A hostage in a Church in Amarillo, Texas was shot after taking the gun from the attacker when he and others rushed him. He came out of the chapel and was ordered to drop the gun. He said he was trying to put it down gently and was shot twice in the back.
I’m only going off of news reports, so we all know how accurate they can be. But it appears that he was shot in the back by someone with an itchy trigger finger. Now, I don’t know, maybe there were officers in front of the guy with the gun that the officers in back feared for. I’m not sure how threatening someone is with their back to you holding a gun. I’m concerned about a couple of things here. One is training, the second is marksmanship. I’ve heard many times that law enforcement (LE) and military should be the only ones with guns, or something about LE being the “professionals” or “experts” on weapons. It has improved but let me tell you, it is far from true. Some LE are good but most are just adequate. Departments are trying to improve but it costs money to train, and keep up that training, and keep up the officer’s opportunities for practice of what they learn in training. Many departments are doing the best they can with what they have. I applaud them and still believe we have the best law enforcement in the world. Are there some problems? Sure, but they are trying to address these problems. Often it comes down to funding and that comes from politicians.
As I saw the above news story I thought that if it is accurate, then those officers need better training. I guess it could have been an honest mistake, but if there was no one threatened, what was the point of pressing the trigger? And aside from why he shot, but there is the fact that if he had really been a threat, the two shots that were delivered from a rifle were not very accurate. I don’t know what the officer was actually aiming at but from the look of the wounds (they actually showed a picture) he was quite a ways off from a mass shot or a head shot. If he truly thought there was a threat I would hope that LE does not shoot to injure. That is not stopping the guy from turning and returning fire. It is a flaw within the officer’s training. Like I said, many are quite underfunded. Not only should the departments have a qualification program at least quarterly, but they should provide ammunition for their people to practice with and make a certain practice program mandatory. Then, make sure officers have the right training on making the shoot/no shoot decision. This training should also be ongoing. Some departments and agencies have this, but I fear most do not. Federal agencies usually lead the way in this because they are better funded. I know from my instructor days that many departments do a bare minimum. Practice can sometimes be little to none for officers. Some of it is apathy, some of it is not wanting to spring for the ammo because they aren’t given any or enough. Shooting is definitely a perishable skill. You don’t just learn how to shoot and shoot at a high level forever. Without specific practice, often, skills deteriorate.
I’ve also experienced, not lately mind you, the “not care” attitude in LE and military members. Unless their lack of training is evident to superiors in some form they are not too interested or serious about the training. They have never been in a life threatening situation and don’t think they ever will be. Or they are arrogant and think they will react a certain way confronted with lethal force. It’s my experience that most of us have no idea what we will actually do in a life/death situation. So believing that, I feel the only fall back with not knowing what you will do is intense training. Preferably force-on-force training as close to reality as possible. A live fire shoot house or perhaps paintball or airsoft could provide that. Until you’ve actually had someone coming at you and pointing a weapon at you, can you get a small idea about what the real thing is like in my opinion.
LE departments need to take this problem much more serious than they now do. LE members are being gunned down and need these skills. Plus, I know governments don’t need lawsuits because of mistakes made. Or worse, try to cover up that a mistake was made. LE has had a bad rap put on them from some bad LE members. There will always be bad apples in organizations, especially large ones. But by and large I believe LE does an exceptional job with next to nothing. Attitude comes from the top down. If the top doesn’t care or isn’t willing to support the guys/gals in the trenches, then it will be evident. Some won’t care and will be a problem for everyone including the public.
I’m sure some organizations know that these problems exist. But sometimes it takes a problem like the above news story to bring them to light. I’m grateful no one was killed as a result of this problem. I hope there was a good reason for the shooting and the guy was just in the wrong place trying to help. I also hope all LE departments will look at this and look at their training programs and make the appropriate changes if needed.
We can learn from this too. When commanded by LE comply quickly and non-threatening. I have seen those who use this incident as a reason to not arm teachers. That is the most stupid thing I’ve heard in a long time. If LE is going into a place where they know teachers may be armed they must exercise their professional discretion. I know that teachers will be given thorough and specific training in their role as a protector. Teachers have died at the hands of crazed gunmen. Wouldn’t they have liked a fighting chance? Teachers are the last line of defense for kids. Without them being armed, kids are defenseless.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Gun Collecting Throughout the Country
You may have heard on the news about a southern California man put under 72-hour psychiatric observation when it was found he owned 100 guns and allegedly had (by rough estimate) 100,000 rounds of ammunition stored in his home. The house also featured a secret escape tunnel.
My favorite quote from the dimwit television reporter: “Wow! He has about a quarter million machine gun bullets.” The headline referred to it as a “massive weapons cache”.
By southern California standards someone owning 100,000 rounds would be called “mentally unstable”. Just imagine if he lived elsewhere:
In Arizona , he’d be called “an avid gun collector”.
In Texas , he’d be called “a novice gun collector”.
In Utah , he’d be called “moderately well prepared”, but they’d probably reserve judgment until they made sure that he had a corresponding quantity of stored food.
In Montana , he’d be called “The neighborhood ‘Go-To’ guy”.
In Idaho , he’d be called “a likely gubernatorial candidate”.
In Wyoming , he’d be called “an eligible bachelor”.
In Wisconsin , he’d be called “a deer hunting buddy”.
And, in Alabama , we just call him “Bubba”.
Here on the LDS Gunsite, we'd call him friend!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
My favorite quote from the dimwit television reporter: “Wow! He has about a quarter million machine gun bullets.” The headline referred to it as a “massive weapons cache”.
