Thursday, April 6, 2017
A Follow up to Caliber Restrictions
Yesterday I wrote about caliber restrictions for License to Carry training, and later that same day, I found that Green Light Shooting published a video regarding the ".22 Long Rifle for Concealed Carry?".
Coincidence? Yes. And definitely worth watching and sharing.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Removing the Caliber Restrictions - Texas License to Carry
With all of the news coverage on Constitutional Carry and lowering the 4-year licensing fees, you may missed Texas SB 263, a bill that would remove the .32 caliber minimum for handgun proficiency. I support this bill, and hope to see it become law later this year.
Currently applicants have to complete the range portion of the License to Carry training with at least a .32 caliber handgun. While it sounds reasonable, this restriction has made it difficult, for some with physical limitations to complete the course. I recall a former student that had wrist surgery from months prior, and could barely handle the low recoil impulse of a diminutive .380 ACP. The range did not have a .32 caliber rental, so the student worked through the pain and completed the course with what they had. A less than enjoyable experience.
While I would never actively promote a .22 caliber firearm as a primary self-defense weapon, it can get the job done. During my law enforcement career, I saw the effects of .22's and .25's on the recently expired. They wouldn't have been any "dead-er" with a .32 caliber or larger bullet.
Shooting fundamentals and safety are the same, no matter if it's a .22 or a .32. For the economically challenged, the cost savings could mean the difference between taking the course now, or putting it off until after they become a victim.
The bill has passed through 3 of the 7 stages, passing out of the Senate and on to the House. I encourage you to reach out to your representative this week and ask for their support of this bill or the companion bill HB 403.
Currently applicants have to complete the range portion of the License to Carry training with at least a .32 caliber handgun. While it sounds reasonable, this restriction has made it difficult, for some with physical limitations to complete the course. I recall a former student that had wrist surgery from months prior, and could barely handle the low recoil impulse of a diminutive .380 ACP. The range did not have a .32 caliber rental, so the student worked through the pain and completed the course with what they had. A less than enjoyable experience.While I would never actively promote a .22 caliber firearm as a primary self-defense weapon, it can get the job done. During my law enforcement career, I saw the effects of .22's and .25's on the recently expired. They wouldn't have been any "dead-er" with a .32 caliber or larger bullet.
Shooting fundamentals and safety are the same, no matter if it's a .22 or a .32. For the economically challenged, the cost savings could mean the difference between taking the course now, or putting it off until after they become a victim.
The bill has passed through 3 of the 7 stages, passing out of the Senate and on to the House. I encourage you to reach out to your representative this week and ask for their support of this bill or the companion bill HB 403.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Anno Gun Rotam -- The Year of the Wheel Gun
Revolvers, wheel guns, six-shooters (or even five-shooters). No matter what you call them, they have seen a resurgence in popularity this year. One of my favorite radio shows, "Tom Gresham's Gun Talk", even went so far as declaring this the "Year of the Revolver" after manufacturers took the bold step of introducing so many new models. If you can't find a revolver that fits your needs this year, you must not be looking very hard!
Ruger is leading the pack in 2017 by delivering their GP100 in a 5-shot .44 Special and a 8-shot Redhawk in .357 Magnum. There is also a new LCRx revolver out in 357 that is finally making it through the distribution channels.
Smith & Wesson introduced a Performance Center Model 986 in 9mm with a titanium cylinder and a 2.5 inch barrel, blurring the edges of what we refer to as a "snubbie". For more exotic tastes, you can try the 7.5 inch 460VXR revolver or a 3.5 inch S&W 500.
Six shots is sometimes better than five! Colt surprised us with the return of the Cobra in stainless steel. With an MSRP of $699, it will be a bargain compared to the much sought-after "snake" guns like the Python. But it remains to be seen if it will actually hit dealer shelves anytime soon. Drop me a line if you see one in your local gun shop. I will definitely be on the waiting list at my LGS.
A purely anecdotal representation of revolver popularity is that my orders for LCR and J-Frame IWB Kydex holsters is double that of all my semi-auto holsters combined. An increase in these holster orders can mean two things: customers are buying more revolvers, and customers plan on carrying them.
If you are even remotely considering carrying a revolver, I recommend that you read and put into action the skills described in Protect Yourself with your Snubnose Revolver, by Grant Cunningham. Labeling him a gun prophet might be extreme, but there is no doubt that this year was the perfect time for the release of his book. A renowned instructor and revolver aficionado, Mr. Cunningham has the rare ability to translate his thoughts into the printed word. While I may not agree with 100% of his concepts, he challenges me to think through my own techniques, particularly on front sight focus.
The NRA Annual Meeting is just a few weeks away, and I fully expect to see more guns introduced just in time for summer.
P.S. If you have a hard time finding the new Ruger revolvers at your local shop, give my friends at The Gun Rack a call at 956-213-GUNS
Ruger is leading the pack in 2017 by delivering their GP100 in a 5-shot .44 Special and a 8-shot Redhawk in .357 Magnum. There is also a new LCRx revolver out in 357 that is finally making it through the distribution channels.
