No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.7/410 - Release Date: 8/5/2006 Better Late Than Never: I failed to pursue this link a few weeks ago. Note the role of "prior inconsistent statements." While I am in no position to judge the merits of the case, the defendant's claims are consistent with what we know about the effects of being involved in a shooting. (1) Don't rush to provide details on shooting incidents, particularly without an attorney. (2) Deadly Force Encounters, by Alexis Artwohl and Loren Christensen is well worth the investment, to learn about the effects of high stress during and following deadly confrontations as well as how to deal with them. http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=16937502&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=506035&rfi=6 --- Shooters Have Poor Reputation In National Forest: Article on the woes of Arizona's Tonto National Forest devotes two sections to damage caused by shooters. http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0806tonto0806.html --- 82-Year-Old Woman Still Taking Trapshooting Medals: The 82-year-old great-grandmother underwent triple-bypass surgery last year, and then recovered to win a bronze medal in the women's shooting division of the Badger State Games in June. "When a gun fits you, it don't kick," she said of her pet Browning Lightning 12-gauge over-under shotgun. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060805/ap_on_fe_st/sharp_shooting_senior_1 --- English Grandmother Arrested After Teenager Breaks Her Arm: During a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse from a gang, the frail 64-year-old prodded the teenager ringleader in the stomach when he urged her to "Hit me, if you dare". Adding insult to her subsequently broken arm, police officers arrested her for assaulting a child after his mother moaned he had been attacked. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=399145&in_page_id=1770 --- From NPR: I have not taken the time to listen to this myself but am told that National Public Radio, normally a very left-leaning source, ran an unusually balanced report on Louisiana residents arming themselves in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5614052 --- From John Farnam: 31 July 06 On the S&W M&P Pistol and its irritating magazine safety, from a friend and well-known pistolsmith: "The M&P's magazine disconnect, as it turns out, can just be taken out. No need to clip or pin it back and out of action. The lever is mounted on a cross pin and cams the trigger bar away from the sear. When the entire part is simply removed, the trigger bar will stay in contact with the sear, and the pistol will operate as if it were never there!" For those who, like me, consider "magazine safeties" on serious pistols a death trap, there appears now to be an easy way of getting rid of it on the otherwise excellent M&P. My copy came without a magazine safety, but most M&Ps found on retail shelves have one installed. /John (There are those who counsel against disabling a manufacturer's safety device on a firearm, arguing that it could look bad in a civil suit. I am not in a position to determine if this likelihood is lessened if the manufacturer offers the option of deleting the "safety feature," typically on an agency contract. My feeling is that if a magazine-disconnect safety is distasteful to you, purchase a pistol that doesn't have one.) 31 July 06 Beretta's PX4 Pistol: Here is another excellent, serious pistol! I've had the opportunity to carry for the past several weeks: the Beretta PX4 Storm in 40S&W. It went through a thorough workout last weekend during a Three-Gun Course we did in NM. The PX4 is a light, polymer-frame, compact autoloader, designed for concealed carry. Gregg Garrett at Comp-Tac made me a C-Tac/IWB holster for it, and it carries concealed just fine. Like S&W's M&P, it features interchangeable grip panels, and all three sizes come with each pistol. My copy has the "Constant-Action" trigger, which is the only variation I recommend. It is hammer-fired, but self-decoking and has no manual decocking lever. The trigger pull is short, similar to SIG's DAK system. My 229/DAK is a constant, six pounds. Beretta's PX4/Constant Action is nearly identical, but eight pounds. The PX4 uses a rotary-barrel action. To lock and unlock, the barrel rotates instead of tilting. Size and weight is the same at the M&P, SIG's 229, H&K's P2000, and the G23. It comes apart almost exactly like a Glock, except that it does not need to be dry-fired before field stripping. There are no small parts, and it can't be put back together incorrectly. Externally, the PX4 is smooth and devoid of sharp edges and corners. It is a working gun, designed to spend its life in a holster. It has no magazine safety, nor "loaded-chamber indicator," thank Heaven! Much more compact and carryable than Beretta's 92-series, the PX4, I believe, will now displace older Beretta models. I ran several hundred rounds of randomly mixed, badly-corroded, junk ammunition through my copy of the PX4. It gobbled it all up with nary a hiccup. On one occasion, the pistol was dropped in the dust, picked up, and immediately fired. It continued to run just fine. I'm carrying it now, loaded with Cor-Bon/DPX. In 40S&P, the PX4 is a fifteen-shooter, and magazines are metal and, alas, designed in Beretta's thumb-busting tradition! Like S&W, I think Beretta now has a genuinely useable and carryable, serious pistol. Reliable, durable, and accurate, the PX4 is good to go. Beretta is coming back! /John (Sounds good but I learned many years ago not to run out and buy the