tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88852753910614303162024-03-12T19:11:48.007-07:00NW Women's Shooting NetworkNW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-91584449482804125682017-04-28T11:48:00.000-07:002017-04-28T11:48:46.581-07:00Kids & Firearm Safety<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">While we all know that firearms can
be a divisive issue, everyone agrees that we want to keep kids safe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Kids by their nature are interest
and curious. That said, why would it be
any different when it comes to their curiosity about firearms? </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We all know that kids see guns on TV, movies, and maybe even at their
friend’s house and other situations that you are not aware of. <span style="color: #262626;">It is vital that YOU discuss firearm safety with your
kids. Discussing firearms and their use
on TV and video games with children is important as well. Guns are often
improperly handled, and most children are not able to tell the difference
between being killed on TV and being killed in real life.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If they don't learn about gun safety from you,
they will learn it from someone else. Likely other kids, TV and video games. <b>Having this conversation with your kids
about gun safety will make your kids, your family, and our community a lot
safer. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I get asked all the time what the appropriate age
to start teaching children about gun safety is.
It is my belief that the earlier the better - however it is not about
the age as much as it is about YOUR child’s maturity level. I also believe that
when discussed, taught, and even handled at an early age, the child is more
likely to follow the safety rules you have taught them when you are not around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The conversation of course needs to be age
appropriate, your description about firearm safety will be different for
preschool children than it will be for teenagers. For all kids, no matter what
age, there are a few things you can do to make this a significant talk for you
and your family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Getting
Ready</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This does not need
to be a lecture, but kids need to know that it is a serious topic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If you have other
adults in the home, get everyone on the same page. This will ensure that your
children are learning the proper lessons from both parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Find a good time
and place where you and your kids won't be distracted. Remember that this is a
conversation, not a lecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ask questions. Most
likely they already have questions, so invite them to ask questions, and have
questions to ask them as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Find out what they
already know or have heard, clarify the situation, then use example of real
life that will help them understand why we have rules about firearm safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Help them to
understand what to do in situations where you will not be there. Have a
plan of action. Your discussions on gun safety may be ALL they have to help
guide them in those situations<b><u>.</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">WALK the talk, set
an example of proper and safe gun handling of firearms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Reinforce your
conversation regularly, adding details and more mature conversation as your
kids get older.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Repetition is the
key, every month or so is not too often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Preschool Kids:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The NRA has an excellent children's
gun safety program for Pre-K through third grade, The Eddie Eagle GunSafe®
Program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The purpose for this gun safety
program is to provide the protection and safety of our children, our family and
our communities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">You do not need to be a NRA member
and any one can obtain all the material to teach this program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The program includes: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A
parent/instructor guide book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Activity
books <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A
Poster <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Animated
video to explain its four-step safety message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">For more information about the
program, visit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Or call (800) 231-0752<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I suggest starting by watching one of the videos
posted below. <br />
That gets the conversation going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After watching it together open up with questions
to chat about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">What did the team
find?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">What was in the
backpack?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">What did they do
after they found the backpack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Who was your
favorite character and why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">What is the song
they sing? Can you sing it?<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Help them
understand</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> a few fundamental rules:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When you see a gun:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> STOP <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">DON’T Touch it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Leave the area <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Go tell an adult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Learn about gun safety with Eddie Eagle and the
Wind Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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style='width:115.5pt;height:87pt' o:ole="" o:preferrelative="t" stroked="f">
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o:title=""/>
</v:rect><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img border="0" height="116" src="file:///C:/Users/shooter/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg" v:shapes="rectole0000000000" width="154" /><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">▶</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> 8:22<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho36vonT3Rw"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho36vonT3Rw</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 5.4pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in .5pt 0in .5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: .05pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: solid black 1.0pt; height: .05pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 459.0pt;" valign="top" width="612"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Another
animated Gun Safety video<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">National
Shooting Sports Foundation video on gun safety<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81jSRMsbEE"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Let's Watch Unc</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81jSRMsbEE"</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">le</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81jSRMsbEE"</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81jSRMsbEE"</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Mcgruff's</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81jSRMsbEE"</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Gun Safety - YouTube</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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o:title=""/>
</v:rect><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img border="0" height="116" src="file:///C:/Users/shooter/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.jpg" v:shapes="rectole0000000001" width="154" /><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1554799560">
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">▶</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> 12:37<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81jSRMsbEE"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81jSRMsbEE</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Remember REPETITION is key.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">TEENS: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Many kids at this age may want to start by going
to the gun range. That is why education and plan of action is so important
before they ever encounter a gun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Even if you don't have a gun at home, they may
see them at friend's house. YOUR instructions on gun safety may be
ALL they have to call on in those situations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">For teens, these lessons are very clear:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Don’t Touch, pick up or use a gun without an adult's
permission/supervision</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Never ever point a gun a anyone</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Always assume a gun is loaded and can fire<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Watch the
