The Decline of Civilization and the Danger it Poses

We are fast losing the aspects that make a culture civilized. Our moral compasses have lost north. We are seeing a culture that is showing signs of dying.  There are always individuals who have no moral compass – they rape, murder, & steal. But in general the individuals of a civilized culture stand against such behaviors.

However, increasingly we are seeing elements of our culture sit by and witness such events without lifting a finger or even revelling in the deed.  Or defending such actions in the case of Roman Polanski.

Imagine if your daughter was being raped outside a homecoming dance. And as people witness the event, instead of intervening and stopping it, they told their friends. Who told their friends. Instead of people coming to stop the horrendous event they come to watch and be entertained. For two long hours the events transpire.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/28/california.gang.rape.bystander/index.html

In such a decline one can find themselves all alone, even while in the midst of many.  One cannot count on fleeing to others for help. This is why training and awareness is of the utmost importance. Training enables you to respond quickly to a situation and hopefully gain the upper hand to either overpower the threat or flee from it. Awareness helps you to see the threat before it is close enough to engage you – enabling you to flee from it.

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On a side note Caleb from Gun Nuts Media had a recent experience where his training came into play. Caleb is a competitive shooter. But if you read the account his first reaction was not to draw. Rather he utilized a cup of coffee to gain the initiative from his attacker, then drew.  The point is that part of training is ingraining into your being the ability to react.

http://gunnuts.net/2009/10/26/dont-bring-a-knife-to-a-coffee-fight/

 

 

 

http://gunnuts.net/2009/10/26/dont-bring-a-knife-to-a-coffee-fight/

New gun owners and our duty to inform them.

Recently firearm sales have been through the roof, gun manufactures cannot even come close to supplying the growing demand.  It is nearly impossible to acquire ammunition in some of the more popular calibers, and if you do happen to locate your desired caliber you may have to pay more than double what you would have paid a year or two ago.

Our shortage on guns and ammunition production is of course entirely due to the fact that we do NOT have a shortage of extremely liberal, constitutionally ignorant, narcissistic, United States hating, socialist turncoats that are in office representing themselves and their job security – instead of the people of this great nation. So everyone and their grandmother is out buying up all the guns and ammo, while they are still allowed.

With this massive influx of new gun owners comes an increase in the individual training market as well as the firearm accessory market.

Say an individual purchases a firearm, and as he rightly should, seeks training from a professional to increase his skill and knowledge with his weapon. In an internet sea of shade tree wannabe marksmanship/weapons instructors, how does one find an affordable  reputable trainer? Word of mouth can only go so far and every trainer of course claims to be the best. I would suggest doing extensive research and seek reviews of people with a wide range of knowledge and experience.

I am seeing many companies that I once thought to be reputable turn to using advertising gimmicks and curriculum that is more “tacticool” than practical. I do not fault these organizations or individuals for capitalizing on the market, but I do have a problem when they attempt to mislead the inexperienced and unknowing new armed citizens.

For example one company is offering a “free” pistol, and oh yeah they will even throw in their very own instructor issued magazine pouch and holster; however, the pistol is a Springfield Armory XD, and the bonus throw in “instructor issued” mag pouch and holster just happen to be the same ones that come from Springfield with the said pistol. This is just one example and you will have no trouble finding many more on the internet if you take a little time and look closely.

We are not talking about selling a get rich quick scheme.  Firearms trainers are selling possibly the most important product the consumer will ever purchase. It weighs nothing, takes up no space, yet its priceless to that individual that one day finds themselves in a deadly force encounter.

Trainers, take a look at your curriculum and keep it practical, current and dynamic.

Consumers, research, research, research, and then research a little more.

As for the firearms accessory market, there is an overwhelming amount of companies out there that make quality products ranging from: AR 15 accessories, to concealed carry holsters, to steel targets. I have learned many things in my 12 years of either employing combat marksmanship techniques or teaching them to Marines.  One of the first things I tell people is that I can teach you ways to do things, but my way isn’t always THE way. For example, just because I have a love affair with Glock pistols and they work great for me and my carry/shooting style, doesn’t mean they will work well for you.

