Official Publication of: April 2006 Issue april 7th, 2006 COVER STORY COVER STORY ONE - D. Keith Lamb - Guest Editor WHEN IT TURNS UGLY 11 COVER STORY TWO - DeWayne Burhenn - Guest Editor Real life encounter 13 FEATURES CCM “Profile” - Robert Fowler Timothy J. Schmidt / Maria M. Harris 04 CCM “Profile” - Sherry Dickson Timothy J. Schmidt / Maria M. Harris 06 Gear Review - Charles Ellis - Contributing Editor folding knife review 26 Event Review - George Hill - Contributing Editor 26 SHOT SHOW 2006 42 COLUMNS 16 “Grassroots: In the Spotlight” Written by: Helen Jaquess THE CONCEALMENT SHOP 15 “Cocked & Locked” Column by: Robert H. Boatman THE DEADLY CHARM OF THE LITTLEST REVOLVER 16 “The Ordinary Guy” Column by: Mark A. Walters ARE THERE ANY WEAPONS IN THE VEHICLE? 23 “Street Tactics: Reality-Based Gun & Knife Fighting” Column by: Gabriel Suarez SHOTGUN GUNFIGHTING CONCEPTS 24 “Bob Childers: On The Front Lines” Column by: Robert Childers KIDS AND GUNS 29 “Armed Senior Citizen” Column by: Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D HOLD ON TO YOUR GUN! WEAPON RETENTION MEANS SURVIVAL 38 34 DEPARTMENTS Publisher’s Comments 02 42 Letters to the Editor 03 CCM True Stories Compiled by Sten Jackson 10 Gun Review - George Hill - Contributing Editor THE WILSON COMBAT SDS 20 A Woman’s Perspective - Kathy Jackson - Contributing Editor straight talk about curves 30 Gear Review - Kevin Michalowski - Contributing Editor Off-body carry—hidden in plain sight 34
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine CONCEALED CARRY MAGAZINE Publisher & Editor Tim’s Thoughts Timothy J. Schmidt Managing Editor Maria M. Harris This Warms My Heart... Art Director One of our readers sent me a picture Submitted by: Craig Charest - Salem, NH Tonnie M. Lund Pictured: Sarah of his daughter reading his copy of Circulation Manager Concealed Carry Magazine. I have to Charlotte Hohner tell you, this picture really made me feel Copy Editor great. I have three young children of my Kathleen Ellis own and it makes me feel fantastic to Technical Editors know that there are other people out Sten Jackson there who are teaching their kids about Fred W. Black firearms and freedom! Hank J. O’Meara To the gentleman who sent me this Column Editors picture, “Thanks for making my day!” Robert H. Boatman Robert Childers Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D Be safe and God Bless, Gabriel Suarez Mark A. Walters Contributing Editors Charles Ellis Tim Schmidt George Hill Publisher/Editor Kathy Jackson Kevin Michalowski Guest Editors DeWayne Burhenn Sherry Dickson April 2006 Cover Photograph Robert Fowler Helen Jaquess The cover photo is of my wife, Helga and I (Robert D. Keith Lamb Fowler - CCM Profile) taken outside our Gatesville, Advertising Sales TX home by our oldest son Felix. I’m carrying a Bob Cole Ruger P-90, .45 caliber, which was my first concealed 360-665-0542 carry weapon. It fits nicely in the Triple K shoulder e-mail: [email protected] rig that I dressed up a little to show our Texas pride. Signed articles in Concealed Carry Magazine My wife has her hand on her handy little Beretta reflect the views of the author, and are not necess- Tomcat, .32 caliber, which she likes to carry in a arily the views of the editors at Delta Media, LLC. little belt-clip holster from Uncle Mike’s. The claims and opinions in the paid advertisements published in this magazine are not necessarily the claims and opinions of Delta Media, LLC. Delta Media, LLC takes no responsibility for these views, claims or opinions. Concealed Carry Magazine and United States Concealed Carry Association are registered trademarks of Delta Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Published for the USCCA by:
Dear Editor, the correct language, as Karpa suggests. I 4466 County Road P - Suite 204 You profiled me last summer in totally agree. Concealed Carry magazine and I wanted I also wanted to alert you to progress Jackson, WI 53037 to let you know how much I continue to love that is being made on the liberal/left (877) 677-1919 Customer Service the magazine! I subscribe to several gun regarding the Second Amendment. Check (262) 677-8877 USCCA magazines, and yours is the most relevant out www.progunprogressive.com and www. and thought-provoking for everyone who liberalswithguns.com. Progunprogressive is a Volume 3 - April 2006 Issue has made the choice to carry a concealed new blog with a forum. I’ve been really pleased Concealed Carry Magazine - April 2006 Issue; handgun. I especially enjoyed Boris Karpa’s with the input we’ve received. Liberalswithguns April 7th, 2006 (USPS: 022-302, ISSN: 1550- article, Language of the Enemy, from is my own personal soapbox. 7866) is published 8 times per year for the October 2005 issue. The majority of Progressives are finally starting to come $35.00 per year by Delta Media, LLC, 4466 CCM’s writers are conservative. This is to be around on this issue! I hope you can find County Road P - STE 204, Jackson, WI 53037- expected. However, it was refreshing to see 9272. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, WI other writers for CCM who can provide views a writer understand that anti-gun liberals and additional mailing offices. similar to Karpa’s. Thanks so much!! Keep are not “crazy” or “immoral,” but simply fighting the good fight! POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: misguided. Most liberals can be persuaded Matthew Richard Concealed Carry Magazine, 4466 County to see the error of their position by adopting Auburn, WA Road P - STE 204, Jackson, WI 53037-9272.
Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 Dear Editor, storing firearms in a locked motor vehicle issues and further enlightenment in advanced I couldn’t agree more with Phil Elmore’s on any property set aside for parking any concepts as well as refreshing reminders of article, Losing the Language, when he motor vehicle. And to alleviate any worries the basics. says, “When you see our language being by employers or property owners concerning Jim Nichols lost, fight it.” This sentiment is something I being liable for any crimes committed by Spokane, WA have incorporated into my training classes anyone bringing firearms onto their property for years. I call it the political activism and having them locked in their vehicles, the Dear Editor, section. I encourage my students to, at same law also states that no property owner, I wanted to express my frustration in your the very least, write letters to newspapers business entity, etc. will be held liable for magazine. Here’s the problem, every time I when they see incorrect and inflammatory occurrences which result from the storing of get the magazine in the mail, I start reading information about guns and gun owners. firearms in a locked motor vehicle on any it and I can’t put it down. After two days I am Can you imagine the impact if only half of property set aside for any motor vehicle. It finished with it, and now I have to sit and wait the gun owners in the state were to do this? also states that any individual may bring a until the next one comes along. Thanks for Newspaper editors would be overwhelmed. civil action to enforce this law. doing a great job on sticking to the topics Unfortunately, all too often, this is not the It would be nice if we could convince that are important for those of us that carry case. We must keep a constant eye on what others to be reasonable and allow us to keep concealed. I only wish that we could receive is written and what is said against us, and I firearms locked in our vehicles, but sometimes 12 issues a year (and yes, I would pay more). feel it is our duty to politely correct them each we must resort to laws of this type. The NRA Great job to the USCCA crew! I’m waiting and every time. held a big rally in southeastern Oklahoma anxiously in Las Vegas for my next issue. Joe DeSua last summer, calling this a model law and Troy Jones Apple Valley, MN they hoped to convince the other 49 states Las Vegas, NV to pass similar laws. I hope we are successful Dear Editor, in this. Dear Editor, I just went to your site for the 1st time Anonymous I think it was a great idea to send the and I’m truly thrilled that you’ve put all this Oklahoma magazine in an envelope. My copy arrived in together—the site, the magazine, the e-mail excellent condition, a lot better than before; newsletter, all of it. Dear Editor, it looks great! I’ve had a carry permit for about 6 years I just learned about the USCCA last I also want to congratulate you on your now. I live in Montana. Like you, there’s very night, while reading the February, 2006 issue magazine. I enjoy reading every issue. Keep little crime where I live. However, several years of the Rifleman. Your association sounds like up the outstanding work. ago, I moved to Missoula for 15 months. After just what we need. I joined for 3 years and Ivan Rodriguez residing there only two and one half weeks, also ordered the CD with the back issues Woodbridge, VA two very large (over 6 ft.) 22-year-old college of the magazine. I am looking forward to my students tried to break into my home. Had membership. Dear Editor, I not had a gun for self-defense, I wouldn’t I sent an e-mail with a link to your Thank you for putting all back issues on be alive today. This incident caused me to website to all like-minded people in my a CD. I find your magazine very informative, get a gun instructor, join the local gun club, address book. There are many of them. Most entertaining and comforting (comforting practice often, and get the carry permit. of my family have concealed carry permits, because it’s great to know that there are many Sadly, my mom is 84 and needs me including my wife, my son, my daughter-in- people out there who want to know how to soon. She lives in California, where it’s almost law, my brother, my sister-in-law and some carry responsibly, safely and effectively). impossible to get a carry permit, but where a of my friends. I grew up in the woods and Until I discovered the USCCA, I relied person really needs one! Even a high school have hunted all my life. I shot competitively exclusively on www.packing.org for CCW friend who’s now an attorney has been turned for 15 years, in college and the military, and info, an exceptional site for up-to-date, state down for a carry permit there. Not having held NRA Certified Marksmanship Instructor specific legal information and chat forums a carry permit is weighing heavily on me, ratings in rifle, pistol and shotgun. that I check frequently. Since I joined USCCA concerning moving back to California. My brother has been in the gun business last year, I also have access to in-depth Again, thank you so much for putting for years and used a sidearm to save his life articles about CCW philosophy, the art and your organization together. This is something when an intruder snuck up behind him in one responsibilities of concealed carry, education I want to be a part of. of his stores and stabbed him several times and training and real life practices and Kay with an Air Force survival knife. He was finally experiences of ordinary people who carry. able to kick free enough to pull his weapon I live in the very anti-gun state of Illinois Dear Editor, and properly dispatch him to Hell. where firearm owners are regarded as Dr. Balestrieri’s letter in the January, Thank you for what you have done and potential criminals—one of the few states 2006 issue brought up a problem he faces are continuing to do to advance the cause of to require firearm owner ID cards issued in Virginia that hopefully has been stopped safety for the people. I hope “our” association by the Illinois State Police for the legal by our legislature in Oklahoma. His employer will continue to grow and spread the word acquisition and possession of firearms and will not allow any weapon on company to law abiding citizens and to the criminals ammunition—even in my home. There’s no property, even if it is left in the vehicle. So, as well. CCW allowed for ordinary citizens here! I in effect, any employer, parking lot property James E. Burke got a Florida non-resident CCW permit last owner or whoever in Virginia can prevent you Major, USAF (Ret) year so I can carry in most states that I travel from protecting yourself with a firearm from to and through. I find it ironic that in order the time you leave your home to go to work, Dear Editor, to freely exercise my 2nd Amendment rights school, shop, wash your car, or whatever, I just read my first issue, which came to outside the walls of my home, I must also be until the time you return home. me after joining the USCCA. The content is outside the boundaries of Illinois. After several people were fired from a raw and real. I like it. I have been an NRA John S. Brofka large company in rural Oklahoma, when member and have been carrying concealed Swansea, IL the company found firearms in their locked most of my adult life. It’s nice to have such a Send your letters to: vehicles (on opening day of hunting season), reality based resource. I can relate to most of Concealed Carry Magazine, Attn: Editor, and after they changed their policy without the content, even though I’ve only had to draw 4466 Hwy P - Suite 204 - Jackson, WI 53037. telling their employees, a law was passed my weapon twice in sixteen years and have Or e-mail: [email protected] stating that no employer or property owner only had to actually pull the trigger on one Due to volume received, not all letters can be answered. can prohibit anyone from transporting and of those occasions. I look forward to future Letters may be edited for space and clarity.
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine ROBERT FOWLER
Each issue of CCM contains an article that “PROFILES” grew up in rural, Upstate South duty to be willing and able to protect an everyday individual who carries a concealed weapon. This article is an inspiration to our readers by helping Carolina. My family has hunted and himself or herself. I am a member of the them to realize that they are not alone in their lifestyle de- fished for as long as I can remember. We’ve United States Concealed Carry Association cision to always be armed. always had guns around. I joined the United (USCCA), the National Rifle Association, after watching me for a while, she wanted States Army just after I turned 22. I decided the Gun Owners of America, the Texas State to give it a try. I explained how the weapon it was time for me to see some more of the Rifle Association and the Texas Concealed worked (which was an old Winchester world. After completing my training in El Handgun Instructor Association. .22 that I had brought along, hoping she Paso, Texas, I shipped out to Germany. I Growing up in Germany, my wife had would want to shoot), and I went over basic met my future wife, Helga, during the last never fired a weapon of any kind before marksmanship principles and safety with year of my original, two year tour. That two we met. Once we were back in the United her. To make a long story short, she really year tour turned into a thirteen year tour. States, I convinced her to go to the rifle enjoyed herself, so much so that now she I saw a lot of Europe while I was there. I range with me. At first she was afraid, but also has a CCW permit. One of the best also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from ways each of us can help to preserve our the University of Maryland by attending right to keep and bear arms is to take a night school, while stationed in Germany. non-shooter to the range. Let them see how In 1995, I was reassigned to Fort Drum, much fun shooting can be. North of Syracuse, in Upstate New York. The incident that convinced me to The hunting was good, but the winters were obtain a CCW was just a dinner date. My long. It was nice to have a gun in the house wife and I were new to the Fort Hood/ again. Five years later, I was transferred to Killeen, Texas area, and we were looking Fort Hood, Texas—from the frozen north for a nice meal one weekend. Driving to the broiling south. What a change. around, we spotted a Luby’s cafeteria and Although I enjoyed my long tour of decided to eat there. Halfway through our duty in Germany, the one thing I really dinner it dawned on me that this was the missed was the opportunity (right) to restaurant where, years before, a man had own and/or carry a weapon for personal driven his vehicle through the front of the defense. Owning a handgun in Germany building and then murdered two dozen is almost unheard of. It is possible to own restaurant goers. I looked around and a long gun if you are able to meet certain realized that there really was nowhere to strict requirements. What it boils down to go if something like that was to happen is, you must be able to afford the numerous again. The next day, I started the process of and sometimes extravagant fees assoc- obtaining my CCW. I’ve carried a weapon iated with firearms ownership. now for over four years. As a matter of fact, One of the reasons I chose to remain I recently mailed renewal documents to in Texas upon retiring from the military DPS to renew my license. I carry a weapon was the state’s CCW program. Carrying a with me now, wherever I legally can. (I concealed weapon has become so ingrained work on an army base, so I do not carry it in me that I can not imagine living in a state there.) With the exception of going to work, that does not support CCW. It is my fervent if I can’t carry a weapon where I need to belief that it is an individual’s right and go, I probably won’t go there anymore.
Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 Robert: I’ve carried for a little over four CCM: Do you have any advice for our years now. As a matter of fact, I just readers? CCM renewed my license. Robert: Practice, practice, practice and then practice some more. You should know CCM: What weapons do you carry? your carry weapon like you know the back Interview Robert: My primary carry weapon is of your hand. Keep your weapon clean and CCM: Was there a specific incident that a Glock 30, .45 caliber, compact semi- lubricated. I know this sounds basic, but caused you to carry a gun? auto. I carry it about 10 months out of the I’ve seen people carrying weapons that Robert: What spurred me to apply for a year. When the temperature here in Texas had been fired, but not cleaned for months. CCW permit was being in that cafeteria in gets too hot, I’ll switch to a Taurus 85, Take care of your weapon. It might save Killeen, TX, knowing what had happened ultra-light .38 caliber. It’s much easier to your life one day. there and realizing that there would conceal when wearing thin summer-weight Secondly, get involved. There are be nothing I could do should history clothing. powerful individuals and groups in the repeat itself. United States and around the world who CCM: What type of ammunition do would not only deny you the right to carry CCM: Have you ever had to use your you carry? a concealed firearm, but would deny you firearm in a defensive situation? Robert: I use Federal Premium Hydra- the right to own a firearm at all. There are national, state and in some cases, regional Robert: No, never. I hope I never will. Shok rounds in both, and I use 165 grain, JHP High Energy, Low Recoil, Personal and local groups who are actively involved in preserving our Second Amendment rights. CCM: What training methods do Defense rounds for the Glock and 129 grain, JHP (+P) rounds in the Taurus. These can be good sources of information you employ? Do you have any recom- on current and/or pending legislation. mendations? CCM: What concealment holsters do Know who your Senator and Representative Robert: I like to change things around you use? are and contact them. Let them know you when I practice. I will shoot left-handed value your Second Amendment rights and Robert: I carry the Glock in a Fobus and right-handed, also two-hand grip and would not appreciate anyone trying to take paddle holster. The Taurus fits nicely in a single-hand grip. I will shoot standing, them away. If you don’t know who your GunMate inside-the-pants holster. kneeling, squatting, laying on my back and representatives are or how to contact them, stomach, around and over obstacles. I think go to www.NRA.org and type in your zip CCM: What do you do for a living? it is important to be familiar with shooting code. You’ll get names, addresses, phone from sometimes seemingly odd positions Robert: I’m an Army contractor. My numbers and e-mail addresses of your because you never know where you will official title is Digital Systems Engineer. Senator, Representative, and the President. have to defend yourself. Just like being in The Army is digitizing its command posts Lastly, register to vote. You can write all the the Army, have a plan for everything. and other functions around the globe. letters you want to your representatives, but Shoot as often as you can afford to. I’m trained on all of the various digital if they don’t have to worry about how you’ll It’s great fun, but it is also a perishable systems the Army uses in its command vote in the next election, you’re wasting skill. If you don’t use it, you’ll loose your posts, as well as digital radio and satellite your time. Get your friends involved. I’ve edge. Take someone with you: family, communications, networking, tactical int- read that there are more than eighty million friend, non-shooter, anyone. Chances are, ernet and other systems. Along with about gun owners in the United States. If we let they’ll want to go again. 200 of my closest friends, I help the Army our 420 or so elected officials take our guns communicate, all the way from top general, away, then shame on us. CCM: How long have you carried a down to individual soldiers. We go where concealed weapon? the army goes, where ever that might be.
