Say it again, Sam

The SAF is asking for ABC to recuse their man Sam.

Well, SAF don't hold your breath.

Sam was doing this on his own and of course it does not hinder ABC's appearance at objectivity in one way, (what objectivity?)

The Fix is In

Virginia's Governor has "fixed" the reporting issue that prevented his state from sending the name of the VT killer to the NCIS database. His executive order only effects involuntary confinements to a mental institution.

Sounds like his next move is too work on the "gun show" loophole.

Unfortunately, mentally unstable folks can still buy guns at garage sales, from neighbors, from illegal sources etc. Well maybe the current move by VA would have stopped the VT Killer. It's a reasonable response to an insane act.

Post VT Tragedy Legislation

Fox news reports on the ongoing effort to tighten loopholes in the NICS system.

Lets see if Democrats can deal with this one gun control issue which most Americans support, without trying to insert useless gun control provisions just to score points with their buddies on the left.

They would be smart to meet the NRA and GOA concern's head on and deal with just the mental health records issue.

On the issue of stigmatizing those who have been in the mental health system, surely some compromises need to be made to address the reality that people to get better, but these details can be worked out. For example; certification from a mental health board, professional etc., that the individual is free of problems and has been cured and remained so for a period of five years since the mental illness confinement.

Fixing the mental health records reporting issue is a win-win for gun owners, but lets do it right.

The Media Awakes ?

A moment of enlightenment from a respected media outlet ?

And yesterday another mall shooting....and questions....was the gun a semi-auto....was CCW allowed at the mall.

Thank God I don't live in New York State

The NRA reports that NY State legislators are trying to drive gun owners out of state with several new proposals that will make it ridiculous to even try to live and shoot in NY.

An North Dakota puts the Castle Doctrine into law.

In Virginia, Governor Kaine sends out a trial balloon on the Gun Show loophole.

VT Aftermath

NRA has now clarified its position on potential new gun controls.

And now a new push to keep guns out of the hands of those on the terrorist watch list.

And in North Carolina, lots of folks with involuntary confinements to mental facilities are not being reported.

John Lott's on line debate of Gun Control

Mr. Lott just conveyed a lot of common sense to the Washington Post's on line audience.

Check it out.

HR 297 - GOA ALERT

Gun Owners of America (GOA) is alerting folks about the dangers of HR 297, a Democratic proposal that would require submission of state data to the FBI to improve the NICS background investigation process.

After the VT incident, it's promising that some sort of tightening of rules that require states to submit mental health histories to the government will be passed.

Most gun owners agree, but perhaps HR 297 goes too far.

The danger claimed by GOA is that this bill would happen without a recorded vote.

Lets hope that doesn't occur and last I heard no bill can become law without the Senate also approving and the President signing.

Fix the Gun Check Database

Privacy Advocates your time has come.

Now eyes are on the bastions of the almighty protectors of privacy that have encouraged states to limit the data they provide to the gun check database.

Will one preventable massacre be enough to diminish the influence of the Privacy police?

Don't Subscribe to Newsweek

The latest edition of this weekly magazine has several biased articles regarding guns in America.

There isn't a shred of objectivity or even an attempt at balance.

What would you expect - but isn't time those of us who are tired of biased reporting start doing something constructive.

People need to cancel their subscriptions and while doing so let the editors know why.

Newsweek won't really care, since they wrote off gun owners long ago, but maybe someone in the parent corporation will take notice.

NRA's Smart Strategy

The NRA is now widely reported to be working with Congress on tougher legislation that would help ensure mentally ill prospective gun buyers are prevented from obtaining firearms.

It's clear that the VT killer could have been stopped at many levels.

• the campus police did not effectively act to limit student exposure
• the campus administration did not act to warn students earlier
• the state of VA failed to allow students to protect themselves by allowing CCW on campus
• Counselors failed to be aggressive in this case, political correct thinking stopped them from trying to expel this student.
  
• Legal cases acted to inhibit the expulsion of students.
  
• Legal liability trumps safety in the minds of school administrators
• The killer's parents did not intervene effectively

This list is going to grow, but I already see one positive outcome of this tragedy.

