We're the Only Ones with "Bare" Arms Enough

"I would guess that very few would want to go back to the early west appearance where people carried guns strapped down on their hip,” said Ken McNair, a retired police officer and executive director of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association.

Yeah, Ken--we've documented case after case of you "Only Ones" being the...uh...only ones rootin', tootin' and shootin' enough to carry on the Old West tradition without stampedin' the herd.

Somethin' about a tin star makes the cud go down easy...

I do want to say a word about open carry--a subject I've been covering more of recently because it's becoming more of a phenomenon. I write about the movement positively because I believe in the choice, but I'm actually not a big proponent of the practice. I don't like giving tactical advantages, telegraphing intel or making myself a target.

That said, if you choose to carry openly, more power to you. It's none of my damn business, although if I see you doing it, I may come up and introduce myself.

Max Poke

'Max Payne' Is Top Gun at the Box Office

I wonder how many gun owners know about anti-gun Pokey Poke but continue to reward him anyway by patronizing his violent "gun movies"?

Wanting the Right

Should a campus shooting ever happen at Ball State University, Blake Graham wants the right to protect himself by firing back.

You have that right, Mr. Graham. Anyone who would deny it to you is a criminal.

Obey and they will victimize you, or disobey and we will victimize you. That's a hell of a choice to force on a person, isn't it? What kind of sick authority freak would do that to another human being?

I applaud you and your group for taking point on this at your school and bringing it into the forum of public discussion. That said, I hope you never suffer because you allowed evil, wrong-headed edicts to overrule your judgment on when possessing the means of defense is prudent. If you decide it is, I pray you're not discovered. And if you are, I hope the predominant sentiment coming from some gun owner quarters isn't that you made us all look bad.

A Little Traction

GunVoter.org is getting a little traction in some of the gun blogs out there...

And it's not getting a lot of traction because...?

Ignorance or Intent?

In other words, the mayor and Police Chief Michael McGrath are engaging in a bit of activism, a bit of deliberate indifference, a bit of premeditated lawbreaking and a bit of conspiracy to deprive citizens of their rights under color of authority? Would anyone prosecuting a criminal charge of open carry on behalf of the city be similarly engaged? And importantly, do we all get to ignore laws we don’t agree with, too, and make up our own, or is that privilege reserved exclusively for our public official royalty?

My newest Gun Rights Examiner piece is up.

Who will help me plant the seed...?

What Do You Call Citizens with a Car and a Radio?

Vigilantes.

[Via cycjec]

"Total Failure"

HZ has given me permission to share his recent email to me:

Sad, sad story ....

Went to the range to enjoy the fall weather. Absolutely perfect day too ... crisp air, bright sunshine with only a hint of a breeze and the smell of fresh earth after an overnight sprinkle. The first hour or so (I lost track of time) was spent with my bolt action. I was in harmony and the groups were tight. It was time to bring out the M14.

After a few rounds I realized that I was being watched. The range was crowded but it was apparent that one individual had taken an interest in what I was doing. He finally approached and started to ask about my rifle. I quickly learned that he was a new shooter and had only recently purchased his first weapon of any kind, an AR15.

He was now very interested in my M14. It has been a long time since I have been around a brand new shooter that has been bitten by "the bug." The guy almost exploded when I offered to let him put four rounds downrange with my rifle. I coached him through the proper loading, safety and hold. He was still smiling even after the first round served notice that he wasn't shooting a .223 anymore.

He couldn't say thank you enough and came over again a little later to show off his brand new AR rifle. He was as proud as a new papa. After some more pleasant conversation he packed up his rifle, smiled and waved goodbye. He backed out of the parking space (located right behind the firing benches) and drove away. That is when I noticed his two bumper stickers. "Teamsters for Change" and "Obama 08."

He sent me this email under the subject "Total Failure," and a subsequent email implied he considered part of that failure to be his:

I was lamenting (personally ... to you) my total failure to read the person before me. I couldn't help but feel that I should have been doing something more than coaching.

No, we're not responsible for those who have so little regard for freedom and so little interest outside their own self-gratification. That said, it wouldn't hurt to be able to sound people out, and to engage and educate when appropriate, be it at a range, a gun store, or wherever the opportunity presents itself. So perhaps this lesson learned will inspire some future success stories.

Thank You for Your Service. Sorry for Your Loss. Now Put Your Hands Behind Your Back

An Army soldier on bereavement leave from her Iraq deployment was arrested yesterday at MacArthur Airport after federal baggage screeners found a loaded gun in her checked luggage, Suffolk police said.

Spc. Vonda Collier, who is from San Antonio, did not have a New York license to carry the Taurus revolver found in her baggage yesterday morning during a routine search by a Transportation Security Administration screener, police said.

That's wonderful--we trust her to deploy with access to all kinds of weaponry in the service of the state, but one little revolver for her own protection and here come the "Only Ones." Welcome home, soldier. Glad we could add to your grief.

Too bad she wasn't an anti-gun politician. Or a famous actor. Or even "a beloved comedian."

There may be a silver lining, though. Military people experiencing first-hand what the score is may not end up being a bad thing in the long run...assuming they end up being treated like the rest of us.

[Via Zachary G]

A Muster of Criminals

Yes, Virginia, many local and state governments will join their Federal masters in coming after freedom-loving Americans in the coming turmoil.

Western Rifle Shooters Association links to a "List of Anti-Militia/Anti-Paramilitary Training Laws."

This Day in History: October 20

The committee meeting with Washington about the Army agrees that the forces should be supplied with provisions by the New England colonies. Washington is given the authority to impress wagons, vessels, horses, and other necessary items.