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine Just by looking at me, they’d never know that three years ago, with just the tiniest speck of ductile carcinoma, I told the surgeon to “lop both of those puppies off...because I don’t have time to deal with breast cancer!” You see, God and I have a good relationship and we decided to take radical action because, after all, breast cancer is a radically serious disease! I was declared a total cure with “no further treatment needed.” Nope! They’d never know just by looking that I’m a certified SCUBA diver and that I still have my motorcycle “M” on my driver’s license. My friend and I put over 50,000 miles on our Gold Wings (great big motorcycles) touring both the US and Canada. Ah, those days were a blast! Thirty-one years of teaching in Texas public schools tends to toughen the “fiber” of those who tackle that kind of job. I loved teaching, but I knew when I’d had enough too. Toward the end of my career, I tackled golf. Though I’m a “fair weather” golfer, one of these days, I will break 100! I’ve the fact that I carry a pistol! Not in a purse come within 5 shots and I’m determined! (where it can be easily taken), but on my No one would ever know...unless they body! Yes! I carry a gun! And, furthermore, looked into my eyes, that I’m far more than if I’m in a situation in which I’m either what I appear to be. What I am not is your directly threatened or feel threatened by a typical “senior citizen!” Why? Partially person or persons, there is no doubt in my ho is this Sherry Dickson? because I have a thirst for adventure and mind that I will use it! To look at me, though, no one would Well, let’s see...I’m a 59-year-old woman, a love of life that seems fairly unusual ever know…because I’m the proud holder wife, mother, “Gramma,” friend and pet these days. A huge part of my not being the of my CHL! owner. Unlike the song, Big John, (sung by stereotypical “little old lady,” however, is Jimmy Dean years ago), I’m narrow at the shoulders and broad at the hip (much to my dismay), and I’m topped off by a head full of short, white hair. From all appearances, I look like the perfect target for someone scanning for an unsuspecting victim! My body’s appearance screams, “Look! There’s a ‘senior citizen’!” Ah, yes! I’m still trying to figure out how in the world my thirty–year-old spirit is being housed in a 59-year-old body! I look in the mirror and the person that I am mentally, simply doesn’t recognize the woman that is looking back at me. It’s almost as though I’m trapped in someone else’s body! Having been born on December 25th in 1946, I’m a native Houstonian and a proud Texan. There are very few of us left, actually, since folks have become so transient. My mom and dad (both deceased) were unusual people. Picturing a U.S. Marine who wrote beautiful poetry might be difficult to do, but that was Daddy. He loved to fish too! Mom? She was even more “interesting.” She too, was a poet, but in addition to that add floral designer, portrait artist, prose writer, wood Each issue of CCM contains an article carver, home designer, and overall artistic that “PROFILES” an everyday individual eccentric. So, I suppose it’s no wonder that who carries a concealed weapon. This ar- ticle is an inspiration to our readers by I am more than what I appear to be! helping them to realize that they are not alone in their lifestyle decision to always be armed. Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 warrant it. The ideal, of course, is to carry of shooters that use their Springfield XDs. CCM Interview a handgun, while never having to use it! They are the TXDPSA (Texas XD Practical Naturally, that would be in a perfect world, Shooters Association). It’s a great group of CCM: Was there a specific incident that and as you know, the world is far from folks and they run a very safe “meet,” during caused you to carry a gun? perfect. Being prepared for the unexpected which we are timed during each course of Sherry: No, I’d have to say that there wasn’t is simply critical! fire. Suggestions are tossed around freely a particular incident that’s caused me to and praise is heaped on when earned. It’s a carry. I’ve always been an extremely aware CCM: What training methods do fantastic learning environment and the fact person and a realist. Quite simply, there are you employ? Do you have any recom- that I’m a woman? Well, it only bothers the lots of truly “good” people in this world of mendations? guys that I beat! The monthly “meet” offers ours, and a few of what I’ll call very “bad” Sherry: Well, after I finished my CHL some casual, though fantastic training for ones. As I’ve gotten older, it’s become more class, I took an “Intermediate Handgun” anyone striving to improve their skills obvious that some of the “bad” tend to prey course from one of the instructors. I through shooting realistic scenarios! on others. learned shooting from behind walls, on one I highly recommend that those who To me, it was only common sense to knee, and laying on my back (as though I’d carry make a concerted effort to join a carry a gun in the car as I drove the roads been pushed to the ground), etc. The class safety-conscious group, in addition to north of Houston. For years, I’ve had a sparked my interest in learning even more! regular independent practice. If you carry Ruger .357 magnum in the car. My drive to In helping my friend to become more than one particular gun, then practice work took me down what used to be a fairly more comfortable with her sub-compact, with each of them. Women need to look a remote, two-lane road, and I wanted to I suggested that we take an all day class bit harder to find their best personal carry be prepared for that dreaded “car trouble” together. So, we found Scott Caylor (of method. Try different holsters in varied that seems to strike at the worst possible the North Texas Shooting Academy). We positions. Please don’t carry in a purse. If time. My gun and cell phone are simply thoroughly enjoyed the class and I saw someone grabs it, not only do they get your “standard equipment!” some improvement in my speed. It was a money, credit cards and ID, but they have There is ONE thing that made an great way to spend an entire day! your gun! extremely deep impression on me, however. At some point within the past year, I Probably the single most important My friend and I decided, on a lark, to attend attended a shooting session with Bryan piece of advice that I’d give would be: if you the NRA Convention that was held at the Hoffner. That was an intense experience know that (in truth) you’d hesitate to use George R. Brown Convention Center in to say the very least! I’d like to learn more your gun, do not carry one! If you hesitate, Houston. When deciding what to do while from him. Currently, though I own and your own weapon could very well be used there (aside from slobbering all over as much shoot several pistols, I’ve joined a group against you! of the displayed merchandise as possible), Continued on page 8 we opted to attend the session where the featured speaker was the new president of the organization, Sandy Froman. She told the story of Suzanna Gratia Hupp’s parents’ deaths and how that had been the first day in a very long time that Suzanna decided to leave her gun in the car. In a nutshell, if Suzanna had taken her gun into the cafeteria that day, she could probably have prevented not only her own parents’ deaths but also the deaths of many others who were killed that day. As it was, however, she watched her father get shot. Then, her mother pulled away from Suzanna’s grip as they were trying to leave and ran to her husband. As she cradled him in her arms, the man, at close range, shot her in the head! That single speech describing Suzanna’s parents’ murders had more impact on me than anything I’ve heard in a very long time! I wish that my husband had been there to hear it, for that would have helped him to understand why I insist on “packin’ heat.”
CCM: Have you ever had to use your firearm in a defensive situation? Sherry: I’ve been blessed in the fact that I’ve never had to call on my pistol defensively. However, it’s comforting to know that it’s there if the circumstances
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine than providing income, which would be considered “for a living.”
CCM: Do you have any advice for our readers? Sherry: Well, first I’ll reiterate that if you think you would hesitate to actually fire your gun, don’t carry it! Take advantage of both formal and informal training. Find qualified instructors and take advantage of their experience and expertise. Join at least one group of people in your area who Sherry with theTXDPSA Group. shoot real-life scenarios (or courses of fire). It’s to your advantage that they use a shot CCM: How long have you carried a if I feel that change is warranted. I’m aware timer. That serves to add a little stress into concealed weapon? that other possibilities are available, but I’d your shooting (as there would certainly be Sherry: I’ve carried a gun in my car since have to be satisfied with both their safety stress if you were approached by a criminal 1996. As a matter of fact, I was among the and effectiveness before making a change. type person). Make it a point to practice, first group in Texas to receive their CHL. practice, practice! That may be easier if you Since I was still teaching at the time it CCM: What concealment holsters do shoot with a spouse or a friend. expired, I didn’t feel I had time to renew the you use? Finally, a word to both women and two-year license, so I let it lapse. Finishing Sherry: As I said earlier, I first used a seniors: By virtue of your gender and/or my teaching career, I guess, overshadowed trusty fanny pack (with built-in holster) for age, you truly are a likely target! You are it until 2004. the little Bersa 9mm. That worked well, but viewed as weaker by those who would as a middle-aged+ woman, I didn’t need victimize you. The CHL that you carry CCM: What weapons do you carry? more padding on my belly! As a result, I in your wallet doesn’t give you strength, carried it over my left shoulder, where unless you also are proficient with it and Sherry: Until just recently, my CCW was actually carry your gun! That CCW is, in the compact Bersa Thunder 9mm. Its size the tab was within quick access. I began looking seriously for a holster that would fact, a hidden asset that could save your allowed me to carry it in a fanny pack until life! Be prepared! (Yes, even at 59, that I found a holster that worked nicely with it. work and discovered that Houston Holsters makes one specifically for the Bersa. Once Girl Scout motto that I learned so long ago A few months ago, when my husband, my still applies!) best friend and I went to our favorite indoor I became comfortable with the FBI cant, range, I saw a .45 ACP in their demo pistol it worked quite well when carrying the cabinet. My husband had always talked smaller gun. Also, I have a very soft, comfy about shooting a .45, so I decided to borrow IWB made by Mika’s Holsters. one from the range. WOW! What a gun! It The 1911 holsters are, however, a bit may be the single-most accurate pistol that more diverse. I have a soft, straight canted I’ve ever shot! IWB made by High Noon. And I just As a result, my primary carry is now received my horse hide Closing Argument the S&W 1911Sc (Scandium). It weighs (another IWB) from them. It’s super! about the same as the Bersa, it is thinner, Gregg at Comp-Tac, however, made and it carries quite a punch! I’ll occasionally what may be my favorite. Their Adjustable still carry the Bersa 9, but after I switched Cant Holster works beautifully and allowed out the wooden grips for new rubber grips, me to experiment with the cant. (Being I much prefer carrying the .45! able to experiment is very important for the female frame!) Once again, I’ve settled CCM: What type of ammunition do on the FBI cant most of the time, for its you carry? concealability. Since it’s adjustable, and it has both a paddle and belt attachment. It Sherry: Though I seldom carry the little offers a myriad of possibilities! That puppy Bersa, it’s loaded with Federal 124 grain, is fast, too! Premium Personal Defense Hydra-Shoks. There’s plenty of knock-down power in CCM: What do you do for a living? that round, so though it’s only a 9mm, I’m confident that it would do the job effectively, Sherry: I praise God that I have a steady if it were necessary. income from my retirement annuity. Since The magazine of the 1911Sc is also I left teaching, I’ve gone into professional full of the Hydra-Shoks, but the 230 grain photography, and I thoroughly enjoy doing version. I realize that there are other loads photo sessions in my in-home studio. I that could be safer for the innocent by- specialize in families and pets. Anyway, standers (since they don’t penetrate walls), I’m most grateful that my husband is but I’ve yet to research any of them. I’m still working, so that my photography is, open to a change in my carry ammunition for the most part, more “for fun” rather
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DigiLight (USA) • Village Road, Box 435 • New Vernon, NJ 07976 • Tel: 973-455-7899 • Fax: 973-455-9984 (European Inquiries) • P.O. Box 243019 • D-48155 Muenster, Germany • Tel +49 (0)174 888 4211 • Tel +44 (0)776 749 7964 (United Kingdom) • Fax +49 (0)1805 260 550 8235 (South American Inquiries) • Krometal Industrial S.A. • Calle Central, Avenida Central • Edificio Cossiol, 3er Piso Apartado 10290-1000 • San Jose, Costa Rica Tel (506) 258-3003 • Fax (506) 228-2225 NATO Commercial and Government Entity Code © 2005 All rights reserved. DigiLight is a trademark of Digisette, LLC. www.digilightusa.com (NCAGE) 43H42 Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine POLICE SAY fatal shooting may have been self-defense JACKSONVILLE, Florida — A 25-year- old man was shot and killed Wednesday morning in a northwest Jacksonville neighborhood in what police believe might have been an act of self-defense. Police were called to the 3100 block of Breve Drive just before 10 a.m. The victim, identified as Gato Sheppard, who was shot FOILED ROBBERY in the chest, died soon after being taken to BUFFALO, New York — The co-owner of No one has been charged in this Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center. a Bailey Avenue food mart pulled out her shooting. Police investigators continue at A 61-year-old man, whose name handgun to foil a robbery attempt at the deli the scene. has not been released, told police he shot late Thursday night, Ferry-Fillmore District Brevard County’s FloridaToday.com Sheppard in self-defense. police reported Friday. February 21, 2006 Neighbors told Channel 4’s John Two would-be robbers, both dressed Dunlap that Sheppard had acted aggress- in black, entered the Fiya Food Mart, 2021 LANDSCAPING EMPLOYEE ively toward the homeowner. Bailey, at about 11:05 p.m. Thursday. One HOLDS BURGLAR Investigators recovered the rifle used of the men pointed a handgun at the woman DES MOINES, Iowa — A Lounsbury in the shooting and a handgun at the scene and threatened to shoot her if she didn’t Landscaping employee stopped a burglar in and talked to other witnesses. Police have open the cash register. his tracks early in the morning on Feb. 19. not filed any charges. The woman, who owns the store along The employee lives above the business, Jacksonville’s News4Jax.com with her husband, pulled out her pistol, 6000 Raccoon River Drive, and told police March 1, 2006 forcing the two men to flee north on Bailey he could hear something downstairs. The and east on Doat Street. Police said the employee grabbed his gun, a .45-caliber STORE MANAGER SHOOTS couple has a valid permit for the handgun. Colt series 80, and went into the business. WOULD-BE ROBBER Buffalo News He saw that a man had pried off the window OAKLAND, California — The manager February 18, 2006 but was not yet inside. of a Telegraph Avenue cell phone store shot The employee detained an armed gunman who attempted to rob the man—including firing his store, then identified the man when he “Yes, we’re armed a shot in the air when he showed up at Alta Bates Summit Medical thought the man began Center for treatment. at this store...” walking toward him—until The manager, whom police did not police arrived. Police identify, was in the store, Digicom Wireless, in the 5100 block of Telegraph Avenue BURGLAR STOPPED arrested the would-be thief, about 6:15 p.m. Friday, when two robbers, IN HIS TRACKS a 40-year-old, West Des Moines man, and each with a pistol, came into the store. The MELBOURNE, Florida — A homeowner charged him with second-degree attempted store owner said one robber jumped over fatally shot a man this afternoon after the burglary. the counter, gun in hand, and slammed the man broke into his home. The man told police he had broken into manager to the ground. Melbourne Police say a man was Lounsbury Landscaping looking for money, A second employee tried to run, but attempting to break into homes on Colvert according to reports. she fell, the owner said. Circle this afternoon. He approached one Des Moines Register “The guy behind the counter grabbed home’s window and walked on when spotted February 24, 2006 her arm and put a gun to her head,” he said. by its occupants. At that point, the manager grabbed He jumped a chain link fence and south bend MAN his own handgun and shot the robber in the proceeded to the next house. Witnesses at SHOOTS INTRUDER stomach, then shot at the second robber as the scene said he broke that window, but SOUTH BEND, Indiana — Criminal well. The manager was not injured. moved on. charges will not be filed against a South Both suspects fled the store. Police later He jumped another chain link fence Bend man who shot and killed an intruder. were notified that a wounded man matching and this time got into that home. Back on February 5th, 29-year-old one of the suspects’ descriptions had been Residents Pete and Emily Frink were Phoenix Coalman attempted to rob 79-year- dropped off at Summit Medical Center. home at the time. Emily Frink fled the old Donald VanDusen in his home on North The manager was taken to the hospital, home, running towards a neighbors house Brookfield. where he identified the wounded man as yelling for help. VanDusen managed to shoot his one of the robbers. The man was arrested on Her husband stayed in the home with attacker, but not before being stabbed suspicion of robbery. The store owner, who the intruder, police said. several times. asked that his name not be used, said they Moments later police say Pete Frink St. Joseph County Police say their keep a gun on the premises at all times. shot the unidentified intruder. He was taken investigation is complete, and that Van- “Yes, we’re armed at this store,” he to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Dusen clearly acted in self-defense. said. “This is Oakland.” Melbourne where he was pronounced dead. South Bend’s WNDU.com InsideBayArea.com Several people in the neighborhood March 1, 2006 March 5, 2006 called 911.