When you are looking to purchase a new car you don’t go out and purchase the first car you sit in that has a comfortable seat (at least I hope not). No you test drive a few different vehicles that would possibly meet your wants and needs and you do broad research to narrow down your choices. Once you have your choices narrowed down you do much more detailed research until you are sure you found the vehicle that is right for you. It drives me crazy when I hear someone say they want to buy a gun and a bystander immediately says you need to buy a(insert any name brand). Lets do these new gun owners a favor and set them up for success. Ask a few questions, take them to a store and let them handle different firearms, take them to the range, rent guns, let them shoot your guns. Basically give them as much information as you possibly can, but be sure to stay in your box. Going back to the shade tree marksmanship trainers, so many times people have more pride than knowledge and instead of saying I do not know, they BS their way through a question. Have a little humility and make it a learning experience for you both and I guarantee you and your friend will have  a much more enjoyable and knowledge filled experience.

Everyone these days are building AR 15s and it is a beautiful thing. The AR 15 market is one of the biggest markets out there for after market parts and accessories. You can get everything for an AR from a telescoping stock that holds batteries to a Mil-Spec 1913 rail attachable rabbits foot for good luck.

Before you go out and spend $90.00 on a pistol grip that holds three extra bullets you should ask yourself if the pistol grip you already have on your gun works. Seriously! do you really need three extra rounds in your pistol grip?  There is a plethora of innovative, practical parts and accessories for your AR 15 builds, but be careful not to get caught up in the gimmicks. Ask yourself if you really need that part your looking at. It may be a great addition to your firearm but then it could be money better spent on ammunition or training.

In summary be humble, patient, and practical with the new gun owners. Welcome them into the fold with open arms and while staying in your realm of knowledge share what you know and set them up for success.

New gun owners, take your time and make informed decisions, seek council and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Despite what our non representing representatives on capitol hill think, it is a great time to exercise our God given right to own and carry firearms.

These are just a few thoughts of mine, most of which have been similarly stated before in episodes of Gunfighter Cast.

If any new or experienced gun owners have any questions on anything firearm related I would be glad to help. If I do not have the answer to your question I will do my best to refer you to a resource or someone who is better suited to help you.

Yours in freedom
Daniel Shaw
SSgt USMC and host of Gunfighter Cast

daniel@gunfightercast.com

 

New gun owners and our duty to inform them.

Recently firearm sales have been through the roof, gun manufactures cannot even come close to supplying the growing demand. It is nearly impossible to acquire ammunition in some of the more popular calibers, and if you do happen to locate your desired caliber you may have to pay more than double what you would have paid a year or two ago.

Our shortage on guns and ammunition production is of course entirely due to the fact that we do NOT have a shortage of extremely liberal, constitutionally ignorant, narcissistic, United States hating, socialist turncoats that are in office representing themselves and their job security – instead of the people of this great nation. So everyone and their grandmother is out buying up all the guns and ammo, while they are still allowed.

With this massive influx of new gun owners comes an increase in the individual training market as well as the firearm accessory market.

Say an individual purchases a firearm, and as he rightly should, seeks training from a professional to increase his skill and knowledge with his weapon. In an internet sea of shade tree wannabe marksmanship/weapons instructors, how does one find an affordable reputable trainer? Word of mouth can only go so far and every trainer of course claims to be the best. I would suggest doing extensive research and seek reviews of people with a wide range of knowledge and experience.

I am seeing many companies that I once thought to be reputable turn to using advertising gimmicks and curriculum that is more “tacticool” than practical. I do not fault these organizations or individuals for capitalizing on the market, but I do have a problem when they attempt to mislead the inexperienced and unknowing new armed citizens.

For example one company is offering a “free” pistol, and oh yeah they will even throw in their very own instructor issued magazine pouch and holster; however, the pistol is a Springfield Armory XD, and the bonus throw in “instructor issued” mag pouch and holster just happen to be the same ones that come from Springfield with the said pistol. This is just one example and you will have no trouble finding many more on the internet if you take a little time and look closely.

We are not talking about selling a get rich quick scheme. Firearms trainers are selling possibly the most important product the consumer will ever purchase. It weighs nothing, takes up no space, yet its priceless to that individual that one day finds themselves in a deadly force encounter.

Trainers, take a look at your curriculum and keep it practical, current and dynamic.

Consumers, research, research, research, and then research a little more.

As for the firearms accessory market, there is an overwhelming amount of companies out there that make quality products ranging from: AR 15 accessories, to concealed carry holsters, to steel targets. I have learned many things in my 12 years of either employing combat marksmanship techniques or teaching them to Marines. One of the first things I tell people is that I can teach you ways to do things, but my way isn’t always THE way. For example, just because I have a love affair with Glock pistols and they work great for me and my carry/shooting style, doesn’t mean they will work well for you.