By southern California standards someone owning 100,000 rounds would be called “mentally unstable”. Just imagine if he lived elsewhere:
In Arizona , he’d be called “an avid gun collector”.
In Texas , he’d be called “a novice gun collector”.
In Utah , he’d be called “moderately well prepared”, but they’d probably reserve judgment until they made sure that he had a corresponding quantity of stored food.
In Montana , he’d be called “The neighborhood ‘Go-To’ guy”.
In Idaho , he’d be called “a likely gubernatorial candidate”.
In Wyoming , he’d be called “an eligible bachelor”.
In Wisconsin , he’d be called “a deer hunting buddy”.
And, in Alabama , we just call him “Bubba”.
Here on the LDS Gunsite, we'd call him friend!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Monday, February 26, 2018
Privately Selling Your Guns
I have bought and sold guns for years. I do not possess a Federal Firearms License to sell guns as a dealer or to ship guns. But I have responded to classified ads both on and off line. I’d like to share what I’ve learned. I responded to an ad that read like this:
“Mossberg 500 12 gage pump, 1 owner, only shot about 20 times in the box. $145 Call XXX-XXXX.”
Only to find out that the seller wanted to sell some other gun at a higher price.
First of all I’ve set my own set of ground rules. I only buy from an owner, not a go between. If someone seems a little odd or off I terminate the transaction. I also tell the potential buyer/seller that I require a gun “bill of sale.”
These are the main points of this receipt. It covers questions that are asked on the governments ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record.
Buyer certifies that they are not restricted or forbidden by law to own a firearm and buyer states that he/she:
• Has NEVER been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year.
• Is NOT a fugitive from justice.
• Is NOT an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.
• Has NEVER been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution.
• Is NOT an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United states or an alien admitted to the United states under a nonimmigrant visa.
• Has NOT been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
• Having been a citizen of the United states, has NEVER renounced his or her citizenship.
• Is NOT subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner.
• Has NOT been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• CAN lawfully receive, possess, ship, or transport a firearm.
• Is NOT a person who is under indictment or information for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year.
I truthfully state that I AM NOT a person who cannot legally buy, receive, and possess firearms and/or ammunition.
I understand the firearm is sold AS-IS and no warranty has been implied or given. Firearm should be inspected by a competent gunsmith prior to using. Seller not responsible for any damages incurred or caused by the use of this firearm.
The form asks for personal info such as name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, or better yet, concealed carry license number. If they have a license, at least I know they went through a background check at one time.
I also give my information too so it’s not just one sided. Then we both sign the form and I keep it in my own files. This somewhat protects me and the other person in the transaction.
If the other person is not interested in this form and filling it out then I don’t do business with them. I’ll walk. In all the time I’ve done this, I’ve only walked once.
I was selling a handgun once and it turned out that one of the buyers that I met was an ATF agent. He told me after I agreed to meet him in the middle of the day in a Walmart parking lot. I informed him about the bill of sale before we met and told him what I’d be driving and that I’d have someone with me in the vehicle. That is my policy. When I got to the parking lot before I could even start the transaction he informed me of who he was. I said, “Do you still want the gun?” He laughed and shook his head and then asked if I was a gun dealer. I told him no. He then said that the way I was selling this gun he would have guessed that I was. I said, “No. I’m just a consciences gun enthusiast.” He said, “Good job, Sir.”
I’ve tried to do this the right way to cover myself. I don’t want one of my guns to be used in a crime. I also want some type of documentation to prove who I bought from or sold to. I would suggest you do the same.
Only by trying to be responsible can we change the view of “gun nuts” to the non-nuts.
Honesty is always the best policy and so I try to be as honest as I can when I sell something, gun or not.
There are many places to sell your guns legally. There are some places on the internet that are making their policy of buying and selling guns and ammo anti-gun. I understand some of them not wanting a liability, but some of these places are just anti-gun. Facebook is one that comes to mind. I’m not saying to break the law. But breaking Companies policies is NOT breaking the law! I’m also not advocating trying to break company policies just to sell your gun. But be aware that our transactions are not wanted out there. Buying and selling guns online is legal as long as the material is not sent through the mail or crossing state lines. I can buy a gun from anyone I am willing to drive to in my state. Make sure your state (or city, county, etc.) is the same. Do not break the law in selling/buying a firearm. Know your local laws and abide by them.
I’ve picked up some needed cash or sweet good gun deals because of private sales. I would really hate if they went away or if I had to pay for a background check. Private sales would probably disappear, which is probably what the non-gun people want. They actually think that criminals sit around putting off their crime until the right gun is put in a classified ad. But, I could be wrong. But I doubt this “loophole” closing would make any difference with gun violence.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
“Mossberg 500 12 gage pump, 1 owner, only shot about 20 times in the box. $145 Call XXX-XXXX.”
Only to find out that the seller wanted to sell some other gun at a higher price.
First of all I’ve set my own set of ground rules. I only buy from an owner, not a go between. If someone seems a little odd or off I terminate the transaction. I also tell the potential buyer/seller that I require a gun “bill of sale.”
These are the main points of this receipt. It covers questions that are asked on the governments ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record.
Buyer certifies that they are not restricted or forbidden by law to own a firearm and buyer states that he/she:
• Has NEVER been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year.
• Is NOT a fugitive from justice.
• Is NOT an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance.
• Has NEVER been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution.
• Is NOT an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United states or an alien admitted to the United states under a nonimmigrant visa.