The Anti-Gun media, interest groups and left leaning folks will have a harder time trying to marginalize the gun lobby.

Now even the Washington Post, a key bastion of left leaning thinking is waking up to report that the evil NRA is trying to help tighten gun control laws when it comes to this kind of case.

While this may horrify the more extreme pro-gun groups, it is welcome to the vast majority of gun owners and non gun owners alike.

This common sense approach will win new support for the NRA and strengthen its hand with Congress on preventing "stupid" gun control measures from seeing the light of day.

The NRA is smart to help. The Assault Weapons legislation now pending in Congress and other key issues require a strategic alliance with Congress that shows moderation where moderation is required. The gaping holes in the mental illness reporting process require tough legislation to mandate the reporting of any confinement to a mental institution and I hope it even goes further than that. I think we need to legislatively fix responsibility for reporting to schools administrators, counsellors, and mental health providers.


Anyone who is prevented from acquiring a firearm through the background investigation should also be provided with Appeal rights so they can challenge the decision if in fact they are erroneously included in the database of those who don't qualify for gun ownership.

This is a real opportunity for increasing public awareness of gun owners civic minded positions and improving support for the NRA among prospective members, Congress and even the media.

So before some go ahead and try to crucify the NRA for "getting in bed" with gun control advocates, they should think hard about what is to be gained by a reasonable approach to gun control.

VT Killer Fell Through The Cracks

Looks like the VT Killer was enabled by the mess in who should report what mental illness issues to the federal government. The convoluted story is here.

Mental Illness and Guns

How best to deal with the crazy who has not yet acted crazy enough to be locked up in a mental institution?

The VT killer was under some psychiatric care and was considered suicidal, yet health care professionals felt there was insufficient reasons to admit him to an institution for care.

The current ATF rules requires self identification of the potentially mentally ill on the questionnaire that is required with the purchase of a gun.

Some of the state databases may actually have mental confinement data. Many do not or they are just not up to date.

Why not require health care professionals to report any individual to the state police who comes into their facilities and exhibits evidence of a willingness to harm themselves or others without any rational justification.

Banks are required to report cash transactions to the government that exceed $10,000. Why can't doctors be required to report sick people who may kill themselves or others. Failure to report would be a criminal offense.

If these folks are concerned about they're potential liability for criminal sanctions they would opt to report. Worse came to worse the gun purchaser would be denied the chance to purchase. They should be provided with an appeal process by an independent body (not ATF) as part of this solution. I see this as very reasonable gun control. No doubt others will disagree.

This is just one of many types of remedies that need to be discussed.

Foreign Aid

In the last 48 hours the media is dancing with post mortums on the VT killings and some of the gratuitous crap is flowing from our enemies and friends oversees.

I just love it when the Brits, Germans, Aussies, French etc., jump on the bandwagon to claim that this tragedy is the fault of American culture.

I would remind them of the aspects of English, Middle Eastern and European culture that brought the world such events as the recent London bombings, the Madrid bombings, the French riots and the list can go on and on. Violence is not the sole purview of the US.

I will remind them who saved their asses numerous times in the last 100 years with our American values and culture, including are willingness to bear arms in their behalf.

So dear allies, enemies and do-gooders - stay the "F" out of our business - look to the weaknesses in your own societies that perpetuate ignorance, crime, and create a fertile ground for terrorism.

VT Gunman was legal

Today's news reports make it clear that from a Federal and State Firearms perspective, it appears that the killer at VT bought his guns legally.

Resident Aliens are allowed to purchase handguns. In VA the killer also had to comply with a one handgun per 30 day rule...and did so.

Also, ATF regs require a purchaser to certify that they have not been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution.

The killer may have been under treatment for depression, but that does not equate to being adjudicated mentally defective etc.

So while the Anti Gunners will spew venom about this incident, what we have here is a nut case who did not set off enough trip wires to get himself declared a nut case before he was able to do damage.

Now all the civil liberty protectors who hate guns but love to coddle the sickies of society are not going to want proactive efforts to declare folks mentally incompetent prematurely.

