means more crime" - the number of privately owned firearms must have decreased 10 percent in 2009. To the contrary, however, the number rose between 1.5 and 2 percent, to an all-time high. For the better part of the last 15 months, firearms, ammunition, and "large" ammunition magazines have been sold in what appear to be record quantities. And, the firearms that were most commonly purchased in 2009 are those that gun control supporters most want to be banned - AR-15s, similar semi-automatic rifles, and handguns designed for defense. The National Shooting Sports Foundation already estimates record ammunition sales in 2009, dominated by .223 Remington, 7.62x39mm, 9mm and other calibers widely favored for defensive purposes.
Also indicative of the upward trend in firearm sales, the number of national instant check transactions rose 24.5 percent in the first six months of 2009 compared to the first six months in 2008, the greatest increase since NICS' inception in 1998. Through the end of October, NICS transactions rose18 percent, compared to the same period in 2008.
More Guns Means More Crime? Hardly. In 2009, more guns meant less crime, in a very, very big way.
The Year In Review
Here are some of the top stories we brought you in the NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert in 2009. With what will no doubt be a very busy 2010, we must redouble our efforts to ensure we are prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges we will face next year. We will continue to provide you with information in future Alerts to ensure our mutual success.
(NOTE: The next regular Grassroots Alert will be transmitted on Friday, January 8.)
JANUARY:
A federal lawsuit filed by NRA to challenge a San Francisco Housing Authority ban on firearms in public housing is settled. Under the settlement, the agency will no longer enforce a 2005 rule that prohibited the otherwise legal possession of guns and ammunition in public housing units. The City of San Francisco later pays NRA $380,000 as reimbursement for legal fees.
U.S. Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Rick Boucher (D-Va.), introduce H.R. 197-- the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2009"--a bill that would provide national recognition for valid state Right-to-Carry licensees.
FEBRUARY:
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upholds an Oklahoma law allowing employees to store legally owned firearms in locked, private motor vehicles while parked in employer parking lots. This decision upholds NRA-backed legislation passed in 2004.
Just over five weeks after Inauguration Day, Attorney General Eric Holder announces that the Obama Administration will seek to reinstate the expired federal "assault weapon" ban and impose additional restrictions. Holder said that new gun control laws are needed because in Mexico, a country with a history of corruption and disregard for individual rights, there's a shooting war going on between drug gangs and government troops, and some of the gangsters' guns have been illegally purchased in the United States.
The United States votes to adopt an amendment offered by Nevada Senator John Ensign (R), that seeks to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in the District of Columbia. The amendment, attached to S.160, the "D.C. Voting Rights Act," seeks to repeal restrictive gun control laws passed by the District of Columbia's (D.C.) city council in defiance of the landmark D.C. v. Heller Supreme Court decision. The vote margin was 62-36.
MARCH:
A federal district court in Washington, D.C. grants anti-gun plaintiffs a preliminary injunction against implementation of the new rule allowing law-abiding citizens to defend themselves by carrying a concealed firearm in national parks and wildlife refuges. NRA files an appeal.
In a letter to Attorney General Holder, 65 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congressman Mike Ross (D-Ark.), express their opposition to the reinstatement of the failed 1994 ban on semi-automatic firearms and ammunition magazines. These congressmen cite numerous studies that proved the 1994 ban was ineffective, and they strongly urge Attorney General Holder to stop his effort and instead focus on the enforcement of existing gun laws.
NRA files a second amended complaint in Dick Anthony Heller et al v. District of Columbia in U.S. District Court, asking the court to issue a preliminary and permanent injunction to prevent the D.C. Council from implementing laws that violate the Second Amendment and from enforcing its prohibitions on the possession of commonly owned firearms.
APRIL:
U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Bob Bennett (R-Utah), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) introduce legislation (S.816) to restore the Second Amendment rights of visitors in national parks and wildlife refuges (its companion bill, H.R. 1684 was introduced previously Congressman Doc Hastings (R-Wash.)).
On ABC's "Good Morning America," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says, "we [members of Congress] have to find some level of compromise" on guns. She notes that the Supreme Court, in District of Columbia v. Heller, ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to guns. But, she said, "We want them registered." Pelosi also uses the word "draconian" to describe legislation before Congress to reform D.C.'s gun laws. This is followed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the Senate sponsor of the now-expired federal "assault weapons" ban, saying on a CBS "60 Minutes" program that she is only temporarily holding off on introducing legislation to reinstate the ban. "I'll pick the time and place. No question about it," Feinstein says.
During an official visit to Mexico, President Obama announces his support for Senate ratification of an inter-American treaty on firearms trafficking. In response, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox note, " .NRA knows that anti-gun advocates will still try to use this treaty to attack gun ownership in the U.S. Therefore, the NRA will continue to vigorously oppose any international effort to restrict the constitutional rights of law-abiding American gun owners."
