Common Sense, Witch Hunts and Conniption Fits

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Articles written from the Left plead for a "common sense" discussion about gun control.  What they fail to understand is this... When it comes to the Second Amendment, there is nothing to discuss, just as there is no discussion about controlling First Amendment protections on free speech. It doesn't make any difference how many polls or surveys or studies there are - The Second Amendment is a Right, not subject to opinion. Even if polls ran 99% in favor of gun control, it doesn't matter. The Bill of Rights protects the one from the many (tyranny). If you protect the Rights of the one, you protect the Rights of all.

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I think we need a law that makes it illegal to break a law... Wait... did I just use Gun Control Logic?

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I think they should pass a "Criminal Must Run" law. When a criminal in the act of committing a crime meets up with an individual who chooses to defend himself from said criminal committing the crime, the criminal committing the crime must run away from the crime scene or be arrested. That ought to take care of all our problems

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Having body cams on Cops is about one thing and one thing only. The ability to ensure that the Citizens of this Country are protected from those that are paid to protect and serve us. Everything else is smoke and mirrors. The very reason LE is going to body cams is due to far to many LEO's behaving as if they are the judge and jury. The camera's will do two things - Make peace officers follow the law and treat Citizens with respect while Citizens will have to do the same. This is a win / win.

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Michael Bloomberg is beginning to look a lot like Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy whipped Americans into a frenzy, making a mountain out of a Communist molehill - then fell hard when the American public not only realized it, but understood the insidiousness of his propganda. Bloomberg is like that - His message, couched in emotion, fear and "common sense" is not only insidious, but sinister as well. Thankfully, due to the fight of sane and fearless Citizens, he's beginning to look desperate and stupid - and to be honest, like many narcissists,  he's just not bright enough to know this is a war he can't win.  He is on the wrong side of the argument.

It will always be a fight, but I don't think he has the backing of as many as he believes. Oh, they may be loud and animated - which serves his out of control ego well - but there's just not that many of them.

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If I hear one more politician or rights activist use the phrase "common sense" I'm going to puke.
 
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It seems as though many people assume that if you carry into a place with a non-compliant No Guns sign and they find out you have a gun, you will be "asked to leave."  What if you aren't "asked to leave?"  What if they panic and call the police about a "man with a gun!"

Thanks, but I think I will just leave my sidearm in the car or better yet, not go in.  They don't want my business?  They don't get my business.

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Each time I go to my Grandkids school for a play, school event, sports or just to pick them up, it seems so silly that I can't walk right in with my sidearm concealed.  I stand there, look at all the children, the parents - a school full of targets - and it just seems comical that I am not allowed to stand there with them, with my gun.  I had the same thought when I went to the hospital to see an Aunt who had surgery.  There I am, standing outside her door, waiting for my Wife to come out.  It's quiet, calm and serene - and I'm thinking that this is so stupid that I have to disarm in the parking lot.

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Speaking of wives, mine didn't like the idea of guns, but didn't give me too much flak.  She would've just as soon I not carry... all the standard stuff, Grandkids, accidents, how do I know for sure the gun won't break and go off.   She would look away or have a physical reaction (flinch) when I unholstered in the car and put the gun into the locking glove box right in front of her passenger seat.  Now?  It doesn't bother her at all.  She has become accustomed to the sight of my sidearm.  She opens the glove box for me before I unholster.  And she feels safer when we go out.  I guess with concealed carry, there is an adjustment time for everyone!

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Order a copy of my new book "I'm Married... Shoot Me!"  for just $7.70 -The harrowing tales of your average Husband. Children, insanity and manly cowardice, all wrapped up in love - is now available through Lulu.com

SCOTUS Drops The Ball In Drug Sniffing Dog Ruling

As reported over the last couple of days, the Supreme Court of the United States - in a 6-3 Majority ruling led by Justice Ginsberg's opinion - decided that Nebraska Police officers required a warrant to search a car with a drug sniffing dog after a traffic stop was completed.

LINK: Read the Courts opinion HERE

Now, in many circles this ruling is being hailed as a victory for the Fourth Amendment - which lately has been taking more punches to the head than smooth talking Leon Spinks.  But the reality is, the only change brought forth by the SCOTUS ruling is how Police will conduct traffic stops.

Officers in the Nebraska case stopped the car, wrote the ticket and then detained the vehicle and occupants for an additional 7-8 minutes while awaiting the arrival of a drug sniffing K-9.  When the dog arrived the Police were told by the occupants that they did not consent to a search.  They were removed from the car and on the second trip around, the dog pointed on what turned out to be a bag of meth under the seat.

“Absent reasonable suspicion, police extension of a traffic stop in order to conduct a dog sniff violates the Constitution’s shield against unreasonable seizures,” Ginsburg said, in an opinion joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

So the reality is, they didn't rule that drug sniffing dogs trampled on your Fourth Amendment Rights,  they ruled the dog must be brought to the car within the time frame of the traffic stop.

My question is this - absent Probable Cause, how is it ever legal to detain a citizen of the U.S.A.?  

If an LEO has Probable Cause, then he should search the car - just open the car door and start rooting around.
But, if an LEO has to bring in a dog to confirm his inkling, then all he has is a hunch, and hunches aren't included in any way, shape or form in the wording of the Fourth Amendment.  Detaining someone because you have a "feeling" about them, or they are acting "hinky" is not Probable Cause by any definition and doesn't hold up in Court.  And by that standard, if you have to wait for a dog to give you Probable Cause to do a search, then you had no right to detain them in the first place. You have - purely and simply - violated their Fourth Amendment Rights.