So once again we must face reality. Bad thoughts, evil writing, or evil words do not make a crime.

This country correctly loves freedom too much to start putting potential nut cases away until there is some concrete act that shows they are a threat to themselves and others.

Seems like the answer to the problem here is what the Second Amendment is all about. Being able to pro-actively defend your and other lives.

Sadly, that right comes at a high price, but a price we all must be prepared to pay. Some crazies and other evil folks will use their ability to get guns to the detriment of us all, but unless we can factually show that they intend to harm or have harmed others, there isn't much we can do.

A higher degree of proactive security measures in public places would help. Proactive is a word that VT officials need to study. They might also think about the realty of CCW as an aid to the security of students, staff and visitors at colleges and universities.

Virginia Tech

So far it seems clear that University culture may have contributed to this tragedy.

It was an open campus. So the President of the University has no ability to lock down the place when the first shooting occurred and the culprit was not captured?

This is the kind of timidness that I would think would not exist in this day post Columbine and post 9/11. Time will reveal what the campus police did and when...or rather what they didn't do and why.

This tragedy could have been avoided. It is not about just the killer. Its about a mentality that places other concerns above the most basic of rights....the right to live.

Virginia CCW on Campus-Virginia Tech Tragedy

This from the Virginia Citizens Defense League.

From January 31, 2006:

"House Bill 1572 didn't get through the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety. It died Monday in the subcommittee stage, the first of several hurdles bills must overcome before becoming laws.

...

Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker was happy to hear the bill was defeated. "I'm sure the university community is appreciative of the General Assembly's actions because this will help parents, students, faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus."

--

Well, Mr. Hincker - are you still happy? Militia, Police, and Public
Safety Committee - still think you did the right thing?

--

And As Reported by the Roanoke Times:

Gun bill gets shot down by panel
HB 1572, which would have allowed handguns on college campuses, died
in subcommittee.


A bill that would have given college students and employees the right
to carry handguns on campus died with nary a shot being fired in the
General Assembly.

House Bill 1572 didn't get through the House Committee on Militia,
Police and Public Safety. It died Monday in the subcommittee stage,
the first of several hurdles bills must overcome before becoming laws.

The bill was proposed by Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah County, on
behalf of the Virginia Citizens Defense League. Gilbert was
unavailable Monday and spokesman Gary Frink would not comment on the
bill's defeat other than to say the issue was dead for this General
Assembly session.

Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker was happy to hear the bill was
defeated. "I'm sure the university community is appreciative of the
General Assembly's actions because this will help parents, students,
faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus."

Del. Dave Nutter, R-Christiansburg, would not comment Monday because
he was not part of the subcommittee that discussed the bill.

Most universities in Virginia require students and employees, other
than police, to check their guns with police or campus security upon
entering campus. The legislation was designed to prohibit public
universities from making "rules or regulations limiting or abridging
the ability of a student who possesses a valid concealed handgun
permit ... from lawfully carrying a concealed handgun."

The legislation allowed for exceptions for participants in athletic
events, storage of guns in residence halls and military training
programs.

Last spring a Virginia Tech student was disciplined for bringing a
handgun to class, despite having a concealed handgun permit. Some gun
owners questioned the university's authority, while the Virginia
Association of Chiefs of Police came out against the presence of guns
on campus.

In June, Tech's governing board approved a violence prevention policy
reiterating its ban on students or employees carrying guns and
prohibiting visitors from bringing them into campus facilities.

Tragedy at Virginia Tech

Today a gunman opened fire at the campus of Virginia Tech University and reports at this moment indicate as many as 20 dead including one gunman.

Our thoughts must be with the families of the wounded and dead.

This campus has its own police force. It seems that no one was there at the time to stop this killer.

When the dust settles, after all the cries for more gun control, what we may find out in this situation is that an affirmative CCW policy on campus might have saved these lives.

Firearm Manufacturing Trends

ATF reports that in 2005 with 79% of gun manufactures reporting:

• 1,090,798 handguns were produced.
  
