When you visit a range, whether your local one or visiting a new range, make sure to locate life saving equipment before the first shot.
I recently realized I had not done this and wanted to share so you can “Learn from my mistakes” 🙂
What’s the number 1 rule of real estate? Location! As with visiting a range, Know your location! Street address in case you are calling 9-1-1.
Hopefully, you never need to use a fire extinguisher or the emergency first aid (gun shot wound kit) or AED. Know where these items are before you need to find them. It will be a very stressful and time sensitive, potentially life critical time and knowing where these items are will help when it matters most.
Plan in your head taking charge. “Tell” x person to call 9-1-1, “tell’ another person to get the ER kit – it’s hanging… (state where to find this kit) and if necessary, “tell” a third person to go to the street to 1) flag down EMS and 2) direct EMS to the patient.
We must remember and practice our gun safety rules.
I hope this helps you to enjoy shooting and having a (safe)fun time at the range.
There’s no question we’re living in unusual times and some difficult circumstances that test one’s patience more than we may care to be tested. Can I get an “Amen”?
Difficulties heighten due to the pandemic and it’s an election cycle like no other! Add the violent riots, destruction and you’re probably (and wisely) concerned about your safety.
This fact shows in the record numbers of firearm sales and new gun owner exercising their Second amendment rights and understand they are responsible for their safety. Please make sure to vote and continue to support this right.
So, what can you do to minimize conflict when you go to the polls – or even just out and about?
Number one – consider what you’re wearing as you head to the polls. Never before (certainly not in my lifetime) has clothing seemed to be so controversial. In fact, the amount of rage expressed from some “threads” is unsettling.
Play it safe and don’t make a political fashion statement. This can/could be considered “campaigning” – which isn’t allowed. Always check your state rules. It’s better to be informed than to be turned away.
And, yes Poll workers can send you home.
Additionally, this year are concerns about Covid 19 while voting…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have drawn up an extensive guide. Let’s face it, you’re probably quite familiar with them by now- Good hand washing practices use of hand sanitizer, and wearing a face mask or other face covering in public settings
A few tips for a more enjoyable experience at the polls:
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring your own pen and or stylus. However, not all polling stations allow this, so individuals should check in advance.
bring a portable chair to sit in if you are concerned about long lines, [and] Review as you should be familiar with who and what’s on your ballot prior to getting into the booth.”
But don’t stop there with preparedness for a day at the polls. Keep your eyes up and scan your surroundings constantly.
Bankers do a “drive around” before parking to open up the bank. Why?
The same reason you want to be observant as you pull into the polling place. You want to watch for anything suspicious. Anything.
A stray and or unattended package, someone videoing or taking pictures or anything that seems out of place.
Be aware of any chemical odors coming from a package or vehicle. Keep your head and eyes up, not down at your phone.
I know it can be tempting to hop on social (are you following us ?) while waiting in line. Scan the area often, remain vigilant and report any suspected criminal scheme targeting voters to the FBI immediately
Malicious and misleading information is easily and widely spread via social media platforms, texting, or peer-to-peer messaging apps on (smart)phones. Keep in mind, not all publicly available voting information is accurate, and some is deliberately designed to deceive you to suppress turnout.
Double check your polling facility location and times the polls are open, even for early voting. .
Always consider the source of voting information. Ask yourself, “Can I trust this information?” Look for official notices from election offices and verify the information you found is accurate.
Help defend the right to vote by reporting any suspected instances of voter suppression—especially those received through a private communication channel like texting—to your local FBI field office.
Learn to be aware of surroundings, noticing exits and to read the mannerisms of others. These are skills you can develop, but change takes time and practice.
First off, Happy Fall Y’all! That’s how we say it down here in Georgia ?.
As the world turns and tilts, cooler days, football and fall fashions are coming your way. Given the all the crazy events amidst lock downs, Covid-19, riots and violence, thousand are coming to a new realization about their safety. For some, it’s a whole new world of becoming a gun owner and realizing the need to be self reliant and prepared for safety.
However, your safety isn’t’ just about whether or not you have the right self defense tool(s) to purchase or train with.
In addition to arming yourself with some tools, equally and some say more so, is the importance of preparing mentally for the future dilemma. What if _____ happens? What should I do or where do I go?
It’s the “What am I going to do if / when” scenario…
We NEED to have a plan of action BEFORE the SHTF.
I want to share some possible options and brainstorm with you.