10 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 I never expected to keep a gun in our CCM COVER STORY ONE house. I knew that it was forbidden. I told her again and again, “I’ll shoot it only at the range, and my brother will store it Up Close and Personal safely for me at his house.” I promised that she would never see that gun. I intended to keep that promise. I really did. When It Turns Ugly Eventually, the inevitable happened. I Article by: D. Keith Lamb forgot...completely. I left the gun unloaded Photography by: J. Alan Lamb and cased on the kitchen counter, after a range shoot with my brother that afternoon. “What’s that!?” she demanded, pointing to ike most women, it turns out that she It wasn’t all bad. Ohio was still a L the little black, plastic case. “Uh…that’s didn’t like guns; she was just simply scared backwards state in the late 70s. Concealed my…gun,” I responded sheepishly. “I’ll take of them. Petrified would be a better word. carry was illegal, and heck, they’d prefer to it to my brother’s first thing tomorrow— So, despite having been taught to shoot as a have everyone disarmed totally. And here I promise!” I added, before she could get child by my father, and expecting to always in Columbus, they’re still trying their best in another comment. Yeah, I was in deep have a gun, I finally knew why women get to do just that. So, no guns, no shooting. doo-doo here. into gun shows for free. I gave up shooting At first, it seemed a small price to pay, and I went to bed in the dog house. My wife when I gave up bachelorhood. after all, we lived in a relatively crime-free was in the upstairs bedroom, while I was area, so what’s to loose? in the downstairs bedroom. But that night In contrast, my brother married a girl would forever be seared into my memory who grew up in a rural area and whose for a different reason. It was 3:21 am and father was a gun enthusiast. While my I was still awake, but just barely. I didn’t sister-in-law isn’t a big gun fan either, she notice anything unusual at first. Nothing never stopped my brother from owning self- seemed out of the ordinary. Then my wife defense and recreational firearms. Over came down the staircase and called for me. the last 20 years, he kept shooting, while I She was on the portable phone with 911. pursued my passion of scuba diving. “Someone’s breaking into the house. Didn’t Everything changed on a single night, you hear the sliding door jam bar move and two years ago. After 20 years of restraint, I the door open? I have called the police. Get decided I needed a new hobby that wasn’t as your gun.” I heard nothing, despite the fact expensive and weather-dependent as scuba that I would have been much closer to any diving, and I wanted to find something to intruder trying to break in. Yikes! I leaped do with my brother. We lived only miles up and ran for the kitchen where the gun from each other, but for decades, we saw still sat, knowing that the kitchen would each other only on holidays. So I decided put me front row and center to an intruder. to go to the range with him. I got back into I turned on all of the lights, made lots of shooting in a big way. I used his guns, and noise and pointed the gun straight out as I only at the range, so how could my wife circled the ground floor. complain? Well, eventually she found a At first, she thought the intruder might reason or two, especially when I announced have had me and maybe even my gun. my intention to buy my own handgun, just She was also afraid that if she cried out a small .22 cal. target pistol. Continued on page 12
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 11 And most importantly, the police are not the place, and I heard him screaming. I our bodyguards. The police typically show stepped just inside, closed and latched the up after a shooting. door, and moved a few steps into the living I told her that if she wanted me to keep room, trying to locate him. Then I saw him a self-defense firearm in the house, then through the living room and down a hall. two more things needed to change. First, we He was standing at the end of the apart- needed a new gun. A .22 cal. target pistol ment, in the kitchen, a full 10 feet away. is just not a proper self-defense firearm. I yelled to him, “Its Keith. What’s Secondly, I wanted training. Ohio had going on guy? Chill out. Let’s talk about just come out of the dark ages and passed it.” I was shocked at his very strange its first CCW law. It was ugly and full of response: “You!” He yelled at the top of holes, but at least there was one. I signed up his lungs. “You are one of them, the ones for the class immediately, and my brother that are taking all our land and leaving us was there with me. homeless.” Yikes! I don’t think she really got comfortable It turned ugly in an instant. He opened with guns, but she must have seen that it was a drawer in the kitchen, pulled out a very a necessary evil. As soon as I got started, I large butcher knife, raised it over his head felt that unless she too knew how to at least and yelled, “You!” Then he came running she might give herself away in the event safely handle a firearm, we were still at at me with the knife. I immediately yelled, that I had told the intruder I was alone in risk–from ourselves. Eventually, the NRA “Stop!” But he just kept on coming. the house. But I never saw the intruder. It sponsored a Women on Target program in It all happened so fast. Even though he seems that our activity scared him off. In our area and I invited my wife to attend. At was stone cold drunk, I had three seconds fact, I questioned that there even was one. first, she was not interested. But I insisted. to make a life-changing decision for both of No entrance was breached and our It would really improve our safety and after us, pull my gun, rack the slide and raise it. alarm system was still armed. My wife all, it’s free. The NRA even picked up the The gun came ready, pointing at his head, was scared out of her wits. She absolutely tab for lunch. How could she say no? just as he reached me. I yelled “Stop!” insisted that someone was trying to get My wife did well in the class, scoring again, just as I lowered my finger into the in. She stated several times that it wasn’t at virtually the top of her class of 16 women. trigger guard. He stopped. On command, a dream. It was real and she was scared. About half of her lifelong fear of firearms he dropped the knife. The tension in my The police arrived quickly and as my melted away that day. A few months later, body drained out like a popping balloon. wife let them in, I suddenly found myself she signed up and earned her own Ohio The police were virtually no help, so I wondering how to handle the fact that I CCW license. And she got her own gun. got him into therapy. He spent 3 weeks in was still standing there in my underwear, Today, I think she could out shoot me. She a hospital, and months in recovery. While with a gun in my hand. Luckily, my wife has a knack for it, as do many women (in he still has problems, I’m proud of the told the dispatcher that we had a gun in the my experience) if they give themselves progress he has made. house. The officer introduced himself and the chance. I keep thinking about that day. Did I do very politely accepted the fact that I was From the beginning, it was all about the right thing? Should I have put myself, the homeowner, as I put the gun back into safety and responsibility. We talked many alone, into such a potentially volatile the case. times about self-defense situations, how to situation? Why did I block a quick escape A search turned up nothing, but the detect dangerous situations, avoid them, from the apartment by closing and latching police congratulated her for calling them at and if necessary, how to get out of them. the door? Did I escalate the situation? What the first sign of an intrusion. They said she Like most CCW licensees, I’m sure we would have happened to me if I had killed did exactly the right thing. I put the gun never really thought we’d have to use these a drunk when he only had a knife? What case back on the kitchen counter and went skills. It was more like a fire extinguisher, would the court say? What would friends to bed. It would have been a memorable hanging there, hopefully never to be used, and family say? and exciting evening, even if things had but a comfort anyway, knowing that it I really didn’t feel that I had any other gone differently the next day. would be there if needed. Little did we choice but to draw my gun. Since then, I’ve The next day, as I was leaving for know how quickly I would be called to added CS gas to my gun holster. Maybe it work, I reached for the case. After all, I make that dreaded life or death decision. would have been a better option. I don’t promised I would return it for safe storage It had been just over a month since I know. I don’t feel very sure of anything with my brother. I made a quick remark got my Ohio CCW license when I got the about that day, except that I know for to my wife that I was taking the gun and call. The neighbor of a friend of mine was certain just how grateful I am that I didn’t she need not worry about it any more. My on the phone, frantic. “He’s going nuts, you have to shoot my friend. wife looked at me with astonishment and have to come quick!” They had called the exclaimed “Well what good is your gun police before, but the police didn’t seem D. Keith Lamb owns a software engineering firm. going to do for us at your brother’s house?” to want to do anything. So I went over to He is an avid reef and wreck diver, adventure That changed everything. see what was happening. Later, I found out traveler, and volunteer emergency medical We talked about guns for the first that he was distraught over his girlfriend technician. Keith competes in IDPA and is an time in our 25-year marriage. I talked very leaving him. He had a long-standing active member of the 2nd amendment supporting openly about self-defense and household alcohol problem, which I knew about, but Peoples Rights Organization, the NRA, and the Pickaway County Sportsmen’s Club. Keith is 46 safety, something we should have done I thought he was doing better. years old and lives with his wife Marilou and 25 years earlier. No one is really safe; When I arrived, I heard loud bashing their pride of cats in Columbus, OH. no one is beyond the reach of crime. noises, like someone was trying to wreck
12 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 CCM COVER STORY TWO Up Close and Personal Real Life Encounter By DeWayne Burhenn
In line with sharing experiences with the going to do was around 10 seconds or less. rest of the CCP world, I thought I would So here is a glimpse of what was share an experience that I had recently. going through my mind at the time. Okay, One Saturday afternoon, my fiancé and I it was threat assessment time: No firearms decided to take the kids to a very popular had been seen. Firearms could have been kid’s fun and entertainment establishment present in either of the two vehicles, but that serves pizza. Normally, I am always so far, only a stun gun and pepper spray armed, and this time was no exception. I had been seen in use. A lot of punches had was carrying my P220 properly concealed, been thrown, but really, they were just in the 4 o’clock position, over my right knocking the daylights out of one another. hip. I was driving my fiancé’s mini-van Reality time: I had 3 kids, ages 7, 4 and 2, and everyone was expecting the normal and a pregnant fiancé in the van with me. fun, kids screaming, and just all-out chaos Avenues of escape: I could turn the van in associated with one of these places. Trouble two directions to get them out of danger if was the last thing on any of our minds. needed. My primary responsibility was to Pulling into the parking lot of the safety of my kids and my fiancé. All of this place, at first there was a short this took me about 2 seconds to process, contemplative pause, while the brain tried the result being, as long as we were not to wrap itself around what the eyes were in direct danger, we would keep our seeing. There, in front of my fiancé, 3 kids distance and become witnesses and maybe and me was what appeared to be a knock- somewhat of a deterrent. down drag-out fight, in broad daylight, on I blew the horn on the van several a busy Saturday afternoon, in front of a times, hoping the aggressor would take very busy eating establishment. I stopped note, as the guilty are the ones that usually the van about 25 yards from this brawl, don’t want to be seen. Sure enough, one of and identified one female and 3 males, all the males popped his head up from behind in their early to mid 20s, fighting between one of the vehicles where he was pounding two vehicles, with kids of various ages in someone, and suddenly he realized that he both vehicles. It was just a ball of arms and was being watched or even video taped, legs, and I could not tell who the aggressor and that his time on the scene was growing was and who the victim was. short. Seeing that the hostilities did not Suddenly I saw one of the males stand immediately stop with the blowing of the up and land a full blow, right into the face horn, my fiancé opened the passenger door of the female, knocking her to the ground. of the van, stepped out, and from behind Everyone went to the ground again rolling the door, yelled, “We have called the police and punching. My fiancé looked at me, and they are on their way.” she knew I was armed, and she asked if I When she did this, mentally my was going to do anything, saying that we thinking was, okay, now all of my avenues can’t just sit here and watch that woman get of escape have just been negated because the stuffing knocked out of her. The total someone I care about is now outside of the time elapsed here so far, from entering vehicle. At this point, I was one step closer the parking lot, to being asked what I was to using deadly force. Continued on page 14
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 13 stayed alert to my surroundings. The police all far more likely to witness some kind of finally arrived, we gave our statements, and domestic violence in our day–to-day lives then went somewhere else to spend time than we are a bank robbery or other violent with the kids and have a “fun” afternoon crime, where the bad guy is identifiable as as a family. the one wearing the mask and waiving a In retrospect, my fiancé asked me why gun. In domestic disputes, there are very I did not just run up there to the fight and seldom any really clear, discernible lines get more involved or just do something between the aggressor and the victim. If I more. Seeing as how my fiancée is a great had managed to get myself involved in the lady, I understand that she does not like to physical altercation above, and managed to see another woman get the stuffing beat out subdue the father, it would be just as likely The male that popped his head up of her by a man, and she knows that I can that I would have then been jumped by the when I blew the horn then made a straight defend myself with or without a gun. mother, as she would have suddenly felt the line for one of the parked vehicles, First, I pointed out to her that I could need to rescue her husband, whom I just presumably his. Was he going for a gun? not, by any action, escalate a situation until obviously hurt. In the end, all of the “mental Was he going to ram my vehicle? He did the use of deadly force became necessary. switches” that have been defined through neither and instead tore off past my van, Second, I had a gun. I could not afford to training and other mental disciplines that making a hasty retreat. I drove the van get into any close-in physical altercation are required in order to present a gun (and about 15 yards closer, but still kept a safe that could turn into a gun grab, whereas possibly take a life) were tested, and I think distance. My fiancé got out of the van and someone that did not have a gun would they worked. approached the remaining 3 individuals then have one courtesy of me. Third, if I Fortunately, no one got seriously hurt, to see if we could lend any aid. I stepped got out of the vehicle, I would be leaving and I did not find myself needing to take a out of the driver’s side, but kept a healthy the 4 people most important to me without life in order to defend my life and the lives distance until I was comfortable that the any protection. After explaining this to of those closest to me. One note to consider situation was safe and manageable. her, and the fact that by stepping out of though: If you think that you may want to It turned out that we had witnessed a the van, she effectively negated my escape render aid after an incident, make sure you domestic dispute. The woman at the scene and evasion plan (should the situation have have a good first aid kit with a good pair was the soon-to-be ex-wife, and her soon- escalated and some kind of gun been pulled of latex gloves, to protect against diseases to-be ex-husband had just run off with by the individuals involved in the fight), I passed by exposure to bodily fluids. their son after a party that they had all just would not have been as readily able to get attended. The two other males were friends everyone out of the danger zone. My fiancé DeWayne is an avid sport shooter and military history of the woman, and they had brought her to thanked me for keeping her safety and buff that has been influenced by the military for most of his life. He believes that there is a lot to be learned the party to pick up her son, of whom she that of the children my primary concern. today from the use of firearms in history. He is happily had primary, physical custody. However, Through this incident, she learned a little engaged to be married, and believes in his right to the father had other ideas. While my fiancé more about how to evaluate a situation and self-defense and to contribute to the protection of was talking to the woman and her two male what everyone needs to do in order to keep those dearest to him, especially educating the children about firearms safety. He promotes the “use it or friends, I was staying alert to make sure that those closest to us safe. lose it” approach to the 2nd Amendment and that it is the father would not return to do a drive-by My point to share with everyone is every law-abiding citizen’s responsibility to protect on all of us. Again, I kept my distance and I that if the past is any indication, we are themselves and their loved ones. There will be no more Concealed Carry when the Bill of Rights Dies! Save Your Rights! Show the Bill of Rights or Bust to everyone today! - Timothy J. Schmidt (USCCA Founder) There’s never been a better presentation of the Bill of Rights, and everyone needs to know their Rights. To order, please contact: Talkin’ to America P.O. Box 270143 - Hartford, WI 53027 (262) 673-9745 Order line: (800) 869-1884 http://www.your10rights.com $19.95 14 Concealed Carry Magazine Awww.concealedcarrymag.com made for television pilot. Volume 3 - April 2006 Grassroots:In the Spotlight written by: Helen Jaquess Carrying a gun safely concealed is as position is close, under the arm, in order to important as learning to shoot properly. secure the purse tightly, for quicker access. Just “stuffing” a gun into any purse is not The Concealment Shop, Inc. manu- the best way to access a gun in a hurry. I factures not only Feminine Protection s a young, Southeast Texas girl, there asked the ladies, ”To protect your gun, it Handbags, but also attaches, the Conceal ‘n were always guns in the house, and needs to be in a case, which will probably Draw belt (known as a belly band that I was used to shooting and hunting. be at the bottom of your purse. Are you carries a gun under clothing, for cross or My brother and I were taught early how going to say to your perpetrator, ‘stay right strong draw, that is for left- or right-handed to shoot safely and the dangers of what a there while I dig for my gun in this purse, people), plus vests for men and women to gun can do when not properly handled. So, and when I do get it out, I am going to shoot safely carry a concealed gun. The vests are finding myself in the gun industry was an you’?” I ask the customer, “Do you think made in denim or any color leather. Denim easy transition from years of a 9 to 5 job. you will be safe during this time?” vests can be made in black, blue, khaki, I started working gun shows in 1992, I also explain why the purses I make and a new “cowboy camo.” selling several products, including gun have short shoulder straps. A purse with Since 1993, I have sold the best purses made in Mexico. Sales did very well, the shoulder strap across the chest is an pistol pack on the market today. Made by but after trying many times to make the invitation to pull you down from the back. Anderson Enterprises in Northern Calif- distributors understand what my customers At that point, the lady, the purse and the gun ornia, the AE packs have been on the gun needed and wanted, I felt that I needed to are totally out of control! Only when you market longer than others that claim they deal with only American products. can put a shirt or jacket over the shoulder “originated” the “gun pack.” The AE packs Sarah Lapere started Feminine strap, would I ever recommend wearing a are completely American made and come Protection Handbags in the early 80s. As purse strap across the chest. The best carry with a lifetime warranty. a Dallas reserve officer, she saw a need for To insure that my customers can find a convenient way for a gun to be carried top photos by: Elana Echevery just what they are looking for and to give hidden, with easy access. I bottom: Helen and Lynn them a wider selection, I also started selling her purses in carry the Coronado Leather late 1997. I had been getting her line, including their purses and product back in the public for vests, and a fairly new line of months when Sarah asked if I vests made by Concealed Carry would buy her company. Sarah Clothier out of Rhode Island. had been ill for some time and I have a BA degree from really needed to get out of the Texas Tech University. I worked business. I purchased Feminine in my father’s Gibson stores when Protection Handbags in April, I was not in school, from 1964 1998. I was excited that I until he sold out in 1981. After could now make the products that, I worked for a veterinarian, that my customers were asking for a battery manufacturer and for to carry!! lawyers in downtown Dallas for I have kept the same, fine 16 years. (Working with lawyers quality that made Sarah’s name taught me how to get along known in the gun industry. Most with different kinds of of the styles are the same, but people.) I have helped to raise 8 kids I have added my own designs and new and I now have 15 grandkids, one great- details in order to keep our products fresh granddaughter and two god-daughters. for today’s fast changing fashion. I was influenced in my business by my In doing gun shows every weekend, I highly ethical, business oriented father. run across men and women from all over I lost my father in 2001, at age 88, but I the country. I love talking to new people am still blessed to have my wonderful, that are just starting out, not knowing 87-year-old mother, who is such a great what they want in a gun, or how to carry role model for me. My husband, Lynn, it concealed. Even if they do not buy from whom I met at a Dallas gun show and me, I want them to leave my tables with the married during Fort Worth gun show, knowledge that I feel is required to safely live in Mesquite, Texas, with two cats carry a concealed gun and knowledge of all and a dog. the different carry options that are out there CONTACT: 1-800-444-7090 for them. www.theconcealmentshop.com
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 15 Beneath every handgun-lover’s skin, down through the lethal layers of big Colt 1911s and high-capacity Glocks, beats a heart The Deadly that still warms to the sight of a small-frame Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver with a snubby two-inch barrel. We’re all human, after all, and even today’s post-modern pistolero is Charm Of capable of a little romance.
