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Eric Loden

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Posts posted by Eric Loden

  1. The Open Carry Argument (Original post and author unknown) [Edits and additions made by ADAPT will appear in red.]

     

    My primary goal when I’m out and about (besides whatever I went out and about to do) is to go about peaceably and not be the victim of a violent crime. To that end I carry a firearm whenever I go out as well as follow all the other standard safety practices like maintaining situational awareness, staying out of high crime areas, and avoiding confrontation. I also have a larger overall goal of making it through my life without shooting anyone. Simply put, I don’t want to be responsible, legally or morally, for another’s death. Those two goals might appear at first blush to be mutually exclusive, and with concealed carry it would be a difficult set of goals to realize.

    Carrying a concealed firearm presents to a criminal that I am unarmed. Every study I’ve ever read, not most but every study, says that criminals will avoid an armed person or home when selecting a victim. That only makes sense, right? Robbers, rapists, or carjackers might be dumb and opportunistic, but they have the same instinctual sense of self preservation we all have. Hyenas don’t attack lions to steal the gazelle the lions have just killed. It’s all about risk management; are the potential gains (a tasty gazelle dinner) worth the potential pain and damage the lion’s teeth will cause, and does the hyena really need to test the lion to figure out the answer? No, the hyena can see the lion’s teeth and knows to stay well clear.

     

    Deterrent Value:
    When I’m carrying concealed I feel like my ‘teeth’ are hidden, and thus of no real deterrent value. If I appear unarmed then I am unarmed in the eyes of the robber, I appear as easy a target as almost anyone else out on the street. My probability of being a victim of a crime, violent or otherwise, is completely unchanged by the fact that I have hidden beneath my shirt the means to defend myself. My goal, however, is not to be a victim in the first place, remember? I don’t want to be a victim that fought back successfully and triumphed; I prefer to not be victimized at all. Concealed carry is good; it throws a wrench in the works for criminals who might see the teaming masses as a smorgasbord of financial gain. This deterrent effect is, nonetheless, indirect. At some point the thug will weigh the risks vs. the gains; is his current desperation for money/drugs/booze/gold grille greater than the gamble that one of those people might be carrying a gun? If he decides to play the odds, which helped along with surprise tip the scale in his favor, he will attack. Will his attack allow enough time for me to draw my concealed firearm to affect a defense? Maybe, but then again, maybe not.
    Remember, I don’t want to be a victim and I don’t want to shoot anyone. So how do I realize both goals; or how do I make them inclusive? I can do that through open carry. By making it clear and obvious that I am armed, that I have teeth, I tip the risk scale to the point that the criminal’s gains are far outweighed by the risk. There is no ambiguity when the thug is doing his risk assessment, there’s something right there in plain sight that can quickly and painfully change or terminate his life. You may not think his life has much value, but as I mentioned before, he has the same sense of self preservation as any other living creature and to him it’s every bit as valuable as yours is to you. It would be foolish to ignore this indisputable fact when you develop your overall tactical strategy.

     

    The Myth of The "First One To Be Shot":
    There are some who criticize open carry and claim it will make you more of a target or ‘the first one shot’ when a robber walks into the 7-11, despite the absolute lack of credible evidence that this has ever happened. If the robber walks in and sees that you’re armed, his whole plan has encountered an unexpected variable. In bank robberies where he might expect to see an armed guard he will have already factored that possibility into his plan, but only for the armed guard, not for open or concealed carry citizens. No robber robs a bank without at least a rudimentary plan. Nevertheless, being present for a bank robbery is an extremely remote possibility for most of us regardless of our preferred method of handgun carry. Back in the 7-11, if he sees someone is armed he is forced to either significantly alter the plan or abort it outright. Robbing is an inherently apprehensive occupation, and one that doesn’t respond well to instant modifications. He is not prepared to commit murder when he only planned for larceny. He knows that a petty robbery will not garner the intense police manhunt a murder would. He doesn’t know if you’re an armed citizen or a police officer and isn’t going to take the time to figure it out. Either way, if someone in the 7-11 is unexpectedly armed, how many others might be similarly adorned and where might they be? Does this armed individual have a partner who is likewise armed behind him in the parking lot, someone who is watching right now? Self preservation compels him to abort the plan for one that is less risky. So we see that the logic matches the history; open carriers are not the first ones shot because it doesn’t make any sense that they would be.

     

    Surprise:
    Probably the most common condemnation of open carry comes from the armchair tacticians who believe it’s better to have the element of surprise in a criminal encounter. Although this was touched on in the previous paragraph about deterrence, I’ll expand on it specifically here because there are some important truths you need to consider before you lean too heavily on this false support. Surprise as a defensive tactic is based on unrealistic or ill-thought out scenarios. The circumstance where several street toughs surround and taunt you for a while like in some Charles Bronson movie is not realistic; the mugger wants to get in and out as fast as possible. In most cases you will have only seconds to realize what’s happening, make a decision, and react. Imagine you’re walking along the sidewalk when two gangsta looking teenagers suddenly appear at the corner coming in the opposite direction. You have only seconds to react if their intent was to victimize you. Do you draw your concealed firearm now or wait until there’s an actual visible threat? If they are just on their way to church and you pull a gun on them, you are the criminal and you may forever lose your firearms rights for such a foolish action. If you don’t draw and they pull a knife or pistol when they’re just a couple steps away, your only options are draw (if you think you can) or comply. Imagine staring at the shiny blade of a knife being held by a very nervous and violent mugger, three inches from your or your wife’s throat and having to decide whether or not you have time to draw from concealment. The element of surprise may not do you any good; in fact the only surprising thing that might happen is that your concealed carry pistol gets taken along with your wallet. The thug will later get a good chuckle with his buddies about how you brought a gun to a knife fight. The simple truth is that while surprise is a monumentally superior tactical maneuver, it is exclusively an offensive action, not a defensive one. I am not aware of any army that teaches using surprise as a defense against attack. No squad of soldiers goes on patrol with their weapons hidden so that they can ‘surprise’ the enemy should they walk into an ambush.

     

    It Will Get Stolen: (The other kind of gun grabber)
    Another common criticism of open carry is that the firearm itself will be the target of theft, prompting as criminal to attack simply to get the gun from you. Like the previous example of being the first one shot in a robbery, above, this is despite the fact that there is no credible evidence it happens. It also blindly ignores the more obvious fact that anything you possess can make you the target of a crime, be it a car, a watch, or even a female companion (girlfriend, wife, or daughter). Crooks commonly steal for only two reasons; to get something you have that they want, or to get something that you have so they can sell it and buy something they want. There are no Robins in the hood trying to help the poor by stealing from the rich. I don’t claim it could never happen; just that it’s so remote a possibility that it doesn’t warrant drastic alterations to your self defense strategies. If you believe otherwise, leave your watch, sunglasses, jewelry, and cell phone at home, hop into your Pinto wagon, and head out to do your thing.

     

    It Scares People:
    One other statement against open carry I hear is that it damages public perception of firearms owners, or that by carrying openly we are not being good ambassadors to the public. While there are some people who have a genuine fear of firearms, due either to some horrible past experience or anti-gun indoctrination, the majority of people are either indifferent to them or quite fascinated by them. I’ve never kept track of the dozens of fellow citizens I’ve encountered who have marveled at the idea of open carry, but I do know exactly how many have expressed displeasure at it; one. People are scared of many things for many reasons; however, pretending those things do not exist only perpetuates the fear. Someone who is disturbed by open carry is going to be every bit as disturbed by concealed carry. The only effective way to overcome a fear is to come to the intellectual realization that the phobia is based on emotion and not on fact. By being a firsthand witness that a firearm was carried responsibly and peaceably, and wasn’t being carried in the commission of a crime, one discovers their fear is not fact based, but emotional. Thus, open carry can be a very effectual way of helping to overcome the emotionally based fear of the firearm. After all, you’d be much more likely to believe in ghosts if you saw one rather than if you listened to a ghost story around a campfire. We give much more credibility to the things we experience than we do to the things we hear. The bottom line is that this argument is made by people who don’t or haven’t carried openly; those of us who do so on a regular basis have an entirely different experience.

     

    I’m Not Comfortable Carrying Openly:
    This is really the only reasonable argument against open carry for an individual. We all have a comfort zone for any aspect of our lives and we prefer to stay within that comfort zone. We all agree that it’s better to be armed and never need the firearm than it is to need it and not have it. There is a point where concealing your firearm becomes so problematic, due to conditions like temperature or comfort, that some choose to either leave it behind or carry in such a way that it would be difficult or impossible to draw it quickly. If it takes me five or six seconds to draw my firearm from deep concealment and I had sufficient time before hand to do so, I would prefer to use that five or six seconds to avoid the entire encounter. I’m glad we have concealed carry laws in most of the states; it empowers and protects not only us but the general public through the offset deterrent effect. Some of us, however, choose the more direct deterrent effect of open carry. The combination of the two makes the criminal’s job that much more risky, that much more dangerous, and that much more uncertain.

    -------------------------------------------------- End of post-----------------------------------------------------

    ADAPT response:

    We think that this is a very well written statement where the author clearly states his opinion and choices and offers some very common sense observations when dealing with others that make this argument that Open Carry is foolish or dangerous.

    Thank you to whomever the original author is. If you know who the individual is please let us know so that we can state the source. 

  2. From our friend and student Assemblywoman (District 4) Michele Fiore.

     

     

         
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 6, 2015
     
     
     
         
     
    Campus Carry Passes Nevada Assembly
     
     
     
    The Nevada Assembly on Monday passed Amanda's Law to allow students to carry concealed firearms on Nevada System of Higher Education properties. Assembly Bill 148 was proposed by Assemblywoman Michele Fiore and was passed by a vote of 24 to 15. 
     
    "This is a historical day, and I'm proud that the work of Amanda Collins, former State Senator John Lee, the late Carrie Herbertson and so many others has finally paid off," said Fiore. "Having sponsored this legislation twice, I call on my peers in the Nevada Senate and Governor Brian Sandoval to promptly pass this legislation to show Nevadans our support of their right to protect themselves."
     
    Assembly Bill 148 was named "Amanda's Law" for Amanda Collins who was raped on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno in 2007 and has fought tirelessly for the rights of students to carry a concealed firearm on college campuses. Assembly Bill 148 also allows for concealed carry in public buildings. 
     
    AB148 will now continue to the Nevada Senate. For more information about AB148, click here:  https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/78th2015/Bill/1480/Overview
     
     
     
     

     

  3. Know your target!!!! Target identification and threat assessment is a rule!

    We state the Universal Firearms Safety rules as general guidelines to follow but there are deeper levels of understanding as to the application of these rules that extend beyond the classroom, and moving off of the range onto the streets. Let us review them below and discuss Rule 4 in greater detail so that we can apply it to our training, and then carry it with us in our daily lives.

    Rule 1: Treat all weapons with respect and handle as if loaded at all times.

    Rule 2: Keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction.

    Rule 3: Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

    Rule 4: Identify your target and have a safe foreground and background before you shoot.

    The previous institute I used to work at stated Rule 4 as "Know your target and what is in line with it." and that is great because we went on to further explain what that meant starting with knowing your target.

    Knowing your target may be in the literal sense of the word (actually knowing your target by name, which is undoubtedly one of the hardest shots you might ever have to take) but in the non-literal sense what does knowing your target mean for the purpose of a defensive shooting?

     

    We like to use these terms; Target identification, and Threat assessment. Now let's define and discuss them.

