Feedback On Florida CWFL "Scanadal": A list member writes, "Just a piece
of info you might find interesting about the Florida CCW 'controversy'.
I emailed John Lott about another issue we have a mutual interest in and
he shared that in his check, Florida had one CCW revocation last year
for a gun related incident. 1 out of 410,000 permits isn't too bad! If
we only had a murder rate that low it would probably be Vatican City:)"
---
Oops, Wrong Store: A pair of teenagers ended up on the losing side of a
gunfight in a North Hollywood liquor store they tried to rob. The
cashier, who turned out to be a licensed security officer, was not
wounded. The wounded teens were booked on suspicion of attempted murder.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-briefs4.2feb04,1,5335982.story?coll=la-headlines-california
---
"Building Shooting Muscle": Ralph Mroz uses a weight-training analogy to
examine where to concentrate your handgun training if you are serious
about self-defense. "The first is the consistent statistics from law
enforcement shootings in which officers were killed. These FBI-compiled
numbers have been pretty much the same for many years: 50% of LEOs
killed are killed at five feet or less, and 75% killed are killed at ten
feet or less..." (This is why, over the years that I have been teaching
on my own, I have increasingly emphasized lateral movement, deflection
of arm's-length attacks and a continuum of point-shooting techniques,
coupled with sighted-fire techniques that flow from the latter.)
http://www.policeone.com/writers/columnists/POSA/articles/1209319/
From John Farnam:
28 Jan 07
Range Fire!
Last week, I conducted a training course at a municipal, police, indoor
range in the Midwest. This range is an up-to-date one, with good
ventilation and a modern, rubber bullet trap. In addition, it is well
maintained and swept up after each use.
As a group of students were shooting from the fifteen-meter line, we all
suddenly noticed flames erupting from a downrange joint in the concrete
floor. The flames followed the crack from left to right, like a burning
fuse, leaping into the air twelve inches at times! Several resourceful
officers grabbed fire extinguishers, but it was ultimately unnecessary.
The flames died out within less than a minute. With the excitement
over, our training resumed.
When pistols, rifles, and shotguns discharge, not all powdered
propellant contained within the cartridge actually burns. In fact, a
significant portion does not. Instead, scorched but unburnt, it is
jettisoned from the muzzle along with the bullet. On outdoor ranges,
the phenomenon is mostly a non-issue, but on indoor ranges, unburnt
powder accumulates on the deck and, mixed in with other debris, it is
usually identified at "dirt" and swept up. On this particular range,
such "dirt" is not allowed to accumulate and is promptly carried away,
but even thorough sweeping does not get unburnt powder out of joints and
cracks in the concrete floor. I'm not sure what ignited it, but in this
case there was enough accumulated, unburnt powder to burn its way along
the joint for three meters or so.
On heavily-used, commercial ranges, large piles of such "dirt" are
sometimes allowed to accumulate in edges and corners, as well as
concrete joints. That practice engenders an extremely dangerous
circumstance and has caused more than one such range to burn to the ground!
In order to prevent these fires, indoor ranges need to be swept
regularly, but, in addition, they need to be periodically vacuumed,
particularly edges, corners, cracks, and joints. That is the only way
unburnt powder can be completely removed from places it likes to accumulate.
"Range fires" sound incredulous, until you've seen one for yourself!
/John
(I have seen such a fire, in the mat placed on the shelf of the
shooter's booth on an indoor range, when incompletely burned 2400 powder
granules from .44 Magnum loads being tested in a Pistol Perch rest were
ignited by flash from the barrel-cylinder gap. The same range got into
trouble with OSHA for requiring employees to sweep up "other debris,"
which was mostly lead dust. This is a job best left to professionals.
Use of vacuum cleaners on unburned powder risks igniting it with sparks
from the electric motors.)
28 Jan 07
Military Rifle Effectiveness
In an article in the current issue of Infantry Magazine, authors were
assigned the task of articulating the current party-line with regard to
continued lack of confidence in the military's M855 "62gr green-tip" 223
round, still being issued.
We are assured that extensive re-testing had been done in response to
chronic complaints from the field. However, most such complaints are
quickly dismissed as resulting from "inexperience" and "hazy recollections."
We are then told that all resultant testing only addressed close-range,
exposed human targets (fifty meters maximum) that are unprotected by
cover, ignoring the 223's (1) lack of acceptable terminal effect beyond
150m and (2) chronic lack of ability to penetrate commonly-used objects
(like car doors) that the enemy uses for cover- the twin issues that are
at the heart of complaints about this caliber and have for the past
forty years. Government "studies" are all alike!