video “It’s You Call” (link below) together.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Talk with your teens about situations that could
arise, and walk through options of what they would do in different scenarios.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: .9pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in .5pt 0in .5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: .05pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: white; border: solid black 1.0pt; height: .05pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 455.1pt;" valign="top" width="607"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">National
Shooting Sports Foundations:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It's Your
Call: Playing It Safe Around Guns (grades 6-9)</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">PARENTS:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Think your kids are prepared for situation about
gun safety when you are not around? THIS
IS A MUST WATCH for ALL parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwjB24Dcw4fMAhVKSyYKHe2rB5YQtwIIJTAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabcnews.go.com%2F2020%2Fvideo%2Fyoung-kids-guns-parents-22325589&usg=AFQjCNEgYE9kb5UUJryH6zOJ5jLylifqBg&sig2=ouFBQIhtysDSAPkbTDiSzA&bvm=bv.119028448,d.eWE"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">What Young Kids Do With Guns When Parents Aren't Around</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">▶</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Whether you and your family want to be involved
with shooting sports, or simply want to do all that you can to prevent
accidents and unsupervised access to firearms, having a plan in place is
necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">If you have a firearm in your home,
the safety of your children and the children that visit your home is your
responsibility. As the adult, it is your duty to understand and follow all laws
regarding gun <b>purchases, ownership,
storage, and transport</b>. Contact your state police and/or local police for
information regarding such laws. <b>(Insert
link to law)</b></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It is up to you so get started today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">West Coast Armory North <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Kid’s Safety Day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8885275391061430316" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">National Shooting Sport Foundation ( NSSF)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Project Child Safe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Own it, Respect It and Secure It<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://youth.nra.org/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Youth.nra.org</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Youth Programs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://eddieeagle.nre.org/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Eddieeagle.nre.org</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Young Kids<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">InSights Training Center;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com211714 Airport Rd, Everett, WA 98204, USA47.891416 -122.26101222.3693815 -163.569606 73.4134505 -80.952418tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-85448254426906378382016-04-27T13:37:00.000-07:002016-04-27T13:37:25.862-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How to Obtain A Concealed Carry Permit</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">in Washington</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>By Jana Kurrle</i></span></div>
<br />
<b>Does Washington issue Concealed Carry Permits?</b><br />
> Yes, Washington is a ‘shall issue’ state, meaning the state is required to furnish a permit if you can pass a background check.<br />> No Training is needed to apply for your permit, but as a responsible gun owner you will want to train as much as possible. Get more training information <a href="http://nwwomensshootingnetwork.blogspot.com/p/q_22.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Where do you apply for your CPL?</b><br />
> In an unincorporated area of a county in WA, you will go to your County Sheriffs Office. In Snohomish County, WA, where West Coast Armory North is also located, the County Sheriff’s office is located in the County Court House in Everett, WA.<br />> In incorporated city limits, you will go to your local police department. <br />
<br />
<b>What days and times do they issue CPL?</b><br />
> The time varies from police departments, so call ahead to make sure of the days and time.<br />
<br />
<b>WHAT do I need?</b><br />
> They will fingerprint you and conduct a background check.<br />> Call your local LE department find out what you need to bring for documentation<br />> It generally takes 30 days to get your license and it is good for 5 years for WA residents.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Cost for WA Residents:</b> $50.75<br />
<b>Renewal:</b> $32.0<br />
<b>Late Renewal:</b> $42.00<br />
<b>Replacing your Lost/Stolen Concealed Pistol License:</b> $10<br />
<b>Alien Firearm License:</b> $80.75 (with fingerprints submitted electronically)<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> $90.75 (with fingerprints submitted via mail)<br />
From: <a href="http://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1626">Snohomish CO Sheriff's Office fee schedule</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>WA State Revised Code of Washington:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/faconcealreq.html">http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/faconcealreq.html</a><br />
<b>Obtaining your Concealed Pistol License/Frequently Asked Questions: </b><a href="http://snohomishcountywa.gov/353/Concealed-Pistol-Licenses">http://snohomishcountywa.gov/353/Concealed-Pistol-Licenses</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/faconceal.html">http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/faconceal.html</a><br />
<b>Concealed Carry Information:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.usacarry.com/">www.usacarry.com</a> (may not be up to date for your state)<br />
<b>You need to know where you can lawfully carry your concealed handgun:</b><a href="http://www.handgunlaw.us/">www.handgunlaw.us</a><br />
<b>Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife “Firearms Safety, The Law and You” Handbook (also available in hard copy where firearms are sold):</b><br />
<a href="http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01492/wdfw01492.pdf">http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01492/wdfw01492.pdf</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-65548236455382651002016-04-27T13:25:00.002-07:002016-04-27T13:25:42.342-07:00Questions to Ask at the Gun Store<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Gun Handling Etiquette and</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Questions to Ask in a Gun Shop</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Ginger Hallberg</span></i></div>
<br />
So it's your first time in a gun shop, or maybe you've visited once or twice; but you really aren’t sure about the etiquette of handling firearms. Remembering a few of these suggestions will put the staff at ease and help insure you have a positive and informative experience.<br />
<br />
First thing is to always follow the Universal Firearm Safety Rules:<br />
<br />
1. ALWAYS treat all guns as LOADED.<br />
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to shoot.<br />
3. Keep your finger indexed above the trigger guard<br />
unless your sights are on target and you have decided to fire.<br />
4. Be sure of your target and what is behind and beyond it.<br />
<br />
If you have your own firearm and have questions or even concerns about it, make sure it's in a case when you bring it into the shop. (Walking into any business with a gun in your hand is likely to cause unnecessary excitement and is just generally considered rude!) Leave the gun in the case while you talk to the staff and let them know why you brought it in. At that point you can just hand the case to the staff and let them take the gun out, check its status and help you with your inquiry.<br />
<br />
When asking questions don't be shy, no matter if you feel like it's a silly question. We have all been newbies at one time and we are all still learning everyday. If you're not sure what you want out of a firearm, ask the staff for suggestions. (See article: “<a href="http://nwwomensshootingnetwork.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-most-popular-handguns-for-women.html">Most Popular Handguns For Women</a>”). It helps to know, or have a good idea what you want to use the handgun for. Range practice only? Concealed carry? Have a budget in mind, which includes caliber choice and the price of ammo. <br />
<br />
If you're looking for a concealed carry option, make sure you ask about holsters and for ideas about how best to conceal your handgun. Ask the staff how they carry concealed. (Also see our concealed carry article "Choosing a Holster" - coming soon!)<br />
<br />
<i><b>More Questions to ask:</b></i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What are the differences in firing actions and what does that mean for shooting?</li>
<li>Can I easily change the sights on the gun if I don't like them? </li>
<li>Is it okay for me to dry fire and if so, where? </li>
