While the VPC and Brady Campaign are busy trying run roughshod on our soldiers’ rights (Updated)

Florida Carry is thrilled to see that CS/HB 463, a bill that allows any soldier, regardless of age to be able to obtain a concealed weapons permit in Florida, has now passed two hurdles with unanimous votes. Concealed Weapons or Firearms; Provides that otherwise qualified members & veterans of U.S. Armed Forces be issued concealed weapon or firearm license regardless of age in certain circumstances; provides additional methods for taking of fingerprints from such license applicants;...

posted @ 1/26/2012 10:09:25 AM | Feedback (12)

I’m more than happy to fan the flames

When the fire is one of freedom, you want it to spread. NRA is alerting members on two bills proceeding in Pennsylvania. One is a bill to give some teeth to our preemption provision, HB1523, sponsored by Daryl Metcalfe. This bill does not go nearly as far as the Florida law, but at least puts the municipality on the hook for legal fees and damages. HB45 was an amazing piece of work. Illegal gun laws dropped off the books on their own accord and even Miami folded like a cheap lawn chair...

posted @ 1/24/2012 9:06:58 AM | Feedback (0)

I was going to say this

But Larry Correia says is much better As for all of the people out there on the internet having a massive freak out about the government potentially damaging something they love… WELCOME TO THE PARTY. You think this is something new or unusual? Nope. This is just about a topic that you happen to be familiar with. If you fall into that camp, I want you to take a deep breath, step back, and examine all of the other issues in the past that you didn’t know jack squat about, but your knee...

posted @ 1/19/2012 11:24:01 AM | Feedback (2)

A candle of truth

Weer’d Beard came up with a great idea for a counter protest to the Brady’s “Light a candle to prevent gun violence” and I thought it was a great idea. Here is my offering. What makes this particular picture special is that what you see is an actual firearm that was used to prevent violence. As a ‘gun violence survivor’, I am alive today because I had that particular Dan Wesson .357 in my car while driving up to reserve duty. Had I not had that pistol in my front seat, I would have surely...

posted @ 1/7/2012 8:59:29 PM | Feedback (4)

The long road ahead

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and that Santa was generous with his goodies (I got coal… again). I was at the inlaws’ for Christmas dinner and had one of those run ins with reality that aren’t that pleasant, but… it’s reality so you have to face it. My wife’s family is very conservative. They own guns, have the shrine to Reagan in the house, support the Tea Party, etc. You would think that with those types of views, the following conversation couldn’t have happened. Brother-In-Law:...

posted @ 12/27/2011 8:32:51 AM | Feedback (23)

Small windows

Sean explains why there are limited opportunities to fix our gun rights here in Florida. As a side note, when I challenge people to find actual cases of someone OC’ing that resulted in a loss of gun rights, I actually know of a few. That there story contains one.

posted @ 12/20/2011 8:40:12 AM | Feedback (3)

Missed items

My blogging malaise has seen me miss a few items people have mailed to me. As I said, it’s not that I didn’t have material, I just didn’t have the mind to actually write stuff up. There are a few items that I need to just post and I’ve not really gone over them. First was an email from someone who fights for gun rights in Canada Hi, I know that you occasionally write about gun rights issues in other countries. I thought you might find this video interesting – it is my testimony before the...

posted @ 11/23/2011 10:16:47 AM | Feedback (1)

Even the like minded require attention

With the work that we do as activists, we have a tendency to focus on getting our message out to those who do not see things the way we do. Part of why Florida Carry has monthly Open Carry Fishing Events is so that we can get out in front of people in a low key affair. Yes, this is the dreaded “Open Carry as activism” that so many gunnies deride, but it has a positive impact and shouldn’t be dismissed. We choose fishing piers because of two reasons. One, because we are fishing, Open Carry is...

posted @ 11/14/2011 12:47:53 PM | Feedback (7)

Second Amendment Foundation announces corporate sponsorship program

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation today announced the creation of a formal Corporate Sponsorship program to be led by SAF Director of Development Ray Carter. Carter will be tasked with contacting corporate and institutional supporters to build strong alliances to further advance the cause of firearms rights, according to SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb. The Second Amendment Foundation has done historic work for more than 30 years, restoring and...

posted @ 9/26/2011 9:27:17 AM | Feedback (0)

Pretty please with sugar on top?

I meant to get to this story last week, but like many things in my life, it got pushed aside and partially forgotten. Although cleared of shooting charges in a 2007 dispute at a Key Largo trailer resort, a Hialeah man still faces a felony count of carrying the handgun he used to defend himself. Why, pray tell, is this man facing felony charges for a right enumerated in the Constitution? Because he didn’t have a permission slip to do so. Jorge Correa, 44, must return for a November...

posted @ 9/2/2011 9:25:45 AM | Feedback (6)

Even Libertarians fall prey to the ‘only ones’ mentality

Dale Franks over at Q&O There should be some system whereby any private citizen who has performed federal military or law enforcement service can obtain a federal concealed weapons permit that is valid in every place in the United States, irrespective of any state or local laws to the contrary. Those eligible should have completed at least one term of service with an honorable discharge or its equivalent, have no criminal record, and no history of mental illness. Now, Dale is a great...

posted @ 8/26/2011 9:28:07 AM | Feedback (17)

#Winning

While we didn’t get the Open Carry laws we wanted this time around, the strengthening of preemption was big. How big? This big Stuart commissioners agreed to erase the word firearms from all its ordinances, on first reading Monday, to avoid conflicting with a new state law sponsored by state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and pushed by the National Rifle Association. City officials had initially said they didn't believe any local changes were needed to meet the new law that sets fines for...

posted @ 6/17/2011 11:00:12 AM | Feedback (4)

Discretion

So, yesterday during the bi-weekly dev meeting, someone brought up guns and how someone he used to work with got fired for bringing one to work. The discussion switched to why would anyone need a gun at work which then devolved into the general disdain for people who carry a gun. I said nothing. There’s a time and place for everything. I try to keep my personal life and work life separate. As much as I’d have loved to dropped into a discussion about rights and how I pose no danger to anyone,...

posted @ 6/8/2011 9:00:07 AM | Feedback (12)

