Archive for Self-Defense Issues
Stoeger Introduces New Home Defense Shotgun
Posted by: | CommentsThe Shooting Wire is reporting that Stoeger is introducing a new home defense shotgun at the NRA convention today. Read More→
More on the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network
Posted by: | CommentsRegular readers of GunsHolstersAndGear may recall an article about the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. In this week’s podcast, Michael Bane has a brief interview with Marty Hays, the founder of the Network.
If you are not familiar with the organization, the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network “…exists to aid, educate and support lawfully armed citizens who are forced to defend against criminal attack.” Read More→
Intruder Response Training from Strategos International
Posted by: | CommentsVirginia Tech, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Kirkwood City Hall, and Columbine, are just a few names of the churches, schools and workplaces that should be places of refuge, comfort, and learning, but instead are associated with violent acts. Two million Americans face violence in their workplace annually with 1,000 losing their lives. Extremist behavior, hate crimes, and violence associated with big cities are now within the boundaries of small towns and neighborhoods we call home. Over 50% of Active Shooting incidents occur in cities with populations of less than 10,000. In response to the demands of church officials, school administrations, and workplace management, Strategos International, LLC, has developed Intruder Response Training programs specific for each vulnerable environment. Read More→
Bi-Partisan Push for Concealed Carry in Illinois
Posted by: | CommentsIllinois is one of only two states that prohibits all manner of concealed carry of firearms by citizens. But there is legislation moving through the Illinois General Assembly to change that.
House Bills 245 and 462 would allow Illinois residents to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm outside of their home. HB 245 would have the Illinois State Police issue the permits, while HB 462 would place the task with the county sheriff.
Both bills were approved 11-1 in committee and sent to the floor of the General Assembly. Both bills had the support of Democrats and Republicans alike in committee. Rep. Julie Hamos, a Democrat, was the lone voice against self-defense and personal liberty.
Illinois is notorious for its anti-gun laws, but most of that comes from the politically powerful in Chicago. Outside of Chicago, most folks in Illinois are pretty sane. In fact, a lot of people would like to see concealed carry be legalized. Don’t believe me? Steve Chapman wrote a opinion piece for the Chicago Tribune encouraging the state to legalize concealed carry. The Illinois Sheriff’s Association is on-board too.
If you live in Illinois, please contact your representatives in the General Assembly. Let them know that these bills are important to you, and that you will be watching how they vote.
Also, consider joining the Illinois State Rifle Association. The ISRA is your state-wide voice on Second Amendment issues.
Gun Gifts: Christmas Shopping Ideas For The Firearms Enthusiast In Your Life
Posted by: | CommentsTrying to figure out what to buy the gun-guy or -gal in your life for Christmas? Here are a few ideas:
Less Than $20
In the Gravest Extreme
Most ammunition can be purchased for less than $20/box. For a single box, your local dealer is probably the best vendor. For a larger quantity or for harder to find calibers, an online vendor like Natchez Shooters Supply, AmmoMan, or Midway USA is the best bet.
Speaking of ammunition, quality AR-15 magazines can still be had for less than $20. My favorites are the Bownells with the Magpul anti-tilt followers, but I also like the Magpul PMAG polymer magazines. Brownells is shipping as quickly as they come in, so if you order ASAP, they will likely be shipped before Christmas.
Bore brushes, cleaning patches, solvents, and oils are always needed and a good idea as a stocking stuffer.
Less Than $50
A NRA membership is perhaps the most important gun-related gift anyone can give this year. $25 includes a magazine of your choice plus all of the standard benefits such as firearms insurance, life insurance, legislative updates, and much more.
Handgun magazines are a useful gift. (The metal/poymer kind, not the paper mailed to you monthly kind.) With the run on all-things-gun, certain magazines, such as the Glock, have gotten more expensive ($25-30 tyically), but almost all common hangun magazines can be had for $35 or less.
More Than $50
A high intensity flashlight such as the inexpensive SureFire G2 Defender or the ultra-compact SureFire E1E are excellent choices for tactical lighting.
If your someone special owns a J-frame Smith and Wesson revolver, the Crimson Trace LG-405 Overmold Grips
While an AR-15 is certainly more sexy, the ubiquitous .22 rimfire rifle is a fun rifle to shoot plus it is inexpensive to purchase and keep fed with rimfire ammo. Nearly every rifle maker has at least one .22 rimfire in their line. Ruger’s 10-22 is pretty much the gold standard, but I really like the inexpensive, tube fed Marlin 60, which can be had for less than $150 at your local dealer or even WalMart.
Price Is No Object
If price is not a consideration, a trip to Gunsite or Lethal Force Institute is one of the best Christmas gifts you can give. Nothing beats professional training, and these schools are the best at what they do.
The NFL’s Anti-Gun Stance: You Better Not Want to Defend Yourself If You Are a Player
Posted by: | CommentsBy now everyone knows that NFL player Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself and was subsequently arrested for carrying a firearm into a New York City bar. As I don’t have all of the details surrounding the case, I’ll skip commenting about the incident other than (1) always remember and implement the four rules of firearms safety, and (2) all free citizens of the United States should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense.
What I found to be interesting about the whole case is the National Football League’s stance on the lawful ownership of firearms. The NFL does not allow players to possess a firearm on any property used or owned by the NFL or team, even locked up in a personal vehicle. Additionally, the NFL discourages players from exercising their Second Amendment right away from the job.
From the NFL policy manual:
“In some circumstances, such as for sport or protection, you may legally possess a firearm or other weapon. However, we strongly recommend that you not do so.”
So, the NFL strongly opposes your right to own, possess, and use a firearm for self-defense and every other legally acceptable reason. Curious.
Something to consider… NFL players are high profile sports celebrities. They make a lot of money and seen every week on television. It would seem to me that NFL players stand a better chance to be the victim of a home invasion or of stalking than the average citizen. We’ve seen celebrities killed by a crazy fan and in common robberies. Yet, the NFL strongly suggests players not own a firearm.
As a side note, I wonder how Florida’s new self-defense law that allows gun owners to keep their firearm locked in their vehicle while at work will apply to thise NFL rule.
