tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74393381865742106182024-03-20T02:20:13.569-07:00The Well Armed Woman BlogWhere The Feminine and Firepower MeetCarrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-78558181875820007742013-09-11T15:07:00.000-07:002013-09-11T15:07:03.109-07:00The Basics of Reloading for Women<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Contributed by Cami Brasher</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I am a 51 year old grandmother who has been reloading my cartridge ammunition for the last 30 years. The fact that I am female seems to surprise most people as reloading seems to be the last bastion of male dominance in firearms. So, Ladies, we need to learn to reload! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Why reload?</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Reloading allows you to create a round that is inherently accurate for your particular firearm. I shoot .45ACP most of the time, so for me, having a round that is as accurate as possible allows me to concentrate on improving my marksmanship by eliminating the “possibilities”.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Most of us spend quite a bit of time trying to buy the least expensive products for our families while not compromising on quality. Here is a great way to save money (providing you shoot a lot) while truly maximizing quality.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It is a hobby that is fun and a Woman’s natural abilities maker her very good at it too.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Reloading requires one to be meticulous, safety conscious and to pay attention to very small details. As women, we excel at these qualities and are master multitaskers. Reloading ammunition gives you a fun, money-saving and satisfying way of using your skills and it is a great hobby!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Over the years I have found that the extra time used to improve my family’s lot is not wasted time! I also comparison shop, make my own household cleaners, soaps and lotions, coupon like no one’s business and I work! I bet I am not the only one…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Still with me? If you are, then let’s talk about how to get started in reloading without spending a ton of money that no one has in this economy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The most important step in learning to reload is to educate yourself on the process and on safety! Handling components without hurting yourself and others is of primary importance. If you are fortunate to have a spouse, brother or trusted friend who reloads, I would recommend asking them to let you watch and ask questions! Buy a good reloading manual and read about the subject before you ever touch a press. I like the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, Nosler Reloading Guide or Hodgdon’s Annual Manual. I prefer these manuals because not all of the information you can find online is accurate. Once you know more about the process, then the internet can become a helpful resource. Always, always, always, use data that comes from a recent manual because reloading is changing faster than ever and new products are introduced all of the time. Any of the major manufacturer’s websites will also have useful data that is reliable and they have the laboratory equipment and testing capabilities, where as the guy on YouTube doesn’t have the facilities or the checks and rechecks. Always take the side of safety and use reputable resources and manuals!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Okay, now that you have educated yourself on reloading, what is the least expensive way to proceed? If you have a spouse, brother or friend who has a press and some serious experience, have them teach and watch you as you begin with one caliber and reload that successfully. As with anything else, the more you practice, the better you will get. Many of us do not know anyone who reloads, In that case check with local gun shops. Many of them offer reloading classes! </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: line-through;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After you have become familiar with reloading, it’s time to begin to think about getting your own equipment, believe me you will know when you’re ready. These are the minimum that you will need to reload your favorite handgun. </span></div>
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<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> A reloading manual (physically having a book there helps a lot)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A single stage press and dyes for your caliber</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Components: powder, primers, empty cases</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A tool to remove spent primers</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A tumbler or “cleaner” for spent brass and media</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Caliper or micrometer to measure old cases</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Powder measure </span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">An accurate scale</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A bullet puller (everyone makes mistakes!)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Various wrenches and such for adjustments to the press </span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The above I think of as investments. You can spend a mint on equipment if you want to, but I personally spend the bare minimum and then add things as I am able. You also will need a place to reload and to store the components that is safe from little fingers and anyone who is not authorized. Presses are heavy and a pain to set up every time you want to reload so if you have the room to keep it set up, that is ideal. I kept components high on a shelf and kept the key to that room unavailable to my boys until they were grown men. I know someone who has their equipment in a cabinet that they can slide-out when they reload and then slide it all back in and lock the cabinet when they are dones.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Each of these may be purchased inexpensively if you shop around, since we are women that is a given. The major names in reloading presses are RCBS, Dillon, Lyman, and Lee. My current press is an old Lyman that a friend gave me. It is a four stage, single press that is hand cranked and allows me to quality control the entire process. I do not have a progressive press which can perform different operations on multiple cases although I have used several of them. Personally, I enjoy the process and for a single person I can make plenty of rounds in an hour. I would suggest you start with a single stage and keep it if you get a progressive, they are great for checking loads and reloading rifle rounds!