Authors went on to admonish us all that we need to be accurate shooters.
No problem with that, but they then advocated "controlled-pairs" for
engaging enemy soldiers. Funny, no one ever suggested the necessity of
any such multiple-shot technique when we were using M14s, did they?
Routinely firing "controlled-pairs" reduces a 28-round magazine to a
14-round one and effectively halves one's ammunition supply.
In conclusion, we are assured that inveterate complaints about the 223
round's dismal failure as a main, battle caliber are merely "myth and
superstition. "The Stoner rifle in 223 caliber is the "best...
available" we are told. Then, almost as an aside, it is sheepishly
admitted that ineffectiveness and long range and second-rate penetration
really are problems with this combination and that "something even
better" may come along soon.
Well, it can hardly come too soon! The replacement forty years ago of
heavy-caliber, main-battle-rifles, like the M14 and FAL, with light
rifles in varmint calibers was, among other things, an attempt by
"just-tech" types to degrade the importance and potency of the
individual soldier and Marine, when it has been the heroism and gritty
determination of the individual soldier and Marine that has consistently
turned the tide of battle since this nation began! It is a forty-year
old, procurement mistake, and all the trumped-up "studies" in the world
will fail to convince soldiers and Marines in the field who are obliged
to believe their own eyes!
The 223 round may be adequate for domestic, personal defense and
domestic policing. A convincing argument could even me made for its
military suitability in rear-area defense. But, as a
main-battle-caliber, its glaring inadequacy is obvious to all but a
few, party-lines and party-liners notwithstanding!
/John
(Firearms are tools and it often helps to select the right one for the
job. While the .223 platform may not be optimal for many military
applications, a .308 battle rifle also may not be optimal for urban law
enforcement or home-defense.)
29 Jan 07
Interesting conclusions from an Instructor on the West Coast:
"At this month's Airsoft session, the subject was, 'Confronting someone
who is visibly armed with a slung rifle or shotgun, while yourself armed
only with a concealed pistol.'
The person with a rifle may be a legitimate hunter who has inadvertently
strayed onto private land, a drunk shooting tin cans in an inappropriate
place, or a person of unknown intent in the context of a natural
disaster. We simulated all three! Our 'rifle' was a realistic-looking
Airsoft Kalashnikov.
Here are some things we learned:
Someone with a rifle slung with muzzle up represents far less of a
threat than does someone with his rifle slung muzzle down! When the
rifle is slung with the muzzle up, unslinging and getting it into a
legitimate firing position is slow and clumsy, and, during the process,
the rifleman is extremely vulnerable to close attack.
When the rifle is slung with the muzzle down, deployment is smoother,
much faster, and far more difficult to counteract.
The best ways to confront a person equipped with a slung rifle is (1) at
conversational range, or (2) at distance and from behind adequate cover.
When you are right on top of the suspect, you can control him when he
makes a furtive move by deflecting the rifle away and moving
aggressively to the side. Pistol rounds delivered in this scenario were
invariably to the suspect's side, shoulder, and back. The rifleman
seldom got rounds on target. Getting this close is a dicey proposition
no matter what techniques you employ, as the suspect may have other
weapons (pistols, blades) that you don't see. But, when you have no
choice, be eminently prepared to go all the way, and disengage as
quickly as possible..
Conversely, when a student, in the open, confronted the rifleman at
eight to ten meters, it was nearly impossible to out-draw (with his
pistol) the rifle as it came off the suspect's shoulder.
The best plan is to confront the armed suspect with several people, all
themselves armed with rifles, at varying angles and distances, and from
strong positions of cover. In such a scenario, any rational suspect
will immediately perceive his position as untenable and will likely not
engage in provocation."
Lesson: The best confrontation is no confrontation! When you must
challenge a visibly armed suspect, do so from the position of greatest
strength available. Don't temp him (and fate) by providing him with too
much of an edge!
/John
(For the other side of the coin, see Tom Aveni's comment on The
Unholstered Handgun at
http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Aveni/Unholstered-Handgun.htm)
30 Jan 07
Shooting incident in SC, from a friend and LEO there:
"Late last week, three of our uniformed, patrol officers responded to a
loud, family dispute. After arriving and making contact, our officers
managed to calm things down, and the man was eventfully persuaded to
leave the house for the balance of the evening. Two of the three
officers remained behind, while the third returned to his parked, beat
car. The male suspect politely asked if he could put together an
overnight bag, and our officers permitted him to go into the master
bedroom for this purpose. Less than a minute later, he came out shooting!