• Has NOT been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
• Having been a citizen of the United states, has NEVER renounced his or her citizenship.
• Is NOT subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner.
• Has NOT been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• CAN lawfully receive, possess, ship, or transport a firearm.
• Is NOT a person who is under indictment or information for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year.
I truthfully state that I AM NOT a person who cannot legally buy, receive, and possess firearms and/or ammunition.
I understand the firearm is sold AS-IS and no warranty has been implied or given. Firearm should be inspected by a competent gunsmith prior to using. Seller not responsible for any damages incurred or caused by the use of this firearm.
The form asks for personal info such as name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, or better yet, concealed carry license number. If they have a license, at least I know they went through a background check at one time.
I also give my information too so it’s not just one sided. Then we both sign the form and I keep it in my own files. This somewhat protects me and the other person in the transaction.
If the other person is not interested in this form and filling it out then I don’t do business with them. I’ll walk. In all the time I’ve done this, I’ve only walked once.
I was selling a handgun once and it turned out that one of the buyers that I met was an ATF agent. He told me after I agreed to meet him in the middle of the day in a Walmart parking lot. I informed him about the bill of sale before we met and told him what I’d be driving and that I’d have someone with me in the vehicle. That is my policy. When I got to the parking lot before I could even start the transaction he informed me of who he was. I said, “Do you still want the gun?” He laughed and shook his head and then asked if I was a gun dealer. I told him no. He then said that the way I was selling this gun he would have guessed that I was. I said, “No. I’m just a consciences gun enthusiast.” He said, “Good job, Sir.”
I’ve tried to do this the right way to cover myself. I don’t want one of my guns to be used in a crime. I also want some type of documentation to prove who I bought from or sold to. I would suggest you do the same.
Only by trying to be responsible can we change the view of “gun nuts” to the non-nuts.
Honesty is always the best policy and so I try to be as honest as I can when I sell something, gun or not.
There are many places to sell your guns legally. There are some places on the internet that are making their policy of buying and selling guns and ammo anti-gun. I understand some of them not wanting a liability, but some of these places are just anti-gun. Facebook is one that comes to mind. I’m not saying to break the law. But breaking Companies policies is NOT breaking the law! I’m also not advocating trying to break company policies just to sell your gun. But be aware that our transactions are not wanted out there. Buying and selling guns online is legal as long as the material is not sent through the mail or crossing state lines. I can buy a gun from anyone I am willing to drive to in my state. Make sure your state (or city, county, etc.) is the same. Do not break the law in selling/buying a firearm. Know your local laws and abide by them.
I’ve picked up some needed cash or sweet good gun deals because of private sales. I would really hate if they went away or if I had to pay for a background check. Private sales would probably disappear, which is probably what the non-gun people want. They actually think that criminals sit around putting off their crime until the right gun is put in a classified ad. But, I could be wrong. But I doubt this “loophole” closing would make any difference with gun violence.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Friday, February 23, 2018
Fight Against Gun Laws! Call To Action
I know I have a limited audience and that those who read this blog are few. But having said this, I still want to post this important letter. I am opposed to anything, be it law, articles, or opinion, against or weakening the 2nd Amendment. I think that's clear in my articles for the last 3 years here. Please use the following letter, or one of your own writing, to move into action a fight against the latest hysteria over anti-gun legislation. Please write your leaders. Do it now!
Sample letter:
DearPresident Trump/Senator/Rep:
I am against any new gun laws. I adamantly oppose more restrictive Universal Background Check/Registration/NICS legislation in all its forms. Our current background check system functions well when used properly and criminals will always find a way to get guns, usually illegally. It could block good people from defending themselves. Additionally I opposed any new laws banning certain types of guns and/or accessories. I know you stand with real Americans in protecting our Constitution and its provisions like the 2nd Amendment in its entirety. Here are 3 key points in the current environment to ban/limit gun ownership:
1) A campaign of disinformation is pushed by all media on most media (fake news). It has nothing to do with public safety and preventing future mass shootings of innocent people; no gun law would have stopped Nikolas Cruz in FL. Violent criminals have always broken laws and achieved regrettable violence with all kinds of devices (like delivery trucks in France & NY). Every mass shooting has only occurred through violation of many laws……just like in FL. If we truly wish to protect our children then we should make laws where potential victims are immediately ARMED. Utah has such a law in their schools. As such, please support the Safe Students Act (H.R. 34) would repeal gun-free school zones across the country, allowing security guards, administrators, teachers, and parents to protect their students.
2) This movement is more ominous in nature and it ties into an alarming political change in the US. The exact kind our forefathers worried about. It seeks to fully disarm the American people over a period of years. Is this Constitutional? The proposed bump stock or AR-15 ban and its associated bans (magazines, accessories) will make great inroads to this purpose. In doing so it could threaten public safety and perhaps even rule of law as its enforcement is attempted. This could lead to civil unrest or even worse as many refuse to comply with such unconstitutionality and seizure of private property. I and millions of others wish to prevent this and work to preserve rule of law in this country.
3) Americans are entitled to own semi-automatic firearms with their magazines in order to resist possible tyranny. Even with these we are outgunned. This isn’’t some far fetched, ridiculous extremist notion but a lesson simply born of history. Our Bill of Rights was specifically included by our forefathers to protect this important right of self defense and of being armed. It ranks only behind freedom of speech in importance. The 2nd ensures the others rights can remain protected. It also ensures the government answers to the people and prevents the destruction of personal liberty. I support those politicians that protect our hard fought legacy of freedom and personal responsibility. I thank you for your opposition to these and more gun laws.