Anti-gun Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) introduces S. 843, calling for massive new government powers to register gun show customers, register gun owners, retain information on people who pass criminal records checks when buying firearms, heavily tax both gun collectors and gun sales, and require gun show promoters to police gun show customers, as if they were agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
MAY:
Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduce S. 941- the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act," representing the first time such BATFE reform legislation has been introduced in the Senate. Representatives Steve King (R-Iowa) and Zack Space (D-Ohio), introduce its House companion--H.R. 2296.
375 staunch, pro-gun patriots attend the standing room only NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshop, held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Phoenix--double the attendance from last year's workshop in Louisville.
U.S. Reps Peter King (R-N.Y.), Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.), Mike Castle (R-Del.), Jim Moran (D-Va.), Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), Mark Kirk (D-Ill.), and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) introduce H.R. 2159, which would give "the Attorney General the authority to deny the sale, delivery, or transfer of a firearm or the issuance of a firearms or explosives license or permit to dangerous terrorists. . . . if the Attorney General determines that the transferee is known (or appropriately suspected) to be or have been engaged in conduct constituting, in preparation for, in aid of, or related to terrorism, or providing material support thereof, and the Attorney General has a reasonable belief that the prospective transferee may use a firearm in connection with terrorism." The legislation disregards traditional ideas of due process, as well as the well-documented problems with the government's "terrorist watchlists."
NRA-backed legislation to restore the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in national parks and wildlife refuges passes in the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 279-147, and is signed into law. The legislation will take effect on February 22, 2010.
JUNE:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues a proposed rule change that directly targets the importation of "assisted opening" folding knives. (Read the proposed rule here.) The proposed regulations would designate all these knives as "switchblades" (despite the fact they do not fall under the federal definition of "switchblades"), and would make them illegal for import into the United States. The proposed change could affect all knives that can be opened with one hand.
American gun owners celebrate the anniversary of the landmark D.C. v. Heller case, in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban and affirmed that the Second Amendment protects an individual right.
JULY:
Two-thirds of the nation's attorneys general file a "friend of the court" brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case of NRA v. Chicago and hold that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment. This bipartisan group of 33 attorneys general agrees with the NRA's position that the Second Amendment protects a fundamental individual Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the home for self-defense, disagreeing with the decision recently issued by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
The Senate unanimously passes an amendment to the Federal Switchblade Act as part of the Homeland Security appropriations bill. The amendment, authored by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), changes the federal law under which CBP tried to redefine many common knives as switchblades.
Gun owners and Second Amendment advocates earn a victory as the House Financial Services Committee considers and adopts an amendment offered by Representative Tom Price (R-Ga.) to protect the Second Amendment rights of public housing residents.
NRA EVP Wayne LaPierre and ILA Executive Director Chris Cox announce NRA opposition to Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nominations to the U.S. Supreme Court, noting, "We believe any individual who does not agree that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental right and who does not respect our God-given right of self-defense should not serve on any court, much less the highest court in the land. Therefore, the National Rifle Association of America opposes the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the position of Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court."
A bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate votes in favor of an amendment offered by Senators John Thune (R-SD) and David Vitter (R-La.) to provide interstate recognition of Right-to-Carry permits. The amendment to S.1390--the National Defense Authorization Act--would acknowledge that the right to self-defense extends across state lines. Under this provision, an individual with a carry permit from his or her home state, or who is otherwise allowed to carry firearm in his home state, could carry in any other state that issues permits.
AUGUST:
On an appearance on "Meet the Press," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announces that he will raise money to counter the influence of the NRA. Bloomberg trumpets the meager 39 votes he was able to muster to squeak out a defeat of national Right-to-Carry reciprocity.
Yet another mayor, Village of Walton Hills, Ohio Mayor Marlene Anielski (R), resigns her membership from Bloomberg's mis-named Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) coalition. Mayor Anielski informs the Buckeye Firearms Association of her decision, reporting that she had not realized the real agenda of MAIG. In fact, she reported, she and her husband are NRA Life Members!