<li>How do I properly grip the firearm?</li>
<li>Are accessories easy to find for this particular firearm (such as magazines)? </li>
<li>How can I secure this gun when I’m not carrying it?</li>
<li>How do I clean my gun and what should I use to clean it? </li>
<li>What kind of options do I have for range bags? </li>
<li>What's the best recommendation for good ear-pro? What else do I need?</li>
<li>Can I try out this gun before I purchase it? </li>
<li>Do you offer classes, or can you recommend where to take safety and defensive classes? </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
There are many firearms to choose from. Your visit to a gun shop will have best results if you come prepared with your questions and a plan for what you want to look for. The staff may ask you questions to help you in the process; but when you have some general ideas in advance, the staff can help you find what best suits you and your shooting interests.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-40048982955346846452016-04-27T13:13:00.000-07:002016-04-27T13:14:04.677-07:00How Much Practice is Enough?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How Much Practice is Enough?</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">By Martha Holschen</i></div>
<br />
You may have heard it said many times, in many contexts that the path to mastery of anything takes 10,000 hours of practice. What defines practice? If you practice a technique wrong a thousand times, that technique will not magically become right. Then, to change that wrong technique to something more efficient, another two thousand hours. To cut to the chase from the philosophical generalizations, I hope to give you some practical information about developing proficiency with your handgun.<br />
<br />
Can your practice prepare you for a life-threatening situation? Imagine yourself a mother of three, at home alone with the children. You hear someone breaking in downstairs. You gather the children as you have practiced and retreat to the safe/bed-room. You have your handgun in your hands. The intruder has come up the stairs and against your warnings, broken into the room through the locked door. Are you prepared for what needs to happen next?<br />
<br />
In addition to basic drills for shooting, there are other skills to put on the agenda for making you a functional defensive shooter. A philosophy I have adopted is: Mental Conditioning is the most important skill you can cultivate. Mental conditioning consists of efforts to train and improve your: mindset, awareness, and decision making (specifically decision making relevant to the use of force). Next most important is to learn about the tactics which give you a greater chance of success in any use of force encounter. This includes topics such as; optimized use of cover, pieing to move through buildings, and how to minimize your exposure when entering or leaving your car. Third is to develop the skill-set needed to use the equipment you have at hand (i.e., your handgun) to the full extent of its capabilities. Fourth is to select and purchase good quality equipment. Your equipment does not have to be the most expensive available. It does have to meet your personal needs and criteria. What counts most is that you know where it is, how to use it best and can access it quickly at any given time.<br />
<br />
<br />
First, have you had any formal training? That would be a course you paid money for (or given as a gift). Uncle Seth taking you out to the dump to shoot at some tin cans doesn’t count. You may have learned from him. You may have learned some good skills from him. But is he really an expert on defensive use of a firearm? What I want to propose here is, that the training that qualifies has at least these seven criteria:<br />
<br />
1) The Instructor(s) have life and occupational experience from which they gained their expertise and passion (passion alone can be an illusion of wisdom) for what they teach. There is no more effective instruction out there, than what you can learn from someone of this description. They also need to have personal skills well above the level they teach. Also, how long have they been teaching? Teaching skills grow over time too.<br />
<br />
2) The teaching/learning environment was conducive to your learning new skills. When you feel safe in class and get help when needed, the learning experience stays with you. You also don’t have to worry about someone else there being unsafe.<br />
<br />
3) You can recall the skills taught with enough accuracy and be able to at least describe them to someone else. This is a great way to test what you actually learned. Ideally you will end the class with some confidence that you can continue to practice and improve on your own.<br />
<br />
4) Do they cover skill sets that address your personal limitations? Do they help you discern what they are?<br />
<br />
5) Do they cover legalities for the civilian concealed carry public?<br />
<br />
6) Do they teach defensive tactics for civilians? There are instructors with police and military backgrounds who do not teach this. They cannot translate military or SWAT assault techniques into skills that you might find helpful in protecting your home, for instance.<br />
<br />
7) Do they have a cohesive doctrine that puts all the pieces together to make everything fit hand in glove? For example, does moving the gun from the ready position to the target reinforce the path of moving the gun from the holstered position to the target, and vice versa.<br />
<br />
You will need to shop around for those great instructors and training facilities. Do not rely upon what their devoted followers have to say. There are surprisingly, several cult-like groups around a few of these schools. It may involve a trip to that location. It’s a worthwhile investment! For those of you in the Seattle area, you have the good fortune to have one of the world-class training companies in the area (InSights Training Center.) Other local training companies invite guest trainers of the same caliber to teach in the area each year. If you do not want to fork out large sums of money for two-four day courses, some of the local ranges (like West Coast Armory North) offer classes in three to four hour sessions. We have a Handgun 101 class in which you can sample several different models of handguns and learn what to look for in a defensive handgun. If you already own a handgun and want to focus on fundamental handgun skills, we offer our Handgun 102 course.<br />
<br />
Once you have a good quality skill set to build upon, then comes putting in the time for regular practice. The best practice time you can invest in is free! It requires just five to ten minute intervals dispersed over the course of your busy day. There are a few things necessary for this practice to happen. You need a place where you know you won’t be interrupted for those five to ten minutes, that also has a safe backstop to aim at (see Universal Firearms Handling Rules). What you will do for those minutes is the dry-fire practice drills covered in your excellent training. These drills can be found described in many places. I have read about, and heard others tell of how they did nothing but dry-fire practice for several critical weeks/months prior to some important competition and went on to win first place.<br />
<br />
(Check out Olympic Gold Medalist Keith Sanderson discussing his dry fire practice here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=620LlSK3Oyo)<br />
<br />
This is proof enough for me! But don’t take my word for it… go to the range and shoot a set sequence/drill that you can repeat later (save the target); then go home and do nothing but dry-fire practice for four weeks. Then go back to the range and shoot the sequence/drill you did before and compare your groups. I guarantee you will see an improvement. I can also guarantee that you will gain confidence in your gun handling skills. An additional benefit I have found is akin to taking time for meditation; no kidding. I take a break from whatever is keeping me busy, spend some time doing dry-fire drills; then I can get back to work refreshed and focused. Can’t beat that! OK, you could meditate. However, dry-fire practice accomplishes more.<br />
<br />
Next comes actual time at the range doing live-fire practice. This is best done with reservation. This may seem counter-intuitive. The Dry-fire practice should be at least 70% of your total time spent training. Ammo costs also need to be figured into the budget. As you may have read elsewhere on our web site, there are options for getting in practice that you can do in the company of others with like-minded intent. This seems especially appealing for women new to the shooting world. You may find groups that just like to practice defensive shooting drills. Some may want to add some friendly competition to the mix. There are others that set up action shooting drills based on standards from various shooting associations. These drills are variations of what they use for matches, for those who may want to do the drills for fun, but may not necessarily compete. Competitors may even show up for practice. There is usually something for every level of skills. Check with your local range to see what is offered. We have folks willing to travel a bit further to come to events at our range. The point is to put in time effectively building your skills. Putting a target at ten yards and poking holes in it as fast as you can, may be fun, but it does not count as practicing defensive skills. Again, that excellent training will be the resource for those practice drills. There are also many resources online. Warning! Not everything you read is applicable to defensive shooting. Many shooting competitions use specialized guns and skill sets not appropriate for personal defensive tactics. There are also organizations with official sounding names that put out information one could most kindly deem skewed. I will list some reliable references at the end for you to investigate what works best for you.<br />