• 75% of these were pistols and 25% revolvers.
  
• Only 47,000 of these handguns were exported.

Of the pistols 32% were 9mm and 36% were of a larger caliber.
Of the revolvers 27% were in a caliber greater than .22 or equal to .32.

• .38 caliber production exceeded .357 mags

ATF's statistics confirm the trend to larger calibers.

• 23% of revolvers were made in .44 to .50 caliber.

In the prior year 2004, 74% of manufacturers reported.

These statistics imply:

1. ATF statistical reporting requirements are either lax or not enforced since almost 1/4 of manufactures didn't report in the last two reporting periods.
2. Overall handgun manufacturing volume has not changed much in the last two reporting periods.
3. At the current rate of handgun production we will have added a couple of million more by the time the 2008 presidential election occurs.
   

We don't know if these numbers closely correlate with sales. But if we can assume that half the buyers are first time buyers we might be talking about several hundred thousand new handgun owners who might be influenced by Second Amendment issues in the 2008 election.

Considering that a lot of new gun owners buy rifles (one million more added to the market each year), seems like gun folks might be able to gain some allies if we can market to these new gun owners.

I wonder if gun rights groups like the NRA ever buy the new gun owner lists maintained by manufacturers (when you mail in your warranty card). Seems like direct outreach would be a smart thing.

Costs might prohibit the NRA from doing large mail outs but I would think gun manufacturers should be sending something out to their known customers to help push Second Amendment support.

Come to think of it...I never get anything mailed to me from the gun manufactures who I have sent product registration cards to. Wonder why?

Available ATF statistics can be found here

Can a Russian Pistol Be Sexy?

One of my favorite little pistols is the Makarov in 9x18 Makarov. It's just got the right combination of style and function and I love how it fits my hand. It's a cold war piece that can still be had for under $350 and its eight round capacity is sufficient for most CCW needs.

I recently did a little practice with an East German Model.

It was made in 1963 and has a Pierce rubber grip. The little 9x18 Mak. round is just a little more comfortable to handle with this grip.

It's an old fashioned gun in that the magazine release is on the heal of the grip. It's got a decocker. The first round can be fired double action. If the gun is cocked their is no manual safety other than to use the decocker.

On my recent visit to the range I used stock imported 9x18 Mak ammo (at around $7.50) a box, at 25 yards using a standard two hand hold in the standing position. Accuracy was more than acceptable. The Makarov comes with a small front sight which does not aid in rapid target acquisition, however at most gun fight distances it may not be a real liability. Even if you get one just for fun, its a classic piece of firearms history, inexpensive to own and shoot.

These guns are available. A lot of information on the Makarov is on the Net. Here are a couple of places to research if you are interested.

General Information

Makarov.com

The Elimination of Firearms in America

Sadly, I can foresee the end of all firearm ownership in the United States. It won't come soon, but within 50 years, technology will render the need for a tool that fires a projectile with great accuracy obsolete. Once the technology is available and affordable the ownership of firearms as a class of weapon will be targeted for elimination save collectors and museums.

Weapons that immobilize rather than kill will create the excuse for government to finally agree that the right to bear Arms is protected by using this technology even though the means of bearing Arms will become non lethal but effective deterrent technology.

The US Army is now using sound technology in Iraq to immobilize with sound waves. They have recently demonstrated a microwave weapon that can cause people to feel like they are on fire without causing any lasting physical effect. British authorities are also working on similar technology.

In time these techniques will be perfected to be the size of a handgun or rifle. When citizens can with accuracy focus a microwave at a potential assailant most will come to agree that firearms for self protection are no longer needed.

Hunters, if there are any left fifty years from now, may receive an exemption from the firearms ban - but it is likely that hunting handguns will be outlawed.

If you think this all sound like science fiction.....think again.

What to do about Bloomberg?

Well, the good Mayor of NYC is still at it. Looks like the Justice Dept. won't stop him. The Gun Manufacturers are trying.

Perhaps we should try.

