May-June 2013 1 2 Women&Guns Women&Guns May-June 2013 Volume 24, Number 3 On theCover A SIG P290 is part of a discussion of carry pistols. And, yes, the evaluator on the cover is wearing hearing protection! Story by Bob Campbell, beginning on Page 14. Contents NEWS PAGE 6 New York’s SAFE Act has some rough going; a new video campaign promotes equal rights for gunowners. DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES PAGE 10 A road rage incident sparks a conversation on displaying a carry gun. By Lyn Bates. LEARNING to COMPETE PAGE 12 A new column series follows a writer on the road to the Bianchi Cup. By Cherie Jones. RIMFIRE RESURGENCE PAGE 18 The venerable .22 LR makes a comeback across the country, fueled by economics and fun. By Carolee Anita Boyles. NEW SHOOTERS PAGE 22 A college-aged woman helps Taurus reach out to young shooters via new media. By Diane Walls. PROJECT APPLESEED PAGE 26 With roots in the Revolutionary War, Project Appleseed aims to train marksmen and women. By Oleg Volk. LIGHTS PAGE 30 A new company is offering some flashlights that quickly become the author’s favorites. By Roger Lanny. LEGALLY SPEAKING PAGE 32 Looking back on decades of gun control. By Karen MacNutt. MAKING a DIFFERENCE PAGE 36 There are two sides to almost everything—including activism. By Genie Jennings. RESOURCE DIRECTORY PAGE 42 FROM the EDITOR PAGE 44 A serendipitous confluence of features. By Peggy Tartaro. OUTREACH PAGE 47 The Mule Dear Foundation reaches out to youth.

May-June 2013 3 Women&Guns www.womenandguns.com PO Box 35 Buffalo, NY 14205-0035 Letters Ph. (716) 885-6408 Fax (716) 884-4471 Email [email protected]

Quick Study JULIANNE VERSNEL GOTTLIEB My wife and daughter are very interested in Publisher keeping safe. PEGGY TARTARO I have studied your magazine and feel it has a lot Executive Editor of merit. It is a good read and I believe both will Contributing Editors enjoy and study your work. Lyn Bates It really helps to have good, competent writing Carolee Anita Boyles so it keeps the readers responsive and eager to R.K. Campbell learn more. Gila Hayes Please start our two year subscription as soon as Genie Jennings possible. Roger Lanny Sheila Link R. Bennett Karen MacNutt Houston, TX Diane Walls Dave Workman

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Dear W&G Staff: Advertising Sales First I would like to thank you for such a Cole Media wonderful magazine! I enjoy reading Women & 360-665-0542 Guns and find it very informative and helpful for [email protected] [email protected] the woman who enjoys the gun shooting sports and for the woman who chooses to carry a gun for Published by: protection. You are doing a wonderful job and I The Second would like to say thank you. Amendment Foundation I like that you use real-looking women and not www.saf.org sexy models in high heels and short shorts who Women&Guns Magazine (ISSN 0145-7704) is published bi- are not properly dressed to handle guns, let alone monthly by the Second Amendment Foundation, a non-profit, shoot one. tax-exempt, educational and literary research and publishing organization. National Office: 12500 NE Tenth Place, Bellevue, I will continue to tell my friends about this great WA 98005. Phone: 425-454-7012. SUBSCRIPTIONS: One year (6 informative magazine. issues), $18.00 US; single copies, $4.00. All subscriptions are cash in advance. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Six weeks notice required Thank you all, on all changes. Send old address as well as new. Not responsible J.L. Webb, for missed issues due to failure to notify of address changes. West Milton, OH POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Women&Guns, Attn: Circulation Dept., PO Box 35, Buffalo NY 14205-0035. Contents © 2013 by Second Amendment Foundation. All rights reserved under International and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Correction All previously copyrighted material is used with permission. In his March/April review of Shooting to Reproduction in whole is strictly forbidden; no part of this Survive, Roger Lanny regrets that he overlooked publication may be reproduced without written permission of the editor. Mr. Blakeley’s note on page 99 pointing out that Possession and/or ownership of firearms is subject to various civilian carry of a double-edged knife may be a federal, state and local restrictions. It is your legal responsibility to learn and obey the laws that apply in your area. criminal offense. Lanny and W&G apologize for Opinions expressed by authors herein are not necessarily those the oversight. of Women & Guns or the Second Amendment Foundation.

4 Women&Guns May-June 2013 5 Women&Guns News New Federal Lawsuit, VA Latest Challenges to New York SAFE Act By Women & Guns staff capacity to seven rounds, This latest suit was filed even as requires background checks for it appeared that Cuomo and the The New York State Rifle and ammunition sales and reporting to state legislature were backing down Pistol Association (NYSRPA) and authorities about large purchases slightly on the 10-round magazine the National Rifle Association of ammunition, and requires ban as part of a new state budget (NRA) have filed a lawsuit in mental health professionals package. Acknowledging that federal court, adding another dimension to the legal challenges to the state’s hastily enacted Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act. The lawsuit, filed in US District Court for the Western District of New York in Buffalo, names as defendants, New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, State Police Commissioner Joseph A. D’Amico, Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita and Lancaster Police Chief Gerald J. Gill. NYSRPA and NRA are joined in the action by the Westchester County Firearms Owners Association, Sportsmen’s Association for Firearms Education, New York State Amateur Trapshooting Association, Bedell Custom, Beikirch Ammunition Almost half of the counties’ legislatures in New York state have passed non-binding resolutions calling for repeal or revision of Corporation, Blueline Tactical & the SAF Act, and resolutions are pending in many more. Counties Police Supply, and three individual shown in white have not proposed action yet. Details and updates citizens. are available online at nysaferesolutions.com. The complaint seeks to permanently enjoin New York to report to the state patients manufacturers do not make the officials from enforcing the law. they may consider dangerous seven-round magazines imposed Cuomo pushed the package to themselves or others. It also by the SAFE Act, and are unlikely through the legislature in Albany bans so-called assault weapons, to do so only for New York, in mid-January as an emergency including rifles, handguns and Cuomo and Senate and Assembly measure without hearings or shotguns that, according to the public comment, the lawsuit NRA, are in common use all over SAFE Act notes. The law limits magazine the country. Continued on Page 40 6 Women&Guns Background Check Surge Continues For 4th Straight Month By Dave Workman, The NSSF reported that the days and weeks for background Contributing Editor “NSSF-adjusted” background checks have all occurred during The surge in background check figure for February Obama’s presidency. checks, suggesting continued was 1,634,309, an increase of Since November 1998, strong sales of firearms at retail 29.1% over the February 2012 according to FBI figures more gun shops, continued in February checks. Yet NSSF noted that the than 165,279,535 background as more than 2 million check “unadjusted” February number checks have been completed. requests were submitted to the was 2,298,561, a discrepancy of While the NICS figures do National Instant Check System 832 checks between its numbers not represent the total number (NICS). and the NICS figures. of firearms transactions, the data According to CNS News, It began in November 2012 does suggest that gun control December set a record with when 2,006,919 NICS checks groups face an uphill battle in 2,783,765 background checks. were conducted and the “Black their attempt to push so-called January came in second with Friday” gun sales broke a record. “common-sense solutions to 2,495,440 checks and February— Since the NICS system went on reduce gun violence.” with three fewer days—saw line, only four months have seen NSSF issues monthly reports 2,309,393 background checks, more than 2 million checks, and on background checks using making it the third busiest month they all happened after Barack “adjusted” data, and the numbers on record since checks began in Obama was re-elected last fall. News November 1998. CNS News noted that the ten top Continued on Page 37

May-June 2013 7 Senate Judiciary Panel Approves Feinstein ‘Assault Weapon’ Ban Bill

By Dave Workman, abiding citizens, politicians like asked, “for Congress to engage Contributing Editor Sen. Feinstein are perpetuating a in the same endeavor that we myth that firearms cause crime. are contemplating doing to the Anti-gun California Sen. That’s as foolish as believing that Second Amendment, in the Dianne Feinstein’s measure to cars cause drunk driving.” context of the First or Fourth permanently ban so-called assault Gottlieb, who is attending Amendment?” weapons was passed by the Senate the Conservative Political “It’s fine you want to lecture me Judiciary Committee on a strict Action Conference (CPAC) in on the Constitution, I appreciate party-line vote, rekindling public Washington, DC, added, “Public it,” Feinstein bristled. “Just know debate over the ownership of policy and constitutional rights that I’ve been here a long time, semi-auto sporting rifles and the should not be subject to the I’ve passed a number of bills, magazines designed for them. whims of gun prohibitionists who I’ve studied the Constitution On a 10-8 vote, the committee are quick to exploit the crimes myself. I am reasonably well- passed Feinstein’s bill, but Capitol committed by a few crazy people, educated and I thank you for Hill insiders told W&G that the in order to advance their agenda the lecture. Incidentally, this bill legislation faces a tough uphill of public disarmament.” does not prohibit—you use the battle when it reaches the full According to FBI/Justice word prohibit—it exempts 2,271 Senate. Department statistics, in 2011— weapons. Isn’t that enough for That much is virtually the most recent year for which the people of the United States? guaranteed, as gunowners—led data is available—out of 12,664 Do they need a bazooka? Do by groups including the National murders, only 323 were known to they need other high-powered Rifle Association and Citizens have been committed with rifles. weapons that other people use in Committee for the Right to Keep That’s less than half the number close combat? I don’t think so. So and Bear Arms—are already (728) committed with “personal I come from a different place than contacting Capitol Hill. weapons” that include hands, feet you do.” CCRKBA Chairman Alan and fists. Another 1,694 people Feinstein acknowledges that Gottlieb said he would encourage were stabbed or slashed to death. she faces an uphill battle before CCRKBA members to contact The Judiciary Committee the full Senate, and even if that Congress in opposition to the debate was heated at times, happens, the measure is likely dead measure. and according to Fox News, on arrival in the House. Unlike “Instead of banning the most Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) the first time a ban on semi- popular firearm in the country,” reminded the panel that rifles automatics was pushed, in 1994 he said in a statement, “we need are used in a fraction of murders under then-President Bill Clinton, to ban politicians who assault every year. He said banning these there is ample data available to our rights.…Demonizing certain guns would provide a “false sense allow gun rights advocates to firearms, and by default the people of security,” Fox reported. argue that the ban accomplished who own them, has become a But the most heated exchange nothing and that violent crime scapegoat strategy by politicians occurred between Feinstein and was barely affected. who have allowed a broken justice Texas Sen. Ted Cruz over the Today, millions more citizens system to release violent offenders possibility of eroding the Bill of who actually own the firearms back on the street while disarming Rights. that would be included under the their potential victims. By focusing “Would she deem it consistent ban, would be affected. their energy on disarming law- with the Bill of Rights,” Cruz W&G 8 Women&Guns Gun Rights campaign began SAF Launches New Campaign within days of the OFA effort, many see it as a direct response. Focused On ‘Equal Gun Rights’ OFA is a group founded by The Second Amendment it,” said SAF founder and Executive the president and some of his Foundation (SAF) has launched Vice President Alan Gottlieb, “but “close advisors” that grew out of an ambitious campaign to promote the simple fact is that gun control his 2012 campaign organization. personal protection and point to has historically disarmed far more They are targeting 16 Republican the racial inequalities inherent in African Americans than any other lawmakers with online advertising gun control laws, calling it Equal demographic. And, as you can that pounds them on their pro- Gun Rights (EGR), with a short see in our video spot, African- rights resistance. video and website that simply says Americans and other minorities SAF’s new EqualGunRights. self-defense is a human right. are still the primary victims of com video features citizens from It is aimed at showing how gun gun control laws in America.” different parts of the country control laws affect far more inner SAFs launch was timed commenting on their local gun city minority citizens, who are coincidentally to present the other laws. It offers a noticeable contrast often disarmed by local ordinances side of the anti-gun campaign between people who live in regions that discourage gun ownership by initiated by Organizing for Action with laws that enable citizens to making it so cumbersome. against lawmakers who oppose exercise their rights, and those “You won’t see President Obama President Barack Obama’s gun Equal Rights Campaign or his anti-gun cohorts admitting control agenda. Because the Equal Continued on Page 38