When you are looking to purchase a new car you don’t go out and purchase the first car you sit in that has a comfortable seat (at least I hope not). No you test drive a few different vehicles that would possibly meet your wants and needs and you do broad research to narrow down your choices. Once you have your choices narrowed down you do much more detailed research until you are sure you found the vehicle that is right for you. It drives me crazy when I hear someone say they want to buy a gun and a bystander immediately says you need to buy a(insert any name brand). Lets do these new gun owners a favor and set them up for success. Ask a few questions, take them to a store and let them handle different firearms, take them to the range, rent guns, let them shoot your guns. Basically give them as much information as you possibly can, but be sure to stay in your box. Going back to the shade tree marksmanship trainers, so many times people have more pride than knowledge and instead of saying I do not know, they BS their way through a question. Have a little humility and make it a learning experience for you both and I guarantee you and your friend will have a much more enjoyable and knowledge filled experience.

Everyone these days are building AR 15s and it is a beautiful thing. The AR 15 market is one of the biggest markets out there for after market parts and accessories. You can get everything for an AR from a telescoping stock that holds batteries to a Mil-Spec 1913 rail attachable rabbits foot for good luck.

Before you go out and spend $90.00 on a pistol grip that holds three extra bullets you should ask yourself if the pistol grip you already have on your gun works. Seriously! do you really need three extra rounds in your pistol grip? There is a plethora of innovative, practical parts and accessories for your AR 15 builds, but be careful not to get caught up in the gimmicks. Ask yourself if you really need that part your looking at. It may be a great addition to your firearm but then it could be money better spent on ammunition or training.

In summary be humble, patient, and practical with the new gun owners. Welcome them into the fold with open arms and while staying in your realm of knowledge share what you know and set them up for success.

New gun owners, take your time and make informed decisions, seek council and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Despite what our non representing representatives on capitol hill think, it is a great time to exercise our God given right to own and carry firearms.

These are just a few thoughts of mine, most of which have been similarly stated before in episodes of Gunfighter Cast.

If any new or experienced gun owners have any questions on anything firearm related I would be glad to help. If I do not have the answer to your question I will do my best to refer you to a resource or someone who is better suited to help you.

Yours in freedom

Daniel Shaw

SSgt USMC and host of Gunfighter Cast

daniel@gunfightercast.com

Our first guest poster – “Daniel Shaw”

The N.U.G.U.N. Blog would like to announce the addition of a guest blogger.  Daniel Shaw of the Gunfighter Cast podcast – a part of the Gun Rights Radio Network

Daniel Shaw will be making the occasional post now and then, beginning with our next published post. I hope you enjoy the different angle and approach he has to offer.

Sincerely,
Jason & The N.U.G.U.N. Blog

(Un)Safety Deposit Boxes

I’ve heard several people suggest keeping things like gold, silver, valuables and small firearms in “safety deposit boxes”.  I’ve also heard that laws passed after 9-11 allow the government to “investigate” safety deposit boxes and seize the contents. While others exclaim in defense that there are protections regarding safety deposit boxes.

I am of the opinion that when said protections are put in place by a government, they often offer little or no guarantee.  Governments have an uncanny knack for breaking their own policies when it suits them, or simply changing their policies.

Often we can just look to our friends across the puddle in the United Kingdom to see where we are headed in another 5-10 yrs. (Unless we stand up and stop it!)

***

U.K’s Metropolitan police raid thousands of safety deposit boxes. They seized guns, drugs and cash.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1222777/The-raid-rocked-Met-Why-gun-drugs-op-6-717-safety-deposit-boxes-cost-taxpayer-fortune.html

“…this was the Metropolitan Police’s most ambitious operation in its 180-year history…”

While I am sure a number of deposit boxes belonged to criminals. How much of the gold, jewelry, gems, and cash belonged to law citizens? How many of the firearms found are illegal merely because of the UK’s draconian gun bans as opposed to criminal behaviors.  How many people will never see their belongings again. And with 500 completely 100% honest police officers involved – how many of those rings and pearls will have been secretly pocketed with no one knowing they the CCTV cameras were not working during the events of the raid.

And how does the Metropolitan Police department intend to match the security boxes with their owners?  Simple, by spending $3 million to have officers watch CCTV camera recordings.

This all goes to show that there is no “security” in a security deposit box.  And definitely not the best place to stash a firearm.

