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.
Another week gone, another newsletter jam-packed with great information for all of you!! Be sure to watch this week's video as soon as possible! It's very short, but it has a GREAT message... I can't tell you how happy it makes me that someone as young as the girl in this video recognizes the natural right to life and self defense... How is it that she gets it, but people as educated as Joe Biden do not?
Enjoy! Here goes...
Every Woman's Right USCCA Video of the Week
Tim Recommends
First EVER Membership Sale...
This sale is HISTORY on November 9th, 2007 Here's how much time you have left to
"lock-in" this amazing deal...
There seems to always be an interest in the "magic" of carrying a concealed handgun. I'm not going to address the type of handgun you might carry, as that's a much larger can of worms and I've no interest in opening it at this time. I do wish to address four basic elements of concealed carry so you might best judge how they fit your own situation. The elements are part and parcel to one other and each piece fits the other much like the pieces of a child's wooden puzzle. If all the pieces fit, the results can be highly beneficial. If they don't, you can be simply uncomfortable--or simply dead.
Concealment:
Concealment works in opposition to speed of access and the comfort of your method of carry. Good concealment is necessary to create the low profile signature required of the situation. Many states mandate the handgun carried be truly concealed--with no option of "showing" or "printing" possible. To do so draws unwanted attention and corresponding trouble like a magnet.
How concealed your handgun is may depend on what line of work you're in. There's always a possibility the gun is so well concealed you can't get at it, which is probably a bad idea. In concealing, remember your exterior clothing choices are as important as the type of holster you use. Your clothing must cover the presence of the handgun to be effective. A properly concealed handgun often provides an element of surprise to your opponent, all of which is slanted in your favor should you choose--or have to--defend yourself.
Comfort:
Comfortable carry of a handgun often works in opposition to concealment and speed of access. Comfort may not be important to your task at hand but then again, if your choice of carry is more comfortable you will probably carry the gun more often. Regardless of your carry method, there will probably be some measure of discomfort. Learn to work with it as best you can.
Handgun selection is very important to the comfort element. A handgun that's lightweight and flat may be comfortable, but be guarded to not sacrifice effectiveness for pure comfort. Remember: For carrying, none are too small--for fighting, none are too big. The degree of comfort should be judged from possible positions you may find yourself in, like standing, walking, sitting in the car, driving and seatbelt dismounts. Holster and belt design and compatibility are critical. In carrying a handgun for personal defense, remember they are not supposed to be comfortable--they are supposed to be comforting!
Speed:
Speed of the draw or speed of access usually works in opposition to concealment or security of the handgun. Belt holsters worn on the range for practice are easy to access, but there is often a lack of concealment or security. The concept of a handgun is usually based on the premise it will be "at-hand" to respond to unexpected threats. This means you should practice presenting the handgun to the threat with all possible speed, from all types of positions.
It's imperative to get this point correctly. You should practice drawing smoothly, all the time, from all positions. A smooth presentation is better than a fast--and often bobbled--draw stroke.
Speed of access while being concealed, yet comfortable enough to carry 24/7, is a function of holster design. While in the speed mode, consider your method of loading, reloading and continuity of fire. Without exception, you should be able to draw and re-holster with one hand, preferably either hand.
Security:
Security is the last piece of the puzzle. Security works in opposition to speed of draw. The more secure the handgun is, the harder it is to gain access to it under threat. Security is also mechanical, as in the ability of the holster to retain the handgun while in foot pursuits or physical struggles. It's imperative you be aware a very large percentage of people who lose their handguns in struggles are often shot by those same handguns. Don't lose your handgun in a fight.
You can run your method of carry past these four elements to see how it measures up. Personal tactics are vital to your security. How you approach someone, how you let them approach you and your awareness of your surroundings are all part of this CCW puzzle. Check the pieces and see how they work for you.
Okay guys and gals- last week, I recommended you that W.E. Fairbairn book, "Get Tough". That made me realize how much I like to read ANYTHING (and everything) by Massad Ayoob. Honestly, I don't think he's written a bad book yet! I found almost his entire collection the cheapest on Amazon. Click Here to go right to them!! You will not regret it!
Columbia River Knife & Tool: Model M16-13 USCCA Gear Review
Preface:
In last week's newsletter, I review my trusty old Smith & Wesson ExtremeOps, and it got me thinking- why haven't I looked at more folding knives? If you're anything like me, having a good knife on you is just as important as having your pistol. Both are great tools for different purposes!
With that said, I'm launching a new series, dedicated to Daily Carry Folding Knives!! Exciting huh?
Blade
-Length: 3.50"
-Thickness: 0.10"
-Steel: AUS 8, 56-58 HRC
Closed: Handle length 4.75"
Open: Overall length 8.25"
Weight: 3.2 oz.
Handle Material: Aluminum
The quality of this knife is exactly what I'd expect when spending around $80- pristine. The blade snaps open one-handed pretty easily using the "Carson Flipper (That little metal eyelet). Once open, it has a comfortable grip, and it's patented AutoLAWKS system alleviates any worry of the blade closing on your fingers. The blade doesn't budge inside it's handle- the whole knife just feels tight. This particular knife is pretty long, but it's the perfect length for my hand. My wife has pretty small hands though, and she says that it's a little big for her, so that might be something to keep in mind.
The knife didn't ship razor sharp, though it's certainly sharp enough to get the job done. Don't laugh, but I usually test my knives sharpness by shaving some arm hair off with them- and I don't stop sharpening until I get to that point!! With that said, this knife's blade was pretty easy to sharpen to that point using a normal whetstone and steel- BUT, you have to be careful, because it is beveled a little more on one side than the other, like almost all serrated blades.
Overall, I give this blade a two thumbs up! If you are looking for something in this price range and are looking for a high quality every day carry folding knife, this might be the knife for you!
NOTE: You can see all of the CRKT knives available on Amazon's site
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 handy!!
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!
The Taurus Judge vs The Box Of Truth
Here is the latest installment from one of my favorite weapon educational web sites "The Box O' Truth". After viewing the photos and reading this post, check out the rest of the many other fun and quite enlightening installments. It is a free site. I also recommend signing on for the site's free news letter. The site, It's a blast! No pun intended.
Castle Doctrine
Are any other states expected to pass a law like Texas concerning a Castle like Doctrine? What are your thoughts?
Concealed Carry Holster for Full Sized .45
I love my .45, It Is accurate and never jams. But, it is hard to carry truly concealed... I live in the hot south of Texas, and it is a pain to carry all day. If you have found the ultimate way to carry a full sized .45, I would love to hear what it is!
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...
"The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."
-JOHN F. KENNEDY
Closing Thoughts
All week, one of the biggest reasons why I carry has been hard on my mind: Because I love human life. Very little pains me more than to see innocent people victimized, and as you all have clearly recognized- neither do you!
I hope you've enjoyed this issue of my weekly newsletter! Stay safe and vigilant,
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.
The U.S. Concealed Carry Website uses 128-Bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to transmit your personal information to our secure servers. The USCCA is a certified CA-1 Equifax Secure Global eBusiness. And most importantly, all of your personal and payment information is secured by Smith & Wesson, John Browning, Glock and Springfield Armory. Heck, this transaction will be safer than using your credit card at a restaurant! We don't mess around at USCCA, we've processed over 25,000 transactions with absolutely ZERO security breaches. Still not sure you want to do this over the internet? Well, just give me a call at (877) 677-1919.
book, "Get Tough". That made me realize how much I like to read ANYTHING (and everything) by 