    Target identification should be simple enough to understand, but there are some often overlooked caveats to really understanding this term. 

    In our Concealed Weapons Course we discuss the Nevada Law that pertains to justifiable homicide in self defense and the ability to stand ones ground and defend it. (Sometimes knows as the "Castle Doctrine", or the "Stand your ground" law.)

    This law protects the "good guy" wherever they are, being that they had "a right to be in that location". (This doesn't protect you if you are in the wrong place, at the wrong time, doing the wrong thing)

    • NRS 200.120: (Statute revised 6/2/2015 SB 175)

    “Justifiable homicide” defined; no duty to retreat under certain circumstances.

          1.  Justifiable homicide is the killing of a human being in necessary self-defense, or in defense of an occupied habitation, an occupied motor vehicle or a person, against one who manifestly intends or endeavors to commit a crime of violence, or against any person or persons who manifestly intend and endeavor, in a violent, riotous, tumultuous or surreptitious manner, to enter the occupied habitation or occupied motor vehicle, of another for the purpose of assaulting or offering personal violence to any person dwelling or being therein.

          2.  A person is not required to retreat before using deadly force as provided in subsection 1 if the person:

          (a) Is not the original aggressor;

          (b) Has a right to be present at the location where deadly force is used; and

          (c) Is not actively engaged in conduct in furtherance of criminal activity at the time deadly force is used.

          3.  As used in this section:

          (a) “Crime of violence” means any felony for which there is a substantial risk that force or violence may be used against the person or property of another in the commission of the felony.

          (b) “Motor vehicle” means every vehicle which is self-propelled.

    So with this understanding of the law we ask this question?

    It is 2:00 AM and you are shook out of bed by the sound of your front door being kicked in and shattering glass. You retrieve your weapon from the nightstand and as you walk out to investigate the noise you encounter as shadowy figure in your hallway approaching you.... can you shoot them?

    shadowy_figure.jpg

     

    We see a lot of heads nodding in the affirmative... and even a few who voice their opinions with a resounding YES!!!!

    Then the story continues.... you collect yourself enough to flip on the light switch only to discover that you have shot your friend and neighbor who lives across the street... he kicked in the door, drunk and angry thinking his wife had locked him out, and your house looks just like his......any thought how could this tragedy been avoided?

    This scenario plays out far too often all across the country....

     

    This is where Target identification and Threat assessment comes into play.

    Target identification:

    How can you clearly identify the individual that might be a target?

    Well we mentioned turning on the lights, however many people will argue that you lose the tactical advantage of the dark, and knowing your house layout better than the potential attacker. (This is not a hunting expedition... you don't want to find a target. Wouldn't it be better that the lights coming on simply startles the intruder and causes them to run from the home as the element of surprise, or stealth is now gone?)

    If you don't want to flip on the lights and blind yourself as well as the potential threat, how about the use of a flashlight? Are you trained to know how to handle a flashlight and firearm in conjunction? Are you trained in the appropriate use of the flashlight in tactical situations (you can only see what is in the beam.... however someone to the side can see where it is coming from.) Lights act like a double edged sword and can be both a powerful tool, or a serious danger. The same goes for Lasers, which do nothing for target illumination or identification... but they certainly look cool in the dark don't they?

    How about the use of a verbal command? Simply stating a warning to the would be attacker.. something along the lines of "I have a gun and I have called the Police get out of my house!"

    You can be in a position of safety, and if the attacker doesn't retreat out of the home in a hurry and they advance that helps to identify their intent.

    Intent is a key word that needs to be understood and this brings us to threat assessment.

    Threat assessment:

    Threat assessment is determining that the individual you have identified is actually a threat, meaning that they have the ability, opportunity, and intent to do you great bodily harm, serious injury, or kill you. The Nevada Revised Statues state is as follows. 

    NRS 200.200: Killing In Self Defense
    oIf a person kills another in self-defense, it must appear that:
    §The danger was so urgent and pressing that, in order to save the person’s own life, or to prevent the person from receiving great bodily harm, the killing of the other was absolutely necessary; and
    §The person killed was the assailant, or that the slayer had really, and in good faith, endeavored to decline any further struggle before the mortal blow was given.

    So to put this in laypersons terms... You have to be in danger or in *fear for your life and you should make some attempt to disengage the adversary from the fight before it becomes deadly. A warning to stop or better yet leave rapidly should be made if possible.

    *NRS 200.130: Bare Fear versus Reasonable Fear

    A bare fear of any of the offenses mentioned in NRS 200.120, to prevent which the homicide is alleged to have been committed, shall not be sufficient to justify the killing. It must appear that the circumstances were sufficient to excite the fears of a reasonable person and that the party killing really acted under the influence of those fears and not in a spirit of revenge.

    If you have identified the individual, and determined that they are a threat and the absolute need to inflict the mortal blow exists (take the shot if you are armed) then we still have to ask ourselves about the foreground and background. In your home, what is down at the end of that hallway? Is it the children's room? A wall leading to your other neighbors bedroom? What happens if (or when) I miss, and where will those stray rounds end up? Can I move, change my angle of attack or the angle that the shot is fired to avoid the possibility of anyone else being hurt?

    It is a lot to think about at 2am with sleep still in your eyes, and your brain desperately trying to decide if this is real or you are having a bad dream.

    Don't rely upon the simple answers.... the clear cut scenarios that are black and white (clearly a good guy vs. a bad guy) because there are many shades of grey in the threat spectrum and the line between them is even harder to draw under the cover of night.

    Challenge yourself to all the possibilities, imagine the worst case scenarios, play them out with your family, friends, and neighbors (no real weapons are necessary in the world of make believe) seek instruction on the things you are not familiar with, and share what you learn with others.

    As always... Stay safe. Train hard. ADAPT

  4. As September is National Preparedness month we want to start a series on Emergency Preparation.

    I have picked the topic of a 72 hour kit, otherwise known as bail out bag, grab bag.

    While our Emergency Preparation courses concentrate on training skill sets over gear procurement there are some essentials that you should have ready so that if an emergency situation arises you have some time to move without having to be concerned with gathering supplies along the way.

    Home preparation is another topic we cover when you need to shelter in place, however what if you are not at home when you need to shelter in place?

    Can you survive for 3 days wherever you are?

    You should have a workplace plan if that is where you spend a large majority of your time outside of the home, but what if you are caught out and about?

    A vehicle kit should be a bail out bag and maybe some additional supplies if you have the space. A bail out bag could be kept in the house, and moved out to the vehicle each day.... or better yet... redundancy. Having a bail out bag in your home, and one in your car is a great way to double your supplies extending your surviv-ability time or allowing you to share with a family member, or friend.

    Now let's talk about what your Bail Out Bag might contain.

    (It should be personalized to meet your specific needs, and outfitted to the area in which you live or travel)

    Picking the bag: The bag does not have to be a brand name 1000 Codura nylon pack (although you get what you pay for) picking the bag is usually the first thing people do so they have a place to start putting the gear they collect. However the bag, pack, or case should be something to consider once you have an idea of what you want to fit in it.

    As we like to say.. the more skills you have, the less stuff you will need.

    When considering your pack, you have to think about the fundamentals, survival comes down to being able to provide yourself with the 4 Pillars of Survival: Water, Food, Shelter, and Fire.  Some are more readily available than others in your area, and some are more essential depending on where you live, or where you are going.

    So we pack for the Plan we are putting into action.

    Once we have an idea of what we are going to do, then we make a list of what we will need. Organize and Equip.

    Some of the basics are as follows:

    • Metal water container (something you can boil water in to purify it if you need to
    • Knife (works as an all purpose tool and is an invaluable asset in survival (recommend a few knives for different tasks: Cutting, carving, food preparation, first aid, etc...)
    • MRE's: Meal Ready to Eat. Either purchase pre-made packs or make your own. Cooking kit would also be a good idea.
    • Matches, Lighter, Striker, etc.... have some means of making fire readily available.
    • Cordage: Para-cord, twine, string, etc.. Great for making shelter, hauling, and so many other uses
    • First Aid Kit, prescription medications
    • Extra clothes, Poncho, Tarp, etc.. items to make shelter
    • Flashlight, Whistle, Mirror, Radio, etc.. Items for communication
    • Compass, Map, GPS, etc.... Items for navigation

    Once we have our supplies we need to Train on how to use them efficiently. (Simply having a hammer does not make you a skilled carpenter.) Gaining the skill sets you need might be a period of self discovery, or you might enlist the help of individuals with experience to aid you in skipping those downfalls and help you to succeed.

    We like to separate Education from Training and state that simply learning how to do it once is only an education, ongoing practice or Exercise is when you really begin to train.

    As your experience grows you may find better, faster, safer, cheaper, etc... ways of doing thing. We want you to constantly Evaluate and Improve your skill sets, and then adjust your gear accordingly, and thus the Preparedness Cycle starts over again. (Cycle diagram shown below.)

    You may start off with a 75lbs pack, stuffed to excess and then over a period of time as you become more confident in your abilities you might end up walking into the wilderness with only a Swiss Army knife and coming back 30 days fatter than when you left.

     

    Preparedness_Cycle.png

  5. I was able to get the front sight stuck.... the previous statement above where we were unable to duplicate the insertion of the weapon into the holster backwards and have it become lodged in the holster just recently occurred while instructing a student in our Pistol 101 course.

    The holster is a Blackhawk (non retention) style holster.

    When inserting the weapon (we tried the Glock 17 and 22 model) backwards for single hand retention and malfunction clearances. The front sight can become lodged behind the bar that adds passive retention.

    The Serpa models do not seem to have as aggressive of a bar as they feature the positive locking retention feature.

    I just wanted to follow up on this article and get the news out there.

    Know your gear! Stay safe. Train hard. ADAPT.

     

    Glock_Stuck.jpg

  6. Constant training is necessary to develop consistency in your techniques and your performance however we must never become complacent in our skill sets and our abilities.

    We encourage you to stay safe, and train hard in every class and every time you leave us we try to remind you to keep that mindset until we see you again.

    In our course sessions we assign homework between training sessions with suggestions on what the student needs to focus on in their training at home based upon what we are able to evaluate during the classroom or range time spent under the watchful eye of the Instructors.

    These assignments may require as little as 15 minutes of dry practice once a day only 3 times a week, or they might be 3-30 minute sessions performed once every day. That depends on the course of study and what the student wants to achieve during their time with us.

    Without a guided lesson plan... what are you doing for your training?

    Simply taking what you have learned and putting it into practice is a great start. The next step of self diagnosis (being able to see, or feel what you are doing and being able to make those corrections yourself. (That is what we are hoping to have our students achieve.)

    Many times people become complacent in their training. They reach a point where they know their skills are "good enough" to pass a certain skills test, or firing exam so they stop trying to improve and they self plateau, simply trying to maintain that skill level.

    One of my favorite quotes about this topic is "Amateurs train until they get it right, professionals train until they cannot get it wrong." (Ask yourself and be honest in your answer.. what group are you in?)

    How can you avoid the pitfalls of complacency?

    Like going to the gym or starting any new program it is exciting at first as you learn new things, and begin to see some development. However for most individuals the excitement begins to wear off and we begin making excuses not to keep up with the training. (It might take a while before a routine becomes a habit or even better a lifestyle change takes place... you gotta stick with it.)

    Routines can get boring! (I know I personally hate doing the same thing over and over again without learning something new, or really enjoying doing the activity in the first place.)

