The Armory

I don’t profess to be a Constitutional scholar, but I do proclaim to be a Constitutional adherent.  This means that I believe the Constitution is and was the document that described how the United States of America should be governed; that neither the Constitution nor the government grants rights to the people, but rather enumerates the rights bestowed upon man by God, and limits the government’s ability to restrict or revoke them.

Thus, I believe the Second Amendment was presented in that order to demonstrate that the First Amendment’s protections of free speech, free assembly and the free exercise of religion was backed up by the force of arms, should the government ever become tyrannical.  To that end, I am part of a “well regulated militia.”  As a gun owner, I attend classes, train regularly, clean and inspect my firearms, and do not break the law or behave in a manner that would draw attention or disdain.

Much of the reason that I behave the way I do is because owning and carrying a gun is a tremendous responsibility.  Because I have the means to defend myself with deadly force, and understand the repercussions of doing so, I prefer to avoid confrontations or situations where I would have to use my gun.  Pulling a gun is the very last resort; it means that I am in a position of having to defend myself or someone else from lethal harm with no other recourse.

Years ago, the very idea of carrying a concealed weapon was so far from my mind that I would have rebelled at the thought.  That was before the growing incidences of “active shooter” reports and the shadow war that is being waged against fundamentalist terrorists.  Knowing that the police are not legally obligated to protect anyone (see Warren v. District of Columbia, 444 A.2d 1 (D.C. Ct. of Ap., 1981)), it becomes clear that the Constitution affirms a person’s right to defend himself.

Thus, I am now a gun owner.  In fact, I find I really enjoy going to the range and learning how to shoot.  I’ve started a small collection of guns, and appreciate their mechanical engineering and their aesthetics.  Here then, are some photos (incorporating one of my other interests) of my weapons.

Sig Sauer P938 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol

Sig Sauer P938 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol

My first gun. A Sig Sauer P938.  This is a subcompact 9mm (caliber) semi-automatic pistol that is modeled after the Browning M1911 that was the standard issue sidearm of the U. S. Armed Forces from its introduction in 1911 (hence its name) to 1986.  The 1911 is still favored by a large number of gun owners today.

 

S&W M&P9 Pro C.O.R.E.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pro C.O.R.E.

Next, is a Smith & Wesson M&P (designated for “Military and Police”) 9mm Pro Competition Optics Ready Equipment (C.O.R.E.) .  This is a full-sized handgun, and on it I’ve mounted what is known as a “red dot” sight. The sight adds a bright red dot that lines up with the gun’s sights and lets the shooter focus on the target quickly and accurately.  Red dot sights are becoming the standard in competition shooting.

Springfield Armory XD-S .45 ACP 3.3"

Springfield Armory XD-S .45 ACP 3.3″

Wanting to go to a larger caliber, yet stay in the compact (i.e., carry-able) size, I added a Springfield Armory XD-S subcompact pistol in .45 ACP.  With a 3.3″ barrel, this little handgun can pack a terrific punch!

Physics would suggest a .45 caliber round would produce too much recoil for a weapon this size to handle, but I’m happy to report Springfield has managed to make this a very “shootable” gun!

Here are some group shots.

Pistol Trio

Trio of Pistols

The trio posing together.

Second Amendment

Second Amendment

Not “Tacticool,” Part 2

I titled yesterday’s post “Not Tacticool” and then didn’t explain why.  Here’s why:

“Tactical” is word that appears on just about every web site and in every magazine dedicated to the shooting sport.  Tactical gear is recognized by the plethora of pockets, zippers, tabs, loops, buckles, snaps, compartments, and the like.  Take for example, the 5.11 Stryke Pants. 5.11 Stryke PantsWhatever one’s opinion of the fashion statement, there is no mistaking these pants for upscale, casual khakis. And thus is born the concept of “tacticool.”

There are some (okay, perhaps a lot) folks who are so into the gun culture that they adorn themselves with tactical pants, tactical shirts, tactical belts, tactical boots, etc.  They equip themselves with pocket knives, flashlights, concealed-carry holsters, extra magazine carriers, and enough gadgetry to make Batman envious.

But here’s the rub:  These “tacticool” people are so obvious by how they dress, that if there were ever an active shooter situation, of the kind we’ve heard and read about so much lately, these folks stand out as if they’d painted a target on themselves.  A target that says, “hey, look at me – I’ve got a concealed handgun.  You’d best shoot me first!”

The truth is, for me, that I’m a jeans-and-tshirt kind of guy.  I don’t want to go “tacticool” and look so out of sorts everywhere I go.  That’s why I’m being “not tacticool.”

Not “Tacticool”

It’s been a while since I posted anything here, so this is an attempt to make up for the lack.

First, at the end of December, I “officially” retired from running. The struggle I’ve had over the past several years with knee and hip issues finally led me to realize that I no longer had the wherewithal to put on the shoes and grind out 100 miles a month in pursuit of a thinner waistline and more ribbons and medals that I’m not even displaying anymore, anyway.  Not that I’ve stopped running (although the winter weather has halted things for now), but I’m not going to approach it with the same dedication I’ve had for the past 25 years.

Not content with being a couch potato, I’ve actually found a new interest that’s attracting a lot of my time:  Shooting.  More specifically, handgun target shooting.

Introduced to the sport by my son-in-law and daughter, who both own guns and shoot, and learning I have a five-star range halfway between home and work, the fit seems perfect!  Since my first foray at the range last November, I’ve taken a number of courses, purchased several handguns, and have applied for a concealed handgun permit (CHP).

Why this last? As odd as the answer may seem, it’s not to be a swaggering, gun-toting macho man.  The simple answer is that I want to be legal.  Here’s the oddity:  Virginia is an “open carry” state.  That means anyone, without needing a permit, is free to strap on a holster and carry a gun openly, except in certain prohibited areas (schools, government buildings, etc.).  However, if one’s open carry gun somehow becomes obstructed from view (say, by putting on a jacket and thus covering the gun), one is breaking the law without a required permit.  So, since I have to carry a gun between my home and the range, I decided a CCW (concealed carry weapon) permit would make me legal.

Owning guns is a responsibility second only to raising kids, in my opinion.  I’ve taken safety courses, and practice, practice, practice.  I take to heart the cardinal rules of guns:

  1. Every gun is always loaded. Never assume a gun is unloaded, or believe someone who says it is.  Never. Always clear a gun before you handle it.
  2. Keep your finger off the trigger. A gun will not discharge if the trigger isn’t pulled. So only place your finger on the trigger when you’re ready to pull it.  This is known colloquially as “keeping the booger hook off the bang switch.” 
  3. Never point a gun at something you don’t want to destroy/kill. Not in jest, not by accident, not even with an empty gun.
  4. Know your target and its environment. This means not only being sure of what you’re shooting at, but also being aware of what’s behind it and in front of it.
  5. Keep the mechanical safety engaged until you’re ready to shoot. Not every gun has a mechanical safety, but if it does, use it!

I’ll post more here shortly.  With some severe winter weather, I’ve found myself indoors a lot, so I pulled out my other “shooter” and have taken a number of photos I’ll share with you.