• Boycott everything NYC
• Don't watch Letterman
• Don't buy clothes with NY displayed
• Don't watch Yankee or Met games
• Don't see any movies about or made in NYC
• Don't eat corn beef or pastrami sandwiches
• Don't read magazines published in NYC
• Stop reading the Wall St. Journal
• Don't hold business meetings, conventions or pleasure trips to NYC

or

• Set up a sting operation
• try to buy cigarettes in Manhattan with underage stooges and then initiate suit against store owners
• try to find a hooker at a Manhattan hotel and then sue the hotel for promoting prostitution

Of course the most effective thing in this battle is the kind of legislation VA recently passed that makes it illegal to "conduct sting operations" if your not a LEO.

Some Simple Steps to Make Us All Safer

In a just issued earth shaking report we all learn that the new gun to fear is not the assault weapon or the Saturday night special. No...it's the Nail Gun.

Well taking a page out of the progressive gun abolitionist's handbook, I have a couple of remedies that deal with the problems of dangerous weapons (things that kill most people) in our society.

• All hammers and nails must require a safety training certificate before they can be purchased. Nail guns must not be larger than 12" and must be registered.
• All butcher knives must be sold with a plastic sheath. The knife must emit a high decibel alarm if the sheath is not placed on the knife within 15 minutes of its removal from the knife.
• All rope sold in lengths under 3 feet must be registered as potential strangulation devices.
• All baseball bats not made of foam rubber must be certified to break into at least three equal pieces if they strike an object weighing more that 10 pounds.
• All sales of scissors, axes, letter openers must be hit with a 10% potential weapon tax.
• All blunt objects that can be held in the hand and potential thrown or used as a weapon must be be taxed at the rate of 5%.
  
• Cars, Trucks, Buses and any other motor vehicle must have a collision detector installed that automatically applies the breaks and stops the engine if an object is detected within 100 feet of its forward direction where the object is determined to be larger than 1 cubic foot in size.
• Liquor, wine and beer can only be sold if the purchaser certifies that they will not be driving a vehicle or operating any heavy equipment within 3 hours of ingesting the product.
  

Now I think we are making some progress!

What Can Be Done About Suicide By Firing Range ?

Well, today we have another report of suicide by "Firing Range". Maybe something can be done to screen folks?

How about using the instant check system where its available?

CCW Permits Info - Only Journalists Need Apply

In some jurisdictions CCW Permit holder information can only be provided to journalists. Sounds like nobody was thinking of the implications when these laws were passed. Now one Sheriff is suing the state to determine if he must comply with the law.

The more I hear of these stories the more it is obvious that a federal law is needed to prohibit the release of CCW data to LEOs and only for law enforcement purposes.

Read about the suit here.

Penn and Teller on Gun Control

The site of Arms and the Law

Has posted a link to Penn and Teller's latest take on Gun Control. It's worth a look.

Columbus Seeks To Dodge Suit On Semi-Auto Ban

GunWeek.com reports that the City of Columbus Ohio has stopped enforcing its Assault Weapon Ban based on a new state law that went into effect in March.

"Columbus police suspended enforcement of the city’s assault-weapons ban on Mar. 14 as a new Ohio law took effect, wiping out many locally enacted gun controls across Ohio.

The state law, approved by the legislature in December over the veto of then-Gov. Bob Taft, says only state and federal lawmakers can enact rules governing the possession, sale and storage of guns in Ohio. According to The Columbus Dispatch, it wiped about 80 local laws off the books in Columbus, Dublin and more than a dozen other cities across the state.

The city of Cleveland immediately sued the state in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, contending that the pre-emption law violated the state’s constitutional provision for “home rule” which allows municipalities to adopt and enforce their own ordinances. Cleveland has enacted several, especially when it comes to firearms. The Ohio attorney general will be in charge of arguing against the city in support of the new firearms preemption statute.

Columbus considered its own suit or the possibility of joining Cleveland’s county court lawsuit, then opted for a free ride."

This is a growing trend in the nation. If you think your local law should not be voided by the state, just cite "home rule" as your authority and sue.

Something similar is going on in Texas, where local law enforcement was told to keep arresting drivers found with loaded handguns even if a new state law allows it.

