Terrorism and Concealed Carry...

Terrorism and Concealed Carry: Some Thoughts

March 24, 2016 | by Michael Jenkins

I woke up yesterday morning to the news: Terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium have left dozens dead and scores more injured. I’ve watched the story evolve since it happened; it seems that the Islamic State/Daesh has taken credit. These are the latest in a string of suicide bombings, mass shootings, and other forms of ideologically motivated violence across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. At home in the US, the San Bernardino attackers were inspired by IS, with a similar attack thwarted in Milwaukee by other sympathizers.

The goal of terrorism, in part, is to create a feeling of helplessness and vulnerability. If an attack can happen anywhere, anytime–the Metro station bombed in Brussels was blocks away from the European Commission’s headquarters–then none of us are truly safe. That’s the theory, anyway.

And it’s nonsense. Don’t get me wrong: the danger is there, and it’s real. These jerks strike without warning, often using methods that are difficult to counter–one cannot reason with a suicide bomber. However, there are steps we can take to keep ourselves safe and be proactive in dealing with these lunatics.

By the numbers:

Practice situational awareness, everywhere, all the time.

Educate yourself on what to look for: the signs of a concealed weapon, a hidden explosive device, or other indicators that something might be about to go down.

Keep your CCW on you and ready to go.

Hone your shooting skills every chance you get, and drill the tactics you’ll need to survive and armed encounter. I hold that the CCW community can be an effective deterrent to many attacks, especially mass shootings. Let’s make sure we’ve got what it takes.

In the wake of an attack, immediate care for the wounded is vital.

Learn first aid, and go a step beyond by learning the basics of trauma care. After the bombings in Boston, a lot of lives were saved by the quick intervention of folks with the right training and gear. Be ready to be that kind of hero.

Learn when to shelter in place, when to bug out, and make sure you’re prepared for both contingencies.

In Belgium as I write this, an entire nation has been told to stay home. Most public institutions are closed, and I have to imagine that transportation is a nightmare. A resident of Brussels who I interviewed online described the situation as “chaotic” nationwide . At times like this, help might take a long time to get to you. It might not show up at all. You’ll need to be able to care for you and yours.

Your mind is your greatest weapon, so use it.

The causes of this conflict are complex, with roots in the First World War. There are a lot of players involved, and their motivations are complicated. It’s a bit of work, but it gives you an edge.

We the people are powerful, and we have what it takes to stand up to this nonsense.

We can’t give in to fear or paranoia. We can’t turn on each other when we need to be united against our foes. And we can’t give up.

As a final thought, I encourage you to remember that while these events are sickening to us, they’re a fact of day to day life in many places around the world. Spare a thought for all afflicted, and please stay safe out there.

http://www.usacarry.com/terrorism-concealed-carry-thoughts/

How often should you change your CCW ammo?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR CONCEALED CARRY AMMO?

Modern smokeless ammunition is made to survive a great deal of stress and torture before failing.  Let’s start off by defining what failure means for a concealed carry bullet in either a magazine or the chamber.

Failure is limited in this conversation to:

• failure to feed
• failure to eject
• failure to fire
• premature ignition

Failing to feed can sometimes be more the mechanics of the pistol itself rather than the bullet but it nonetheless causes a bit of stress for the concealed carrier.  Failure to eject can sometimes be traced back to the ammunition used because surplus or substandard ammunition casings may get caught in the chamber either prior to firing or afterwards.  This is known as a “jam” and it’s usually easy to correct.

A failure to fire isn’t nearly as dangerous as a premature ignition.  A premature ignition is when the primer of the bullet casing is accidentally set off by the upper receiver during the loading process.  A premature ignition and failure to fire are two of the major reasons why we recommend cycling out your duty concealed carry ammunition.

What Are The Symptoms Of Over-used Bullets?

Seems silly, right?  Is there such a thing as an overused bullet?  Strangely enough, let’s put this in context of your everyday concealed carry pistol.  If you carry with one round in the chamber and a full magazine loaded, you’re probably also carrying defensive JHP or similar — not FMJ stock surplus.  That means when you go to the range, you’re probably ejecting out that defensive round and putting an FMJ in when you go to practice.  You’re also cycling through FMJ vice your normal defensive rounds because – heck – those things are expensive.