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In addition to the equipment you will also need primers, powder, bullets and empty casings. You can pick up your empty brass and your friends at the range or you can buy them. As for primers, it will depend on the caliber that you are reloading. Powder is made by a bunch of different companies and again the powder you need will be determined by what caliber you are reloading. Check your manuals and then look around for powder either at a gun show or a shop that you trust. Both are still in short supply these days as are bullets, but they can be found if you are patient. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This may seem like a lot of trouble to go through but reloading is relaxing and feeds your inner nerd! It also confounds men and I get a perverse pleasure in doing that while saving money for more and better guns! I hope this helps many of you to decide to join the ranks of ladies who reload; I wouldn’t still be doing this if I didn’t enjoy it.</span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-85631036308396392582013-08-15T14:22:00.000-07:002013-08-17T08:36:25.641-07:00Gabby Franco - A Top Shot in Every Sense of the Word<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I know you know WHO she is, but now you get to KNOW who she is. Gabby Franco is an impressive young woman. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">She of course is a Top Shot on the History Channel reality show by the same name. She also was the first woman Top Shot contestant to make it to the individual stage of the competition and she was selected as an All Stars contestant this year in season 5. But she is much more than that, she is also a top shot as a caring and charismatic woman. </span><span style="color: #1e497d; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Gabby is one of those celebrities that just instantly seems “normal” and “down to earth”. I think it is the latter that </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">makes her most appealing to so many female shooters. In today’s celebrity crazed and cut throat world, filled with so many self absorbed, narcissistic women - it is so refreshing</span><span style="color: #1e497d; letter-spacing: 0px;"> to </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> find a woman to inspire us and one that we can connect with as “a woman just like us”. </span><span style="color: #3a3a3a; font-size: 13px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So let me introduce you to Gabby,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Gabriela "Gabby" Franco was born and raised in Barquisimeto, Venezuela and like most girls she was active in the typical sports of swimming and gymnastics. She had never been introduced to a gun nor been to a shooting range until the day her dad took her when she was 11. She realized how difficult it was to shoot a bullseye every time, which made her only want to try over and over and over again until she got better. Since this first day she knew shooting was a “different” kind of sport and she was hooked and fell in love with it. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Gabby became part of the Female Junior Shooting Team of the State of Lara (Venezuela) along with her 2 sisters where she trained every day for 3-4 hours in preparation for national competitions. At the age of 16 Gabby became part of the Venezuelan Olympic Team and won her first International Silver Medal at the Bolivarian Games in Peru in 1997. Although completely surrounded by men, she says “I never felt different, I was just part of a team” Since then Gabby became one of the favorite pistol shooters of the Venezuelan Team competing in 14 different countries in 5 years and earning at least a dozen International titles. Gabby was the Venezuelan National Champion for several years and her last match was in Brazil in the South American Games, where she won 3 Gold Medals. Gabby moved to the USA in 2002 and started working in the Firearms Industry becoming more involved in the USPSA and with tactical shooting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I asked Gabby about personal defense and if it was part of her mindset as a competitive shooter. She shares “the vast majority of the shooters were police officers or in the military with extensive experience with firearms and they all carried concealed. I heard every day about crimes and how criminals used firearms and that crime was increasing in Venezuela. From these men, I learned about defending my own life. I believe in my right to preserve my life at all costs, because as I learned from my fellow shooters in Venezuela, criminals only care about their lives not mine.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We then moved on to the subject of the large numbers of women coming into gun ownership and I asked her what she thought is the greatest challenge they face and how she would encourage them?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">She talked about her seminar “Tough Women In Pink” and shared “I always help them to understand that fear of guns is nothing more than fear of the unknown. There is nothing wrong with fear and it is a natural instinct. It will keep someone aware and more vigilant and help to insure that she follows the firearm safety rules. What is not good is NOT WANTING to overcome these fears. This is a weak mindset and puts a women in the position of a victim. It’s like driving a car or a motorcycle for the first time, after practice and doing it a lot, the fear disappears and it becomes something more natural”.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Understanding and accepting our limitations makes us strong”, she continued, “knowing that there are certain things we cannot change like our physical strength, height, etc., helps us look for other ways to reach our goals. I am a petite woman; I am only 5’ tall and weigh no more that 105 lbs, and am seen by most as tiny little girl. Yes, this physically is a fact but this doesn’t mean I am weak. I may be small but I am trained and ready to do my best”. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is a powerful lesson for all of us. If we know what our limitations are and really take a good look at them and understand exactly what they are, we can then strategize ways to train to compensate for them and minimize our limitations.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Being that Gabby is so entrenched in the world of firearms and travels all over the country, I was curious what she thought the future held for women shooters. