There’s a lot of clatter going on in the pistol world right now about folks adding “Red Dots” or RMR sights to their pistols. It’s almost like a shark feeding frenzy, but what is it and is it right for you?
So, if you are new(er) to this industry, you may not be familiar with this terminology. A Red-Dot is a type of non-magnifying reflector sight for firearms, and other devices that require aiming, that gives the user a point of aim in the form of an illuminated red dot, according to Wikipedia
Sometimes you’ll hear others refer to the red dot sight as a ‘RMR’ site, such as my husband :).
In simple terms, it’s much like a laser and can help with aiming and it can make it quicker / easier to find your sight picture and target.
I’ve shot a rifle and pistol using a Red Dot. While it may be the latest fad, is it something to consider for your defensive handgun?
Before, I get to the article I’m sharing with you, a few other side notes to consider. Your holster. The Red-dot sight sits much taller than standard issued sights on a pistol. So this added sight will also add a little weight and you will need a new holster that can accommodate this bulky sight.
Another important factor to consider, again much like a laser, is the battery life. Will you remember to turn it on (and off) when you complete your training with it? What happens if you become reliable on it and your in a situation where you need to defend your life?
As you’ve likely heard many times before, it’s important and critical to continue to train and learn. You may want to consider some of these points ahead of adding a Red-Dot to your pistol or self defense firearm.
How ‘bout it? You get stopped by police and you accidentally give the police your concealed carry weapons permit instead of your drivers license!
I bet things don’t go as your thought from this point on. What started out as a summertime cross country road trip with the whole family, now could end with you losing your firearm or worse getting locked up! Remember, that happened to a New Jersey woman.
These days, your road trip is no longer about counting cows, playing car poker, punch buggy or such games to keep the kids busy instead of asking “Are we there yet”? Perhaps the grown ups should play a game of is this state a “Duty to Inform” state?
To keep the kids from worrying if Dad (or Mom) is going to jail, it’s wise to know what the gun laws are in each state of your route. Not only do you need to know “how” to carry concealed, but should you be pulled over, whether you are obligated to inform the officer, you have a weapons permit and (if) you are carrying (at that specific moment).
In case you are new to possessing a concealed carry license, it doesn’t work across state lines like a driver’s license does. That means each state has to agree to recognize your home states’ permit AND to complicate or make matters worse for the traveler with a firearm, each state has it’s own gun laws and restrictions.
In some states, you do not have to disclose you have a weapon on you or in the vehicle unless asked by the officer. Other states, it’s required to inform the cop who pulls you over. This is a touchy subject for a lot of folks because you don’t know how someone will respond and its best to choose your words wisely when you do speak (say “firearm” rather than “gun”).
Fortunately, 18 U.S. Code 926A allows travel through, but not staying in, states where it’s illegal to carry firearms, for example, Maryland. Maryland isn’t gun friendly, but you can travel through the state with a firearm… although, the way you travel through with your firearm does have regulations.
Traveling with a gun does have its challenges due to the fact that each state and or city may have different laws and may change, or update (gun laws) at any given time. There is no uniform state transportation procedure for firearms. 🙁
If you’re in doubt about through a state, a traveler should carry firearms unloaded, secured in a locked case, and stored in an area (such as a trunk or attached toolbox) where they are inaccessible from the driver or passenger’s reach. A firearm should not be stored in the glove box or console. Any ammunition should also be stored in a separate locked container.
I’d add, say a prayer that you won’t need said firearm. Obviously, you wouldn’t be able to defend yourself if something went awry.
The Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 (FOPA) is a United States federal law that revised many provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968, “notwithstanding any state or local law, a person is entitled to transport a firearm from any place where he or she may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he or she may lawfully possess and carry it, if the firearm is unloaded and locked out of reach. In vehicles without a trunk, the unloaded firearm must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. Ammunition that is either locked out of reach in the trunk or in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console is also covered.”
valuables left in plain sight. photo:Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal
It should go without saying that you’d want to keep such valuables, including your handgun, computer and purse(s), out of plain view of anyone snooping or looking for “free” gifts.
Prepare ahead by contacting the Attorney General’s office in each state you may travel or by reviewing the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Guide
All travelers in areas with restrictive laws would be well advised to have copies of any applicable firearm licenses or permits, as well as copies or printouts from the relevant jurisdictions’ official publications or websites documenting pertinent provisions of law (including FOPA itself) or reciprocity information.
Here’s your checklist:
You have a “license to carry” firearms in your home state for any lawful purpose (like self-defense).
Generally speaking, any federal building, or a building with a security screening (metal detectors), will be off limits. Federal parks allow carry but with restrictions.
Bars, and establishments that serve alcohol, have come under
“discussion” as to whether local laws want to allow such concealed carry. In
Ga., private property can post signage of no firearms, but State Law allows one
to carry in places. However, if it’s discovered that you are carrying in said
establishment, when you are asked to leave, it’s best to heed that warning and
leave on your own, instead of with assistance from police.
