The importance of carrying a gun 100% of the time..........

This is the title of an article written by Mark Walters as The Ordinary Guy columnist for Concealed Carry magazine.  The link is long and if it doesn't take you to the article a Google search should get you to the column as well.  After reading the article I was taken back to this time last year when a wannabe Grinch showed up in my driveway as a car jacker.  Some of you that have shared a class room with me have heard this story.  For others here are the details and "The Importance of Carrying a Gun 100% of the Time".  

It was a very cold Missouri December night during the week between Christmas and New Years, 2009.  I had picked up my then 15 year old daughter from a church activity at 9:30pm and we were  1/2 block from home.  As I slowed to turn into our driveway I noticed a homeless type fellow walking on the side walk. Not entirely unusual as there is a large church based food bank about six blocks north of us.  I observed him to be wearing a long tan cowboy type duster on a slender 6'2" frame.  His shoulder length graying hair spilled out from under a flat brim black Wyatt Earp type western hat.  His collar was turned up against the cold, his outer cover buttoned up to his chin and his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

As I pulled into our driveway (70' long going to a detached garage) I scanned my rear view and side view mirrors to watch the fellow walk past our house.  Instead I saw him turn down our driveway.  Only this time his coat was open and his right hand was under his coat about arm pit level.  I gunned the engine and made a quick u-turn across the drive way so the head lights on our van now illuminated the intruder walking towards us.  As Ayoob would say the intruder was "chin over chest" and advancing in an aggressive body posture.  He stopped about 20' feet in front of us, confused since he was now "in the spotlight".  I exited the vehicle and stood behind the driver’s door.  I drew my Glock 19 and yelled at the fellow to stop where he was at and take his hand slowly out from his coat.  

I could see the expression on his face change to one of confusion and his body posture change to a defensive manner.  I yelled at him a second time to take his hand out of his coat and show me his palms.  He did so and I asked him (in a firm voice) what he wanted.  He asked, "Is this the food bank".  My reply was obviously not and to keep walking another six blocks north.  He simply said, "OK" then turned and left the property.  I called the police department with a description of the fellow but didn't hear back from them concerning any further contact with the intruder.  

From the moment I did the drive way u-turn to when the fellow was walking quickly off the property the way he came in; the incident probably lasted two minutes or less.  When I got back in the vehicle my daughter was sitting there with wide eyes and a big grin on her face.  She looked at me and said, "Dad was that your police voice?"  I replied I guess it was and her comment was, "That was cool!"   I didn't think so and the adrenaline rush didn't quit till well after this old man's bed time!  

There are two points I want to make with this post.  First you will react to a dangerous situation how you train and rehearse for it.  I've been retired from law enforcement almost as long as I was in it.  After all the years of not being used all the alert and  reaction skills came back in a split second  in response to a perceived threat. Secondly, be armed when ever and where ever you can legally be so.   

God’s Blessing to you all during this Christmas Season!

Stress Training improves Safety Skills

Last night I enjoyed an evening with the USPSA group at our local Pioneer Gun club.  As a trainer, and many of you are in the same situation, I watch a lot of people shoot each month but I don't get myself behind the trigger as much as I used to.  I didn't know anyone there (which was probably a good thing) nor did I share with any one my back ground.  I just went in as "Joe Citizen" shooter looking to be a better shooter.  My feeling is if a person brags going into a friendly competition they will be eating crow going out.  After my rusty performance last night I barely out shot the "crow".

One of the stellar performers last night was an 11 year old boy.  He was shooting an old  Ruger .22 semi auto in a Uncle Mike type of holster (he's my kind of budget shooter).  He has been shooting with his Dad in the USPSA practices for several months, went through the drills quickly, had all the right safety moves, and seemed to be right on with his shooting.  It was great to watch a Dad working with his son.

I ran through the evening's drill in a little over 90 seconds; most every one else got through in about 60 seconds.  The "kid" was zipping around like Peter Pan.  The course involved firing 26 rounds,  around two different barricades, two reloads, and firing around hostage targets to hit what ever center of mass the card board assailant target had exposed.  Points were made by where the rounds landed on the assailant and big point deductions for hitting a hostage.  The shooter moves as quickly as safety and personal dexterity allows.