    Some steps to take:

    • Push it!
      • Invest in a shot timer or download an app on your smartphone or tablet so you know your current time and you can try to better it little by little.
      • Shoot to a specific target area and once you achieve 100% accuracy either speed up the time or decrease the size of the target or both.
      • Distance also magnifies errors we make, so another way to decrease target size and show those exaggerated errors is to move your target further away.
    • Change it up!
      • Once you reach your goals on a specific exercise you can also alter the way it is performed. Try switching eyes, can you shoot it with both eyes open, or with your non dominant eye if your dominant eye is injured?
      • What about your support hand, if your primary hand is injured?
      • Switching stances, or even better moving while you are shooting can also increase the challenge and adds a bit more of a realistic street aspect to your skill sets.
    • Find a training buddy (accountability partner)
      • Having a partner to help encourage you and offer some helpful advice on what they can see from an outside perspective is always great.
      • Even if you can't train together at the same physical location, you might be able to use speakerphone to call exercises for each other. With a smartphone or tablet you could use a video call program and actually see each other.
    • Improvise, ADAPT, and Overcome.
      • Besides coaching via video you can use the screen to give a audio or visual cues. (In a dry practice scenario, the screen can provide a target as shoot or no-shoot targets are presented.)(Make a slide show of different targets and have it play at random) (We usually do not advise using your TV as a dry practice target, however if the appropriate safety measures are taken and the steps on how to dry practice safely are followed each and every time this can be done as a controlled environment)
      • Try new things, experiment with your gear, and with your surroundings, alter your training with different lighting situations, and moving targets.

    If you have exercises that you love and want to share them with the community please describe them below. We would love to see some new challenges.

    As always. Stay safe. Train hard. ADAPT.

    More quotes on complacency:

    "Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure. Only the paranoid survive." - Andy Grove
     
    "A man's work is in danger of deteriorating when he thinks he has found the one best formula for doing it. If he thinks that, he is likely to feel that all he needs is merely to go on repeating himself . . . so long as a person is searching for better ways of doing his work, he is fairly safe."  - Eugene O'neill

    "We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at present." -  Thomas Edison

    “There are few things more pathetic than those who have lost their curiosity and sense of adventure, and who no longer care to learn.”  - Gordon B. Hinckley

    “The arrogance of success is to think that what we did yesterday is good enough for tomorrow.” -  William Pollard

    “We've always done it this way" is invalid when that way hasn't led to more life, greater growth, or maximum efficiency. Take that how you will...business, personally, church, or family. Complacency is too easy to breed, and already has one foot in the grave.” - Aaron W. Matthews

  7. Thank you Richard A. Jackson Sr.

     

    I hope you can see this, never replied to someone who was not a member on the site, so I can only hope that the thread alerts you to a reply. (Still learning the potential for this website.. I am not a programmer.)

     

    We would love to have you come out, bring Dave along too (I know what trouble I am asking for.. lol)

     

    Take care. Stay safe. Train hard. ADAPT

  8. After the most recent shooting incident here in the Las Vegas valley a few of our students requested that we cover this subject on the range during one of our Foundry courses.

    This is just one of the many topics covered in emergency planning and response in our On Site training programs, so this article will be a short briefing on a much larger topic.

    Active Shooter statistics:

    • The average active shooter incident lasts 12 minutes, while 37 percent last less than five minutes.
    • 49 percent of attackers committed suicide, 34 percent were arrested, and 17 percent were killed.
    • 51 percent of the attacks studied occurred in the workplace, while 17 percent occurred in a school, 17 percent occurred in a public place, and six percent occurred in a religious establishment.
    • Two percent of the shooters bring improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as an additional weapon.
    • In 10 percent of the cases, the shooter stops and walks away. In 20 percent of the cases, the shooter goes mobile, moving to another location.
    • 43 percent of the time, the crime is over before police arrive. In 57 percent of the shootings, an officer arrives while shooting is still underway.
    • The attacks ended before the police arrived 49 percent of the time. In 56 percent of the attacks ongoing when police arrived, officers had to use force to stop the killing.

    http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cirg/active-shooter-and-mass-casualty-incidents/active-shooter-statistics

    Profiling an active shooter

    Unpredictable and evolve quickly

    • Motives
      • Ideological
      • Political
      • Hate based (Race, Gender, Orientation)
      • Revenge
      • Mentally disturbed
    • Means and Method
      • Targeting areas of vulnerability (Gun free zones)
      • Seeking targets of opportunity (No specific target, simply seeking a body count)
      • Multiple weapon systems (Most attackers utilize pistols, rifles, and shotguns in combination)

    How the incident is resolved:

    Action needs to be taken immediately to decrease the potential loss of life. We encourage you to have the Combat mindset. "Combat mindset is...The courage to fight. The desire to live. The strength to kill. The willingness to die." -EL

    Resolution_Active_Shooter_Diagram.JPG.jp

    Encountering an attacker

    We teach the same response to any potential threat with a few minor additions in the event of an active shooter event.

    In most other types of attacks (robbery, assault, home invasion, road rage incident) the attacker initiates the attack with their intended target in mind or at least in sight. So lets talk about sight and seeing the potential threat.

    Situational Awareness

    The Color Code of Mental Awareness

    A description of the level of attention or awareness you may apply to any situation in your daily life. One should always strive to remain in condition Yellow.

    White - Un-readiness, internal focus, unaware of your surroundings.
    Yellow - Relaxed and aware, a state of general anticipation, where the sudden appearance of a dangerous situation does not catch us off-guard.
    Orange - Specific Alert, being alert you identify a situation that could indicate a pre-assault indicator. Threat assessment, target identification, and consideration for the rules of engagement begin to take place.
    Red - Specific threat, the fight is now imminent. Decision to engage is based on your personal mental trigger, or line in the sand.
    Black - Immediate engagement, the fight is already on. (You may not know until you take the first round.)

    (Used in conjunction with Boyd's OODA Loop)

     

    OODA_Loop_Small.png

     

    Observation: Being aware of your surroundings, entrances and exits, activities and what is going on with the people around you.

    Orientation: Reading the situation as it develops, conducting threat assessment, scanning the crowd looking for potential threats and pre-assault indicators. (Suspicious behavior such as body language that signals the individual may be planning or preparing to make an attack.)

    Decide: Planning your course of action. The 'what if's" such as..."If they go right, then I will go left..." These decisions on how you could react should be considered, discussed, decided upon, rehearsed, studied, learned from, improved upon, and rehearsed again... over and over... This is called TRAINING!

    Act: Putting your training into action, making critical (life and death) decisions in the blink of an eye.

    And once you act, this causes a reaction, and the cycle begins again..... until the threat is stopped.

    Planning:

    Observation:

    • Know your exits (Multiple exits and directions of travel)
    • Choose locations that provide you with possible cover, concealment, or positions of tactical advantage.
    • Stay alert to your surroundings, keep your head on a swivel, and watch your back.

    By seeing the potential attacker first, this increases our reaction time, and perhaps allow us to escape or gain distance, alert others, and move to a position where we can protect or arm ourselves for the fight ahead.

    Responding to an attacker (Fight, Flight, or Freeze)

    1. Escape and Evasion (Flight)
    2. Cover vs. Concealment

    3. Communication

    4. Contact (Fight)

    Fight the fear and don't freeze. Denial is a powerful nerve agent, it kills your nerve to act.

    Escape and Evasion

    • Move: Movement is life. Leave your belongings, encourage others to leave with you, if they will not... leave them behind.
    • If possible avoid making unnecessary noise, and attracting attention (stealth and surprise can be valuable allies)
    • Consider using cover or concealment during your escape.
      • Try to avoid long hallways or staircases where you have no cover or concealment (The fatal funnels)
    • Consider arming yourself if during your escape you encounter the attacker. (If you are not armed, find weapons of opportunity.)
    • If you are able to escape. Keep your hands visible when encountering first responders, give clear communication to those who need it.

    Cover vs. Concealment

    • Cover is material that will stop a projectile
    • Concealment is material that hides you from the attackers line of sight (The danger zone)
    • Consider what is Cover in your surroundings and position yourself where it is between you and the threat.
    • Seek a position of tactical advantage
      • Capitalize on the availability of blind spots

    If you are unable to escape and you are forced to take shelter somewhere, then you should find a position that will afford you a tactical advantage. If you can see the attacker but they cannot see you that extends your observation time, which increases your ability to react. 

    If possible take some additional precautions to decrease making contact with the shooter.

    • Turn the lights out
    • Lock the door (Improvise a lock if one is not available)(Use belts, shoelaces, extension cords to tie doors closed)
    • Block or barricade the entrance with large items of furniture (Even small items that can slow the attacker down can be used.)(Tripping hazards, tacks, broken glass, etc..)
    • Remain quiet (silence your cell phones) If unable to speak, perhaps text a person who can communicate to emergency response services.

    Communication:

    Your first duty in communication is to alert others that there is an attacker in the area. The quicker the alert can spread, the more time individuals have to react and time is life.

    • Coded alerts (location specific)(ie: Phone call for Alan Smithee Line 9, Phone call for Alan Smithee Line 9")
    • Hand signals (Perhaps as simple as acting out shooting with a finger gun in the air)
    • Text alert system
    • Fire alarm (This is not usually recommended as people do not tend to react with a sense of urgency to a fire alarm)(As an alternative... perhaps flashing the lights on and off in a specific pattern would gain more attention?)
    • Communication with Emergency responders: Tell them where you are, what you are wearing, if there are others with you, and what you know about the attacker(s). (Location of attacker, description, weapons used, direction of travel... pay attention to the operators questions, and answer truthfully)(Try to remain calm... breathe)

    Contact:

    When contact is made you have a few choices. Fight for your life!

    Utilize: Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action!

    Distraction devices:

    • OC Spray (Mace) used to blind and induce pain
    • Fire extinguishers to obscure vision, and then use as a contact weapon
    • Pot of hot coffee to burn, blind, and strike with
    • Throwing items (Knives, Scissors, Bottles, Drinking glasses, Paperweights, etc.. if all you have are your shoes... toss em)
    • Firecrackers (Recently discussed as the 4th of July is approaching... if Law enforcement can use stun grenades, then can firecrackers be used as civilian alternative?)(Not a recommendation... just a consideration)
    • Another controversial consideration... a "Moltov cocktail"  any flammable liquid and ignition source.

    Contact weapons: (Improvised weapons)

    • Long range: Flag poles, closet rods, brooms, mops,
    • Mid range: Chairs, Bags (A purse with a snow globe collection or a sock with gym padlock can crack a skull)
    • Close range: A tightly rolled magazine, kitchen knife, letter opener, receipt spike, scissors, writing pen, etc...

    Some weapons can be used together to increase their effectiveness and or range. Such as a mop with a knife taped to the end to create a spear, or the legs of a wooden chair being broken off into sharp spikes, etc...

    Desk_Items_001.jpg

    This is what I grabbed in a split second... with planning.. you can place more items in your vicinity that you can assemble with ease. Experiment.... practice putting the pieces together... try out your items on an appropriate target at home. (Not safe for work.)

    Scissor_Grip.jpg

    Mom told you not to run with scissors, I'm telling you it's okay on this occasion. A good grip that keeps both points open and available.

     

    Sock_Lock_Knocker.jpg

    Any heavy object, in a bag or even tied to a cord can make a good failing weapon. Increase your range and striking power.

    Letter_opener_Ruler_Spear.jpg

    A letter opener taped to a 3-sided ruler makes a handy hand spear.