So already, that round that you always throw into your chamber as the X+1 capacity is taking a regular beating from that upper receiver.  Depending upon how you load that round, how much tension is in that recoil spring, and how heavy the upper receiver is — that bullet casing is taking progressively more and more wear and tear.  The backplate of the bullet casing also protects the primer.  A primer is a real easy, innocent thing.  Something sharp hits it – it detonates.  So the more worn down that backplate of the bullet casing gets, the more exposed that primer is.

Will this affect you if you leave the same round in the chamber throughout a 3-4 month cycle?  Probably not.  Heck, there’s probably been people who’ve had the same round in their concealed carry pistol for a lot longer with no ill effect.  In general, the only real recommendation we can make is try to cycle out that round every month.  So if one jacketed hollow point seems to get loaded every single day — switch it out with another JHP from the same magazine.

How Often To Switch Out Magazine Ammunition?

We’ve been asked how often should someone cycle out the ammunition in his concealed carry pistol magazines.  The short answer is – arguably never.  Unless that ammunition is exposed to abnormal conditions, it should be fine.  It’s recommended that during your monthly operator maintenance of your pistols, you fully unload any loaded magazines and test spring retention on the magazine itself.  This will also give you an opportunity to inspect the rounds to ensure they’re fit for service.

Following on from a previous point, this is also a great time to switch out your primary chamber round with another from the same magazine.

http://www.usacarry.com/how-often-change-concealed-carry-ammo/

CCW Skill Set...!!!

Skill Set: What Worries Me Most : The Tactical Wire

People often ask me what worries me most about the firearms "situation." I know they are referring to our 2nd Amendment rights and the ability to purchase/own certain type weapons, limits on magazine capacity and these type issues.

"My main concern," I reply, "is that the vast majority of people who own firearms never learn how to use them safely and properly." Usually their response is a sort of blank look on their face, or as they say, "Mind blown." (For full effect you have to use your hands and fingers to simulate the brain exploding out of the skull.)

The skills necessary to operate a firearm are not something we're born with. There's very little that is "natural" about using firearms. In fact, a lot of our natural instincts are counterproductive if not downright detrimental to performing safely and efficiently with a firearm. Rule III, "Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target" - Morrison, The Modern Technique of the Pistol, page 7 - is a prime example of how our "natural" instincts are dangerous. Give a firearm to anyone who hasn't been taught basic safety. The very first thing they do is put their finger on the trigger. They haven't been taught otherwise, and this is where it feels "natural" for the finger to be when gripping the weapon. Add a little stress to the situation and even people who know better have that finger on the trigger when it shouldn't be.

Rule II: Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. This makes common sense, but you see people breaking it all the time. Our body tends to follow the head. When someone is holding a firearm and they look in one direction - like at you - watch out. An untrained person, and even those that know better, will cover you with the weapon.

Weapon manipulations are another skill that doesn't come natural. To unload a semi-auto pistol you need to remove the magazine, cycle the slide – three times is best – and finish by visually inspecting the camber to ensure it's clear. Of course during all this the muzzle must be pointing in a safe direction and finger off the trigger. It's not unusual for someone cycle the slide, see a round ejected, then remove the magazine without realizing there is still a round in the chamber.

Safety Rule I: All guns are always loaded. This is one that even trained shooters get wrong, all the time. I recently taught a short session for a group of law-enforcement instructors. These people know the safety rules, yet while getting ready for carbine training their muzzles were pointing every direction except a "safe" direction. Their carbines, and minds, were "unloaded."

The majority of guns owners, especially those that are newer to the sport, get too caught up in buying stuff instead of learning how to use it. The older and more experienced gunmen I know don't have that many different firearms, but you can be double sure they know how to use the ones they have in a safe and exceptional manner.

Keep in mind training is only part of the process. Afterwards it's on you to practice the skills you were introduced to in training until through repetition you actually learn them.

Should we be concerned and involved with the political and cultural issues concerning firearms ownership? Yes! Just keep in mind this is involvement on a macro level, the big picture. At the micro level we have to be just as concerned with the ability as an individual to handle firearms properly. This applies regardless of the application, but particularly when it comes to defensive use of firearms.

I know that I'm preaching to the choir here. So, I'm asking you to print this out on paper and personally hand it to your friends or family who own firearms. It doesn't matter whether they are hunters, plinkers or have a weapon for self-defense. Have them read it, and then help get them get started in the right direction. The more firearms owners who have training, and practice, the less we all have to worry.

http://www.thetacticalwire.com/features/230237

Illinois Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) License Class

$250 - Illinois Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW/CCL) License Training Class

VETERANS / MILITARY QUALIFY FOR THE 1-DAY (8 HOUR) CLASS - $100

Get your Illinois Conceal Carry License... Plus get 3 other CCW's licenses FREE! (Utah CCW, Arizona CCW & Florida CCW) - together safely and legally conceal carry a handgun in over 37 States...!!!