For a long time now, our Fourth Amendment Rights have been slowly eroded as the Courts have sided again and again with Police, using the "in the interest of public safety" ruse.  With this ruling, SCOTUS had the opportunity to cut a wider swath, putting teeth back into the Fourth Amendment - but alas, they dropped the ball.

In the end, they could have restored Honor and Integrity to the Bill of Rights.  They could have taken back what has been given away.  They could have pushed back against the militarization of Police in this Country.  But they didn't.

And then my question becomes...Why?

Stay Safe and Carry Responsibly
Hipshot

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Order a copy of my new book "I'm Married... Shoot Me!"  for just $7.70 -The harrowing tales of your average Husband. Children, insanity and manly cowardice, all wrapped up in love - is now available through Lulu.com

Treasonous Politicians, Accidental Deaths and the Cost of Concealed Carry

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I am 58-year-old male, married with two children and five grandchildren (plus one on the way!), a gun owner and a concealed carry permit holder. If I choose to go out with my family and friends to an establishment that makes more than 50% of its profits from alcohol, then I should be able to do so without the intrusion of uninformed and fearful legislators!  Like any private business in Illinois, if those business' don't want legal guns in their private establishments, then they may display a sign stating this (and lose my business forever). This insidious notion that gun owners are unable to contain themselves from twirling their guns, shooting them in the air and drinking at the same time has got to stop. We are already held to the same stiff laws and standards of alcohol consumption that Illinois drivers must follow, but to attempt to legislate a man's conscience is not only abhorrent but anti-American.

I'm tired of those State Legislators who believe they were voted into office to protect us from ourselves. You were not! You are here to serve your constituency, no more and no less. When you attempt to circumvent the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the very piece of paper you swore to uphold when you took office, your true self shows through and, as far as I'm concerned, borders on Treason. Shame on you for your God-like stance that you know what's better for us than we do.


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If you've escalated the fight and then we're forced to draw and shoot your adversary, you will have plenty of time to sit on your principles in prison, while your loved ones are bled dry by a lawsuit from the family of the deceased. It's not about "making the smart choice" as to when you pull your firearm. It's making the smart choice to:

1) Not be in the position in the first place.
2) Make sure you've done everything possible to diffuse the situation
3) If necessary - just get the hell out of dodge.

If a situation breaks out and you make a series of decisions that incites that situation and you find yourself getting your head beat in and you pull out your gun to "stand your ground" or "defend against a lethal attack" and you didn't attempt 1, 2 or 3, the jury isn't going to care whether you made the smart choice - only that you made a series of bad choices first.

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The CDC reported in 2010 - Accidental deaths for children 14 and under (they don't use children above that age as gangs play a huge roll in gun deaths) were reported as:

34% accidental death due to a car accident
23% accidental death due to drowning
17% accidental death due to fire
7% accidental death due to suffocation
6% accidental death due to a conglomeration of incidents
2% accidental death due to poisoning
>1.5% accidental death to due gunshot

As a mother or father, if your six-year-old went to a friends home to play, would you be more worried that the parents owned guns or that they had a pool? Would you be more worried if your child went with someone who legally possessed a concealed carry permit or with someone who didn't buckle them in when going in the car?  So for every child who dies due to an accidental gunshot, 55 die due to drowning, or fire, or suffocation or poisoning or other things... yet gun control is the debate? Guns are what this Country is so worried about?

People who push gun control while standing on the backs of dead children, don't care that children die, only how they die.  The agenda is banning guns - emotion and fear are how they believe they can get there.

Shame on them.

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Gun control folks don't lose the argument because of inept tactics or being underfunded. They lose because they are wrong, and no amount of money can change that one, single, solitary fact.
 
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Received my Concealed Carry license in March of 14, and if there is one thing I've learned in the time I've been carrying it's this... No one knows or cares.  Good belt, good holster, loose shirt = concealed.

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I won't be moving anytime soon, but if I did it would be West Texas, Western Oklahoma, or the southwest.  I love Montana and Wyoming but I've had my fill of winters.  I actually like the cold, but I just can't take the snow anymore.

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All I know is that when I'm not carrying, not only do I feel something is missing, I feel vulnerable. Starting out, I would have never believed I would reach that point.  So far, this has been one strange trip, indeed.

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Illinois anti-gun politicians worked hard to stop its citizenry from getting a concealed carry license in more ways than one.  My classes were $260 + $150 for the license = $410  Add-in ammo and gas and lunch both days of class and its darn close to $500 without the prints (which I supplied). This amount of money is outrageous! And I've been out of work since July 2013, so it hurts!  $75 for a change of address?  Are you kidding me?  I can see a point where a class action suit is brought against the State for impeding peoples ability to exercise their Second Amendment Rights.  The money paid should do nothing except cover the States cost to issue the license, not to update their outdated systems.

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My new book "I'm Married... Shoot Me!"  The harrowing tales of your average Husband. Children, insanity and manly cowardice, all wrapped up in love - is now available through Lulu.com  

Responsible Parenting, Stacking Evidence, Crazy Hoplophobes & Elitest Politicians

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I've always felt that only when parents are held responsible for the actions of their children (school attendance, behavior, etc.) will we see a decline in violence.  Whether it be a fine when your child is truant or serving time when your child does something egregious, I think some parents need to be nudged into the understanding that they are the parent.  Not society.  Not the police.  Not the government.  Not the schools.  Not Jerry Springer.