May-June 2013 9 Women&Guns DefensiveStrategies Two Drivers, One Gun bumping his car and that he I can. felt that his life was in danger. First of all, pointing a gun at My understanding is that you someone is using lethal force, even can’t point a firearm at someone if you do not fire the gun. Your unless there is an obvious threat coworker could have been arrested of on your life. He states that he and charged with Assault with a didn’t know what the guy had or Deadly Weapon, or whatever that what his intentions were. I said crime is called in your state. Just he should have called the police showing a gun, even keeping it once his vehicle was hit so that pointed in a safe direction, is still it was documented just in case using lethal force, and subject to By Lyn Bates, whatever was going on escalated. the same legal penalties. Contributing Editor Was he justified in pointing his Where was his trigger finger firearm at another driver? Can’t when he pointed the gun? If it was Every now and then I get email wait to hear from you.” on the trigger, he was breaking all from someone asking what would OK, you have probably figured of the safety rules at that moment, be the right thing to do in this out that I’m going to show you my which is a recipe for disaster. If situation, or here’s a situation I answer to this interesting query. he had, at that moment, been was in, did I do the right thing? But before I do, I would really like bumped or heard a loud noise Usually my responses are short, to you to reread that email, and think that surprised him enough to the point, and sometimes I try to about how you would respond if a cause his grip to tighten, he could soften the news that some of those friend told you that this situation have launched a bullet that could actions could have been better. had just happened to him or her? have killed the other driver. An Recently I got a message from What would you do if you were accident, yes, but the legal and a man who was concerned about ever in this situation yourself? moral consequences would affect something a coworker had done Those are serious questions him for the rest of his life. with a defensive handgun. Here’s that deserve a few moments of I hope your coworker was the email he sent: reflection before you read further. properly licensed; most states “A coworker was on the Now let’s dive into my response require it. Even the most justifiable freeway and he says that a guy to that circumstance. use of lethal force in self-defense was driving at a high rate of Laws about the use of lethal force goes out the window if the person speed and was on his tail. He vary a lot from state to state. For using the gun isn’t licensed. pumped his brakes and the guy example, Florida allows people to The ONLY justification laid off. The guy sped up again use lethal force (guns) to prevent for using lethal force in self- and he states he touched his their car from being stolen. Even defense is IMMEDIATE AND bumper. They both exited the Florida, though, doesn’t allow that UNAVOIDABLE DANGER OF freeway at the same exit and level of force to keep a vehicle DEATH OR GRAVE BODILY when they came to the light my from just being damaged. Most HARM TO THE INNOCENT. coworker pointed his firearm at states, however, are fairly uniform IMMEDIATE usually means the other driver. The driver drove about the circumstances in which in the next few seconds, perhaps a off. My coworker states that the someone can legally use lethal bit longer in some circumstances. guy used his car as a weapon by force, so I will try to answer as best Whatever danger your friend 10 Women&Guns might have been in when being might be considered contributing such that a reasonable person in bumped by that car was long to a situation that started out that situation would feel the same past. Yes, a car can be a weapon, fine but escalated to the point way. I doubt very much that all but usually only when it is being where you are in danger. For 12 members of a jury would feel driven straight at someone with example, you can’t have started that they, as reasonable people, clear intent to kill them. There an argument that escalates to would have done what your was nothing the other driver was the danger point. Arguably, your coworker did. They would say to doing to indicate that your friend friend could have been said to themselves, “I would just drive was in immediate jeopardy when have started the altercation when away. Why didn’t he?” his gun was shown. he touched his brakes, knowing In most situations, the right UNAVOIDABLE means just there was a speeder close behind thing to do if you have a gun for that. There can be no way to avoid him. Regardless of who started self-defense is exactly what you the danger. Your friend could have it, he had an obligation to break would do if you didn’t have that called 911. He could have waited it off if at all possible; he could gun with you. That often means a few minutes to see if he was still have done that by driving away, getting away safely and calling being followed. He could have but chose instead to draw his gun. 911, which is what your coworker driven to a police station, if the He was no longer an innocent should have done. other guy was still following him party, and so had no right, at that A few years ago, a woman in far off the freeway. moment, to use lethal force. the western part of my state, INNOCENT means you have Fear, even fear for your life, Defensive Strategies to be completely innocent. You is not, by itself, justification for can’t have done anything that using a gun. The fear must be Continued on Page 43

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May-June 2013 11 Women&Guns Learning toCompete

There’s no substitute for being on the line with other shooters. You have to compete in matches to develop match rhythm and learn to handle match nerves.

Bianchi Cup Intimidating, But Fun Way To Start Competition Career By Cherie Jones take myself seriously. I look more year. In fact, that’s how Dick and Editor’s Note: Cherie Jones’ series like Barney Fife than a participant I met them. Dick and Chris were on learning to compete begins with in a fast draw pistol competition, instant friends when they met and this issue and will continue as she but I am serious and I plan to do before the week was over were fast works her way to this year’s NRA my best. friends and this year they spent Bianchi Cup. How did I get in this situation? the week of July 4th with us. Try to picture me staring at my One minute I’m talking with my That’s when Michelle and I made target with my hands in the air friend, Michelle Cerino, about a pact that if she’d shoot it then I and my revolver in my holster, on how my husband, Dick, began would, too. my hip. I’m not in the middle of shooting the Bianchi Cup matches Let me go on record by saying, a gunfight at the OK Corral, but in May of 2011 for the first time I’m not a pistol shooter. I learned it’s just as intense. I’m practicing and the next thing I hear is my big to shoot a shotgun in 2006 and for the Bianchi Cup National mouth suggesting she and I sign enjoyed it and had some success Action Pistol Matches. Looking up for it. Her husband, Chris, in competition. It’s kept me at myself in the mirror it’s hard to shot his first Bianchi the same pretty busy for a hobby so when 12 Women&Guns I verbalized the thought of adding at Piedmont Handgunner’s pistols to that hobby, I just about Association. Since my R8 isn’t kicked myself. I’m remembering ready yet, I used a revolver from that phrase about the old dogs Dick’s safe with a holster we had. learning new tricks and I know The match I entered was a plate I’m fast coming up on becoming match and it consisted of twice one of the “old dogs”. My memory across the Bianchi’s falling plate banks are full, my coordination is format. My score for my first lousy and I’ve self-diagnosed me attempt was a 66 out of a possible with having adult ADD; hey look, 96 points. It was less intimidating a squirrel. Since I’m not one to go than I thought and more fun than back on my word, I decided to get Author’s pistol shooting ero, the I thought. It gave me a chance to serious right after the holidays. amazing Jerry Miculek. test my gear and see what changes Around the middle of January I and I like revolvers because they’re I need to make. I learned I need started practicing my quick draw. so reliable. I’m adding a red fiber a better loading method than just Although it’s not that quick yet— optic front sight so my eye will be loading individual rounds from a by May I’ll be faster. drawn to it faster, but other than pocket. I saw a system at the match I strap on my holster and use a little more smoothing on the that used a loading tray and speed an empty revolver I found in the trigger, it’s ready to go straight out loaders that I think might work safe, after triple checking it. My of the box. better for the Bianchi since they’re hands are even with my forehead I’m in the process of ordering easier to load and unload. and I draw my gun as quick as my shooting glasses for the event I wasn’t the only woman there I can and aim at a dot on the and I’ve talked to the guys at and the guys were really helpful closet door. Yes, I’m in the closet. Bladetech for the right holster with suggestions on things that I’m not ready for people to walk that will fit my new gun and help might make the match easier. in on that scene yet. I draw my me draw fast, but for now the best I can see the value of regular gun 100 times so that my hands thing that I can do to be ready competition with pistols. Like eventually will always grab the is practice, practice and more shooting competitive shotgun, grip the same exact way every practice. you have to develop a rhythm for time. I’m using the grip Chris I’ve also begun shooting some the match and this can’t be done showed me and I even taped the pistol competitions. I recently Learning to Compete fingers of my left hand together entered my first pistol match Continued on Page 43 to teach myself to grip correctly with them. When I do my draw- and-snap exercises, I look down the sights the same way every time and pull the trigger. The idea is to build muscle memory. I added live rounds outside, to my routine. I’m not fond of having to go outside to practice but I’m also not fond of bullet holes in the wall. I still do dry firing in the closet on rainy days. I’ve ordered the gun I plan to use for the competition. With Dick’s help at SHOT Show, we chose the Smith and Wesson M&P R8. It’s a big 8 shot .38/.357 revolver May-June 2013 13 Women&Guns

Our rater fired the first shot with the P290 and then settled in to control recoil. Note the spent case by muzzle. (She IS wearing hearing protection!) Two Top Notch Carry Pistols— A 9mm and a .357 Magnum

By Bob Campbell, dissuading a thief bent on profit, and reliability, the P290 should be Contributing Editor any gun will do, but a psychopath a winner. The example shown is bent upon causing suffering and issued with SIGLite night sights The reasons for choosing the death may not be impressed by and an interesting laser as well. I handguns I have outlined in a small caliber bullet wound. am not particularly enthusiastic this report are carefully thought Shooter demand has resulted in concerning lasers but this compact out. The pistols may not be your the introduction of ultra compact and bright unit may at least give choices but they are reasonable pistols in the more powerful 9mm me pause to contemplate. The choices. With the explosion in Luger caliber. Many of them are SIG is supplied with a spare concealed carry permits many jewels, worthy of your trust. A magazine and an inexpensive citizens are carrying pocket pistols generation ago the only small carry plastic holster. This holster is best that give them more comfort than compact pistols were in .380 ACP regarded as suitable for range use warranted by performance. The and even the best quality .380 not service use, but at least it is .380 ACP cartridge had nearly pistols were less than completely something to carry the pistol in died out before the introduction reliable. And there were many for a range outing. For carry use of the Kel Tec pistols in this poorly made pistols as well. The the pinkpistolholsters.com belt caliber. Light, compact and well introduction of the SIG P290 is holster has proven to give excellent made pistols sell well. But most of perhaps the ultimate development service. Speed and comfort are us realize that the wound ballistics in compact 9mm pistols. Backed good and so is retention with this of the .380 ACP are not enough by a prestigious company with a deceptively simple holster. For to bet our life on. If you are proven track record in both design use with most holsters the laser 14 Women&Guns component of the P290 must be most revolvers. The 9mm with +P and that is a necessity. Let’s look removed. loads offers little more jolt with at the pros and cons of the SIG I have been impressed by the heavy loads compared to recoil P290. polymer frame double-action-only with standard loads—the greater When firing the pistol the SIG P250 since it was introduced. momentum may simply make double-action-only trigger proved The P290 relies upon the proven smooth and controllable. It breaks lockwork of the P250. The P290 at perhaps six pounds. The sights is a smaller pistol than the P250. are excellent. Some makers do The pistol weighs but twenty not seem to realize this simple four ounces fully loaded with the fact—you need good sights on a Black Hills 115-grain TAC load. compact pistol even more than on This is light enough for 24-hour a full size pistol. Sight alignment carry but heavy enough to lessen is critical and with the short the jolt of firing full power or +P sight radius it is easy to misalign loadings. There are few firearms The P290 is a clean design with the sights. The tritium sights in this size and weight category much to recommend. After of the SIG pistol are ideal for that shoot as smoothly or as the test it was dirty and even rapid acquisition. They are large scratched up, but remains a first accurately as the SIG. There are class defense pistol. enough for close range efficiency caveats in choosing the self-loader but a good sight picture may be over the revolver. The 9mm Luger the recoil spring work harder. had for good sight alignment well and the .38 Special cartridge are The self-loader offers greater hit past normal handgun range. The roughly comparable in wound probability and an instant second pistol was fired extensively with a shot. But you absolutely must pay new idiom in ammunition. Black attention to detail. You must learn Hills Ammunition is offering to field strip the pistol. Without affordable steel cased ammunition being able to partially disassemble in 9mm caliber. These rounds the pistol you will not be able to proved to be reliable, clean clean and lubricate this handgun burning and accurate with zero