Smith & Wesson introduced a Performance Center Model 986 in 9mm with a titanium cylinder and a 2.5 inch barrel, blurring the edges of what we refer to as a "snubbie". For more exotic tastes, you can try the 7.5 inch 460VXR revolver or a 3.5 inch S&W 500.
Six shots is sometimes better than five! Colt surprised us with the return of the Cobra in stainless steel. With an MSRP of $699, it will be a bargain compared to the much sought-after "snake" guns like the Python. But it remains to be seen if it will actually hit dealer shelves anytime soon. Drop me a line if you see one in your local gun shop. I will definitely be on the waiting list at my LGS.
A purely anecdotal representation of revolver popularity is that my orders for LCR and J-Frame IWB Kydex holsters is double that of all my semi-auto holsters combined. An increase in these holster orders can mean two things: customers are buying more revolvers, and customers plan on carrying them.
If you are even remotely considering carrying a revolver, I recommend that you read and put into action the skills described in Protect Yourself with your Snubnose Revolver, by Grant Cunningham. Labeling him a gun prophet might be extreme, but there is no doubt that this year was the perfect time for the release of his book. A renowned instructor and revolver aficionado, Mr. Cunningham has the rare ability to translate his thoughts into the printed word. While I may not agree with 100% of his concepts, he challenges me to think through my own techniques, particularly on front sight focus.
The NRA Annual Meeting is just a few weeks away, and I fully expect to see more guns introduced just in time for summer.
P.S. If you have a hard time finding the new Ruger revolvers at your local shop, give my friends at The Gun Rack a call at 956-213-GUNS
Thursday, March 30, 2017
What to expect in our Texas License to Carry Class
With the 2017 Texas Legislature looking at reducing the cost of a License to Carry from $140 down to $40, there has been a resurgence of interest in our classes. If you have been thinking about taking this class, the following should help ease your mind and dispel some myths regarding this course.
The class is fast and easy. The complete course time is only 4 to 6 hours. We typically do the classroom session first and save the range activity for the end. Both the classroom and range are indoors, so weather shouldn't be a factor.
This is not a high-speed, low-drag, tacti-cool class. If you are looking to dress up and play wannabe special ops, this ain't your class. Our training is designed for the everyday guy or gal that wants to learn about how and when to protect themselves from a violent attack. Holsters are not required, and in case you were wondering, "tucking and rolling" with your guns is NOT allowed on the range.
Dress comfortably. At least four hours of our training will be in the classroom (with regular breaks), and we will finish our training at the indoor range. We will provide eye and ear protection for your use. If you have your own, feel free to bring them with you. If you are looking to purchase a quality set of ear muffs, I highly recommend the Peltor brand from 3M.
Be sure to wear a shirt or blouse that covers the chest area and shoes that cover your feet (no sandals or flip-flops). Hot brass falling between your toes is something that you never want to experience.
There is a short quiz at the end of the classroom session. Don't panic, it is super easy. The 25 questions on the test are true/false and multiple choice. We cover everything you need to know in the class. If you don't pass (which is extremely rare), you can re-take the test.
The range portion of the class is fun. We put into action the shooting fundamentals learned in the classroom. New shooters will get one-on-one instruction as needed. Safety is more important than speed, so we take as much time as needed to ensure everyone leaves the range with the same number of orifices they had when they started the class.
Don't leave without getting your training certificate! The CHL-100 training certificate is required by the state before they will issue you a license, so be sure that you get it before leaving the range. During the course we will talk about the process to apply for your license, but feel free to ask any additional questions you might have.
For class schedules or questions, please
give us a call at 956-213-GUNS or email lea@tgrtexas.com
See you on the range!
The class is fast and easy. The complete course time is only 4 to 6 hours. We typically do the classroom session first and save the range activity for the end. Both the classroom and range are indoors, so weather shouldn't be a factor.
This is not a high-speed, low-drag, tacti-cool class. If you are looking to dress up and play wannabe special ops, this ain't your class. Our training is designed for the everyday guy or gal that wants to learn about how and when to protect themselves from a violent attack. Holsters are not required, and in case you were wondering, "tucking and rolling" with your guns is NOT allowed on the range.
Dress comfortably. At least four hours of our training will be in the classroom (with regular breaks), and we will finish our training at the indoor range. We will provide eye and ear protection for your use. If you have your own, feel free to bring them with you. If you are looking to purchase a quality set of ear muffs, I highly recommend the Peltor brand from 3M.
Be sure to wear a shirt or blouse that covers the chest area and shoes that cover your feet (no sandals or flip-flops). Hot brass falling between your toes is something that you never want to experience.
The range portion of the class is fun. We put into action the shooting fundamentals learned in the classroom. New shooters will get one-on-one instruction as needed. Safety is more important than speed, so we take as much time as needed to ensure everyone leaves the range with the same number of orifices they had when they started the class.
Don't leave without getting your training certificate! The CHL-100 training certificate is required by the state before they will issue you a license, so be sure that you get it before leaving the range. During the course we will talk about the process to apply for your license, but feel free to ask any additional questions you might have.
For class schedules or questions, please
give us a call at 956-213-GUNS or email lea@tgrtexas.com
See you on the range!
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