With pistol in hand, he shot at both of our officers and his estranged
girlfriend. One of his bullets grazed the cheek of one of our
officers. The other officer was unhurt, as was the woman. Both
officers, and the woman, fled the house, and the suspect chased after
them, shooting as he ran.
Hearing the excitement, the officer at the vehicle retrieved his
shotgun, just in time as it turns out. At a range of twenty feet, he
shot the suspect in the chest with a single round of 00 buckshot. The
suspect responded by turning around and retreating back to the house,
closing the door behind him.
SWAT was called out, but, when they arrived and probed the house, they
found the suspect DRT in the living room. Autopsy revealed that he died
as a result of the shotgun wounds.
Our injured officer is expected to recover fully, but may have a sexy
scar for a souvenir!
Here are the lessons we are all learning from this incident:
This is not Atlanta! This is the first OIS we've experience here in a
long time, maybe too long, as perhaps we were all too reluctant to
believe that it could happen 'right here in River City!' All of us need
to be constantly thinking tactically, no matter where we are!
Don't turn your back on suspects, no matter how penitent or innocuous
they appear.
People lie. People have hidden agendas. Who have been violent in the
past are probably emotionally irrational/unstable, maybe
suicidal/homicidal, and can instantly become violent again."
I would add:
When you're being shot at, move!
Beware of bedrooms! Like kitchens, they are full of weapons.
You can't shoot people 'a little bit!' When it is time to shoot, it is
time to shoot without delay and ruthlessly, for maximum stopping
effect. This isn't Disneyland!
/John
---
From AzCDL:
We need YOUR help on SB 1251.
SB 1251 -
http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=SB1251
Strengthens the "public establishment or event" storage requirements:
� Defines "secure storage" and "readily accessible."
� Prohibits recording information about the weapon or individual.
� If "operator" doesn't comply, they can't prohibit weapons.
� Exempts CCW permit holders from carry prohibitions except in
court houses, etc.
The success of SB 1251 hinges on providing facts and testimony about
State and local agencies and municipalities not complying with the
storage requirements established during the last legislative session:
http://tinyurl.com/2qtjlf
As you can see from this article in the Arizona Daily Star, while some
cities are doing a great job of complying with the law, not all of our
Public Servants are eager to set up storage lockers for your weapon when
they post signs that in essence say, "We don't serve your kind here":
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/148069
Since the new law became effective on 9/21/06, many of you have shared
anecdotal stories about storage lockers not being available; data being
recorded about you and your weapon; guns being tossed into boxes or
bags; and downright refusal to store your weapon. It's time to go on
record to emphasize the need for SB 1251.
It is our understanding that SB 1251 will be added to the February 12,
2007 Senate Judiciary committee agenda:
htttp://www.azleg.gov/CommitteeInfo.asp?Committee_ID=10
If you have encountered any "public establishment" storage situations
which you felt were not in compliance with the law, AzCDL and the Senate
Judiciary committee members need to hear from you. Send the committee
members an email, with a courtesy copy to
[email protected]:
Email Subject: SB 1251 - Please vote YES!
Please start the body of your text with: The Arizona Citizens Defense
League (AzCDL) has informed me that the Senate Judiciary committee will
be hearing testimony on SB 1251.
Then, go on to describe your encounter or observation of non-compliance
with the storage law in your own words. Include as much factual
information as you can - things like the place and date are very
important. Please be civil - it's very helpful! Also, stick to the
subject - focus on non-compliance with the current storage laws.
If you are willing to testify at their committee hearing, please state
that in your message.
Finally, thank them for taking the time to read your message and urge
them to pass SB 1251 out of committee for consideration by the full Senate.
Don't forget to include:
Your Name
street address
city, state and zip
telephone number
The following are cut-and-paste email lists of the committee members,
along with the AzCDL president's email address. One list is semi-colon
separated and one is comma separated. Use the one that fits your email
software.
(semi-colon separation)
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected]
(comma separation)
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected]
As more relevant legislation is introduced, we will keep you up to date
via these Alerts:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AZCDL_Alerts/
These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League
(AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots
organization. Join today!