Two modern day experts whose opinion I trust; Massab Ayoob and Jim Cirillo, both emphasize the value of competition shooting towards self defense.  Competition shooting (what ever program you want to get involved in; even bowling pin shoots at the local public range) gives us two big advantages.  First you will be a better shooter going through the stress of a self defense situation and secondly the stress of competition ingrains safety into your subconscious.  I was called once for putting my hand in front of the muzzle and sweeping the ceiling (old Police habits die hard).  And of course the third reason for getting involved is the fun of  shooting with people from all sorts of back grounds.

Competition shooting, involving even mild mental or physical stress, will prepare you for the stress of a self defense shooting and hone your range safety skills during your range time with students.  Get involved and stay active!

I had so much fun I think I'll go back next month!

Holiday Vigilance

Several days ago the jury working on the Dr. Petit family murders in Connecticut came back with a death sentence for the animals that tortured and brutally murdered this husband and father's wife and two daughters in front of him.  My sympathy and prayers go out to Dr. Petit.  

I sit here in my home at peace and taking a break from a spirited game of "Wits and Wagers" with the family I love so much.  I am at peace but still vigilant.  Our shrubs are kept low, exterior lights are on including the motion sensors, the intrusion alarm system is on, and...........my wife and I are both presently armed under our cardigan sweaters.  

Earlier today we welcomed friends and neighbors who stopped by to chat or run an errand.  No one knows my wife and I both carry at home nor did our varied guests notice when I opened the door to greet them I also scanned the street and side walk. We live in a comfortable house in a nice quiet neighborhood.  The police department is about six blocks away.  Our neighborhood probably shares many things in common with the Petit family and probably the one you live in also.  I pray that when evil passes by our home it will not stop as it did with the Petit family in Connecticut.  

Tragically, evil will stop at someone's happy home tonight because evil is invited in through complacency or naivety.  In Missouri approximately 2% of our population has taken a Concealed Carry class.  That means we as trainers have a lot of work yet to do in teaching individuals and families about how to be safe.  

If you as a trainer are not including a situational awareness piece in your CCW courses you are short changing your students.  Massob Ayoob has some excellent information on situational awareness in his several books as does the late Jim Cirrilo in his two books.  If you haven't read these two giants in the self defense field, and the information they have pass along, you are short changing your students.  

Always be in a Yellow alert level, constantly scan your mirrors when stopped in traffic, know what to look for per attack behavior in others, and have a challenge boundary around you and your loved ones when in public.  If you want to learn more go by my web site at www.SafeShoot.com and click on the Course and Cost tab.  Order the Situational Awareness DVD.  Take notes and please  use the information in your class room if you aren't already doing so.  Yes, we are in business and probably competitors.  Just remember we are in the business of saving innocent life.  As much as we can let's work together towards that good end.  

God's Blessings to you all and Merry Christmas!  P.S. Happy חנוכה to our Jewish brothers and sisters.  

 

New Indoor Range and New Instructor Mentoring Program

One of my favorite quotes is from a sign I saw at a gun range:  

"The Sound you hear is the Sound of Freedom". 

 In a few days (once the final lighting is installed on Wednesday) the new Trainers Indoor Range will be ready to use.  The 10 lane range is located at the Inter State Storage Cavern at I-435 and 23rd Street at the edge of the Kansas City and Independence, Missouri city boundaries.  The cave entrance is the first cavern on the left as you pull into the drive from 23rd street.  

It is a gated entrance and you will need to get a key from the Independence Square class room lock box to gain access or other arrangement with me.  To keep everyone's schedule organized, use of the range will be by reservation only.  Call me at 816-353-6826 to schedule the range and I will give you the lock box combo number.  Please call me before you utilize the facility for a tour and I'll show you where the light switch is at (another very important detail when in a mine).  

The range is available seven days a week from 0700-2200hrs.  Later this week I will put  a small bumper sticker size sign on the gate that says, "www.SafeShoot.com".   

The range time costs $10. per student and I'll include the target for either the Kansas or Missouri CCW students.  I'm flexible on time but it is assumed the CCW instructor can normally complete their course of fire with students  in 60-90 minutes.  There are no hand washing or restrooms in the facility but, if there is enough use, the budget may be able to afford a porta-potty.  The porta potty may acquire the  nick name; Sasquatch  Hunting Lodge.  

The facility is an old lime stone mine which was closed in the 1960's.  The entrance and the gun range is in an area that has been minimally developed.  The other entrances of the cavern have been converted over to commercial storage and small business use.  

My Independence Square class room is also available to instructors for a small rental fee and includes props appropriate to a CCW class.  Hand gun rental is also available.  Also ask about my CCW Instructor Mentoring Program for new CCW trainers.  This is a very inexpensive investment that will save you hours of curriculum development time plus will get your program started right away.  