Definitions of certain terms in the law include:
Transporting- Not staying for any determined length of time. Passing through on the way to some place.
Unloaded- No ammunition in the firearm. In the case of McDaniel v. Arnold, the courts upheld a conviction based on the interpretation that the accused had a loaded firearm despite not having a round in the chambered position.[16]
Not readily accessible- There are no clear court decisions or interpretations available but this term is widely regarded as meaning Not capable of being reached quickly for operation.
Locked container- A hard-sided container that is locked such as to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access.
Be adventurous this summer – Explore!
If you still have any questions, call the police headquarters and inquire about the “concealed carry laws” for non-resident. Be sure to check regulations on ammunition as well.
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.
What is this #IWIX thing? I don’t really get it? Why do I need special clothing to Concealed Carry?
For me, it was my first time carrying on body. But first, how did I arrive at this idea?
I took the basic courses and joined a lady’s group at my range to learn more about shooting and carrying concealed. There are options for women who want to carry a concealed handgun, only what I found were mostly for in-purse carry; or for first responders, and the typical tactical clothing or “shooting” clothes.
I already felt like there was a neon sign above my head flashing “she’s got a gun”! I didn’t want my clothes to say it either! The whole idea about concealed carry is that you’re hiding in plain sight, right? i.e. to be “INCOGNITO”. Wala!
Oh, I’d carry a gun in a purse, but that got heavy. And I would have to be very careful about where I set my purse down and worry about someone else going through it, finding it and discovering a gun. Fortunately, my children were young adults and I didn’t have to worry about that aspect. But many do, and should be concerned about what they do or where they leave their purse if they are carrying a gun in it. Or for that matter, if it gets stolen!
So, I spent several hours looking through my closet, finding nothing to wear.
What do you wear to hide a gun or how do you dress around a firearm? This was so new to me and no one really talked about what kind of clothes you needed to shop for in order to keep this ‘thing’ hidden but readily accessible.
So, off I went to the mall. But this time, I really didn’t need the excuse that I don’t have “anything to wear”. Not that my husband would have minded. Women love to shop, it’s really a social thing for us. My goal was to find clothing that was fashionable, but would also discreetly concealed a handgun. There just wasn’t anything suitable. I shopped online – Again, not much there in the way of clothing.
In my women’s shooting group class, I heard several women talking about having to work late or travel and some scary scenarios they might encounter – and what to do; how to respond – just in case. Of course, first and foremost is learning how to be situational aware of your surrounding environment.
I wonder, just how do you carry a gun in a dress?
I mean, you’re a working professional, executive, business women with a need to be fashionable and well dressed…And to be able to protect/defend yourself if something horrible arose.
I contemplated about what kind of clothes that would fit this need. The need to have work clothes for one, and two, clothing perfect for concealment of a firearm that (I) would feel that my gun wouldn’t print (through). You know, to make choosing something to wear easy; to pick out clothing to go with my gun. The goal in all of this would be to provide some type of clothing to remove any hassle of dressing for concealment, to empower you for every day carry. Surely, picking out something to wear shouldn’t take 30 or more minutes.
So, I think of it in terms of finding that perfect necklace, pair of earrings, or shoes that make the outfit – complete. That thing that makes you feel as good as you look! We are all want to feel beautiful, and be stylish with or without our gun.
This adds a whole new dimension to making a fashion statement.
Concealed carry is more than just being able to defend your life or that of another human being. We recognize the danger and power of carrying a loaded firearm, and what could happen if we are forced to defend our self, draw it, or even fire it. The rights given to us by the 2nd Amendment aren’t taken lightly, but with the utmost of respect.
For those who don’t get this whole gun tote’n thing, it’s not the law-abiding folks that you ought to be concerned about, but the one who don’t respect the law and authority.
Just because some people don’t swim, they don’t know how to, or were never taught, doesn’t mean that swimmers shouldn’t have specialized clothing. Bathing suits or swimsuits are specialized garments. Just because you may not want to swim doesn’t mean a swimsuit shouldn’t be made available for those who do.
There are an awful lot of people who love to swim and need swimsuits!
The same is true for those who believe in the 2nd Amendment, and want to concealed carry. They need specialized clothing too.
So, this is how Incognito Wear IXcame about. I set out to make some specializedclothes – casual tops, Maxi dress (that’s perfect for spring) and a professional work-wear dress giving 3 optional carry positions, a patterned tunic top, and soon to be developing pants and jeans. Even though men’s regularly available clothing is easier to conceal in, they too need specialized clothing. We are providing new clothing options for the concealed carrier that hasn’t been available- and especially for a growing group of women who are getting their concealed carry permits and carry on a regular basis.
We’d love to hear from you and how you carry or what obstacles you have overcome in order to protect yourself and loved ones in exercising your 2nd Amendment rights. Connect with us on social media:facebook, instagram, twitter, pintrest