Thank you for your interest and we must stay vigilant!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Sample letter:
DearPresident Trump/Senator/Rep:
I am against any new gun laws. I adamantly oppose more restrictive Universal Background Check/Registration/NICS legislation in all its forms. Our current background check system functions well when used properly and criminals will always find a way to get guns, usually illegally. It could block good people from defending themselves. Additionally I opposed any new laws banning certain types of guns and/or accessories. I know you stand with real Americans in protecting our Constitution and its provisions like the 2nd Amendment in its entirety. Here are 3 key points in the current environment to ban/limit gun ownership:
1) A campaign of disinformation is pushed by all media on most media (fake news). It has nothing to do with public safety and preventing future mass shootings of innocent people; no gun law would have stopped Nikolas Cruz in FL. Violent criminals have always broken laws and achieved regrettable violence with all kinds of devices (like delivery trucks in France & NY). Every mass shooting has only occurred through violation of many laws……just like in FL. If we truly wish to protect our children then we should make laws where potential victims are immediately ARMED. Utah has such a law in their schools. As such, please support the Safe Students Act (H.R. 34) would repeal gun-free school zones across the country, allowing security guards, administrators, teachers, and parents to protect their students.
2) This movement is more ominous in nature and it ties into an alarming political change in the US. The exact kind our forefathers worried about. It seeks to fully disarm the American people over a period of years. Is this Constitutional? The proposed bump stock or AR-15 ban and its associated bans (magazines, accessories) will make great inroads to this purpose. In doing so it could threaten public safety and perhaps even rule of law as its enforcement is attempted. This could lead to civil unrest or even worse as many refuse to comply with such unconstitutionality and seizure of private property. I and millions of others wish to prevent this and work to preserve rule of law in this country.
3) Americans are entitled to own semi-automatic firearms with their magazines in order to resist possible tyranny. Even with these we are outgunned. This isn’’t some far fetched, ridiculous extremist notion but a lesson simply born of history. Our Bill of Rights was specifically included by our forefathers to protect this important right of self defense and of being armed. It ranks only behind freedom of speech in importance. The 2nd ensures the others rights can remain protected. It also ensures the government answers to the people and prevents the destruction of personal liberty. I support those politicians that protect our hard fought legacy of freedom and personal responsibility. I thank you for your opposition to these and more gun laws.
Thank you for your interest and we must stay vigilant!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Thursday, February 22, 2018
School Security: If It Were My Kids
In December 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary school a nut case took the lives of 20 first-graders and six adults.
In 2007 at Virginia Tech it was 33 killed and 25 injured.
Columbine was in 1999.
We’ve had school shootings for several years and what has been done about security in schools? Not really very much.
The number of public schools locking or closely monitoring their building doors has risen significantly, though relatively few schools have added metal detectors or required clear backpacks on campus. Only one in five schools used security cameras in 1999. Today, three out of five schools use them.
Many school districts are violating at least some aspect of the laws requiring them to submit school security information.
For instance, one key regulation in one state requires districts to submit what is known as a School Security and Safety Plan, a 30-page document developed by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, each September to that agency. But that states records show that nearly 100 school districts haven’t submitted a plan and nearly 60 haven’t submitted a plan in several years. How is this keeping students safe?
In 2017 a sophomore student shot and killed a fellow classmate by walking unimpeded into his high school building. Just like every other student that morning.
Students and staff likely had no reason to question, much less fear his presence. Yet less than 15 minutes later he killed one student and injured three others.
That event represents the fundamental challenge of school security: balancing the public nature of schools with safety and security.
Many districts have spent millions of dollars on security projects yet shootings are still occurring.
Between 1974 and 2013 three-fourths of school violence was committed by students. Nonstudent intruders accounted for just over 10 percent.
So my question is this, where are the lawmakers that want to actually do something? There will be some that want gun control. But the problem is more than the wrong person getting their hands on guns. There are many parts to this problem that are failing. Columbine (1999) happened during the gun ban (1994-2014)!
I don’t see why law enforcement, law makers, the NRA, the security community, the medical world, and educators can’t get together and figure out how to tackle these problems together. But I guess that is too much to ask. I think they could also figure out how to pay for it and how to enforce what they come up with.
My children are grown except for the youngest and they are finishing up high school. We have Homeschooled our kids for several reasons. I would recommend it but it’s not for everyone. Do what is best for your family. But if my children were in public school now I would do certain things to help them be more secure.
First, depending on their age, I would talk to them. And we have. Our kids are exposed to safety, guns, and situational awareness early in their lives. They understand preparedness and why we do it. So I feel I could talk to my kids about anything. We’ve also worked really hard to keep all the communication lines open with our kids. They have known that they could talk to us about anything at a young age. We worked hard to not go crazy when they tell us something that would make us crazy. So we set the groundwork for communication with our children and so should you.
The facts are this and youth should know this. In the last 20 years about half of school shootings have happened in towns with populations of 50,000 or less. Knowing our children and having trust that goes both ways is important. We’ve told our kids that if they ever hear a kid talking about killing or shooting people to talk to us. Let us, an adult, decide on what to do with that information. Don’t put that responsibility on kids. If they feel they can report bad behavior or speech (or texting or Instagram) to authorities then fine. But we’ve told our kids to tell us. Then the responsibility of possibly causing a problem for one of their peers will be on us as adults. And then, as adults, don’t be stupid with this information. Don’t blow it off or exaggerate the info. And make sure it gets to the right people. Whenever a school shooting plot gets foiled because it was brought to the attention of the school or law enforcement, no shooter has ever come back to commit a school shooting. That is a 100 percent intervention rate.