The Lord giveth

And sometimes, some jerk comes along to try to taketh it away A Senate Bill has been introduced. NRA is not calling for action yet, just noting it. What’s interesting to me is that one of the sponsors of SB176 is Republican Stu Greenleaf, who is the committee chair for the Senate Judiciary Committee. Greenleaf lost his NRA endorsement after helping to sabotage Castle Doctrine with anti-gun amendments in the last session. I’m guessing his leadership position on this anti-gun bill means we...

posted @ 2/14/2011 8:02:33 PM | Feedback (0)

Music in the key of awesome

Iowa has House Study Bill 17 which contains the following language “The right of an individual to acquire, keep, possess, transport, carry, and use arms to defend life and liberty and for all other legitimate purposes is fundamental and inviolable. Licensure, registration, special taxation, or any other measure that suppresses or discourages the free exercise of this right is forbidden.” That’s undeniably the strongest language I’ve seen yet. According to the NRA-ILA, the vote was...

posted @ 2/4/2011 9:29:39 AM | Feedback (3)

Hand in hand

It’s almost a cliché in the gunnie circles that “The Second protects the First”. I’m a firm believer in the saying because there’s a lot of truth to it. Dr. Suzanna Gratia Hupp once said How a politician stands on the Second Amendment tells you how he or she views you as an individual… as a trustworthy and productive citizen, or as part of an unruly crowd that needs to be lorded over, controlled, supervised, and taken care of. Unfortunately, I think this goes well beyond politicians....

posted @ 1/31/2011 12:08:54 PM | Feedback (1)

Same old song and dance

When will we stop hearing this same story over and over? Once again, here’s another breathless article talking about how increases in concealed weapons permits simply did not increase crime. I’m tired of all these “No blood in the streets” stories showing up. I was promised death and mayhem by the anti-gun forces. Shootouts over parking spots would be common place, people murdered for the last Oreo cookie would be a story you hear daily, things like that. Interestingly… it just never comes...

posted @ 1/5/2011 8:18:02 PM | Feedback (0)

Let’s hope TPA is next

Hartsfield airport to no longer hassle people carrying guns into non-sterile areas. Tampa Airport (TPA) considers everything off limits the instant you step out of your car. Lord knows it doesn’t make a lick of sense and there are certain, local gun bloggers who may have committed accidental felonies multiple times by carrying in there because he or she didn’t realize that TPA had such stupid rules. If we can be trusted to have weapons in pretty much any place in the state, it’s only common...

posted @ 12/10/2010 1:00:16 PM | Feedback (2)

Lex dentata

Florida has preemption when it comes to gun laws. Cities or counties cannot regulate firearms stronger than state law. Unfortunately, like most governmental agencies, many a mayor or city councilweasel believe themselves to be above the law and have passed ‘laws’ that interfere with Floridian’s right to keep and bear arms. Currently, the laws themselves are nothing more than an annoyance. Due to preemption, you will be protected in the case of an arrest from one of these ‘illegal laws’....

posted @ 12/8/2010 8:48:01 AM | Feedback (3)

If you an I were to break the law

We’d be thrown in jail, but when you’re working for the government, there’s no penalty. Counties in Florida have repeatedly been knowingly violating the state’s preemption laws. Persons having to fight cases against the counties have had to pay for their ordeals out of their pockets without any chance of recompensation. That is something we are fighting to change Plaintiffs in the South Miami case were unable to recover any attorney’s fees or court costs. Under the current state...

posted @ 11/14/2010 10:00:41 AM | Feedback (6)

It’s not all sunshine and roses

Reader Rich sent me along this email Hi, My name is Rich Burgess. I am part of some of the 'gun rights movement' here in Connecticut. I think many people have given up on us considering our neighbors, but we have an active gun community here. I am currently working on issues with regards to Open Carry, and we have people working on our permitting process and other things that are currently being abused here. Recently a local paper has picked up on this and gave a pretty good and fair...

posted @ 11/5/2010 10:33:51 AM | Feedback (1)

What does this recent election mean for gun rights?

Probably not much. The Democrats were in too big a rush to ram through every piece of legislative crap they could to focus on banning guns. The Republicans will be too busy pushing legislation to make gays in the military illegal or banning nipple slips at halftime shows to fight to improve on our rights. With the house and senate at odds, I'm hoping more for gridlock than anything else. I still think our rights will continue to move forward as more states start adopting loosened restrictions...

posted @ 11/3/2010 8:30:24 AM | Feedback (9)

And why does location matter?

I marked this story to comment upon but it got lost in the noise that is known as life. From Jay Reading the story, we find out that the choirboy that was killed was 32 years old. 32 and 45 and they double-team a 79 year old man after choking, pummeling and pepper-spraying him. What do you think that 79 year old's chances were without a handgun? What's the likelihood that he would have lived through the encounter without the gun? What are the odds that a near-octogenarian could fight off...

posted @ 10/5/2010 2:08:42 PM | Feedback (5)

Rumination on playing it safe

One thing that really rubs me the wrong way is a belt sander for a bicycle seat. Another is the constant call to only play it safe when it comes to furthering our gun rights. It's as if some 2A supporters exist on a half-bent knee, ready to compromise before anyone could possibly do something they consider stupid and ruining it for the rest of us. Sometimes, they ain't quite as stupid as one would think. Now, I'm not saying everyone should start walking around with a pink tipped AK-47, but I...

posted @ 10/4/2010 10:30:39 AM | Feedback (2)

There will be blood (and possibly Miller Lite) on the picnic tables!

You can now consume beer and / or tote your heater in public parks in my county. Just like you can do at home, at a restaurant that serves alcohol, on your own business property, at the mall, etc. Since it's not been a problem (are you listening Tennessee?) there's no reason to restrict freedom for the illusion of safety. Now, if we could get away from the silly rule that I have to wear uncomfortably hot clothing in order to carry (i.e. no Open Carry), things would be much better. Oh, and the...

posted @ 9/24/2010 11:09:20 AM | Feedback (12)

Must be all that extra training the cops receive

Tam (again) What I don't get is this: I have carried a pistol every waking moment for most of my adult and, despite sometimes being mad enough at people to spit nails, I have never, ever drawn that pistol and pointed it at somebody like it was some kind of tool of argument, let alone started busting caps. The screamingly obvious lack of impulse control on this sergeant is appalling; I sincerely question whether he should be allowed out walking around near decent folk. And again, we point...

posted @ 8/13/2010 9:21:26 AM | Feedback (1)