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Should you ever - God Forbid - be involved in a shooting situation, keep the following in mind...

A trial isn't about "one" piece of evidence.  It's about many small pieces that will attempt to show your intent.  Trigger job, lighter, faster, deadlier?  Yep.  Extra Special hand loads, dialed in to the gun to make them more lethal?  Yep.  Pictures on Facebook showing you pointing your gun "thug" style?  Yep.  Your signature on your gun forum profile is "Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six?"  Yep.  Found comments on a news link where you stated "... if anyone comes up to me and my family with a knife, you can be damn sure the police won't need an ambulance, but a coroner."  Yep.   They just keep stacking it...

Unfortunately, it can be all about perception.  Is that right?  Nope.  But it is what it is.  Think through everything you do, everything you learn, everything you post.  It could mean the difference between Guilty or Not Guilty.  Personally, I use hydra-shoks, I don't do trigger jobs and my intent in all situations is to run like hell, whenever possible.

To each his own, risk vs reward is a personal choice.

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There are always going to be people who have an anti gun opinion.  If its an opinion supported thru ignorance, at least you have a chance to educate them and possibly change their minds.  When you have someone whose opinion is anti gun and that opinion is supported due to fear, the task of education is monumentally tougher.  But when you have someone who is ignorant, fearful and stupid, you might just as well move it along, because there isn't anything we can do to change their minds.  Any attempt at a conversation is a losing battle, which I avoid, for my own sanity.

This is from the "Speakout" column in a local Illinois newspaper - The Lombardian- where anyone can call in and have an opinion...

"This is a message to the gentleman or lady who is so happy to be able to conceal and carry. I hope I’m not in the restaurant when someone comes up to you or your spouse and maybe looks at you wrong or says something wrong and you feel threatened and pull out your gun and shoot that person. Apparently, concealed carry is just making you feel stronger and making you feel you have the right to shoot before you speak. I think it’s pretty sad that in order to feel safe, or think you feel safe, you need to have a gun on your person."

I read not too long ago - "Ignorant people are more likely to doubt the truth of facts that contradict their beliefs."  Yep, it's like that.

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From The Blaze...

All told, the firearms industry contributes more than $33 billion to the U.S. economy and supports about 220,000 jobs, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. That’s more than double the North American payrolls of General Motors, which President Barack Obama called “a pillar of our economy” when he explained the decision to provide more taxpayer aid to help save the car maker in 2009.

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From Breitbart

"On July 14, 2014, Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-2nd) put forth H.R. 5093--the Children's Firearm Marketing Safety Act--to keep firearm-branded shirts, hats, and "stuffed animals" from being marketed to children."
According to the text of H.R. 5093, the Children's Firearm Marketing Safety Act would also prohibit the "manufacturing of a gun with colors or designs that are specifically designed with the purpose to appeal to children."
It also bans the manufacturing of other guns fathers use to teach their children how to shoot, unless those guns are covered with warnings like "Real gun, not a toy...", "Actual firearm the use of which may result in death or serious bodily injury," "Dangerous weapon," and/or "similar language determined by the Federal Trade Commission."

Thanks Robin, but if you don't mind, I will decide what my children wear and don't wear.  I don't need you or any other self righteous, over-reaching, hoplophobic, Bloomberg bought, anti-gun Politician attempting to legislate my conscience or to force your way of thinking on me and mine.  Such an arrogant, pompous, bassackward thinking megalomaniac.

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I don't think that's going to fit in the glove box of my car when I go to pick up my Grandson from school...






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 An Alternate Look at Handgun Stopping Power

It was interesting, but I really wish he had included "shots fired."  I would like to have seen the percentage of hits vs shots fired and how that correlated to each caliber.

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As far as ISIS is concerned...

It's time to let them get back to killing each other.  This is what they do.  This is what they've done for

centuries.  All the hatred that is reflected back on us is due to our unwanted involvement in their feuds - dating back to the late 40's & early 50's when we (and Britain) decided it was in our best interests to put the Shah in place.

And we have been meddling ever since.

How would we feel if France and Brazil didn't like how our country was being run and decided it was in THEIR best interests to involve themselves in the running of our country?

I vote to stay out and let them slaughter each other.  Let them run their countries they way they want.  If people there don't like it?  Then they can join the fight for freedom.

But, in the end, if we decide to go to war?  Then it must be done following the Constitution, have Congress vote on an Act of War and if it is approved, go in full tilt and finish it completely and quickly.  Go in to win.

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I used to believe, that no matter what, no matter your political affiliation, no matter your personal feelings, when the President of the USA called you into his office, you went.

But since Obama?

Not anymore.  I would refuse to shake the hand of any person who was smiling as they stabbed me in the back - and having a big office with a nice title isn't going to change that.  Not going to do it.  Not going to happen.

He can bite me.

Stay Safe and Carry Responsibly
Hipshot

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My new book "I'm Married... Shoot Me!"  The harrowing tales of your average Husband. Children, insanity and manly cowardice, all wrapped up in love - is now available through Lulu.com  

Violence or Defense, Bullhide, How Are You Packing & A Great Safe

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Anti gun people never understand one small thing... I am not committing an act of violence if I should draw my sidearm in self defense.  I am reacting to violence against me and mine,  I am not being violent.  I am stopping violence.