The SIG P290 is well made and functions flawlessly. Note extended spare magazine. It digested every type of 9mm ammunition we tried. Both feed and cycle reliability were good. ballistics, with the edge going to the .38 when both are fired from a two- to three-inch barrel. But the 9mm offers less recoil in a similar weight handgun. The reciprocating action of the self loading pistol soaks up some of the recoil and part of the load is transferred to the recoil spring. A .38 kicks more with +P loads, The P290 is perfectly sized for effective defense by those with small I find the recoil unpleasant in hands. May-June 2013 15 problems. The pistol was easy magazine floor plate was loose. arms and maintain this pistol, it to control. With concentration, The magazines are well made but should serve well in the personal staying on a humanoid target to this was not a welcome incident. defense role. fifteen yards was not difficult. The feed lips are a bit sharp on the The revolver is the simpler While designed for close range, a fingers during loading but they mechanism. You need only load trained shooter would be far from have proven reliable in action. and fire the revolver. In a worst The laser supplied with the P290 case scenario the revolver may is among the brightest compact be pressed against a felon’s body lasers I have tested. It is OK as far and fired time after time while as it goes but I prefer to rely upon the self-loader would jam after the the iron sights and not a device first shot. A revolver person will that uses a battery. Just the same, if never be convinced a self-loader is you prefer the laser, this is among as reliable as a revolver. The fact is the neatest and brightest I have the self-loader is often as reliable as tested. This laser does not attach the revolver and sometimes longer in the normal rail gun fashion but lived with hard use, but operator The Taurus 605 rides well in the Garageworks holster. rather uses a curious figure eight error is far more common with the attachment that works well. I self-loader. helpless at longer range with this carried the P290 in a Vigilant belt The Taurus 605 is chambered pistol. I also fired a good amount for the .357 Magnum cartridge. of the hotter Black Hills EXP. The .357 is considerably more This hollowpoint ammunition powerful than the .38 Special or isn’t quite in the +P category, the 9mm handgun cartridge. The hence the term Extra Power. This 605 features a heavier barrel and is a good choice for those that different grip style than similar do not like +P recoil. The SIG .38 caliber revolvers. The Taurus proved reliable with this load and rubber grip separates the hand a smaller quantity of the Black from the revolver frame. These Hills TAC +P load. The sights are changes in the .357 over the .38 well regulated at moderate range are welcome. As a result recoil with most loads striking about The Spurless hammer profile of isn’t what would be expected. two inches high at seven yards. the Taurus revolver is a great aid The 605 is entirely compatible in concealed carry. There were no failures to feed, with .38 Special ammunition. fire or eject when firing over two holster with excellent results. This The 605 could be referred to as hundred rounds of the Black holster offers good comfort and simply a nice heavy barrel .38 Hills FMJ, EXP and TAC loads. real speed. Vigilant is a branch of Special, but the option of using However, we did experience a pinkpistolholsters.com. I was also .357 Magnum loads is interesting. strange malfunction. The pistol is able to confirm that the P290 is The .38 Special is the original supplied with both a flush fit six light and compact enough to be cartridge, while the .357 Magnum round capacity magazine and an carried in a pocket holster. The is a sharply invigorated round that extended eight round magazine. pocket holster illustrated, from is 1/10th inch longer. This longer The magazine floor plate of the Sideguardholsters.com, is an cartridge will not chamber in the smaller magazine had worked loose excellent example of the pocket .38. The shorter .38 will easily and moved forward. During the holster, well worth its cost. In the chamber in the .357 revolver. The range session the loaded magazine end the SIG P290 is a great pistol. 605 features a spurless hammer. would not fully seat due to this It is light, compact, functional, This spurless hammer makes movement. At first we suspected smooth in operation and accurate for ease of concealment or when a bullet nose popping out of the enough for the task at hand. If you drawing from a pocket because magazine but as it turned out the are willing to learn the manual of the hammer will not snag. 16 Women&Guns This revolver and the SIG P290 you have a cartridge with proven have much in common. Both wound ballistics. That is the Sources are relatively snag-free, compact, primary appeal of this revolver. Page 42 and reliable. The Taurus revolver The 605 is smooth in operation. weighs 24 ounces unloaded, about The trigger action does not exhibit what the SIG weighs loaded. I any rough spots and reset is rapid. 160-grain SWC were used in the would be loathe to fire a .357 A shooter that understands the evaluation. At about 750 fps these Magnum revolver any lighter cadence of fire with the revolver loads are pleasant enough and than this handgun. Even the .38 realizes that equal time will be strike to the point of aim. Firing Special +P becomes a bear when given the trigger press and trigger practice may be undertaken with fired in a revolver less than twenty reset. The Taurus 605 like all low power loads, an advantage of ounces in weight. The heavy Taurus revolvers features a modern the revolver. A step up in power are barrel and rubber grips of the transfer bar ignition system. The standard pressure .38s followed by Taurus 605 work well. A word to hammer cannot possibly contact the .38 Special +P. During part the wise—if you cannot handle the frame-mounted firing pin until of the test program a number of .38 Special recoil, rather than the trigger is completely pressed to the Hornady .357 Magnum FTX adopting an ineffective .22 or .32 the rear. At that point the transfer or Critical Defense loads were fired. This is a credible loading with much to recommend. The Critical Defense load doesn’t rely upon the traditional hollowpoint and deep sump for expansion, but rather upon the instigation of the rubber nose insert to be certain the bullet expands. This bullet is reliable in expansion even after contacting an intermediate barrier or a heavy leather jacket. Since the snub nose revolver is often carried inside of a pocket and may be fired from the jacket pocket, the Critical Defense bullet is a good choice for such use. Even from the short Taurus 605 barrel this load One of the finest available options is the Sideguard pocket holster. is breaking 1140 fps, plenty to instigate expansion. caliber handgun, why not use a bar drops and the hammer will When firing the Taurus with light .38 load? The .38 Special strike the firing pin when it the .357 Magnum load it was 148-grain wadcutter may exit a reaches the end of its travel. When obvious that the piece had quite two-inch barrel at only 700 fps but the trigger resets, the transfer bar a bark. The recoil is there but by it cuts a .358 inch hole due to the rises back in place to prevent the concentrating upon the sights and broad flat nose. This is a minimal hammer from touching the firing carefully managing the trigger you load, true, but far more likely to pin. This is a proven system that are able to get hits to a surprising stop the fight than a .22 or a .32. works well in practice. distance. It was no mean feat to There are also ignition issues with Most of the practice with this take a barricade rest and launch the .22 due to the harder strike revolver is done with target grade the 125-grain pills into the chest needed to ignite rimfire priming. ammunition. A mix of Black Hills On the other hand if you are able 158-grain SWC loads and personal Carry Handguns to control the .357 Magnum, handloads using the Oregon Trail Continued on Page 41 May-June 2013 17 Women&Guns Rimfire Resurgence!

A shooter at a Ruger Rimfire event. (Photo courtesy of Ruger Firearms.)

watching shooting sports trends for It’s not just the ammo. Jonathan By Carolee Anita Boyles, many years is Miles Hall. He and Hayes, national sales manager for Contributing Editor his wife Jayne own H&H Shooting Do All Outdoors, said firearms in Sports Complex in Oklahoma .22 also tend to be less expensive For those of us of a certain age, City, OK. (Just as an aside, H&H than larger calibers. target shooting and .22 rifles go stands for “His and Hers.”) “They also have low recoil,” he together like summer days and Hall said that in the past couple said. “Many .22 rifles come with sunshine. We learned on .22s, of years he’s seen many more scopes already on them, which we’ve shot them all our lives, and women coming to the range than makes it easy to get started.” we wouldn’t be without them. in the past, and that an increasing The majority of the women Hall For quite a while, other number of them are shooting .22s, sees at H&H are in their late 20s calibers—including some fairly particularly handguns. to mid 30s. Some of them are new large ones—also have been “For many people, going back to shooting but quite a few have popular for target shooting. In to .22s is a cost issue,” he said. been shooting for a while and the past couple of years though, “Rimfires are just cheaper to consider shooting part of their the venerable .22 has seen a shoot.” regular recreation; whatever their return to the forefront of target This affinity for rimfire doesn’t age and experience, 47 percent guns, particularly for women and extend to the .17 HMR. of Hall’s customers are women. children. One big difference in “The ammo for the .17 HMR is Hall also said that ethnically, his today’s .22 shooter is that she isn’t too expensive to shoot,” Hall said. women shooters are very diverse, shooting just rifles any more; she’s “The same thing is true of the .22 from traditional Caucasian also shooting .22 handguns—and Hornet. We’re talking strictly .22 shooters to African American, loving every minute of it. LR.” Native American, and Hispanic. One range owner who has been 18 Women&Guns “We have women of all ages and all ethnic groups coming to the range,” he said, “but the biggest group are in the late 20s to mid 30s age bracket. What they all have in common is their enthusiasm. They come here and have a great time. The biggest thing I hear from all the women who come is that .22 just are cheaper to shoot.” One thing women shooters love about .22s, Hall said, is their “cool” factor. “There are some really cool looking and feeling .22s that are similar to a 9mm or a .40,” he said. Walther has a couple of sweet little pistols including the new PPK/S.22, and Smith & Wesson has the M&P22; both are nice semi-autos that many women love to shoot. On the rifle side, Hall is seeing a lot of women shooting the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22. He said many of the women who have bought them from him say they love the Modern Sporting Rifle look and feel of the rifle. Cindy Mims and instructor Reyce Highley on the range at H&H “That is the gun of choice for Shooting Sports Complex, Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo courtesy of H&H Shooting Sports Complex.) most of the women here who are say is that it’s light weight. And toys make it cool but still not shooting .22 rifles here,” he said. the second thing they say is that heavy. And since it’s a .22 it’s not “The number one thing they you can fit lots of toys on it; the expensive to shoot.” Another thing women tell him, Hall said, is how much they enjoy shooting different targets. Since H&H is an indoor range, guests are limited to paper targets; there are many great new paper targets on the market. Whether shooters want to kill zombies, play competitive shooting games with friends or just hone their target shooting skills, they can choose from a dazzling array of colorful and playful targets. “Since there’s no support group for zombies yet, shooters can have Shooter Lisa Dale with a .22 rifle. (Photo courtesy of Do All Outdoors.) a good time shooting zombies

May-June 2013 19 without anyone objecting,” Hall the top. You shoot the ones on the Hayes said that ranges rarely use said. “You can play ‘golf’ on a bottom and they flip up; then you ground bouncers; these are more paper golf course, or if you’re in hit the main re-setting target and for the “home” shooter who has a card mood, you can blast cards. they all drop back down.” Other access to an area where she can There are so many targets out steel targets drop in series as the shoot safely. However, he said, the there now; you don’t have to just targets get smaller and smaller; targets that are on stands and are shoot at a human silhouette.” the possibilities are endless and in a fixed position are popular for Birchwood Casey started the depend only on the imagination trend of paper targets that create of the designer. a big spot of color when the bullet Another type of outdoor target hits with their Shoot-N-C targets; that has become popular in recent other companies have followed years is made of synthetic material suit with similar targets. that “heals” after it’s been shot. The passion for the .22 has These targets are very durable gone outdoors as well, particularly and colorful, giving them eye where reactive targets are appeal from the get-go. Made concerned. by Champion (DuraSeal), Do “Reactive targets are those that All Outdoors (Impact Seal) and spin or roll or flip,” Hayes said. other companies, these targets are “They go far beyond just a piece relatively inexpensive, ranging from of paper stapled to a board.” around $20 to $35 or so. Some are

Trick Shot splattering target from Birchwood Casey. (Photo courtesy of Birchwood Casey.) range use. “All of these reactive targets give shooters a lot more than just the tin can or the water jug or a paper stapled to a board,” Hayes said. Ruger Firearms has designed a unique program that allows aficionados of the .22 to compete with one another. Ruger Rimfire Shooting Competitions have This shooter is trying out a .22 rifle as well as a handgun in the same caught on across the county, with caliber. The ammunition costs are cheaper with .22 LRs, so range a number of ranges hosting shoots. time can be extended. (Photo courtesy Ruger Firearms.) “We’ve put together an action program, where participants are Ranges may have literally on a stand like a steel target, but shooting at steel targets,” said dozens of different kinds of steel others are ground bouncers that Ken Jorgensen, Shooting Sports targets for use with .22s. roll, jump into the air or flip when Coordinator for Ruger. “Our “With a spinner, if you get your someone shoots them. program is aimed at enticing timing right, you may be able to “These targets are very popular,” beginning shooters, so we’ve made just keep it going,” Hayes said. Hayes said. “They can take literally it simple and fun. It’s all on the “An auto-reset target has several thousands of hits from a .22 before clock so it’s a timed shoot. You targets on the bottom and one on you have to replace them.” get a beep and then you shoot five 20 Women&Guns into the rules are provisions that ruger.com/micros/rugerRimfire. encourage ranges to allow women In addition, Jorgensen said, to shoot for free or for a reduced the success of the Ruger Rimfire entry fee. program has contributed to other Other manufacturers have shooting organizations creating joined Ruger to support this new rimfire programs. He said program, including Champion there are some great “family” Targets, ATK Ammunition, stories coming out of the Ruger Sierra Bullets, and quite a few Rimfire competitions. others. Eventually, Jorgensen said, “Recently someone thanked they hope the National Shooting me for what we had done for his Sports Foundation will take over family with these competitions,” the program and give it a home he said. “He told me he has three next to the First Shots program. children, two of which he does a Shooters don’t have to qualify lot of things with. But he hadn’t Champion DuraSeal Interlocking Diamond Spinner target. (Photo to shoot in these competitions; been able to find any interests in courtesy of Champion Target.) common with his daughter until to seven targets, with the last one she heard about the Ruger Rimfire being the stop plate. You shoot competitions and wanted to go to five times and then throw out one. He took her and she loved your lowest score.” it; now they shoot a couple of Although Ruger wrote the rule book for the competition they don’t micro-manage the program; they provide the rule book and prize tables for ranges that want to hold local competitions. Written

Champion DuraSeal Crazy Bounce Ball target. (Photo courtesy of Champion Target.)

they’re open to anyone who wants Do All Outdoors Impact Seal to come. Bonehead Ground Bouncing “This is about beginners and target. (Photo courtesy of Do All novice shooters,” Jorgensen said. Outdoors.) “We want it to be fun.” times a week. He told me, ‘You’ve Some ranges, such as the given me a connection with my Green Valley Rifle & Pistol daughter.’” Club in Hallsville, MO, and That’s the real payoff to the the Silver Lake Rod and Gun whole .22 resurgence. It’s opening Club in Brackney, PA, hold local doors for women who either competitions throughout the haven’t shot before or who haven’t year. Other ranges—including been able to shoot regularly, and the Sackets Harbor Sportsman’s it’s letting them connect with Club in Watertown, NY, and the their children and other family Checkered Flag splattering Heartland Public Shooting Park in members in new ways. At the end target from Birchwood Casey. Grand Island, NE—hold broader of the day, that’s what the shooting (Photo courtesy of Birchwood regional matches. A complete list sports are all about. Casey.) of matches can be found at www. W&G May-June 2013 21 Women&Guns

McKenzie Gunns poses in front of the Taurus display at SHOT Show for the Carry On Movement that she was instrumental in developing with Taurus’ marketing department. (Photos by Tom Walls.)