Giving mass murderers concealed weapons permits – With a Breitbart warning

Breitbart Warning in effect. Westside killer denied handgun permit An application for a concealed handgun permit filed by one of the shooters in 1998's Westside Middle School Massacre in Jonesboro has been denied by the Arkansas State Police, citing the objections of the Sharp County sheriff and at least one answer on the application that appears to be false. For those not in the know, here's a rundown of the Westside Middle School Massacre The following morning, the boys drove in...

posted @ 7/28/2010 9:38:55 AM | Feedback (13)

As it should be

Louisiana Catholic churches won’t allow guns Concealed handguns will continue to be banned in Catholic churches despite a new state law that allows them, officials said Monday. The decision was made by Louisiana’s Catholic bishops. “We don’t think it is appropriate to have guns in churches,” said Danny Loar, executive director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. Unfortunately, the NRA headlines this as Louisiana: Catholic churches will not respect Right-to-Carry. I...

posted @ 7/20/2010 10:59:34 AM | Feedback (33)

When I say Read the Whole Thing

I mean it. But there are some juicy morsels worth highlighting. Short of it, Wisconsin, one of the last holdouts of states that bar bearing of arms, recently had the District Attorney for Jackson County flatly state that his office will no longer … hell, just read this This Supreme Court ruling is binding on all states and local governments, and immediately renders some of Wisconsin’s current laws unconstitutional. Therefore, in keeping with my oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, I...

posted @ 7/6/2010 9:18:53 AM | Feedback (7)

More officers like this please

Colorado State University votes to make guns on campus illegal, even if you're a CCW holder The Colorado State University Board of Governors voted unanimously Tuesday to place students at both of its campuses in harm’s way with a sweeping weapons ban law-abiding citizens will obey and criminals will ignore. Larimer County Sheriff James Alderden, outraged by the ban, told The Gazette’s opinion department he will undermine it in the interest of student safety. … “I have told the CSU...

posted @ 2/24/2010 9:29:13 AM | Feedback (4)

Gays and guns

And why my support for the Second Amendment is so strong. Jeff Soyer writes It’s rare that I even bring up “gay issues” here, mostly because — and this might surprise you — I’m not all that interested in them. I have a gun. If someone wants to take issue with my being gay, I can present my own argument. You can swap out "gay" with practically any other description and it works the same If someone wants to take issue with my being a woman If someone wants to take issue...

posted @ 2/10/2010 10:58:48 AM | Feedback (4)

Making the illegal illegaller

I've had something rattling around in my noggin for a long time and it's something I can't seem to ever get out in words to explain what I'm thinking. Thankfully, Say Uncle has a post that allowed me to be sarcastic in the comments, and I realized that's EXACTLY the point I've been trying to make From his post OK law makes it illegal to fortify home if you have drugs: bill that makes it unlawful for “any person to willfully fortify an access point into any dwelling, structure, building...

posted @ 1/14/2010 10:55:14 AM | Feedback (7)

Advantage, us

At one of the Gun Blogger get-togethers, I joked around about what gun controllers must do for entertainment – hit up the anti-gun range or go to an anti-gun show. We all had a good laugh over that, but it stuck in my head for a while, and I think I've finally got a handle on why that pithy statement meant something to me. Think about it – this past weekend, both Breda and I took a new shooter to the range. In both cases, it was pretty evident we've created new shooters. At the least, we've...

posted @ 12/22/2009 12:56:07 PM | Feedback (7)

One of these things is not like the other

While both are enshrined in the Bill of Rights, one right gets treated a little differently Before engaging in new free speech you must pass an instant background check by a government authorized free speech dealer. Sorry, if your name is like someone else prohibited from speech and religion, it is up to you to prove you’re not that person. (NICS instant background check and Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993) Any speech or work with more than 10 sentences per page...

posted @ 12/9/2009 7:59:11 AM | Feedback (4)

Who needs the Bradys

When your own side is firmly against you? My earlier post had nothing to do with Sebastian directly. He just happened to, like clockwork, chime in about open carrying in his usual manner. You see, to Sebastian, everything is political and a PR stunt. There is a time and place to open carry, to exercise your rights, but so far, Sebastian has yet to find a single instance where he thinks it is OK to do so. And trust me, he believes his view on the matter is the final word. For example I am...

posted @ 10/12/2009 2:52:21 PM | Feedback (42)

Windmills. Some tilting required

Marko speaks complete and utter sense. Too bad you can't argue with the illogical using logic.

posted @ 8/25/2009 12:59:46 PM | Feedback (2)

Man with a gun in the Chik-Fil-A play area

No blood on the swirly slide, surprisingly.

posted @ 8/20/2009 12:20:36 PM | Feedback (4)

Disagreements amongst us

Much has been said about a certain person carrying an AR-15 type rifle openly near where Obama was going to be speaking. Surprisingly, many of those I consider like minded speak derisively of this man and his actions. What is about to follow is my view on this, but I have to give a disclaimer. I'm tired as hell, I'm already grumpy from other stuff from my day, and writing longish posts is hard for me. I'll be all over the place using bad language, worse grammar, and more than likely looking...

posted @ 8/19/2009 7:20:11 AM | Feedback (59)

Why we are winning

Not only do we have Kevin Baker, we have Joe Huffman. On bringing a new shooter to the range At about 10 feet nearly all of her shots were within the black. After about 20 rounds she told me, "Maybe I should buy a gun." I said we could talk about it after we got outside. I did a little bit of shooting with the Buck Mark and my Gun Blog 45 then we left. In the parking lot I asked her about why she wanted a gun. The answer was the economy is probably going to get worse and...

posted @ 8/17/2009 8:36:02 AM | Feedback (2)

I didn't realize they came in this size

Idiot in XXXL In an earlier article about the 2nd amendment I proved beyond a shadow of any doubt that the 2nd amendment has nothing to do with an individual right to own a gun. And the facts are irrefutable. Irrefutable!!! Well, minus the part where it's been unanimously determined by the Supreme Court. And countless other documents, articles, studies, etc. Oh, and reality.

posted @ 7/13/2009 10:39:33 AM | Feedback (24)