Big difference.

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I bought my first gun belt from the Holster Store Custom Leather on Ebay for $39.95.  Thick, heavy, stiff, it arrived a few days later. I shipped it back to them 5 days after I received it when the inside of the belt, at the holes, cracked and peeled to the point it was flaking off.  A complete piece of junk.  Filed a complaint, with pictures, to eBay and my money was refunded.

I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a good belt as I am in the process of losing a lot of weight.  But buying cheap didn't work.  So I went back online and ordered from another company.  Just yesterday I received my new one from Bullhide Belts ($74.95) and it looks miles better than the other one.  It comes with a three year warranty - I bought the belt in the picture here.  Hopefully it will do its job for the foreseeable future.

UPDATED:  This belt has been terrific!  One year into everyday wear and it is still stiff and straight.  I wholeheartedly endorse Bullhide Belts!

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This country averages around 385,000 home fires and roughly 600,000+ defensive gun uses each year.  Average response time from the Fire Department and the Police is about the same, 6-9 minutes.  Now, if the anti gun people claim you don't need a gun, because the Police are only a phone call away... why do they have a Fire Extinguisher in the home?

Do tell...

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You could give me 1000 situations and I believe I would be hard pressed not to find a way to skee daddle in 999 of them.  I want out.  I don't want a fight.  I don't want a confrontation.  I just want to go home.

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What do you use as your range bag?  My Father-in-law passed in 00' and I use his leather golf accessory bag.  Three zippers - Main bag and two side bags.  Works great for my guns, ammo, eyes and ears.  In the bag you will also find a small tool kit, targets, gun oil and other miscellaneous stuff.

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I use the Sentry Safe gun safe for my close-by storage.  I tried a couple of other safes (made very chintzy) and saw a video of how easy it was to break in to some of them.  I then read reviews about the Sentry Safe, bought one and never looked back!  The Sentry Safe's reset button is under the battery plate and can't be reached without opening the safe.  The leading edge of the safe door is rolled down to make it very difficult to get a wedge in deep enough to pry it open.  Its 12" x 9-15/16" x 3-3/16" x 3" and it weighs 12 lbs!  I'm not saying you can't get into a small safe with a little extra effort, but this one makes it a little more difficult.  I have five Grandkids at my house almost daily (we have a pool and they live less than a mile away).  They range in age from 2 to 11 and I don't worry at all - that and the fact the safe is butted up to the ceiling of the wall (I'm 6-3 and reach it just fine).

I would recommend the SentrySafe to anyone, and do it without reservations.

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How do we educate the public on the Second Amendment?  How do we make them understand that guns aren't the problem, but the people behind the trigger?  By being the cogent, concise, low key and rational one in the discussion.  That's how you educate the populace.  That's how you find vindication.

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Gavel Graphic from Fully Informed Jury Association

I have served on several juries.  I've found it quite interesting and enjoyed the experience.  Plus, never forget Jury Nullification!  The layman's power (and by the Constitution - our Right) to tell legislators that a law is no good or that a law is unconstitutional.  A judge who tells you - 'if the evidence shows the defendant is guilty, the law requires you to vote guilty' is lying to you.  Once in the jury room, you can vote whichever way your conscience leads you.


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My new book "I'm Married... Shoot Me!"  The harrowing tales of your average Husband. Children, insanity and manly cowardice, all wrapped up in love - is now available through Lulu.com  

The Rational Approach, Snakes, The Golf Swing & Open Carry Agitators

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I keep my head down and go about my business.  If the topic of guns or concealed carry comes up, I calmly and rationally put in my two cents.  If I am questioned or challenged, I calmly and rationally answer and rebut.  10 times out of 10 the other person - not me - comes off as irrational and emotional while I come off as lucid, calm, rational and knowledgeable.  I am the antithesis of the stereotypical, frothing at the mouth, shouting down, camo wearing, tobacco chewing, from my cold dead hands gun owner that is portrayed by many in the media.

Maybe I don't change anyone's mind - maybe I do.  But I assure you they walk away with a different view of gun owners in general.  They may still be anti gun.  They may still think owning a gun is stupid.  But maybe, just maybe they are a little more tolerant of our view point just because of this chance contact with a sane, normal man - married with children and grandchildren, bills to pay, baseball games to attend, lakes to fish, Anniversaries to celebrate, funerals to attend, sick friends to help - who just happens to own a gun for defense.

In this fight, how we conduct ourselves is our greatest asset.  We just need to be aware of that.

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Trust me, when I play golf, it doesn't matter whether I carry or not, or what I carry when I do -  my swing looks like a man trying to kill a cobra in a phone booth.   And for 'summer wear' I have a Taurus tcp 380 in a Desantis Pocket Tuk.  I wear IWB and don't even know its there.

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Like many, I have Grandchildren.  Five to be exact (with a sixth on the way!)  It guts me to know that here in Illinois, when I take them to the Zoo, the Museum, the Playground, the Library or go to watch them play baseball, softball, basketball or sing or act in a play, I can't protect them - forced by legislation to leave my gun in my car.  It just guts me.

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Recently I was asked - "How will you know the world changed and yesterday's laws no longer apply?"