Passing the Torch: Taurus Outreach to the New Shooters surge in firearms sales. Training the training industry need to seize By Diane Walls, classes at the facility where I teach this opportunity to reach out in Contributing Editor handgun programs are filling welcome to these new shooters: rapidly and new sessions must be young, old, male and female. The All of us involved in the added regularly to keep up with more we show a friendly face to community of firearms enthusiasts demand. these interested folks, the more have been thrust into tense times We have a golden opportunity educated voters will be available lately with the current political right now to get the message out to support our rights when critical situation. And, while the purpose to more people than ever that safe freedoms are on the block for of this article is not to espouse and responsible gun ownership is political action against them. political views, it is worth noting not something to be afraid of but, I happened upon a firearms the way information is being rather, to be cherished as the right manufacturing company with a passed on both sides through of the free citizens of our great story to tell about just this sort Internet and social media sites. country. Firearms manufacturers, of outreach. Oddly enough, this Also of great interest is the recent retailers, marketers and those in was while I enjoyed Thanksgiving 22 Women&Guns dinner with some of my friends in was outstanding and the facilities W&G: How did you get in the training industry. were close enough to home for touch with Taurus? My husband, Tom, and I met her to save additional funds by McKenzie: “My Dad has known the Gunns family through our continuing to live with her parents their marketing director for a long work with Marty and Gila Hayes while attending. time and called her to broach the at the Firearms Academy of We hadn’t seen McKenzie for idea of me taking an internship Seattle. Heath Gunns has been awhile and were eager to catch there. It worked out!” a trainer for many years in both up with what she was doing these W&G: Does Evergreen civilian and law enforcement days and how her education was require internships as part of the circles. He currently works with progressing. She was all fired marketing program? Honored American Veterans up about the internship she McKenzie: “Evergreen is weird. Afield (HAVA) as their Outreach had taken this past summer for They don’t have majors, they have Manager, coordinating and Taurus International in their ‘concentrations’. I get to decide assisting with hunting expeditions marketing division. The trip to what classes I want to take and for veterans with injuries. His Miami, Florida, was her first what I want to take out of those wife, Brady Gunns, worked with major venture away from home programs.” me on women’s programs for on her own. As McKenzie was W&G: So it’s a kind of self- Firearms Academy and currently going to accompany her father to guided education program? assists her husband when she can. Their daughter, McKenzie, grew up on firearms ranges. She trained with the ladies at FAS as a youngster and assisted her dad with guest instructors such as Ken Hackathorn. As their only child, she was steeped in the “gun culture” from a young age as she followed Mom and Dad along on their mission to teach safe and responsible gun handling. As kids will do, McKenzie grew up and is now in college at Evergreen State College, a liberal arts university of some renown in Washington State. The author (center) interviews McKenzie Gunns and Mark Kresser, McKenzie is early in her CEO of Taurus International, about their work together during college career at the age of 19. McKenzie’s internship. She graduated last year from SHOT Show this year, my interest McKenzie: “Yes. That’s why high school and the Running was piqued to do an article about I needed an internship to find Start program, a publicly funded her experience with Taurus and out where I wanted to go with educational program that pairs the effect this young woman marketing.” high achieving high school had on the company’s marketing W&G: Was your experience students with community colleges approach. She contacted Mark with Taurus helpful? to give them experience and Kresser, the CEO of Taurus, and McKenzie: “Absolutely! It transferable college credits to roll arranged a meeting for us. solidified my interest in marketing. into their higher education after I spoke with McKenzie at the I’d like to have the same type of graduation. McKenzie chose to show before our meeting and she experience over and over.” transfer her credits to Evergreen shared some more details about W&G: Do you want to work in State because their reputation her experience with me. the firearms industry? May-June 2013 23 McKenzie: “I don’t know yet. McKenzie has done is given us want us to be able to answer the I’m just getting started with all of a whole new perspective. Times questions that they might be this.” are changing. The way people afraid to ask in an informative W&G: Has your interest in get their information, through and unbiased way. Frequently, our shooting rubbed off on your social media, and the speed of customers are first-time buyers as college friends? that information is changing we have a wide variety of products McKenzie: “It has. My ex- even in the last five years. This and an attractive price point. boyfriend and a bunch of my industry can be pretty traditional If we can make these first-time friends really like to go shooting but we need to adapt to these buyers feel comfortable, that helps with me when we can find the changes to serve our customers. them and maybe builds some time. My experience at Taurus What working with someone like brand loyalty if they choose to get got them fired up and interested McKenzie, both as a young person another firearm later on. in learning more, reading gun and as a female, did was open our W&G: Do you think a lot more magazines and such.” eyes to a whole new marketing people are thinking about maybe W&G: Is Taurus going to strategy. We want our company to getting a firearm but are still a change their marketing strategy little put off by the negative image to reach out to young people? of firearms and firearms owners? McKenzie: “Absolutely. They Mark: “You bet. There’s a lot are just about doing a full turn to learn about firearms and it can around in their marketing” be intimidating, so that’s why we W&G: In what way? want to present a softer side. I McKenzie: “Where they used think there’s so much information to just be focused on making out there that it’s hard to make an and selling products, now they informed decision about firearms. are going to focus on connecting There’s good information that with their customers. That’s what might not be easy to find and the Carry On Movement is about, bad information that’s too easy building that connection. When to find. It’s our responsibility to I first started working with them, put good solid information out to we were going through creative people that want to learn more. agencies to choose some to work Where can they find a range that’s McKenzie Gunns is no stranger with and the question I wanted to firearms! In 2001 she graced vetted and comfortable? Where asked was ‘How will that appeal a W&G cover and helped then is information available about to a young customer just out of Contributing Editor Gila Hayes firearms laws?” college?’ It took some work to get test Rogue River’s Chipmunk .22 W&G: Is your website going to them to think about that.” rifle. have links to sites that have this W&G: That’s good to hear. be the most approachable firearms kind of information? Perhaps We’ll check in with Mark Kresser company in the industry.” some links to trainers as well? and get his perspective on the new W&G: In what way? Mark: “What we’re looking marketing strategy. Hello, Mark! Mark: “I like to think of the to do is be like that personal So good of you to take some of analogy of going to a gym for trainer at the gym that you can your time here at SHOT and the first time, when you’re out of go to and be shown around, see talk about what working with shape, with all those healthy, fit how the basics work. We want to McKenzie has done for Taurus. people. It can be intimidating, offer fundamental information Mark: “Sure. We were lucky especially at first. Buying a firearm to consumers just getting into to connect with McKenzie. Her can be like that. There’s not firearms. As to trainers, some family is involved in the industry always a clear direction for people excellent trainers, especially with and the stars aligned to send to find information about firearms military and law enforcement her to us. What working with that isn’t biased or a sales pitch. I backgrounds, can be intimidating 24 Women&Guns to new shooters Eventually, in our catalogs and website so it be looking for new things we’d like to maybe have some would be worthwhile for someone from Taurus in the future. links to vetted trainers that are to take time to look at what we Congratulations on what is approachable to beginners and have to offer. The Carry On shaping up to be a successful new comfortable for anyone to work Movement is still in Phase one. approach to firearms marketing with.” McKenzie was in on development with the Carry On Movement. W&G: Sometimes military of a new product for Phase Two Thank you for sharing some time and law enforcement training isn’t that will encourage more women with me. entirely relevant to the civilian to consider carrying a firearm on Mark: “You’re most welcome. that wants to carry a firearm for a regular basis.” And McKenzie is welcome to personal protection. Is Taurus’ W&G: So McKenzie was in on come back and work with us emphasis going to bend toward the development of a new product anytime, keep our perspective these people? Is this what the Carry for Taurus? fresh.” On Movement is all about and what Mark: “Yes. Men have a much It will be interesting to see if McKenzie was working on? easier time fitting concealed carry Taurus can inspire other firearms Mark: “McKenzie was manufacturers to bring in youthful instrumental in the development perspectives and the female of the Carry On Movement, its perspective to their development message and philosophy. She processes. This writer looks brought the unique perspective of forward to trying their future a young person that no one on our products and reporting to you staff had considered before. That what’s new with Taurus. helped us develop the program The Carry On button on Taurus’ based on her ways of getting website has links to their Facebook information. page, as well as YouTube and McKenzie: “It was great to Twitter. The excellent interviews have someone in the industry McKenzie worked with her father, on firearms given by Taurus team that would listen to me and be Heath Gunns, at SHOT Show, member and competitive shooter willing to work with the current to promote the positive and Jessie Duff, on the Fox Network’s empowering outreach mission ways we get information and share that Honored American Veterans “Judge Janine” and “Hannity” information.” Afield has for injured veterans. shows, are available to view on Mark: “McKenzie is our future Taurus’ Facebook page and worth customer. I needed to understand into their lifestyle. Her perspective a look. how her generation thinks and as a woman, with the issues women McKenzie Gunns is the next how they gather information have to deal with when carrying a generation of shooter and the next to make decisions. When we firearm, was very helpful.” generation of firearms activist. understand that, we can do a McKenzie: “I got to give She has been fortunate in the better job of helping her get what feedback as to what would work support she has enjoyed all of her she needs to solve problems and and not work with the modern life from family and friends so make choices.” kind of clothes I wear.” her confidence in her convictions W&G: You mentioned earlier Mark: “Like a woman wouldn’t shines. Hers can be a seed voice that it was also very helpful that wear a man’s watch because in favor of hard work, solid she’s not only a young adult, but a it wouldn’t be comfortable, family values and appreciation woman as well. she wouldn’t necessarily be for American freedoms as she Mark: “Definitely. We got two comfortable with a firearm that influences her circle of friends perspectives from McKenzie, was designed for a man. One size and the associates she meets while that of someone just starting out doesn’t fit all with anything we making her way in this world. All in life and that of a female. She wear, even firearms.” this just by being herself. helped to develop information W&G: We will definitely W&G May-June 2013 25 Women&Guns

Project Appleseed Is Sowing the Seeds of Marksmanship

Story & Photos Teachers and range officers are volunteers in Project Appleseed. By Oleg Volk

