NRA Annual meetings are happening, censorship of guns and conservative conversations on social platforms & on college campuses, “Red Flag” laws being passed and in some states, confiscation of firearms is actually happening in the Land of the FREE….
There’s so much of ignoring the FACTS and instead they just “repeat it till they believe it” going on in the news and with our millennial’s, I thought I’d share this conversation I came across… I wish to give them credit but don’t remember from where I found it but it’s a great perspective worthy of sharing.
To those who argue gun control here’s in interesting dialog to have –
A Vets unique perspective – Learn from my mistake – How talk about guns
“A couple years ago I was working security at a bar in northern Virginia. I overheard a table of college kids arguing about gun rights and gun control and it was getting far too emotional so I did what any sane combat veteran would do and attempted to exfiltrate. I must not have withdrawn as surreptitiously as I intended, because I was stopped in my tracks when a 5-foot-nothing brunette seemingly leapt in front of me and blurted out “excuse me, can you help us?”
I’m sure I must have looked irritated as I cycled through the possible quips and excuses, I considered available to me but being uncertain that she wasn’t some Senator’s daughter, I caved: “What’s up?”
She basically leads me to this table of 2 other females (probably both named Karen) and a very soft looking male.
Becky: “So, we were just talking about current events and, you know. So, you look like you’re probably in the military, right? Like the Army?”
(When you accuse someone of being in the military you probably don’t need to give an example)
Me: “Similar.. yea”
Becky: “Right. Okay. So, do you think civilians should be allowed to own guns?”
Me: “Most of us. Yes.”
Becky: (clearly not happy with my answer) “Okay, so, why do you think you need a gun?”
(At this point it’s almost 2am and I’ve just given up on patience. Hold my beer)
(With intentionally overt condescension): “Oh, honey, I don’t. I don’t need a gun.”
Becky stares at me blankly, so I continue, but with a more serious tone:
“I could follow you home, walk up your driveway, and beat you to death with the daily newspaper.
I could choke you to death with that purse.
I could take a credit card, break it in half, and cut your throat open with it.
With enough time and effort I could beat your boyfriend here with a rolled up pair of socks.
I could probably dream up six dozen other ways I could easily end your life if you gave me an hour or so.
If I wanted to, I could wrap my hand around that beer mug and kill all four of you before you could make it to the exit. The worst part is, in your utopian little fantasyland, there ain’t a thing any of you could do about it.
I don’t need a gun.
You need a gun.
You need a gun because of men like me.”
Call me a jerk, but if you want to keep your guns, these are the conversations we all need to start having.”
Sure, carrying a firearm is invaluable when you need it. Preventive measures are perhaps more important. After all, we want to prevent ever being victimized.
The right to bear arms is a right, as Americans, we all get to choose if that’s how we want to protect ourselves and loved ones. You’re feelings don’t decide for me and my family. Its a dangerous place. Take the measures to be safe. Be aware that there are bad guys who want to cause harm to others.
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Today is Good Friday, a high school friend shared this article written by her step-son. It’s very powerful discovery into how God loves you and me. In this article, Taylor Bell, relates his life as a child living through the trauma of divorce and its’ symbolism with Christ’s actions and even death on the cross.
I too experienced the trauma of divorce, not as a child but as a mother of 3, the oldest at age 6. Devastating! and yes, a very dark time for me and darker for my children. My pain ran deeper for my children than myself, and continues in sorts, though they are now adults.
You see, my oldest son has been engulfed in the pain Taylor speaks of, more so than my other two kids. Pain must be dealt with. When we choose not to deal with the deep hurt and pain, there can be physical manifestations of the emotional and spiritual suffering that runs so deep.
My son chose to shut me and my family out of his pain, suffering and directed all of his hurt and anger at me. While I have be blessed beyond measure to have a husband who shows me what “love” is and loves my children as truly his own, my pain of that loss lingers. Just as Jesus longs for all to come to Him and not parish.
It’s been over a decade since I’ve seen or heard from my oldest child. It’s likely I wouldn’t even recognize him if we did happen to cross paths. I’ve reached out the best I could not knowing where he was or if the phone number I had was even correct. Recently, I tried to make a phone call but discovered my son had blocked his mother’s number.
I resonate with Taylor’s story to tears and can fully understand how deeply Jesus Loves us – me, you, everyone! The pain and suffering Jesus underwent so that each of us would never have to experience it – but able to live a life of hope, hope in knowing that all of our brokenness is no more in Jesus Christ.
I don’t know if I’d be here today, if it weren’t for His abiding love, and this mother’s love for her children. It’s my prayer this Good Friday and Easter that you seek the healing, restoration that only Jesus Christ can bring!
Jesus Christ desires to have a relationship with you, just as I long for a relationship with my son. The desire never vanishes, regardless of what has/will happen or been done. Surrender to the one who can AND will bring everlasting life and Help you to get through each and everyday!