I’ve seen the acronym LEAST (Lockdown, Evacuation and Survival Tactics). The two most used tactics that have demonstrated the best results are lockdown and evacuation. People need to remember that when a shooter has started a shooting spree, only those near the shooter are at immediate risk. That means that in most cases, more than 90 percent of staff and students, depending on the school’s size, are not at immediate risk and lockdown is a great option. Again, this is depending on the location of the shooter and how many staff and students are present when the shooting begins. Additional options include hiding, crawling, the power of your voice, and, last but not least, fighting.
Make sure your child knows their schools policies and protocols. Share with them the school plan and the precautions that are in place. If they receive training you as a parent should receive the same training so that you can emphasize and support that training. You can make sure they have additional training (make sure additional training is not in opposition to their school training). If they don’t have drills at school walk through a drill with your child. Do it often so that an understanding of what they should do or where they should go is clear to your child. If they have drills then go over it with your child.
As a parent get involved with your school. If they don’t have training or drills encourage that to happen.
Make sure your kids understand the difference between cover and concealment. Make sure that they know how to run in zig-zag form. They should know that they should be running to cover. Leap frogging from cover to cover to get out of the building.
If you decide that hiding is the best choice, hide behind something that will stop bullets. Nothing thin or plastic. Thick is not a 2 inch thick wooden table. Maybe two or three of those tables. Even vehicles don’t stop bullets except an engine block. If there is no cover, concealment is the next preferable hiding standard. Make sure your location is barricaded or locked. When hiding or ducking never lay flat on the floor. Ricocheting rounds follow the path of the floor. Stay away from confined spaces like a closet or bathroom. You need space to move. Stay out of doorways and halls. If you’re interested in “why” look up “Fatal funnel.”
Fighting is a last resort but have a plan for a fight. Throw things and attack in force. It needs to be overwhelming force like 4 or 6 to 1. But you need a loose plan. The killer probably hasn’t done this before and has not practiced. Students can practice fighting back. But be smart about it and make sure kids have training and have drilled a little with this. Remember improvised weapons, books, mop handles, chairs, desks, book bags with books in them, garbage cans, fire extinguishers, things that will do some damage.
Control your emotions and keep calm. There will be some fear and anxiety but learn to ignore that panic emotion and think clearly. Being engaged in doing something will keep your mind occupied and off of the fear. Mark Twain said: “Courage is the resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”
There are also ballistic backpacks on the market that might work as a shield. But know that they are not cheap, and they only stop handgun rounds, not rifle rounds. So be aware before you invest in this and make sure your kids don’t use this above good cover. There are limitations and everyone needs to be aware of them.
It’s a scary world out there and avoiding it is only putting off the inevitable. The chances of you or your child being involved in a violent incident are slim, but there is a chance. That’s a chance we need to be prepared for.
The powers that be must do more but to rely just on government is foolish. As responsible parents we must take our security more serious than it seems politicians, educators and law enforcement are being. Until they actually act, the citizens of this country must take their safety and security into their own hands.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
In 2007 at Virginia Tech it was 33 killed and 25 injured.
Columbine was in 1999.
We’ve had school shootings for several years and what has been done about security in schools? Not really very much.
The number of public schools locking or closely monitoring their building doors has risen significantly, though relatively few schools have added metal detectors or required clear backpacks on campus. Only one in five schools used security cameras in 1999. Today, three out of five schools use them.
Many school districts are violating at least some aspect of the laws requiring them to submit school security information.
For instance, one key regulation in one state requires districts to submit what is known as a School Security and Safety Plan, a 30-page document developed by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, each September to that agency. But that states records show that nearly 100 school districts haven’t submitted a plan and nearly 60 haven’t submitted a plan in several years. How is this keeping students safe?
In 2017 a sophomore student shot and killed a fellow classmate by walking unimpeded into his high school building. Just like every other student that morning.
Students and staff likely had no reason to question, much less fear his presence. Yet less than 15 minutes later he killed one student and injured three others.
That event represents the fundamental challenge of school security: balancing the public nature of schools with safety and security.
Many districts have spent millions of dollars on security projects yet shootings are still occurring.
Between 1974 and 2013 three-fourths of school violence was committed by students. Nonstudent intruders accounted for just over 10 percent.
So my question is this, where are the lawmakers that want to actually do something? There will be some that want gun control. But the problem is more than the wrong person getting their hands on guns. There are many parts to this problem that are failing. Columbine (1999) happened during the gun ban (1994-2014)!
I don’t see why law enforcement, law makers, the NRA, the security community, the medical world, and educators can’t get together and figure out how to tackle these problems together. But I guess that is too much to ask. I think they could also figure out how to pay for it and how to enforce what they come up with.
My children are grown except for the youngest and they are finishing up high school. We have Homeschooled our kids for several reasons. I would recommend it but it’s not for everyone. Do what is best for your family. But if my children were in public school now I would do certain things to help them be more secure.
First, depending on their age, I would talk to them. And we have. Our kids are exposed to safety, guns, and situational awareness early in their lives. They understand preparedness and why we do it. So I feel I could talk to my kids about anything. We’ve also worked really hard to keep all the communication lines open with our kids. They have known that they could talk to us about anything at a young age. We worked hard to not go crazy when they tell us something that would make us crazy. So we set the groundwork for communication with our children and so should you.