<br />
All said and done, making this part of your lifestyle is the bottom line to being as prepared as you can for personal defense measures. Many women come to our classes because they have been the victim of an assault or were threatened. They refuse to be victims (again). My hat is off to them. I just recently saw a video through Facebook of a woman who survived two terrible assaults. She now carries with confidence. She was willing to share her story to the world to empower more women to make this choice. For every one of those kinds of stories, there are 100 or more of women who were not so fortunate. I hope what you have read here makes this process seem more doable for you. Yes, it involves a commitment. You will find more and more women willing to take those first steps. We can team together to keep the process going, so you too can carry with confidence. I pray every day to never have to draw my handgun in self-defense. My first choice is to not be where there is a problem. I can say with confidence that I can run if I need to; having recovered from serious leg injuries. Whatever your level of fitness now, can you include exercise to your skill-set acquisition? Not every woman has the option to run; all the more reason to have the best possible plan for your situation.<br />
<br />
<br />
Resources:<br />
https://us.glock.com/confidence/university<br />
http://www.tacticalmoment.com<br />
http://www.insightstraining.com/catalog.asp<br />
http://www.westcoastarmorynorth.com/#!classes/cfvg<br />
<br />
<br />
Books:<br />
“In The Gravest Extreme: The Role of the Firearm in Personal Protection”<br />
By Massad Ayoob<br />
<br />
“The Gift of Fear and Other Survival Signals that Protect Us From Violence”<br />
By Gavin de Becker<br />
<br />
“Strong On Defense”<br />
By Sanford Strong<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-55346149340732607962016-04-20T15:22:00.001-07:002016-04-20T15:23:09.931-07:00Range Etiquette<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Range
Etiquette<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By
Jana Kurrle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />1. Follow the Gun Safety Rules</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Always treat all guns as loaded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Never let the muzzle cover anything you
are not willing to shoot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Keep your trigger finger indexed above
the trigger guard, unless your sights are on target and you have decided to
fire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Be sure of your target and what is
beyond it.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />2.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <b>Entering the range</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Make sure your firearm (pistol or rifle)
is in a case or holster (walking into a range or store with a weapon in your
hand is likely to cause unnecessary excitement and is just generally not
polite.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Never take a firearm out of its case or
holster unless you are at the firing line. *If you want/need your firearm
looked at, give it in the case (or unholster where directed,) to a Range Safety
Officer for them to clear and inspect.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />3.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<b>First Time Shooters</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> It is preferable that you bring an
experienced shooter with you or get training before coming to the range. The
Range Staff is there to insure general safety but does not have the ability to
give you the one on one time & attention you will need as a new shooter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> When you come in let the Range Staff
know if this is your first time, or if you are a newer shooter, so that they
can (as time allows) give you a bit of extra attention and answer any questions
you may have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Pay close attention to the Range Rules –
not just the Safety Rules, but range specific rules. For example: Rules about
what calibers you can shoot, if you are allowed to draw from a holster, or if
there are limits on rates of fire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />4.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<b>Listen to the Range Officer & Follow
the Range Safety Rules</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> The Range Safety Officer is present to
make sure everyone is safe by enforcing the Range Safety Rules.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Do not handle your firearms behind the firing
line or while anyone is in front of firing line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Keep your firearm pointed directly down
range (toward the berm) at all times.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Insure that your angle of fire will
cause all bullets to impact directly into the berm (not the walls, floor or
ceiling.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Safety is everyone’s responsibility- anyone
can and should call a cease-fire if they see an unsafe act. Report anything that
you think may be unsafe to the Range Safety Officer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />5.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<b>If Someone Calls a Cease Fire</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Immediately stop firing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Put your weapon on safe and place it on
the shelf in your booth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Step back, out of your firing booth
leaving the firearm in place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Do not step back into your booth or
touch your firearm for any reason.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Await further instructions from the
Range Safety Officer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> Anyone can call a cease fire should they
feel the need to. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />6</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.
<b>Follow the Range’s Specific Rules</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">> Many ranges do not allow steel/aluminum
cased ammunition, or non-jacketed lead bullets. Check with the Range Staff
prior to using your ammunition.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Some ranges have rules on caliber limits
on firearms, or only allow single shots to be loaded at a time. Be courteous
and follow the rules for each range you visit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />7.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<b>Don’t Interrupt Active Target Shooters</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> If someone is actively shooting, don’t
tap them on the shoulder or try to talk to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> The only exception to this rule: If you
see that they (or someone else) could be in immediate danger, such as a
malfunction you should call “Cease Fire” loud enough to be heard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> If it isn’t serious enough to call a
cease-fire you should wait until the shooter has finished their string of fire
to talk with them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>8. Don’t Hover Behind Shooters</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> If you are observing, give some distance
between yourself and the shooter.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">It can
be annoying having someone right behind you as you are shooting, not to mention
it could pose a safety risk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<b> Never Touch Someone Else’s Firearm/Equipment
Without Permission</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> If you receive permission to pick up
someone else’s firearm, make sure the first thing you do is clear the weapon,
prior to handling it in any other way (always keeping the muzzle pointing down
range, of course).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />10.
</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Malfunctioning
Firearm</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> If you have a malfunctioning firearm,
and are not comfortable clearing the malfunction; place the firearm on safe if
possible, then set it on the shooting bench at the firing line, pointed down
range and go ask a Range Safety Officer for assistance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">11.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<b>Clean up After Yourself</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> When you’re done shooting; take your
target down, sweep your brass and pick up anything else left behind before you
leave. Loose brass on the floor can be a safety issue. Each range has its own
policy about what to do with brass. Ask if they do not tell you first. Do not
throw empty ammo boxes down range. Place empty ammo boxes and used targets in
designated receptacles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shooting a new gun?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">> If you have a gun you are firing for the
first time let the Range Officers know.