A 67-year-old grandmother with for women. Quicker learning In the UK, the National Rifle three week’s shooting experience curve and reduced dependence Association was formed in 1859 and earns her “Rifleman” badge thanks on brute strength gave greater became more focused on military to expert coaching. A 5-year-old comparative advantage to people arms by the 1890s. In the United orphan from Kazakhstan adopted not professional users of force. States, the sorry state of military by American parents gets her first Flintlock pistols were carried and civilian marksmanship led instruction in zeroing a .22 rifle. in handwarmers of New York to the establishment of NRA A college student does so well that ladies, rimfire rifles put small training in 1871. That, combined the instructors ask her to join the game on the tables of Wild West with the culture of private gun Appleseed team. A whole family— rancher gals, and shotguns break ownership allowed better WWI kids and parents—sits enraptured clays in the hands of modern infantry marksmanship than as a Revolutionary War re-enactor sportswomen. Until recently, other countries. In the USSR, tells how this country was born. however, Americans—both men marksmanship training for adults I’ve seen all of this happen. I even and women—were behind in and teens was actively promoted watched my own understanding the serious task of learning the from the early 1930s. As a result, of rifle marksmanship improve to fighting rifle. Effective range of despite the minimal tradition of the point of usefulness. a modern defensive rifle exceeds rifle shooting and generally poor Firearms have been an 300 meters. Effective range of a soldier preparation, the Soviet empowering technology from typical shooter with such a rifle... Union fielded an unusually strong the very beginning, especially isn’t very far at all. sniper corps during WWII, 26 Women&Guns basics are covered in such loving detail. While all kinds of rifles are welcome, the majority of the new shooters are best served by a .22—after two days, 350 to 500 centerfire rounds would add up on the shoulder and the pocketbook. However, unlike many high round count courses, Project Appleseed makes each shot count towards specific learning goals. The courses of fire can be done with just two ten- round magazines. The 500-meter courses are generally done with M1A or AR15 rifles, though I’ve The Appleseed program welcomes all new shooters, but is particularly seen anything from a pre-WWII interested in young people. Mauser bolt action to an AUG including about 2,000 women. The format—and interleaves the range bullpup on the line. Israeli Army employs numerous time with historic pageantry Three kinds of target are women as sniping instructors. In to foster a dialog about the used. First, rifles are zeroed at Switzerland, military and civilian value of marksmanship in the 25m on a black and white grid marksmanship events have been establishment and maintenance of target with aiming squares. very popular since 1657, and a free United States. That ensures correct sight training is widely available to teens Appleseed is the brainchild of settings for everyone. These and adults alike. Unfortunately, Fred but its popularity comes despite the best efforts of the from the hundreds of dedicated NRA, relatively few gunowners volunteers who organize and teach in today’s US are proficient in the rifle clinics. The Revolutionary medium and long range precision War Veterans Association, the shooting. organizer of Appleseed, is the Some kids are lucky enough 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to learn marksmanship and gun dedicated to teaching every safety from competent parents as American our shared heritage and they grow up. Unlike the informal history as well as traditional rifle shooting practice available to the marksmanship skills. Two levels farm kids of the decades long past, of training events are offered: today the technical skills usually 25 meter basic and 500 meter come bundled with the ethics and advanced. Range estimation, the purposes of gun ownership. atmospheric deflection and other Unfortunately, too few parents considerations that come up in are able to teach marksmanship longer range shooting can be effectively. This is where Project ignored on the known-distance Appleseed comes in. The 25m course—only the stance, grassroots-powered, all-volunteer the control of the rifle and the organization provides safety sighting techniques count. Even Having learned rifle basics at and shooting instructions in a that is a formidable challenge for home, a Project Appleseed event friendly, accessible and supportive the uninitiated, which is why the is still valuable to youngsters. May-June 2013 27 Project Appleseed bolt action and semiautomatic Appleseedinfo.org rifles aren’t too much for girls to handle—and women at Appleseed are not unusual at Appleseed demonstrate that ability daily. events. The handicapped attend For those who prefer to learn in these events free of charge, as do a single-gender environment, active duty military, peace officers LadySeed shooting clinics and and Revolutionary War re-enactors boot camps (instructor training in period outfits. Kids and women events) are also held country-wide. attend at greatly reduced prices, Rifles are an amazing and even the full cost is under technology. With it, a teenage girl a $100 for the weekend. The money goes towards the rental of range facilities and to cover instructor travel costs. Many of A young girl gets instruction in zeroing in a .22 rifle. the volunteers drive hundreds of miles to pass their expertise along. same targets are used for Founded in 2006, Appleseed is learning the fundamentals. The carefully apolitical. They give you learners shoot prone, sitting, the skills and the information, kneeling and standing. First, and acting on that information the course of fire is slow, then it is your job. They want you to be speeds up and includes position a capable marksman and to use changes. No sandbags or bipods that ability for good. To that end, are used, each shooter provides over a thousand events are hosted the necessary support for her annually. rifle. For scoring, green Army Women are highly represented Qualification Test targets are among Appleseed instructors used. A score of 210 or higher and learners. I have met mothers Participants who fire between earns a Rifleman patch. It’s who attended with three 350 and 500 rounds can earn a difficult to achieve with iron daughters, and grandmothers “Rifleman” patch. sights. For fun, a “redcoat” target who brought their entire sewing or an older woman can strike down simulates British troops on their circles along. Ladies bring their any threatening Goliath from way to confiscate guns from boyfriends or husbands. The across a room or the far side of a American civilians. The half atmosphere is friendly and valley. Free from the limitations silhouettes represent infantry at purposeful, without machismo imposed by size, strength or age, 100 to 400 yards, and a square or unnecessary stress. a person armed with a rifle is stands for a 250-yards head shot While the beginners are more free than before. Yet, like a on the enemy officer. While it encouraged to use lightweight musical instrument, a rifle doesn’t does not count towards a patch, .22 rifles with no recoil, correctly play itself. It’s a tool that requires a “redcoat” target shot cleanly applied shooting techniques skill and patience and competent without misses gives bragging minimize the importance of instruction on all the techniques rights. strength and size. Using bone humans learned over more than The ratio of instructors to structure and a rifle sling for five centuries since rifles first learners is very high. Shooters support leads to superior results appeared. Appleseed organizers who are young or inexperienced and allows even slightly-built and instructors have gone all out get extra attention. So do disabled women to run full-power guns to to make those skills available to marksmen—wheelchairs and great effect. Soviet female snipers us. See you at the next shoot? other mobility accommodations of WWII proved that 7.62mm W&G 28 Women&Guns When ruthless vandals invade...

will 10 rounds be enough? Suddenly! You wake from sound sleep. dread—ready. If multiple violent vandals It’s 2:30 a.m.! You don’t know if it’s the dog’s advance, will you have enough ammuni- barking or the sound of splintering wood tion to deal with all of them— before they and shattering glass that woke you up. can harm anyone in your family? Prop- Then you realize it is a dreaded home erty is replaceable. Human lives are not. invasion. You dial 9-1-1. You try to gather However, if modern arms and maga- family members in your safest room. You zines holding more than 10 rounds are wait! Hardly breathing! banned, you may not be able to resist. But you don’t know how many invaders Such public policy decisions should be there are. You don’t know how they are made for everyone’s benefit, and should armed, although they must have crowbars make sense for everyone. Gun restric- or hammers to have broken in. tions only limit the law-abiding—not If you own a legal gun, you wait in criminal home invaders.

One of a series of public policy discussion messages from the Second Amendment Foundation Help spread this message. Visit: www.SAF.org

May-June 2013 29 Women&Guns New Flashlights Become Every Day Carry Items

By Roger Lanny, take rechargeables, Contributing Editor and the Preon line is AAA only. For full “Then God said, ‘Let there information see the be light’; and there was light.” FourSevens website, We no longer have to rub sticks www.foursevens. together, make fire, and light a com. You’ll find torch (which is undoubtedly now almost all MSRPs illegal in many places). We live running from $24 at a fantastic time where we can to $259 (all models overcome darkness with relative except the Maelstrom ease...batteries included... are under $100), with Over the years, since the the top-of-the-line approximate 1985 “invention” Maelstrom XM18 of small firearms-mounted and blasting out 15,000 handheld flashlights, the industry lumens at an MSRP has taken off, especially in the of $2399. I choose to last five years or so. Fragile, easily evaluate their Quark breakable incandescent bulbs Pro series (with a have been overshadowed by hardy flat, slightly recessed, QPLX (left) and QP2L-X (right) are two LED lamps with incredibly long tail-cap switch offerings from one of the many new flashlight service life and more battery- allowing tail stand, or companies, FourSevens. sparing energy requirements. candle mode, but no regulation means the light protects While initially the light output momentary function). itself from excessive heat—all you of these LEDs was well below They were kind enough to send have to do is use it. And, while the incandescents, there is now a me two flashlights to test and batteries should be inserted with leapfrog race of ever higher 3-digit evaluate—the QP2L-X and the the “+” towards the head, it’s nice lumen outputs. An industry which QPLC. The former would replace to know that FourSevens has built formerly had just one or two my EDC (every day carry) light, in reverse-polarity protection in major players has exploded with the latter my wife’s. case that doesn’t happen. seemingly a new company touting FourSevens’ flashlights are The QP2L-X, using the CREE their wares as better, brighter, and machined from 6061 aircraft grade XM-L LED, has eight different longer lasting every time you look. aluminum and hard anodized modes: 360, 160, 65, 3.0, and 0.3 One of these up and coming for durability. Designed to meet lumens, plus S.O.S, strobe and companies is FourSevens, which the IPX-8 waterproof standard, beacon. Run times range from was founded in 2008. They they utilize five user-replaceable 1.7 hours on high to 25 days at currently have six different O-rings. the 0.3 lumen moonlight setting. flashlight product lines—most Regulation circuitry insures I opted to remove the pocket clip come in both lithium CR123A or consistent output and maximizes (which is reversible, allowing for AA battery versions, a couple can battery life, while thermal head up or head down carry) to 30 Women&Guns my leg in Tighten the head, click the tail- the wallet/ cap, and you’re at max output. light area. Light pressure on the tail-cap I attributed cycles between max and strobe. this to Loosen the tail-cap a bit, and you w e a r i n g get moonlight, followed by low, 6+ year- medium, high, SOS, Beacon, and old over- back to moonlight—simplicity washed jeans itself. pressing the My wife liked her EDC f l a s h l i g h t replacement just as much. She into my stated that the slight cross-hatch The QP2L-X has become the author’s every day carry p e r o n e a l knurling gave the QPLC a much light. nerve. Priding more positive grip, and she liked accommodate my mode of carry. myself that the bigger tail-cap button for The QPLC, with the CREE I have a high threshold of pain, ease of activation. That tail-cap XP-G LED, also has eight modes: I “gutted” it out until I arrived membrane also had a much better 205, 85, 22, 4, and 0.2 lumens, home. Once there I discovered “feel.” The lighter weight, greatly plus S.O.S, strobe and beacon. the other brand of flashlight had increased output, and longer run Runtimes range from 0.8 hours on turned fully on in my pocket, and times cinched the deal. high to 15 days at the moonlight I had a nice second degree burn on FourSevens warranty that setting. my thigh. This experience, those they’ll “repair or replace, at our QP2L-X is a mere 4.5 inches recommendations, and statistics option, without charge, any long, has a diameter of only 0.86 showing that once lights are used product or part which is found to inches, and weighs in at a scant they’re usually left on sold me on be defective under normal use and 2.6 ounces with the two CR123A the Quark Pro interface design. service within 120 months from lithium batteries on board. Its T h e little brother, the QPLC, has FourSevens the same diameter, is a small l i g h t s 3.2 inches long, and has a svelte a c q u i t t e d weight of only 1.8 ounces with its t hemselve s one CR123A installed. f l a w le s s l y. This company’s products My QP2L-X came to my attention by way w e i g h t e d of recommendation from two 0.2 ounces international instructors whom I less than my have had the pleasure of studying prior light, with, and who I call friends. Up yet had more until now I had always chosen a than twice “tactical” version flashlight, that the output Author’s wife is now using the QPLC regularly. She particularly likes the light’s positive grip. is, the “clicky” tailcap protrudes, l u m e n s . and allows for either momentary I’m also sold on the 0.3 lumen the date of purchase with proof activation with a light touch, or moonlight mode which of purchase.” See their website for steady on with a bit more pressure. is sufficient to navigate or full details. My EDC light rides in my pocket, manipulate a firearm by, yet leaves Well, bottom-line, we were so next to my wallet, so it is always your night vision relatively intact. pleased with these lights that I will there when it’s needed. Then one The incredibly long run time on be sending FourSevens a check to time in the car I realized I was this low setting is the icing on keep these units in service. starting to have a lot of pain in the cake. Manipulation is easy. W&G May-June 2013 31 Women&Guns LegallySpeaking