The facts are this and youth should know this. In the last 20 years about half of school shootings have happened in towns with populations of 50,000 or less. Knowing our children and having trust that goes both ways is important. We’ve told our kids that if they ever hear a kid talking about killing or shooting people to talk to us. Let us, an adult, decide on what to do with that information. Don’t put that responsibility on kids. If they feel they can report bad behavior or speech (or texting or Instagram) to authorities then fine. But we’ve told our kids to tell us. Then the responsibility of possibly causing a problem for one of their peers will be on us as adults. And then, as adults, don’t be stupid with this information. Don’t blow it off or exaggerate the info. And make sure it gets to the right people. Whenever a school shooting plot gets foiled because it was brought to the attention of the school or law enforcement, no shooter has ever come back to commit a school shooting. That is a 100 percent intervention rate.
I’ve seen the acronym LEAST (Lockdown, Evacuation and Survival Tactics). The two most used tactics that have demonstrated the best results are lockdown and evacuation. People need to remember that when a shooter has started a shooting spree, only those near the shooter are at immediate risk. That means that in most cases, more than 90 percent of staff and students, depending on the school’s size, are not at immediate risk and lockdown is a great option. Again, this is depending on the location of the shooter and how many staff and students are present when the shooting begins. Additional options include hiding, crawling, the power of your voice, and, last but not least, fighting.
Make sure your child knows their schools policies and protocols. Share with them the school plan and the precautions that are in place. If they receive training you as a parent should receive the same training so that you can emphasize and support that training. You can make sure they have additional training (make sure additional training is not in opposition to their school training). If they don’t have drills at school walk through a drill with your child. Do it often so that an understanding of what they should do or where they should go is clear to your child. If they have drills then go over it with your child.
As a parent get involved with your school. If they don’t have training or drills encourage that to happen.
Make sure your kids understand the difference between cover and concealment. Make sure that they know how to run in zig-zag form. They should know that they should be running to cover. Leap frogging from cover to cover to get out of the building.
If you decide that hiding is the best choice, hide behind something that will stop bullets. Nothing thin or plastic. Thick is not a 2 inch thick wooden table. Maybe two or three of those tables. Even vehicles don’t stop bullets except an engine block. If there is no cover, concealment is the next preferable hiding standard. Make sure your location is barricaded or locked. When hiding or ducking never lay flat on the floor. Ricocheting rounds follow the path of the floor. Stay away from confined spaces like a closet or bathroom. You need space to move. Stay out of doorways and halls. If you’re interested in “why” look up “Fatal funnel.”
Fighting is a last resort but have a plan for a fight. Throw things and attack in force. It needs to be overwhelming force like 4 or 6 to 1. But you need a loose plan. The killer probably hasn’t done this before and has not practiced. Students can practice fighting back. But be smart about it and make sure kids have training and have drilled a little with this. Remember improvised weapons, books, mop handles, chairs, desks, book bags with books in them, garbage cans, fire extinguishers, things that will do some damage.
Control your emotions and keep calm. There will be some fear and anxiety but learn to ignore that panic emotion and think clearly. Being engaged in doing something will keep your mind occupied and off of the fear. Mark Twain said: “Courage is the resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”
There are also ballistic backpacks on the market that might work as a shield. But know that they are not cheap, and they only stop handgun rounds, not rifle rounds. So be aware before you invest in this and make sure your kids don’t use this above good cover. There are limitations and everyone needs to be aware of them.
It’s a scary world out there and avoiding it is only putting off the inevitable. The chances of you or your child being involved in a violent incident are slim, but there is a chance. That’s a chance we need to be prepared for.
The powers that be must do more but to rely just on government is foolish. As responsible parents we must take our security more serious than it seems politicians, educators and law enforcement are being. Until they actually act, the citizens of this country must take their safety and security into their own hands.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
If You Are Willing
“I want to protect myself but I don’t want to change my life that much.”
This is the statement that I was given by an intelligent, educated, young computer programmer. He was a 35 year old who was just starting to put on a little weight around his middle but still in pretty good shape. He understood the importance of self-protection but was not a gun guy. He was a computer guy. He was used to having problems put before him and him finding the solution. But he was not sure which way to go with self-defense.
We talked on the subject for some time. He finally came to the conclusion that he was ok with deadly force. He felt that a gun would afford him the tool for his needs. We talked about carry.
Not everyone can carry inside the waistband (IWB). You do have to change your life a little. Your pants generally should be one size bigger than you normally wear. Then you need a belt (also at least one size larger) to hold everything up. Then you need to experiment with holsters. Regardless of how you carry you will feel like everyone can see that you’re carrying. Although if you decide on an “outside” carry (hip, shoulder, etc.) you will have to dress different to keep things concealed. After all things are considered it comes down to “Is it concealed?” then, “Is it accessible?” then, “Is if comfortable?” Sometimes I think maybe comfort should be the first question because if you are not comfortable, you won’t carry.
