Dear GW, I am looking to take my shooting to the next level. I want to get out and take some serious combat style class. What should I look for? Gun-ho Dear Gun-Ho, There are actually a lot of instructors who will take your money and give you the benefit of their combat experience, be it on a battle field or on a computer screen. If you want the real deal, you need to ask. There are some awesome instructors out there, and I had the honor of meeting one recently. He is the real deal, former Marine, former LEO, smart and funny! I’ve also met some who teach “tactical Read More »
Recent Blog Posts
Gun Whisperer – You Have Questions, We Have Answers
June 13, 2013 In 2nd Amendment Rights, Firearms Possession, Gun Shooting, Gun Whisperer Leave a Comment
Civil Disobedience – A follow Up You may have read my recent post about Adam Kokesh’s plan to do an armed march on Washington DC on July 4th as a protest. Recent reports indicate that he has called it off. No reasons given, but gee…could it possibly be that the risk of jail, serious injury or loss of the right to own a firearm ever could have been a part of that? As with everything in life, there are choices, and we weigh the risks against the benefits. In this case, the risks to public safety were high. Somehow, I don’t think that is why this event was called off, but Read More »
The Constitutional Paladin – In defense of the past, for the future
June 4, 2013 In 2nd Amendment Rights, Featured, Firearms Possession, Jonathan W Wallace II, Lethal Force, NRA Certified Trainer 1 Comment
As I contemplate the challenges facing Americans today and as I listen daily to interpretations thereof, both on the streets and in the media, I am continually stunned to realize how the foundations of this Nation are in jeopardy of nearing complete destruction. How have we come so far and not retained the wisdom to “hasten and retrace our steps, and to regain the road which alone leads us to peace, liberty and safety”? -Thomas Jefferson The American spirit was conceived in defiance of the chains of oppression; born out of tyranny and anguish; a spirit of free, unyielding, faithful, Read More »
Gun Whisperer – You Have Questions, We Have Answers
May 30, 2013 In Firearms Possession, Gun Safe, Gun Safety, Gun Shooting, Gun Whisperer, Training Leave a Comment
Hey GW I’ve never shot before and I’m looking to buy a pistol for self defense, what should I get? Signed, Newbie Dear Newbie, First, I would suggest training, with a qualified instructor. Firearms are not like Point and Shoot cameras, and one size doesn’t fit all. Check your local ranges for recommendations on instructors, they are a pretty good source. An instructor will often have one or two guns you can try, and many ranges rent firearms. The idea is to get a feel for what fits your hand the best. For personal defense, especially if you are going to carry Read More »
1911′s Love ‘em or Hate ‘em
May 28, 2013 In Deadly Force, Firearms Possession, Gun Safety, Gun Shooting, Lynne Finch-Charlesworth, NRA Certified Trainer Leave a Comment
What am I referring to? 1911 pistols. The 1911 was designed by Jim Browning in…you guessed it, 1911. While there are multiple manufacturers and variations available now, they all have the distinctive shape and “tang”, as well as being a Single Action Semi-Automatic. Often carried “Cocked and Locked”, meaning you have to rack the slide to chamber the first round, then set the safety to on to carry it. You can’t decock the hammer to carry or it won’t fire. I’ve had the opportunity to shoot a few, and I’ve seen 1911s ranging from very basic to shiny chrome with Read More »
Single Gender Shooting Classes
May 23, 2013 In Carry Permits, Gun Safety, Gun Shooting, Lynne Finch-Charlesworth, NRA Certified Trainer, Training Leave a Comment
There was a time not so long ago that I thought, this is silly. That was before I taught one. I had always done mixed gender classes, and frankly was lucky enough to teach with some highly evolved guys. However, for new women shooters, there is an ease that you get in a women only class that you don’t get in a mixed gender class. It is more comfortable to ask the questions that might be embarrassing, like how to use a public restroom when you are armed or how the bra holster works. Since more and more women are coming to shooting, and many are coming because of a fear, either Read More »
“Civil Disobedience” to meet Local Law Enforcement
May 21, 2013 In 2nd Amendment Rights, Deadly Force, Firearms Possession, Gun Shooting Leave a Comment
July 4, 2013 Adam Kokesh, an Iraq war veteran and self-proclaimed activist, is organizing an armed march on Washington DC. He is calling for supporters to carry loaded rifles “slung over their backs” as they cross the Potomac River into DC. On a FaceBook page for the event, he candidly admits that there is a risk of arrest, and while he discourages resistance, he has acknowledged the risks, encouraging participants to submit to arrest peacefully. Mr Kokesh acknowledges this is not a permitted event, which gives authorities one more basis for arresting participants. Frankly, living Read More »
HK USP 40S&W– the Most Boring Handgun in the World
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
May 9, 2013 In 2nd Amendment Rights, Firearms Possession, Gun Shooting, Lynne Finch-Charlesworth Leave a Comment
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?
May 7, 2013 In Carry Permits, Firearms Possession, Lynne Finch-Charlesworth, Training Leave a Comment
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 »