They may be able to help out with any questions or issues you may have.</span></div>
NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com0Everett, WA, USA47.9789848 -122.202079447.6387073 -122.8475264 48.3192623 -121.5566324tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-28014481858022247942016-04-03T13:37:00.001-07:002016-04-03T13:39:41.541-07:00Finding a Local Range<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Finding a Local Range</span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Felicia Sinclair</span></i></div>
<br />
There are a few obvious points we’ll get out of the way right now- YES, we love West Coast Armory North as our range, and YES you will need to use the all-mighty Google. With that out of the way, let’s get down to the main point of this article: What to looking for when Picking a Range.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Step 1 – Find a Range near you!</b><br />
If you’re local to the Seattle area, we would love to have you come to our range. We work hard here at West Coast Armory North to make women of all walks of life feel comfortable. If you aren’t local to us, get on that Google machine and search for “shooting ranges near me” (or “near <insert your city here>”).<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Step 2 – Look at ALL the reviews.</b><br />
And we mean ALL of them. Don’t just look on Yelp, Google+ or Facebook exclusively; you want to look at the overall ratings, and what specifically people have to say regarding their experience. You’ll see bad reviews because someone wasn’t happy they had to listen to a safety brief on their first visit to the range (no, I’m not kidding). Look for legitimate reasons to stay away from the range, or to give them a try. Reviews about being safe, having friendly staff, and the overall cost are things you want to be looking for. Make your experience a good one.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 3 – Check out their Website for Details</b><br />
First of all, if they don’t have a website with any detail, that’s a huge “no” for us. A business that is looking to educate and be a resource for their customers will have at least a bare bones website, with prices, location, contact information, and will be easy to navigate. We specifically recommend looking to see if they have events listed on their site somewhere; it might be under training/classes, or just a general range tab. Seeing ahead of time that they have a “Ladies Day” or “Women Only Classes” is a huge indication that as a woman, you’ll be welcome there and have a great experience.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 4 – Go in and check them out!</b><br />
Once you’ve vetted them online, the next logical step is to physically visit the range (try and narrow your choices to 2-3 locations). Some ranges are membership only; so either find someone that’s already a member that can get you in as a guest, see if the range has a Day Pass, or just go to see how the range operates from a viewing standpoint. If they are connected to a store, we think that’s even better – being able to have friendly staff under one room to help you with both training & purchasing helps you from having to drive around finding multiple places to get your self-defense needs met.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Step 5 – Join in! Get involved and make friends.</b><br />
We’ve already said, if they have “Women Only Classes” or a “Ladies Day”, that it’s a great sign. What we then advise is that you go in on Ladies Day, and make some friends! Shooting is always fun with a friend, and it’s never a bad idea to surround yourself with like-minded friends when you’re trying to learn how to best defend yourself. Take classes, always learn more – and meet more people there, too. Is there a Ladies League, or a Ladies Club that meets? Get involved! The biggest obstacle for most women in the shooting industry is that they feel excluded, or intimidated, because female shooters are still a minority. But we’re adding numbers to our “ranks” every day, and we would LOVE to have you join us.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Bonus “Step” – For the Locals:</b><br />
Here at West Coast Armory North (home to the NW Women’s Shooting Network), we are THE RANGE in the Seattle area for female shooters. Whether you’re just wanting to get more information on firearms, are ready to purchase your first firearm, or have been actively shooting for years, we are the place to come! We have at least one female on staff (either in the Pro Shop, or the Range) every single day of the week for you to talk to (our male staff are extremely helpful, too, of course!). Every Thursday we have our <a href="http://www.westcoastarmorynorth.com/#!Northwest Women's Shooting Network/zoom/c1zx9/ccvi">Ladies Day</a> on the Range, where you can come and rent either a lane, or rent a new firearm, for FREE. We also hold our <a href="http://www.westcoastarmorynorth.com/#!ladies-classes/c1q9t">Ladies Shooting Club</a> monthly on Thursday evenings, and our<a href="http://www.westcoastarmorynorth.com/#!ladies-classes/c1q9t"> Ladies League</a> as well. Our classes are so popular here, that we’ve started Women-Only versions of them as well. No matter where you’re at, you’ll find a community here waiting to welcome you. Join us! Call, or stop by today to get started.NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com0Everett, WA, USA47.9789848 -122.202079447.6387073 -122.8475264 48.3192623 -121.5566324tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-21920912711337031762016-04-03T13:01:00.000-07:002016-04-20T15:59:41.444-07:00The Universal Firearm Handling Rules<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Universal Firearms Handling Rules </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>By Stephanie Kerns</i></span></div>
<br />
They are called the <i>Universal</i> Rules because they cover us at ALL times, in ALL Places and with EVERY kind of gun.<br />
<br />
If you look at the mistakes that people make, what they all have in common is the attitude the people have about guns. As a result they have two different kinds of guns in their world -- loaded guns and unloaded guns, with two different sets of handling skills. But could you ever accidentally access the wrong skills for the wrong gun? Could you ever be mistaken about the condition of a gun?<br />
<br />
So we are going to simplify our lives when it comes to handling guns. And we are going to follow a handling system that will not only make it nearly impossible to make a mistake; but will cover us at all times, in all places, with every kind of gun. They're called the "Universal Firearms Handling Rules".<br />
<br />
<b>Rule 1 "Always treat all guns as loaded".</b><br />
Any and All guns must be treated as if they are loaded. Every time I handle a gun, I check its condition of readiness, even if I just set it down a moment ago. If someone hands me a gun and says “Don’t worry it isn’t loaded”, I ALWAYS check for myself. Whenever you transfer a gun to another person, make sure you take the magazine out, lock the slide to the rear and CHECK for yourself. If it is a revolver open the cylinder and remove any rounds. I am never going to do anything with an unloaded gun that I wouldn't do with a loaded gun. Which means I can never get my handling skills mixed up or be confused about the condition of my gun. My attitude is always the same -- all guns are dangerous -- I will treat all guns as loaded guns.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Rule 2 "Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to shoot."</b><br />
Whether at the range, in a class or my daily carry, I need to be constantly aware of where my gun is pointed and what is in front of it. This is called muzzle awareness. You could also call it the "laser rule" and imagine there is an industrial strength laser beam coming out the front of your gun at all times and whatever comes in front of the gun gets cut by that laser. To put it another way, if you don't want to shoot yourself or your buddy in the hand, foot, or buttocks, don't point your gun at you or your buddy's hand, foot, or buttocks. It is up to us to revise it, if someone or thing comes in front of where we currently perceive to be the safest direction. We are always going to keep our muzzle pointed in the safest direction available to us.<br />
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<b>Rule 3 "Keep your finger indexed above the trigger guard, unless your sights are on target and you have decided to fire."</b><br />
I know we have been pre-programmed by the watching movies: finger on the trigger for those action shots are more exciting. However, since our hand naturally tries to work as a unit, as in gripping or clenching, separating our trigger finger from the rest of the grip on the gun takes effort. <br />