Hopefully the availability of these inexpensive training facilities will alleviate a difficulty faced by many area firearms instructors.  I've heard from so many CCW trainers what a difficult time they have had trying to find a place to teach a class and then trying to shoe horn into a noisy public range for the CCW course of fire.   

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, as of 10-31-10, there were 116,254 CCW permits issued in Missouri (9,255 in Jackson County).  Compare that to the nearly 6 million people living in Missouri and that means there is still a lot of business out there folks.  Our basic intent in teaching a CCW class should be to impart self defense skills to individuals and families.  By working together we can accomplish that goal.   

My Contact Info:

Bruce Luedeman

Ph# 816-353-6826

bnmluedeman@sbcglobal.net

www.SafeShoot.com   

A CCW Instructors Responsibility

Recently I had a conversation with a CCW instructor who has been teaching for about two years.  He was lamenting as to why the State of Missouri requires 8 class hours of training and he could only come up with about 5-6 hours of information.  He said he starts his class at 8;00 am and usually ends around 3:00 pm.

I encourage CCW students to give me a call if they have a post class questions regardless of who they took their class from.  Unfortunately I'm hearing many comments from students about an instructor showing them how to shoot but not talking about how to carry a concealed weapon or use of force decision making.  Many CCW instructors shooting back ground consists simply of hunting experiences and hunter education classes.  A hunting experience focus and a defensive firearm focus are two completely different universes.

Some CCW instructors make up for their lack of defensive shooting back ground by hiring a gun friendly (and knowledgeable) attorney or a police officer (with teaching experience) to come into class and talk about use of force decision making.  I commend those instructors for doing that.  Those instructors that simply do a Basic Pistol Course and simply show a video on use of force decision making are doing their students a disservice.

If a CCW instructor does not have a significant law enforcement back ground or actual military close quarters combat experience then that instructor needs to do the next best thing and avail him or her self of classes and writings that will make up for that lack of experience.  When a CCW student leaves the class room at days end they should go away with three items from the instructor that will continue to allow the student to learn.

The first item is a list of credible web sites that give reliable information on use of force laws locally and on the  national level as well as concealed carry techniques and common sense tactics.  Secondly the student should leave the class with a bibliography of appropriate Decision Making/Use of Force  books.  Any publication  by Cirrillo, Ayoob, and Kevin Jamison's Missouri Law and Self Defense are good books to start off with.  Thirdly is the name and phone number of a criminal defense attorney the student can call with legal questions.

I would suggest a CCW instructor study these same authors and become very familiar with the concepts they are trying to pass along.  If a CCW instructor is lacking in defensive shooting tactics then make the investment and attend any one of a number of national defensive tactic shooting  schools.  For a CCW instructor I would recommend making the financial investment and traveling to a program put on by Massad Ayoob, John Farnham, or the firearms  instructor development work shop by Tom Givens in Tennessee.

For a technical shooting skills work shop any program by Gabe Suarez, Rob Pincus, George Harris (Sig Saur Academy) or Marty Hays (Seattle Fire Arms Academy) will benefit the instructor and subsequently all they teach.  I've not attended these programs but they come highly recommended.  Avoid the tactical/swat type shooting programs.  Those skills are not relevant to the average CCW student.  Avoid an instructor that shows up on his web site wearing a muscle shirt and their base ball cap on back wards.

Yes, a CCW instructor can make a few or a lot of dollars depending on how hard (and smart) they want to work.   However, a CCW instructors first responsibility is imparting defensive and decision making skills to keep families safe.  If a CCW instructor is not willing to put forth the effort to acquire the intellectual and technical skills  to do that then I would kindly suggest they take up selling used cars or running a hedge fund for a living.

Changes to Missouri and Iowa CCW Permit laws

Bad news (it could be worse) for Missouri and very good news for Iowa.  For Missouri no changes from our present way of doing things.  Three bills this year were introduced in the Missouri Legislature concerning extending our permit from 3 years to 5 years and lowering our age for CCW Permit qualification from age 23 to 21.  These simple changes would have put us in line with other states protocols.  There were also some other positive requests to expand our Castle Doctrine Law.  While legislative support seemed to be enthusiastic, when all was said and done,  none of the bills made it out of the committee session for a legislative vote.  Kudos to the Western Missouri Shooters Alliance (WMSA) and others for their efforts this year.  Please go by their web site for more information at: www.wmsa.net  

Good News for Iowans (and those of us that like to visit Iowa)!  A long fought for "Shall Issue" system for Iowa was recently signed into law.  For many years Iowans wanting to carry a fire arm for self defense had to endure a blatantly discriminitory "May Issue" system.  The extra good news is Iowa will allow  reciprocity for Missouri CCW permit holders.  Caution:   The law doesn't go into effect until Jan. 1, 2011.  