My response -  "When my neighbor eats the face of my other neighbor and then turns his cold dead eyes on me."

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Count me among those who would rather the Open Carry (OC) guys, when in a pro OC walk, not dress like hunters after a month long trek across the Alaskan wilderness.  Whenever there is a pro OC assembly, the Media arrives, cameras rolling, looking for an "interesting" shot to put on the air for the 10:00 PM news.

Do they film those who are dressed in polo shirts, khakis and shined shoes?  Do they film those who are clean shaven or have trimmed facial hair?  Do they film those with pistols in OWB holsters?

In a word, No.

Remember, when you walk out the door, you represent all of your brethren in the fight for our Second Amendment Rights.  You don't have to conform, you don't have to be Mr GQ, but please, for Gods sake, at least be normal!

Which of these people do you want to be associated with?

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The question should never be, when can you shoot, but, when do I have to shoot.  The scenario doesn't make any difference at all.  In any scenario you should be looking for a way out.  Period.  I am looking for a way to get me and my people out - anyway, anyhow.  When all of those options have failed or been closed off, when I have no other outs, that's when the decision is made for me.

Stay Safe and Carry Responsibly
Hipshot

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My new book "I'm Married... Shoot Me!"  The harrowing tales of your average Husband. Children, insanity and manly cowardice, all wrapped up in love - is now available through Lulu.com  

Libertarians, The Zombie Nation & The Psychology of Anti Gunners

**************************************************************************************************** I am utterly amused by the outrage and indignation from both sides of the Religious Freedom / Gay Rights legislative wars - both sides attempting to force their personal views on each other.

As a Libertarian I don't much care what people think or believe or who they are sleeping with.  I just don't care - to each their own, enjoy your life!  But as a Libertarian, I believe if you own a business and or property, you have the right to run it anyway you like, including the right to discriminate against anyone, anything or any idea you choose (including putting a NO GUN sign on your door).  It's your Right to be a bigot, your Right to be an idiot, your Right to be a self righteous prick.  But, as a Libertarian, I also believe the free market will put those people out of business (or hurt their business to the point of changing their outlook) because no one will patronize their establishment and their business will die on the vine, just like a Bad Idea.  I believe in personal freedom- even for idiots - and why would anyone want to spend their hard earned, heavily taxed money where they obviously aren't wanted?  Just makes no sense.

Of course these same people who are crying and screaming and suing over their personal Rights have no problem at all denying my Right to Keep and Bear Arms under the Second Amendment.  Can you say H Y P O C R I T E?

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Typical Voting American on his way to the tennis match

I always think of American citizens as the crowd at a political tennis match, all clustered together in the stands, sitting like zombies awaiting a feast.  In a syncopated rhythm our heads move back and forth in unison, staring in an hypnotic trance at the political argument that is the tennis ball being stroked by the combatants, the Republicans and the Democrats.  Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth... then a Libertarian yells "FREEDOM!"  In unison our heads snap to the voice, our zombie eyes briefly flicker to life, brains ratcheting like a rusty chainsaw , thoughts take shape and then, like ghosts at sunrise, fade away... and then slowly, one by one, we turn our heads back to the political game at hand, the ball continuing to move back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth...

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I've only owned guns since December of 2012 - definitely a newbie in the grand scheme of things - I have my concealed carry license and like all of you, I've spent enormous amounts of time and money educating myself on this lifestyle.  I've read all the books I can get my hands on and subscribe to several Conceal Carry / Gun forums.

All in the name of self defense of myself and innocents alike.  Just like you.

This particular article (listed below) gave me insight into the inner workings of the anti-gunners mind, why he thinks the way he does and how to gently work to change his mind, making him question his own line of thought without causing the defensive, emotional and irrational reaction we have all seen before.  I'm sure many of you have already read it and many more already know the information.

For those that haven't, I hope you find it as interesting as I did.
Raging Against Self Defense:
A psychiatrist Examines The Anti-Gun Mentality

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I will never understand those that fear the second person with a gun more than the first person with a gun who is trying to murder all the people who don't have a gun.  How does that work?  And what more could you possibly ask for than some stranger who is willing to step in and put their own life on the line to defend you and yours right here? Right now?

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In 2013 I went to my local police station to get my fingerprints for the Florida Concealed Carry permit.  The Officer taking the prints asked what they were for.  I told him that I was applying for my Florida license and explained why (at that time it was bandied about that having an out of state license would
allow you to carry in Illinois after January 1 - until you received your Illinois license).  I specifically said "this way I can carry until Illinois lets me carry."

The Officer looked at me and said "Let you carry?  Let you have your rights?  What are you... a Democrat!?"

I broke out laughing and he explained that in fact he could not care less about someones political affiliation, but he thought that everyone should have a gun in the home to protect themselves and that those that want to carry outside should be able to do so without interference.  He talked about the people of Boston who were locked in their homes while the police chased the bombers, going house to house.  He just couldn't fathom (and neither could any of us) how someone would have to stay locked in their homes without protection against the bad guys.

They really are on our side.   I'm sure you've all seen it, but here is the link to a PoliceOne survey of 15,000 officers...

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I think everyone can agree that for the average person, one or two drinks with dinner isn't going to impair their judgement.  Personally I don't usually drink and carry, but certainly, to each their own.  My only concern - should a lethal force situation arise - is to defend me and mine while fighting to come out the other side alive.  If it all goes bad, there is going to be storm of stuff going on afterwards and I don't need an over zealous anti-gun DA salivating at the opportunity to put me away because he discovered I had two 7 & 7's with my three hour dinner.  I don't need a jury with a closet MDA lady itching to make an example out of me.