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We have a few reflexes, that if our finger is on the trigger, the gun will go off. The first is human startle reflex: loud noises or being touched unexpectedly will cause you to clench your hand with enough pressure to squeeze the trigger and have the gun go off. Second is losing your balance. When you trip, your hands will close on whatever they can to help you keep your balance. If your finger is on the trigger when this happens, you will fire the gun. Lastly, sympathetic contraction means that when you are under stress, the action in one hand will occur in the opposite hand up to about 30%. Pulling, grabbing, yanking under stress with your finger on the trigger will cause you to fire the gun. A mantra that can help, you say to yourself : On Target…..On trigger, OFF target….OFF trigger.<br />
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So we need to have a master grip: When handling, picking up or drawing your gun up, place your trigger finger (your index finger) straight, elevated and touching the side of the gun well above the trigger. I only touch the trigger when my sights are on the target and I am ready to shoot.<br />
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<b>Rule 4 "Be sure of your target and what is behind and beyond it."</b><br />
Bottom line, when a bullet leaves your gun, you are responsible for where the bullet goes. When we are at the range, we don’t have to think of what is beyond our target, we know there is a backstop. We never shoot at anything we can’t positively identify. In many cases the bullet does not stop with your target and can pass through doors and walls. Know your target, what is in line with it and what is behind and beyond. That doesn't mean we can only shoot when we have a perfect backstop; we also need to be aware of what our backstop is before we shoot.<br />
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These four rules are redundant, so that we are covered in case we have to break one. If I break one rule, I have a bad day because I’m embarrassed. If I break two rules, I have a catastrophe that changes the rest of my life and/or someone else’s. Memorize them, so you will remember them under stress. They will allow us to handle all guns, at all times, and in all places.<br />
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Remember, it all starts with the attitude that there is no such thing as a safe gun. Once I accept that, I can learn to handle them safely.<br />
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<br />NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com0Everett, WA, USA47.9789848 -122.202079447.6387073 -122.8475264 48.3192623 -121.5566324tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-80312541266660805822016-04-03T12:19:00.002-07:002016-04-03T12:50:22.930-07:00The Most Popular Handguns for Women<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Most Popular Handguns For Women</span></h3>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Ginger Hallberg</span></i></div>
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There are so many options out there for concealed carry and range guns; it can be overwhelming at times! Best thing I recommend is to try out a few on the range before you purchase, to get a feel for what you will enjoy shooting. The great thing at West Coast Armory North is that the staff are very knowledgeable and always willing to help answer your questions. Handguns I highly recommend trying are the Glock 19, Springfield's Sub-compact, Smith and Wesson's M&P 9C and the Sig Sauer P320C. I know, I know you might be saying “BUT I want something cute and little that's easy to conceal.”<br />
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Let’s first talk about the Glock 19: this is a 9mm, its magazine has the capacity of holding 15 cartridges, and it has a 4-inch barrel. Now the reason I mention barrel length and magazine capacity, is because these are the most important things one needs to take into consideration when looking for a range or concealed carry firearm. Barrel length plays an important role in comfort of shooting and conceal-ability. So, the shorter the barrel, the snappier or more powerful the firearm is going to feel when it recoils during shooting. Then, if you go with a barrel longer than 4 inches, it will be a bit harder to conceal, but NOT impossible! It's all about the holster, placement and clothing of course! Good excuse for a new wardrobe; but I digress. So back to the Glock and the others! The size of the grip on the G19 makes it comfortable to practice with and acquire a good grip, making it very enjoyable to shoot. Another thing that makes this a joy to shoot is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bore-axis">low bore-axis</a>. With this feature it reduces muzzle flip and helps reduce recoil; a point that helps to have a visual aid to explain better.<br />
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Second pistol is Springfield's subcompact. There are several models. The thing with these is that they vary from 3 inch to 4-inch barrel lengths. Even though they are called subcompacts they really are just compacts, which does give you diversity when looking for concealment. The magazines have two different capacities: one flush that holds 13 cartridges and an extended magazine that holds 16 cartridges. They also have a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bore-axis">low bore-axis</a>, so even on a 3-inch barrel; recoil is not horrible and easily manageable. I wouldn't necessary recommend this as your first gun unless you've shot it quite a bit on the range. The shortened grip is barely 1/16 of an inch shorter compared to the Glock 19's grip, which may be perfect for some and too short for others.<br />
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Moving onto the Smith and Wesson's M&P9C: this is a compact 9mm also, but does not come with an extended magazine. When you purchase this handgun it comes with two magazines one with a <a href="http://thrumylens.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/mp9c.jpg">pinky extender</a> and a <a href="http://assets.academy.com/mgen/03/10206803.jpg">flush one</a>, each has the capacity of holding 12 cartridges. The pinky extender does not extend the magazine in capacity, just has a base plate to rest your pinky on. Having a low bore-axis makes this enjoyable even with a having a 3.5-inch barrel. So it's easy to conceal and enjoyable to get in some range time.<br />
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Last one I highly recommend is the Sig Sauer P320C. The magazine holds 15 cartridges, same as a Glock 19, and it has a 4-inch barrel. That's as far as the similarities go between the two. The P320C has a much higher bore-axis, which can make this a little harder to handle the recoil and it makes it a bit bulkier to carry for concealment. Completely possible though! Though we've found that the grip can be found too big for smaller hands. It's a very enjoyable gun though to shoot, so definitely try it out on the range!<br />
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Once you've mastered one of these or even all, and you still want a smaller concealment gun, here are a few I recommend: Glock 43, Springfield's XDS, Smith and Wesson's Shield, and Sig Sauer's P938. These are all subcompacts and some consider them sub-sub-compacts. Biggest thing is that they all are <a href="http://m.b5z.net/i/u/6129421/i/blog_single_vs_double_stack_magazines.jpg">single stacks</a>. Which means that the cartridges sit on top of each other in pretty much straight line, and creates a very small grip, but holds fewer rounds. Unlike a double stack magazine where the cartridges stagger like wine barrels, which gives the firearm still a slim comfortable grip and more capacity in the magazine.<br />
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The Glock 43's magazine holds 6 cartridges and has a 3.3-inch barrel, which makes it rather smaller than the G19. So you might be thinking “That's what I want!” Along with a smaller barrel length, you also get a smaller overall grip size. Which makes it snappy and a little harder to hold onto. This is why it's not recommended for a beginner. I personally really like the G43, but it wouldn't be my everyday carry. Everyone is different though and has their own criteria for a firearm, so keep that in mind when shopping for a firearm. For a small gun it's pretty enjoyable to shoot, but with using the magazine with the pinky extender, not so much with the flush, at least for me. Without that pinky extended magazine it moves around way too much when shooting.<br />