    TOPS_plastic_knife.jpg

    An all plastic "letter opener" style knife will still get the point across. This is a double edged sword.. meaning you can get it through a metal detector.. but so can any adversary.

    In our Close Contact Combat course we teach a system of engagement that is summarized as follows:

    Evasion: Move out of the line of attack

    Contact: Make contact with the attackers weapons and move off the line of attack.

    Capture: Hold and re-direct the weapon to be aimed where it doesn't present a threat to others. (Generally: Down and away.)

    Control: Disarm, disable, subdue, restrain,... stop the attack.

    Strike: If striking is necessary, make it count. The goal is not to hurt or harm but instead it is to immediately incapacitate.

     

    Strength in numbers:

    If you are not alone, don't fight alone.

    Summon the courage and assistance of others.

    Organize a plan of attack, assign roles, (Distraction, distance attack, mid range attack, close attack, and subdue, immobilize, or neutralize the threat.)

    Multiple direction attack (Come from more than one direction so that if one effort is stopped the other has a chance of success. Attack high, mid, and low on the body for the same reason.)

    Scenario example: One individual will throw an item at the attackers head from one direction to serve as a distraction and possibly cause injury, while another may attack the body or strike the arms (holding the weapon) to dislodge the weapon or alter its aim point, while another violently tackles the knees of the attacker to take them to the ground, and then all persons lay on top of the attacker and have responsibility for individual limbs. One person holds the head down, one person holds each arm, and another sits atop the legs to incapacitate the individual until emergency responders arrive.

    All of these actions take individual training to some degree, and some can simply be assigned by a strong leader, if that is you then lead. If it is another... then follow. However you can stop the attack, fight to win.

     

    Additional considerations:

    Injuries to yourself or others

    Additional threats

    • Fire
    • Explosives
    • Chemical agents
    • Biological agents

    As we stated this is just a brief article of a much more detailed lesson plan that is only part of the more in-depth courses. If you really want to be prepared, never stop training.

    If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please let us know by replying to this article below, or dropping us a line at info@adaptacademy.com

     

    Some videos that others have been produced by Federal, State, Local Agencies, or private institutions.

    http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cirg/active-shooter-and-mass-casualty-incidents/run-hide-fight-video

     

     

     

    Additional resources:

    http://adaptacademy.com/ccs_files/Articles_Media/ActiveShooterEvents.pdf

    http://adaptacademy.com/ccs_files/Articles_Media/the_police_response_to_active_shooter_incidents_2014.pdf

    http://adaptacademy.com/ccs_files/Articles_Media/active_shooter_pocket_card.pdf

    http://adaptacademy.com/ccs_files/Articles_Media/active_shooter_poster.pdf

  9. The Open Carry movement... might be taking gun rights, in the wrong direction.

     

    If you are not stepping up and protecting your rights then you might as well stand aside and let them get trampled! That is the sentiment of many of the progressive 2nd Amendment movements across the country.

     

    Some say to never judge a book by it's cover, and others believe the importance of a good first impression. Can we as gun owners display a positive image, make a good impression, and leave a long lasting positive impact on those we encounter on a day to day basis?

     

    There has been a meteoric rise in the "appearance"  of supporters for the 2nd Amendment but what message are their actions conveying to the general public  who is left to judge their actions based upon appearance alone? Pictures are worth a thousand words right? (Image matters. Be presentable. If you might be asked questions as to why you are doing what you are doing then essentially you are being interviewed. What do you wear to an interview?)

     

    When we see pictures in the media of 2nd Amendment advocates demonstrating their "right" to carry a firearm followed by headlines that are negative should we be surprised? Do you believe that the anti-gun supporters consider this a small win each and every time a gun owner is asked to leave private property, turned away, or refused service due to the fact that they are armed? (Being invited is even better than being a gracious guest. No one appreciates an uninvited guest who barges their way in, unannounced and then proceeds to act as if they own the place.)

     

    Do you as a gun owner feel pride in seeing your brothers and sisters in arms proudly displaying their coat of arms? Or do you feel a bit uneasy, not knowing what level of training, safety awareness, legal knowledge, or public speaking skills these individuals who have chosen to represent you (as a fellow gun owner) may possess? (If one is strutting around showing off their guitar, people may assume they are a musician, but if they are asked to play and the owner doesn't know a single chord then the audience is soon lost. One of my favorite quotes "Remain silent and be assumed an idiot, or open ones mouth and remove all doubt." If you are not fully prepared to speak on the subject, do not take a position in front of an audience.)

     

    Face it.. the fact of the matter is that gun owners do need a public presence in society in order to gain attention, convey a message, encourage education, and hopefully positively impact those around them and sway those individuals opinions to their side, rather than the other, and lastly to effect change in policies or legislature.

     

    We want you to remember that an armed and EDUCATED society (should be a) polite society.

     

    So we encourage all gun owners to know and understand the laws in your jurisdiction, and obey them! When addressing the general public you must remember that manners matter in making a good impression and helping to sway mindsets.

     

    Please help us keep the "tact" in tactical.

    We want to encourage all of our members and students to get involved in some way. Here are just a few of the ways to get involved:

    • Join the NRA
    • Join your local chapter (in Nevada it's the Nevada Firearms Coalition)
    • Support local firearms businesses
    • Attend organized rallies where your presence and numbers can make a positive statement
    • Contact your legislators and State representatives when an issue that you are passionate about comes around to a vote and let them know how you will be voting

    We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, please take a moment and complete the Open Carry Questionnaire Poll above, and/or add your comments in a response below

     

  10. By Dean Weingarten

     

    Arkansas-Second-Amendment-Supporters-Exe

    Arkansas Second Amendment Supporters Exercise Rights in Fort Smith

    Dean-Weingarten.jpg?f6e1d0

    Dean Weingarten

    Arizona - -(Ammoland.com)- It is commonly said by those opposed to the second amendment, that police will not be able to discern armed citizens who are legally carrying guns from criminals, and that armed confrontations will then result in widespread carnage.

    Here is an example where it did not happen.  From fox16.com:

    Investigators said Qandil confronted his estranged wife, Tabitha Qandil, 31, Grayson Herrera, 23, and Dustin O’Conner, 27, as the three were headed to the movie theater.

    “The victim raised his shirt and showed a weapon within his waistband, began to pull the weapon. The other two were concealed handgun weapon carriers and they pulled their weapons, and there was an exchange of gunfire,” said Grubbs.

    An off-duty officer was working security inside the Malco, another off-duty officer was attending a movie, when both heard the shots and ran to the parking lot, according to Grubbs. The officers were able to disarmed Herrera and O’Conner.

    Note that there were two legal firearms carriers, one attacker, and two off duty police officers.  The officers arrived very quickly, and they were not in uniform.  The defenders did not shoot the officers.  The officers did not shoot the defenders.  The attacker was killed, and one defender was wounded.  The wounded defender was expected to be released from the hospital the next day.  No one else was hit.

    Consider the implications.  You have all the potential for chaotic gunfire causing mass casualties imagined by those who want the public disarmed.  More than one defender.  The attacker starting with surprise.  More than one police officer.  Officers that are not in uniform.  Yet only  the attacker was killed, and one defender was wounded by the attacker.  The situation simply refuses to fit the anti-second amendment template, because the template does not fit reality.

    When five bank robbers attempted to rob a bank in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in 1922, dozens of shots were fired by numerous citizens.  Three bank robbers were killed and two seriously wounded.   Not one innocent citizen was shot.  The idea of multiple people being shot by citizen defenders in such a confrontation is simply a myth.   It, like most arguments used by those opposed to the Second Amendment, is simply a figment of the imagination of people who are proudly ignorant about firearms and self defense, and who want to insure that most citizens are disarmed.

    Legally armed citizens are not gang-bangers who fire indiscriminately at houses to enforce their “turf”.  Sometimes innocents are hit, but ordinary armed citizens have a better record of hitting the people that need to be stopped, and no others, than police do.
    c2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included. Link to Gun Watch

    About Dean Weingarten;

    Dean Weingarten has been a peace officer, a military officer, was on the University of Wisconsin Pistol Team for four years, and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1973. He taught the Arizona concealed carry course for fifteen years until the goal of constitutional carry was attained. He has degrees in meteorology and mining engineering, and recently retired from the Department of Defense after a 30 year career in Army Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation.

  11. It always pays to be prepared to defend yourself and your family!

    Via WRAL:

     

    A Henderson homeowner defended himself against a home invasion Monday morning, shooting an intruder who kicked in his door.

    Jonathan Haith said he was sleeping in his home at around 9:45 a.m. when he heard a light knock on his backdoor.

    He ignored it at first. Then he heard a louder sound.

    “I heard the loud bang in the laundry room area,” he said.

    Someone kicked in the door, a Haith grabbed the AR-15 rifle he keeps under his bed.

    “I crouched down, grabbed the firearm and was walking up the hallway,” he said. “As soon as I poked my head around the corner I saw a tall male standing there with a gun.”

    Haith said he surprised the intruder.

    “He shot first, I shot second,” he said. “He missed and I reckon I connected.”

     

     

    Screenshot-2014-05-13-09.34.09.jpg

    WTVD-TV has more:

    Pandemonium followed, and the intruder scurried out. An apparent getaway vehicle spun out of Haith’s yard to pick up the intruder, who had collapsed outside of a day care up the street.

    By that time, Haith had dialed 911.

    “Once-in-a-lifetime incident that I hope doesn’t happen again,” said Haith.

    According to Haith, both the driver and the shooter were taken into custody. He says the intruder who he shot was last listed in critical condition at the hospital.

     

     

    Video of news report was added as an attachment to this article.

    “But AR-15s Are Only Weapons Of War,” They Said. ANOTHER AR-15 Used In Self-Defense The Federalist Papers.wmv

  12. Choosing what type of instruction or instructor is right for your needs.

    Firearms and self defense training is a fast growing industry so there are many options out there to choose from.

    For those of you who have trained with us, we thank you for choosing to train with ADAPT but we are not the only ones out there, and we encourage you to gain as much knowledge as you can and never stop training.

    What are your goals?

    When considering what style of training is right for your needs you have to think about what you want as your long term goals.

    Not all individuals want to be world class sporting shooters, or high speed low drag military operators.... if those are your goals then that is great because you are aware of the direction your path needs to take. "A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step..."

    Self discovery can be a great journey, (after all someone had to discover the way to do it first, before it was ever taught to another) however this process can be dangerous, costly, and inefficient..... if a profession exists, such as firearms instruction it is because individuals find a real value in it. (Unlike underwater basket weaving...)

    Be prepared to pay more and more as the skill sets become more specialized and the demand decreases (world champions, and tactical gurus)

    (Write down your goals right now!)(Examples listed below.)

    I want to be safe, and be better skilled so I enjoy my recreational time on the range more.

    I want to be able to shoot better than my husband or wife.

    I want to be able to bag that Elk, the next time I go hunting instead of always missing.

    I want to be a local, State, National, or World Champion.

    I want to be able to protect my family from a home invader.

    I want to be able to defend myself against a threat outside the home.

    I want to be able to defeat any foe that poses a threat to me, my family, my community, and my Country.

    I want to be a professional firearms instructor and make lots of money teaching people to shoot because it is really cool.

    What kind of student are you?

    The average individual receives only the basic level of training, usually something that is required to receive a "permit" or "license" where a governing body is in charge of issuing said permission, and they can charge a fee in order for the student to be allowed that privilege. (ie: concealed weapons permit, hunting license, etc...)