Turning the anti-gun bigots into sad pandas, 33 states at a time

Two-thirds of State Attorneys General File Amicus Brief Supporting Second Amendment Incorporation Fairfax, Va. – Two-thirds of the nation’s attorneys general have filed an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to grant certiorari in the case of NRA v. Chicago and hold that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This bi-partisan group of 33 attorneys general, along with the Attorney General of California in...

posted @ 7/7/2009 11:03:04 AM | Feedback (8)

Flat Earthers and the gun control movement

I once saw a bumper sticker that derided religion by saying "The Bible was written by people who thought the Earth was flat". Now, I'm not here to defend the accuracy of the Bible nor the religion itself, but to bring up a point about believing in a flat planet. Algebra was invented by people who thought the world was flat, as was most of the basis for science as we know it today. And why shouldn't they have believed that? There was no proof at the time that the Earth was a sphere....

posted @ 7/1/2009 10:00:23 AM | Feedback (14)

It's bound to happen

This is the type of story the anti-gunners flock to. An argument outside of a restaurant over a parking space turns deadly. It involves both booze and guns. This is definitely an example of a time where the lack of a firearm would have probably resulted in nothing more than a case of fisticuffs and some bruises. However, as Clayton points out, this is a rare event. As Second Amendment supporters, we have to face up to the fact that there are people out there who should not own firearms and...

posted @ 6/10/2009 10:51:04 AM | Feedback (8)

Tomatoes, proof, and logic

Did you know that tomatoes were once considered poisonous? Up until the end of the eighteenth century, physicians warned against eating tomatoes, fearing they caused not only appendicitis but also stomach cancer from tomato skins adhering to the lining of the stomach. To prove they weren't, a Colonel ate an entire basket of tomatoes in front of a crowd of people As the story is told, it was Colonel Johnson who on September 26, 1820 once and for all proved tomatoes non-poisonous and...

posted @ 6/9/2009 9:56:41 AM | Feedback (15)

NIMBY, writ large

Uncle points us to a poll asking if you feel safer in a restaurant that allows guns or not. Seems like the bill has passed as it is, which is good, but the comments and general PSH from the Commercial Appeal is a sight to behold. First, 80% of the states allow for carrying a weapon into a place that serves alcohol. 80% of states do not have shootouts every 13 minutes from drunks pissed that they're out of Beer Nuts. The shootouts they claim will happen haven't happened anywhere else, period....

posted @ 5/14/2009 11:18:23 AM | Feedback (6)

Why we win

Two words – Kevin Baker. How he manages to actually write his "patented Überposts™©®" I will never understand. After the 10th paragraph, I get distracted by pocket lint. Read the whole thing (bring a cot and some refreshments. It'll take a while). Notice how Kevin lays down the facts. No snark, no ad hominem attacks, no appeals to emotion. Tons of links. Tons of citations. Everything you need to make your own conclusion, which Kevin requests that you do. I am not a gun rights...

posted @ 5/13/2009 6:49:48 PM | Feedback (5)

Freedom isn't free

But it's cheaper in other places apparently

posted @ 3/9/2009 10:05:50 AM | Feedback (0)

What did you think would happen?

Guy decides to open carry at church. Freedom ensues. Sometimes, it doesn't scare the white people.

posted @ 3/5/2009 12:59:56 PM | Feedback (0)

Seeing the light – almost.

When Pat Guan wrote an article about concealed carry in 2003, he got an earful from a passionate Second Amendment supporter. Fast forward 6 years later, and Pat has come to a conclusion we all here know Well, Missouri went ahead with it and as far as I can tell not one of us from Illinois has been shot, justifiably or not, by one of those pistol-packers. Hardly any Missourians have been shot by them either, reconfirming the experience elsewhere that concealed carry seems to be neither a...

posted @ 3/5/2009 8:45:06 AM | Feedback (2)

This is where my idea would work fine

I know I'm a hypocrite since I have a CCW and you shouldn't have to license a right, but that’s a battle for another day. Things being what they are, and for the point of this discussion, here in Florida you must apply for a Carries Concealed Weapon permit in order to have a concealed weapon on your person. Criminals are exempt from this licensing scheme, which is odd since that's supposed to be the point of licensing or something, but I digress. Via Uncle, it appears Florida can't keep up...

posted @ 2/20/2009 10:22:42 AM | Feedback (9)

The right to keep and bear arms in DC? Sure

The rest of the country can go f**k themselves. And to think President Floppy Ears is going to pick quite possibly several SCOTUS members. I'm so happy to be living in interesting times...

posted @ 2/10/2009 7:13:04 PM | Feedback (0)

If you can't make constitutional contempt painful

At least you can make it expensive San Francisco Pays NRA $380,000 for Successful Proposition H Lawsuits Fairfax, Va. – The City of San Francisco has paid $380,000 to the National Rifle Association (NRA) as reimbursement for legal fees incurred while striking down Proposition H, passed by San Francisco voters in November 2005. ... Combined with more than $200,000 in fees paid to City lawyers defending the ordinance and an equal value of lawyers time donated to the City for the unsuccessful...

posted @ 2/6/2009 12:17:42 PM | Feedback (5)

Examiner Gun Rights

David Codrea has been diligently writing about Gun Rights for the Examiner and there seems to be quite a surge in firearms related writers for them, indicating a strong desire to read about it. This bodes well for us. I've been remiss at highlighting this, and for that I apologize. He is a tireless advocate for our right to keep and bear arms and is a strong voice for us all. Even those who disagree with him benefit from his efforts. If you're not aware of David's writing, please give them a...

posted @ 1/27/2009 10:02:00 AM | Feedback (2)

And STAY in the closet

Georgia's Lieutenant Governor is a little unclear of a concept Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle on Monday shot down plans one lawmaker has to expand the places gun owners in Georgia may legally carry concealed weapons. Cagle, speaking with reporters at his Capitol office, said he had “no appetite” to revisit the concealed carry law. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) has been considering a bill that would expand the places where guns would be allowed. The current law bans weapons at places the public...

posted @ 1/5/2009 8:38:26 PM | Feedback (4)

I fail to see the 'common sense' here

Bill Quick attempts to buy a rifle. In California. The sending FFL has to go to a special web sight and jump through three pages of hoops. I, of course, pay an additional $100 to support the California FFL transfer system. And at the moment, I don’t know whether the seller will even want to go through this insane rigamarole. I took another look at GunsAmerica, and saw that several sellers will no longer sell to California residents. No doubt the authors of this latest bullshit think that is a...