On August 6, by a vote of 68-31, the full Senate votes to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
SEPTEMBER:
Garen Wintemute, of the University of California (Davis), releases another of his "studies" in favor of gun control. His new piece is called "Inside Gun Shows: What Goes On When Everybody Thinks Nobody's Watching." "Gun shows" are just the hook, however. While repeating gun control supporters' mantra about the need to run instant background checks on people who buy guns from private parties at gun shows, Wintemute admits important factors that undercut his goal. First, he notes that straw purchases - the very purpose of which is to thwart the background checks he pretends to be concerned about - "are a major source of crime guns." Second, he admits that "The proportion of all gun sales nationwide that occurs at gun shows is relatively small" and that "most sales at gun shows involve licensed retailers," who are already required to perform background checks.
During consideration of H.R. 3288 (the FY 2010 Transportation--Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill), the Wicker Amendment is adopted, to allow the transportation of firearms on Amtrak trains.
Bloomberg's Mayors Against Illegal Guns has lost over 50 members because gun owners took action to tell their mayors the truth about this organization. Many of the mayors who have resigned from MAIG have indicated they were unaware of the full extent of their anti-gun agenda. They now know they were mislead by MAIG's claims that it was only concerned with "illegal" guns
OCTOBER:
The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear the landmark Second Amendment case of McDonald v. Chicago. The case will address the application of the Second Amendment to the states through either the Due Process clause or the Privileges or Immunities clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), join forces with U.S. Representatives Mark Souder (R-Ind.) and Mike Ross (D-Ark.), in filing a joint, pro-Second Amendment amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief before the Supreme Court in the McDonald v. Chicago case.
The so-called Bi-National Task Force on Rethinking the United States-Mexico Border produces a report, which, among other things, calls for re-imposition of the federal "assault weapon" ban of 1994-2004, saying it would improve security in both countries. The "border-rethinking" group has been put together by the Pacific Council on International Policy and the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations. The group consists mostly of former U.S. and Mexican officials and journalists, none of them currently elected by the people of the U.S. or Mexico to make policy on these issues.
The U.S. Senate and House pass crucial legislation that will protect pocketknives used by tens of millions of Americans. The amendment will block CBP's earlier proposed policy change and keep pocketknives from being classified as illegal switchblades.
NRA files a complaint in the Superior Court of Washington State against the City of Seattle, asking the court to enjoin and declare invalid a recently enacted parks and recreation administrative policy that prohibits firearms in parks, community centers and other city-owned buildings. Other plaintiffs in the case include state correctional officers and private citizens, as well as the Washington-based Second Amendment Foundation.
NOVEMBER:
The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund's (NRA-PVF) endorsed candidates for statewide office in Virginia--Bob McDonnell (R) for governor, Ken Cuccinelli (R) for attorney general, and Bill Bolling (R) for lieutenant governor--win handily in the November 3rd general election. Additionally, 98 percent (58 out of 59) of NRA-PVF-endorsed candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates win their respective races.
On November 16, the NRA files its brief with the U.S. Supreme Court as Respondent in Support of Petitioner in McDonald v. City of Chicago. The NRA brief asks the U.S. Supreme Court to hold that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment.
In another transparent attempt to undercut the Second Amendment, Michael Bloomberg's anti-gun group, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, alleges that the multiple murders that took place on Ft. Hood recently could have been prevented by changes in federal gun laws.
DECEMBER:
The U.S. Supreme Court schedules oral arguments in the McDonald v. City of Chicago case for Tuesday, March 2, 2010.
New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg's MAIG releases the findings of a "poll" conducted by a political consulting firm called "The Word Doctors," whose slogan is "It's not what you say, it's what people hear." The pollster claims the results of his misleadingly worded questions show that NRA members and gun owners support restrictive gun laws; he fails to highlight results that show strong opposition to other measures, and serious concern about the Obama administration's future plans on the issue.
The U.S. House of Representatives approves an NRA-backed amendment, introduced by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), to allow Amtrak travelers to transport firearms in checked baggage where checked baggage service is available. The Wicker amendment isincluded along with several government agencies' appropriations bills in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010.
U.S. House of Representatives passes H.R. 3326-the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2010. NRA's efforts on the huge spending bill were rewarded with the restoration of a longstanding rider to protect M-1 carbines, M-1 Garands, M-14s, .22 caliber rifles, and others from being destroyed. The language also included a prohibition on the destruction of small arms ammunition and components, passed in response to the short-lived concern over destruction of spent brass casings earlier this year.