Not that the curvaceously compact snub- Smith & Wesson was founded on small The Littlest nosed revolver is a thing of the past. A revolvers. From about 1880, when Colt was well-placed 158-grain bullet at 755 fps, or filling Western holster rigs with big single- maybe a 110-grain bullet at 1000 fps can action 44s and 45s, S&W was turning protect you quite well from most any of out double-action 32s and 38s for the life’s dangers for which you routinely carry pockets of city folk. In 1950, Smith intro- Revolver duced a new gun especially for discreet a gun, and the shapely little .38 is easier and friendlier to live with than most. carry by plainclothes law enforcement PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE AUTHOR officers. Today it would be called a concealed carry gun. The revolver was built on the new J-frame, slightly larger than the firm’s smallest I-frame, and its cylinder cham- bered five rounds of S&W’s .38 Special, more powerful than the 19th century .38 S&W cartridge which was the maximum the I-frame could handle. The J-frame Smith was also noticeably smaller than the original “belly gun,” the Colt Detective Special, also in .38 Special, which was the standard six-shot Colt Police Positive duty gun with its barrel shortened to two inches. The new breakthrough Smith & Wesson was introduced at the 1950 Conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and was known thereafter as the Chief’s Special. That first Chief’s Special, later catalogued as the Model 36, without losing any of its pioneering more-power- in-a-smaller-package character, spawned variations which are still multiplying to Variations on a theme. Top: Shrouded-hammer this day. Introduced as an all-steel gun, Bodyguard allows both double- and single-action it was soon followed by “Airweight” shooting. Middle: Enclosed-hammer Centennial is aircraft aluminum alloy-framed models, double-action-only. Bottom: Vintage Chief’s looks later by stainless steel, finally by a super- like a wreck, shoots like a dream. 16 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 lightweight scandium alloy frame with a For daily concealed carry by most chambered and rated for full-house .357 titanium cylinder. You could have a round people, an Airweight loaded with standard- Magnum ammo. Chad is a thoroughly or square butt frame, fixed or adjustable velocity .38 Specials offers a beautifully experienced handgunner who usually sights, metal finished in blue, chrome, balanced power-to-weight ratio in a small carries a .45 auto, but is attracted to the anodized aluminum, or polished stainless. gun that’s a delight to carry and very easy concealability of the snubby revolver and Calibers available included .22 rimfire, to conceal. For pocket or purse carry, the proven stopping power of hot .357 .32 S&W, .38 S&W, .38 Special at standard the slick Bodyguard and Centennial Magnum loads. He reports: and +P pressures, 9mm with a full-moon models prevent snagging the hammer on “Despite a pouring rainstorm we took clip, and today even .357 Magnum. You the draw. Boot grips, in rubber or wood, the gun to the range Saturday. At eight could have the conventional double-action/ either as furnished from the factory or yards I had no trouble keeping five shots in single-action exposed hammer model, or as a custom item, make this little gun a neat palm-sized group on a four-by-four the shrouded-hammer “Bodyguard” which eminently controllable. wood post. The gun swings into position still permitted single-action cocking, or Of course, it’s also possible to take naturally, and the sights track well for me. the enclosed-hammer double-action-only the gun to extremes. A good friend of The 125-grain Federal Personal Protection “Centennial.” Typically unsatisfactory mine up in Idaho, Chad Hyslop, recently .357 Magnum Jacketed Hollowpoint double-action revolver grips were standard bought a S&W model 340PD. That’s the loads went right through the four-by-four, at first, followed by even thinner grips concealed-hammer model with a scandium penetrated the thick chipboard backstop, on the “Lady Smith” models and finally, alloy frame and titanium cylinder, barrel and left a big hole. thankfully, by hand-filling “boot grips.” under two inches, weight under 12 ounces, All the .357 Magnum loads hurt to shoot, especially when I tried some Cor- Bon and some 145-grain Federal hunting loads at something like 1480 feet-per- second. Nine shots of .357 was enough for my first day, and left my wrist feeling a little abused and the beginnings of a blister on my hand and trigger finger. The .38 Special Winchester target loads were very comfortable to shoot, however. No more recoil than my Kimber .45 or 9mm Glock. Really mild. I could’ve shot those all day if it hadn’t been raining so hard. The gun is phenomenally light. Every time I pick it up I still can’t believe it, and my hand jerks up with the gun because I’m expecting more weight. It’s incredibly concealable, too. I forget I’m even wearing it, which is a first.” You’ll hear arguments for and against every single defining feature of the snubby. Many will say that, in an age of more powerful high-capacity semiautomatics, Above: For fast and accurate single-action shooting, use your off-hand thumb to the little five-shot revolver is hopelessly cock the hammer between shots. Below: Clip devices that attach to the frame of outclassed, underpowered and obsolete. your revolver and clip on your pants or belt make a holster unnecessary. The fact is, unless you are planning to lay siege to a crack-house or break your bad- seed cousin out of a maximum security facility, five shots is more than you will ever need in almost any imaginable kind of realistic defensive confrontation. And a little practice with a speedloader will allow you to recharge your revolver almost as fast as an automatic. Conventional wisdom in law enforcement has it that high-capacity autos just give the poorly trained officer more rounds to miss with. Random flying bullets do not make up for a well-placed shot, and relying on the seemingly bottomless pit of a big fat magazine can reduce an undisciplined shooter to the reckless spray-and-pray mode. As in all forms of
Continued on page 18
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 17 competent gunsmith can make it smooth and consistent almost beyond belief. This is why virtually all shooters in revolver competition use Smith & Wesson handguns. Accuracy potential in double-action mode is impressive indeed, but accuracy poten- tial in single-action mode with its short, crisp trigger pull is ever better. Shooting one-handed and cocking your revolver with your shooting-hand thumb is pain- fully slow and awkward but, given a proper two-handed grip, using your weak-hand thumb to cock your hammer between shots is both fast and secure. We all know that the most important quality of a concealed carry gun is reli- ability. No shooter with any experience will argue that a semi-auto is more reliable than a revolver, but there are plenty who While a two-handed grip on your gun will argue that it is equally so. They will works best, with a snubby you can point out that a revolver is more complex almost reverse the procedure. and fragile than a semi-auto, has more moving parts that can break or get clogged up with dust and dirt or frozen with dangerous-game hunting, bullet placement is therefore to work on maintaining a corrosion, cylinders whose rotation can get —that means accurate shooting—most perfectly aligned sight picture. As most out-of-time, chambers that are open to the especially first bullet placement, is more snubbies tend to be carried a lot and shot elements. These arguments are technically important than anything else, including the very little, most people simply do not true, but almost wholly irrelevant in caliber of the bullet being placed. Make the practice enough with the little gun. There the context of the real world. In reality, first shot count and you will probably not was the case of the off-duty cop whose semi-autos sometimes fail, revolvers need a second, much less a third, fourth or wife was being held as a shield by an almost never. fifth, though an insurance shot or two is armed robber in a convenience store. The I’ve been shooting pistols and always a good idea. cop, armed with his backup two-inch, revolvers for something like half a century, As far as power goes, a standard decided to go for the head shot, missed, and could not begin to count the number velocity .38 Special loaded with a good shot and killed his wife instead. This was of times a semi-auto has failed to extract modern hollowpoint bullet is equally as a case, not of an inaccurate gun, but an a spent cartridge from the chamber, failed effective as .45 ACP hardball, according to inaccurate shooter. to eject it properly, failed to pick up a fresh the people who document such things, and The smoothness and consistency of round from the magazine, things that are the hyper-velocity .357 Magnum still has a the Smith & Wesson double-action trigger impossible with a revolver, which will fire significantly better record of one-shot stops pull is usually excellent, even straight from pretty much anything you can stuff into the on the street than any semi-auto cartridge. the factory, and some judicious work by a cylinder without regard for bullet shape, You may feel more confident with two hands full of .45 cartridges than a small handful of .38s, but that is more in the nature The rounded shapes of small revolvers of your own psychological insecurities conceal easier than boxy semi-autos. A than anything else. The gun is as good as curvaceous little J-frame (or several) it has always been, and that has been good can go anywhere. enough to save the lives of more cops over its 55-year history than probably all other concealable police weapons combined. Accuracy? At combat distances you can shoot the buttons off the shirt of the bad guy with a little practice, and I have never fired a snubby that was not capable of grouping all five rounds on a heart- size target at 50 yards. The only potential problem of shooting the short-barreled revolver accurately is the extremely short sighting plane, the distance between front and rear sights being only about 3½ inches, which means that any lack of precision in your sight alignment will be multiplied greatly as the range increases. The solution
18 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 heavily armed professionals, an extra bit Long-range accuracy is entirely of insurance that rests in the nightstand or possible with the snub-nosed revolver desk drawer, the snub-nosed .38 Special if you meet the demands of the short revolver is without peer. sighting plane with careful alignment In the end, the deadliest enemy of any and practice a lot. concealed carry gun is not abusive use but simple neglect. The S&W J-frame was made to be neglected, its solitary existence seldom enlivened by social interaction with other guns, warm human hands, regular rapid-fire feasts or even the occasional affair with a sweet-smelling cleaning rod. The vintage Chief’s Special I used in this story, the one that looks like it was recently retrieved from a toxic landfill, actually came directly from a retired detective’s concealed holster, where it had rested almost completely undisturbed for 30 years. I took the little gun directly to the range, wiped off some of the accumulated crud and expected it to perform flawlessly, velocity, pressure or even dented cases. The revolver may be a more complex which it did. It’s awfully hard to resist that I can recall only one time when a revolver mechanism than a semi-auto, but the actual kind of charm. failed to fire, the result of a too-light dynamics of its firing is considerably hammer fall from a competition-tuned less complex and therefore less likely to Robert H. Boatman is the author of Paladin gun on a too-hard primer. The solution fail. It’s that simple, all falsely stretched Press books Living With Glocks, Living was simply to pull the trigger again, arguments to the contrary notwithstanding. With The Big .50, Living With The 1911, serving up a fresh cartridge that fired with As the primary concealed carry weapon and soon to be released Living With The no problem, something that is impossible for civilians, an emergency backup for AR-15. He can be reached at: [email protected] with a semi-auto.
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Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 19 es, this is yet another review of In 1904, the US Army conducted the 1911. I know, you are already the Thompson-Lagarde Tests. These holding the magazine up over your tests were a series of almost scientific mouth in a polite gesture to hide a very experiments conducted on live cattle and wide yawn... You’ve read plenty of 1911 cadavers. They pretty much lined things reviews before...or at least you should up, shot them, and then examined the have, since the 1911 has been around results. They tested a number of calibers for almost a hundred years. In fact, and concluded that the next official, the 1911’s story started over a hundred military handgun should be no less than years ago. So why am I subjecting you to a .45 caliber. And this is where we begin. yet one more 1911 review? Let’s go back The results of these tests spawned the and take a look at how all this started. 1906 Trials, where the Ordinance Board finally decided that the Army wanted a The Wilson Combat SDSby: George Hill
20 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 Okay, they really didn’t say that. What happened during the last trial was astonishing. The Colt fired 6,000 rounds of ammo without a single malfunction. The unremembered Savage pistol had thirty seven. The Colt was clearly the winner. The rest is, as they say, history. From that moment on, the 1911 has since been the pistol of choice for serious work. That was the case, at least until the 80’s, when people listened to music by Cindy Lauper and Culture Club, which might have been what affected the brains of those on the Ordinance Board when they selected the Beretta 92 as a Above: The overall size is roughly that of a Commander, making it an replacement. Since that time, various military units have ideal carry gun for those go into harm’s way. decided that such a decision was rubbish, and they’ve been going back to the 1911 unit by unit. Today, as I’m writing this, there are many rumors going around, saying that the military is wanting to adopt another .45 caliber automatic. It’s been a long road, and it looks like it could have been just a great big beltway. What’s different about this go-around? Well, I just learned the other day that Colt has finally been sold to the glue factory. Word has it that General Dynamics, the makers of such fine military hardware as our M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, is the one that snagged the pink slip for the prancing pony. Rumor Above: The contouring work around all the edges is beautifully done. Especially has it that the big GD is only interested in part of the Colt around the trigger guard. Company, the military side, with very little interest in the civilian side...Unfortunately it is the civilian side that makes Below: There are no sharp edges to the handguns. What will come of this? We should know by the distract the shooter. The shooter’s hand in channeled into a perfect firing grip. time you are reading this article. What makes all this so remarkable is that since those early times, the 1911 has been left virtually unchanged. If you were to take a brand new, modern made 1911 out of the box, jump in your Delorean sports car/time machine and go back to any time after the year 1911, you would have little problem finding someone who could replace a broken mainspring or firing pin, or give your pistol a crisp trigger job. I’ve been sitting here trying to think of things that people used back in the year 1911 that we still use today...I can think of only two things at the moment. The ball peen hammer and a hair brush. You can come up with your own list, but I’m moving on. What has changed, however, is not really the design. We’ve made improvements in material science that allow us to make the old 1911 out of better materials and with better metallurgy. For example, we can now select stainless steel for .45 caliber, automatic pistol. They took bids from all the major the gun and carbon fiber for the grips if we want to. But like I gun makers at that time and selected the best three to move said, the basic design is pretty much unchanged. on to the next series of trials. Those three were Colt, Savage, Another thing that has changed since then is that we now and Deutsche Waffen and Munitions Fabrik. I’m not sure why, have a gentleman by the name of Bill Wilson. Bill won the title but Deutsche Waffen and Munitions Fabrik dropped out of the of Pistolsmith of the Year by the American Pistolsmith’s Guild running...probably because the roll marks to put the company in 2002. He won for good reasons. Chief among them was that name on the gun would require a barrel 34 inches long and a he knew how to make the 1911 really run. There have been small billboard. No matter what the reasons, it was the Colt many excellent, and I do mean truly excellent gunsmiths out against the Savage. there that know their way around the 1911. But none of them Colt already had a good design to go on by John Moses really have the name recognition that Bill Wilson has when it Browning, the famous Colt Model 1902. The Savage pistol comes to parts and performance. And none of them have built was, well, we forget what it was. Colt took the little 1902, such an empire around a single model of pistol. For example, which was then chambered for the walloping .38ACP and if you want to buy a new magazine to feed your 1911 today, told Browning, “We want this, but bigger.” So Browning gave you will probably go out and buy a Wilson Combat magazine. them the Model 1905, which met the criteria that the US Army I don’t know of anyone that makes a better one. was, ahem, shooting for. Sorry. Now, let’s talk about this gun I have here with me now, and These two pistols, the Savage something or other and the the reason I am subjecting you to “yet another 1911 review” Colt Model 1905, went head to head with improvements and or a “YA1911R” for short. This is the Wilson Combat SDS, or test trials in a miniature arms race until 1911, when the US “Stealth Defense System.” It is... (I’m pausing to find better Army finally said, “That’s enough, we’ve simply run out of words and failing to do so.)…utterly fantastic. The front strap ammunition. We want the Colt because it looks more sporty.” Continued on page 22
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 21 There is a good reason why we don’t all have one of these things. This gun is astonishingly expensive. It is just shy of three thousand dollars. To give you an idea of how expensive that is, at the shop where I picked this gun up, for the same cash plus sales tax I could have opted for every other single handgun in the whole bloody place. Or I could have selected a brand new, .50 cal., sniper rifle, a sidearm to go with it, ammunition for both, and I could have still had enough left over for a pack of targets and earplugs. This is one expensive pistol. So how does it shoot? The gun came with a sheet from the factory showing a fifteen yard target and the pistol’s shot group. Of course, it was simply one ragged hole, just what you would expect. My best results mirrored the factory’s. The gun was also perfectly reliable. I especially love the The bushingless bull barrel is a bit different than other 1911’s. Shooting this Wilson was way the magazine holds the round almost absolute shooting joy. Yes, that’s my happy face. directly in line with the chamber. This is different from other 1911 type guns, which make the round jump up through the hoop of the grip frame is checkered with such roasting process. Like I said, “tedious.” instead of going straight in like a torpedo precision that it is a Swiss watchmaker’s The result of all that is what Wilson Combat into the launch tube. Perfectly accurate fantasy. The machining and the way all the calls the best protection against oil, acid, and perfectly reliable. When it shoots, it parts fit together, the overall build quality, corrosion and abrasion. They might be feels like it is an extension of your will is just amazing. Wilson Combat gave the right. You can get the Armor-Tuff finish in and you can hit anything with it, even in gun a number of custom features, such as Black, Grey, or (my favorite) OD Green. I total darkness, because the gun sports a beveled magazine well, the checkering have to tell you, the finish looks beautiful. really good night sights with pale orange I already mentioned on the high-cut front The whole SDS gun looks and feels at the rear and green at the front, so you strap, flat and checkered mainspring just like what a custom made 1911 should know just where those sights are pointing housing, ultra-light hammer and trigger, feel and look like. It shows you why the and how to line them up. The whole gun tritium filled night sights, and gorgeous, 1911 is just as amazing today as it was is fantastic. checkered, wood grips. That would be almost a hundred years ago. You can buy But is it worth the money? For some, enough right there, but Bill Wilson wanted other guns made on different designs, but no. It isn’t worth it because it is just too to kick it up a notch. He wanted to give it you can’t arguably buy a better designed expensive for everyday use. For others who something a little extra. gun. Different just means that it’s different, like premium and exclusive quality, it is. The gun has a very handsome looking and not necessarily better. And as long as This is why some people choose to drive a satin-black finish that Bill calls “Armor- Wilson Combat keeps making guns like Ford Focus and others select a BMW M3, Tuff.” I didn’t know much about the finish, this, there will never be a better handgun. even when money is not a concern. They so I had to look it up to find out just what it The SDS is absolutely flawless. It is at prefer the premium and exclusive quality. is. I found that Armor-Tuff is probably the the top of the list of all the handguns I have There are no plastic bits, no shortcuts and most tedious of finishes that I could ever ever tested when it comes to quality and no cost saving compromises in this gun. imagine. For example, they take the slide perfection. You have all the engineering Bill Wilson wanted to make the ultimate, and after it is milled, machined, and gone cleverness of turn of the century genius, concealable 1911 for those with taste, to over so it’s physically perfect according to John Moses Browning, backed up with truly appreciate it. He succeeded. This isn’t specs, they use a very fine grain, particle space age material science, computer just the best concealable 1911 I’ve ever fired. bead blast to scrub the metal and to prepare controlled machining, and Bill Wilson’s This is the best 1911 I’ve ever fired, period. the surface, and then they dehorn the part. exacting demand for absolute quality. This is the 1911 that John Moses Browning On top of that, they parkerized it. For any This gun is a mixture of savagery and himself would be carrying today. I can give other gun company, they could call it well shear elegance that you don’t see very it no higher recommendation than that. and good at this point, and it would be. often. This is an irate, 800 pound Gorilla Most of the guns we used in World War II wearing a tailored, Armani suit, crushing were parkerized, and that finish did just fine your skull flat with a velvet and silk bag, For more information, go to: through the worst of the worst conditions. which covers a sledgehammer, who then www.WilsonCombat.com Wilson Combat only calls it “ready for the drives off in a Bentley R Turbo. This is Al Capone on the cover of GQ. This is “An next step” because they only parkerized the George Hill is an NRA Certified Pistol and Personal things to provide a bonding surface for the Affair to Remember,” directed by Quentin Protection instructor and the writer and publisher actual Armor-Tuff finish that you can see. Tarantino. This is the Mormon Tabernacle of MadOgre.com. Visit his website for more The rest of it is sprayed on very carefully Choir singing AC-DC’s “Thunderstruck.” information on Mad Ogre. and then heat cured at only 300 degrees You just don’t get something like this http://www.madogre.com Photography by Deveni. for a longer period of time. Kind of a slow every day.