posted @ 12/9/2008 7:52:42 AM | Feedback (2)

If the number was any smaller, it'd rival the Detroit Lions' '08 record

Greg points out some interesting statistics for CCW here in Florida Additional stats from 10/1/1987 (when shall issue licensing was passed) to 10/31/2008 (the last full month of data available): 1,408,907 licenses have been issued. 533,181 of those are current and active. 166 have been revoked due to a gun-related crime. ... In further conversations, he discovered that 3,716 permits were revoked due to crime. So let's use the bigger number for grits and shins. "AHA!" say the anti-gun people....

posted @ 12/3/2008 1:39:41 PM | Feedback (5)

Hurdles

If you look back on this blog just two years ago, you'll notice I rarely posted about guns. Heck, a few years before that and it was all politics (ah... the salad days of 2000+ daily hits), then I simply was aimless for a while. However, I began to realize that it was in my best interest to be able to defend myself if need be. Now I am 6'3", two hundred and something pounds, walk with a purpose and make eye contact with people, so I don't project "EASY TARGET", but that doesn't preclude me from...

posted @ 12/3/2008 10:36:57 AM | Feedback (10)

Quote of the day XXXIVVI

From Armed Canadian over in a rather spirited discussion at Sebastian's about the term "Fudd" the only difference between a hunting rifle and a sniper rifle is the target. A good point to hammer home in the heads of Fudds hunters who don’t mind banning weapons they don’t use.

posted @ 11/18/2008 3:14:26 PM | Feedback (7)

Cooper Firearms - Second Amendment sellouts and now, liars

So, seem's like Cooper Firearms is spinning in an attempt to protect their company from the revelation that their owner, Daniel Cooper is a rabid Obama supporter. Recently, their web site spouted several paragraphs about how much they love the 2nd Amendment and that the original contribution was to knock Hillary out of the race and that to make up for it, double that amount has been donated to the Republicans and McCain Regarding the USA Today Article. Cooper Firearms of Montana, Inc. did not...

posted @ 10/29/2008 11:28:28 AM | Feedback (8)

Infringement - Because we care

Imagine being an elderly woman. Imagine your husband lost both legs to diabetes and that you do not possess the strength needed to defend yourself against younger, stronger opponents and you decide to purchase a tool that will give you leverage you need to defend yourself and the one you love. You decide on a pistol. Now the phrase Shall Not Be Infringed is pretty straightforward. It doesn't say Shall Not Be Infringed After a 3 to 10 Day Waiting Period, Shall Not Be Infringed for the...

posted @ 10/28/2008 7:05:03 PM | Feedback (9)

School is in

The topic of guns came up in this guy's class. He's almost there, but needs a little push. Let's show him what real Reasoned Discourse is, ok?

posted @ 10/27/2008 9:37:03 AM | Feedback (4)

Sensitive little thing, aren't we?

So, I'm reading the comments over at Q&O where Dale got himself some new rifles when Joe pipes up Well Hooray for Dale, he bought his wife a death machine...that says so much about you nut-jobs...I’m hoping the next POTUS will change things and bring the US more into line with the reasonable restraint on small arms tha the UN proposes. Written By: Joe Where as I proceeded to get all Gun-Righty and lay down the factoids and huffed and puffed until that house fell in. 'Cept Joe was being...

posted @ 10/27/2008 7:46:37 AM | Feedback (6)

As a gun owner, who would get your vote

A simple question was asked of the incumbent and the challenger Urban gun violence remains a significant issue in many U.S. cities. What steps should be taken to quell this issue?” Here's how they answered Politician A “Urban gun violence is obviously a deeply troubling issue throughout much of this nation. Like most citizens, I am deeply concerned about this matter and recognize the need for a comprehensive response to the challenge. I firmly believe, however, that legal gun ownership is not...

posted @ 10/23/2008 11:06:56 AM | Feedback (4)

Why do you shoot?

Roberta X asks How about you? Why do you shoot? Why do you carry, if you carry at all? I shoot because I find the action of shooting to be relaxing. There's a Zen-like state one can achieve when target practicing. All the variables come into play - trigger control, breathing, stance, grip - and you can find that thinking of any of them will throw you off. You have to almost go on automatic pilot to get them all to play well together. When one of the variables is off, you concentrate on that...

posted @ 10/16/2008 8:29:27 AM | Feedback (6)

Balls like that of a tsetse fly

Senate blocks rollback of DC gun regulations Seems like the standard line is "DC should be able to make its own laws", which would be fine and dandy if said laws weren't unconstitutional. But theirs are and a Supreme Court ruling nailed that one home. So, it's up to Congress to reel them in. Wouldn't want to decrease the amount of power the government has, now would we/

posted @ 9/25/2008 1:58:05 PM | Feedback (2)

Spirals of negativity

Why is it when there's a shooting of innocents, the calls for more gun control reach a feverish pitch but when there's a story about a woman defending her life and those of her family with a firearm, there's not a similar amount of noise given to reducing the restrictions on firearms? Even though there are more of the latter than the former?

posted @ 9/23/2008 9:13:28 PM | Feedback (2)

No knocks

We all know Barack You ever seen a grown man naked? Obama doesn't like the little people to be armed. Sure, he'll mouth platitudes to hunters that he's not going to take away their guns, but that's mostly based on the fact he knows he doesn't have the votes in congress. I've read in several places where people think us gun-nuts are overreacting, that an Obama administration won't be knocking on doors to confiscate our rifles. Which, shockingly, is probably true while completely missing the real...

posted @ 9/9/2008 11:38:43 AM | Feedback (2)

This shouldn't be the case

Clayton Cramer on one of the most useful links on the Internet for us gunnies, The Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog Increasingly I find myself wondering if continuing this effort really makes any sense. We've made some efforts to engage NRA with this--with no success. There must be some wealthy gun owners or people in the gun business who can see the advantage of what we are doing, and would be willing to provide some limited funding to justify the effort. But if not, the temptation is very...

posted @ 9/1/2008 7:38:00 PM | Feedback (4)

The correct response

John Noble was handing out gun rights flyers near a Barack Jesus 2.0 Obama rally. He was also, quite legally open carrying his Glock pistol. Guess who got arrested for it? Is he remorseful for what he did? Asked if it was wise to carry a gun near the Obama event, Noble said: "His rights don't trump mine." Amen brother, amen. What bothers me is that this happened near the rally. Then the police had the hope and audacity to arrest him because he "created a clear public alarm and caused a...

