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First order of business: All of our hearts here at USCCA go out to everybody in Southern-California whose lives and homes are in jeopardy because of the wildfires there. Many USCCA members live in that area, and many more know people who do. God be with you all!
Okay... There are few things that pump me up like watching a gun cycling in slooow motion... With that in mind, let's move on to this week's Video of the Week! Even if you don't share my enthusiasm, I know you'll find this video worthy of 22 seconds of your time!!
GLOCK 18 in slow motion USCCA Video of the Week
Tim Recommends
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This sale is HISTORY on November 9th, 2007 Here's how much time you have left to
"lock-in" this amazing deal...
Be aware: "Be truly aware of your surroundings. Take note of people, unusual elements, changes in the norm and anything that doesn't seem right."
Have a plan: "Consider what routes you could take to get out of a place or situation. Consider what you would do if you are a target of a Home Envasion, something went wrong in your office, on the bus, in the parking lot. Consider what you would do in the worst of all scenarios."
Be decisive: "Don't hesitate. Don't second-guess yourself. If you execute your plan, be decisive. A mediocre plan executed assertively will serve you better than a perfect plan executed too late."
Be prepared: "Be certain your cell phone and flashlights are charged and ready to use, especially at night. Keep these and other necessities together in one place. Always have what you need when you need it, and know where to get it."
Trust your intuition: "If you have a feeling, that is, if your gut tells you something is not right, then listen to yourself. You lose nothing by avoiding a potential conflict, for instance, by crossing the street, taking the next elevator or getting off the bus early."
Be smart: "You don't have to give directions, change for a dollar, open the door or respond to a question from a stranger. Be smart. Don't worry about being polite or hurting somebody's feelings."
Don't look like food: "In the great outdoors, predators go for the weak and fearful because they're usually not going to fight back. Don't look like either."
Leave: "If a situation looks bad, do whatever you can to get out of it. Whenever possible, prevent and avoid rather than confront. In other words, leave."
Firearm fundamentals
"Five Musts" for firearm self-defense
1. Safety -- live by it: "Having a gun in your hands is a tremendous responsibility. Recognize and accept that responsibility in each moment."
2. Learn to shoot: Get the best training you can afford: "Contrary to what we see on TV, shooting is neither easy nor is it intuitive. Learning proper techniques, especially for self-defense, is critical. Start with fundamentals. Then learn to shoot for your specific real-world applications."
3. Know your weapon: "Train with your firearm. Beyond shooting, you'll need to know how to handle gun jams and malfunctions and other issues that could rear their ugly heads at critical moments." See rule #5.
4. Keep your firearm in good working order: "Make sure that your firearm is clean, and that all systems work properly. Have a gunsmith do a complete check every one or two years. Replace your ammunition every few months."
5. Understand that all mechanical things can break. Take the time and learn about W.E. Fairbairn. His teaching has been proven in war and has lasted the tests of time.
== Highly Recommended ==
That name, W.E. Fairbairn caught my eye! Have you guys ever read anything written by him? REALLY valuable stuff. One of my favorites is called "Get Tough", and it's all about hand-to-hand combat! You can pretty much get this book anywhere, but Amazon.com is about the cheapest place I can find- it's less than $15! Here's a link right to the book:
Get Tough, by W.E. Fairbairn
Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops USCCA Gear Review
For this week's Gear Review, I'm looking at a reasonably inexpensive folding knife, called the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops, model CK105BL.
I actually have had my ExtremeOps for almost two years now, so the photograph below is of a brand new one... mine is pretty battle-scarred!! That's why I'm reviewing it though- it's an amazing blade for the price (around $30.00). I have seen much more expensive knives dull and chip faster than my ExtremeOps.
As you can see, this knife has a bright blue aluminum handle (though they make them in drab and gray), and is almost exactly 4" long when closed. It's blade is about 3.25" long, and is made out of 440 steel. As for quality, it's held up VERY well considering that I've mistreated to very badly, using it as a screw driver, a box cutter, a whittler, and a couple times even a pry bar...
One of my biggest pet peeves with a pocket knife, is when the blade wobbles inside the handle... Even just a tiny wiggle, and I lose almost ALL confidence and desire to use a knife. That's another great thing about this one, is it glides open with a flick of the thumb, snaps solidly into place, and is locked in. No wiggling! Another GREAT thing is this knive's belt clip. It's also made out of aluminum, and is screwed on by tiny Torx screws. So if it ever did break (mine hasn't), replacing it would be a breeze.
There is one thing about this knife that could be a problem. The large torx screw that holds the handle and the blade together has a tendency to loosen up after many openings and closings. You don't really know that it's happening either, because the blade remains very solid, so you don't really notice that it's loose until it falls out! So what I recommend, is either out of the box, or the first time it begins loosening, smear a little bit of loctite on that screw so you don't have to worry about it!
Well there you have it- way more information that you could ever need on the S&W ExtremeOps knife! If you're interested, you can pick one up for yourself, or find out more about them by clicking here.
This is the part every week where I ask you to send this newsletter to any friends or family members who might find its content valuable!!
It's easy to do- Just click on the big envelope!!
Forum Highlights
Every Deluxe Member has complete access to the USCCA forum, which is constantly being accessed by members sharing information, knowledge, insight, and fun. With well over twenty-thousand posts and growing by the hour, this is one heck of a valuable resource!
Kahr .45 Pistols
Does anyone have any experience with the line of .45 cal. pistols made by Kahr (TP series, P series or PM series)? I'm thinking of getting one but I read a lots of posts of people having trouble with the 9mm series of Kahrs, so I'm looking for information on the .45 line.
When is a weapon too expensive to carry?
Looking at Kimber Ultra Covert II 45ACP. Is this something you would carry on a daily basis or something cheaper that you wouldn't mind getting banged around?
Non-lethal defense
I am looking for non-lethal, "lady friendly" defense items. This class of tools would include pepper spray, mace, or "zappers". I have no experience with these. There are many options available but I need to get through the marketing hype and find something that is dependable and effective that a lady would not have problems carrying and using.
Quote of the Week
Sometimes a good quote will inspire or motivate you. Sometimes, they'll just put a smile on your face! Here is the quote for this week...
"No law ever written has stopped any robber, rapist or killer, like cold blue steel in the hands of their last intended victim."
-W. Emerson Wright.
Closing Thoughts
Ladies and Gentlemen, before I wrap this up, I have a very important message for you!
Have you ever heard of "Students for Concealed Carry on Campus"? I've noticed their site several times before, but early this week I learned about a nation-wide protest they were rallying, in which college students were to wear empty holsters on campus during the week of October 22nd, through October 26th - All this week!
I really wish I would have heard about it in time to put in last week's newsletter, but I figured better late than never! Their website is http://concealedcampus.org, and I definitely think it is a very worthy cause, and worth a visit!
The USCCA has a FREE weekly newsletter for YOU! We discuss self-defense, guns, knives, tactics, family, friends and life. These weekly tips are valuable, entertaining and politically incorrect... and they're FREE. Sign up now or "pay the price."
Your name, and e-mail will NEVER be sold or rented to ANYONE. Click here to check out the USCCA Newsletter archives.
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. His teaching has been proven in war and has lasted the tests of time.