expenditures. Literacy tests in 1968 law requiring people to English were required to vote. be licensed to have any type of Anyone wanting to carry a loaded gun in their own home. I was handgun had to get a permit against the new license but the from a chief of police or a judge leaders of the state’s sportsmen’s which, in Boston’s case, were both organizations supported the bill appointed by the governor. The as a compromise. In exchange for only qualification for a license was their support, the anti-gun faction that you had to be a “suitable” promised that they would not person. In a town known to ask for anything more. It was a display “No Irish Need Apply” reasonable compromise. signs, everyone knew who was People with felonies, drug “unsuitable.” The law was quickly convictions, and persons who expanded to cover unloaded had been committed to mental handguns. As the years went by, institutions (unless they had a the law elaborated on who was letter from a doctor saying they disqualified. In the 1920s persons should not be disqualified) could Continuum under the age of 15 were prohibited not have the license. Those from carrying a handgun unless disqualifications now include they worked for a bank. The age juvenile offenses; any offense, By Karen MacNutt, is now 21. After a series of labor even minor hunting violations, Contributing Editor riots and the infamous Sacco and involving a gun; and a substantial I attended my first legislative Vanzetti trials, aliens were barred number of misdemeanors, hearing on gun laws in the from having guns. Stilettos, including drunk driving. 1960s when I was in high daggers, and brass knuckles were The hot button issue in 1968 school. Hundreds of gunowners also made illegal. With the advent was military surplus, high power, showedup at the State House in of the “kung fu” movies, the list bolt-action rifles. That was the Boston to defeat the measure. was expanded to cover “martial type of gun used to kill President Before 1906, Massachusetts had arts” weapons and stun guns. Even Kennedy. The claim was that no gun licensing. In 1906, the pepper spray requires a license in those bolt-action, high powered old Yankee families were shocked Massachusetts. rifles were good for nothing but when a political alliance of Blacks When alcohol was made illegal, killing people. There was no and Irishmen elected a Catholic organized crime moved into the reason anyone other than the Irishman named John Fitzgerald illegal liquor business. Business military should have one. All the (John F. Kennedy’s grandfather) disputes were settled with sawed anti-gun people wanted was to mayor of Boston! There was a off shotguns and “Tommy” guns. make those guns that were only flurry of new laws. The police Laws making short barreled rifles good for assassinations illegal. department was placed under the or shotguns illegal, and severely The federal government banned control of a police commissioner restricting machine guns, were the importation of military surplus appointed by the governor. The passed. The violence, however, guns, mail order guns and the Boston Finance Commission, continued until Prohibition was interstate sale of guns. It created a appointed by the governor, was repealed. list of people, such as felons, who given oversight of the City’s The first major change to state were prohibited from having guns. gun laws in my lifetime was a All gun dealers were licensed and 32 Women&Guns had to keep records of all guns up images of some dimwit getting one life.” They put the question that were sold. There was a huge his paycheck on Friday, going on the ballot in Massachusetts. It fight about gun registration. drinking on Saturday, buying an was heavily debated. All the polls, In Massachusetts the transfer inexpensive gun and shooting they claimed, favored banning of all guns had to be reported to someone in a drunken stupor. handguns. That is, all the polls the state. All transfers had to be Banning the little guns, we were except for the ones people voted to licensed persons. Not more told, was sensible legislation. at. The measure went down to than four private sales between “Who would want to own such defeat three to one. licensed persons could still take a gun?” the anti-gun faction In an effort to compromise, place so long as they were reported asked. “They served no purpose Massachusetts gunowners to the state. Even though since but to kill people.” Guns should suggested that rather than 1968 all legal gun transfers can pass a barrel melt test, a drop restricting guns, that there should only be to pre-screened licensed test, and who knows what other be a mandatory sentence for persons and must be reported to type of test. The rub was how people who used guns in crime. the state, local anti-gun advocates they defined “Saturday Night We thought that was a reasonable now demand the “gun show Specials.” On examination, their law. When the bill was passed, it loophole” be closed. There is no definition encompassed just about became a mandatory sentence for “loophole” in Massachusetts. every handgun ever made. anyone possessing a gun without a What is really being called for is In 1975 the anti-gun forces felt Massachusetts license. Hundreds a ban on the private transfers of they had convinced the American of people traveling though guns. By requiring all transfers to Public that handguns were bad. Massachusetts have been caught go through a dealer, it increases “We should ban handguns,” they up by this law even though they the cost of an inter-family transfer chirped, “if we could save just had a permit from their home of guns. More significantly, the Attorney General claims the right to say what guns a dealer can sell under the state’s consumer protection laws. I can’t buy a used target pistol with a small grip that fits my hand in a private sale. The state attorney general has determined such guns, new or used, cannot be sold by dealers because a child with a small hand could fire them. In some areas it is hard to find a licensed gun dealer because local officials have forced them out of business. In the 1970s the anti-gun forces focused on the “Saturday Night Special.” Organized crime moved into gambling and once again, there were turf battles. “All we want,” the anti-gun people would say, “is the little, easily concealable, small caliber, inexpensively made handguns that are the gun most favored by criminals.” The term “Saturday Night Special” conjured May-June 2013 33 state and their only crime was not shortly after the introduction life.” Local anti-gun politicians having a Massachusetts license. of Prozac, the first of the SSRI talk about the gun show Each time the anti-gun people put drugs. “loophole” even though there something before the legislature, Then the anti-gun people is none in Massachusetts. They they would be asked, “How many discovered “assault weapons.” want to re-define “high capacity” people with licenses were causing Those ugly black guns that as having seven rounds and ban all problems?” Each time they would worked exactly like the semi- guns over 10 rounds even though admit that few or none of the automatic guns that had been there is no showing that people crimes were being committed by around in wooden stocks for who are licensed in Massachusetts people with licenses. Each time just short of 100 years. “No have caused any problem and the the Boston Police were asked about one needs an assault weapon,” last time “assault gun” legislation tracing crime guns using the state’s they crooned. “They are not was proposed, we “compromised” registration system, it became clear good for hunting. They are only by agreeing to have a special, that the only time the system was good for killing people.” Just discretionary license for high used was when someone’s permit about every police department capacity guns. The bottom line is was suspended and the police in the country now carries high that those pushing for restrictions confiscated their guns. Each capacity handguns which are, by on guns believe all guns are bad. time we offered a compromise to the anti-gun definition, “assault When they say gunowners will address some problems the anti- weapons.” The rules governing not compromise, what they mean gun forces claimed existed, the the use of deadly force by police is we will not agree to give up our bill came out of committee with officers are the same as those guns. none of the reforms we requested governing the use of deadly force Over the years I have debated but with increasingly arbitrary and by average citizens. Police carry many anti-gun proponents. They complex laws restricting licensed high capacity guns because, as can be divided into a number gunowners. professionals, they concluded of different groups. The most In 1980, the most exhaustive that high capacity handguns are prevalent group are well meaning study ever done of gun laws the best guns for self-defense. people who know nothing about was conducted by Profs. Wright On the way into the state guns except what they see on TV. and Rossi at the University of legislative hearings in 1998, I saw We need to educate this group. Massachusetts. The professors one of the state’s leading anti-gun Talk to your neighbors. Take a candidly described themselves spokesmen. He had often stated friend shooting. as being against guns when they that all they wanted to do was to Another group are the pacifists. started. Their conclusion was ban those little handguns, those They do not believe in self defense. that the evidence would not Saturday Night Specials. I remember a debate in which the support a finding that any of the “Hi, John,” I said as we walked anti-gun faction was represented gun laws ever passed had any up the stairs. “I see you are here to by a woman whose son had been effect on crime. More recently testify against the assault weapons murdered during a robbery. When a study by the Center for legislation, after all you always asked what she would have done if Disease Control came to similar said you only wanted to ban the she had been present and armed, conclusions. little guns.” He gave me a strange she said nothing because she did When the state lotteries drove smile, “You know better than not believe in taking a life. Mike the profit out of illegal gambling, that.” I smiled back at him. I did Yacino, the former president of our organized crime moved into know better than that. state association, said, “Well Mrs. drugs. Once again violence So the waltz continues even X, that’s the difference between increased until the turf wars were though there is no evidence you and me. If I were there, your settled with the “maturing” of the that Massachusetts’s licensed son would still be alive.” That was illegal drug markets. In 1989 the gunowners cause any problem the end of the debate. I disagree problem of the psychotic killer on or that any of the laws passed or with the pacifists. If good people prescription SSRI drugs, emerged proposed would “save even one do nothing, evil will triumph. I 34 Women&Guns respect their opinions sincerely They want to force honest the cost of guns and ammunition. held. You will never change their people to carry insurance in They want to ban lead bullets minds. case a criminal breaks into their based on ecology and bullets The core of the anti-gun homes and steals their guns. This made of other materials calling movement are elitists. Some will is just another way of shifting them “armor piercing.” None of own guns. They do not hesitate to responsibility from the criminal these things increase public safety surround themselves with armed onto the honest gun owner in an or are useful in solving crimes. guards in gated communities. attempt to limit gun ownership They want universal background They just do not trust the general to the wealthy. When did having checks to stop all private sales of public with guns. They will never insurance to cover a loss ever make guns. They are not suggesting that change. They hate guns and will anyone more careful? Some people the ATF create a hot line which do or say anything to get their will say, “If you have insurance on anyone could call, enter a social own way. Truth is meaningless to your car, why not on a gun?” My security number and get back a them. driver’s license is recognized in all one word answer, “Yes” or “No.” I have often heard those in the states but my gun license is not. I With such a system there is no anti-gun leadership say that their can buy a car and keep it at home reason the interstate restriction on agenda is to disarm all Americans without insurance even if my selling guns could not be lifted. I except the military. You note, I driver’s license has been revoked, do not hear that being proposed. did not exempt the police. Their even if I have been convicted of A big problem with requiring all feeling is that the American multiple drunk driving charges, transfers to go through dealers public would not accept a ban on bank robbery, and motor vehicle is that periodically the ATF guns so their goal is to make gun homicide. Deaths due to cars embarks on programs to shut ownership so difficult that people far outstrip deaths with guns. down as many small gun dealers will willingly give up guns. Their Requiring insurance is just a as they can leaving some areas of focus is on the honest citizen, not way to make gun ownership too the country without a reasonable the criminal. Their belief is that if expensive for common people. access to a licensed dealer. honest citizens do not have guns, Minorities and women do not Gunowners who think they the supply of guns to criminals have the economic strength of can compromise with the anti- will eventually dry up in 30 to 40 white males. Those are the people gun side are naive. The anti-gun years. who will be most hurt by laws leadership does not think any So they talk about “gun crimes,” making guns too expensive for gun is good for any purpose. not crime in general. They are not average people. The next time someone says that really interested in crime. They The anti-gun proponents all they want is reasonable gun are, in essence, vigilantes. They demand people take training control, ask them if they support foster a lynch mob mentality programs to own guns to increase interstate reciprocity for all gun against gun owners in general and the price of gun ownership, not to licenses. Ask them to list types of the NRA in particular. They try increase safety. If you asked the guns people should be able to own to sue manufacturers and dealers anti-gun faction if they would without restriction. to drive them out of business thus support the NRA’s Eddie Eagle The largest mass murder last depriving honest people, including gun safety programs in schools, year was not committed with police departments, of a source they would say the program should a gun in Connecticut. It was of guns. They embrace extortion be banned because it might cause committed by a drug company, as a means to achieve their end. children to become interested in New England Compounding. They will openly violate the law the shooting sports. That company killed at least 44 to prove their point. They sue The anti-gun forces want people by selling tainted medical honest people whose guns have ballistic testing for all guns, all supplies. Those deaths are not been stolen by criminals because bullets numbered, guns that will important to the anti-gun people, they want to make honest people only fire for one person and all because they are not “gun deaths.” afraid to own guns. sort of other gimmicks to increase W&G May-June 2013 35 Women&Guns Making a Difference Two Sides of Activism faces. Several new women. A friend would not be endangering the sidled up to tell me sotto voce, “Floyd club in any way before forming a is looking for you.” It sounded PAC. However, I suggested that almost sinister. Why would a we could start immediately by member of the board of directors be gathering contact information for looking for me? “He wants to talk people who would be willing to to you about something my father call or write their congressmen and would like to do.” senators when legislation was being What the man wanted was the considered. We are near the border formation of a political action and our club members are from By Genie Jennings, committee in the club. They both Maine and New Hampshire. Contributing Editor were willing to give money to do Lots of legislators to contact! Plus, something, they were not sure everyone has friends who can be Years ago when I met Valinda what, to influence our federal encouraged to do the same. Rowe she told me “…the two hardest legislators. Perhaps hire a lobbyist. Neither of the founders wanted groups of gunowners to activate are Send a petition. Something. They to address the meeting, so the the trap shooters and the cowboy considered me someone who NAG explained what we wanted action people…” The same is true could give guidance. Someone to do. Many in the audience about people who live in states who “knows people.” signed up to be on our committee with good Second Amendment For the past few years I have of correspondence. There was a provisions in their constitutions, called myself the News And lot of discussion about Internet and few infringements in their laws. Government Committee, and sites and groups to join to get They are not worried about losing given a report each month I attend information first hand. Everyone their guns or their hobby. They feel on what is happening in the realm was encouraged to let me know secure. I don’t know any cowboy of gun rights. I purposely chose when they found things, so the action shooters, but I can tell you the title for the acronym, NAG. whole group could be advised, as that the trap shooters, even those in I would like to think that the well as the club’s Webmaster. We gun-friendly states, are waking up. nagging has finally paid off, but I don’t need a lobbyist: we are the Last week I attended my first know that is not the case. gun lobby! rod and gun club meeting of the For people who have recognized The other side of activism year. It is not so much that I am a the danger of losing the foundation was the reason I had gone to fair weather gunner, as that I am of our liberties, it is frustrating to this particular meeting. (If you a cold weather ski instructor. My wonder how bad things need to discount the Universe sending me rare early year attendance was to get for the majority of people to because there was going to be an beg for help with a new project I notice there are severe problems. opportunity to further our cause.) had been