For more information on the Iowa CCW permit process please go by the nice folks at Iowa Concealed Carry at   www.iowacarry.org  To read a copy of Iowa's new Shall Issue law google Iowa SF-2379.

If any one has more information on the recent CCW events in Missouri and Iowa please leave a comment. Thanks!

Update on Jackson County MO Sheriff's Office CCW Permits and Drivers Lic. Info.

As I've mentioned in class always check the web site of the Sheriff's Office of your county of residence for the specific times they will accept CCW training affidavits (applications) and renewals.  Some counties only accept the applications one or two days of the week.

Jackson County will accept new applications Monday through Friday.  Feed back I have recently received indicates the currant wait time for CCW back ground approvals is 30-40 days.  Since the first of the year the Jackson County Sheriffs Office has been averaging 15+ applications a day.  Busy times are early mornings and noon time.  Sometimes the wait can be up to 1 1/2 hours to get to the brief 15 minute finger printing procedure.

Take a book and be prepared to wait if you go in during the above times.  What I would suggest for the initial application is go in on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday around 10:00 am or 2:00 pm.  These days and times seem to be past the peak periods.  One student I spoke with said he went in mid morning/mid week and only had to wait in the lobby about 15 minutes.

The vast majority of feed back I have received is the Sheriff's staff has been very  friendly and good to work with.  The only negative feed back I've heard was one of the staff got a little snappy while trying to get every one through in the order they came in and the lobby was packed with CCW applicants. It was standing room only. Apparently some one got a little rude because they had to wait and that set the tone for the rest of the morning.

If you haven't been there yet the Jackson County Sheriffs Office lobby is the size of a large walk in closet.  Put a smile on your face, maybe bring some cookies to share,  and have some patience.  In defense of the staff; they are human and under funded and many times under appreciated.  I think they have about 2.5 staff dedicated full time to the CCW permit program and they could probably use another two people and double the space.

The following info is applicable state wide.  If something changes on your Missouri drivers license, like a name change or your home address,  you must respond to the Sheriff's Office of your county of residence within 30 days and make the change per your CCW permit. Then respond to the closest  Drivers License Bureau and make the change on your drivers license record.  Show the Drivers License clerk the CCW change of information form the Sheriff's just gave you.  All of this is simple to do and very quick.  Remember when making any change to your drivers license record your must show proof of citizenship such as a certified copy of your birth certificate or a US Passport (expired is OK).

If you don't change the information in 30 days with the Sheriff's Office your CCW permit is void.  If a CCW permit holder is blissfully carrying concealed with an invalid permit, and gets caught,  that is a Class D Felony!  

Never carry if your permit is expired.  If your permit is expired simply respond to the Sheriff's Office and have it renewed (renewals are done while you are standing there and you will fork over a $50 renewal fee.)  There is a small money penalty for letting your CCW permit expire.  Be aware that if your permit is expired after 6 months you must complete the whole back ground check, waiting period, and pay the $100. back ground check all over again.  

If you have a question on this process email me via the web site at www.SafeShoot.com  

Take Care and Stay Safe out there...........

Senior Citizens, Hand Guns and Self Defense

It is not an unusual occurrence to have people come through my CCW classes that are in their 70's.  My oldest student was an 83 year old great grandmother and retired banker.  She first took a Basic Pistol class (a good idea for some one with little or no hand gun experience) and later for the CCW class did fine on the range and written test.  She decided not to apply for the CCW permit because as she put it, "I don't get out much". Plus the $100. fee for the Sheriff's Background check is expensive on a small fixed income.

There are many advantages a senior citizen has to offer from a self defense stand point.  These advantages are: maturity with decision making based on decades of life experiences, most of the men have military experience and the discipline structure has stayed with them, calmness under stress, determination, and perseverance. They made it this far in life haven't they?

Some disadvantages of age are the degradation of some physical capabilities, slowed reaction time, sometimes hearing and sight problems, and arthritis. Concerning slowed reaction time and decreased physical capabilities many issues can be resolved by simple exercises, walking, and getting physically active. Bad knees and hips can make moving in a defensive manner difficult.