I continue to seek the one who made me PERFECT for his purpose and for restoration with my son. Forgive me if this brutal honesty offends you, but I believe Jesus wants all to come to Him and have Everlasting Life FOREVER in relationship with HIM- in Heaven and with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
May this Good Friday and Easter Sunday bring you joy! No matter WHAT you THINK OR FEEL, it doesn’t change the FACTS that you are LOVED! You’re FORGIVEN of EVERYTHING, WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO BELIEVE JESUS DIED FOR YOU; and SURRENDER to HIM as LORD OF YOUR LIFE!
The wonderful thing about learning to shoot or beginning to concealed carry, is that you are not alone!
Welcome to the group! So glad you’re here!
I have found that those who shoot are excited, willing, and wanting
to help you. Some may try to catch your eye just hoping you will ask a question
so they can help. Why? They love it and want to share the joy and empowerment
with others.
It’s a gun. It can be a scary thing – after all, most people see it as a weapon. It’s a tool to defend yourself or to provide a meal. It can also be a tool that brings people together!
A big shout out to those who have overcome a great tragedy
and have made the decision to learn how to shoot and become a responsible gun
owner. I’m sure for many who’ve had to experience a life changing event, having
a group of supports, sharing within a group who understood what you went
through was instrumental with recovery.
I feel like gun owners are such a group. Whether your beginning
that journey or not, there is a social part that to enjoy with other shooters.
We have this common ground; much like team sports. Yes, there’s competition,
but there is an incredible camaraderie wanting to help others improve.
There’s joy in hitting the bullseye the first time. That needs a High – Five from someone!
Whether by luck or skill, hitting the bullseye is exciting
The opportunity to try someone’s firearm that the range doesn’t rent.
Sharing that little “trick or tricks of the trade” that others have
spent years solving.
Here’s a Tip:
As women, we may have issues with weak hands. Perhaps, we have difficulty racking a slide. One woman shared with me how to push the firearm away with my strong hand and pull the slide toward me with my weak hand. Amazing!
If you can’t lock the slide back, insert an empty magazine, and dry fire or rack. The firearm will automatically lock back and open. There’s no need to struggle in silence. We’ve all been there!
A few weeks ago, The Well-Armed Woman shooting chapters of Georgia got together for a time of fellowship, learning new skills, and for some, being exposed to new things like Project Johnny Appleseed.
Project Johnny Appleseed
No matter where you are, consider yourself part of a bigger group of shooters.
If you’re intimidated to go to the range by yourself, check to see if there’s a lady’s group – TWAW or AGAG (A Girl and A Gun) women’s group to join. The more the merrier! Learn from my mistake, it’s more fun with friends!
Learn from my mistake, it’s more fun with friends!
10% Discount for The Well Armed Woman use code: TWAW
10% Discount code for A Girl & A Gun used code: AGAG
You choose to carry for your safety and protection. Have you thought
about self-defense insurance to protect yourself from legal
ramifications? Check out USCCA Defense Shield– Providers of self-defense and legal protection for responsibly armed Americans.
Howdy! How do you greet someone? What kind of handshake do you present?
This week on “Learn from my Mistake” – #98, we’re talking GRIPS and “getting to know” your pistol. It occurred to me that even though some of you may have been shooting for quite some time, we may have bad habits that need some attention.
One common bad habit is your grip.
It may not be a surprise to even spot a poor grip at the range. When getting a grip (on your firearm), think like you would be introducing yourself to someone. You wouldn’t want to give a loose handshake; typically know as a dead fish handshake.
handshake indicates a reserved or a passive personality or an indifference, making it seem as though the person has no bones
Don’t be afraid of the gun.
You can’t over grip or crush the firearm. You want a good firm grip so you don’t drop the firearm once you pull the trigger but also, the firearm needs a firm & rigid support so it can eject the casing and reload; recycle itself, after the shot.
So, grip the firearm with the type of handshake that says I’m confident, strong, and in control. I mean business.
Isn’t that how you’d like to think of your relationship with a lifesaving tool?
With your strong, dominate hand, you want to place the web, the space between your thumb & index finger, of your hand (some call it a “V”) as high as you can on the back (back strap or grip) of the firearm. If it’s a single or double action, there is typically a indentation for the web of your hand that will keep it from going above and getting in the way of the slide.
With the trigger guard resting comfortably on your middle finger, wrap remaining fingers around the grip of the gun. On a revolver, you want your hand as high as possible but out of the way of the hammer.
The placement of your grip high on the firearm helps control the recoil each time the gun is fired.
After all, you mean business, right? Whether you’re putting rounds down range or defending your home, you’re a boss! You can do this! We’re not having tea and cookies. We’re practicing, training to save lives. So, no dainty “teacup” grips.
Tea cup style grip – weak hand is under the butt of firearm offering No support
We don’t need to be delicate with your firearm. We want a good high grip -strong like a handshake. Grip high, but stay under the slide! We don’t want any Biting!
Be mindful of the slide moving over the back of your hand as it cycles another round. If your hand is in the way, you will know it quickly and it could put an end to your time on the range.
Safety is so important when handling firearms, but we must also be safe when gripping & picking up guns.
Your index finger is a POINTER FINGERFIRST – then a “Trigger finger”.