offered. Hence Valinda’s complaint. I have been asked to help establish Although I arrived about 10 Hence my committee name. It a Shooting section in the 2013 minutes early, I had to park along would seem things have gotten Maine Games. the road almost to the gun range bad enough. The giant is rousing. For several months I had looked parking lot. Some people had to park I cautioned the gentlemen of at what other states that have in that lot far from the clubhouse. the club that they should look such a program do, and tried The room was packed. Lots of new at the by-laws to be sure they to elicit interest and volunteers 36 Women&Guns amongst my email and Facebook public know that there are nice, News friends. The officers and a few friendly men, women and children Continued from Page 7 key members of the trap shooting who enjoy the shooting sports in group at the club were supportive a safe way. There is a campaign have consistently been creeping of participating. I was seeking underway to make people afraid higher for the past couple of years. the approval for holding a full- that their neighbor or their The current surge was ignited day session, which would mean children’s “friends” parents might by a combination of factors, it closing all three ranges to the possess a firearm. We want to appears. Obama’s re-election in members for one Saturday in June. show that while your neighbor November started the trend, and Also, of course, I was looking or your child’s friends’ parents talk of banning so-called “assault for volunteers to run the courses might, indeed, own a gun, that weapons” and their standard and work at a variety of activities is not something to fear. It is the capacity magazines that erupted during that day. character of your neighbor and following the Sandy Hook tragedy We will be having competition your child’s friends’ parents that which added momentum to the for a variety of age ranges. There matter, not the tools they know buying spree. will be men, women and children how to use. Gun shop shelves across the involved. We will have a venue that (By the way, Valinda Rowe is country quickly emptied of rifles is family-friendly. We will be able a friend from Illinois that I from and carbines based on the AR-15 to demonstrate the safety and fun Maine, met in Kentucky at a Gun platform, and magazine sales have that surrounds gun usage. We can Rights Policy Conference. Look been brisk. Ammunition has also show a positive face to our activity her up. There is an activist!) been selling strong for the past at a time when the public has been W&G few months. and continues to be worked into W&G a frenzy of fear by our opponents. This was not the case when the project was first considered. The leader of the Maine Games has tried in the past to get a shooting segment. He offered it to me because he has followed my Introducing Women to the Shooting Sports on Facebook. Our rod and gun association sponsors a Boy Scout troop. In addition to producing a substantial number of Eagle Scouts, our troop promotes shooting. We have a nearby club in New Hampshire that has a healthy shotgun program with their 4-H group. There are young children who learn to safely handle a variety of firearms. This spring we intend to showcase them. The other part of activism is “normalizing” gun usage by both enlarging the number of gun owners and users through education, and also letting the May-June 2013 37 Equal Rights Campaign Armed with a scoped Marlin New NSSF Report Continued from Page 9 lever-action rifle, Nutt says he only fired his rifle once last fall. Shows Economic “One shot, one deer,” he says. Impact of Hunting who reside in areas with restrictive “But I’d be a pretty bad hunter if gun laws which typically have I needed an assault rifle to shoot The National Shooting larger minority populations, that buck.” Sports Foundation (NSSF) has including Chicago, Washington, The SAF Equal Gun Rights released a major new report DC, and New York City. video spot was produced in documenting the importance of Gottlieb had been working collaboration with Political hunting activities to the national on the gun rights and personal Media. The EqualGunRights. and states’ economies. NSSF protection campaign for several com (EGR) message highlights is the trade association for the days, but when OFA launched its the disproportionate impact of firearms, ammunition, hunting on-line attack against the pro-gun gun control laws on African- and shooting sports industry. congressional Republicans, he Americans, Latinos and other The report, Hunting in scrambled to get the EGR effort minorities, and how it leaves America: An Economic Force up and running to provide a quick large groups unable to defend for Conservation, provides counter strike. themselves, their families, or their detailed information about It appears the OFA effort is businesses. participation and expenditures part of a larger liberal push for Gottlieb said it is “unconscionable by America’s hunters. In New gun control. Another attack ad, that…so-called progressives are York state alone, hunting against pro-gun Kentucky Sen. quietly permitting laws to stand added $3.6 billion to the state’s Mitch McConnell, has been that disproportionately diminish economy and supported 23,697 launched by BoldProgressives. the rights of minorities.” jobs. org. A group calling itself the “The late Dr. Martin Luther Information on 40-plus Progressive Change Campaign King Jr. was categories of US hunting-related blocked by expenditures, which grew 55%, segreg at ionist s is contained in the report, as when he tried to well as state-by-state statistics get his concealed for number of hunters, retail carry permit,” he sales, taxes and jobs. The report recalled, “because notes an overall 9% increase in they knew equal hunting participation between strength to 2006 and 2011. defend oneself The money hunters spent in Screen shot from the Second Amend- leads to societal 2011 resulted in $87 billion ment Foundation’s new video spot, equality.” being added to the nation’s which can be viewed at saf.org. “I hope economy and supported more that people than 680,000 jobs nationally. Committee is running a across this country will join Beyond their impact on 30-second anti-McConnell us at EqualGunRights.com businesses and local economies, spot featuring a man identified and demand an end to this sportsmen are the leaders in as Gary Nutt of Cub Run, discrimination,” Gottlieb said. protecting wildlife and habitats. KY. Introducing himself as a “It doesn’t matter where you live, Read Hunting in America: Vietnam veteran, Nutt criticizes or what kind of neighbors you An Economic Force for McConnell for opposing a ban have—all law abiding citizens Conservation or view the report on so-called assault weapons should be able to arm and defend as a printable PDF online at: because they are not necessary for themselves.” nssf.org. deer hunting. W&G W&G 38 Women&Guns prevent passage of new gun laws Poll Finds Additional Gun Laws has had little influence with the public. According to the 60 Won’t Make Them Feel Safer Minutes/Vanity Fair poll, 74% Stricter gun laws won’t make teachers would make them less of respondents were unable to most Americans feel safer, a new comfortable, a figure that rises to identify the NRA head. Fourteen CBS 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll 54% with those who have kids percent thought he was a French reveals, according to Newsmax. under 18. explorer, while 8% guessed com. Another 23% said there would Canadian hockey player. The survey also found be “no difference” in the way they The survey also asked about the Americans uncomfortable with feel if teachers could keep guns in respondents’ knowledge of the the idea of arming school teachers. the classroom. Second Amendment dealing with And when it comes to protecting When asked which means of gun rights. Forty-eight percent their homes, more Americans protections they would prefer said the amendment begins with picked a firearm for security over to have to make them feel safer the words, “The right to bear installing an alarm system or a at home, 31% of the poll’s arms . . . ,” which isn’t mentioned having a dog. respondents chose a gun, 30% an until later in the passage. Also, the vast majority say they alarm system, and 22% a dog. Just 16% got it right, noting that believe violent games and films Breaking it down by political it begins, “A well regulated militia contribute to violence in society. party, more Republicans (44%) being necessary to the security of In addition, most respondents feel safer with a gun in the home a free state . . .” didn’t even know who National than Democrats (20%). W&G Rifle Association Chief Wayne And more Democrats (37%) LaPierre is. chose an alarm system than did The poll—a random sample Republicans (25%). Student Suspended of 1,052 adults—was conducted Independents are slightly more For Pastry Gun nationwide by telephone in late comfortable with a gun (33%) A 7-year-old elementary school January for release in March. than an alarm system (27%), student in Baltimore, MD, was It found that 65% believe that according to the poll. suspended for two days because even if Congress passes tougher The survey also found that his teacher thought the way he gun laws in the wake of the 80% of respondents think staged chewed a Pop-Tart made it look Newtown, CT, elementary school violence in popular culture, like the shape of a gun. shootings in December, they such as films and video games, According to KTNV, the won’t feel any safer. contributes to the real violence. teacher allegedly said the student, Another 45% say new gun laws Another 45% say the influence is identified as Josh Welch, also would make “no difference” in “a lot” and 35% say it is “some,” said “Bang, Bang” as he held the stemming violence, while 20% compared with 12% who say it partly-devoured breakfast pastry. feel stricter laws will only make plays a small role and only 6% The youngster reportedly said that them less safe, a percentage that who believe it has no influence at was wrong, and that he was trying varies with political affiliation. all. to shape his treat into a mountain. Only 6% who identify The poll found that women The school continued the themselves as Democrats say (55%) are far more likely to over-reaction by sending a note stronger laws would make them answer “a lot” than men (35%) to parents, explaining that they feel less safe compared with 25% when asked whether new laws thought this was a “threat.” The of Independents and 33% of will make them feel safer. It also note reportedly claimed that “a Republicans. revealed that most Americans student used food to make an Turning to the protection (66%) don’t carry a weapon. inappropriate gesture.” of students in schools, 51% Despite all his lobbying efforts, W&G of respondents say arming Wayne LaPierre’s efforts to May-June 2013 39 SAFE Act Mark Ballesteros, spokesperson of those who most need help from Continued from Page 6 for the VA, said in an email seeking it out—paradoxically, statement that “federal laws leaving the mentally ill and the leaders agreed to make 10-round safeguarding the confidentiality public less safe. mags legal again. However, of veterans’ treatment records do “There is a chilling effect on owners would be required to load not authorize VA mental health people getting care, and we’re only seven rounds unless actively professionals to comply with the particularly concerned about engaged in a competition at a SAFE Act.” veterans,” said John Richter, shooting range. Veterans determined mentally director of public policy at the It is still possible that other incompetent to handle their own state Mental Health Association. minor changes could be made affairs by the VA are reported “We have a hard enough time in the SAFE Act, but probably to the federal National Instant getting veterans in for PTSD. only to benefit police and movie Criminal Background Check Veterans are a prime example companies filming street violence. database, which under the New of someone who would have a The NYSRPA-NRA federal York law will be used to screen all disincentive to go.” suit is not the only legal firearms sales including private According to earlier studies, challenge to the law. Two suits transfers, but the information only a third of surveyed veterans filed in state courts are still on veterans’ mental health is not with a mental health issues pending, and legal challenges included in the data viewable by need actually seek care, often are not the only opposition to states, according to the VA. driven away by fears about the the complex provisions of the The Albany Times-Union confidentiality of their treatment New York’s SAFE Act. All of the reported that the VA provides and the possibility of losing lawsuits are likely to require a health care for more than half respect from colleagues and lot of time, especially if appeals of returned US veterans from supervisors. are initiated by the plaintiffs or the Iraq and Afghan wars. New Meanwhile public opposition defendants. York is home to nearly a million to the new gun law continues to Not involved in the legal action veterans. Suffolk and Nassau mount. is the US Department of Veterans counties on Long Island along An estimated 10,000 Affairs (VA) which announced on with Erie County in western gunowners and allies gathered at Mar. 11 that it will not comply New York, where the federal suit the Capitol on Feb. 28 and spent with the provision of SAFE Act was filed, rank among the top the day calling on state lawmakers requiring mental health providers counties nationally for share of to urge that the SAFE Act be to report potentially dangerous residents who have served in the repealed or severely revised. Men, individuals to state authorities. armed forces. women and children had come The SAFE Act calls for doctors Asked by reporters about from almost every county in the and therapists to alert county the VA’s statement at a cabinet state, often in buses organized by health officials to patients they meeting, Cuomo suggested that local gunowner and sportsmen deem “likely” to engage in providers have discretion in groups, and in at least one case conduct that will result in serious whether or not to report patients. by a Buffalo radio station. self-injury or harm to others. The bill’s language, however, Since the bill was enacted in Once notified of potentially makes it clear that mental mid-January, the state sheriffs harmful individuals, the state health providers “shall” report association, county clerks will check their names against potentially dangerous patients. association, and police unions a new state database of licensed Some mental health providers have written to Cuomo to gunowners. If there’s a match, and advocates argue that the complain about some or all of local law enforcement will be law could increase the stigma the provisions of the gun law. authorized to remove weapons if surrounding mental illness, In addition, the legislatures their owner does not voluntarily heightening barriers to obtaining of almost half of the state’s surrender them. needed care and deterring many 62 counties have passed non- 40 Women&Guns binding resolutions opposing Carry Handguns the Garageworks holster results the law, and similar resolutions Continued from Page17 in a fast draw with a minimum are under consideration in many of practice. The short Taurus is area of a Zombie Industries other countres. awfully quick from a properly target. For the person willing to Meanwhile, New York City designed holster, with proper practice—and you can do most of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a design being the key. That is this practice with lighter loads— strong supporter of the SAFE Act all we may ask. I also used the the .357 Magnum Taurus revolver as well as proposed new federal Sideguard pocket holster with will reach out and tap the target gun control laws, is planning the flat and readily concealable with real authority. to spend $12 million through SIG P290. These holsters are are The choice between these two his super PAC in an effort to built one at a time in a shop, not handguns is highly personal. The pressure about 10 senators into on an assembly line, with the SIG 9mm is fast into action but backing new federal gun control primary motivation being the so is the Taurus. The SIG has a measures, suggesting there could product rather than how cheaply total capacity of seven to nine be a political price to pay for it may be made. The result is first cartridges depending upon the opposing the measures. class leather gear well worth the magazine used but the five shot Apparently, Bloomberg is price. Either of these handguns Taurus hits harder. The SIG is hoping to parlay the success are well worth your time and much faster to reload, provided he had in the Illinois special effort to consider for personal you carry a spare magazine. congressional election primary defense use. Don’t shrug; many shooters do by spending $2.5 million to W&G not carry a spare magazine. This push the anti-gun candidate, forfeits many of the advantages of Democrat Robin Kelly. the self-loader. The SIG is easier W&G to control. The Taurus is more accurate at long range. Either WNY Vet First Charged carries light enough but the SIG is flatter. The Taurus is more likely Under New Gun Law to fire properly and continue firing with a less than perfect grip. All of A man from Silver Creek, NY, these considerations would apply in western Chautauqua County, to other self-loader and revolver has become the first person in combinations. The bottom line New York to face charges under is the person behind the sights New York state’s new gun law will make the difference. Either enacted hastily in mid-January. handgun is reliable and well Prosecutors say 32-year-old made of good material. You must Benjamin Wassell, a wounded consider your personal scenario Irag War veteran, sold illegal and preference. assault and semi-automatic assault The Taurus 605 was weapons to an undercover state tested in a variety of holsters police investigator. The state including one Kydex holster Attorney General’s office says the from garargeworksholsters. second sale happened in February, com and a pocket holster from after passage of the NY SAFE Act. sideguardholsters.com. The Wassell pleaded not guilty at his Taurus carries well in a properly arraignment and was scheduled to designed holster, is fast into reappear in court in April. action, and concealable. The W&G excellent geometric design of May-June 2013 41 Women&Guns ResourceDirectory