22 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 the
10 guy ARE THEREordinar ANY WEAPONS IN THE VEHICLE? y to anyone if not absolutely necessary. I A sunny Saturday informing them of my armed status, we have spoken to many police officers on afternoon, at 12:15 p.m.: discussed guns and ammunition, and I was this topic over the years, and the results of I left my office to go home after sent on my way. It is important to note that each conversation are pretty similar. If you spending a few hours slaving at my desk in my state (Florida), at the time of each are not going to expose your weapon (as I on a Saturday morning, catching up on incident, I was not required by law to inform thought I might have), the LEO doesn’t need some end of the week work. As I made a anyone of anything and I was aware that I to know anything that may unnecessarily right turn on the (residential) street directly did so of my own volition, as a courtesy to make him/her uneasy, unless required behind my office building, I noticed two each officer. (My reason for doing so was by law. uniformed state troopers standing in front that in each incident I felt that my firearm I’ve had a CCW license since 1995, I of two orange cones in the middle of the may have become unveiled in reaching for have been stopped 5 times while travelling street. They were waving cars by one at a my documentation. Therefore, I decided on business over the years, and I have only time, when one officer stood in the middle that I didn’t feel like having a duty weapon mentioned my armed status twice for the of the street and flagged me to pull over. I stuck in my ear in the event that my gun above mentioned reasons. The other 3 did as instructed and was informed by the may have become exposed). times I just went about my business with approaching officer that they were checking As a conservative, pro-gun writer, and the officer and received a ticket, a warning seat belts and driver licenses. I was armed. a Second Amendment and CCW activist, or a thank you for wearing my seat belt, and A rainy Tuesday morning, I view many firearm related web forums in none of those incidents did an officer ever at approximately 9:15 a.m., and the topic of what to do if stopped by ask me if any weapons were present. They six months later: law enforcement while carrying concealed were only interested in why I was travelling I left my office to go to the local Sam’s seems to rear its head regularly. Having so fast, or whether or not I had a seat belt on Club to buy a new printer for my office, been in that situation twice, I decided to and was carrying a valid driver’s license. when after entering the interstate on-ramp, make it the topic of this issue’s Ordinary Now, I know that there are many I saw a uniformed officer on the side of the Guy. So what to do? different opinions on this topic, as evi- highway with a speed gun. I gently glanced It is my personal opinion that if your denced by the volume of web postings down at my speedometer and noticed that I respective state law does not require you that I have read over the years. What do was speeding. Upon raising my eyes back to inform the officer of your carry status, you think? I would be very interested in to the road, I saw the officer jump back then you shouldn’t say a thing. You are not hearing from those of you who have found in his squad car and enter traffic directly breaking the law and there is absolutely yourselves in similar situations and how behind me. I was blue-lighted and I was no reason for you to mention to the law you handled it, as well as hearing from any also armed. enforcement officer (LEO) that you are LEO that may be reading this column. I’ll In both cases, the officers were armed. However, if in my situation where I use the results in an upcoming issue. I can extremely professional and asked for my felt the weapon might have been unveiled, be reached at: driver’s license, registration and proof of based on how I was carrying and what I [email protected] insurance. I politely complied and also was wearing, by all means, politely notify Georgia Concealed informed both men that I was armed and the officer of your CCW status. Otherwise, Carry License Watch carrying a concealed weapon, and I handed shut up. I am still legally disarmed as of each of the men my CCW license, along I read some of the web posts on this this writing, 3 months into the 60 days with the required documentation. topic and I realize that there are some mandated by Georgia law that I have my In both of the scenarios I was armed fellow CCWs out there that just seem to permit in hand after application. and I politely informed both police officers be itching to tell someone of their armed of such, and in both cases the results status, especially an officer that may pull were identical, (with the exception of the them over for a small traffic infraction. To $158.00 speeding ticket that accompanied me, this seems to be some type of rookie the second scenario, thank you very much). CCW, wanna-be phenomenon, kind of like In both cases, each officer thanked me for those goofy CCW badges…Sheesh! Obviously, each state has different laws, and I urge you all to follow them with the utmost respect when it comes to our right to carry a concealed firearm, but for gosh sakes, don’t give up your status
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 23 SHOTGUN GUNFIGHTING CONCEPTS The skill set for a shotgun is simple involving various ready/firing positions (such as the close contact shown here) as well as keeping the weapon loaded and transitioning to a pistol if the weapon fails to function.
The shotgun is a close range weapon While we focus primarily on concealed is a Remington 870. Another is a Remington and you should not attempt to turn it pistol carry, I know there are many of 11-87. The third one is a vintage, side-by- into a rifle. you who have examined the possibility of side, exposed hammer shotgun, reportedly with many “rustlers” to its credit. None of “other tools” for home defense and business will tell you. That notwithstanding, a light them have special sights, ammo sidesaddles, defense. Particularly in the wake of natural will not hurt. special stocks or specially ported or choked disasters, where private citizens are largely A magazine extension: Some guys like barrels of any kind. They are light, simple on their own, weapons such as the shotgun these so they can download it by a couple and fast into action, and all of them are more can add a great edge to the concealed of rounds to transition to slugs. I disagree than sufficient for any anti-personnel duties handgun already in place. with that concept. Who wants to go to a within the intervals of conflict a where I was asked by a number of readers to gunfight with a weapon that’s not loaded to a shotgun will be used. Let me discuss a update them about the shotgun. They were full capacity? Not me. The load/switch to few points. asking about lights, magazine extensions slug concept may have merit, but its use is and other attachments. There were also THINGS THAT YOU NEED so limited that I would much rather have an many questions about how to best use the ON YOUR SHOTGUN extra couple of rounds of buckshot. shotgun. I must say that there is a great deal You need a fast handling, lightweight A sling: For training in class, it’s of “bad information” out there in regard to weapon that you can get into action essential. For fighting, it’s an item that is the shotgun. I want to set that aside and get very quickly, and that has at least 5 shots nice to have in the event that you should to the true application of this weapon. available. That is all. need to transition to a pistol (much more Let me begin by saying that I have seen likely than transitioning to a slug). these fine implements of combat used against THINGS THAT ARE NICE TO live, aggressive adversaries several times. HAVE, BUT NOT ESSENTIAL THINGS THAT YOU DO NOT These real-life experiences had very little to A light: Many fights happen in low NEED ON YOUR SHOTGUN do with what is presented as “cutting edge” light. Having a flashlight mount makes Ghost ring sights: In my opinion, the shotgun stuff today. Remember as well that sense. It’s not essential, as in most situations, shotgun is not a rifle, nor should it be turned what a Breacher on a Special Weapons Team there will be sufficient ambient light to tell into one. The idea that you must somehow needs is not the same as what you will need what is going on and who is doing it, at be able to reach out past CQB distances to protect your home or business. realistic distances. Understand that in a real with a shotgun is a bad idea. Even the much Training and reality sometimes world, private citizen gunfight, identifying discussed North Hollywood bank robbery conflict. I have three shotguns at home. One the threat is not as hard as some trainers (often used as an argument for special sights
24 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 and slugs) involved shots within pistol OTHER POINTS your daughter in front of that evil silhouette range, and not way out there in rifle land. If you need a rifle, the shotgun is a poor target. Still willing to take the shot? Some If the only weapon you have is a shotgun substitute. A CAR15, or even a Marlin 30- guys will answer in the affirmative. “Then and you expect to need a long shot, then 30 will outshoot a slug loaded shotgun every do it!” I say. I would not do it. I doubt that fine, add standard rifle sights to the weapon. time. So grabbing a shotgun to do rifle duty anyone in their right mind would want to do I prefer them to ghost ring sights because is not a wise thing unless all you have and that with a shotgun. Fantasy always loses they offer the same type of sight picture will ever have is a shotgun. out to reality. as your pistol. It makes sense to have the Slug loading has its place in a special Technical exercises devised by clever same sight picture for all close range gun- situation, such as when you anticipate minds on the firing range often fail to fighting purposes. “contacts” in a car. I have a group of friends emulate reality. We’ve learned a great deal On-weapon ammo carry (sidesaddles/ in another country who routinely have about CQB pistol fighting in the last few butt cuffs): Many use these for slug such contacts and they load with slugs to years simply by allowing ourselves to leave switching. We’ve discussed that already. If penetrate through vehicles at close range. the doctrinal box. Perhaps it’s time that we your gun holds 7 or 8 shots and you need Same goes for those who frequent bear slay the sacred cow shotgun myth as well. more than that, running to get another gun country. A shotgun with slugs is good bear Prove all your training to yourself in force- might be better. medicine...or so I’m told. Both situations are on-force. If a technique cannot be replicated How many shots are fired in pistol rather close range deals. against real people, get rid of it. fights? It will be the same in shotgun As far as switching to slugs to make Train for skill and attribute fights. On-weapon ammo carry makes the that long shot, I think the fight is likely to be development, question every theory that is gun heavy. Add a butt cuff in addition to over before the thought even occurs to you. presented to you, and keep your fighting the sidesaddle and it becomes heavier yet. I conducted a select slug maneuver once, system and fighting tools simple. Will you have lots of ammo? Sure. Will you in an actual gunfight, but by the time I was 1). Know tactical advantage and liabilities be able to shoot and hit as accurately with done (a matter of seconds), the target was of shotgun and their ammunition. an overweight gun as a light, fast gun? I no longer there. 2). Develop sound firing positions, ready think you know that the light, fast gun will What can a slug loaded shotgun do? positions and ready carry positions. allow you better likelihood of not needing It can reach a little farther and penetrate a a reload. little more than a buckshot loaded gun or 3). Learn reality based marksmanship Want extra ammo? Okay, get a fanny a pistol can. But a rifle will do better that takes advantage of the standard pack with two compartments. Fill one with every time. shotgun pattern. buck shot and the other with slugs. Keep What can a buckshot loaded shotgun 4). Learn tactically appropriate gun that with the shotgun and take it when you do? It can hit the adversary with something, handling drills & transition to pistol grab the shotgun. even under bad conditions where your if suitable. Ports/choking, special barrels: Close marksmanship has not kept up with the 5). Learn CQB responses to any point range shooting boys. Any shotgun barrel tempo of events in the mid to outer close along a 360 degree arm’s length, to 7 with any ammo will do just fine inside of 10 range gunfighting zone. It is a weapon to be yards. It’s important to focus on fast, yards. At 15 yards, it will open up slightly, used at handgun distances against rapidly close shooting because this is where you but 15 yard shots are rare. Expect that moving adversaries, while you yourself are will use the weapon. you’ll need to reach out past that? Leave the moving, where you cannot obtain (or don’t shotgun in the rack and grab your rifle. have time to obtain) a suitable sight picture 6). Learn the ability to retain/recover/ or index, and where the light is poor. fight with the weapon in body-to-body Partial patterns will give you a hit; fighting (including alternative force During a course for Italian carabinieri in slugs or overly choked patterns may allow issues…just in case). Terni, Italy, the author and one of his staff you to miss. Will those pellets that don’t 7). Learn shooting in diminished light instructors demonstrate entry methods hit the bad guy be a problem? Possibly. But and the use of assisted lighting, as well as with the USMC’s Benelli M4 shotgun. if you miss with the slug because of the the use of tactical point shooting. rapidly developing situation it won’t make 8). Learn shooting on the move (in things any better. anything but firing from cover, you must For CQB/CRG distances (within 5 move or get hit). yards), buckshot will outperform slugs 9). Learn reality based, multiple every day of the week. Knowing that, if I adversary responses (not simply shooting grab a shotgun and go fight with it, it will be at five pepper poppers). used in this situation more often than not. My round of choice is buckshot. I relegate 10). Learn your natural body speed slugs to “special purpose” applications. and shoot as fast as you can guarantee And most importantly, if I need a rifle, I’ll the hits. go get a rifle. Develop these attributes and you will While on the topic of buckshot, there do well with your shotgun in any fight. Isn’t is a theory of “scalloping” a target that is progress wonderful?! standing behind an “innocent.” I suggest a Gabriel Suarez is an internationally recognized long, deep inhale to smell the coffee. Then trainer and lecturer in the field of civilian grab your best, most expensive, tactical personal defense. He has written over a dozen shotgun, with all the cool attachments on books and taught courses in several countries. http://www.suarezinternational.com it. Load it with the most expensive, tactical http://www.warriortalk.com plated buckshot you can find and then stand Suarez International, Inc. - 303 E. Gurley St., Ste. 461 off at 7, 10 or even 15 yards. Then place Prescott, AZ 86301 USA - (Office) 928-776-4492
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 25 EMERSON HARD WEAR—RELIANT BOKER—AK74
SOG—PENTAGON
SOG—FLASH II Folding Review Knife Charles Ellis The personal, concealed carry arsenal Suarez and James Keating are infinitely is not complete without the most basic more knowledgeable than I am in regard in this article are legal to carry in most and primal of all personal protection to the bladed, fighting arts. Therefore, venues unless your local authorities feel devices, the knife. Other writers have I defer to their expertise. The knife is that you are too incompetent to carry written extensively about the virtues of a powerful, self-defense tool, which is sharp things. (Better check your local the knife as a self-defense weapon, and I essential because it not only compliments laws to see how badly your rights are do not have much more to add to what has a good handgun system, it can often go being violated.) already been said. Experts such as Gabe where a pistol cannot. Most of the knives
BUCK—POLICE ADVOCATE CRKT—M16 SPECIAL FORCES
26 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 KERSHAW—TACTICAL BLUR
SPYDERCO— CHINOOK II
Most states have some provision There are some very functional for handgun carry, but most have production grade steels that perform bizarre knife laws. The powers that very well and will not require selling be (for the most part) do not realize your firstborn to obtain a knife made that the term “arms” in the Second with them. Many production folding Amendment does not exclusively knives are made from AUS 8 and refer to firearms, but includes edged 440C. Now, this should be taken weapons as well. Knives must have a with a grain of salt because there are utility purpose to be carried legally in premium grade knives that are also most states. Self-defense is apparently made from these grades of stainless. less important than opening boxes or The reason is that regardless of how cutting tomatoes. Go figure. All of the “premium” your steel is, if it is not knives in this article make excellent heat treated properly, then it will not utility knives and will cut tomatoes perform well. Some premium knife and boxes just fine. (I know because From left to right - CRKT–M16 special forces, makers have developed very good methods of heat treating that make I tried them.) SOG–Flash II, SOG–Pentagon, Spyderco–Chinook, The purpose of this article is AUS 8 and 440C perform very well. Buck–Police Advocate, Kershaw–Tactical Blur, to review a short list of fine folding Most of your affordable folding knives knives that can be had for around a Emerson–Reliant, Boker–AK74. will be made from one of these steels hundred dollars. These knives will or something quite similar. Most of function and perform well. You will not the knives in this article are made from one have to compromise much if you purchase depend on it? No. In fact, there are many of these steels. None of these knives are one of these affordable, tactical folders. I production knives that perform excellently junk. They are made by well known and carried them, handled them, cut things with and will not break your budget. highly respected companies. them, dunked them in a river, etc., for weeks. Besides handwork and design, the main Emerson Hard Wear— The test was not scientific or destructive. difference between a premium knife and a Reliant: Emerson added their Hard My wife, Kathleen, and I simply lived with production knife is steel. Folding knives are Wear line to their domestically made, them and used them. mostly made from stainless steel. Stainless premium line to fill a market gap. The result More expensive knives can be steel is a steel alloy that is a minimum of is affordable, lightweight, high quality purchased with premium blade steels, 10.5% to 13% chromium (depending on knives. I gravitated to the Reliant model hand fitted parts, exotic grip materials whose table you are using). This chromium when swimming or in wet environments and designer signatures. I do not degrade reduces the oxidizing potential of the steel, because it is lightweight, with a slim profile. these beautiful works of practical art or the so it rusts and stains less. Stainless will rust, It has a simple and sturdy design, with one of artists that create them. I have personally but less and at a slower rate than steel with the best pocket clips that I’ve ever used, and made a couple of knives. Therefore, I truly lower chromium content. There are many the handle contour forms an effective finger appreciate the time and skill required more additives that affect the properties of guard. Emerson has an excellent reputation to make a fine knife. If you can afford to knife steel. Some of the additives greatly and has brought new, exciting designs to the purchase custom made knives, I encourage improve the hardness and the ability of the market. The no-frills Hard Wear line makes you to do so. There are some wonderful steel to hold an edge, but they often add it possible to have an Emerson, even if you designers out there that have contributed cost. Some premium stainless steels are are on a budget. greatly to knife science. Please support 154 CM, ATS 34 and CPM-S30V. These www.emersonknives.com them if you can. are wonderful steels, which have some 310-212-7455 