Face the Nation: “Assault Weapon” Debate

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:12:00 +0000

As reported, a 67 year old St Louis, MO man was arriving at the medical center where he worked when an armed robber approached. The robber is said to have demanded the man’s wallet and car keys, which the man handed over. Despite having received the man’s full cooperation, the armed robber then opened fire. The man suffered gunshot wounds to his arm and chest, but luckily survived the attack.
Cases where a victim does exactly what a robber demands, only to be shot, are not uncommon. Although I don’t make any special effort to track such cases, I’ve written about several already: This cooperative woman was shot by robbers after they successfully grabbed her off the street and helped themselves to the money in her pocket. As another example, this cooperative deli owner was shot in chest multiple times by robbers who weren’t satisfied with the amount of money in his cash register. Similarly, this cooperative bakery worker was shot by robbers, after they realized the bakery didn’t have a large safe full of money for them to steal. As a further example, this cooperative man was shot by armed robbers who broke in to home, only to be disappointed that his belongings weren’t worth stealing. As a final example, this cooperative man was shot by an armed robber who was angered by his lack of cash to steal.
Armed robbers harm victims – including those who fully cooperate – for a variety of reasons: The robber may decide that killing the victim is an effective way to ensure that the victim can’t go to the police or testify against the robber in court. Another reason could be that the robber is simply a violent person who enjoys harming others, and doesn’t wish to pass up the opportunity to inflict harm. Or, the robber could be a gang member who as been instructed to kill a person as part of their gang initiation. Another reason, which seems to come up often, is that a robber is disappointed by the small amount of money in the victim’s possession and shoots the victim to express that frustration. In still other cases, it seems that the robber doesn’t intend to shoot the victim, but handles their gun in such a negligent way that the victim is shot. Regardless of the reason, the end result is the same for the victim: death or serious bodily harm.
On the other hand, armed citizens are in the best possible position to defend themselves. Rather than having to hope that the robber will show mercy, such citizens use their guns to stop violent robbers every day. They also stop home invaders, armed robbers, rapists, kidnappers, burglars, terrorists, stalkers, racist attackers, and every other type of violent criminal that preys upon innocent people.
VN:F [1.7.9_1023]