Now the politicians in Texas, Cleveland and Columbus may actually believe their municipal rights were usurped. However, municipalities seeking to challenge a state law need to suspend their enforcement of the ordinance in question otherwise citizens are left in the lurch and at the whim of local officials.

Its a Good Day to Kill Yourself

Firing ranges are now getting the blame for suicides in some jurisdiction. The Associate Press reports that suicides are problematic events at the nations' firing ranges because their is no requirement for a background check to use range facilities or rent a gun.

In an unrelated report others claim that states with high gun ownership have more suicides.

Again the anti-gun bias looks at the instrument of death not the cause. People who kill themselves are generally clinically depressed. They are mentally ill. They could kill themselves with anything deadly, a car, a hammer, a knife, an overdose of medication etc.

Even a background check will not indicate that someone is depressed!

While I give the AP some credit for a balanced report, you've got to question why this kind of report even makes it to the national news. The statistics on death by firing range are obscure and the probability of such events are rare, yet it spices up a slow news day.

Tony Soprano

The seasons first episode of the Sopranos aired Sunday on HBO and presented viewers with a new treat. Tony and his brother-in-law Bobby take a walk into the woods to do some recreational shooting. Bobby produces a full auto AR-10 and Tony proceeds to blast away at some foliage.

While the Sopranos have been around for several years, rarely in the hit series do fully automatic rifles get air time. In this scene the viewer gets the clear impression that the AR is just a new toy, but of course these are Mafia types, so now the AR becomes associated with the bad guys and the viewing public being somewhat naive, sees the AR profile as evidence of a fully automatic weapon.
Another potential bias against assault weapons.

More cheap thrills and cultural bias against guns or was HBO just trying to make a little scene about Tony and Bobby's relationship a bit more exciting?

Gun Free Zones

Gun free zones can be killers.

Here is an issue that should rally women to support the tools for self-defense. John Lott's essay is posted to Fox News Website.

Aside from "no gun" zones, many jurisdictions even ban the use of pepper spray and other non lethal weapons.

Too many women counter Mr. Lott's argument by claiming that the solution to violence against them, is the elimination of guns from society. Unfortunately, stalkers will not be deterred and will get their hands on an illegal gun if necessary.

In this day and age more women should be supporting their Second Amendment rights.

The Privacy Issue and CCW Permits

In their editorial today the Roanoke Times laments Virginia's decision to stop giving it's CCW database to the public based on blanket FOIA requests.

The paper cites the need for investigative reporters to be able to "out" criminals who might have a CCW permit.

This point raises a couple of issues that are relevant to the Privacy vs Publics' Right to Know issue.

1. Every governmental unit that possess a CCW database potential has the ability to conduct computer matches of it data against lists of known felons, sex offenders etc. It is their responsibility and not the media's to be looking for violations of gun laws. Most CCW holders do not object to law enforcement using these lists for legitimate purposes. We do not need the Roanoke Times or the New York Times pointing out firearms violations that could be uncovered by governmental authorities.

2. The media wants access because they want to find a juicy story. They want to "data mine" the CCW Permit lists to determine which Senator, local politician or other famous person is carrying - to make some point about that person in the interest of the media's agenda or to increase readership. I understand their motivations but that's not a valid reason to get their hands on sensitive personal information.

3. The CCW Permit list is an indirect gun registration list. While it does not contain specific firearm information it points directly to one's ownership of a handgun. If any jurisdiction requires firearm registration these specific gun records will also be fair game for the media. I wouldn't be surprised if FOIA requests have been made for gun registration records already. Note: Some in PA are moving to require registration.

4. Nothing short of legislation protecting CCW and gun registration records will solve this problem. Law enforcement purposes should be the only reason to release this information, even if that means that major gun rights organizations can't get their hands on it for their outreach efforts. Sometimes we can't have our "cake and eat it".

Targeting Manufacturers of Toy Guns

Fox News now reports that San Francisco Bay area politicians now want to target the manufacturers of toy guns for the misuse of these replicas by kids.