Unfortunately, many of us do not have great properties. Using these steels in a the money to spend three hundred dollars tactical folding knife can increase the cost Boker—AK74: The AK74 is a real or more on a knife. Does this mean that exponentially. Add hand fitting, exotic grip bargain. It is a well made knife with a hard, those of us who may be able to shell out material and a master designer’s name, and aluminum handle and a strong lock-up. I only seventy-five dollars on a knife cannot you have a chunk of change invested. Continued on page 28 Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 27 The personal, concealed carry arsenal wish it had a pocket clip like its automatic has no ass.” You can see the influence of is not complete without the most basic version. I like the blade shape and the grip Master at Arms, James Keating, in this and primal of all personal protection shapes in the scales. It opens easily with a knife design. It is rugged and powerful. devices, the knife. The Chinook II has thumb stud. Its association with Kalash- The Chinook II is a serious fighting knife. become my EDC. nikov gives it a nice mystique. I don’t know Spyderco was visionary in bringing James why this knife is so inexpensive. Keating on board with this design. www.bokerusa.com www.spyderco.com 800-835-6433 www.jameskeating.com 800-525-7770 SOG—Pentagon: I love this serious, self-defense knife. It opens smooth Buck—Police Advocate: I and fast. It is very slim and easy to carry. It bought my first Buck folder in 1976. It was is a simple, direct design. I like this knife for big, heavy and hard to open quickly. (I weak-hand side carry because of its simple loved that knife.) Well, this isn’t your dad’s opening system and its ability to be easily old Buck. In a collaboration with Strider, closed one-handed. Its straight, spear-point Buck’s creation of this knife is shear genius. blade is reminiscent of a dagger. It was Buck has made it possible for almost anyone the easiest knife to deploy into the reverse to own a Strider design. Its paddle shaped grip, edge-in or “pakal” position. When blade swings quickly into action and locks stabbed into dense styrofoam, it had scary hard, using a locking liner. This is a real penetration. workhorse. The Police Advocate brings a www.sogknives.com premium Strider design into an affordable 888-SOG-BEST package. Who says you can’t have it all? This knife competes daily with my Chinook SOG—Flash II: I have carried this II to be my EDC. knife on my weak-hand side for several www.buckknives.com years. The self-assisted opening system 800-215-2825 has functioned flawlessly for years, with no sign of wear. This knife has stayed sharp CRKT—M16 Special Forces: through many cardboard box openings, The Carson designed, M16 series of knives rope cuttings and other mundane abuses is very well thought out. The model I have that I have subjected it to. is the M16 Special Forces. Its extended www.sogknives.com finger guards are built into the blade. When 888-SOG-BEST the knife is closed, the finger guard is used to flick the blade into the open position. Kershaw—Tactical Blur: This This is brilliantly simple. Some say that knife has become Kathleen’s EDC (every the finger guards snag in your pocket. day carry). Its flat profile makes it conceal The knife is quite large (although smaller well with women’s attire. “And regarding versions are available), therefore I found it body shape,” Kathleen said, “I love this more comfortable to carry the knife in my slim, comfortable knife, because big, waistband. This type of carry eliminated chunky knives tend to stick out sideways or any pocket snagging. The scales were a little poke you in the flesh if you have curves.” slick for my sweaty hands, but manageable. The sandpaper-like scales give the user The M16 Special Forces knife is well made a sure grip, no matter how much hand and has a strong, locking liner. It is also an cream, water, oil, blood, etc. is present. The excellent bargain. CRKT has terrific designs Tactical Blur has a formidable blade that at affordable prices. flashes to action in a “blur” by an assisted www.crkt.com opening system. The Ken Onion designs are 800-891-3100 the hallmark of Kershaw’s folding knives. The Tactical Blur is evidence of the quality Conclusion: These are examples of of his designs. the excellent production knives that can be www.kershawknives.com had for a reasonable price. The companies 800-325-2891 listed above are known for quality and good customer service. You can be confident that Spyderco—Chinook II: This they have a knife that will suit your needs. knife is a little more costly than the others Knives are very personal tools. If possible, in this review, but by shopping the internet try to handle samples before buying. Get carefully, you can find some great prices. a knife that will be a good friend and a This knife is signed by the great knife reliable tool, but one that is also capable of fighting instructor, James Keating, who defending your life if the need should arise. is famous for Riddle of Steel. Tests have shown that you could beat this knife to Charles is a Quality Systems Manager in manufacturing and an artist who especially advocates self-defense for pieces before the lock-up will fail. The women, and has been very happily married since 1982. “And regarding body shape,” Kathleen Chinook II has become my EDC (every day He believes that the 2nd Amendment is all about political said, “I love this slim, comfortable knife carry). This is a heavy pocket knife, which freedom and self-defense, rather than duck hunting. And because big, chunky knives tend to stick I don’t mind, but this was a drawback for perhaps he is the only Jewish, Libertarian (who votes out sideways or poke you in the flesh if Kathleen because as she says, “I don’t wear Republican), vegetarian member of the NRA. Charles also runs a pro-liberty blog at: you have curves.” The KERSHAW-TACTICAL baggy pants that are made for a man who http://theindividual.blogsome.com/. BLUR has become Kathleen’s EDC. 28 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 kids and guns
have 7-year-old triplet boys at home properly and safely. More often than not, of my children had accidentally shot one of who are curious about guns. They’ve people are seriously injured or killed by a them. If a child’s parents aren’t comfortable seen and held guns—unloaded guns firearm simply because they didn’t treat it taking about guns, ask if you can talk to and under their parents supervision, with the respect that it’s due. Luckily, our their child about gun safety for them. If of course, and they occasionally go to a gun local school board feels that firearm safety they don’t want their child to know about range with my wife and I to watch us shoot. should be taught to our kids. Starting guns, for whatever reason, that’s their right They’re aware of how guns work and that in kindergarten, gun safety is taught by as parents. However, I’d politely tell them guns can kill or injure someone, but we policemen using the NRA’s Eddie Eagle that while their child is welcome at my both feel they’re still too immature to fully program, which includes sending home home, it will only be when my wife or I comprehend exactly how dangerous a gun “Don’t touch” stickers and firearms safety are there to supervise and it doesn’t matter can be. To be frank, I also know adults 40 books. It’s a good program that should be if their child is 7 or 17. I would make sure and 50 who can’t seem to comprehend the taught at every school. Still, I strongly that decision is perfectly understood by my dangers of guns handled carelessly! While believe that safety—and learning in general children as well. I don’t want them to be afraid of guns, I —begins at home. Parents must take that As parents and gun owners, it’s our want my boys to have a healthy respect training program and use it as a foundation responsibility to teach our children that for firearms and the harm they can cause to continually build on. It’s a philosophy guns are capable of many good things when if misused. The plan is for their mother that I’ll also use when they begin drivers used wisely, but are capable of causing great and me to take them to our gun range in education in a few more years. When that suffering when not treated with the respect another year or so to show them the safe time arrives, I’ll remind my boys of the that they demand. Anyway, that’s how I feel and proper way to handle firearms. We will number of people killed or injured yearly about my guns and my children. I suspect also demonstrate the damage that those in car accidents and compare that to those that it’s probably not much different than small pieces of metal can cause when fired harmed by guns. Statistically, they are any other parent out there. from a barrel at a thousand feet per second. many times safer at a gun range or hunting Nothing seems to impress someone of any than driving in the school’s parking lot! age like seeing a watermelon or empty milk Bob Childers has a Degree in Theology I would strongly recommend talking and retired from the United States Navy in jug filled with colored water explode when to your kids friends and their parents about 1994. He’s a member of the NRA, Texas State hit by a bullet. Afterwards, I’ll emphasize gun safety, particularly if you know that Rifle Association, the East Texas Rife and Pistol how the same thing would happen to the parents own guns. I don’t know which Club and holds a Texas CCL. You can find out someone’s head if struck by a carelessly more about him at his website, scenario would be worse, hearing that one http://vchilder.home.netcom.com fired or aimed bullet. Most people seem to of my sons had been shot by a friend or one get the point quickly! At what age would you let your children handle a gun? No one knows a child better than a parent. You, as a parent, must decide when your child is ready to handle firearms. That may be at 6 or it may be at 16. Until then, you must prevent them from harming themselves or others. It’s both our duty and our obligation as parents and guardians to protect children until they can make responsible decisions for themselves. Still, I don’t want my children to be scared of handling my guns, or any firearm for that matter. What I want is for them to realize that a gun is not a toy, but a tool, a potentially deadly tool when not handled
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 29 T … or How to Find a Holster That Your Body Loves Straightby: Kathyalk Jackson About Curves… his shouldn’t come as a shock to attend a class or shoot to anyone, but you know what? in competition, you will Men’s and women’s bodies are shaped probably need a belt holster, differently. My husband is shaped no matter how you ordinarily like a piece of celery. Straight up and carry your firearm. down. His best friend has an apple- Up until recent years, few shaped torso. Plenty of guts, but no holster makers were producing hips. Lucky men. A man can hide a designs specifically intended to gun nearly anywhere on his body and work with a female figure. But it’ll disappear. Me, I’m shaped like we live in a golden age. Today, if an hourglass. One of my best friends the holster hunt is difficult, it isn’t is shaped like a pear. Another is because there are no good choices; more like…well, curvy celery. Thin it is because there are so many everywhere, but like every other choices that picking between woman I know, her figure still them can be overwhelming. has a certain flair to it. Let’s define the problem As many women have dis- first. The problem is that covered, the curvier you are, women have curves, and the more painful it can be to guns do not. The more hold an unyielding chunk pronounced a woman’s of metal firmly against curves are, and the longer your waistline. Faced with the gun is, the more this simple biological fact, difficult it becomes to a lot of women simply give find a holster that is up on the idea of carrying both comfortable and a concealed handgun on concealable. Both ends the belt. of a straight piece of There are good reasons metal held securely to carry on the beltline against a curved waist though. Security and ease of will be driven into access are the two biggies. For delicate flesh. me, it just didn’t seem to be a Approaches to solving good idea to put a deadly weapon this problem are divided into in the purse that I kept losing. The two broad categories: those draw from a holster is considerably which move the gun away from smoother and more predictable than the waist, and those which move one from a purse, and there’s also it away from the hip. Commonly, a the comparative hassle of carrying design which works will involve one a big, heavy purse instead of a small, choice from each category. lightweight one. Finally, if you want
3030 ConcealedConcealed Carry Carry Magazine Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.comwww.concealedcarrymag.com VolumeVolume 3 3- April- April 2006 2006 A high-ride design raises the a cross-draw holster is carried on holstered gun so that more of it rides the non-dominant side with the above the belt, and thus avoids pulling gun’s grip pointed forward, while the gun into the curve of the waist. appendix carry is on the dominant It is comfortable, stable, and easy side with the grip toward the rear. to conceal, but with so much of the Both are best used with short- gun above the waist, drawing can be barreled firearms, and either may very difficult for the short-waisted or be combined with a tuckable holster those with shoulder flexibility issues. for better concealment. Of the two, A high-ride holster often works well appendix carry is slightly more for a woman with a long torso. concealable because your clothing is Lowering the holster also gets less likely to catch on the butt of the the bulk of the gun off of the waist. gun as you move around. Comfortable when worn, a dropped Cross-draw carry is often holster design makes the gun very recommended for people who do easy to draw. But the lower the gun a lot of driving, because of all belt rides, the more difficult it becomes carry methods, it is least likely to get to find a cover garment long enough tangled in your seat belt. Cross-draw to cover the muzzle end. A dropped is also a good choice for anyone with holster design often works well for a shoulder mobility issues. But while high-waisted woman, or for one with appendix carry is often acceptable a short torso. for classes or competitions, cross- High-ride and dropped holsters draw rarely is. have one thing in common: How There’s a lot of territory behind well they work depends somewhat the hip, but when holster makers upon where your pants put your refer to carrying “behind the hip,” beltline. For example, it would be they mean immediately behind the counterproductive to wear a high- Many women find comfortable concealment with hip, snugged into the back of the iliac ride holster with hip-hugging jeans. a short-barrelled firearm worn in the appendix crest. Combined with a moderate to Dropped holsters often include carry position. With the addition of a pretty vest, severe rake, the flat spot just behind a feature called offset, which pushes the gun is well hidden. your hip can be an ideal place to the top half of the holstered gun out, conceal your holster. away from the body, so that the grips are no Holster makers use the term “rake” to Moving the holstered gun even further longer driven into the rib cage by leverage describe the angle at which the gun will be to the rear, so that any part of it is held from the muzzle end. The benefit of this is rotated on the belt. Designs which do not over the spinal column, creates two safety that it smoothes out the curve, but it also have any rake are called “straight drop,” issues. The first is that if you ever fall on adds bulk to the waistline and it can make and the muzzle will be pointed straight at top of your holstered gun, there is some you look fat or lumpy when concealed. the ground when you are standing. A holster chance of spinal damage. How significant Designs which combine drop with offset with an extreme rake is one which holds the risk is will depend upon a lot of factors, work very well for open carry. If you are the gun at a sharp angle, usually with the but it bears mentioning. The other safety looking for a range holster, these are two muzzle toward the rear. The chief benefit issue is that it is nearly impossible to features well worth considering. here is that the muzzle end is up and rotated draw from a small of back holster without away from the curviest part sweeping a wide area behind and around of the hip, so the grip end is you. For this reason, small of back carry no longer being driven into is rarely allowed in CCW classes or on the ribs by leverage. crowded ranges. Because a woman’s Nearly all of the above approaches curves are usually most may be combined with at least one other to pronounced at the hip, the give a workable design for different body other primary set of carry types. For example, a woman with a long solutions each involve torso and an athletic figure might prefer a moving the gun around the holster which has a high rise and a moderate belt and away from the hip. rake, and carry it behind the hip. Another There are four main methods woman, petite and with an hourglass figure, of doing this: cross-draw, might find that she can carry forward of appendix, behind the hip, the hip, in a dropped holster, with a slight and small of back. muzzle-forward rake. Cross-draw and appen- The important thing to remember is dix carry both move the that if one design doesn’t work for you, holster to the front of the there is almost certainly another one out body, to the area between there which will, if you are just stubborn the belly button and the enough to keep looking for it. Here’s hip. The difference is that to success! Continued on page 32
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 31 Sidebar When: itSpeaking comes time to pick out a beltthe holster, theLanguage choices seem over- whelming and the terminology mystifying. A holster maker uses words few other people do, and uses familiar words in unusual ways. A rake is something you use in the garden, right? Not to a holster maker! With all the specialized terminology, it isn’t any wonder that the rest of us are often confused.
Terms that refer to High ride or high rise (bottom left) — as much of the gun as possible is held above the the angle at which the belt line. muzzle will be held… Drop or dropped (below) — as little Canted Thumb Break (Above): A holster Straight drop — the holstered gun will of the gun as possible is held above the with a thumb break must be unsnapped have its muzzle pointed straight toward belt line. before the gun can be drawn. Photo by Gila Hayes. the floor. Offset (below) — the whole top portion of Muzzle forward — the holstered gun will the holstered gun is held away from your Grip accessibility — how easy it is to get have its muzzle angled toward the front of body at the waist. a complete grasp on the grip of the the body. holstered gun. Muzzle rear — the holstered gun will have Stability — how much the holster wiggles its muzzle angled toward the rear. around when you draw or reholster Rake or cant — the angle at which the the gun. holster will hold the gun. It is measured Tension screws — screws which allow the by degrees. user to adjust how tightly the gun is held in Extreme rake — the muzzle will be the holster. angled more sharply than other designs by Tuckable or shirt tuck feature — enables the same maker. a shirt to be tucked in over the holstered Adjustable rake — the angle can easily be gun, leaving only the holster’s loops visible changed by the user. on the belt line. Body guard / sweat guard — a high piece … how the gun on the back of the holster where it touches rides on the belt the body, designed to prevent contact between the body and the exposed part of the holstered gun. Ideal for range work but unworkable for Leather — usually made of cowhide or concealment, a dropped and offset kydex horsehide. May be trimmed with exotics holster holds the firearm away from the belt and below the beltline, thus avoiding such as shark, ostrich or snakeskin. the notorious “grips dig into ribs” problem. Kydex — a type of plastic which has Photo by Gila Hayes. characteristics that make it work well for holsters. …specific features … and where on your belt of holster design the holster will be carried. Covered trigger guard — the holster completely covers the entire trigger area, Strong side — the side corresponding to and it is impossible to reach a finger in your dominant hand. The holstered gun is to touch the trigger of the holstered gun. usually placed butt-rearward when worn Absolutely necessary for safety. on the strong side.