    Other individuals are required to receive a higher level of training because their occupation demands it (ie: Military, Police, Security, etc...) However even in these professions most individuals only receive the basic level of training to meet qualification and training standards... and again go no further.

    Some individuals truly enjoy learning, perhaps even without a real goal in mind, they simply enjoy new experiences, and can have fun learning something, accomplishing those small goals of being able to see it done, and then replicate it themselves.

    Lastly there are the dedicated few who train with purpose and commitment, even when they don't enjoy it, when the weather is hot, or the ground is frozen solid, when they are tired, hungry, hurting, when they have to make a sacrifice and gain no reward, no praise from their peers, no shiny sticker on a piece of paper or a trophy to place on the mantle... only the personal knowledge that they did it.

    So what sets the individual apart that spends their hard earned money, spare time that could be spent on entertainment or with their friends and family, and instead decides to pack up their guns, gear, and ammo and head out to the range to train?

    What is your motivation? (Like your goals, but practical measurable levels of doing.... not just thinking about it.)

    Let's take a moment to define training. We break training down into two parts.

    Education and Exercises

    • Education is seeking out professional instructors that have a greater knowledge base than you in the topic you want to learn and the specific skills to be able to relay or teach that information. (Not all experienced or skilled individuals have the training themselves to be able to teach.)(Teaching in and of itself is a skill set that must be learned by the teacher, in order to be able to effectively pass along the knowledge or skills the student is seeking.)
    • Exercises are the cognitive processes, the physical repetitions, the coaching and correction, the moments of self discovery, the blood, the sweat, and tears, the frustration, the accomplishments, the failures, etc...

    We at ADAPT always say that whether you spend 2, 4, 8, or 40 hours with us in the classroom or on the range... it is not really "training" it is only education, training is what you do with that knowledge every day when you are not with us.

    Are you the kind of person that will continue to use those lessons outside of class and put them into practice each day?

    Many people pay for a personal trainer when they join a gym, for a few reasons. 

    1. They are new to exercising and they want to avoid injury from doing it incorrectly. (The safety minded.)
    2. They believe a greater level of achievement can be gained by studying from those who have been their before. (The inspired follower.)
    3. Lacking motivation or willpower to work out on their own. (The lazy butt.)
    4. The trainer is gorgeous, popular, and somewhat of a celebrity in their field, and you want to tell all your friends that you trained with them. (The look at me, look at me, look what I did!)

    Now everyone falls into one of these categories to some degree at one point in time (some at the same time, and some more than others) Our goal is that you should be in the 1 and 2 and only 3 when you need a kick in the pants. (Don't be the person who's only reason to train is to meet the guy on the cover of Solider of Fortune, or Top Shot and say you put lead downrange with them.)

    Your Instructor

    Up until this point we haven't even discussed the qualities, traits, and characteristics of your potential instructor yet, because you have to know who you are and what you want in order to be able to look for the right instructor for you.

    Do your own research!

    Find the instructor that has experience in what you want to learn, or the ability to teach you through related material. (Can a defensive instructor teach you about competition shooting? Can a recreational shooter teach you about self defense? Can a hunter education instructor teach you about competitions?) Some areas will always overlap because you are using similar tools, but a chainsaw in the hands of an ice sculptor, is far different from a lumberjack.

    Instructors come in all shapes and sizes, ages, and sexes and skill levels. Sometimes the content doesn't match the cover.

    Reading the professional bios of the instructors (on their own websites) are sure to sound impressive, they have to be because they are selling themselves, their experience, their knowledge, their abilities and they have to be better than the next guy out there with credentials on the wall or hash marks on the side of their scope.

    Unfortunately there are many individuals that embellish on their bio's to make them just a bit more grandiose than they really should be. Luckily we live in this digital age, and with a few clicks of a mouse and a careful query in Google's all knowing search engine... sometimes the fakes are revealed. Notice I said sometimes.. some are harder than others.

    Some schools make it all about their staff, others don't even mention them by name because they are all generally skilled, but none need be a celebrity to get the point across that it's curriculum is the real star, providing "world class training."

    In order to find out the real skinny, read the reviews (again... not just the ones on the company website) look into forums, and blogs, ask your friends and neighbors that train, see if you can contact any of the students that actually trained at that school for their opinion outside of the testimonials on the website.

    It is a lot of work, but it may save you from wasting your time and money in the long run.

    Appearance and experience are not everything though... lets discuss some of the other attributes that may be desirable or less than.

    Demeanor: How does their personality strike you? Are they serious and straight forward? Are they laid back and social? (This industry tends to lean towards the "Type- A" personalities, super egos, and naturally aggressive individuals. Finding an instructor that can be a leader without being an "A" whole of the time, that is confident in their abilities but not overly cocky, and assertive with the students and aggressive with the adversaries is a rare blend of mindset, skill sets, and character traits.)(The industry as a whole is moving more and more into training civilians, so the days of the hard-core drill instructors are numbered, or will only be reserved for Military, Law Enforcement, or individuals who want that "style" of training.)

    Attitude: Do you believe that you share the same beliefs with this individual? Do they present themselves in a professional manner? (Core beliefs are different from technical or personal beliefs. If you cannot put your trust in this persons teachings, then progress has stopped before it has begun. Trust is a huge part of ones ability to actively listen and learn from another.)

    Delivery: Do they present themselves in a professional manner? Are they able to clearly communicate the subject matter? When posed with a question, are they able to restate the material in a different fashion to clarify? (The instructors experience and depth of knowledge really come to the surface when they are asked to answer or do something that may not be carefully studied and rehearsed.)

    Demonstrations: Do they themselves have the abilities that they are attempting to instruct? Do they possess the ability to show more than one way of doing things?

    Adaptability: Can they work with you? Can they improvise, expand upon, or experiment and do so safely and productively? (This is one of the abilities of a master trainer... not to simply relay information to the student, but to learn from the student on how to teach them better.)

    We could go on and on about facilities, resources, props, tools, and teaching aids... but we wanted to focus on the man or woman behind the curtain. We hope this gives you more to think about, and we want you to be engaged with helping us better ourselves for you our students.

    One more thing....

    Judge your education and training on these 3 "S's"

    1. Is it SAFE? Does the technique have a great risk of injury compared to the potential learning reward? 
    2. Is it SIMPLE? Is the technique easy to learn and master so that your body can replicate the performance under adverse conditions like stress?
    3. Is it STREET PROVEN? Does some legitimate firearms training facility ie: Military, Law Enforcement Training Center, or Nationally recognized school teach these techniques? Are these techniques approved to be used legally in the area in which you plan to operate? (Examples: Shooting from a moving vehicle is illegal in many States, and probably highly unlikely in a civilian role.)  

     

    Please leave your comments, questions, and discussion items below. Or if you prefer to contact us privately to share your thoughts email us at info@adaptacademy.com

    Thank you. Stay safe. Train hard. ADAPT <

  13. Marksmanship as a point of firearms safety.

    Continuing our discussion on safety, we want to discuss how marksmanship can play a further role in safety on the range and dynamic training.

    In order to advance the level of reality, stress, confidence, and perhaps ability, firearms training has to progress beyond a square range mentality. This may involve shooting while moving, shooting at moving targets, and shooting near other shooters that may be ahead or behind what would traditionally be called the firing line. The last situation is what we will be discussing in detail in this article.

    There is a lot of controversy over training methods that place studnets downrange during active, live-fire scenarios.

    Many words that come up when discussing this type of training are: high-level, advanced, high intensity, stress inoculation, reality-based, force-on-force, team mentality, trust, and acceptable risks.

    We are a fan of most of the above, but not the last one. We believe that with prior planning, proper safety precautions, and stringent training rituals we believe the term "acceptable risks" should not be in the training dialogue.

    Defining the difference between daredevil and stuntman comes to mind in this type of training.

    A daredevil will attempt a death-defying act where the result of failure results in a high probability of great injury or death. In contrast a professional stuntman does everything in their power to bring the odds of failure to the lowest probable percentage of failure because they want to have a long and safe career without injury.

    We see a lot of daredevil training masquerading as thoughtfully planned out, or what we call highly choreographed stunts.

    Being shot while wearing a bullet-proof vest does not accomplish anything, or prove anything. (The vest is designed to stop bullets so it is simply doing it's job.)

    Confidence_Drill_0.PNG.png

    Returning fire and shooting a round mere inches away from another individual's head requires skill, confidence, trust, and hundreds upon hundreds of repetitions.

    This demonstration of skill (or highly choreographed stunt) with a high level of repetition does a few things; one of them being: it removes almost all stress from the exercise and thereby nullifying one of the greatest factors that affects our abilities on the street. (Nothing can completely replicate the effects of stress or rather what most would experience on the streets, fear.)

    The next thing this type of demonstration does is encourages less skilled individuals to give it their best shot trying to replicate what they have seen on YouTube - "monkey see, monkey do".  We already see enough videos of individuals injuring themselves to know that this happens far too often.

    The last thing, it promotes is an acceptable amount of risk mnetality in the "high speed-low drag", "tactical operator" community.

    However we believe that there are many alternatives to live fire wherein if an unforeseen circumstance arises (perhaps even as simple as a weapon malfunction) a potentially fatal injury should not occur, such as the use of simunitions, airsoft, or the MILES system. These are widely accepted as safe practices and accomplish the same level of proficiency in training.

    Confidence_Drill.PNG.png

     

    Confidence_Drill_2.PNG.png

     

    There is a recent story about a fairly popular instructor who shot one of his assistant Instructors 3 times in an "unfortunate incident" and admits that "he made a mistake, and these things happen."  Another popular instructor called this incident a "terrible accident" and noted that he is glad it did not happen to him and goes on to brag that "even though the two tout the internet reputation of being 'the two worst firearms instructors that you have ever heard of,' well at least you have heard of them." This is not a reputation to be proud of, no matter how "controversial" you want to be.

    Does being proficient in marksmanship mean you can overlook safety? How can you measure acceptable risk?

    To sum up marksmanship as a point of firearms safety we are going to once again refer to The Universal Firearms Safety Rules and see how many of these basic rules get violated when you let arrogance, ignorance, or acceptable risk enter the downrange picture.

    1. Treat all weapons with respect and always handle as if they were loaded.
    2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
    3. Keep your finger off of the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
    4. Know your target and what is in line with it.

    and leading into our next article on Considerations when choosing what type of instruction or instructor is right for your needs.

    Before moving into more dynamic training like some of the examples stated above we want to again stress how all training should be evaluated, we again need to take a look at the "3 S's"

    1. Is it Safe? (If the training puts an instant pit in your stomach and makes you cringe... perhaps there is another way to accomplish the same results?)
    2. Is it Simple? (Is the technique easy to learn and able to be mastered, or overwhelmingly difficult and complex?)
    3. Is it Street Proven? (Does a reputable firearms training facility, or law enforcement academy utilize this technique? or does it seem like the Instructor made it up on the fly?)

    To review all the articles in this series click on the links below:

  14. Range safety, and Range Etiquette.

    (Links in this article may point to internal resources only available to ADAPT members who are currently signed in, log into your ADAPT account to view these links.)

    Range Rules:

    Every range you visit has rules for safety, please read all of the rules thoroughly and if you do not understand something ask the range staff for clarification.

    If you are not shooting on a structured range, you need to agree on some rules with your fellow shooters and always maintain proper etiquette and help to ensure everyone's safety.