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Then you have the Springfield's XDS9, a single stack also and again, the barrel lengths 3-inch to 4-inch. You have some choice in barrel length, but grip stays the same and it comes with two magazines. One magazine is a flush one that holds 6 cartridges and an extended magazine that holds 8 cartridges. This means it’s obviously way more comfortable with the extended magazine, which almost gives you the feel of a full grip length. The texture of the grip can be a little aggressive and not be enjoyable for a lot of range time.<br />
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Smith and Wesson's Shield has a 3 inch barrel, and also comes with a flush and an extended magazine. Flush magazine holds 6 cartridges and the extended holds 8 cartridges. I find the grip to be too smooth and a little boxy for me, which translates to a long reach for the trigger. It's slim in size just like the others, so makes a good concealment option.<br />
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Now I've not had the pleasure of shooting Sig Sauer's P938, but I've heard it's a fantastic firearm. For me the factor that it's single action only and has a light trigger, which does not make it appealing as an everyday carry for me. I find the small 1911 platform appealing; but having to make sure it's <a href="http://www.usacarry.com/carrying-cocked-locked/">cocked and locked</a> is a step I don't want in my EDC (Every Day Carry). These beauties have a 3-inch barrel, which they compensated with by making it out of a steel frame. So a nice solid heavy little gun chambered in 9mm and they come with one flush magazine that holds 6 cartridges. You can purchase extended ones that hold 7 cartridges and they run about $50.00 per magazine. When looking at P938 there are vast options but the options are all on the look of the grips and the color of the frame.<br />
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Now for the super itty-bitties, and these all are chambered in .380acp (<a href="http://14544-presscdn-0-64.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/380vs9mm1.jpg">.380 is considered a "9mm short"</a>). This caliber has the same diameter in the base of the cartridge as a 9mm, but squished down and less power; which doesn't mean it's an easier round to shoot. It's actually a lot snappier than a 9mm. Of the .380acp's that we sell the most I recommend the Glock 42 and Sig Sauer's P238.<br />
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I've shot the Glock 42, and I was surprised how snappy it was. Granted it has a 3.25 inch barrel, and the overall grip is slimmer than the G43. It comes with two flush magazines that each have a 6 round capacity. So ultimately holds the same amount as the G43, but less power in the caliber in the G42.<br />
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Sig Sauer's P238: I've not had the pleasure to shoot this one either. It has the same exact features as the P938, but has a 2.75-inch barrel and is chambered in .380acp instead of 9mm. Also comes with one flush magazine and they run about the same price as the P938's. They also come in many flavors of design.<br />
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If you're still wanting something smaller, there's Ruger's LCP and Smith and Wesson's Bodyguard. I really don't recommend either of these and have not been inclined to try shooting either one. Both have a 2.75-inch barrel, but they don't compensate the short barrel with a heavy steel frame like Sig Sauer does on their P238. They both have a polymer frame. They are very light, with a short barrel and both of them have a magazine that holds 6 cartridges. Their grip is about 1.5 inches in length, I have relatively small hands and the grip sits about half way into my palm, which does not help me get a good solid grip on the firearm. I know I wouldn't want to practice with something that I can't get a solid grip on to be able to aim consistently. Some love them but I've also had a lot of ladies want to know where they can sell theirs after they finally shoot it. The triggers on both of these have a very heavy, hard pull and are double action only; so no chance of a nice, light trigger.<br />
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Obviously the itty bitties are little and easy to hide, but when shopping for your first gun, try them first! Make sure you're taking advantage of the <a href="http://www.westcoastarmorynorth.com/#!rental-firearms/cjdu">70+ firearms we have for rent at WCAN</a> and trying them out. Don't feel shy to ask questions and make use of the staff's knowledge. When looking at a new or additional firearm make sure you're looking at barrel length, grip length, capacity of magazines, firing mechanism and “does it need a physical safety, or is the safety there for my peace of mind?” It’s important to be clear about your criteria for a handgun before you commit to a purchase. Listing what your needs are for a firearm, is a great place to start. Gather all the information you can from reliable sources as you develop this list of criteria. This does not need to be a fast process.NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com0Everett, WA, USA47.9789848 -122.202079447.6387073 -122.8475264 48.3192623 -121.5566324tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8885275391061430316.post-92089674129018870172016-04-03T11:55:00.001-07:002016-04-20T17:58:11.099-07:00Legalities of Concealed Carry<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Legalities of Concealed Carry</span></h3>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Martha Holschen</span></i></div>
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It is important to know first, that there are Federal laws, State laws and local municipal ordinances that impact on the legality of your actions. What may be legal within Federal law may not apply in all states. There may also be rules posted in certain establishments that are not enforceable as laws. For now, it helps to know what you read here is a general overview of essentials and not all there is, by any means. It is ultimately your responsibility as a firearms owner to know applicable firearms laws and regulations for your area. Purchase of handguns and related laws will be covered in a separate article.<br />
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The laws as written, are often difficult to decipher what actually applies to you. This is frustrating for all of us. It is imperative to have a resource that also defines the terms used in the laws, as written. There are a few pages of terms defined in the WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife pamphlet referenced for this article, which is widely available where firearms are sold in Washington. Their web site is also listed at the end of this article. Then, as laws are written, there is also much not stated, or implied. For example, where it is stated that concealed-carry is illegal without a license; leaves out that open-carry is legal. There is another string of laws for open-carry, which will not be discussed here. You would have to know to read further to find them, however. My husband has mentioned a number of occasions where he has seen persons in public places with open-carry firearms. He likes to point out that this means of carry may not be helpful if you find yourself in a life-threatening situation where there is also a person capable of and exhibiting deadly force. First, once a threat is recognized and concerned citizens are looking around more aware of a problem, you may be implicated as an accomplice if your firearm is noticed. While police officers have training to process such circumstances, why make yourself a point of such concern? This is particularly why concealed-carry is optimal, in the first place. I will focus this discussion on laws that pertain to the concealed-carry license holder. You will find it easy to recognize why we might suggest you apply for the Concealed Pistol License (CPL).<br />
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There is no requirement for training in the State of Washington. However, it is implied that responsible firearms owners have safe gun handling skills wherever you read about the state laws. Whether you search on the ATF, or Fish and Wildlife Dept., safety is the main topic for firearms. We promote this philosophy whole-heartedly and hope you find resources on this web site to achieve those skills over time. In truth, that training involves instruction from highly qualified instructors. The handgun owner must then commit to regular practice to gain and maintain proficiency. There is an investment of time and money in this commitment. There is most importantly, a mindset that one must cultivate to be prepared to stay focused and calm in times of life-threatening situations. It is a well-documented fact that in stressful situations, a person will revert to habitual patterns. There is training required in many states as a prerequisite to firearm licensure or ownership. Check the web site: <a href="http://www.uscarry.com/">www.uscarry.com</a> to get more details for your state.<br />