latest firearm just because it just got a glowing review. Caveat emptor. My old S&W revolvers still seem to work just fine.) 5 Aug 06 Excellent follow-up comment from a friend a student: "I am struck by the similarity of Montgomery's naive thinking to the ever-present, and similarly falsely seductive, 'one-shot stop.' No doubt seduced by Hollywood's fraudulent portrayal of their pistol's mighty 'stopping power,' many naively expect a single handgun bullet to stop any determined attacker in his tracks. As Montgomery foolishly forgot (or, blinded by his lust for glory, ignored), THE ENEMY GETS TO VOTE TOO! The adolescent expectation of a 'one-shot stop' may well prove fatal, as you risk mentally disengaging too soon. As you are light-heartedly planning your victory celebration, your determined adversary may well continue his deadly attack, undeterred, undelayed, and unimpressed, and you may not find the time to re-engage! A mental 'Bridge Too Far,' if you will." My late, great colleague, Pierce Brooks, once listed the "Ten Deadly Sins" committed by police officers. Of the Ten, the most venomous is "Relaxing Too Soon!" /John (Reference is to one of John's recent historical commentaries, in this case about the failure of Operation Market-Garden in WWII. I do not normally share these historical commentaries with the list as they tend to be lengthy and sometimes oblique. For those who wish to read every one of John's commentaries, they are archived at http://www.defense-training.com/quips/quips.html, albeit with lag time at times. The "Bridge Too Far" commentary is dated 04 Aug 06.) 5 Aug 06 Important details from a friend currently in Iraq: Nearly all soldiers and Marines here now have ACOGs or EOTechs mounted on their rifles. Most are of the opinion that these optics significantly increase their ability to hit quickly. Even SAWs have optics! There is still a lot of green-tip in use, but the Black Hills 77gr round is seen a lot too, particularly among Marines. However, bitter complaints persist among veterans about lack of range and inadequate penetration. Most contractors (including me) get their hands on a Kalashnikov, in 7.62X39 (Soviet 30) the first chance they get, knowing the cartridge to be superior to the 223, in every way. On that vein, we contractors are admonished, on pain of termination, to never use, or even possess, any weapon that is not US-government issued. That regulation, like all stupid rules, is universally, and contemptuously, ignored! We are all finding ways of purchasing and concealing private firearms and blades. Around here, we are much more worried about getting killed or kidnapped than getting fired. Duh! Everyone here carries a blade, usually several! Every conceivable variation of fighting knife can be seen on an individual's belt, or tucked in his waistband. This is a good trend and a wonderful example of personal initiative on the part of our Soldiers and Marines. There are still lots NDs here, nearly all among 'cold-range' types. Muzzle consciousness is lax. We need more professional-gunman discipline and less politically-correct, nanny-state training! Keep pushing the System in the right direction, John!" Comment: In all likelihood, this nation is going to be at war, continuously, for the remainder of our lifetimes! We need to return to our heritage of a nation of warriors, a nation of professional gunmen. Right now, we're too much a nation of clueless wimps, and current military training is (obviously) insufficient to overcome this "loser orientation." It can't be said too often: it is way past time to move on from the 223! We need a real battle cartridge that is (1) effective at long distances and (2) shoots through things. We can get new airplanes, new missiles, new vehicles, even a new pistol, but, for some reason, we can't seem to get a new rifle! As the world continues to plummet toward a new Dark Age, we will need every advantage this civilization can deliver! /John (I repeat my caution to evaluate the downrange signature ["target indicator"] of aiming devices such as Aimpoints, EOTechs and ACOG's. If I were going to war, I too might prefer a .30-caliber rifle. Perhaps ironically, the .223/5.56x45mm has proven to be an excellent defensive urban cartridge, particularly in its earlier incarnation, with lightweight bullets out of slow-twist barrels. We all have our biases and John obviously developed a dislike for the .223 back in Vietnam; other observers note that it seems to work adequately with well-centered hits. Clearly, it is not the best choice for shooting through cover. For the homeowner defending his house and family, that is often a desirable feature. Compared to a pistol-caliber carbine, the .223 is generally less likely to penetrate outer walls of frame-and-stucco homes but will penetrate soft body armor.) From NRA-ILA: NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 13, No. 31 08/04/06 States with updates this issue: Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. PREPARING TODAY TO PROTECT FREEDOM TOMORROW With the dog days of summer upon us, thoughts tend to turn to family, vacation, swimming pools, and barbeques. Yet, while they may seem like a long way off, the 2006 elections are barely three months away! In recent election cycles, gun owners have enjoyed tremendous successes. But none of our victories have happened by accident. It takes careful long-term advance planning to ensure victory for the Second Amendment on Election Day. As in every election year, two things will win this year's elections for gun owners--votes and hard work. And no pro-Second Amendment candidate can do without