Price: $250 (NO other class fees), 

price includes;

1. Range fees ($25)

2. Illinois Livescan digital fingerprints ($70)

3. Utah & Arizona ink fingerprints ($25)

4. Passport photos ($15)

5. CCW application paperwork 

6. Assistance with CCW application paperwork 

Class Date: May 21-22nd (16 hours)

Location: VFW- Villa Park, Illinois 

331-642-8110 / www.IllinoisCC.com

Secrets of Concealed Carry...

Secrets of Concealed Carry That Everyone Misses

March 17, 2016 | by Luke McCoy

Nobody’s perfect.  Conceal carry is a lifelong endeavor.  It takes patience and dedication.  In this article, we’ll discuss several secrets to concealed carry that even the experts sometimes mess up.  If any apply, take heed.  If you got all of your bases covered — you’re in good shape!  Carry on!

Recognizing Cover Versus Concealment

Concealment means the other person shouldn’t be able to see you.  Cover means that what you’re hiding behind can actually block incoming projectiles.  A curtain can be concealment but it cannot be cover.  Hiding behind a couch can be both cover and concealment.  Both only work if the other person does not see you.

Immediately Moving To Cover

Too many training exercises emphasize advancing on a hostile target.  IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) actually urges its participants to practice moving to cover.  A big mistake in a head-to-head gunfight is assuming the other person is going to flinch first.  Your job is to minimize your target profile (the area of your exposed body open to gunfire) first, neutralize target second.  Why is this?  Because concealed carry fights largely fall under the scope of “defensive operations”.  In offensive operations, you advance upon your target, moving from cover to cover, coordinating with other allied offensive participants.  The goal: close with and destroy the enemy.  That’s offensive operations.  In defensive operations, you should be more geared to moving out and away from trouble — not necessarily moving towards it.

Pack A Spare Magazine

One is fun but two is *whew*.  When we train, we usually train to change magazines between shot groupings.  However, in the real world, a lot of concealed carriers make the mistake of trusting their lives to just one magazine.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a sub-compact with only 6 rounds or a beast with 12-17 rounds, a spare magazine can make all the difference in the world.  The best part is it’s easy to incorporate an additional magazine into our Everyday Carry rig.  Even if it’s just a back pocket, a jacket pocket, or a magazine carrier, bring that second magazine along for the ride.  If you ever find yourself needing it, you’ll be eternally thankful you did.

Aim For Center Mass

“I don’t want to kill the person, just neutralize them.”  That’s a nice sentiment to have but in an actual life and death scenario, you want to aim for center mass.  Why?  It’s usually the biggest visible target.  That means if you’re off an inch or three to the left or right, you’re probably still on target.  Aiming for extremities like the head, neck, arms or legs only complicate issues way past the event itself.  And if you’re cautious about taking a human life — that’s not a bad thing.  But please do regard your own life as at least equally important if not more so.  Aim center mass and aim to put the threat away.

Firearm Safety Always Applies

The basics of firearm safety — treat every weapon as if it is loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire, know what’s in front of and behind your intended target, and never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to destroy.  These basic rules apply in virtually every situation you’ll encounter.  If you’re not sure what’s in front of or behind your target, don’t shoot.  If you don’t know where your enemy is, keep your finger off the trigger.

http://www.usacarry.com/secrets-concealed-carry/

$100 - Utah, Arizona & Florida CCW License Class - for Illinois residents

$100 -  Utah, Florida & Arizona CCW License Class - for Illinois residents

Get three (3) non-resident Utah, Florida & Arizona CCW permits / licenses - together legally and safely conceal carry handgun(s) in over 34 States. 

Location: VFW Villa Park,  Illinois 

Date: April 2nd (9AM - 1PM)

Cost: $100.00 

331-642-8110 / www.IllinoisCC.com

Reasonable restrictions???

“Reasonable” Restrictions | Cornered Cat

Recently received an email from someone who is in favor of “reasonable” restrictions on the right to buy, own, and carry firearms. The person wanted to know if I would support these restrictions, too, or if I would be as “dogmatic and inflexible” as others in the pro-rights movement have been. Here’s how I answered.