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<b>Key Points to know for Washington Residents:</b><br />
A person may carry a firearm in an exposed holster without any kind of permit unless there is something that makes it specifically illegal.<br />
A person shall not carry a handgun concealed on his person without a concealed pistol license.<br />
A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless he has a license to carry a concealed pistol and the pistol is on his/her person,<br />
-Or the person with the conceal-carry license is within sight of the vehicle at all times, that the pistol is there,<br />
-Or the person with the concealed-carry license is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.<br />
A person may carry concealed without a license in his place of abode or fixed place of business.<br />
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<b>A Concealed Pistol License is NOT valid in certain places: </b><br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Restricted access areas of a commercial airport<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Restricted portion of a jail or law enforcement facility<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Areas of buildings used for court proceedings<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Restricted areas of mental health facilities<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Any area of an establishment classified by the state liquor control board as off-limits to person under the age of 21. (a sign must be posted).<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>While on the site of an outdoor music festival (2000 or more persons, 5 hrs or longer duration, and not an arena, auditorium, coliseum, etc. or government sponsored fair)<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools. Except if you have a CPL and are picking up or dropping off a student. (Federal law prohibits firearms on the grounds of, or within 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public, parochial or private school UNLESS the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State)<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Federal buildings/ facilities: all buildings leased or rented by the federal government (and their parking lots)<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Post Office property (also includes parking lots)<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Military bases<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>US Army Corps of Engineers property (Some exemptions apply)<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>AMTRAK trains<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>BLM land (Some exemptions apply)<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Indian Reservations (Carry on Indian property is controlled by Tribal Law. Some WA tribes recognize state CPLs and some do not. You should research specifics if you want to carry on tribal property.<br />
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<b>Traveling with a handgun:</b><br />
The details of this can be found in Section 926A of Title 18 of the US Code under Airline Travel. The pistol must be declared, unloaded, and in a locked hard case. Up to 11lbs of ammo allowed (which varies by airline). Bottom line, you should call, or check online, for the specifics for each airline company. When checking your luggage, you must go to the ticket counter and fill out a declaration tag, which is then placed in your luggage with the handgun. You may also have to accompany your luggage to the TSA baggage check station. (Plan for an extra 30 minutes in the check in process.)<br />
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<b>Reciprocity of WA CPL in other states:</b><br />
Your WA CPL is currently recognized in 26 states. However, each state’s laws differ regarding where you can and cannot carry, and in various other requirements that go with carrying a concealed handgun. It is up to you to know and follow the laws of the state(s) in which you are carrying so plan to do some research before you travel.<br />
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<b>States That Honor the Washington State CPL: </b><br />
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<b>WA CPL Honored In:</b> Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin<br /><br /><b>WA CPL Not Honored In:</b> California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New York City, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virgin Islands, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, N. Mariana Islands<br /><br />
From: <a href="http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html">http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html</a>, Mar 30,2016.<br /><br /> There are also states that allow non-residents to get a concealed carry license from their state. Utah and Florida are among the best known of these. A WA resident with a WA CPL and a UT non-resident CPL can carry concealed in 31 states.<br />
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There are many reasons individuals may choose to carry a pistol. We live in a country where this is mostly still legal. There are political agendas to change this basic right. That is a topic for another discussion. It helps to mention this here, for you to consider your personal reasons to carry a pistol. Is it necessary to simply exercise the right? Do you have the confidence in your training and fitness to use it appropriately if the need arises? Do you understand all of the legal implications involved that define need? The terms ‘Legally Justified Deadly Force’ will always be a topic covered in a court of law. Trust that every bullet fired outside of a safe gun range environment “has a lawyer attached.” <br />
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<b>The criteria that will determine whether that bullet was justified are:</b><br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ability: The attacker must have the physical ability to cause you death or grave bodily harm (permanent injury or disability).<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Opportunity: The attacker must be close enough to use their ability<br />
⦁<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jeopardy (Imminent): An attacker is placing, or is about to place a person’s life in danger using their Ability and Opportunity.<br />
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Most reputable defensive handgun training companies will cover the details of these criteria. This all goes back to the concept of mindset, training and having a clear understanding of why you want to carry a pistol in the first place. If you are willing to address these topics, and have it clear in your mind, and train regularly to know how to respond; you will be able to discern when it is best to just run away, even if there is a burglar in your house. A handgun is a deadly weapon. So is a pencil, if you know how to use it as such. The point is, handguns have no other intended purpose. Therefore, they must also be handled and operated with due caution. Firearms laws have been added as controls for defining due cautions. Sadly, criminals do not pay much attention to those laws and the law-abiding citizens find more and more constraints upon their due diligence for safety. Know how the laws pertain to you. Know your rights. Know when it is legal to use deadly force in your defense.<br />
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<b>References</b><br />
<b>1)</b> WA State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Booklet titled: Firearms Safety, The Law & You. Basic Safety, General Laws and Regulations, NOV 2012 ed. <a href="http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/">www.wdfw.wa.gov</a><br />
<b>2)</b> Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Map <a href="http://www.uscarry.com/">www.uscarry.com</a><br />
<b>3)</b> <a href="http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/tribal_law_ccw.pdf">http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/tribal_law_ccw.pdf</a><br />
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NW Women's Shooting Networkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14992810687298006942noreply@blogger.com0Everett, WA, USA47.9789848 -122.202079447.6387073 -122.8475264 48.3192623 -121.5566324