Recent Blog Posts

HK USP 40S&W– the Most Boring Handgun in the World

HK USP 40S&W

I starting out shooting International Defensive Pistol Association competitions some 13 years ago with a highly customized Colt 1911 .45 that was a hoot to shoot.  That big .45 semi-wadcutter slug left perfect .452 inch holes in targets that you could see from 20 yards away.  It was soft shooting and had a crisp trigger.  Of course I dropped some $600 in upgrades to that basic model Colt, with all new trigger parts, sights, grips, barrel, and a crisp gunsmith trigger job from our friend Ray Saltzman.  The best thing about that Colt was I got to learn as I shot.  I got to learn about Read More »

Trip to the Gun Show is like Disneyland from Grownups

Disneyland castle

If you’ve never been to a gun show you are in for a treat!  Be prepared for a plethora of sights, sounds and smells.  At a large show you will likely hear a symphony of duck, turkey and deer calls.  The smells include cleaners, jerky, the intoxicating scent of gun oil on a shiny new firearm…and the people!  Young, old, in-between, camo, khaki, jeans, and often a few interesting alternative forms of dress.  Antique firearms and swords, exotic wood rifle stocks, amazing selections of pistols, shotguns, rifles…modern, old west style…holsters, sights, leather, magazines, ammo, safes, Read More »

Run, Jog, Walk or Bike continued – what if I don’t have the option to carry a firearm?

fitness beautiful slim brunette sport woman jogging and running

Not all states allow concealed carry, and not everyone who lives in a state that does, has a permit.  So, how can you get your exercise and still protect yourself?  Following are some simple tips and ideas.  First, and perhaps most important, maintain your situational awareness.  If you need music, only use one ear bud, do not block out the world around you.  Pay attention to your safety circle, that 21 foot, 360 degree area around you.  Consider the buddy system, traveling in pairs.  Gives you someone to talk to and makes you less of a target. If a car stops to ask you a question, Read More »

Schools and Guns

School Building

It was in my last blog, which was a while ago – so I apology for not getting this out at little earlier, that I talked about how our schools are “dumbing down” our children. I shared information about colleges changing their thoughts on education.  However, just after my last blog, I ran across a college publication with an article titled, Right to Bear Arms: Students for Concealed Carry.  After reading the article I had two thoughts. First Thought:  This is just too Cool! Well, I thought to myself, this is really incredible and just plain cool!  I know “cool” is an old Read More »

Gun Whisperer – You Have Questions, We Have Answers

SHOOT Book

Dear Gun Whisper, I’m interested in trying competition shooting but don’t know how where to find information.  What can I do? Signed, wanting to show off Dear Show Off, Competition can be a lot of fun, and gives you a chance to see how you stand next to your peers.  There are multiple types of competition, USPSA, IPSC, Cowboy Action… You can look on the web for a club hosting a competition near you.  One reference that explains competitions and may help you to choose a style is the book by International Shooting Champion Julie Golob SHOOT.  You can find it on Amazon and Read More »

Handguns and High Heels

revolver 321

As a woman who shoots, it is amazing to me how often I hear “you don’t look like the type”.  Those of us who shoot came to it for our own reasons, some from fear, some for fun.  We come from all different backgrounds, professions and age groups.  We are young, old, short, tall, skinny, full figured, …  What we share is a love of the sport and often a strong sense that we are valuable and empowered.  We are smart, we are strong, and we enjoy having fun.  Many of us are professional women, educated, productive, and caring.  We are sisters, wives, moms... I have heard it so Read More »

Who’s in Your Safety Circle?

Road Cone with reflective bands

What is a safety circle? That is your personal perimeter, your “on guard” zone, no one should enter your safety circle without your awareness. The diameter of your circle may vary depending on your location, but a general rule of thumb is 21 feet, which is the distance an average person can close on you in about 2 seconds. For those of us who are challenged estimated feet, it is about two car lengths in any direction. You safety circle is especially important in public places like parking lots where so many bad things; robberies, car jacking, etc., can happen. Most people will pass Read More »