The results:

• Some criminals goods found
• Thousands if not millions of valuables of citizens seized, probably to never be returned.
• A long list of incompetance (wrong number of boxes recorded, wrong person recorded as director) – why is it such raids always seem to correspond with shotty investigative work?

H/T Snowflakes in Hell

***

Below are just a few highlights to send chills down your spin…
“However, by talking to scores of box-holders, none of whom have spoken before, Live has uncovered a different version of Operation Rize, one that shows how the vast majority of those caught up in the raids were innocent. They have had their lives turned upside down over the past 17 months. Many have struggled to recoup their money and possessions, been forced into legal trench warfare with police lawyers and told they must prove how they came by the contents of their boxes.

This is also a story told through secret legal papers, including confidentiality agreements struck with some vault depositors whose cases threatened to topple the entire operation. Although the police told a judge that ‘nine out of ten’ of all of the thousands of box-holders were probably criminally minded, criminally connected or felons, the paper trail reveals that perhaps only as few as ten per cent of the boxes have any connection to serious crime.

Many of the clientele were families who had fled turmoil, pogroms, coups and wars and long had a cultural preference for locking away money and jewels, building up a vehement distrust for the integrity of traditional banks. Here, stepping down the spiral staircase at the back to the darkened boxes below, they felt reassured that their most important possessions were safe.

One survivor of Nazi Germany in his seventies told us how he had placed a bag of diamonds there – security if ever he or his descendents needed to run again.

Another client, an Indian millionaire entrepreneur with connections to the House of Lords, described how he was ‘treated like a convicted man just because I had wealth in cash’.

‘They found nothing because I had done nothing and eventually this summer, everything was returned to me. But £10,000 was gone – and my wife’s diamond earrings.’

The Met has strenuously denied all allegations of theft, pointing out that anyone stealing from the boxes would have been caught on camera since officers videoed the entire operation.

Another box-holder who is alleging theft, a wealthy Russian  émigré party-planner from north London, who had £64,000 in cash and £250,000 worth of jewellery, including heirlooms from Russia, successfully challenged the police to produce the video.

‘I am meticulous,’ she said. ‘I have a receipt for everything. When I got my box back, £9,000 cash and some smaller items of jewellery were missing – a gold baby’s bracelet and an 18-carat gold ring.’

The initial police footage, she claims, had a time code and showed her box being carried to a table. But then the tape was interrupted and when it restarted the footage was being shot from a new camera, at a different angle and without a time code, with real time having moved on many seconds.

Who to vote for?

Judge Joan Orie Melvin was endorsed for Superior Court by the NRA earlier in the year.  The NRA PVF has now endorsed the following candidates:

Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court:

• Kevin Brobson
• Patricia McCullough

Pennsylvania Superior Court

• Sally Mundy
• Judy Olson
• Temp Smith

While these may be local to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  I encourage you to vote in which ever state in which you reside.  These small election years may seem trivial, but can make a significant difference on the local level. So I encourage you to VOTE!

Taser “Don’t Aim for the Chest”

The maker of Taser stun guns has advised law enforcement agencies to avoid hitting suspects in the chest.

Essentially this boils down to “Don’t aim for center mass” in most situations.

“Sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death in the United States, often occurs in the midst of an arrest, Taser International said in the bulletin. If a stun gun is discharged to the chest, a lawsuit likely will follow, charging that police used excessive force, the document said.”

I believe the real issue is one of bad policy and an increasing tendency in our law enforcement units to act under a “police state” philosophy.

Tasers should be an alternative to lethal force. However, instead they have become the means of forcing submission. Even when dealing with non-violent individuals. It’s Taze first ask questions later. If someone is not immediately being obedient to every whim of the officer – taser!

I am of the opinion that tasers should only be used if there is a threat of violence. If someone is simply asking a question or seemingly ignoring the officer’s directions. That is NOT a use justification for lethal force or its alternatives.  The officer should assess the situation, call for back up, proceed with caution. Not just shoot on sight with a taser. Sometimes the situation requires other actions, such as the case of the man who was in diabetic and was tasered  because he did not respond to the officers.  When what he really needed was medical treatment.

This statement by taser may force a policy change. Because now lawyers will point to this statement as de facto evidence of a known risk. And that tasers should not be used wantonly, but only under duress.

CNN Article here…

Glock (im)perfection!

Glock – say anything against them and you’ve got instant debate “just add internet water”.