posted @ 8/31/2008 9:41:48 AM | Feedback (5)

Cracks in the dam - across the pond

Britain Needs Guns Do We Really Need More Guns In British Society ? Yes, because gun control causes more problems than it solves. You would think that if gun control was going to work anywhere, it would work on a little island surrounded by water. Yet Britain has seen a massive rise in shootings, and it's not getting any better. How can it make sense to use laws to protect us from people that don't obey laws ? Gun control only serves to give people a false sense of security. It doesn't...

posted @ 8/19/2008 10:19:12 AM | Feedback (4)

When you consider the safety of children

This makes total sense When classes start Aug. 25 at the tiny Harrold school district, there will be one distinct difference from years prior — some of the teachers may have guns I would have no problem sending my own children to a school that allowed teachers to carry firearms or other weapons. Why would I? I carry weaponry myself. This is a refreshing piece of news!

posted @ 8/14/2008 7:50:48 PM | Feedback (3)

And one step forward again

Another domino tumbles Following on the heels of a Supreme Court decision that held that a blanket ban on handguns violated 2nd Amendment rights, Evanston's City Council voted 7-1 Monday night to amend the North Shore suburb's weapons ordinance to conform to the landmark court ruling. Council members believe the move will allow the city to avoid a potential court challenge. "I find the Supreme Court decision repugnant," said Ald. Steve Bernstein (4th). "But because of it, it's the law. In the...

posted @ 8/12/2008 7:37:57 AM | Feedback (6)

Responding to Kevin Baker

One of the Interweb greats - KB - has written out another long read, but damned well worth it. I wanted to respond on my own blog because, well, comments aren't always read especially after such a lengthy post. The article revolves around the infamous Mike Vanderboegh letter to the editor. I've not written much on it because I'm in an odd spot. I understand, sympathize, and even partially agree with Mike, but I disagree that his letter was effective, and Kevin's post really nails home why....

posted @ 8/7/2008 9:16:27 PM | Feedback (0)

Heller point from the Puppy Blender

Glenn brings up a great point But nonetheless, all nine Justices specifically said the right is individual, and thus rejected the "collective right" position on the Second Amendment, a position that's been the mainstay of gun-control groups, newspaper editorialists, and lower federal courts for decades, and one that was presented by those adherents as so obviously correct that those arguing for an individual right were called "frauds" and shills for the NRA.

posted @ 6/30/2008 1:34:16 PM | Feedback (0)

When historians attack

Or, I didn't like the outcome so I'll use ad hominem attacks instead My favorite part is this, which should have been at the very beginning of the article so I wouldn't have bothered with the rest Constitutional doctrine is properly ever-evolving, but that evolution ought not to be shaped by manufactured provenance masquerading as scholarship. Ah, yes. The living constitution. Which is like a living contract between your mortgage company and you. I know we agreed on 6.5%, but the contract is...

posted @ 6/29/2008 11:25:34 PM | Feedback (0)

The ever changing battle lines

Remember, Heller was a call to battle, not a victory song. This kind of thinking illustrates what we're going to be up against. Because the case before the court arose from the District of Columbia and thus involved only federal law, the court did not resolve the important question of whether the Second Amendment's protections apply to limit state and local laws. Benna Ruth Solomon, a lawyer for the city of Chicago, said there is, for now at least, no doubt about the proper answer to that...

posted @ 6/27/2008 2:58:08 PM | Feedback (0)

The Battle Cry

Just a reminder - The Heller (Peace Be Upon Him) decision is not the call of victory, but a call to battle. The anti-forces will be doubling down now to find loopholes in phrases such as "dangerous or unusual" or "self defense in the home". They can not easily win in a full frontal attack, but be prepared for the whole 1,000 paper-cuts thing. Now is not the time to relax. Enjoy your day, hit the range, buy some ammo or a new gun, but get ready for the upcoming battles. The will be small, but...

posted @ 6/26/2008 3:24:08 PM | Feedback (0)

Old Heller

Or, it's getting old waiting on this. I'm betting it won't be today, because if it were today then my nerves could take a break and I never get the good breaks.

posted @ 6/25/2008 2:07:53 PM | Feedback (0)

Don't resist. Just give them what they want, right?

What if what they want is your child? The mother, who did not wish to be identified, said the man approached her 16-year-old daughter on Alhambra Circle near their home. “She was walking her dog in the median right out in front of our house here, and a man approached her in a truck and tried to get her to come to the truck,” the woman said. The teenager ran to nearby Coral Gables Elementary School, calling her mother and 911. The mother confronted the man and showed him her 9-mm gun. “It’s...

posted @ 6/11/2008 10:12:33 AM | Feedback (4)

You're doing it wrong

From various conversations and posts I've had / made over the past few days regarding gun control and background checks, I'd like to offer this observation. Point Of Sale is the wrong time to prevent criminals from obtaining the tools they ply their trade with. If you wait until they try to purchase something before you figure out "Hey! They shouldn't have this! They might hurt someone with it", then you've waited too long to be effective. It's like trying to put your seatbelt on while slamming...

posted @ 5/29/2008 12:56:57 PM | Feedback (1)

Not more, less

Ego Assassin asks I think there is absolutely NO argument when it comes to fighting for “more guns” for citizens. There are PLENTY out there. Go ask the local gang bangers or the thugs that go around knocking over liquor stores. Go ask the idiots who shoot out their own schools with multiple weapons. Is this still not enough? Can a gun-lover please explain to me where the shortage is? What is the problem here? Why do you need so many guns in so many flavors? Hunting? Shooting range? Is it that...

posted @ 5/25/2008 10:14:31 AM | Feedback (7)

Forget ATF reform

Shut 'em down. They're dishonest and the entire organization needs to be disbanded. I'd have no problems if they themselves followed the law, but the agency acts as if it is totally unaccountable to the people of the United States. With behavior like this, it’s no wonder that more and more, FFLs and gun owners are assuming that the ATF isn’t interested in enforcing the law, but rather in shutting down licensees across the country. That’s essentially what’s at stake here for Adventure Outdoors...

posted @ 5/12/2008 5:44:14 PM | Feedback (2)

When is the last time you saw Helmke do this?