***

I’m afraid you would find me on the “dogmatic and inflexible” side of the aisle. Why? Because I believe self defense is a human right — the most basic of all human rights, in fact. This means I am not in favor of any government program that has a chilling effect on an ordinary person’s ability to exercise the basic human right to effective self defense.

Like you, I want safer families and safer communities. Like you, I think it is appalling when bad people use firearms to do bad things. And like you, I want to see lower rates of violent crime and higher rates of good people staying safe. That is why I am a strong supporter of liberal laws in the area of concealed carry, and it’s why I am in favor of laws that improve the ability of ordinary people to protect themselves wherever they go. It’s also why I support the freedom to purchase and own firearms without a lot of bureaucratic tangles. Because I want good people to be safer, I support laws that make it easy for good people to protect themselves from violent crime.

To get an idea how the two factors in the above paragraph might be connected, I suggest visiting two types of sources to do your own research. (Don’t just take my word for it; I might be mistaken or untruthfully biased).

The first type of information you might seek out would be how concealed-carry laws have changed over the past two or three decades. There’s a wonderful visual about that at http://www.gun-nuttery.com/rtc.php, where a little poking around the site will reveal the creator’s data sources so you can judge their quality for yourself. Of course you can find the dry numbers from other places as well, including government sources. You might also look for information that would tell you the number and percentage of gun-owning families in America over the past several decades, and whether there are more guns, more widely available, than there were before. Again, you can get this type of information from pro-gun sources, from anti-gun sources, or from mostly-neutral sources. Although interpretations will differ based on the type of source you use, the hard numbers in all cases will show that there are a lot of guns in circulation and that there has been a huge increase in firearms purchases over the past few years.

The second type of information you might look for would be a record of what violent crime has been doing over the same years. You can find those numbers on the FBI or DOJ websites, including the Uniform Crime Reports (UCRs) from the FBI. As you will discover, violent crime rates have gone down sharply at the same time concealed-carry laws have become more liberal.

Taken together, these two factors — the rise in the number of gun owners with carry permits, and the drop in violent crime — mean that more people carrying firearms in more places has been closely correlated with lower crime and fewer deaths. A short spike in high-profile, negative events does notchange this reality.

Like you, I want to see safer communities. Thus, I am not a fan of strict licensing laws or more restrictions on how one may purchase firearms or where one may carry them. This is notbecause I want guns in the hands of criminals. I don’t. Instead, it is because I do not want bureaucratic bottlenecks through which basic human rights must squeeze.

Do you know that the wait for permission simply to own a firearm takes over one and a half years in some counties in New York state? Do you know that some of the recent proposals to encourage “responsible gun ownership” will cost each gun owner thousands of dollars every year? It is easy to say, “Well, yes, but we should regulate xor control y, without creating bad results like that.” But the reality on the ground says otherwise. All too often, restrictions on gun purchases simply mean that people of the right color and socio-economic class may buy guns, while people outside those categories may not. It happens often that people with good political connections (such as celebrities) may get them, while people without connections have a harder time.

In some areas, ordinary people of the wrong color, people who live in the wrong neighborhood and have the wrong kind of job — well, thosefolks are out of luck, and cannot legally own effective tools they might use to protect themselves and their families. They are priced out of the concealed carry market by abuses of “may issue” laws, or by the cost and difficulty of meeting the law’s training requirements, or by high bureaucratic fees. A fee that seems reasonable to a middle-class individual often falls far outside the reach of someone below the poverty line. A training requirement that can be easily met by someone with a high-status, 9 to 5 weekday job might be utterly impossible for a single parent working erratic hours at a low-status job. To put it bluntly, I oppose “reasonable” restrictions in this area because every law that increases the regulatory burden on good people, also creates unavoidable racist and classist effects in actual use.

The unfortunate reality is that there is no way to guarantee complete safety in a free society. Crimes will continue to happen, no matter what we do. Violent crime will happen, and sometimes good people will die as a result of that. That stinks. But here’s the kicker: making our society less free is one way to feel safer while reducing our actual safety. When we create laws that make it harder for good people to protect themselves from violent crime, more good people will die as a result of violent crime.

“Reasonable” restrictions on basic human rights often have the effect of making our families and our communities less safe. That is why I oppose all such restrictions.

http://www.corneredcat.com/reasonable-restrictions/