Face the Nation: “Assault Weapon” Debate

Why I got my CCW Permit

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:40:00 +0000

Why I Got My CCW Permit
"...Was I on some ego trip? Was I trying to prove my masculinity? All of these may have had some minor influence, but as I probed, I found that there were other, more significant motivations that sprung more from who I am as a man...."by Dan McManus
In the fall of 2001, I completed the process of securing a permit to carry a concealed weapon. I had debated for over a year as to whether to do the work necessary to apply for it. For a number of years I had been an occasional shooter, but it wasn't until the hoopla of Y2K that I began to get more serious about shooting, took some classes and become relatively proficient. I soon found that I loved to shoot. Since an indoor range was within easy driving distance, I often found myself visiting it, along with several other outdoor ranges. That, plus the advent of a new pro-CCW county Sheriff, caused me to think that I might have a chance at getting the CCW permit. It was, however, with both some trepidation, and frankly, a lot of excitement that I finally decided to take the coursework necessary, complete the required paperwork, do the interview, get fingerprinted for the DOJ, and all necessary activity to be considered for the permit. It was only after I had been approved that I started thinking about why this seemed so important to me; what was it that stirred me so? Over the last few months I have given it quite a bit of thought. Am I really that concerned about crime...we live in a pretty low-incident area. Was I on some ego trip? Was I trying to prove my masculinity? All of these may have had some minor influence, but as I probed, I found that there were other, more significant motivations that sprung more from who I am as a man and reflected certain core values that comprise my person. I'd like to put those down on paper.
1) I am both disturbed and frustrated by much of what I see in this country's politics these days and I am often left wondering how to properly respond. It occurs to me that, as just one man, I have very little impact on this nation -- one voice out of 280 million. Yet, this country means a great deal to me. I lost my father to the Korean Conflict, all my uncles served in WWII, and I have studied and understand what unique and precious rights are afforded the citizens of this country I am privileged to live in. Additionally, I hold as a strong value the opinion that every man and woman has the God-given right to be responsible for his or her own personal safety, that no one is obligated to be a victim, and that this right is not a privilege bestowed on me by some governmental entity. I also believe that if a person of good character is willing to do the work necessary and takes the responsibility, then that person has the basic right to carry a defensive weapon. However, it seems that there are those in this country who disagree with me, who fear that I, and others like me, are a danger to society; that this freedom which is so basic to natural law and so thoroughly entrenched in the Constitution, must be taken from us. These usurpers are even now furiously working to legislate that right out of existence. Mistakenly believing that this issue is "guns," they feel quite comfortable trampling on my freedom. And so, it is to the anti-gun fascist, those who would deny me my rights as a free man and an American citizen, that I am responding. It is in the spirit of those American's before me who cried out "give me liberty, or give me death," "damn the torpedoes," and "let's roll" that I acted. As a political statement, as an act of patriotism, as my way of hoisting the flag, and my finger, in enraged defiance of those despots who say I can't, I got my permit to carry a gun; it was my patriotic duty.
2) Concurrent with this is the fact that much of what I hear today about gun control from the anti-gun crowd in just plain infuriating. It's not just that it is bad science, emotional, illogical and just plain ignorant; it's the assumption that they make and propagate about me as a gun-owning person that I take personal offense. It's my character they are impugning. I take exception to the notion that society somehow needs to be protected from me because I might carry a gun. Actually, I am a responsible, mature man, an adult, and I resent like hell being treated as if I am somehow untrustworthy and suspect. It judges me, and millions like me, as weak and without moral vigor. It tells me that my affinity for guns and my desire to carry one is a suspicious problem that requires legislation, registration and control. And it is demeaning. So, to the elitist crowd who would look down their noses at my personhood, who fear my masculinity, who believe that I am somehow part of the problem, and that my character is defective, I say this to you: I will not let you treat me like a child, I will not let you "nanny" me, suspect me, or disrespect me with your paranoid attitudes and your laws. Acquiring my CCW is my firm response to being patted on the head and told to get in line and behave myself. I will not go quietly into the night.
3) The third reason I got my CCW is one that I understood less when I applied for it than I do now; carrying a handgun alters my sense of awareness by creating a heightened sense of vigilance. Caring a gun has caused me to develop a "6th sense" to my surroundings. I remember reading somewhere that carrying a weapon is like taking a child to the mall...it really expands your awareness of your environment and makes you cautious. Using Jeff Cooper's color alert system (white/yellow/orange/red) had become a natural consequence when I carry; I am always in code yellow; I am more observant, I look for someone displaying the signs of a predator, I am a better driver, I am more courteous and I do not daydream my way through the day. From the extensive reading I have done, it seems that many, if not most victims became a statistic because they allowed the predator his advantage due to their lack of observation. I believe that the best way for me to never have to use my gun and to never become a victim, is to not allow myself to get into situations that leave me no option other than the final one. Someone once said that an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure...Carrying a "pound of cure" inside my waistband compels me to a live with an acute awareness of my surroundings so that I am not caught "flat-footed," and have to resort to a more violent solution. Having my CCW and carrying a gun prohibits me from lapsing into the luxury of inattention.