So, make sure it POINTS when you grab any firearm. Keep that finger straight along the side of the frame of the firearm.
Now let’s get the other (weak) hand involved. Now, that we have the firmness of the grip out of the way, what do you do with the weak (supporting) hand?
Again, thinking of a handshake, wrap
your weak hand fingers around the grip and over top of your strong hand fingers,
your thumbs should be in line with each other along the frame of the firearm.
When shooting, especially for ladies, you want to have about 40% squeeze (strength and control) with your strong hand, thus allowing Mr. Trigger Finger to move smoothly and independent of the hand; and about 60% squeeze, control and firm grip with your weak hand.
For men, 30/70 percent of strong to weak hand is more ideal.
Of course, everyone is different. Some may have hand strength issues, arthritis or other physical issue that limit or alter one’s grip. However, the main objection is to safely and accurately place hits on the target.
Get a grip on Safe shooting!
You choose to carry
for your safety and protection. Have you thought about self-defense insurance
to protect yourself from legal ramifications? Check out USCCA
Defense Shield– Providers of self-defense and legal protection for
responsibly armed Americans.
What to do when duty calls and you’re carrying concealed ?
A gun and a stall…
Forging ahead with this topic because I feel like it’s one,
we all wish someone would ask and talk about it but we don’t want to be the one to ask– how to use public facilities (restrooms)
when concealing a firearm (on body). I believe this to be particularly more changing
for women then men. Let’s face it, it’s pretty obvious, right?
Here’s some insight for you men understanding why women usually go to public restrooms in pairs or a group. It’s not because we’ll get lost or need help, it allows us more time to talk; continue the discourse, making it less uncomfortable staring at strangers in line, or perhaps occupying your mind until its your turn to go.
Let’s imagine there is a waiting line for the bathrooms and you are concealing a firearm around your waist. You can’t ask your friend to hold your gun, and take it off and freak everyone out in the bathroom because of their feelings about firearms. That would be like yelling “fire”. Not cool!
So, the question is how do you handle this obstacle? What’s the best way to manage a gun in a stall?
First, take your time getting into position. Slowly and carefully, holding the firearm grip with one hand, if possible, as you lower your drawers.
.Depending on the space between the floor and the bottom of the partition wall, you may want to keep your pants close to knee height. We assume you are leaving your gear attached to your pants vs removing gun and holster.
Once you’ve lowered your pants, you could buckle the belt back and or press knees apart to keep the waistband taunt and carefully arrange gun, keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction.
Obstacles of concealed carry and using public restrooms.
Bear in mind, as you carefully maneuver your pants and
firearm in the privacy of your stall, its likely the firearm will flip or point
at you. This breaks one of the critical laws of gun safety so take your time.
This is challenging whether you have a double clip on your holster or a single clip. Do you unhook one side of the holster and leave the other side connected? Depending on your carry location, you may have other experiences.
I find appendix carry easiest to conceal and most comfortable for me.
If you remove your firearm and holster completely, what do you do with it? First, let’s acknowledge that you’ve now surrendered your control over the firearm.
I don’t suggest balancing your firearm on toilet paper rolls or toilet paper holder. This is a risk. What if your neighbor slams the stall door next to you?
Balanced on toilet paper
Never try to catch a falling gun!
Might there be room to place your firearm behind the toilet
near the plumbing? While our skin may crawl with this very concept, it would be
just as easy to leave it behind for the next customer of the restroom stall.
Let’s say there’s a shelf behind the toilet. This is a great place to put your weapon… BUT – you don’t have control over it and
what if …you’re in a hurry and forget it!! Not really a good idea after
all.
It’s too easy to leave your firearm behind if you placed it on this shelf.
Another option would be to place it on the floor, but chances are others
could see it. If you have to use this option, go to the corner stall so
you only have to worry about one open side where prying eyes could see.
What is a better idea is to go to the “family” bathroom if there’s
one. This is typically floor to ceiling walls and a lockable door so it’s just
you and your firearm in the stall. Much like being at home.
Because of these obstacles, I’ve learned to take my purse, no matter the requests to “watch it” while I excuse myself (for the bathroom).
I insist on taking my purse to the public restroom with me. This is one advantage ladies do have!
If there’s not a coat hook in your public bathroom stall, chances are your purse will cover and hide your firearm and holster from spying eyes. Again, depending on the space from floor to the bottom of the stall partition. Placing your firearm and holster in your purse is probably the safest place if you remove them from your pants.
Safest to place firearm and holster in your purse while using public restrooms.
If you wanted to hold your purse while taking care of business, this is more easily accomplished as many handbags have long straps so you can “messenger” your purse across your body.
Concealed carry is a lifestyle change. “Taking care of business” in public restrooms can be awkward; but hopefully with planning ahead you can steer clear of any troubles.
And remember, if you’re a woman,to always carry your purse with you to the public facilities. If you’re male, maybe get a man-bag.:)
You choose to carry for your safety and protection. Have you thought about self-defense insurance to protect yourself from legal ramifications? Check out USCCA Defense Shield– Providers of self-defense and legal protection for responsibly armed Americans.