Sources for Carry Sources for Rimfire Sources for Taurus Outreach Handguns feature Page 14 Resurgence feature Page 18 feature, Page 22

Black Hills Ammunition Birchwood Casey, LLC Taurus International PO Box 3090 7887 Fuller Road, www.taurususa.com Dept. WG Suite 100, Dept. WG Click on the Carry On button to Rapid City, SD 57709 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 learn more and follow Taurus on 605-348-5150 800-746-6862 Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Black-Hills.com birchwoodCasey.com

Hornady Mfg. Company Champion Traps & Targets HAVA (Honored American 3625 West Old Potash Hwy. 1 ATK Way, Dept. WG Veterans Afield) Dept. WG Anoka, MN 55303 honoredveterans.org Grand Island, NE 68803 800-831-0850 800-338-3220 championTarget.com Firearms Academy of Seattle hornady.com firearmsacademy.com Do-All Outdoors, LLC. Oregon Trail Bullet Company 216 19th Avenue, North Evergreen State College PO Box 529, Dept. WG Dept. WG evergreen.edu Baker City, OR 97814-0529 Nashville, TN 37203 800-811-0548 800-252-9247 laser-Cast.com do-AllTraps.com Sources for Flashlights feature, Page 30: Sig Sauer, Inc. H& H Shooting 18 Industrial Dr., Dept. WG Sport Complex FourSevens Exeter, NH 03833 400 S. Vermont Ave 5117 S Royal Atlanta Dr. 603-772-2302 #110, Dept. WG Dept. WG sigSauer.com Oklahoma City OK 73108 Tucker, GA 30084 405-947-3888 678-608-0308 Taurus International MFG, Inc. hhshootingsports.com foursevens.com USA 16175 NW 49 Ave. Ruger Firearms Dept. WG Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Miami, FL 33014 411 Sunapee Street 305-624-1115 Dept. WG taurusUSA.com Newport, NH 03773 603-865-2442 ruger.com

42 Women&Guns Learning to Compete little room for error and the guys much fun is that, while the Continued from Page 13 who win often don’t make any competition is stiff, the social part mistakes that cost them points. of the match keeps competitors just practicing on the range. I also Most Bianchi Cups are won with engaged with each other plan to participate in the Pro- perfect scores and several perfect throughout the event. Almost Shooter Clinic that will be held on 1,920 scores are fired most years. every evening has a planned social May 20th, a couple of days before The four stages of the Bianchi event, with a mixer on Wednesday the match. Bianchi legends, Rob are the Mover, a silhouette target evening, a barbeque on Friday and Leatham, Doug Koenig, Jessie moving at ten feet per second; the awards dinner on Saturday Duff, Rob Vadasz, Mickey Fowler, the Barricade, a fast paced match night. Famous shooters mingle Carl Bernosky and Kyle Schmidt fired from behind barricades with first timers every day and will be teaching the clinic. I from ten to thirty five yards; the every night, and the result is an event that creates relationships between the competitors. W&G

Defensive Strategies Continued from Page 11 Massachusetts, was in a similar situation. A truck driver had made her feel threatened on the road, she showed him the gun she was licensed to carry, he drove away and reported her to the police, and she has been in legal hot water ever since. She may end up a convicted felon, or something less, but that has been a very expensive lesson in what she erroneously thought was entirely justified. Your coworker is very lucky that didn’t happen to him. I’m all in favor of private citizens having firearms for protection, but Author realized during her first match that a fumble during the reload proper training is essential, and was a distraction she didn’t need. most states do not require that, expect this will be invaluable in Practical, a match reminiscent of even if they require some safety increasing my confidence levels old style PPC matches, and the and marksmanship training. and expertise. Falling Plates, consisting of six You might suggest that your For those unfamiliar with the plates shot as close as ten and as coworker get some quality training best known action pistol match far as twenty five yards with time from a gun school that specializes in the world, the Bianchi Cup is limits as short as six seconds. All in self-protection. a four stage event that challenges stages begin from the holster. For Readers, do you have a situation, competitors on both accuracy and complete information on Bianchi real or hypothetical, that you speed. With a shortest time of Cup rules, go to: http://compete. would like to see tactically three seconds from the holster and nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/ analyzed in this column? Let me a maximum shooting distance RuleBooks/Action/act-book.pdf. know by email: [email protected]. of 50 yards, the Bianchi leaves What makes the Bianchi so W&G May-June 2013 43 Women&Guns From theEditor

Several years ago I tried to I agreed to take part in the forum the poorest cities in the nation institute a “theme” concept for which, as I understood it, would and one of its most crime-ridden, issues of W&G, advising writers feature speakers who favored the might have surprised more than and advertisers that a particular repeal of the SAFE Act, those just Cuomo. Local media was issue would be focused on, say, seeking adjustments to it and represented at the event as well. concealed carry products. This those who were in favor of it. It Just as we are told constantly lasted about as long as it took was scheduled to take place at a by media and politicians that all me to stop coloring my hair and public library branch about six women are anti-gun, so too, are we leave it au natural—about six or blocks from the office, so making told that all “urban populations” eight months. Any number of the 5:30 start time was no problem are anti-gun. While “urban events would conspire against (gratifyingly, parking was!). population” covers a lot of actual my concept issues and I would As detailed in a Page 5 story in ground, it’s generally understood end up pulling out some of that this issue, a number of NY county to be media mealy-mouth for expensively-colored hair. legislatures have issued non- black people. This issue naturally evolved into binding resolutions calling for I had planned to offer as part of one with two themes: growing either the repeal of the SAFE Act my criticism of Cuomo’s bill the the ranks of gunowners through or serious amendments to it—far fact that like all gun control, it was new shooters, particularly young beyond the offhand “technical” more about controlling people people, and the general concept of amendments Gov. Andrew and not guns, and that historically outreach. Cuomo blithely told reporters the first group that “gun” control Unless Carolee, Oleg, Diane, might be needed. The number of sought to control was newly freed Genie and Cherie are all holding local legislatures doing so must blacks after the Civil War; the first rump editorial meetings in have surprised Cuomo and his gun control laws were Jim Crow cyberspace, it was just serendipity henchmen in the state Assembly laws. The second group targeted that led to so many features and and Senate who rammed the bill for “control” were immigrants at columns that take differently through in a late night January the turn of the 20th century—a angled looks at the same subjects. session under cloak of “emergency group I also mention included Since attending a public forum measure” (otherwise, there would several of my grandparents. And here in Buffalo a month ago, I had have been time for lawmakers not the third group to fall under intended to write about outreach in the Cuomo circle to look it the controllers’ eyes were early myself, and say a few words about over and the public to weigh in). unionists. looking inward as well. That associations of county clerks, In discussing gun control this I got a call from old friend sheriffs, and other government way, it’s easy to reach out to Arqiel Qadir asking if he could officials who will be charged with almost everyone in any room in give my name to Karla Thomas, implementing the laws have also the country, because people of who was building a “community publicly weighed in against it, different backgrounds still have discussion” about New York’s has also come as a rude shock to a lot in common, and unless you SAFE Act, on behalf of Erie Cuomo et al. are in front of the Royal Order of County Legislator Betty Jean That a public forum on a gun Descendents of Europeans with Grant. law was being held by a black Very Good Record Keeping, you Sure I said, and duly got calls county legislator in a mostly are going to be talking to people from both Karla and Ms. Grant. black district in Buffalo, one of whose backgrounds include one

44 Women&Guns or more of these groups. citizens understand things in a recommended solution to a home I also said that I was a “city girl” way which politicians do not. invasion of letting off a couple of and worked a short distance away One of the panelists, also a shotgun blasts from the “balcony” and lived in the city as well— county legislator, who spoke of (which presumably summons the once again, there is often more in correcting the law, rather than police and a gaggle of cap-pulling common with people than a first repealing it, talked about other family retainers) would be enough look would suggest and almost factors contributing to violence to keep his wife safe. everyone appreciates being made and lawlessness. He said he could But Cuomo, and the Democratic to feel part of whatever group they tell when his young sons had been politicians who attended are are in. playing video games because they getting a civics lesson from folks Although the event at the were more aggressive and more who see through them and are not Merriweather Library (which was prone to “acting out.” afraid to speak truth to power. designed by the father of someone While the general media While I attended ostensibly to I went to public grammar school pilloried NRA’s Wayne LaPierre for reach out to a community that is with) was billed as a “forum,” saying some of these same things, thought to be anti-gun, it was I in truth only one speaker was in the general public recognizes who got the bulk of the outreach. favor of the SAFE Act and, during that there is no one-size-fits-all Just as other writers in this issue a lively Q&A session that followed magic wand solution to the real have detailed how different groups the panelists, I noted that no one problems and that external factors are reaching out to new shooters, spoke in favor of it. including the pervasive culture of and others have discussed how One audience member who violence in the media, do have an the urgent gun politics of today said she was a parole officer (and affect on the entire population, have forged new recruits in a a licensed civilian gunowner) said but particularly boys and young long battle, I came away from the she felt the law should be changed men. Merriweather Library that March so that law enforcement would I don’t doubt that pollsters evening thinking that we still have be entitled to carry magazines and pulse-takers are correct a lot of work to do. of more than the 7-rounds the in assuming that this was a But it is gratifying that the law proscribed for everyone (one slice of a community which work, despite its current urgency, of those “technicalities” Cuomo overwhelmingly voted for Andrew continues to prove that all mentioned). Cuomo. Americans have a stake in gun Her fellow audience members One audience member was rights and that they all need to be were not having it. Why should wearing an Obama button, but welcomed to the fold. law enforcement (a group it clearly was not a fan of the idea of There are lots of different was clear this well mannered, disarming the civilian population communities out there who middle- and lower-middle-class and/or making them jump would welcome a visit from gun audience distrusted) be entitled to through regulatory hoops that rights activists—and those are something they were not? echo the Jim Crow laws that kept invitations you should accept at In speaking against the SAFE guns out of their ancestors’ hands. once. Act, one audience member said, I got a nice laugh when I “You don’t build a house by mentioned that unlike Vice putting the third floor on first,” President Joe Biden, I didn’t live at Peggy Tartaro, demonstrating once again that Downton Abbey, so that using his Executive Editor

May-June 2013 45 Women&Guns Outreach Mule Deer Foundation to

Reach 20,000 Youth This Year and patience. He said, “Do your The Mule Deer Foundation air guns and more. The highlight best every day and don’t give up.” (MDF), a non-profit wildlife for many of the boys and girls was Zinnel said MDF’s Youth conservation organization meeting USA Olympic Shooting Program, M.U.L.E.Y. (Mindful, committed to recruitment and team gold-medalists Matt Understanding, Legal and Ethical retention of youth into the Emmons and Jamie Gray. The Youth), has grown every year since shooting sports and conservation, Olympians brought their medals its national inception in 2011. He is on track to reach 20,000 young for the kids to see and hold, gave said, “Our mission is to safely people in 2013. introduce youth to shooting sports, Already this year, over 3,500 ensuring the sport’s continued young people had the opportunity growth. Plain and simple, we want to attend and participate in to get kids introduced to firearm shooting and conservation-related safety, experience shooting a gun, activities at the Western Hunting drawing back a bow and learning and Conservation Expo (WHCE) about wildlife conservation along in Salt Lake City in February. the way.” These numbers were achieved USA Shooting Team Olympic Several MDF chapters will hold through two specific youth events, Gold Medalist Jamie Gray signs M.U.L.E.Y. events in coming as well as the general public autographs for school children months. At least six are scheduled attendance of families and kids during the Youth Wildlife for this summer that will include Conservation Experience. throughout the four-day Expo. appearances by USA Olympic On the first day of the out pictures and autographs, and Shooting team athletes. WHCE, MDF organized the spoke about motivation, setting The Mule Deer Foundation “Youth Wildlife Conservation goals and dedication. is one of the key conservation Experience,” a program sponsored On the third day of the Expo, groups in North America working by MidwayUSA’s Larry and MDF helped host the National to restore, improve and protect Brenda Potterfield. Nearly 400 Archery in the Schools Program mule deer, black-tailed deer and elementary and middle school (NASP) Utah State tournament, their habitat, with a focus on kids were bused to the event at the and 670 young archers from science and program efficiency. Salt Palace to enjoy educational 28 different schools were given MDF is a strong voice for hunters activities with the Utah Division family discount passes to attend in access, wildlife management of Wildlife Resources, Tongass the WHCE. MDF’s Youth and conservation policy issues. National Forest and the USA Programs Coordinator Jon Zinnel MDF acknowledges regulated Olympic Shooting Team. The and outdoor television personality hunting as a viable management older kids were escorted through Tred Barta participated in the component and is committed the WHCE exhibit hall by NASP awards presentation and to recruitment and retention of members of Brigham Young spoke to the young competitors. youth into the shooting sports University’s ROTC Shooting Barta led the crowd in the pledge and conservation. Get involved at Team, where they learned more of allegiance and prayer and had www.muledeer.org or call 1-888- about conservation and had a special message for the kids. He 375-3337. opportunities to shoot archery, talked of trust, honor, integrity W&G

46 Women&Guns Women & Guns Sub Ad Pick Up Mar/Apr 13 Page 47

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