    Range safety usually begins en-route to the range. Being prepared for your outing helps to be safe. Knowing the rules of the facility ahead of time can prepare you for you trip. If the rules state that all weapons are to be unloaded and must be stored in a case or lock box when you arrive, then you can make sure that you have your weapons in the appropriate condition and proper case/box to visit the facility.

    Others things you should have to be prepared for safety are:

    • Eye and ear protection (Electronic hearing protection is recommended. Not being able to hear the range commands can lead to confusion, and may lead to an unsafe range condition.)
    • Sunscreen (if shooting outdoors)(spray on  is advised.. avoid excessively greasy ones, and be sure to wipe hands clean after application to avoid potential of slippage)
    • Water bottle (stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to lack of concentration and coordination.)
    • Appropriate clothing (low neck-line shirts invite the possibility of having hot brass fall down inside the garment and cause burns on the skin. The other danger that presents itself is when the shooter looses muzzle consciousness and inadvertently waves the firearm around as they try to fish the brass out of their clothing) Pants are encouraged and possibly knee pads if the course includes kneeling on rough terrain. No open toed footwear also for the above reasons.
    • Basic First Aid Kit (Bandages for cuts, scrapes, new skin for abrasions in places that are hard to bandage, and eye wash)

    As an example here are a few of the rules at the Clark County Shooting Complex that we regularly visit: (To view the full rule sheet click here.)

    • All range users and shooters are personally responsible for range safety and safe shooting.
    • All range users and shooters are responsible to immediately correct any unsafe condition.
    • Immediately report any unsafe condition to a Safety Officer.
    • First time shooters must watch the safety video before shooting.
    • All shooting is to be into the backstops only.
    • Firearms will be cased and uncased, holstered, and un-holstered only at the shooting benches.
    • Muzzles will be kept pointed down range at all times.
    • Do not point your firearms at anyone.
    • All persons in the range area must wear ear and eye protection.
    • Anyone may call a “cease fire” if an unsafe condition occurs.
    • When instructed to “cease fire” shooters will immediately stop shooting, unload their firearms and place them on the shooting table and stand behind the yellow safety line until given further instructions.
    • Firearms will not be touched nor handled during “cease fire-range safe” period.
    • No shooting at unauthorized targets.
    • Respect others and their equipment.
    • Alcohol and drugs are prohibited on range. Persons who have been consuming alcohol or are under the influence of drugs are prohibited from shooting.

    CCSC_Range_Rules_Large.jpg

     

    When we are running our events our first rule upon arrival is:

    ALL WEAPONS ARE TO REMAIN CASED, HOLSTERED, SLUNG or STORED ON RACK UNTIL INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE BY STAFF.

    This rule covers a few of the above safety rules all at once. Instructed by Staff is an important part of this rule, clear communication between all parties, use of clear and common range commands, and understanding of time and place by the students/shooters also helps to eliminate unsafe conditions that may arise. By preventing handling without instruction, we can help with the following:

    • We can instruct the students as to what are the appropriate downrange and safe directions to point their weapons.
    • Advise the students on how to place their cases or range bags on the tables with the muzzles of their weapons still inside, and make sure they are facing either towards the ground or downrange before the weapon is removed from the case/bag.
    • We can then demonstrate how to handle the weapon safely before it is removed from the bag and either placed on the shooting table, rack, or in the holster. Ensuring the weapons are handled appropriately, helps to prevent anyone from being muzzled by the firearm.
    • We can help supervise manipulations, making sure to remind the students that their fingers should not be in or near the trigger guard until on target, and how to manipulate the weapons while always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

    Besides being unsafe... we think that pointing a gun at someone when it is not part of the training is just plain rude!

    Now we have already covered the 4 Universal Firearms Safety Rules in our article "Always start with safety." ......however they bare repeating.

    1. Treat all weapons with respect and handle as if they were loaded.
    2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
    3. Keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot
    4. Know your target and what is in line with it

    This info-graphic has  a lot of great information but we would like to expand upon it a bit further.

    Rules-Of-Firearm-Safety-Infographic_Med.jpg

     

    As we have been stating, you always start with safety first, but as the shooters skill level increases or the need to advance the exercises to increase the shooters skill level we modify how the safety rules apply to those individuals.

    Places for your weapon:

    Safe locations for your weapon will vary from range to range but they are generally:

    • When not being handled:
      • On the shooting table (When weapons are tabled, they may be required to be unloaded and actions locked open. Usually ejection port facing up for easy visual inspection. (If your weapon does not lock open, a chamber flag may be required as a visible sign that the weapon is unloaded and clear.)
      • On a storage rack (Weapons may be required to be unloaded and cleared of any and all ammo, such as in side saddles, butt cuffs, or bandoleers that may contain additional rounds.)
      • In the holster
      • NEVER be pointed in an unsafe direction (Even when the weapon is unloaded!!!!)
    • When being handled:
      • The Low Ready
      • The High Ready
      • Sul
      • Slung Muzzle down (usually pertaining to a long gun, either shouldered, or mounted in front of the shooters chest)
      • Slung Muzzle up (usually pertaining to a long gun being slung on the shooters shoulder)(For slung weapons the addition of a control hand is used to ensure the weapon does not fall off, or point at anyone unintentionally.)
      • NEVER be pointed in an unsafe direction (Even when the weapon is unloaded!!!!)

    Communication:

    Having set "Range Commands" is incredibly helpful to prevent accidents or injuries that could occur. For instance if an unsafe condition presents itself or an injury occurs a "STOP" or "Cease Fire" command can help alert others that there is a situation that requires attention. Upon hearing a Stop or Cease Fire. Immediately remove your finger from the trigger guard and wait for additional instructions. Most often times it will be unload, place your weapons in a safe condition, and move behind the safety line. NO handling of firearms during a cease fire!

    It might not be a range command on some ranges but we recommend before beginning any exercise on the Firing Line, a reminder should be given to have the shooters protect their eyes and ears.

    There should also be a command that confirms that the downrange area has been inspected and is clear to commence with handling weapons or a firing exercise. The general command for this is usually "The Range is Clear"

    An additional preparation command is usually to "load and make ready", or a prepare for a "firing drill"

    A command to commence with shooting is usually a variety of "Fire", "Go", "Move", "Engage", "Up", "Bust Em" etc.. and whatever other colorful action word the instructor can come up with for that specific exercise. (Be sure you know what the appropriate response is for a command before you begin firing.... it never hurts to ask for clarification if you don't understand. Always error on the side of safety over the fear of embarrassment.)

    Once the firing exercise or duration is over, some commands that instruct where and how the shooters weapons should be stored should be given, such as:

    The "How" and "Where" (Instructions as to whether the weapon is loaded or unloaded and where should it be placed.)

    • Unload, lock your actions open, and table your weapons ejection port up...
    • Unload, show clear, and safely holster...
    • Once loaded make your weapons safe, and safely, slowly return to the holster...

    Once all the shooters weapons are in a safe location, the range should be inspected before anyone proceeds ahead of the firing line to check or hang new targets, or retrieve gear on the ground. The general command for a range that is safe to move about on is simply that "The Range is Safe"

    So to sum up communications, you should have some of the following commands:

    • A Stop or Cease Fire command to immediately make the range safe if an unsafe action, or injury occurs
    • Commands to inspect and clear the range (no shooters ahead of the firing line and safe conditions to proceed with handling weapons)
    • Preparation commands (get the shooter ready)
    • Commencement commands (instructions on the activity, and action/reaction words)
    • and Conclusion commands (instructions to end the exercise, pause between sequences, or clear and make the range safe to move about)

    One more side note about communications is conduct and content. If you can't be polite and professional and offer productive, constructive criticism you might want to keep your comments to yourself. Conversations that lean far to one side, whether it is political, religious, or tac-tic-cool might be cause for concern to your neighbors that are not your closest friends....so perhaps those commentaries are best saved for behind closed doors. This also goes for apparel that speaks volumes about your beliefs without opening your mouth. Protect your operational security after all.

    The Firing Line:

    The firing line can either be a marked out with cordage, signs, paint, or simply drawn out in the sand or agreed upon by everyone standing next to each other.

    http://adaptacademy.com/ccs_files/Articles_Media/Firing_Line_Article.png

     

    The general rule for the firing line is that no one is to be ahead of the line while weapons are being handled, and especially not while shooting is taking place.

    However as the skill of the shooters on the line increases this rule can be adapted to the shooters skill levels.

    Let us see how this applies to Rule 2: Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.

    We discussed this topic in some detail in our article on: Manipulations as a part of safety.

    With an inexperienced shooter their manipulation skills might inadvertently cause them to turn or swing their muzzle in a wide arc.

    Lets use the photo below as an example. We are going to pretend that the individual on the left in the photo is inexperienced, and the RED zone is where the majority of the time the shooters muzzle is during his exercises, and the YELLOW zone is where his muzzle points during some of his manipulations.

    Rule4_Skill_Low.jpg

    Now this would be acceptable, even preferred gun handling compared to what is often witnessed on some ranges. The muzzle always remains in a safe direction, never pointing it at his neighbor or behind the firing line.

    Now by contrast lets take a look at the shooter on the right and assume he is a highly disciplined shooter and where his muzzle spends the majority of the time as he moves throughout his exercises. Both his RED and YELLOW zones are much, much smaller. The muzzle does not remain waving around after shooting, and even manipulations can be done with the muzzle pointing downward.

    Rule4_Skill_High.jpg

    With a highly developed skill set, trust in your fellow shooter, and an understanding of how the need to evolve your training beyond a conventional square range you can begin to break away from the set firing line and begin working slowly and safely into more complex exercises such as shooting on the move, positions, communication, and team tactics.

    Manipulations and Malfunctions

    Manipulations:

    Most safety violations happen of course when the weapons are being handled. You must maintain control or your weapon, it's muzzle direction, and your trigger finger discipline. Weapons require respect and constant vigilance. 

    Know the operations of the weapons you will be handling

    Malfunctions and stoppages:

    If at any point in time the weapon stops firing keep the muzzle pointed downrange. If you do not know what a hangfire is, how to clear a malfunction, or repair a jam then contact someone who does (or attend a class where you can learn how to)

    Mistakes and Mishaps:

    On rare occasions mistakes and mishaps can occur. We desperately try to avoid these things but we want you to be aware of some of the things we have seen that are safety issues and can result in injuries or damage to property:

    • Dropping and attempting to catch a falling weapon. If it falls, let it fall. Once it can be safely retrieved, inspect it for damages and obstructions in the barrel. (Gravity is a cruel mistress)
    • Using the wrong ammunition for the firearm. Make sure the caliber matches the magazine, which matches the weapon, and so on. (Most mistakes happen when shooters are sharing weapons of different calibers)(The devil is in the details)

    Clean up after yourself!

    Pick up your ammo boxes, tear down your targets, police your brass, hulls, and anything else you brought in with you.

    Thank you for being a responsible shooter. Stay safe. Train hard. ADAPT. <

    Firing_Line_Article.png

  15. Gear for continuing your training OFF of the range.
     
    Attending events, courses, and seminars are only a few ways of continuing your education. We at ADAPT always stress the point that whether you attend an 8 hour Nevada Concealed Weapon Course with us, or enroll in our 40 hour Pistol 101 program that you are only receiving "education" and not training, we define "training" as what you choose to do with that knowledge once you leave the classroom or the range.
     
    Training is on-going, it is a routine, a practice, a regiment, a habit... whatever you choose to call it, it never ends. Every skill you learn on the range will diminish over time without constant and consistent practice. 
     