The video report is however a balanced piece of reporting.

CZ -82 Option for Concealed Carry

There is a neat pistol currently available that fits a nice niche in the concealed carry market.
The CZ-82 has the following characteristics.

Original Czech CZ-82 9x18 pistols. This incredible pistol was the Czechoslovakian Army's replacement for the famed CZ-52 7.62x25 pistol. Produced from 1982-1992, it is still the official Military Sidearm. Typical Czech quality steel construction, 12rd High capacity magazine, cock and lock safety, and Super Accurate polygonal rifled barrel

The 9x18 cartridge is more powerful than a .380 and a little weaker than the 9mm Luger. Ammo is readily available at reasonable prices.

You can buy it on line if you have a C&R license or buy at your local gun show or gun dealer.

DC to Appeal Federal Court Ruling

Per information coming out of the Mayor's office, looks like the District of Columbia will ask the full federal Appeals Court to reconsider the decision on Parker. The request for review allegedly will happen tomorrow April 9, 2007.

I have learned that the content of this request in summary will go like this.

Whereas the citizens of the District of Columbia requiring the need for safety in their homes, businesses and streets in order to protect same, request that in consideration of the following factors the decision of the court to overturn long standing District gun control regulations be reversed.

The salient factors for the Court's consideration are:

• The District of Columbia is an elitist environment, therefore the elites do not require protection normally afforded to average Americans. They are protected by their faith in local law enforcement to be there when a dire need arises. In any event whereby LEOs are not available these citizens will resort to their superior linguistic and negotiating skills to ensure that potential assailants are rendered harmless.

• The consequences of not reversing this decision are catastrophic. All faith in local government will be lost if in fact this decision arms the local citizenry and that action effects a decrease in violent crime. Hereafter all claims by local government as to any proposed regulation for the advancement of the safety of the populous that in anyway impinges on the lifestyle of citizens will be derided.

• Given the demographic, cultural, political and racial components of this great city, it is likely that these citizens, unlike most in American will proceed to use "legally" acquired weapons in a manner inconsistent with the intent towards self-defense. The population of this great city can not risk empowering those who are inclined to self-defense today because many of them will be inclined to resort to using these new defensive tools without first recourse to other alternative methods of conflict resolution.

For these main reasons, we respectfully request reversal of the March 9Th decision of this court.

Temporary Victory - Virginia CCW Lists

After a public outcry and nationwide news media coverage, Virginia has decided that its list of CCW holders will not be released based on FOIA requests.

This sets the stage for the VA State Legislature to fix the problem during their next session.

Ironically, this report comes from the media outlet that "outed" the CCW holders.

In the heart of most of us

In the heart of most of us, (those who love their right to keep and bear arms) lies the sleeping thoughts that are loudly echoed by the essay printed here at "the War on Guns".

Penn. Democrats Acting Like Democrats

If you live in Pennsylvania then you need to know that Democrats there are going after your guns. Registration of almost all firearms is their plan. More here courtesy of the NRA.

Concealed Carry in Vehicles

Texas is a unique state in many respects and with respect to firearms some of us can be jealous when it comes to laws in Texas that are pro gun owners.

So in Texas it is legal to carry a gun loaded in your car even if you don't have a CCW permit.

Seems like local law enforcement doesn't like this and will still try to prosecute selected travelers who are found to be in possession of a loaded handgun.

In an unusual twist the issue has made for allies (on this issue) between the ACLU and the NRA.

Here is the New York Times report which is surprisingly objective.

Gun Bias Again at Fox News

Today, Fox News reports about "Idaho Shooters Target National Guard"

The piece is short on facts. Allegedly some long range shooters have occasionally hit some National Guard equipment. The article implies this was intentional. No facts are presented to reflect that anyone ever intentionally fired upon National Guard equipment.

A small number of fines have been handed out to shooters who fired their weapons in a restricted area - nothing is mentioned about any criminal fines.

Once again, the organization that stands by its motto of "fair and balanced", reports on a gun issue in a biased way.

Brady Campaign Debates the NRA

A healthy attempt at communication occurred yesterday and no blood was shed.