"Hey! Look at these stats that prove my point! Oh, wait... Sorry, I was wrong." You won't get honesty out of the anti side. They rely on bad data, distortions, and outright lies to get their points across. I think most gunnies are like myself - we're pro-gun because it's right, not because it's a cause. And striving to find the truth is more important than being right.

posted @ 5/12/2008 7:41:37 AM | Feedback (2)

Someone asks a question

Brain Blogger I’m curious to hear what people think. Would you not see a doctor if you knew he had a gun in his office? Do you feel that physicians are similar to the Red Cross and that they should be neutral and conflict avoiding? Someone needs guidance and you guys and gals are the perfect ones to help.

posted @ 5/9/2008 3:25:09 PM | Feedback (3)

What do you get when you cross a journalist with a trip to the range?

Enlightenment I could not have anticipated the overwhelming response from gun owners across the country. Every day for more than a week e-mail messages poured in and two gun owners called from out of state to thank me for being an "open-minded journalist." ... Gun owners, men and women alike, have been very therapeutic for me. They are an incredibly encouraging and generous lot, letting a newcomer borrow their pistols, try a variety of guns and use up their ammunition. With the price of metal...

posted @ 5/5/2008 8:32:13 AM | Feedback (4)

Quote of the Day - How can you take back what is yours edition

Kim DuToit, wordsmith Remember, this is not “taking the law into your own hands”—the law has never left our possession, we just delegate its enforcement to others temporarily; and if those people are incompetent, we just take it back. This is a point that is so lost on people that sometimes I fear we may not be able to repair this country. The law is what we, the people, make it. Being a vigilante means you go and seek out the bad guys, not that you protect your self or your community....

posted @ 4/23/2008 9:47:08 AM | Feedback (1)

A crime against blogmanity

I failed to put The Sentinel in my blogroll. Oh, sure, it's been in my RSS reader, but that only helps me. It's the blog for the Virginia Citizens Defense League who, in my mind, is one of the most impressive pro-gun organizations out there who consistently hit waaaay above their weight level. I truly wish we had something like that here in in Florida. Sorry for the delay, guys.

posted @ 4/22/2008 9:38:50 PM | Feedback (1)

Bad, bad, bad law

Let me state unequivocally that the "Commuter Protection" or "Trunk Doctrine" law they just passed here in Florida is stupid, wrong, and a waste of everything from money to political capital. I'm disappointed in the NRA for pushing such a boneheaded law. This law is supposedly a boon for our rights as it "allows employees to keep a weapon secured in their vehicle". I call bunk. I dislike this law because it is too narrow to be of any use. It only protects a specific class of citizen from...

posted @ 4/10/2008 4:37:11 PM | Feedback (12)

There ought to be a law

A great questionnaire by Greg. I think this points out a giant flaw in every "poll" that states Americans believe there should be tougher gun laws. Most Americans probably have no idea what laws exist already. Show them this quiz.

posted @ 4/3/2008 7:59:13 AM | Feedback (2)

My view on brightly painted guns

Sile, over at The Gun Blogs, opines It really PAINS me to find myself leaning towards agreement with the state of New York in anything, much less when it comes to banning of firearms. New York is considering a ban on "brightly painted guns", you know, the bright reds, blues, and worst in my opinion, orange. I'm not a guy who believes that the looks of a firearm should be a factor in determination use, but at the same time, I work in the law enforcement area and know that a orange gun (if they...

posted @ 3/28/2008 2:03:02 PM | Feedback (8)

I'll probably forfeit my wheelbarrow of cash for this

But I have to disagree with the NRA's push here in Florida for SB-1103 / HB-503. Here's the bill in a nutshell. It would prohibit employers from searching your car for a firearm. I believe that the contents of my vehicle or private and should not be required to allow anyone to search it sans warrant. I agree that my employer can terminate our relationship at any time for pretty much any reason except those that violate my civil rights. They can't fire me for my race, gender, or sexual...

posted @ 3/26/2008 1:57:43 PM | Feedback (1)

Alan Gura on machine guns

Apparently, a lot of people are giving him shit for the machine gun part of his arguments. He responds quite gracefully From Subguns The solution to 922(o) will have to be political in the end. The fact is, outside the gun community, the concept of privately owned machine guns is intolerable to American society and 100% of all federal judges. If I had suggested in any way — including, by being evasive and indirect and fudging the answer — that machine guns are the next case and this is the...

posted @ 3/20/2008 1:28:45 PM | Feedback (5)

Quote of the Day - Roberta X edition

But remember, human rights are inherent. Governments may make the free exercise of them awkward but they can only impede; even when penalized or barred, your rights exist. Such a great point. Hobsonian as the choice may be, you still can exercise your rights at any time.

posted @ 3/20/2008 8:20:20 AM | Feedback (2)

Good luck

Today, oral arguments for Heller will be heard. Logic and history are at our side and I feel confident that we will prevail, but the battle will not be easy. May the good Lord bless Mr. Gura and Mr. Levy and should they prevail, a national holiday should be held in their honor.

posted @ 3/18/2008 9:47:35 AM | Feedback (6)

BREAKING NEWS: LEN SAVAGE ON LOU DOBBS TONIGHT

http://waronguns.blogspot.com/2008/03/breaking-news-len-savage-on-lou-dobbs.html I just got off the phone with Len Savage.Lou Dobbs Tonight is featuring him in two segments. Per show producer Chris Murphey: We will possibly split this story into a two part event…either way we’ll be running something tonight in the show…airs 7P-8p EST on CNN…unsure of the hit time for this piece, but expect it in the first half-hour.So it may be one segment tonight and another segment tomorrow. Anyway, plan on...

posted @ 3/13/2008 4:49:11 PM | Feedback (2)

I have no need for the MagPul folding pistol

But the more PSH I read like this, calling it a "SUBMACHINE GUN!!!!!"* makes me want to get one (when they come out) just to annoy the hoplo-incontinent among us. *According to Justin, it is a submachine gun. However, since it causes rectal leakage in the gun-fearers, well my point still stands.

posted @ 3/11/2008 10:00:45 PM | Feedback (5)

Another discussion for you to help with

Free and Flawed - Alternative Gun Control I've seen what we can do as a group. These are the minds we should be aiming for. Poisoned with the lies of the media and anti-gun lobby, but young and not permanently scarred. Lots of misconceptions there that we can try to correct.