4)Basic to my understanding of human nature is the belief that there is in this world a distinction between right and wrong, good and evil, and that men have the personal option to choose between these two. Therefore, society is comprised of both Mother Theresa's and Adolph Hitler's and all levels in between. It doesn't take much social awareness to know that there are sufficient numbers of those who chose evil as a way of life, and who by nature, prey on the weak and vulnerable. They are predators that will viciously hurt, rape and kill to accomplish their self-centered aims. They have no sense of conscious, any remorse, any pity or mercy, and indeed should be labeled "evil." They may use alcohol or drugs to give them courage or numb their conscience; they may not have a conscience. These opportunistic stalkers don't wear signs that advertise who they are or what is their intent. They can be in your neighborhood, at the mall or in the car driving behind you. The only thing they respect is strength and usually only move when they think they have the unfair advantage. So, my options are only two. I can go through life hoping I am one of the fortunate majority who will never have to confront evil, but live in fear that I might. Or, I can be one of the few who do not trust to luck, and am prepared to be "unlucky." I personally have chosen to hope for the best, but to be prepared for the worst. I am not paranoid, nor am I a Pollyanna; I do take to heart the Boy Scout motto: "Be Prepared." For me, that means having the resource and training sufficient to come out on top. Part of that training is learning how to avoid those situations in the first place. But if I am ever so unlucky as to have to defend myself or my family, I am prepared to do so. And so, because there is evil and because I don't believe in lucky charms, I acquired my CCW.
5) How can I read about the "Good Samaritan" or follow the teachings of Jesus, and not be aware that I have a responsibility to look out for others, to be my brother's keeper. The murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964 is a perfect example of what how far removed we, as a society, are from concepts like nobility and chivalry. Kitty was a 28-year-old woman returning home from work at 3:00 a.m. when she was brutally attacked and eventually murdered with a knife over a 35 minute period, all of which was witnessed by no less than 38 people, none of whom called the police or in any way acted to help Kitty. The man who later confessed to the murder also confessed to murdering two other women, all attributed to his uncontrollable rage. He told police that he chose women because they were easier and don't fight back. The courts declared him "insane." The "bystander effect," which is given responsibility for the inaction of these 38 witnesses, can affect all of us. However, my Christian upbringing has taught me that I am not to be blind to the plight of others and that this world would be a better place if we all looked out for each other. Having a CCW allows me to fulfill the moral imperative that I am mentally and physically prepared to defend those who are at risk. I believe in the calling of the "Warrior's Creed" which says, "Wherever I go, everyone is a little safer; wherever I am; anyone in need has a friend." Having a CCW and the accompanying training causes me to be alert and prepared, to chose to be a "line of defense" should it become necessary, to have consciously determined that, on my shift, the crazies, the social terrorist, and the evil do not get their way. Jesus didn't rebuke Peter for carrying a sword, just for not understanding when it was appropriate to be used. In today's world, Peter might have had a CCW. Therefore, Christian charity compels me to acquire my CCW permit. It's the moral thing to do.
6) Closely following the last reason is one more personal and reflects more my perspective on life. Being armed reminds me every day that we are in a battle; that we are at war. By that I mean that there really is a struggle going on between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and falsehood. My lifestyle is such that it is far too easy for me to pull the shades down and sequester myself in my own little cocoon, leaving the rest of the world to go to hell in a handcart. Given these natural tendencies, I must do something to pull myself out of my comfort zone and become actively engaged. When I wear a gun, I am consciously deciding to do something, to make a difference, to pro-actively engage my world. I wear a gun, therefore I vote, I go to church, I honor my marriage and my family, I give money to worthy causes, I am a good neighbor, I deal honestly in my business; I even write my congressman and voice my opinion or displeasure. When I wear my gun, it reinforces a lifestyle, a philosophy that acknowledges the axiom that says, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Good men arm themselves with a mindset that acknowledges that all is not right, that there is a battle to fight, and that I can, indeed I will, make a difference. Because I choose to be proactive, because I choose to be among "the good," I got my CCW.
7) There is an old saying; "God created all men, but Sam Colt made them equal." There will always be someone younger, stronger, better armed, and more attuned to violence than am I, who are looking for victims of a lesser challenge. My chances of survival are not good against such hard-core criminal-types if I have to depend on my personal strength, quickness and fighting technique. The gun that I carry and the subsequent training I employ, helps to insure that I don't come up short on the "balance of power" equation. I am of little good to my family should we become the target of a predator and I am unable to defend them or myself. And my family looks to me to be that barrier between them and violent men. So, I choose to alter the odds, I choose to wear a gun. In fact, my "trump card" may very well prove to be all that is necessary to convince the criminal element that he has made a poor choice and to go ply his trade elsewhere. With access to a gun, I have a much better chance to stop an attack before it begins, and I am much more likely to survive the attack should I not be able to avoid it. So, in the interest of stacking the deck, I got my CCW.
So, I got my CCW and carry a gun because: 1) It's my patriotic duty, 2) It was the un-politically-correct thing to do; 3) To keep me alert and attentive; 4) I don't trust luck; 5) As an act of Christian charity; 6) As a reflection of my pro-active lifestyle; 7) To stack the deck in my favor.
So now you know why I carry a gun, why will you carry yours?