My goal is to protect me and mine and that doesn't mean just during the fight.  I am no good to my family while in prison on a trumped up charge.  I wouldn't be doing my wife any favors by having a civil suit go against me because I was drinking that night.  I won't make her destitute over a couple of drinks with dinner.

Again, I'm not preaching, I'm just giving my thoughts on the subject and why I do what I do.

Stay Safe and Carry Responsibly,

Hipshot

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My new book "I'm Married... Shoot Me!"  The harrowing tales of your average Husband. Children, insanity and manly cowardice, all wrapped up in love - is now available through Lulu.com 

Sheepdogs, Wolves and Shivering Sheep

“There are three types of people in this world: sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs.  Some people prefer to believe that evil doesn’t exist in the world, and if it ever darkened their doorstep, they wouldn’t know how to protect themselves. Those are the sheep.  Then you’ve got predators, who use violence to prey on the weak.  They’re the wolves.  And then there are those blessed with the gift of aggression, an overpowering need to protect the flock.  These men are the rare breed who live to confront the wolf. They are the sheepdog.” 
- Wayne Kyle to his son Chris in "American Sniper,"  Clint Eastwood's interpretation of the autobiographical book of the same name.

The above quote is loosely based on an essay entitled “On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs” by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and although it was not in Chris Kyles autobiography, it was written into the script to give depth to who Chris Kyle was and what he was about.

Since the movies blockbuster opening, the term has quickly become a rallying point, an expression of pride pertaining to those who own and carry a sidearm for protection of themselves and others - but I
believe the quote goes deeper than that.  I certainly trust that those who have made the commitment to carry a gun for self-defense, who have spent countless hours and dollars training, are far more likely to be a Sheepdog than those that invest in Hope as a last line of defense in the most dire of circumstances.  I think those who carry have a heightened sense of responsibility to themselves and their loved ones, and by extension,  an innate sense of responsibility to those who are defenseless in the face of the Wolves. But in the context of the movie, I think it is more a warriors ideal than a statement of fact.  It is meant to bring out the hidden Sheepdog in all of us, to help us identify not just who we are, but who we can aspire to be.  Maybe what Chris Kyle's Father is saying is more a question than a statement.  Maybe what he is asking is this - Can you imagine the world and how it would be if we taught our children that it's a noble and just thing to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves?  To believe in and live by a Code of Honor that includes faith of principles and the strength of will to stand by them?

How much better would our world be if more people were Sheepdogs than Sheep?

In the end, if you consider yourself a Sheepdog, the lingering question you then have to ask is this... Do I want anyone else to know I'm a Sheepdog?

If you are Pro 2A, own a gun and or carry concealed, you've probably had discussions with close friends and family about your decision to carry and your beliefs in defending your Second Amendment Rights, and while most of us don't go around boasting about carrying a sidearm, there are probably more people who know you carry than you might suspect.  And this might be a problem.

By writing this blog and posting pro 2A articles to my Facebook page, many people know I carry a gun for self protection.  I've talked with many of them on the reasons why, or put them to my blog for answers to their questions.  But is this a good thing?

I like to think that I am educating those Sheep who would have our Second Amendment Rights suppressed by legislation, and I believe in the long haul that's how we make a difference.  We don't need to turn the Sheep into pro gun people, but if we can assuage their fears about those who carry, make it more of a "I don't want to carry, but I don't care if you do" ideal, we still win the fight.  But in a bad situation, I'm not so sure I want the Sheep to know I am carrying.

If the Sheep know you carry, are those people going to expect a certain response from you given their only real experience of these predicaments come from any number of television shows?  And in any given situation, are the Sheep going to feel threatened where you may not?  Do you want a fearful Sheep to unexpectedly offer up the fact that you're carrying, possibly inflaming a manageable situation?  Or worse yet, what if you are say, in a restaurant or a bank when three guys decide to walk in and rob the place?  Maybe they tell everyone to get on the floor.  Maybe they tell everyone that if anyone does something stupid, they will kill you all.  Maybe you've decided that the odds and logistics, at this point, are against you, and you decide to wait until an opportunity arises before making a move, if you make any at all.  And then, from out of nowhere, someone you know who is a Sheep, someone who is shaking with the fear of dying, points at you and tells the bad guys that you have a gun!  What then?  Their fear that you would pull your gun and get them all killed has now changed the situation in a very bad way.  They may have forced your hand or, worse yet, they may have just gotten you killed.

So, I think it's important to think through every angle when making decisions on what we say and to who.  For their safety and for ours.

As was told on a forum I belong to, a few couples are leaving a concert in Chicago, several of them are staunch anti gun people, but they are aware, through many discussions, that one in their crowd carries for self defense purposes.  As they turn to the large, fairly empty parking lot, they see several people of suspect intentions standing around their car, which is now by itself in the corner of the lot.  And now, these Sheep who want your gun banned, look at you and ask... "Do you have your gun on you?"

When the situation becomes menacing, everyone loves a Sheepdog.  But don't get your Sheepdog shot.