both. Be assured the anti-gun crowd is hoping you don't turn out in support of our candidates. If you are not currently registered to vote, or if you have recently moved, please make sure you register to vote at once. And please ensure every one of your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners are registered voters as well. For information on voter registration requirements, deadlines, and applications for your state, contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit the "Register to Vote" section at www.NRAILA.org. The second part of our formula for electoral success is actively volunteering your time to the campaigns of candidates who support our rights. This is where your NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator (EVC) becomes interal to our efforts. Your EVC is an NRA member--just like you--who spearheads our volunteer campaign activities in your congressional district. For more than a decade, EVCs have been acting as the liaison between NRA members and gun owners in your district and various pro-freedom campaigns. The main role of an EVC is to provide these campaigns with dedicated, educated volunteers to assist with phone banks, literature drops, precinct walks, voter registration drives, Election Day activities, and other volunteer campaign activities. Your EVC is also the link in your area to assist with NRA-ILA's legislative agendas at the federal, state, and local levels. Even if you can spare only a few hours here and there, your EVC needs to hear from you. To identify and contact your EVC, please visit www.NRAILA.org, or call the ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). While most congressional districts are currently o vered by an EVC, there are still vacancies we are trying to fill. If you are interested in serving as your district's EVC, or simply want to learn more about the program, please call ILA Grassroots and ask to speak to your state's Grassroots Coordinator. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE. CONTACT YOUR EVC TODAY! NRA-ILA "MIX N' MINGLES" Much is at stake in this year's elections; we will decide if we continue to move ahead on the path of pro-gun reform, or if we will revert to the dark Clinton-Gore years. In order to ensure continued success for the Second Amendment, we must elect pro-gun lawmakers to office this election season. To ensure victory for our pro-gun candidates this election year, NRA-ILA will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA "Mix N' Mingles" across the country. These events will provide NRA members with training on what they can do locally to propel candidates to victory this election season. The meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with lawmakers, candidates, and their staffs; NRA-ILA Headquarters staff, fellow NRA members--and to earn FREE NRA fraternal items such as hats, pocketknives, buttons, etc. "Mix N' Mingles," including materials, food, beverages, and NRA items, are FREE! Mix N' Mingle events are scheduled for: - Reading, PA 08/12/06 - Libby, MT 08/15/06 - Great Falls, MT 08/17/06 - Billings, MT 08/19/06 - Seymour, IN 08/24/06 - South Bend, IN 08/26/06 - Aurora, CO 08/26/06 - St. Joseph, MO 09/14/06 - Green Bay, WI 9/21/06 - Towson, MD 09/23/06 - Norwich, CT 09/30/06 - Rock Hill, SC 09/30/06 - New Hartford, NY 10/05/06 - Tucson, AZ 10/12/06 - Dublin, OH 10/14/06 - St. Cloud, MN 10/16/06 NRA members who have access to the Internet can go to www.nraila.org/workshops/ to reserve their seats on-line. NRA members are encouraged to check this website address frequently to see if any upcoming "Mix N' Mingles" are scheduled in their area. NRA members may also contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for details and to reserve their seats. YOUR ACTION IS REQUIRED ON THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL LEGISLATION There are a number of other pro-gun bills pending in Congress that require your action. With the House out for its "Summer District Work Period," your U.S. Representative will be back home in his or her respective district. Please contact your Representative's district offices and urge your Representative to cosponsor and support these measures, and to bring these bills up as soon as possible when they return to Washington. You can also contact your Representative at (202) 225-3121. In addition, please call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. Additional contact information can be found using the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org. . H.R. 5092-This bill would improve BATFE's process for punishing the few FFLs who violate the law, and it would establish guidelines for BATFE investigations. This bill was drafted in large part to address recent BATFE abuses at Richmond, VA-area gun shows highlighted in hearings before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. . H.R. 5005-This measure will codify congressional policies, roll back restrictions, and correct errors in federal firearm laws. . H.R. 1384-This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968. . H.R. 1288/S. 1082-Legislation to repeal the draconian D.C. gun ban and restore the right of lawful District residents to own firearms to defend themselves and their families. . H.R. 4547/S. 3275-Legislation that would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if he or she meets certain criteria. Importantly, the laws of each state governing where concealed firearms may be carried would still apply within its borders. Again, please contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. For additional information on these bills, please