Clean Water and Gun Safety

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Two questions that I get asked about are
water purification and weapons safety around
kids.

Will UV Water Purification Work In An Urban Survival Situation?

In short, it CAN work. UV purification is very effective
at killing viruses, bacteria, and protozoa and is used by
municipalities, restaurants, and many households to purify
not only water but UV purification is also used in air conditioning
and in food preparation areas.Popularized most recently by Cody Lundin, thesimplist way to accomplish UV purification is toplace a clear bottle/plastic water bladder full ofwater in direct sunlight for a few hours and let the sun do
it's work.

This method DOES kill creepy-crawlies, but only ifthe water is clear and doesn't have a bunch ofparticles in it to block the sun's UV rays.Unfortunately, you have to start with water thatdoesn't have any urban contaminants in it, so thereare very few situations where it will be a long termsolution for surviving in an urban environment.

In particular, it won't take care of herbicides, pesticides,
cloudy water, or volatile organic compounds.

It can be a great solution for purifying water that you've
stored for survival purposes...especially if it has
developed a foul smell or you've forgotten to
chlorinate or rotate it regularly.
I've got an entire lesson on water purification thatI'll be putting out after the beginning of the year. Inthe meantime to read more and comment on this topic,
please go to the forum & register or log in at:
http://urbansurvivalplan.com/membersarea/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=30
Weapon Safety Around Kids:
I recently received the following question from agentleman taking the SurviveInPlace course:"I will have little kids in the house so three weaponsin each room will be a challange especially to keep them out of view. Any suggestions?"This was in response to the suggestion in the first lesson toidentify 3 items in every room of your house that couldbe used as an improvised weapon in the event of a homeinvasion.The trick here is to identify household items that youcould use as weapons...not necessarily to actually place
weapons in every room of your house.As an example, if they're sturdy, table lamps, floor lamps,curtain rods, paper towel dowels, and shower curtain rodsall make great improvised striking weapons that don't needto be hidden from children.Another example is that if you holding a hard-cover book while you strike or slash at an attacker's face, it can be much more effective than simply striking with your hands.Also, if you have a chair that you can pick up and move with,you can use it to create distance between yourself and an attackerand possibly even charge them and temporarily disarm/disorient
them by striking them with the chair.Of course, in the kitchen, you have lots of great improvisedweapons, including knives, forks, and small appliances.The main takeaway is to train your mind to identify itemsthat you could use to defend yourself from an attacker.It might take a little effort at first, but this is one skillthat quickly becomes automatic & your mind will becomeproficient at quickly identifying potential weapons, regardless
of your environment.To see more household items that you can use as improvisedweapons and add your comments, please go to the forum and registeror log )If you're checking emails next week, I'll be letting you knowabout our new Urban Survival Playing Cards.Right now, we have an expected delivery date of December 24th,so we SHOULD be able to do New Years Eve delivery.Stay Prepared!David MorrisSurviveInPlace.com