A high ride holster with a straight drop may One-handed reholstering — the holster Weak or support side — the side corres- be an ideal solution for a woman who has will stay open when the gun is drawn, ponding to your non-dominant hand. a long torso. This particular design does not enabling you to reholster without holding feature a completely covered trigger guard, the mouth of the holster open with Cross draw (above) — the gun is held butt however, and is thus less than safe for carry. your support hand. Absolutely necessary forward on the support side. Photo by Gila Hayes. for safety.
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Right: A holster with a tuckable feature allows a shirt to be tucked in over the holstered firearm, leaving only the holster’s loop visible on the belt. Photo by Bob Jackson. Appendix carry — the holster is placed forward of the hip, between belly button and hip bone. On the hip — the holster is placed on the waistline, directly below the armpit. Behind the hip (left) — the holster is placed immediately behind the hip. Small of back — the holster is placed far behind the hip, often over the spinal cord. Above: A cross draw holster carries the gun in front of the non-dominant hip, IWB — (Inside-the-waistband) the holster with the grip forward. It can be concealed is placed inside the pants and inside the belt. by a loosely buttoned vest. Photo by Gila Hayes. OWB — (Outside-the-waistband) the hol- ster is placed outside the pants and outside the belt. Between pants & belt — the holster is Kathy Jackson is a freelance writer placed outside the pants, but inside the who lives with her husband and belt. their five children in Washington state. An Assistant Instructor at the Left: When holstermakers refer to carrying Firearms Academy of Seattle, “behind the hip,” they mean the area immediately behind the hip. Shown, a www.firearmsacademy.com leather holster carries the gun with a Kathy takes special pleasure fairly extreme muzzle-rear cant. Photo by in teaching other women how to Gila Hayes. shoot.
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 33 Not everyone wants to or has the ability to carry a concealed weapon in a holster on his or her body. But you still need a gun, right? So where do you put it? In our wonderful, market-driven economy, where there is a need, someone will fill it. And you know what they say about building a better mousetrap. A good fanny pack will easily hold a With those two things in mind, it’s easy to see full-size auto, but there may be some why there are so many options for what I call question as to whether you need that off-body carry. much gun.
34 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 But first, an important point: with Velcro divides the main pouch Weapon retention has to be the into two compartments. The rearmost primary consideration when you opt compartment is for the pistol. This for off-body carry. A fanny pack or panel allows you to conceal your small belt pouch like Uncle Mike’s Gun handgun tightly, up against your body Runner will insure you don’t set and still keep your personal gear like a your gun down and forget it at the wallet or car keys in a separate area. If local breakfast diner, but those are there is one drawback to the unit, it is not always the best fashion options. the access tab to the gun storage area. A briefcase or handbag with a built- The tap is a bit small to grab under in holster or a portfolio with room stress, but that can be corrected by for a pistol are great options when attaching a simple key ring to the tab. you can’t wear a fanny pack, but The nylon strap of the key ring gives remember that you can never let Uncle Mike’s concealed carry briefcase has a you plenty to grab onto and insures those items out of your immediate discreet, but very accessible holster built right in. you get the pouch all the way open control. If you do, you’ll be both In this case, a Rings Blue Gun stands out against when you need the gun. morally and legally liable for the black nylon and it is also a good idea when The best place to carry the what happens with your firearm. you are setting up the holster and practicing your Sidekick is just in front of your weak- So, before you opt for any style draw. (Photo by Adam Michalowski.) side hip, with the tabs of the zippers of concealed carry other than the away from your centerline, allowing traditional holster, be absolutely sure In light of today’s fashion and technology for the quickest access to the gun. Your you are ready for the added responsibility choices, the belt pouch is the most likely to strong hand pulls the zipper tab open to the that comes with what could be called a go unnoticed. Between PDAs, Blackberries center. Your weak hand yanks the Velcro non-traditional style of carry. and IPods, a simple nylon or leather pouch pouch wide open and your strong hand For those who insist that the means hanging on the belt is something hidden retrieves the gun. This gives you a bit of of carrying their firearm remain firmly in plain sight. You will be limited to small a cross-draw presentation, and it must be attached to their person, the fanny pack revolvers or one of the deep-cover auto practiced repeatedly to insure that you and the belt pouch are the two best options. pistols, but those are easier to carry all perform smoothly. This, as with any of the day anyway. off-body options, is by no means a quick- When closed, Dillon’s Plan B day Uncle Mike’s Gun draw rig, so think about the situations planner looks innocent enough… Runner offers a small, front you might be in and the tactics you might pocket with a Velcro closure employ when you carry this way. and a main pouch closed with The fanny pack was all the rage a stout, two-way zipper. A about a decade ago. With perfect, casual thick, nylon panel topped styling providing hands-free carrying Continued on page 36
But it has plenty of room for an auto pistol and a spare magazine or flashlight. It’s also very stylish.
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 35 capacity for everyone from soccer moms The two elements of the Uncle Mike’s to long-distance runners, it was only a fanny pack I really love include the retainer matter of time before the concealed carry strap that holds the pack in place on my belt crowd followed suit with packs built spec- and the internal strap that holds the pistol ifically for firearms. Such a pack might be in place in the pack. The latter is a straight, more appropriately called the belly pack Velcro hook band that allows you to secure because you need you carry it up front and the gun in any position against the back arrange it properly to provide access to the panel of the pack, which is completely firearm. I own two different fanny packs covered with Velcro loops. Once the Velcro specifically designed for concealed carry. band is secured, the pistol is not going to I purchased the first one from one of those shift inside the pack during any activity. mega-discount catalogs. I honestly can’t This type of pack is also worn just in remember if it was Sportsman’s Guide front of the weak-side hip and requires a or Cheaper Than Dirt, but the $20 was a practiced cross-draw movement to deploy wise investment. This pack is a big, tough, the pistol. Remember to watch your muzzle solidly built mass of Cordura nylon with and keep your finger off of the trigger Velcro access on both sides, behind the during the draw stroke. During the draw, main storage compartment. It’s big enough your hand will briefly be inside the pack, to carry a full-sized auto and a couple of meaning there are plenty of opportunities spare magazines. I love the side access, but for the gun to snag, so keep that finger it wasn’t long before I realized toting that clear of the trigger. It’s Gun Safety 101, but much hardware was getting to be a burden. it becomes all the more important when And with a pack that big, I got the feeling drawing from a pack. everyone knew what it was anyway. It still For those who have to carry a makes a great pack to use on the trail. briefcase to the office, choosing one with a The Uncle Mike’s fanny pack is a built-in holster might be a great option for bit smaller, better for a mid-sized auto or concealed carry. Trying to use a traditional revolver, and it comes with some features briefcase just won’t work. Even if you can I love and one I don’t. Access to the pistol find a way to secure the handgun inside the Above: Uncle Mike’s Sidekick blends is from the top. This is not much of a case, you’ve still got all that other stuff in right in with casual clothing. (Photo problem, but it took some getting used to there that can get in the way of drawing the by Adam Michalowski.) when switching from my original store- gun or worse, interfere with the function brand pack with side access. of the firearm. Imagine what a paper clip
The first thing to remember with any alternate style of carry is to get the gun compartment open wide as you reach for the weapon. This will help you to get a good firing grip and present the gun without any snags. (Photo by Adam Michalowski.)
36 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 Almost all non-holster carry methods will require a cross-draw presentation. Practice this until it is smooth. It will never be as fast as drawing from a holster, but it must be smooth so you can get on target quickly. (Photo by Adam Michalowski.)
would do if wedged into the cylinder of a elements are all the more important. Once As I mentioned above, these options do revolver or behind the safety lever of an you have the precise set-up figured out, not allow a really quick presentation of the auto-loading pistol. you’ll need to practice getting the pistol into weapon. In a reactionary situation, as most If you want a big briefcase with action. This can be accomplished through self-defense situations are, don’t expect to room for everything you could ever need, dry practice, as long as it is done safely, open the zipper, peel back the Velcro and Uncle Mike’s #5255-1 is the one for you. without any ammunition in the vicinity. draw the pistol while you are fending off Not only will it keep all your professional Another option for effective con- and attack. As always, maintain situational work properly organized, but there’s also a cealment is within a portfolio designed awareness and attempt to move toward hidden, yet easily accessible compartment for the purpose. Dillon Precision offers cover or some safe (or safer) area to give for your gun. The case also has room in a fine example called Plan B, made of you time to draw. The second rule is equally other pouches for extra ammo, and if you premium leather with a full-length zipper. important. When you do feel the need to are so inclined, a few elements of a basic The portfolio offers ample room to store a draw the weapon, get that pack, pouch or first-aid kit. full-size pistol and you could keep a spare briefcase wide open. Open it forcefully The case is made of ultra-heavy magazine too, if you use Velcro to hold it in and completely, to insure you have enough Cordura that is water-resistant, but it place. First and foremost, there’s not much room to grab the gun and get it into action. leaves a rather casual look. If you require room for anything else in there: perhaps Finally, unless you can completely gleaming, polished leather, you might look a few business cards, a pen and a small secure a spare magazine for the pistol to some of Dillon’s Urban Camouflage notebook. What’s worse, you pretty much inside your pack, pouch or briefcase in line. I’ll get there in a minute. But if you have to display the pistol if you open the such a manner that it does not interfere want a tough, well-built briefcase with portfolio. But if the negotiations are going with your draw, the gun-storage area of any an ambidextrous holster hidden inside, so poorly that you need to revert to Plan off-body carry option should be reserved Uncle Mike’s is the case for you. With B, it’s nice to have a full-size pistol and for the gun and the gun only. Anything four individual compartments aside from extra ammo. And this is just one of several else in there will get in your way and could the holster area, the case could nearly be fashionable options sold in Dillon’s Blue cause a malfunction or a fatal delay in your used for an overnight bag. Just remember Press catalog. presentation. Don’t risk it. to remove your pistol before you use Again, organization and practice are There are many great concealed carry the briefcase as a carry-on bag on your important when using something like the options out there, and with forethought and next flight. Plan B day planner. The nylon holster inside practice you can insure your safety any Using this case also requires a the planner will require a bit of adjustment, number of ways. But remember, you can’t fair amount of forethought as to pistol depending on what pistol you carry. You’ll just drop a gun in a pouch or briefcase and placement. If you are right-handed, you’ll also want to adjust the Velcro straps and call it good. Get training and keep your want to start by carrying the bag on your perhaps sew a tab on the end to allow you skills sharp with real practice. left shoulder and insert the pistol with the to get the pistol out of the holster. Kevin Michalowski is an NRA-certified butt facing forward. Again, this gives you As for tactics when it comes to off- Pistol and Personal Protection trainer and a cross-draw presentation, so basic safety body carry, one thing must ring clear. a reserve deputy with the Waupaca (WI) County Sheriff’s Department. Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 37 Hold On To Your Gun! Weapon Retention Means Survival
f you carry a gun, it is for self- This is why uniformed patrol officers defense. As a responsible gun owner carry their duty-side arms in Level II or and concealed carry permit holder, III retention holsters. Open carrying of a the last thing you ever want to do handgun in anything but a Level II or III is to have to use your defensive handgun retention holster is irresponsible. On the for self-defense. The last thing you ever other hand, when you carry concealed, want to happen is for someone else to use your firearm is (or should be) out of sight your own gun on you or on anyone else! and protected by one or more layers of Both horrible scenarios can be prevented covering garments. This gives you the through proper equipment selection, the element of surprise, should you ever have judicious and tactical use of well rehearsed to draw your weapon. However, if you get avoidance and disengagement strategies into a close quarter tussle, or if you are in (Farnam, 2005), and learning some basic a crowded place and being brushed by a lot weapon retention skills. of people, your concealed weapon could As senior citizens, most of us are no be compromised. Therefore, it is worth Above: Gould & Goodrich Three-Slot longer the strongest kids on the block. evaluating whether or not to carry concealed Pancake Holster Therefore, it is essential that we use our in some type of retention holster. heads, as opposed to relying on brute For concealed carry, a quality, Level I SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM strength for self-defense. What we need is retention rig with a thumb break retention The solutions to the problem of fire- to learn ways to hold onto our guns using snap strap, such as the ones illustrated, arm retention cut across four categories: good tactics and quality equipment. makes a lot of sense. At the very least, if (1) attitude and mental preparedness, (2) you have to run, or find yourself in any physical preparedness, (3) good equipment, SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM position other than straight up and down, and (4) well rehearsed psychomotor skills If you are a responsible gun owner, you this will give you a comfortable extra edge for protecting your weapon against a would never leave a firearm lying around of security. gun grab. unsecured in your home or in anyone 1. Attitude and mental preparedness: else’s. When your defensive firearm isn’t First of all, you must always be aware of on your person, you lock it up in a safe or a your 360 degree environment. Never let lock-box, so it is secure and inaccessible to down your guard. If anyone is going to be unauthorized persons. surprised, let it be the bad guy. Never have If you have a concealed carry permit to say after the fact, that you never saw it and are carrying one or more guns on or coming. Stay aware and stay alive. Watch about your person, then wherever you go, for potential danger cues in your immediate there’s always at least one gun present in environment. A guy walking toward, you that situation. That means that you must wearing heavy, baggy clothing, with his keep these guns secured at all times! They hands in his pockets, who is avoiding eye must be inaccessible to all unauthorized Above: Don Hume IWB Clip-On with contact would be a clue. We have covered persons. That means everyone but you! Thumb Break the topic of “psychological preparedness” That is one of the reasons that, unless you Below: Don Hume Double Nine Thumb in other articles in this column. are a uniformed patrol officer, open carry is Break Scabbard If you carry a defensive handgun, a bad idea. A recent, tragic case illustrates you must have the training and mental this point. resolve to use it should the totality of the An off-duty officer was responding circumstances justify the use of lethal force to an on-duty brother officer’s call for in the defense of your life. Your training back-up with an arrest. He arrived on the should also include how to protect and scene in plainclothes, with a .38 special hold onto your gun in the face of a vicious revolver carried in an open-top belt holster. attack. You must realize that if someone The off-duty officer was disarmed by the tries to take your gun away (other than a suspect who shot him and the arresting police officer who has made the decision on-duty officer. The case ended tragically, to detain you), they are probably going to as the suspect emptied the last .38 special try to murder you with your own gun if round into the downed, uniformed officer’s they succeed in getting it, and thus, they head, murdering him execution style, in constitute an immediate, lethal threat. cold blood.
38 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 2. Physical preparedness: If you It is also very important to maintain carry a gun, you must always protect and an appropriate level of physical fit- secure it from unauthorized hands. ness: strength, speed, flexibility and You must always be aware that you are cardiovascular endurance. You will need armed. You must never get too close to the all of these resources in a fight. wrong people. Maintain healthy physical 3. Good equipment: Good equipment boundaries. Protect your personal space. means carrying a quality handgun that Do not let anyone violate it. Know where has reliable, built-in, internal safety your gun is at all times. mechanisms. It means thinking about This is a good argument for carrying whether it makes sense for you to carry a the same gun in the same holster all the gun that has proprietary, external, manual time, so as to develop a subconscious safeties. For example, a frame-mounted muscle memory of where your gun is. This Hoffner’s Ultimate Shirt Tucker ITP or slide-mounted safety/decocking lever is also a good argument against carrying with Glock 19. enables you to render your semi-automatic too many guns or a different gun each day. pistol sterile when indicated. Another user the draw, and all day comfort, so you only In an emergency, when you are on auto controlled safety is a magazine/trigger know your pistol is there when you think pilot, you could reach for a gun that is not disconnect in a semi-automatic pistol, such of it. Hoffner’s rig has an adjustable allen there, or that is someplace else! that the gun will not fire without a magazine screw for adjusting the retention and ease There is such a thing called the in it. If someone gets a hold of your gun, of draw of the firearm. “interview stance” (Farnam, 2005). You such features can buy you precious time. If the circumstances dictate, carry in a are facing a stranger in a bladed and quality shoulder rig that positions the gun well balanced position, and keeping your horizontally, in an under-the-armpit holster, distance. Your strong/gun-side is canted equipped with a thumb break may be what away from the person opposite you, and is called for. Both Gould and Goodrich and you are leading with your support-side foot Don Hume make quality rigs of this type. and hand. Your gun is protected and you are ready to move if you have to.
