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
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