One of the things that instructors need to remember is what we do is not self-serving. If you are a gun instructor because you’re a gun nut and it sounds like a “fun” way to make money and be around guns then you’re in the wrong business. Become good at competition and get sponsors if you want that life. Instructors are there for students. The regular guy. Not yourself or your shooting buddies. But to serve people. As an instructor I’ve sought out, and offered, alternate ways of self-defense. I’ve always taught heavily situational awareness and avoiding a fight. Other weapons that are less lethal are sometimes the best choice for those that are not willing to even think about killing another human being. I’ve had some that shied away from lethal choices say things like “I’d just shoot them in the leg.” Of course this is quite dangerous. If you have gone through many options and finally felt it was necessary to pull a gun, now is not the time to back-peddle on stopping the threat. Shooting someone in the leg is not stopping the threat. Being shot in the leg is no fun but you are still able to continue on. Certainly you can operate a gun. You may be able to keep moving and employ your knife or other close range weapon. I’m not saying you must shoot to kill, but you must stop the threat. If a shot to the leg doesn’t stop the attacker you may not have time to shoot to kill before he injures or kills you. So, your plan needs to include stopping the threat which ever option you use. There are many less lethal options:
Hand to hand combat. There are many disciplines out there. I like some and others, not so much. There are some that take years to master and others you can learn and practice techniques and be able to stop a threat without becoming an orange belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Learn these skills and practice often.
Pepper spray. I have a friend who has taught this for years and he has actually used it several times. He says, “Spray early, and spray often!” Using this weapon is not difficult but there is technique to it. There is also a right way and a wrong way.
Defense wand
One of the problems with this is it just seems like a club. This weapon can be very deadly if used improperly. There are “safer” targets than just smacking someone on the head. Make sure you get a quality product also. There are some cheap wands that may not do what they are supposed to do.
Stun gun
This requires a quality stun gun and good training.
Knife
This weapon can be very deadly and very messy! You must be trained correctly and know that if you have a hard time shooting someone, you’ll really have a hard time stabbing or cutting them!
Some of these weapons seem harmless but with improper use can, and have, killed. So don’t get a defensive wand and think you have no change of killing another human being. People have died from all of these weapons. No used properly, some of these weapons will stop an attacker and not kill them. But apart from good pepper spray, a taser gun, and a projectile gun, these weapons are up close and personal. Even pepper spray and a taser have limits that a bullet would not have.
Remember, you are completely responsible for using any of these weapons. Understand not only the psychological toll this can take on you, but the legal responsibilities.
If you feel you are willing to assume the responsibility of using a gun then know that you must learn how to “see it coming” or avoiding it altogether. The best fight is the one you never have. Fights are not pretty. If you’ve never been in one, ask someone who has. Often, two people lose in a fight. Defense is important but knowledge and having the tools doesn’t mean you won’t get injured or killed. That’s why I love avoidance.
Look for an instructor that will teach not only the safety, operation, and competency of shooting, but one who will teach it to you in a way that is good and right for you. Don’t think that if you take 5 classes from an instructor, buy his or her gun, holster and flashlight, that you will look, and function like them! Hopefully you find a serious instructor who is not into the Tacticool life. Find a system that will work for you. If you’re not really looking for another hobby then find an EDC (everyday carry) system that will work to keep you and yours safe.
I received my first paracord bracelet in the 80’s at jump school from an Army Staff Sargent who was in charge of parachute maintenance for the school. I wore it for 2 decades before someone saw it on me and called me a “prepper”. Trends come and go in the shooting world and you do not have to be part of the “gun culture” or “gun community”. I use paracord for everything because of its strength and functionality. So you’ll see it everywhere around my homestead. I joke with my wife, once I put paracord on something it is now known as tactical. So we have a “tactical mirror” in our shower. But you don’t have to so lame. If you have other interests and want a gun for defense, like buying a circular saw for cutting wood, then you need to learn competency with your gun and move on with your life. Hopefully your instructor can see and understand that. Not everyone is a 3-gun champion and knows who Jerry Miculek is. If you don’t that’s fine. There are a lot of things I don’t know about.
If you can’t find a comfortable way to carry your gun you might want to consider “off body” carry (OBC). I don’t care much for this type of carry but I’m not the one doing it. If you decide on this form of carry make sure you understand the addition thing you must do. One is you must know where your gun is at all times. You can’t leave your bag in a public bathroom stall! Of course that goes for all of us! But keeping control of the bag or whatever container your gun is in is imperative. One you don’t want to lose your gun. But two, and most important, you don’t want your gun in the wrong hands, as in children.
Another challenge to OBC is being able to access your gun quickly. In certain military combat zones you must not be more than an arms-length away from your weapon. Well that is probably a good practice with OBC.
Finding the right bag/purse/briefcase may also be a challenge. There are some great products out there but like holsters, you’ll have to experiment some to find what works for you and what you like.
All of this comes back to what you are willing to do to defend yourself and your family. The question of lethal force or not is a serious and important one. This a question that you must answer and answer honestly. Guns are not very good clubs and not good for much of anything else but shooting.
If you are willing, then there are many consideration you have to get yourself to a place where your gun is a defense tool. Being responsible is work and involves some money. It can be very rewarding or at the very least, life-saving.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
This is the statement that I was given by an intelligent, educated, young computer programmer. He was a 35 year old who was just starting to put on a little weight around his middle but still in pretty good shape. He understood the importance of self-protection but was not a gun guy. He was a computer guy. He was used to having problems put before him and him finding the solution. But he was not sure which way to go with self-defense.
We talked on the subject for some time. He finally came to the conclusion that he was ok with deadly force. He felt that a gun would afford him the tool for his needs. We talked about carry.
Not everyone can carry inside the waistband (IWB). You do have to change your life a little. Your pants generally should be one size bigger than you normally wear. Then you need a belt (also at least one size larger) to hold everything up. Then you need to experiment with holsters. Regardless of how you carry you will feel like everyone can see that you’re carrying. Although if you decide on an “outside” carry (hip, shoulder, etc.) you will have to dress different to keep things concealed. After all things are considered it comes down to “Is it concealed?” then, “Is it accessible?” then, “Is if comfortable?” Sometimes I think maybe comfort should be the first question because if you are not comfortable, you won’t carry.