Avoidance and the ability to retreat quickly is always the best option in a gun fight.  Exercise like the life of your spouse, the grand kids, and your life depend on it.  Because one day they might.

I have found that working with people of a mature age arthritis has been the biggest challenge towards manipulating a hand gun and it's controls.  Arthritis in the hands makes it difficult to bend the fingers to get a good grip or pull the trigger back.  Find a good fire arms instructor  that will teach at your pace and can guide to to the type of pistol that is best for your abilities. A firearms instructor with gray hair is a good person to start with.

If you have joint or muscle issues meet with a physical therapist or trainer at a local gym.  If a trainer or therapist is not supportive of  your right to self defense or owning a hand gun tell him or her you are getting ready to play on a .38 caliber baseball team.  A fire arms instructor will tell you one grips the pistol like a base ball bat.  You don't have to tell anyone what the "bat" looks like and the team you are joining is the Sheep Dog's team.  Anyone that has been through a CCW class can tell you what the role of a "Sheep Dog" is.

 An experienced and competent firearms instructor will also be honest with you if your physical capabilities  can safely operate a hand gun. Capabilities that also includes one's mental and emotional state.   What is needed are people of all ages who can safely operate a hand gun appropriate to their capabilities coupled with good decision making abilities.  If there is any doubt, one should consider a non lethal defensive tool such as Pepper Spray.

Self defense skills, including the use of a firearm can be taught to a variety of ages and physical capabilities.    People disabled from birth with one functioning arm and confined to a wheel chair have been taught to effectively defend them selves with a fire arm.  A competent fire arms instructor will be honest & gentle but absolutely honest with you.  Self defense with a hand gun isn't for everyone.

Here is a story of a 71 year old hero and his encounter with two armed thugs.  The story was originally reported in the  South Florida Sun Sentinel ^ | 6/29/2007. 

Plantation, Florida: Last week police were called to investigate an attempted armed robbery: The 71-year-old retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers at a Plantation, Florida, Subway shop late Wednesday, killing one and critically wounding the other, is described as John Lovell, a former helicopter pilot for two presidents. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, and he works out every day. Mr.. Lovell was a man of action Wednesday night.

According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the Subway at 1949 N. Pine Rd. just after 11 p.m. There was a lone diner, Mr. Lovell, who was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men attempted to shove Mr. Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. They got his money, but then Mr. Lovell pulled his handgun and opened fire. He shot one of the thieves in the head and chest and the other in the head.

When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop, K-9 Units found the other in the bushes of a nearby business. They also found cash strewn around the front of the sandwich shop according to Detective Robert Rettig of the Plantation Police Department..

Both men were taken to the Broward General Medical Center , where one, Donicio Arrindell, 22, of North Lauderdale died. The other, 21-year-old Frederick Gadson of Fort Lauderdale is in critical but stable condition.

A longtime friend of Lovell was not surprised to hear what happened. The friend said, ''He'd give you the shirt off his back, but he'd be mad as hell if someone tried to take the shirt off his back.''

Mr. Lovell was a pilot in the Marine Corps, flying former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am and Delta Airlines.

He is not expected to be charged authorities said. ''He was in fear for his life,'' Detective Rettig said, "These criminals ought to realize that most men in their 70's have military backgrounds and aren't intimidated by idiots."  Florida law allows eligible citizens to carry a concealed weapon.

Self Defense Fire Arm Reading List

There are dozens of books out there that deal with the safe operation of fire arms, tactics and self defense, and scenarios. Here are several that I recommend as an initial reading list for my basic CCW students. With one exception all can be had from Amazon.com If you have a favorite please include it in a comment. Please include your self in the follower area of the blog so you will automatically receive new blog information as it comes out every few days or so. Here is my list:

Guns, Bullets, and Gunfights
Jim Cirillo 1996

The late Jim Cirillo was a retired NYPD detective and was involved in many gun fights as a result of being assigned to the Armed Robbery Detail for many years and staking out convenience stores in high crime areas of New York City. His account of what an actual defensive gun fight is like and how to prepare for that event is good information to have. He has a chapter or two on reloading, which unless you are into that, you can skip. The rest of the information is very valuable to anyone carrying a defensive concealed fire arm.

In the Gravest Extreme
Massad Ayoob 1980

The author is a police officer and attorney with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. In the book he talks about mind set, preparation, decision making, situational awareness and avoidance of a gun fight. He has a number of books in print and all are excellent and easy to read. This is good information to start off with.