If you’re one of the few thousand of new gun owners, don’t put off applying for your concealed carry license (carry permit, or whatever it’s called in your area). Not all states have constitutional carry. These states do not require a permit in order to carry a firearm; either open carry or concealed.
More and more people are beginning to carry for safety. While women are the fastest growing demographic, we’re not alone. The industry is seeing a huge surge and you’ve probably notice the shortages on popular firearms and ammunition.
So, how are you going to carry or how do you carry your self defense tool(s)? I believe most men either carry appendix or between three and four o’clock position. (Please comment below and let me know. 🙂
Ladies, Do you carry in your purse? And, do you practice accessing and drawing (it) your gun?
I understand concealing your firearm in a purse “feels” safer than carrying on body. And I’m guilty of it, too. I was afraid; afraid of carrying a loaded firearm on me – like literally on my body! What if …. I’m sure you can relate to that!
Here’s what I’ve learned since those early days.
Have you thought about the likelihood you can get to your firearm in time, if you needed to? First, you need to know EXACTLY where to find it in that big ‘ol bag (not an easy task for the women I know). That is unless, you’re using a specific purse made for concealed carry that it has a specific and separate pocket just for your firearm.
I want to share some possible options and brainstorm with you…
One thing to note; particularly if you’re one of the few thousand of new gun owners, is to apply for your concealed carry license (carry permit, or whatever it’s called in your area). There are many states that don’t have constitutional carry laws.
The second consideration is on the type of firearm you’re carrying? For me, a semi-automatic pistol is my preference. That means, IF Ihave to use my firearm and IF I’m able to access it in time, I’ll likely have to shoot through my bag / purse!
So, here’s something I’d never considered and something you should give some thought to about carrying a semi automatic firearm in a purse. If you are forced to defend your life or draw your semi-automatic firearm, you are only getting ONE SHOT!
What? Why? … Malfunction!
Yep, the discharged casing won’t be able to eject and therefore, another round won’t be able to load. And, you’d be surprised at the heat on your hand after firing that weapon. Ask me how I know? I’ve done it!
So, what if you carry a revolver? IF you have to shoot through your purse, there won’t be an issue with your firearm jamming (malfunctioning) as the spent casings stay within the cylinder.
Let’s say you go out for lunch, grocery shopping, or movies – where do you place your purse? Do you leave it unattended in a grocery cart, back of a restaurant chair or leave it on the floor? Who’s in control of that firearm now? If you set it on the back of your chair; anyone can steal it or pick pocket your purse, wallet and now your self defense firearm PLUS, they now know where you live!
Another point of concern is how long can you carry that bag! You may not think your loaded firearm weighs that much, but with everything else in your purse, the weight on your shoulder or arm gets heavy pretty quickly! (just saying).
So, you’ll either stop carrying all together, or only carry on short trips where you’re not having to carry that heavy purse around for long.
and then, what if … it happens?
You may not have the tool(s) you need when you need them most!
That’s why “on body” carry is recommend.
It’s less stress on your body and you have quick access if, when you may need it. Additionally, you know right where it (firearm) is every minute!
Just HOW do you dress and keep your firearm cover?
You may have to go shopping for some new threads 🙂 as on body carry can change your wardrobe. You’ll need to say “good-bye” to skin tight, form-fitting garments. But no worries! At Incognito Wear IX, we make this transition easy with clothing that’s designed to conceal so you don’t have to worry.
How do you make this big leap? I recommend starting at he best place – home. Begin with a good holster for your particular make and model of firearm or our Strix Bellyband holster. As you verify your firarm isn’t showing (printing) you’ll begin to build confidence and get a custom to “on body carry”.
Be armed, Fashionable, & incognito! Never be a victim because of style
Hopefully, you’ll hear my heart in this; my burden for this country. I’m sure you’re tired of all the non sense going on – Covid-19, working from home while home schooling, rioting and the political divide, but I truly believe we’re at a critical tipping point like never before.
According to YourDictionary.com the phrase “give me liberty or give me death is a set phrase indicating enormous displeasure at any over–authoritarian policy or law.” I fear these words spoken over 245 years ago may be truer today than ever before! THIS could be our (America as we know her) death!
This year’s been a doozy for sure! I’m sure we’re all feeling a little uneasy. Perhaps, it’s the lack of control or the many unanswered questions that has stirred up fear within us. All of this has me thinking a lot more about my safety and the importance of our Second Amendment:
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”.