Above: Smith and Wesson Model 3913. This quality, 9mm pistol has both a slide–mounted, manual safety/ decocker and a magazine disconnect. Good equipment means a quality Above: Gould and Goodrich Shoulder holster that retains your gun, but also allows Rig for a Glock 30 for a smooth draw from the holster and Above: John Farnam in the interview presentation of the gun when indicated. In stance. addition to the quality Gould and Goodrich and Don Hume concealment belt holsters with thumb breaks and the Don Hume inside the waist band (IWB) clip-on holster with thumb break (pictured on page 38), you may wish to consider carrying a pocket pistol in a good pocket holster. Pocket carry is virtually immune to a holstered gun grab and it also enables you to capitalize Above: Don Hume Shoulder Rig for a on the concealment element Glock 30 of surprise should you need your weapon. Don’t ignore the fact that a J-frame A well designed, Kydex, size snubby revolver will conceal securely inside the pants (ITP) rig, in a well built ankle holster with a built-in such as Brian Hoffner’s retention strap and attached calf support Ultimate Shirt Tucker, strap, such as this one manufactured by can also provide excellent Gould & Goodrich. retention, adjustability of Continued on page 40
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 39 skills based on the Lindell Weapon of coming up with teachable techniques for Retention System. This excellent course preventing officers from being disarmed will be reviewed in a future issue of and shot with their own guns. He came the magazine. up with a system of structured weapon Weapon retention obviously is the retention and disarming techniques. These opposite of disarming. If a bad guy takes proprietary techniques are now taught in away your weapon, you must get it back police academies throughout the country. (i.e. disarm him), and regain control of They are also taught in Massad Ayoob’s your weapon (or shoot him with a back- LFI-II, III, and IV to certified, card up gun) to avoid getting murdered. Also, carrying, good guys and gals. there are situations in which you may need Lindell’s methods focus on the use to employ weapon disarming skills when of leverage vs. brute strength. This is a bad guy draws a lethal weapon (e.g., a obviously important for female officers knife a gun or even a baseball bat!), and and older officers, as well as for civilians, obviously intends to use the weapon on you and us old geezers like me. Above: Gould & Goodrich Ankle Holster or someone you have a duty or good reason Impact isn’t enough; we need leverage. with Smith 337 J-frame Revolver to protect. By 1986, Lindell had trained all of the 4. Well rehearsed psychomotor Certain criteria must be met for KCPD officers and his program saved many weapon retention skills: retention and disarming to be effective: cops’ lives. Now Massad Ayoob is carrying It should be obvious that proper 1. The psychomotor skills have to be on this noble work, but he is also training training is critical to success in whatever simple to learn and retain. qualified, law abiding civilians who have we do. That training should consist of the 2. The techniques have to work against a license to carry a concealed firearm. acquisition of necessary survival skills a larger, stronger assailant. This is known The information is proprietary—in the and the proper exercise and practice of as the “Bambi vs. Godzilla” criterion. same way that the knowledge of how the the techniques learned on a repetitive, 3. They must work with any duty or safeties work on your carry gun or home regular basis, for skills reinforcement and concealment holster. defense shotgun are. You do not want the maintenance. Attend a good class given by In the past, retaining or regaining knowledge falling into the wrong hands, a reputable instructor. Then watch training control of your weapon was simply thought literally. To learn how to do it, you have videos to reinforce what you learned, as about as a matter of brute strength. The to take (and be eligible to take) Ayoob’s well as to expand your skills repertoire. strongest person won. However, all that training at the Lethal Force Institute. I recently attended Massad Ayoob’s changed after the 1970s and 80s when Jim Without giving away any proprietary Lethal Force Institute II (LFI-II), wherein Lindell, Chief of Unarmed Tactics with the secrets, the basic formula is: (1) secure I learned weapon retention and disarming Kansas City PD, was tasked with the goal your weapon, (2) move to a position of advantage over your attacker, and (3) release the weapon and regain control over it. Obviously, once you learn the nuts 1-888-459-2358 and bolts of the techniques, you have to (MC or VISA orders) practice them.
1-727-581-7001 Chat Line [email protected] U.S. Utility Patent Number 5,909,834 Carry in comfort, all day long, even in 90º + temperatures! SmartCarry® requires no clothing or movement restrictions, has no downward facing seams, which eliminate snags, and a waterproof rear panel which makes them sweat proof! $47.95+$5.00 S&H 60 day trial period (6% tax FL orders) The smartest way to carry concealed is with SmartCarry®, the “Invisible Holster™”! LFI Senior Instructor, Steve Denny, and Massad Ayoob demonstrating how to recover from a gun grab, using a blue http://www.smartcarry.com training gun.
40 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 References Gear Massad F. Ayoob (1980). In the Gravest Gould and Goodrich. Lillington, NC Extreme: The Role of the Firearm in 27546. Personal Protection.Concord, NH: Police 800-277-0732 Bookshelf. www.gouldusa.com 800-624-9049 Don Hume Leathergoods. Miami, OK www.ayoob.com 74355. John S. Farnam (2005). The Farnam Method 800 331-2686 of Defensive Handgunning (Second Ed.). www.donhume.com Boulder, CO: DTI Publications, Inc. Hoffner Holsters. Houston, TX 77093. 303-443-9817 888-597-2643 www.dtipubs.com www.hoffners.com James W. Lindell (1981). The Handgun Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D. is a board certified, licensed, Above: LFI Senior Instructor Steve Retention System: A Training Text for Law clinical and forensic psychologist, NRA Certified Denny, defending against a gun grab Enforcement Officers. Kansas City, MO: Firearms Instructor, NRA Life Member, Glock Certified by LFI Instructor, Herman Gunter. Armorer, a Utah Dept. of Public Safety Concealed Odin Press. Firearms Instructor and an Author in Philadelphia, Quite to the contrary of what anti- Training resources Pennsylvania. As the co-owner of Personal Defense gun, anti-self-defense and anti-Second Solutions, LLC, Bruce teaches concealed carry Massad F. Ayoob. Police Bookshelf and Amendment types opine, learning this stuff classes and NRA Basic Pistol and Personal Protection the Lethal Force Institute (LFI-I through is not about learning to kill. It’s learning courses, as well as offering individual shooting LFI-IV). instruction. He also teaches CCW classes that how to save lives. 800-624-9049 prepare people to apply for a Florida Non-Resident Rule #1 is: have a gun. www.ayoob.com Concealed Carry Weapons Permit which is honored by 28 states. For more information, he can be reached Rule #2: is hold on to your gun. Bennie Cooley. Idaho Falls, ID: Crisis by phone at 215-938-7283 (938-SAVE) and by Rule #3: is keep your gun. Resolution Training Consultants. e-mail at [email protected] or Rule #4: is sometimes you have to kill 208-525-3329 [email protected]. For a the wolf to save the lives of the sheep and schedule of upcoming classes, you can log on to the www.benniecooley.com the sheepdog. PDS website: www.PersonalDefenseSolutions.net. John S. Farnam. Defense Training Bruce is also the co-author, with Stephen Rementer And the life you save one day could be of the Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Institute, of the International. either your own or that of a loved one. Are Essential Guide to Handguns: Firearm Instruction for 970-482-2520 you a sheepdog or are you a sheep? Personal Defense and Protection, which is published www.defense-training.com by: Looseleaf Law Publications - www.LooseLeafLaw.com 800-647-5347
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 41 GEORGE HILL I have to admit that I like it, and it his year’s 28th Annual SHOT gives budget-minded shooters a good Show was huge, the biggest show 1911 option with a lifetime warranty yet. There was 615,000 square feet and a better build quality than any worth of exhibition space this year. of the low cost options (especially I don’t know about other guys, but from the Philippines). You can get it felt like I walked at least 5 miles a them with or without rails, stainless day there. My wife, Deveni, attended or blued, and in .40, .45, .38 Super, with me this year and she complained and 9MM calibers. Full length or about being tired and having sore feet. compact are options as well. Talk She’s a dancer and a dance instructor, about hitting the ground running! and she dances for 12 hours a day. Good work Taurus. I’m loving their So for SHOT to put a beating on her 10MM revolvers, a big 6 shot job and feet, you know the show is rough. a smaller, handier, 5 shot Tracker. The smartest guy I saw at SHOT was This might be an ideal platform for riding a Segway, one of those two- those who love the 10MM cartridge, wheeled, electric scooter things. To especially in full power loads. They go over everything at SHOT would have a number of new revolvers out require me to write a tomb size book now, sporting their 2 inch barrel that would take me until SHOT 2009 option for those who really need a to finish, and you really wouldn’t be short tube, even in .44 magnum and interested in reading it anyway. I’m .454, if you really think you need going to go over the highlights and a 2 inch .454 Casull. (I don’t know give you the cliff notes version with why they bypassed the 3 inch barrel some of the things that I thought was option, which I personally find to be important and would be of interest to the ideal length.) Taurus also looks readers. The only question is where very serious about getting into the to start. cowboy action shooting market. Their S&W’s newest guns are the Gaucho line of arms is impressive, M&P family. These are medium/full- stainless, blued, and case hardened, size, 9MM and .40 caliber, automatic with barrels from 5 1/2 to 12 inches. pistols, and a line of AR-15 type Gaucho calibers are .44-40, .38/.357, rifles. The pistols feel good in the and of course .45LC. Their Gaucho hand, and they look pretty good too. Carbine is a neat, revolving rifle that The only thing about them that I don’t looks like just the ticket for cowboy like is that they remind me too much rifle competition. of the Sigma series. The AR-15s look Colt: I went to SHOT after great, but to be honest, I can’t tell the hearing the rumor of Colt being sold difference between them and anyone to General Dynamics. The people else’s AR-15s these days. It seems that at the Colt booth denied any such everyone is making an AR-15 now, thing has or would happen. They and I was almost afraid I’d even see seem to have been offended at the one at the Spyderco booth. They have idea. Even more so, when I wasn’t a new Gunsite model, which means the only one with a press pass who that for some extra bucks you can get asked about it. If Colt had anything a nice, no frills 1911 with a dark finish new there, I didn’t see it. I was just and the Gunsite Raven on it. happy to see them still taking orders Taurus hits the show this year and making sales. Good for them. It with a whole fleet of new guns. The would have been nice to have seen 24/7 Pro series of guns comes with some indication of any attempt at new models in compact versions, with innovation from Colt. 2 different grip lengths, a titanium Glock said they that didn’t have slide, a long slide and a factory anything new, but they did have little porting option. Very nice. These guns plastic Glock keychains...Lovely. look good and feel good. I’m looking Top to Bottom: S&W M&P pistol with a compact I guess we won’t see any new guns forward to testing one of them. They light attached, the new Taurus 24/7 Compact, and from them until someone makes a are finally bringing out a 1911, and the STI LS9 compared to a wallet. new pistol cartridge. The last time,
42 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006 Glock had to make their pistol cartridge, CZ USA: These guns are some of my to the Nth degree. A real gentleman, Jim and that was an “iffy” proposition, to say personal favorites. Dan Wesson is now West. It was a pleasure to talk with him. the least. owned by CZ, and they have a new, little, If you want something that’s one of a kind, STI’s little LS9 pistol is not brand new, “bobtailed” Commander-size 1911 that is go West. but this was the first chance I got to take a just excellent. Better yet, it’s available in SIG has some new guns out, mainly look at it. The slide is the thinnest I’ve seen, 10MM. For you “more power” type guys, their regular guns in their new SAS theme. even thinner even than my wallet. It’s now your prayers have been answered. Mine “SIG Anti Snag.” These are melted and on my “To Do” list. STI guns are outstanding were not, as I inquired about the possibility contoured in such a way that it really pieces and the LS9 is no different. What is of a compact CZ 97B. The response I got was changes a lot of the original model’s different is that it is only partially a 1911. that the little Dan Wesson I just mentioned handling characteristics—in a good way. I From the frame rails upward, it is unique. has taken up that slot in CZ USA’s line-up. spoke with a great guy there, Steve Thain, Beretta is still making the famous 92 Drat. I am disappointed. The Dan Wesson one of SIG’s regional managers. He was series, but with some changes. The frames might be fine and all (and it really is), but it proud to show off their new P226 X-Five now sport polymer-inlayed, interchangeable isn’t a 97B. CZ had a couple new guns that I models, a Tactical and a competition model. grips and a newly designed slide that features liked, one was their classic 75B in stainless. The Tactical X-Five gun sports a frame some really snazzy, but snag free lines. It Not a stainless looking finish, but made in rail, while the Competition has a large mag looks good. This might be an improvement actual stainless steel. I know a lot of guys funnel. Both guns are extremely well made in some people’s minds, but I’m not one who are going be placing orders for those. and have something very interesting, 1911 of those people. I liked the classic 92 as it Another thing that I liked was their CZ style safeties. This will make the manual of was, thank you very much. The one new 2075 “RAMI” with a polymer frame. As if arms perfectly familiar with most American thing on the 92s that I liked was a simple, the RAMI needed to lose any weight, but shooters looking for a very serious gun for plastic cover that hides the accessory rails. handling it, I could see that this was a very fighting, for winning matches, or both. The The new Cx4 pistol is an excellent piece on good move—makes it much easier to carry grip frames feel great in the hand. Steve all counts. I bet Beretta makes this pistol a in a pocket or a purse. Thain is a great guy. It was fun to talk with priority. It’s a largish handgun of generous Jim West was present and accounted him. Looking forward to working with him proportions, and not one well suited for for, standing on duty at the Wild West Guns in the future. concealed carry. You could carry concealed booth. We know Jim from his outstanding Mary Ellen Giangiulio of Streamlight if you had to, but it wouldn’t be a first and famous line of rifles. You have no doubt showed me their new, weapon mounted option. I just hope Beretta learns to market heard of the “Co-Pilot” rifle. This is a take- lights. The one important thing that makes it better than they did the Cougar. They try down lever-action rifle in serious calibers them different from the Surefire weapon to cater to the Land Rover crowd, and that and it is fantastic. Jim took the time to show mounted lights is that the Steamlights can works to a point, but it’s a lower point than off a pair of super lightweight and compact pop on and off without putting your hand they should be aiming for. 1911s. They were jewels. Custom detailing Continued on page 40
Volume 3 - April 2006 www.concealedcarrymag.com Concealed Carry Magazine 43 forward of the muzzle. I like that... Attending the SHOT Show a lot. You shouldn’t have to break is a treat and a curse. There was one of the four basic rules of firearm food available at a number of safety to attach or detach a light. The places, pretty much anything Streamlight system was fast, simple you would want. One day for and easy to use. The light is compact, lunch, my wife and I had a slice a good size for concealed carry work, of pizza and a drink—twenty and it would prove to be very useful. five bucks. Oh sure, it was good, One version of the light comes with a but not that good. That was the laser aiming module that would be a same day that we went upstairs big help in low light situations. and found that we had just Over at the North American missed the press luncheon… Arms booth, I talked to Sandy and Great. Friday night there was Ken, the head honchos of NAA. They the Budweiser Outdoors Press have a new, small framed, .32H&R Reception at the Hard Rock Magnum revolver in the works that Kel-Tec’s new single stacked 9mm, the “PF-9”. Hotel. Before we went to the should be truly outstanding. If it is reception, we decided that we made with the same attention to detail that Kel Tec has a new, small 9MM out now. were hungry, so we stopped at the Hard their other little handguns are made, it will This one is about the same size as their P11 Rock Cafe and had chicken fajitas that be. .32H&R is an interesting option for pistol. The difference is that this gun is a cost forty bucks. Then, at the reception, CCW. For a small cartridge, it packs a lot single stack and it is slimmed down like we found...you guessed it...chicken fajitas, of penetrative energy. In my opinion, it sure Jenny Craig on amphetamines. If you like amongst other good things—free too. I beats .22 Magnum. Their Guardian pistols Kel Tec pistols, you will love these. They have to give Budweiser credit here. The are amazing. They pack a lot of firepower do make for a good carry package and an conservation work they do is a big help into a pocket-size package; 6+1 rounds of affordable one at that. to the whole industry. A guy looking just .380 is nothing to sneeze at. Over at Wilson Combat, I talked at like Uncle Jesse won the award this year. Another maker of very small pistols is some length with John May, Wilson’s The band Budweiser booked to perform Karl Rohrbaugh. Talking to him for the first purchasing manager. He showed me a was just horrible. The lead female vocalist time was like talking to an old friend. His fantastic little pistol that Wilson is going to looked like a cross between Billy Idol and story starts out back when he was a little be bringing to the market later this year. I the Bride of Frankenstein, and she sounded kid and wanted a bike. Since his Dad didn’t promised I wouldn’t spill the beans on it, worse than both combined. But it was still buy him one, he built his own. When he but let me just say this: Save Your CCW fun. We stayed almost half way through couldn’t find a small 9MM that he wanted, pennies for this one. No, it’s not a 1911... before the caustic vocals forced us to pull he built his own. He makes his guns Oh sure, Wilson Combat has a great CCW the French Maneuver. We retreated back to exactly the way he thinks they should be minded 1911 called the Sentinel. This is an our hotel room. made. The slides, the frames and all of the officer-size piece, with a nice set of Novak George Hill is an NRA Certified Pistol and Personal other parts inside are machined from solid sights, clean lines, and a fine 30 lines per Protection instructor and the writer and publisher billets. No cheap casting in a Rohrbaugh inch checkering on the front strap. It is so of MadOgre.com. Visit his website for more (pronounced like Rush Limbaugh). The cool that you can see your breath when information on Mad Ogre. springs are all high quality Wolff springs. you hold it. But that’s not the new gun that http://www.madogre.com Photography by Deveni. The fit and finish of these little R9 guns I’m talking about. Wilson’s skunkworks are impeccable. Outstanding pistols. You pistol is—shhh—I didn’t tell you about it. pay for the quality, but these gems are It’s striker fired. worth it.
CALL (262) 677-8877 OR VISIT US ONLINE www.uscca.us Concealed Carry Magazine, USCCA and Delta Media, LLC are not responsible for mishaps of any kind which may occur from use of published firearms information, equipment recommendations, tactics and training advice or from recommendations by staff or contributing writers. Carrying a concealed weapon can be very dangerous if you are not well trained and familiar with the weapon you carry. Now don’t get us wrong, it’s not the government’s job to tell you how much training you need! It is your responsibility as an armed citizen. Notice: Some advertisements may concern products that are not legally for sale to California residents or residents in other jurisdictions. If this bothers you, GET INVOLVED! Support the bill of rights and vote for folks that believe in the natural born right to self-defense. No advertised or reviewed item is intended for sale in those states, or in those areas where local restrictions may limit or prohibit the purchase, carrying or use of certain items. Check local laws before purchasing. Mention of a product or The Wilson Combat ADP service in advertisements or text does not necessarily mean that it has been tested or approved by Concealed Carry Magazine, USCCA or Delta Media, LLC.
44 Concealed Carry Magazine www.concealedcarrymag.com Volume 3 - April 2006