posted @ 3/7/2008 8:51:04 AM | Feedback (9)

I'm glad David Young is on our side

He's done some wonderful work. Please give him some of your time and attention.

posted @ 3/7/2008 7:42:03 AM | Feedback (0)

Let's play "spot the high power assault rifle" round

The Armed Canadian has a fantastic article regarding the oft repeated "we only want to ban assault rifle" shtick. Go give it a read.

posted @ 3/4/2008 3:33:33 PM | Feedback (0)

Why DC's Gun Law Is Unconstitutional

David Young, author of The Origin of the Second Amendment, sent me an email about his article regarding the D.C. gun ban. Please give it a read and help spread the message.

posted @ 2/24/2008 4:07:44 PM | Feedback (0)

I need to find work in Montana

Just LOOK at this quote from an amicus brief filed by the Montana Secretary of State, Brad Johnson, and a some Montana lawmakers A collective rights decision by the court would violate the contract by which Montana entered into statehood, called the Compact With the United States and archived at Article I of the Montana Constitution. When Montana and the United States entered into this bilateral contract in 1889, the U.S. approved the right to bear arms in the Montana Constitution,...

posted @ 2/20/2008 7:51:37 PM | Feedback (11)

Real Reasoned Discourse

I've been having a conversation with Brandon Bryn of Prevention Works regarding a post he wrote about the Gun Show Loophole. I, of course, disagree with the term "loophole" and have been arguing my point and Brandon has been respectful in his replies. This is what true reasoned discourse is like. To that end, I'd like to draw the conversation over here so that (a) I have more room than a comment box and (b) hopefully get a little more exposure. As always, I expect nothing but the best behavior...

posted @ 1/30/2008 11:46:20 AM | Feedback (6)

Someone's been doing their homework on waiting periods

Greg has put up an excellent analysis of the stupid local waiting periods. There are some very interesting things he found, especially about the part that, if you can show a prior purchase of a gun, that a waiting period isn't required. Sounds familiar, somehow.

posted @ 1/11/2008 2:33:37 PM | Feedback (0)

Well, that's usually how it works

Michigan sees fewer gun deaths — with more permits Six years after new rules made it much easier to get a license to carry concealed weapons, the number of Michiganders legally packing heat has increased more than six-fold. But dire predictions about increased violence and bloodshed have largely gone unfulfilled, according to law enforcement officials and, to the extent they can be measured, crime statistics. The incidence of violent crime in Michigan in the six years since the law went...

posted @ 1/6/2008 10:32:39 AM | Feedback (4)

How's this for a compromise?

Waiting periods for firearms purchases will be waived if the person purchasing the firearm has, on their possession, a firearm (unloaded, of course). Because waiting periods are to "cool off". If you already own a gun (and simply having it on you means you have plenty of access to it) then there is no reason to make you wait for another. Any takers on why this would be a bad / non workable idea?

posted @ 1/3/2008 2:03:41 PM | Feedback (19)

Here is a visual of DC's case via Heller

Well, it seems that way.

posted @ 1/2/2008 2:10:46 PM | Feedback (2)

Quote of the day - Letter to the editor edition

In response to another "The Founding Fathers couldn't have foreseen advances in firearm technology" letter In counter, I'd like to suggest a five-day waiting period on publication, while the government background checks facts for accuracy, after which time Hammerle can spout off in a paper he prints with lead type and distributed on horseback, just as our Founders intended. Emphasis mine.

posted @ 12/23/2007 10:18:50 AM | Feedback (1)

Phrase of the day

Civil Liberties Insurance Device I like it. Thanks Scott!

posted @ 12/18/2007 8:20:51 AM | Feedback (3)

It's time to apply "reasonable restrictions" to the other amendments

It is considered "reasonable" to restrict 2A rights when the "greater good" is served. Law abiding citizens are told that it is in their best interest if they are closely monitored when purchasing firearms, licensed to do so, registration, fees, etc. since these "reasonable infringements" will somehow lower the number of guns in the hands of those who would use them with ill intent. The justification for this is that we have a crime problem. Some of that crime is committed with a firearm. And...

posted @ 12/13/2007 9:35:15 AM | Feedback (6)

What law would have stopped this guy?

Seriously. What law is so powerful that even the deranged are cowed by its authority? He found Jason Wenger, 27, a graduate student at the University of Alaska Anchorage. According to the documents, Rogers told police he shot Wenger a few hours later during a carjacking at Wenger's West Anchorage home. When he wasn't able to get Wenger's body out of his Bronco quickly enough, Rogers fled on foot to a wooded spot, where he took a nap, he told police. At that point, he told police he was no...

posted @ 12/12/2007 2:11:54 PM | Feedback (0)

A good sign

A lot of people are talking about the recent shootings. Some of it are conversations I've overheard, the others are through my news alerts. The big thing I see and hear is the concept that Gun Free Zones are useless. Anywhere. Everyone seems to be on the ball that an armed good guy is not the problem and is the only one who will obey the rules anyway. I have a feeling we're about to see a significant shift in gun rights. Just a hunch. A lot of these places I've read in my alerts have nothing to...

posted @ 12/11/2007 4:07:32 PM | Feedback (8)

Gun myths - a gun in your hand makes you a killer

Jeanne Assam is a hero. There is nothing I can laud upon this woman that makes what she did any greater of a feat. But I don't want to focus on her right now, I want to focus on this (from the Smallest Minority) If what I heard on the radio this afternoon is correct, there were three armed security people at the church in Colorado Springs. Only one willingly engaged the shooter, calmly walking towards him, firing the entire time. Jeanne Assam fired approximately twelve rounds, and took down...

posted @ 12/11/2007 11:35:45 AM | Feedback (4)

A limit I would accept on the 2A

Here's a proposal. It's something I've said before, but I'm wanting to repeat it here. The general populace should be allowed to own the same firearms as their local police. If the police are allowed to have fully automatic handguns, so should John and Jane Citizen. The S.W.A.T. team is armed with concussion grenades and 50 Cal. sniper rifles? I should be able to purchase them without any restrictions. If you cannot trust J&J Citizen then you need to disarm the police as well. Nothing says...

posted @ 12/4/2007 11:33:32 AM | Feedback (5)

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