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcD5PFZA-0L0-m5bE-vBp22wfV6wKstBLhRmkUCRH8IChJ-F9yOcCB_C9iGeOYiSxvU51m5_NzItzfrSb72iQL4wvXoxo_WQ95RTgj7Mjv_E1JC47sRZ9Z6ilXnMWkYwhY7DiEI6zDX0/s1600/about-gabby-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcD5PFZA-0L0-m5bE-vBp22wfV6wKstBLhRmkUCRH8IChJ-F9yOcCB_C9iGeOYiSxvU51m5_NzItzfrSb72iQL4wvXoxo_WQ95RTgj7Mjv_E1JC47sRZ9Z6ilXnMWkYwhY7DiEI6zDX0/s200/about-gabby-large.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Gabby believes the future is in our hands as female shooters, and it is our responsibility to shape our future in it. “I believe that as long as women don’t lose their femininity, and understand we don’t have to be like a male shooter and if women undertstand the need to keep practicing, we definitely can change this male dominated sport. Women must understand that owning a firearm and shooting it once a year is not safe, and it is not responsible. Women must also understand that owning a gun should not be trendy. Be safe, be responsible and defend the second amendment.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Gabby’s passion to help women break free from a victim mentality and to train hard and to be all they can be is inspiring. It is so refreshing to have a woman like Gabby helping to shape the future of women’s shooting. </span></div>
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You can see more about Gabby on her website and follow her on Facebook!</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.gabbyfranco.com/">www. Gabbyfranco.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gabbyfrancotopshot">www. Facebook.com/gabbyfrancotopshot</a></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/40410/default.asp" target="_blank">View or buy Gabby's new book </a>"Trouble Shooting - Mastering Your Pistol Marksmanship" She has autographed them just for TWAW!!</b></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-2311642762783888642013-07-18T13:09:00.001-07:002013-07-21T14:49:45.147-07:00Don’t Rely on a Candy Bar: Why Women Runners Should Carry a Weapon<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Contributed by Kelly Curtis</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When I saw the white Suburban, I knew it was a mistake crossing the last road and continuing south on the railroad tracks. Still, the evening’s golden light across the alfalfa fields, the purple sky, and the fresh air beckoned me. I was in a new town, still learning the streets and the best places to run, and trying to avoid the California desert’s mid-day heat. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I gave a curt wave to the men in the SUV and wondered if men get irritated with women who dismiss them without so much as a glance. I double-checked they continued to fly down the road away from me. I plowed forward on the tracks, determined to work off two candy bars from earlier in the day. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It wasn’t twenty yards later when my skin began to tingle. Call it intuition. If those men turned around and drove the tracks, they could catch me in seconds. I didn’t want to cross the road where I’d last seen them, so I took my knife from my bra and gripped it tight, something I do when I see cougar tracks back home. I picked up the pace too. I would finish the mile of tracks, get to the highway, and make it home. Something told me to have a plan, so I decided if they came down the tracks, I would duck through the barbwire into the field where they would have to pursue me on foot.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Probably thanks to the candy bars, the run was going well. I felt fast and energetic. The sun disappeared behind the horizon and I let my mind wander. I thought about writing the next chapter of my novel. I thought about my friend whose lovable baby has entered the terrible-twos. I thought about my bad decision to run so late in the day. I was isolated by fields. It was a good half-mile to help in either direction. I didn’t know my cross streets and no one was waiting for me at home. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I was halfway to the highway, clipping at an even pace, when I saw the white Suburban. The men had come for me. My intuition was right. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For a long time, I was reluctant to carry a phone while running, but several months ago, I succumbed to my husband’s pleadings. I thought about calling him in Colorado, but as the men turned up the tracks, and dust spun up from the Suburban’s tires, I knew there was no time. I ducked through the barbed wire and dialed 911.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">They must have seen me go through the fence, because they turned, headed parallel to the field, and made another attempt to cut me off. I went back out to the tracks and ran. Between breaths, the best I could tell the dispatcher was that I was just south of town, on the tracks, east of the highway, running away from a mobile home park. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It must have been somewhere in there that I dropped my knife. I was home before I realized I hadn’t put it back in my bra. Two men were chasing me in a truck and the best lifeline I had was my phone and however fast those candy bars would let me run. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The 911 dispatcher sent out two police and kept me on the phone. When I approached the road where I’d first seen the men, I saw a white SUV waiting by the tracks. It might have been the police, but at the time I was sure the men had parked and were waiting for me. The dispatcher told me to go to the road to meet the police, but I hadn’t seen any lights or heard any sirens and she couldn’t confirm it was police at the tracks. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I dropped into a willowy bush and crawled again through the barbed wire into the field. From the watery ditch, I saw the first police cruiser, a quarter-mile away, at the mobile home park. I ran through the alfalfa, toward the officer and took my chances of being hit by rifle-fire. Truth was, I didn’t think the men were that motivated. They saw the easy prey I’d allowed myself to become and didn’t pursue beyond that. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">By the time I met the police, the men were gone. I gave the police a brief report and ran home, soaked and muddy in torn clothes. A few cuts in my skin ached from the barbed wire. The police followed and ensured I made it home. They patrolled my street a few times that night. I felt blessed to be alive, not still out in that field, not another statistic.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Scenes from that evening and its other possible outcomes haunted me all night. At 9:00 the next morning, I went to my local Sherriff’s office and applied for a concealed carry permit. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Three days since being chased, I’m back out on the road. I can’t give it up. I can be smarter about it. I can run in the morning or with a partner. I need to learn the roads and tell people where I’m going, but I won’t stop going. If I’m smart enough and lucky enough, I’ll never have to draw a weapon, but I refuse to rely on luck any longer. If I do draw, it’s my right to being a healthy, happy woman that I’ll defend. </span></div>