AzCDL - Protecting Your Freedom
http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html
Copyright � 2007 Arizona Citizens Defense League, Inc., all rights reserved.
On Monday February 5, 2007, the House Homeland Security and Property
Rights (HSPR) committee will be voting on 2 Good Bills (HB 2458 & HCR
2024) and one Very Bad Bill (HB 2286). It is important that the
committee members hear from you on all these bills. HB 2286 was put on
the agenda specifically to allow the Public (YOU!) to express their
opinion for the record.
You can find out more about these bills, plus links to them, at the
AzCDL website:
http://www.azcdl.org/html/legislation.html
HB 2458 & HCR 2024 are virtually identical except that HCR 2024 is a
legislative referendum that would submit a proposed constitutional
amendment to the voters for approval. Both bills prohibit the Governor
or Adjutant General from confiscating lawfully held firearms or
ammunition during a state of emergency.
HB 2286 is Representative Kyrsten Sinema's bill that classifies gun
owners as terrorists. Here is the specific language:
"An individual or group of individuals commits domestic terrorism if the
individual or group of individuals are not affiliated with a local,
state or federal law enforcement entity and associate with another
individual or group of individuals as an organization, group,
corporation or company for the purpose of patrolling to detect alleged
illegal activity or to individually patrol for the purpose of detecting
alleged illegal activity and if the individual or group of individuals
is armed with a firearm or other weapon."
Per HB 2286:
� YOU are a terrorist if you are armed and come to the aid of
someone being attacked.
� YOU are a terrorist if you are armed and patrolling with your
Neighborhood Watch group.
� YOU are a terrorist if you are armed, observe criminal activity
and report it to law enforcement.
The committee members want to hear from you. Tell them to support HB
2458 & HCR 2024 but defeat HB 2286. The following are TWO suggested
cut-and-paste letters to send. One for the good bills and one for the
evil bill.
Following these letters are email lists for the committee members in
both semi-colon and comma separated formats. Pick the one compatible
with your email software.
Subject: Support HB 2458 & HCR 2024
Dear Representative:
The Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) has informed me that HB 2458
and HCR 2024 are being considered in the House Homeland Security and
Property Rights committee on February 5, 2007. I urge you to vote both
these bills out of committee with a recommendation for passage by the
full House.
I was horrified by the events that followed Hurricane Katrina in New
Orleans. As violent criminals attacked citizens with impunity, law
enforcement abused a statutory provision that allowed the government to
"regulate" firearms during a state of emergency in order to confiscate
privately owned firearms. They deprived law-abiding citizens of their
only means of defense against otherwise unrestrained violence. It is
imperative that law-abiding citizens in Arizona do not face similar abuse.
HB 2458 and HCR 2024 protect the rights of law-abiding citizens by
preventing the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms by State
officials during an emergency. Again, I urge to vote these bills out of
committee with a recommendation for passage by the full House.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Street Address
City, AZ zip-code
(telephone number)
Subject: Defeat HB 2286
Dear Representative:
The Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) has informed me that HB 2286
is being considered by the Homeland Security and Property Rights
committee on February 5, 2007. I strongly urge you to vote against HB 2286.
HB 2286 seeks to classify gun owners as terrorists. Under the
provisions of HB 2286, I would be considered a terrorist if I was
carrying a firearm and:
� Came to the aid of a fellow citizen being attacked.
� Patrolled with my Neighborhood Watch.
� Reported any criminal activity that I observed.
Under the guise of Homeland Security, HB 2286 tramples the
Constitutional guarantees of free association, assembly, self-protection
and the right to keep and bear arms. It would be a travesty if HB 2286
was given any serious consideration, and it would be shameful if you did
not support its defeat in your committee.
Stand up for the guarantees in the United States and Arizona
Constitutions, and the rights of the citizens of Arizona. Vote to
defeat HB 2286.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Street Address
City, State & zip-code
Telephone Number
The Homeland Security and Property Rights committee members:
(semi-colon separation)
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected]
(comma separation)
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected]
As relevant legislation is introduced, we will keep you up to date via
these Alerts:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AZCDL_Alerts/
These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League
(AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots
organization. Join today!
AzCDL - Protecting Your Freedom
http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html
Copyright � 2007 Arizona Citizens Defense League, Inc., all rights reserved.
--
Stephen P. Wenger
Firearm safety - It's a matter
for education, not legislation.
http://www.spw-duf.info