On Killing
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (Ret US Army) 1995

Col. Grossman is a Psychologist and is considered an expert in the emotional process of using deadly force by a rational normal human being (just like you and I). He also talks about Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I would also recommend his companion book "On Combat". The book is written in an academic format but for the most part understandable for the average reader. This is a good resource for a college student doing research on any use of force issues; and a recommended read for anyone carrying a self defense fire arm.

Missouri Weapons and Self Defense Law
Kevin Jamison 2003

A required reading for anyone acquiring a Missouri CCW permit. It is a good read for anyone in the USA who is carrying a fire arm for self defense. The author discusses at great length use of force decision making and backs his points up with real life situations he has run into in his 35+ years as a Criminal Defense Attorney. While the title may suggest a dry read the book is filled with personal quips and the author's own brand of dry humor. The author was also a US Army Special Forces soldier in Vietnam.

The book is available at most gun shops in the Kansas City area, at my class room, or from the author at KLJamisonLaw@earthlink.net

Thank God I had a Gun
Chris Bird 2007

The book from beginning to end deals with actual citizen self defense situations with a critique of each one. If you are new to carrying defensive firearms and, especially if you have a significant other who is doubtful about self defense situations, this book is also a "must read".

Terror at Beslan
John Giduck 2005

The author is a retired US Army Special Forces member with a depth of knowledge (and contacts) with the Russian Special Forces. The author was able to get into the public school in Beslan, South Ossetia, Russia a week after religious terrorists took over the school and initially held over 1,000 hostages. When the final battle took place four days later 600 hostages remained. 300 hostages were killed, executed by the fanatics, before the Russian Special Forces were able to take control. Of the 300 people murdered in the last battle 179 were small children. This is a book that goes into great detail about how a terrorist is turned into a merciless psychotic. Can this happen in America? Professionally written and researched this is a must read for anyone who wants to learn more about the terrorist mindset.

It was a Dark and Stormy Night.........

While corny I always laughed at the way Snoopy began his oft started but never completed novel. Like many people Snoopy was blissfully unaware of the world around him except when it came to supper time.

From my days in Law Enforcement I know that when the economy goes down crime goes up. Another factor in todays crime rate is the break down of the family and too many parents letting video games and TV provide the moral structure for their children. That coupled to a lack of positive role modeling over the years by one or both parents is a recipe for social disaster. I think we are reaping the harvest now.

One example of a poor role model occurred when I made a traffic stop one day on a speeder. He had his really cute 6 year old son seat belted properly in the back seat. As I was talking to the Dad the little boy loudly offered up some graphic explicative's as to my manhood and sat in the back seat with both middle digits in the air. Had he a third hand that middle finger would have been raised also.

The Dad was horrified, very embarrassed, and admonished the child. The little boy quickly replied to his Father, "But that's what you always call the cops!" I had a feeling when that parent's child reached his teen years the parents would have further opportunities to be horrified and embarrassed. By then it will be too late to do much about it.

The first of two goals for this blog is to simply motivate people from all walks of life to think about and acquire safe personal habits when it comes to possible assailants or crime happening near them. Many people are acquiring a new found appreciation for the role of fire arms in our society. Owning a fire arm also requires a sense of responsibility towards the safe use and storage of fire arms.

The second goal is to have an open discussion around the issues of lawfully carrying concealed weapons especially as it applies to the Kansas City metro area.

I will try and get some statistics from the Jackson County Sheriff as to the number of CCW permits issued in Jackson County Missouri, the number of people turned away and common reasons for denial of a CCW permit. Hopefully this will provide positive feed back to the many CCW permit holders in the area and the Sheriff's Office alike. And on that subject I have heard positive things this last year about the customer service improvements at the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

I will pass along to you books or other publications that I have found helpful towards self defense of our selves and our families. These are publications and web sites I share with my CCW and Advanced CCW students in my classes. Go by www.SafeShoot.com for more information on my offerings.

As appropriate I will have some comments about recent or national crime events and incidents involving citizens using firearms in self defense situations. One issue I will be commenting on in the near future is the role of parents educating their children in the safe use of fire arms and why is this subject not addressed in our school districts?

Most comments and suggestions on either side of an issue are encouraged and welcome. Those comments not welcome are ones including profanity, racial, gender, or religious slurs, personal attacks, or comments about political affiliation. If my 12 year old son reads a post and says, "Dad what does that word mean?" the post will probably be deleted.