I implore you to take action, for the future of this country; and your right to protect, defend your life is at stake! I’m sure you’re seeing or hearing about this daily in the news and on social platforms. In case you’ve missed it, our right to believe in God and attend Church is also being attacked and shut down.
Please don’t become complacent. If you’re reading this, I know you love and value our Second Amendment! I’m sure you also understand that we are under attack like never before!
As a believer, I’m confident that “All things are possible with Christ Jesus” (Matt. 19:23) and (I believe) that our country is in need of a Revival and return to the principles that made the United States of America great. There is no other country, where others risk their own life (literally) to come to America.
Think about that!
THIS IS how great America is!
Our “Freedoms” make us great. Freedom to do whatever type of work you love, freedom to create a new product, solution or service. Free to start a business for those who desire to concealed carry and realize it’s up to them to defend and protect their own life. Freedom to pursue what makes you happy and to live the way you choose to and how you’ll raise your family.
No one else determines your future but you! How empowering is that!? We are all different, and yet we are all the same. It’s at our core values of understanding our own responsibilities, treating others with dignity and respect, as we are all created in the image of our maker. I’m sure you love your kids (or nieces/nephews, family) and want to pass on to the next generation the wonderful things we’ve received from our own parents like a better country than the generation before. We should continue to pay goodness forward.
If you believe in the power of prayer, I invite you to join us in Praying Up America (Facebook group).
So, how & what can you do to ensure your right to keep and bear arms?
Register to vote. Go to your Secretary of State to get your voter registration form. As long as you will be age 18 by election day.
VOTE in every election, with understanding each candidates platforms. Know what policies you are voting for
This blog is in gratitude for my dad, Randy, teaching us four girls the importance of good manners. Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads! Thanks for all you do and teach your children – it’s so important. 🙂
I’m so ever grateful for my Dad! My dad was barely an adult when he entered the Navy and fought in the Pacific arena during WW11.
Being brought up at that time in our history, good manners was demanded. You often dressed for dinner and of course everyone was there for family dinner. And good table manners were expected! Napkin in the lap, elbows off the table, cut one bite at a time and so forth. I learn which fork to use first (think back to Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts) and knew which bread plate was mine. Oh, those were the days! … but I digress…
There were no cell phones or internet, we actual had conversations and talked face to face.
Something of a lost art, I fear. However, that brings me the topic (timely as it’s Father’s Day weekend) of practicing good gun range etiquette.
What is “Gun Etiquette”? For many of us older folks (a relative term), it’s pretty much common sense. That is a blend of common sense, courtesy and of course, safety. We want to make sure your day at the range is fun, and good gun range etiquette makes it even better, for everyone.
First thing is always safety:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. 3. ALWAYS assume the gun is loaded
4. ALWAYS be aware of your target and what’s beyond it.
If you’re new to shooting, most gun ranges require you to watch (or read) about gun safety prior to using the range and they may have their own specific rules which will apply. Most indoor gun ranges also have an RSO (Range Safety Officer) keeping an eye over all the shooters in one specific bay.
“Pay attention to the RSOs, who will tell you what to do in case of an emergency. Remember that the Range Safety Officer has absolute authority on the range. Compliance with his or her instructions is mandatory.” (NRA)
There’s certain terminology when you’re on the range that must be obeyed at all times!
“Ceasefire” is used whenever all shooting MUST STOP!
Generally, this is because of a potential problem or danger. Sometimes, the RSO will need to go down range. More common than not, it’s simply that his / her attention must be away from the firing line.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility and remember Anyone who spots a potential problem should call “Ceasefire”!
When the ceasefire is over, the RSO will ensure that no one is downrange before stating, “The range is hot” (or he may say it’s going Hot). This command alerts everyone that the range is shifting from a cold range or ceasefire state to shooting again.
But wait for the “commence firing” command has been given before you shoot. Commence Firing is the go-ahead command given that tells everyone it’s safe to begin shooting – when you are ready!
A few other rules of Good Gun Range Etiquette are:
1. Do not fire at posts, supports or target frames. These are expensive and time-consuming to replace. It could prevent anyone else from using that lane after you.
2. Shoot only range-approved targets. Check with your range to find out what types of targets are allowed. Some ranges allow only approved paper, cardboard, club-furnished metal targets and clay targets.
3. It’s good etiquette to leave the range better than you found it. Picking up trash, cleaning your firing station, sweeping the casings away and obeying all of the range rules are good gun range etiquette!
4. Please, Don’t bring your pet to the range!
It’s a great weekend to take Dad or let Dad take you to the range! Be safe and enjoy!