    If are are fortunate enough to have a range in your backyard and an endless ammunition supply then perhaps 90% of your training can be done actually putting rounds downrange.
     
    However for the most of us, we need to supplement our live fire with dry practice, perhaps it even makes up the majority of our training perhaps even as high as 98% Dry to only 2% live fire.
     
    Dry practice should be done both on and off the range, and can help you with almost all of the skills you need to be proficient with firearms. We often state that the only reason you need rounds in your weapon are for a very small set of skills and that everything else can be done without ammunition. Some of the reasons that you may need to actually fire are:

    • Recoil management (effectively controlling the recoil to achieve appropriate and accurate subsequent shots)
    • Confidence building (getting used to the bang and flash)(especially for new shooters dealing with anticipation)
    • Honest evaluation (diagnosing your target shot patterns to evaluate your speed and accuracy with whatever skill set you are using.) Target Diagnostic Handout

    and last and certainly least important is....

    • Self gratification (making pretty holes, loud noises, or blowing things up for the fun of it)

    What are some of the skills you can accomplish with dry practice?

     

    In order to get started with your Dry Practice safely you should have a sequence of safety protocols in place, such as:

    • Have a designated area
    • Unload and chamber check your weapon
    • Place all real ammunition aside (preferably in a different room)(Remember to check your pockets so no real ammo gets cycled into use
    • Place your target in a safe downrange direction

     

    To download a Dry Practice Safety reminder and Target click here.

     

     

    Some of the items you might consider purchasing to perform Dry Practice safely are :

    Apr14_Article_Dry_gear.jpg
     
     

    Buying these items will increase your ability to simulate but most of them are not necessary for safety. If followed stringently utilizing proper safety procedures as part of your Dry Practice habit can prevent negligent discharges, or any potential for injury to yourself or others.

     

    As an example of procedure over purchase and innovation over inventory, instead of a training barrel you can use a piece of cordage to serve as a indicator and obstruction down the barrel of a weapon and out the magazine well. This would prohibit the loading of a magazine, and the subsequent chambering of a round.

     

    Training_Barrel_Ribbon.jpg

     

     

     

    There are many other accessories that can be used to aid in your training off of the range such as:

     

     

    We will be continuing these articles and providing more information on these items, evaluation and reviews on their cost, and functionality as well as their use in training and tactics. Stay tuned. Stay safe. Train hard. ADAPT.

  16. Effective July 1, 2014, the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History is increasing their fee for fingerprint background checks by $2.50.  The current fee is $37.50, which includes both the State and Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks required pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 202.366.   This fee applies to new and renewal CCW Application fees.  Therefore, the new fingerprint background check fee will be $40.00 on July 1, 2014

     

    LVMPD CCW Detail Phone # 702-828-3271

     

    If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

     

    Thank you,

     

     

    Lynn Torres, P#7229
    SR. LEST - FCE
    Fingerprint Bureau, Las Vegas Metropolitan PD
    5880 Cameron St | Las Vegas, NV 89118

    702-828-4170 702-828-1584

     

  17. Appropriate gear as a point of firearms safety.
     
    Continuing our discussion on firearms safety we want to touch on how the appropriate selection, use, and training methods effect our level of safety and proficiency.
     
    First we must begin this discussion with asking WHY? Why do you want to own a firearm? We have already covered this topic in some detail in our article on "Gun and gear selection for home defense and concealed carry."
     
    Firearm selection:

    • Self defense (Home, daily carry)
    • Occupation
    • Recreation
    • Sporting
    • Hunting
    • Collector

    Apr_Article_Uses.jpg
     
    After you determine what firearm is best for your needs, then we have to consider things like Ammunition and Accessories.
     
    The use of appropriate defensive ammunition such as "Hollow Point Ammo" can help reduce the risk of innocent individuals being injured by rounds that may over-penetrate the intended aggressor or if they miss and continue through the walls of a structure.
     
    If you are hunting, or involved in recreation or sporting activities, there are many guides to help you select the right ammunition for your intended target, and even some rules and regulations that prohibit specific ammunition from being used at ranges, or sporting events. Some prohibited ammunition examples are: incendiary, steel core/steel jacketed, or tracer rounds. Some ranges are also requiring lead-free, or frangible ammunition. Be sure to check ahead of time what type of ammunition the location you plan on shooting at allows.
     
    Accessory gear selection:
     
    Holsters
     
    One of the first accessories that comes up in discussions is holsters, because it is probably the most important part of daily carry. All other reasons for owning a firearm (recreation, sporting, hunting, and being a collector) usually do not require a daily carry holster.
     
    A link that we have had up since we started our courses is our Course Gear Page which features some advice about holster selection for course attendance and beyond.
     
    We have also gone a bit further in discussing one holster in particular, after some individuals wanted to debate the safety of the Blackhawk Serpa holster, we wanted to discuss the use and training practices of this particular piece of equipment.

    The article gives additional insight into how to evaluate your choice of gear depending on other variables beyond your reason to own and carry, such as: (safety, cost/value, versatility, functionality, method of carry, operational environment, reliability, durability, and availability)  We encourage you to read the full article to help make a more informed decision on your gear selection.
     
    Safariland_ALS.jpgCrossbreed_IWB.jpg

     

    Use of a cheap, or inappropriate holster can be a danger to you if it hinders your ability to get it out when you need it, or the fit, form, or function can be dangerous if it is for a different weapon, your weapons has had modifications to its trigger or external safeties, or you modify the holster beyond the manufactures original design, or simply do not know how to use the gear appropriately. Know your gear, stay safe, train hard.
     
     Magazines/Speed loaders
     
    Another accessory that is a necessity is high quality magazines and speed loaders. Firearms run out of ammunition and whether you are in a competition, or in a confrontation when you need to reload your weapon seconds count. The act of performing an Emergency Reload is a point of training that should be drilled to a point that it is a reflexive action. The type of firearm you carry, proper instruction in the method of reloading, the placement of your additional ammunition and it's accessibility are all determining factors in your ability to perform this action safely, efficiently, and while under stress.
     
    Selecting your magazine accessories you should consider the same standards as your holster selection.
     
     Apparel
     
    If you are looking for clothing to conceal a firearm on your person you may want to consider straying from the shirts that advertise that you are wearing a weapon, such as your favorite firearms manufacturer, NRA, 2nd Amendment related, or shirts that simply appear "tactical" in design or popularity of use such as covert style 5.11 shirts that most educated individuals can spot sticking out like a sore thumb. Don't advertise a product if your not prepared to demonstrate it's use.
     
    Instead you may want to consider a low-profile look, and make sure of appropriate fit to effectively conceal the firearm without it "printing", or accidentally displaying the firearm as you move about your daily activities (bending over, reaching above your head, etc...) This goes back to knowing your gear and your operational environment.  
     
    Transportation: Gear bags, Cases, Vehicle carry
     
    If you are going to and from the range, from your home to your car and back again, the use of an obvious gun case may not be an issue.
     
    Blackhawk_Gun_Case.jpg
     
    However if you are walking through a casino, on a public transit system, or other place of public resort having a 1000d Cordura Nylon pack kinda sticks out.
     
    Rifle_Pack.pngKhaki_Guncase.jpg
     
    A very safe, and low profile option is a simple case that could contain anything from photography equipment, to sporting goods. A simple way to make the casual observer who might be curious as to what is in that case is to slap a couple of stickers on it labeling it as something else (again.. not your favorite gun site, firearms manufacturer, or pro-gun organization)
     
    Omni_Gun_Case.jpg
     
     
    Security: Safes, lock boxes, hidden compartments
     
    When dealing with the storage of firearms and ammunition there is a balance between "security and accessibility" if you can't get to it when you need it most... you don't "own" a firearm, however if others can access it without your permission you then also don't "own" a firearm... To own a firearm requires responsibility and due diligence.
     
    In selecting your method of storage there are many options to consider.

    • Size
    • Placement
    • Security features
    • Accessibility
    • Operational security

    Size is a fairly simple choice and is based upon your needs. If you only own one firearm then you have more flexibility in your placement and access options, however if you own quite the collection, then you might be limited in placement, and it certainly effects your needs for security features to match.

     

    Apr_Article_Gun_Safe.jpg
     
    When considering placement, you have to think about accessibility. Where do you spend the most time in your home? Or where are you most likely to be when at attack occurs? Is that answer your bedroom while you are sleeping, or perhaps in the home office where you toil from 6am-9pm? Lounging on the couch watching T.V. after a long day at the office?

    Are you looking to have your safe hidden or on display?
     
    Placement determines how quickly to can reach your safe when you need to, and the security features determine how fast you can get it open vs. those you don't want opening it.
     
    To read the past articles in this series and what comes next be sure to check back in, more coming soon! Future topics will include: (Click on the text to read the associated article.)

  18. UNLV Chapter of Students for Concealed Carry is official, and gaining public attention.

     

    The chapter is getting some traction in the local media. We support this chapter, the national organization, and a change in state law to allow students and faculty at our Universities the same rights as state citizens. Why should a constitutional right and seeking higher education be mutually exclusive?

     

     

     

    What changes need to be made in State law for this to become a reality?

     

    Assembly Bill 143 was put forward on Feb 18th, 2013 by several sponsors (listed below)

     

     

    A brief history on the bill AB 143 (read more by clicking on the link)

     

    Introduced in the Assembly on Feb 18, 2013.  

    By: (Bolded name indicates primary sponsorship)
    Fiore, Wheeler, Paul Anderson, Hansen, Hickey, Carrillo, Duncan, Ellison, Grady, Hambrick, Hardy, Kirner, Ohrenschall, Oscarson, Stewart, Woodbury, Gustavson, Settelmeyer, Cegavske, Goicoechea, Hammond, Hardy

     

    Stay tuned for more information about meetings, and events.

  19. Often times people will ask our Staff the question "What is the best firearm for me?"

    In order to answer these questions we always have to ask more questions of the student to find out "who" they are as a firearms owner or potential owner.

    These are some of the questions we ask and why. If you can ask yourself these questions and give yourself honest answers then it will greatly assist you in discovering what the best firearm for you really is.

    • Question 1: Why do you want a firearm?
    • Question 2: Why do you need a firearm?
    • Question 3: How do you intend to use your firearm?
    • Question 4: What is your level of experience with that type of firearm?
    • Question 5: How do you intend to train with your firearm?
    • Question 6: Is this firearm reliable? 
    • Question 7: What can you afford?

    Now around Question #2 this line of questioning can split into several tangents and each has to be discussed in turn.

    You can want a firearm for a variety of reasons (self defense, home defense, recreation, hunting, sport, collector, etc...)

    We want to focus on why you feel you need a firearm. A need far outweighs a want and justifies making some harder decisions when it comes to the final purchase.

    If you feel you need a firearm due to a real credible threat that may exist, then we will suggest a handgun over a rifle or a shotgun, this is not because it is powerful but instead because it it portable and therefore more convenient to carry and thereby readily accessible. (It is better to have and not need, than to need and not have.)

    If you only want a firearm for self defense and do not plan on carrying outside of the home, then we may suggest a shotgun as they are sometimes a readily available, cheaper, and more effective option, however they are ammunition dependent. Rifles are also more effective than a handgun by offering a greater chance of stopping the threat with fewer shots fired, and they do carry more ammunition than shotguns. With rifles and in home use comes other considerations however such as over penetration where rounds may continue through walls and injure others.