Read about the NRA-Brady Campaign debate.

Long Range Shooting

The skill of a long range shooter has to be admired.

One long range success story is here: http://www.roanoke.com/outdoors/wb/110947

To get a simulated feel for this sport, check out this cool long range shooting simulator at:

http://www.shooterready.com/lrsdemohi.html

Media Covers Utah Surge in CCW

Here is a biased clip of media coverage of the recent increase in Utah CCW requests.

javascript:void(window.open('http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/localnews?ch=952695&cl=2276054&lang=en', 'playerWindow','width=792,height=666,scrollbars=no'));

Note: you might have to endure a 30 second commercial before the clip starts.

CNN Story on CCW

The story ran last night.

Here is the link to the video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kUIPRFgRE8


Here is the link to the transcript.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0704/02/pzn.01.html

CNN to Air Roanoke Times Story Tonight

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CNN to air show on Roanoke Times Debacle tonight!
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At the very end of the Paula Zahn Show on Friday night, CNN said that
tonight, Monday, April 2nd, at 8 PM, the Roanoke Times' story that we have been waiting on is scheduled to be aired.

NY Mayor - The Next President

Sounds like Mr. Bloomberg is not satisfied just making a mess of New York city.

If he decides to run how will that complicate the Presidential race?

http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Federal/Read.aspx?id=2828&issue=

Well, nothing to really worry about, since he likely will antagonize millions of potential voters who own guns.

This Man was Lucky

The story referenced here
http://www.claytoncramer.com/gundefenseblog/2007_04_01_archive.html#2440032743534994853 points to some real luck with a Taurus and perhaps poor technique (not putting a round in the chamber)

The Best Gun for Concealed Carry

Everyone has their opinion on the best Concealed Carry gun. Should it be a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol? Should it be a mouse gun or a 45 ACP? The variables are endless and the spectrum is wide.

Most experts say carry enough gun. Of course enough gun means enough power to stop an attack, hopefully with one shot.

Most believe the minimum for carry is a 9mm and the maximum is a 45 ACP, .44 Special or 45 Long Colt. In general the gun with most stopping power is the one with the greatest bore diameter.

After years reading about the issue and many years of shooting and learning defensive techniques, I am unequivocally convinced that a great choice in concealed carry guns are:

• Glock 23 - a .40S&W with 13 round + 1 capacity. It's compact, reliable and accurate. http://www.teamglock.com/Glock-Buyers-Guide/Glock-23.htm

• Glock 26 - a 9mm with 10 + 1 capacity. It's light, and very compact, around 4" by 6". http://www.teamglock.com/Glock-Buyers-Guide/Glock-26.htm

Glocks will outlast their owners, are easy to clean and are comparatively inexpensive (compared to the typical 1911, Sig., or H&K)

When the weather is hot and light clothing is the norm, something even smaller is called for.

Given the choice of carrying nothing or enough gun, I will choose "as much" gun as I can conceal. A good choice is a small all steel double action only pocket pistol in .32ACP, the Guardian from North American Arms.

It holds 7 + 1 rounds. It's strictly a point and shoot tool but its double action only, no safety to manipulate, no exposed hammer, and reliable.

Of course, these are just a few of your options. But, when it comes to your life you have to be sure what you carry will do the job. So whatever you carry, make sure you can be confident it will go bang when you need it to.

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Culture War

Most supporters of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms tend to be on the center or the right of center politically. Most of us center to right of center folks, decry the tearing down of America that we see daily in the media.

We often like to think that what we see is not typical of average folks perceptions and views but just the media tacking to the left. The danger is that we delude ourselves into believing that there is no cumulative impact of the liberal social agenda. What impact does it have on our children and grand-children?

We all realize that there is bias in the media; the danger is that the bias is spreading to those in our society least willing to think objectively (e.g, the young, the restless, the old and a bunch of folks with no lives other than to watch the tube all day)

Here is a fine link that kind of sums up what's going on.

http://www.hyscience.com/archives/2007/03/americas_new_wa.php