Stay Safe and Carry Responsibly
Hipshot

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Celebrities and the Second Amendment, Artwork and Keeping Our Children Safe

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Whenever I hear a celebrity speak out on the Second Amendment and gun control,  they seem to have an air of superiority about them, an arrogance, a self important smile of haughty derision that turns my ears deaf.  They almost never have anything to say of real importance or substance, always spewing emotional fear mongering, liberal buzzwords and over-used "facts" that have been rebutted ad nauseum - while showing just enough contempt for their audience to drive home their own closely held belief that they are smarter and better educated than the masses who would dare question their opinions as anything other than fact.  They truly have no idea how comical they are.

Bob Costas... are you listening?

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Is it a coincidence that BAFTE attempted to ban SS109 and M855 types of 5.56mm ammunition just one month after a U.N. ammo ban proposal of the same round?  Is it a coincidence that the Dictator Obama is knee deep in support of the U.N. Small Arms Treaty that Congress has already rejected?

And here's the kicker... The Dictator doesn't care that you know he tried to put one over on you.  He lives and dies with the clear conscience of someone who believes wholeheartedly in the Saul Alinsky / Cloward-Piven tenet that "the ends always justify the means."

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Some guns are a work of art. 

Plain and simple.

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I find it disheartening that gun control zealots are so blinded by their fear and hatred of an inanimate object that they would rather their child fall into harms way than teach them the NRA's Eddie Eagle program for child safety.   The simple lesson below, from the NRA site...

"Parents can teach their children the Eddie Eagle program at home. Simply call the Eddie eagle program at (800) 231-0752 or email eddie@nrahq.org to request a sample kit. Each kit includes a copy of the student workbook and sticker for your child along with program statistics, a description of material, an order form and the Parent's Guide to Gun Safety.  The Eddie Eagle program has no agenda other than accident prevention -- ensuring that children stay safe should they encounter a gun."

Yep... why would anyone want to teach their children how to stay safe should they happen upon a gun?  The antis prefer Moral superiority over child safety... sounds a little twisted if you ask me.  And here I thought it was for the children.

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Dogfight In Illinois Legislature Over Criminal Protection Zones

Here in the State of Illinois, law abiding citizens with a valid Concealed Carry license are denied access to public areas funded by taxes even though in the case of Moore v Madigan, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Posner wrote -  

"A blanket prohibition on carrying gun in public prevents a person from defending himself anywhere except inside his home; and so substantial a curtailment of the right of armed self-defense requires a greater showing of justification than merely that the public might benefit on balance from such a curtailment, though there is no proof it would."   

And “The Supreme Court has decided” that the Second Amendment “confers a right to bear arms for self-defense, which is as important outside the home as inside.”  He added that a Chicago resident was “a good deal more likely to be attacked on a sidewalk in a rough neighborhood than in his apartment on the 35^th floor of the Park Tower.”

How does it come to pass that while the Courts have affirmed our Second Amendment Rights to carry for self defense in public, legislators circumvent the ruling by outlawing public places, funded by tax dollars, for concealed carry?  Where is the 'common sense' in that?  How is this not a deliberate, treacherous, insidious and illegal infringement upon our Constitutional Rights as confirmed by the Courts ruling?

In "The Cruelty of Gun-Free Zones" economist and statistician John Lott states -

"The vast majority of mass shootings in the U.S. have been extensively planned beforehand — often many months or even years in advance, allowing the perpetrators to find unprotected targets and obtain weapons."

Here in Illinois there are 23 categories of prohibited places (Gun Free Zones) ranging from schools and stadiums to rest areas and parks.  With few exceptions, these prohibited sites are funded by tax dollars.  These Criminal Protection Zones have one thing in common - they are in place because fear mongering, left leaning legislators continue to press the idea that the gun itself is the problem, not the person behind the trigger.  They purposely ignore facts that prove gun free zones are shooting galleries, while at the same time preying on the hopolophobic, irrational and illogical fear of a self-righteous citizenry who cringe at the very sight of the scary black gun or rifle.

Now, thirteen months into concealed carry in Illinois, we continue to bring the fight to the anti's with a vengeance.  We are relentless and vigilant in the dogfight to free us from the garrison state of the bought and paid for gun control politicians who thumb their noses at the Courts and their constituency.

Early on it was estimated that 400,000 permits would be doled out in the first year alone, but that figure has fallen well short with roughly 105,000 permits issued at this time.

Why?

First, with public transportation being on the list of places Illinoisans may not carry, many have decided its not worth the time (16 hours of training) nor cost ($400 plus for training and CCL application fee) only to be left defenseless when traveling to and from work.  The only option to carry in that situation is in FOID transport mode - meaning you would need to find somewhere out of the public eye to unload and encase your gun before stepping onto a train or bus.

Add in the fact that Chicago, Cook County and the collar Counties account for half of the population in Illinois and those same areas use the bulk of the public transportation and it drives home the fact the anti-gun folk knew exactly what they were doing when they skewered the Courts order, while continuing to retaliate against those who want to exercise their Second Amendment Rights.  With high costs and the public transportation prohibition alone, they cut the effective populace who may wish to carry, from 12 million to 6 million.

And why do the liberal left continue to block our Rights at every opportunity?  Because the first rule of controlling the populace is to disarm them.  How is this accomplished?  For those who pledge fealty and reverence to their Socialist God - the all providing government - all that is needed is the warm fuzzy feeling bestowed by the thinly veiled lie of keeping the populace safe.  All anyone must do is look back through the history of the world to see this.  Anti's may roll their eyes, but the fact is our Government is persistent in eroding our Rights in the name of keeping us safe... as if safety trumps everything else.  Safety for us.  Safety for our children.  Safety from terrorists... Safety from gangs... Safety from mass shootings... and on and on.