Learning about guns

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:38:00 +0000

I’ve previously discussed how the relatives of criminals who are shot in self defense often blame the victim, and sometimes go so far as to make (baseless) legal threats against those discussing the self defense shooting. My comments to the relatives of criminals who have been shot by their would-be victims are below:
To the relatives and friends of criminals who have been shot in self defense,
I’m sure that it was painful to find out that your loved one had been shot in self defense while trying to victimize another person. For that, you have my sympathy. Whether your loved one survived the self defense shooting or not, you may be feeling the urge to lash out at the crime victim who defended themselves. You may also feel compelled to try and stifle discussion of the self defense shooting. However, both of those courses of action are unwarranted and unproductive.
Regarding your potential desire to vilify the crime victim who shot your loved one in self defense, please note that the crime victim is just that – the victim. They didn’t choose to be attacked, but instead were forced to fire in order to save themselves from a violent attack. Remember, each of us has the basic right to defend ourselves against violence, and fault for the death or injury of a violent attacker lies with that attacker rather than the victim.
Second guessing the crime victim’s self defense actions, by claiming they used too much force, is also improper. A crime victim who is suddenly attacked by a criminal is caught off guard and has little time to think. They are faced with the prospect of being murdered or permanently injured by the violent act of a criminal. All too often, they also face the very real possibility that a spouse/child/friend will be harmed by that criminal as well. The net result is that crime victims are terrified and have adrenaline rushing through their bodies. They know that they have just a brief time to decide what to do, and that the consequences of failing to stop the criminal are dire. As such, their actions are entitled to a tremendous degree of deference by those who were not there and did not face that terrifying situation – especially since it was the attacker whose criminal actions made self defense necessary at all. In recognition of those facts, more and more states have adopted “castle doctrine” and “stand your ground” laws, which ensure that crime victims who fire in self defense face neither prosecution nor civil liability.
In particular, I would urge you to avoid the temptation to suggest that the crime victim should have intentionally shot to wound. The only way to reliably stop a violent human right away is to disrupt the brain, spine, heart, or certain other vital organs. Even severe bullet wounds to the lung(s) generally won’t stop an attacker right away, as there is enough oxygen in the blood stream that they can keep up their attack for about 30 seconds. This means that shooting only to wound is never appropriate, as a gunshot wound to the leg/arm will not reliably stop the criminal from continuing their attack. Also, under the stress of being attacked, it is much more difficult to aim for a leg or arm than for center body mass. This means that expecting a crime victim to shoot to wound is tantamount to asking them to endanger their own life to save the life of the criminal who is attacking them. Finally, note that any gunshot can be fatal so it is not possible to truly shoot only to wound.
Regarding your potential desire to block discussion of the self defense shooting, I understand that it is not pleasant to realize that newspapers, bloggers, and other individuals are discussing your loved one in an unfavorable light. However, I would urge you to avoid the temptation to make baseless legal threats against news reporters, bloggers, and other who report and discuss the self defense shooting case. Firstly, as a legal matter, the law provides strong protections for free speech. This is a recognition of the important role which the free exchange of ideas plays in our society. The result is that barring an extremely unusual case, you simply won’t have a cause of action – and could potentially face a lawsuit yourself if you try and misuse the court system to silence the discussion.
As far as productive uses of your time are concerned, I would suggest taking the time to learn about self defense and to share that knowledge with others. Chances are, your loved one didn’t think that they would be shot in self defense, otherwise they wouldn’t have attacked their victim. By helping more would-be attackers to understand that violence towards a victim may get them shot in self defense, you may be able to prevent another loved one of yours from making the same mistake.
Note: As stated in my bio, I am an Attorney at Law. However, neither this article nor any other articles on this website constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed through your use of this website. You can see the full disclaimer for more information.

Home owner shot a home invader in self defence

BigBadBikerDude@gmail.com (RailRider) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:50:00 +0000

As reported, a Salem, Indiana homeowner shot a home invader in self defense.
Police say that a robber knocked on the homeowner’s door and asked to use the telephone, while his masked accomplice hid nearby. As the homeowner allowed the robber to come inside, the accomplice entered as well, as part of a home invasion robbery attempt, according to police. The homeowner is said to have grabbed his self defense gun and shot the first robber, at which point the accomplice fled. The dead robber was reportedly identified as 36 year old Ronald L. Chastain, and police are searching for the second robber. The homeowner was unharmed.
This is yet another successful example of armed self defense – which occurs about 2.5 million times each year in the USA. Had this homeowner not been armed, he could have been harmed by the numerically superior home invaders, as happens all too often. Fortunately, this homeowner was armed, and as a result survived unharmed. Society as a whole also benefits, as there is one fewer violent home invader around to victimize innocent people.