    Experience weighs in, in weapons selection as to guide the user to really think about the next question on how they are going to intend to train with the weapon. If a shooter has little to no experience with one weapon system or type over another this will present a steeper learning curve and a longer time to become proficient with that weapon especially under the stress of life threatening encounter. (Whatever you choose to own, we encourage you to find the training appropriate for you needs.)

    Training can increase the effectiveness of any weapon system, the ability to get accurate hits under stress requires more than just practice. It requires constant ongoing training. With a good education base you can continue to train on your own but you have to have a firm foundation to build upon. The other skills that one could need are the ability to reload quickly, and fix malfunctions that may occur.

    If the weapon is going to be used by multiple parties both parties should be able to manipulate the weapon effectively.

    In choosing the weapons functionality ergonomics come into play, the shooter should be able to manipulate all the components of the weapon efficiently. Being able run the action, lock the bolt or slide to the rear, eject and insert new magazines or ammunition in a timely manner.

    We will encourage functionality, and proven reliability over the new trend of the week. Now with reliability, price may become an issue, we want you to be able to get a firearm you can afford, because after all "The first rule in a gun fight is have a gun."

  20. Manipulations and handling as a point of firearms safety.

    (Links in this article may point to internal resources only available to ADAPT members who are currently signed in, log into your ADAPT account to view these links.)

    Continuing our discussion on firearms safety, from general principles into good practices we need to understand how The Universal Safety Rules can be applied when we are handling our firearms. (Discussed in more detail in our previous article "Always start with safety."

    All firearms owners should be  able to manipulate their weapons safely. This includes basic techniques such as checking the condition of a firearm, along with loading and unloading the firearm safely.  In order to prevent  a negligent discharge when simply handling the firearm every student must learn and constantly maintain good trigger finger discipline.

    This is the practice of keeping your finger off the trigger and on a safe reference point on the frame, until ready to shoot. Having this trained muscle memory into your hands takes practice. If your trigger finger is straight and in line with your muzzle this also helps to maintain muzzle consciousness.  

    Firearms_Safety_Rule_3.jpg

    Other techniques that should be learned to aid with muzzle consciousness are the appropriate ways to remove and return your firearms from cases, slinging or placing a weapon on a rack, presentation from and safely returning to a holster.   

    Besides loading and unloading safely, all shooters should know how to perform function and safety checks. Knowing how to inspect your firearm for damage, possible barrel obstructions, and appropriate working functionality.  

    Shooters should also know how to properly identify malfunctions that may occur with their weapon, and know how to safely clear temporary stoppages, and when the issue is beyond the scope of normal malfunctions and maintenance.

    The shooter should know when to take the weapon to a professionally trained gunsmith.  

    Another safety rule that is not always stated but should always be followed is to never attempt to catch a falling weapon.

    More about firearms safety coming soon! Future topics will include: (Click on the text to read the associated article.)

  21. February 5, 2014

    For more information contact:

    Mike Bazinet

    203-426-1320

    Firearms Industry Praises House Passage

    of Bipartisan Sportsmen's Legislation

     

    Newtown, Conn. -- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industries, praised the passage today by the U.S. House of Representatives of the bipartisan Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act.

     

    “The SHARE Act will help ensure that our nation’s outdoor traditions are preserved, protected and promoted. This bipartisan legislation addresses many key priorities for American hunters and recreational shooters and its passage by the House represents a significant accomplishment for the sportsmen's community and for America,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “We would especially like to thank the leadership of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Congressmen Bob Latta (R-Ohio), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Tim Walz (D-Minn.) for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to America’s sportsmen.”

     

    NSSF, along with a number of its partners, has been working closely with members of the House to ensure inclusion of a number of legislative priorities in the SHARE Act including provisions that will protect the use of traditional ammunition and fishing tackle by hunters and anglers, provide greater flexibility for states to utilize Pittman-Robertson funds to create and enhance public shooting ranges and facilitate greater access to Federal lands and waters for hunting, recreational fishing and shooting. In addition, the legislation includes a common sense provision that would allow for the adoption of state law on  water resources development projects administered by the Corps of Engineers. Finally, the legislation permanently authorizes the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee to advise the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture on wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting and recreational shooting.

     

    On Tuesday, a similar package of pro-sportsmen legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate. The Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act, S. 1996, was introduced by Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined by ten co-sponsors from both side of the aisle.  As was the case for the House legislation, an impressive list of sportsmen’s groups is supporting S. 1996 including NSSF, the Boone and Crockett Club, Safari Club International, the Mule Deer Foundation and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. NSSF urges sportsmen, shooters and members of the firearms and ammunition industry to contact their Senators to urge passage of S. 1996.

  22. Call Your Congressman at 202-224-3121 and Urge a YES Vote on the SHARE Act

     

    On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives will be voting on the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act of 2013 -- H.R. 3590.

     

    This comprehensive package was introduced by the bipartisan leadership of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and contains many provisions to promote, protect and preserve hunting and recreational shooting. This is the most important pro sportsmen's legislation in a generation.

     

    NSSF and ADAPT strongly support this package and encourages you to contact your U.S. Representative at 202-224-3121 to urge a YES vote on the SHARE Act.

     

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

     

    Below is the information taken from http://beta.congress.gov/bill/113th/house-bill/3590

     

    Summary: H.R.3590 — 113th Congress (2013-2014)

    There is one summary for this bill. Bill summaries are authored by CRS.

    Shown Here:
    Introduced in House (11/21/2013)

     

    Sportsmen's Heritage And Recreational Enhancement Act of 2013 or the SHARE Act of 2013 - Title I: Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act - Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to exclude from the definition of "chemical substance" for purposes of such Act: (1) any component of any pistol, revolver, firearm, shell, or cartridge the sale of which is subject to federal excise tax, including shot, bullets and other projectiles, propellants, and primers; and (2) any sport fishing equipment the sale of which is subject to federal excise tax and sport fishing equipment components.

     

    Title II: Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act - Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act - Amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to: (1) authorize a state to pay up to 90% of the costs of acquiring land for, expanding, or constructing a public target range; (2) authorize a state to elect to allocate 10% of a specified amount apportioned to it from the federal aid to wildlife restoration fund for such costs; (3) limit the federal share of such costs under such Act to 90%; and (4) require amounts provided for such costs under such Act to remain available for expenditure and obligation for five fiscal years.

     

    Shields the United States from any civil action or claim for money damages for injury to or loss of property, personal injury, or death caused by an activity occurring at a public target range that is funded by the federal government pursuant to such Act or located on federal land, except to the extent provided under the Federal Tort Claims Act with respect to the exercise or performance of a discretionary function.

    Urges the Chief of the Forest Service and the Director of BLM to cooperate with state and local authorities and other entities to carry out waste removal and other activities on any federal land used as a public target range to encourage its continued use for target practice or marksmanship training.

     

    Title III: Public Lands Filming - Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), for any film crew of five persons or fewer, to require a permit and assess an annual fee of $200 for commercial filming activities or similar projects on federal land and waterways administered by the Secretary. Makes such a permit valid for such activities or projects that occur in areas designated for public use during public hours on all federal land and waterways administered by the Secretary for a 12-month period.

     

    Title IV: Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act - Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2013 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to issue a permit for the importation of any polar bear part (other than an internal organ) from a polar bear taken in a sport hunt in Canada to any person: (1) who submits proof that the polar bear was legally harvested before February 18, 1997 (current law); or (2) who has submitted, with an application submitted before May 15, 2008, proof that the bear was legally harvested before such date from a polar bear population from which a sport-hunted trophy could be imported before such date. (Polar bears were listed as a threatened species by the Department of the Interior on May 14, 2008.)

     

    Title V: Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act - Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act of 2013 - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 to exempt an authorized taking of migratory birds and collection of their eggs by indigenous inhabitants of Alaska from the prohibition on taking under the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act.

     

    Grants the Secretary of the Interior permanent authority to authorize any state to issue electronic duck stamps.

    Sets forth state electronic duck stamp application requirements.

     

    Allows the Secretary to determine the number of new states permitted per year to participate in the electronic duck stamp program.

     

    Instructs the Secretary to require electronic stamp revenue and customer information collected by each state to be transmitted in accordance with a written agreement between the Secretary and the state.

     

    Title VI: Access to Water Resources Development Projects Act - Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act of 2013 - Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from promulgating or enforcing any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm at a water resources development project administered by the Chief of Engineers if: (1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, and (2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the state in which the project is located.

     

    Title VII: Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to establish the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee to advise the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture (USDA) on wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting, and recreational shooting.

    (Abolishes the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council.)

     

    Title VIII: Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - Declares that recreational fishing and hunting are environmentally acceptable and beneficial activities that occur and can be provided on public lands and waters without adverse effects on other uses or users.

     

    Requires a federal public land management official, in cooperation with the respective state and fish and wildlife agency, to exercise the authority of the official under law, including regarding land use planning, to facilitate the use of, and access to, federal public land for fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting, except as described in this Act.

    Requires the heads of federal public land management agencies to exercise their discretion in a manner that supports and facilitates hunting, recreational fishing, and recreational shooting opportunities, to the extent authorized under applicable law.

     

    Prohibits actions taken under this Act or actions concerning the National Wildlife Refuge System under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 from being considered to be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.

     

    Prohibits public land management officials from being required to consider the existence or availability of recreational fishing, hunting, or shooting opportunities on adjacent or nearby lands in the planning for or determination of which public lands are open for these activities or in the setting of levels of use for these activities on public lands, unless the combination or coordination of such opportunities would enhance the opportunities available to the public.

    Requires that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service land, excluding land on the Outer Continental Shelf, be open to recreational fishing, hunting, or shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity. Permits closures or restrictions on such land for purposes including resource conservation, public safety, energy or mineral production, energy generation or transmission infrastructure, water supply facilities, national security, protection of private property rights, or compliance with other law.

     

    Requires agencies to: (1) lease or permit use of federal public land for shooting ranges, and (2) designate specific land for recreational shooting activities. Declares that the provision of opportunities for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and the conservation of fish and wildlife to provide sustainable use recreational opportunities on designated wilderness areas on federal public lands constitutes the measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements for the administration of such areas. Provides that such declaration does not authorize or facilitate commodity development, use, or extraction, motorized recreational access or use that is not otherwise allowed under the Wilderness Act, or permanent road construction or maintenance within designated wilderness areas.

     

    Reaffirms the provisions of the Wilderness Act that stipulate that wilderness purposes are "within and supplemental to" the purposes of the underlying federal land unit. Requires the head of each federal agency, when seeking to carry out fish and wildlife conservation programs and projects or providing fish and wildlife dependent recreation opportunities on designated wilderness areas, to implement these supplemental purposes while not impeding on the underlying conservation purpose. Prohibits such implementation from authorizing or facilitating commodity development, use or extraction, or permanent road construction or use within designated wilderness areas.

     

    Requires biennial reports on closures of federal public lands to sport hunting, recreational fishing, or shooting. Sets forth requirements for specified closures or significant restrictions involving 640 or more contiguous acres of federal public land or water to hunting or recreational fishing or related activities.

     

    Instructs federal public land agencies to consult with the advisory councils specified in Executive Orders 12962 (relating to recreational fisheries) and 13443 (relating to the facilitation of hunting heritage and wildlife conservation) in carrying out this Act.

     

     

    _________________________________________________________________________________________________

     

    To view this bill as an interactive web page click here.

     

    To view the bill text as a PDF online click here. To download it for review later we have attached it to this document.

    BILLS-113hr3590ih.pdf

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