But we must continue the fight!  Even as we embarrass the gun-control zealots with win after win in courtrooms and elections throughout the Country, they continue to push on all fronts - from Washington's I-594 to Minnesota's Bills HF 1361 and SF 1289, which would allow doctors and family members, including even distant relatives,  ex-husbands or ex-wives, to strip citizens of their gun rights without due process of law.

The arrogance of those politicians who fight to take away our rights is appalling.  In emailing Dick Durbin - the long tenured Democrat Senator from Illinois - I urged him to vote YES to The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2014 (S. 1908) which would allow those with a valid Concealed Carry permit to carry into other States - just like your drivers license. His response showed the hubris and pomposity of someone who believes in the omnipotence of the Government and his own, overblown, narcissistic ego...

"The elected representatives of each state are in the best position to know and understand the needs of the state. They should be allowed to determine for themselves the policies that govern their homes, streets, neighborhoods, and workplaces."

Senator Durbin believes that once elected, he should be a Dictator.  That you, the stupid, ignorant masses who huddle in fear and trepidation, should look to him as your single guiding light - and he is happy to do whatever he wants... his constituents be damned.  This is how anti gunners think, this is what they believe.

Here in Illinois, right now, there are many bills that will scale back the prohibited areas for concealed carry - including public transportation, rest areas, forest preserves and parks - those places that are paid for with public money.  These bills are waiting to see the light of day as insider fighting pushes them back, while at the same time bringing forth bills that will restrict further, our Right to carry.  The fight will continue for years to come, no doubt, but fight we must to preserve our Rights!

Stay Safe and Carry Responsibly

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Michael's new book  "I'm Married... Shoot Me!"  The harrowing tales of your average Husband - Children, insanity and manly cowardice, all wrapped up in love - is now available through Lulu.com 

Mag Extension Follies and the Carry Gun Potpourri,

Six inches of snow in Chicago yesterday... so I'm just sitting around ruminating on the problems of the day...

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Ordered a few Garrison mag extensions for my Taurus TCP mags.  Bought them thru Amazon and they arrived toot-suit.  Having never changed any mag pads before, I took a swag (scientific wild ass guess) and with the keen and practiced eye of a former shade-tree mechanic, I pressed down on the little button inside the bottom of the mag pad with the tip of a pen and pulled the pad to the side, unlocking it from the bottom of the mag.

Taurus 738 TCP .380

Now, having studied the problem for some time before attempting the switch-out, my superior intellect deduced the pad was attached to a metal plate that was an integral and fixed part of the
magazine.  Unfortunately for me, I was wrong.  For those who, like me, apparently aren't quite as bright as a fifth grader, the pad holds in the bottom of the mag and the spring, and it does the job just fine unless you take the mag pad off without controlling the spring.  If you don't control the spring, it expands faster than a fat mans belly at a Thanksgiving feast (especially when the mag is loaded, you know, like mine was), sending the spring and assembly shooting out at the speed of sound - okay, it didn't break the sound barrier, but it did make a loud 'smack' sound when it careened off my forehead.

And just like that, the spring, the follower and the insert that the floor plate attaches to (yes, those are the correct terms - I looked them up, unfortunately, after the fact) were sent in many different directions across the living room.  My Son found the follower immediately - under the dining room table.  The floor plate was in the flower bowl on the coffee table and it was two days later that I found the spring nestled on top of the Grandkids Lego box that is up against the entertainment center.

So all in all, a one-minute change took a total of two days.  I hope it helps all you other like minded knuckleheads.  

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My first gun was a Walther P22 that I received as a Christmas present from my kids - yes, I'm quite aware that I'm a lucky guy.  I soon bought my ATI 1911 GI FX 45 as my carry gun and as a new gun owner, figured I was all set.  

Kahr CW45

 The funny thing is, I had no idea I had contracted the disease.

I love my 1911, but you know what?  That thing is heavy!  The gun loaded weighs in at nearly 2.75 lbs!  Add in a Crossbreed Supertuck, two mags on the off hand side and now I'm carrying around nearly four pounds of hardware on my belt.  I swear, when they send you a 1911, they should come with two extra mags and a set of suspenders.

So, last summer I ordered up my Taurus TCP - pictured above - 10.2 oz empty, roughly 14 oz loaded with JPH .380. - sitting in a DeSantis PocketTuk, and I've never looked back.  Two mags on the off hand side and I'm good to go with just a 1.5 pounds or so of gear.  Light, comfortable, easily concealable.

Colt Defender

Then, lately I've been wanting a little more firepower than the .380 can provide.  I love shooting a .45 ACP - it feels like the round is reaching out of the barrel, grabbing on and pulling its way out - and I feel a little more secure in its stopping power.  So I started looking around at lightweight 45's. 

So what was the lightest 45 I found?  I ended up buying a Kahr CW45.  21 oz. empty - 6+1 with two extra seven round mags from Buds Guns for roughly $405... it should be here shortly and then I will be happy with my arsenal.  I swear I won't need another gun.  No.. really... I mean it.  Sincerely...

Except for that Colt Defender...

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