One of the things that instructors need to remember is what we do is not self-serving. If you are a gun instructor because you’re a gun nut and it sounds like a “fun” way to make money and be around guns then you’re in the wrong business. Become good at competition and get sponsors if you want that life. Instructors are there for students. The regular guy. Not yourself or your shooting buddies. But to serve people. As an instructor I’ve sought out, and offered, alternate ways of self-defense. I’ve always taught heavily situational awareness and avoiding a fight. Other weapons that are less lethal are sometimes the best choice for those that are not willing to even think about killing another human being. I’ve had some that shied away from lethal choices say things like “I’d just shoot them in the leg.” Of course this is quite dangerous. If you have gone through many options and finally felt it was necessary to pull a gun, now is not the time to back-peddle on stopping the threat. Shooting someone in the leg is not stopping the threat. Being shot in the leg is no fun but you are still able to continue on. Certainly you can operate a gun. You may be able to keep moving and employ your knife or other close range weapon. I’m not saying you must shoot to kill, but you must stop the threat. If a shot to the leg doesn’t stop the attacker you may not have time to shoot to kill before he injures or kills you. So, your plan needs to include stopping the threat which ever option you use. There are many less lethal options:
Hand to hand combat. There are many disciplines out there. I like some and others, not so much. There are some that take years to master and others you can learn and practice techniques and be able to stop a threat without becoming an orange belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Learn these skills and practice often.
Pepper spray. I have a friend who has taught this for years and he has actually used it several times. He says, “Spray early, and spray often!” Using this weapon is not difficult but there is technique to it. There is also a right way and a wrong way.
Defense wand
One of the problems with this is it just seems like a club. This weapon can be very deadly if used improperly. There are “safer” targets than just smacking someone on the head. Make sure you get a quality product also. There are some cheap wands that may not do what they are supposed to do.
Stun gun
This requires a quality stun gun and good training.
Knife
This weapon can be very deadly and very messy! You must be trained correctly and know that if you have a hard time shooting someone, you’ll really have a hard time stabbing or cutting them!
Some of these weapons seem harmless but with improper use can, and have, killed. So don’t get a defensive wand and think you have no change of killing another human being. People have died from all of these weapons. No used properly, some of these weapons will stop an attacker and not kill them. But apart from good pepper spray, a taser gun, and a projectile gun, these weapons are up close and personal. Even pepper spray and a taser have limits that a bullet would not have.
Remember, you are completely responsible for using any of these weapons. Understand not only the psychological toll this can take on you, but the legal responsibilities.
If you feel you are willing to assume the responsibility of using a gun then know that you must learn how to “see it coming” or avoiding it altogether. The best fight is the one you never have. Fights are not pretty. If you’ve never been in one, ask someone who has. Often, two people lose in a fight. Defense is important but knowledge and having the tools doesn’t mean you won’t get injured or killed. That’s why I love avoidance.
Look for an instructor that will teach not only the safety, operation, and competency of shooting, but one who will teach it to you in a way that is good and right for you. Don’t think that if you take 5 classes from an instructor, buy his or her gun, holster and flashlight, that you will look, and function like them! Hopefully you find a serious instructor who is not into the Tacticool life. Find a system that will work for you. If you’re not really looking for another hobby then find an EDC (everyday carry) system that will work to keep you and yours safe.
I received my first paracord bracelet in the 80’s at jump school from an Army Staff Sargent who was in charge of parachute maintenance for the school. I wore it for 2 decades before someone saw it on me and called me a “prepper”. Trends come and go in the shooting world and you do not have to be part of the “gun culture” or “gun community”. I use paracord for everything because of its strength and functionality. So you’ll see it everywhere around my homestead. I joke with my wife, once I put paracord on something it is now known as tactical. So we have a “tactical mirror” in our shower. But you don’t have to so lame. If you have other interests and want a gun for defense, like buying a circular saw for cutting wood, then you need to learn competency with your gun and move on with your life. Hopefully your instructor can see and understand that. Not everyone is a 3-gun champion and knows who Jerry Miculek is. If you don’t that’s fine. There are a lot of things I don’t know about.
If you can’t find a comfortable way to carry your gun you might want to consider “off body” carry (OBC). I don’t care much for this type of carry but I’m not the one doing it. If you decide on this form of carry make sure you understand the addition thing you must do. One is you must know where your gun is at all times. You can’t leave your bag in a public bathroom stall! Of course that goes for all of us! But keeping control of the bag or whatever container your gun is in is imperative. One you don’t want to lose your gun. But two, and most important, you don’t want your gun in the wrong hands, as in children.
Another challenge to OBC is being able to access your gun quickly. In certain military combat zones you must not be more than an arms-length away from your weapon. Well that is probably a good practice with OBC.
Finding the right bag/purse/briefcase may also be a challenge. There are some great products out there but like holsters, you’ll have to experiment some to find what works for you and what you like.
All of this comes back to what you are willing to do to defend yourself and your family. The question of lethal force or not is a serious and important one. This a question that you must answer and answer honestly. Guns are not very good clubs and not good for much of anything else but shooting.
If you are willing, then there are many consideration you have to get yourself to a place where your gun is a defense tool. Being responsible is work and involves some money. It can be very rewarding or at the very least, life-saving.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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