visit www.NRAILA.org. NRA CLUB UNIVERSITIES The NRA is hosting three FREE Club Universities this year across the country. Club Universities are daylong seminars designed to show clubs the benefits of being affiliated with the NRA. The forum affords clubs the opportunity to learn and discuss: integrating NRA programs that strengthen your club and community; special benefits to clubs (range services, NRA endorsed insurance, etc.); and networking between local clubs and state associations. All clubs and state associations are invited to attend the Club Universities. NRA Headquarters staff will be present to speak about various NRA programs including competitive shooting, youth/women's programs, ranges and Eddie Eagle. Other staff representatives will give information on grants, club recruiting and legislative initiatives. Speakers' presentations will be geared toward how clubs can implement and grow programs at the local level and the benefits clubs receive from program delivery. The forums will conclude with roundtable discussions on current issues clubs face. These can include suburban encroachment, databases, member attrition, etc.¾whatever is most pertinent to attendees¾so they can benefit from their peers' experiences. The three 2006 Club Universities will be held: August 12, in Ashley, OH; August 26, in Mt. Kisco, NY; and September 16, in Santa Ana, CA. Admission is FREE and meals are provided. Each university runs from 9:00 a.m., to 5:00 p.m., preceded by a continental breakfast and followed by an afternoon reception. More information for any of the 2006 Club Universities can be found online @ www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_university. Please register for this event via e-mail: kevans@nrahq.org, or phone: (800) 672-3888, x1345. A LOOK AT THE STATES (***For all of the action items below, you can find contact information for your legislators by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. For information on NRA-PVF candidate endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine's mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the login page accessed by choosing your state. As always, thank you for your support.***) States with updates this issue: Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. COLORADO The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 8! Absentee ballots may be requested, and early in-person voting started July 29. For more information about voting in Colorado, please us the following link: www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=1. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" CONNECTICUT In an effort to settle a dispute between two neighbors over a private shooting range, Montville Mayor Joseph Jaskiewicz acknowledged in the New London newspaper The Day that he is working with the town attorney to draft a proposal to restrict shooting in Montville. The newspaper characterized the Mayor's plan as an ordinance that would outlaw the discharge of a firearm "within 500 feet of an occupied building, near livestock, pets or people, or land designated as a nature preserve, conservancy or town park." Despite attempts to view the proposed language, NRA has thus far been denied the opportunity. But, as described in the article, the proposal could only be interpreted as a prohibition of most types of recreational shooting and would outlaw the discharge of a firearm for personal protection. It is imperative that NRA members contact Mayor Jaskiewicz at (860) 848-3030 Ext. 301, and urge him to drop his proposal. The measure could beintroduced to the Town Council as early as August 14. Also be sure to contact your Town Council members to ask them to oppose Mayor Jaskiewicz's anti-gun proposal, please use the following link: www.townofmontville.org/CMS/default.asp?CMS_AreaID=122 or call (860) 848-1349. Please keep checking your email and www.nraila.org/ for future updates on this new threat to the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the Town of Montville! Don't forget, the 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 8! For more information about voting in Connecticut, please use www.sots.ct.gov/ElectionsServices/VoterGuide/VoterGuide.htm. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" MICHIGAN The Citizens for Wildlife Conservation, a coalition formed to protect hunter's rights, needs your assistance in spreading the word to defeat the anti-dove hunting ballot measure. Help defend your hunting heritage on November 7 by voting to defeat the proposed dove hunting ban referendum. For more information, visit www.cwcmi.org. Also, the Michigan Chapters of Safari Club International will be holding a benefit dinner and auction on Wednesday, August 16 in Livonia, MI. Tickets are $40.00 per person and the proceeds will assist the campaign to defeat the dove hunting ban referendum. Checks should be made out to SCI-Flint Chapter. For more details or to RSVP, please contact Marc Somers at (586) 295-9457. MISSOURI The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 8! For more information about voting in Missouri, please use the following link: www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default.asp?id=voters. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" NEBRASKA On August 9, the Nebraska State Patrol will be holding a hearing to discuss the rules and regulations of the new Right-to-Carry legislation that was recently passed in Nebraska. All NRA members are encouraged to attend and express their opinions. The hearing will be at 10:00 a.m., August 9, in the Auditorium of the Nebraska Department of Roads, 1500 Nebraska Highway 2, Lincoln, Nebraska. Should you be unable to attend, please contact the Nebraska State Patrol at (402) 479-4933 to voice your approval of Nebraska Right-to-Carry and remind them this is for law-abiding individuals, not criminals. NEW YORK A public hearing has been scheduled for August 7, 2006, for Introductory Local Law No. 3 that would require any person who sells, possesses or transports any air pistol or air rifle to obtain a license and pay an annual fee in the City of White Plains. Any violation of this local law will be a misdemeanor and may require payment of a fine or even result in imprisonment! Mayor Joseph Delfino (R) and the Common Council of the City of White Plains have proposed this anti-gun local law that would effect both businesses and owners of air pistols and air rifles, also known as BB or pellet guns. To stop this proposed anti-gun legislation, attendance at this public hearing is needed! According to the agenda, the public hearing for Local Law No. 3, will be the first item addressed at the Common Council meeting. The public hearing is August 7, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. to be held at the Council Chambers on 255 Main Street. Please contac Mayor Delfino and the Common Council members immediately at (914) 422-1411 and ask them to oppose Introductory Local Law No. 3. To find contact information on your Common Council member, please use the following link www.ci.white-plains.ny.us/council/council.htm. Additionally, thanks to your efforts, the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range finally reopened on July 15. Please show your support by visiting the range located at 165 Gerard Road in Yaphank, New York 11980, (631) 924-5600. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m., to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Finally, the Sportsmen's Association for Firearms Education Inc. (S.A.F.E.) will be hosting its "2006 Right-to-Carry Conference & Second Amendment Rally" on Sunday, October 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:00 noon). The event will be held at the Sheraton, Long Island, 110 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Smithtown, NY, (631) 231-1100, (on Motor Parkway on the North side of LIE between exits 53 & 55). In attendance at the event will be: Wayne R. LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President; Bob Barr, Former Member, U.S. House of Representatives and NRA Board Member; Jim Fotis, Executive Director, Law Enforcement Alliance of America; John Faso, Republican Candidate for New York State Governor; John Spencer, Republican/Conservative Candidate for U.S. Senate from New York; and John L. Cushman, S.A.F.E. President and Founder, and NRA Board Member. If you believe you have the right to own and use firearms lawfully, then you need to attend this conference. You will get the latest information on the Right-to-Carry nationwide and locally. You will meet and network with fellow sportsmen and women concerning your civil rights and those of your children and grandchildren. This conference will raise issues of concern and give suggested courses of action with local and national leaders of Second Amendment organizations and legislators from all levels of government. You will also have a chance to win valuable prizes in drawings limited to attendees only. Admission and parking is free and the event is open to your family and friends. NEVADA The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, August 15! For more information on voting in Nevada, please use the following link: http://www.sos.state.nv.us/nvelection/. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" PENNSYLVANIA Next week, the Senate Judiciary Committee will be holding the second in a series of hearings around the state to receive testimony relating to urban violence. The hearing will be held 12:00 P.M. on August 11 at the Allegheny County Courthouse. Additional hearings are scheduled for: Altoona on August 23, at noon at the Penn State Altoona Downtown Conference Center and Harrisburg on September 25, at 10:00 A.M. at 8E-B of the Capitol's East Wing. The August 2, hearing in Philadelphia heard testimony from public officials and anti-gun zealots insisting on new gun control legislation to combat urban crime. Once again, this is a great opportunity for NRA members in the Pittsburgh community to voice their discontent over the lack of enforcement of federal and state firearm laws against violent criminals. If your planning on testifying or need additional information, contact Gregg Warner of Senator Greenleaf's office, (717) 787-6599 orgwarner@pasen.gov. WISCONSIN Registration for the NRA and Future Wisconsin Sportsmen's Conference has started and is filling up fast! This event is open to the public, and the cost is only $10. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 9, at the Bluemound Gardens Conference Center, 11703 West Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226. The event begins at 7:00 a.m., with a breakfast buffet. Conference speakers include State Senators Tom Reynolds and Dave Zien, and State Representative Scott Gunderson among others. In conjunction with this event, you'll want to make plans to also join the NRA-ILA Grassroots staff and your fellow NRA members, for a couple hours of socializing and protecting freedom at a FREE NRA-ILA Mix N' Mingle beginning at 1:30 p.m. To RSVP, please call (414) 258-1719, or e-mail jean@widigest.com. For more information, please visit www.widigest.com. -- Stephen P. Wenger Firearm safety - It's a matter for education, not legislation. http://www.spw-duf.info .