The truth is that Glocks are excellent firearms with an excellent reputation for reliability, accuracy, and maintenance.  But the reality is that they are not perfect for everyone. I personally find many of the larger Glocks to be uncomfortable. The G17 is decently comfortable for me but many of the rest are not. I have short stubby fingers.  I’ve also known people who get nipped by the slide on Glocks because of the short dove tail.

Many have commented that Glock has been falling behind the times compared to the feature sets of other firearms. The solid reliability of the Glock design has kept it a strong seller. But there has been a noticeable trend of many police departments migrating to S&W M&P’s.  Glock’s traditional bread and butter.

There has been much hypothesizing that Glock would eventually have to improve their “perfection”.  It appears that 2010 will be when we see such (im)perfections. This does create some confusion as Glock released an update earlier this year. So was that generation 3.5?

H/T to Blue Sheepdog

2008 LEOKA

From the recent Tactical Wire around the cooler article

41 Law Enforcement Officers were killed. A Decline from the 58 LEOs killed the year before. And the lowest in 10 yrs.

“Of the 42 alleged offenders, 36 had criminal arrests.”

In other words, if we didn’t have a policy of catch’n'release that number would be a mere 6 LEOs killed (still too many).

That 85% is interesting. As I have often heard it said that 70%-85% of crime is committed by repeat offenders, those on parol, early release, etc.  It would appear that the killing of police officers shows a similar percentage having been done by repeat offenders.

http://www.thetacticalwire.com/archived/2009-10-20_tactical.html

More links related to LEOKA

http://www.leoka.org/

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/oct08/leoka_101408.html

New Policy Tracking tool from the NRA

NRA-ILA Alert

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Join NRA-ILA’s New Online Community

You read NRA-ILA’s alerts. You call your elected officials on important Second Amendment issues. You talk to your friends, family and others about protecting the right to keep and bear arms.  In short, you are at the heart of NRA-ILA’s efforts.

Now you have an opportunity to help the NRA by sharing your thoughts on policy, politics, corporate partnerships, and more.

We are excited to announce the launch of the NRA-ILA Online Advisory Panel, a community of our most active and loyal supporters. As a part of the Advisory Panel, you will have the opportunity to engage with other NRA members, take weekly polls and surveys, compare your Members of Congress, track federal legislation, and more. This is your chance to make your voice count.  NRA-ILA wants to know what you think and what gun owners are concerned-or excited-about in your part of the country.

Which issues are you most concerned about? What programs do you think work? Which ones don’t?  As a part of the NRA-ILA Online Advisory Panel, you will have an opportunity to weigh in on these questions, and your voice will help target our activities and frame the Second Amendment debate.

To find out more and to sign up to become a member of the NRA-ILA Online Advisory Panel, go to: http://nra.civicscience.com.

Knives have rights too!

Snowflakes In Hell shared that Senate Amendment 1447: To clarify the definition of switchblade knives, which is designed to protect folding blade knives.

Read more here…

This is a pet peeve of mine. The 2nd Amendment protects the “right to keep and bear arms”, it does not exclusively protect the “right to keep and bear firearms”.  Knives, swords, pikes and axes are likewise protected.  Perhaps it’s the “rennie” (Renaissance Faireregular) and have a pension for swords, axes, and other sharp point impaling weapons.

Gunnies need to be reminded that there is power in numbers.  And that we must support the right to all forms of arms, not just gunpowder based.  (NOTE – Arms to me denote personal weapons as opposed to squad or crew based weapons more commonly considered “artillery”.)

And while Pennsylvania has very good firearm laws, it sadly is lacking when it comes to non-firearm weapons.  My LTCF (Pennsylvania’s term for CCW permit) is merely a license to carry firearm. Were I to carry a concealed sword (such as one in a cane) or a bowie in the boot I could easily find myself brought up on weapon possession charges.  I do not know why Pennsylvania trusts it’s citizens with a firearm but not with a sword.

***

If we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves in a situation similar to Great Britain in a few years. Where knives will be banned.

We are getting close. Zero tolerance, zero common sense policies in schools are leading to our children being punished unjustly.

Recent cases in the news involve:

• Eagle Scout in article above.
• 6 yr old Cub Scout sent to reform school over one of those folding camping utensil tools (fork, butterknife, spoon).
• Third-grade girl expelled for a year because her grandmother had sent a birthday cake to school, along with a knife to cut it. The teacher called the principal — but not before using the knife to cut and serve the cake.

Where is the common sense?