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TWAW notes on holsters:<br />
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There are a few good holster options for runners/athletes - Take a look at the following possible options:<br />
Pistol Wear Under Arm<br />
Pistol Wear Sport<br />
TWAW Belly Bands<br />
TWAW Ankle holster<br />
Pistol Pouch by Thunderwear<br />
Compression Shorts/Tank Top with holster<br />
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<a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/default.asp?view=search&groupid=1257" target="_blank">Click here to visit the Holster Page</a><br />
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-18136643252217168432013-06-24T19:54:00.002-07:002013-06-24T19:54:42.694-07:00You know you’re a Well Armed Woman When.....<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Yes, another Jeff Foxworthy take off, but I just could’t resist. The responses to this “fill in the blank” astonished me. Most made me laugh out loud while others made me realize just how significant it is to be A Well Armed Woman. There were hundreds and hundreds of responses and the task of selecting just a few to share with you was daunting. I would have loved to share them all with you, but here we go...</span></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">You know you’re a Well Armed Woman When..............</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction has nothing to do with your German Short Haired Pointer!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your husband is using the 409 cleaner and you tell him to keep his finger off the trigger unless he is ready to fire.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You know what frog lube is!!!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When digging in the bottom of your purse for change, you pull out a handful of stray spent casings from the range.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You have more guns then shoes!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">22-9-45-38 are not your lottery picks!!!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You walk into the gun store and everyone knows your name.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The guns you got in the divorce were yours to begin with.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Wearing purple makes you feel like you should be at the range.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you’re now on YouTube more than your teenager.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your kitchen is a mess but your ammo is stacked neatly & arranged by caliber & load.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When remembering your “First Time” has a whole other meaning...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;">You turn on the blow dryer and wonder if you need hearing protection.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your idea of feminine protection isn't Tampax.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When you have a holster to match each outfit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWvYLxv3iAFmtg4pDvjISbC-4C6qLyX-xSzw6gzFbxHpvLpd8vAVuTkwHhIWJDMAzzT1iOjArZ3LvSdD7fb8k8n-b51hXq2hfH9DdgLpKTqTzMvk0gCNEZoiRaHLLBo8yf41Ou6NjsNw/s1600/Beca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWvYLxv3iAFmtg4pDvjISbC-4C6qLyX-xSzw6gzFbxHpvLpd8vAVuTkwHhIWJDMAzzT1iOjArZ3LvSdD7fb8k8n-b51hXq2hfH9DdgLpKTqTzMvk0gCNEZoiRaHLLBo8yf41Ou6NjsNw/s200/Beca.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your husband's friends call to ask YOUR advice on gun purchases and shooting drills.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When your husband leaves for deployment and tells you to defend this house and family if needed.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You are not afraid to enter a gun shop and buy ammo BY YOURSELF...</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You prefer Hoppes #9 to Chanel #5</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You shop & dine where it's legal to carry.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When you don't have any more room in your gun safe!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You'd rather go to the range than to the mall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Your husband thanks you for protecting him all day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When you prevent yourself from being the victim.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your carjacker runs!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I read all of these wonderful answers and celebrate the fact to SO MANY WOMEN are gun-savvy and carrying nowdays.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yes, this is fun stuff but the thought of so many women, living their lives with the knowledge and skill to protect themselves is really profound. Just think about it - if women could be armed in every sense of the word to defend themselves, just how different things would be. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So, how would you finish this statement? </span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-10340192964526663402013-06-03T18:15:00.001-07:002013-06-03T18:15:38.666-07:00Summer Concealed Carry for Women<br />
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In Arizona, our temperatures have already hit 100! The hot weather of summer can make concealed carry quite a challenge. For many of you, you also have humidity to deal with! Unfortunately, for many women this results in leaving their gun at home. Our need to protect ourselves does not go down in the summer, we must find ways to carry in every season.</div>
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I wish I had the one true simple fix for you, but I don't. Here however are some things that can help you better and more comfortably conceal as the temperatures increase and your clothing decreases!!</div>
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Remember though, there are times, as an armed woman, you will have to make some adjustments and sacrifices to accomplish carrying effectively and safely all of the time. There is no perfect solution and the bottom line may be you must make some changes. The only other option is to not carry, likely not what you want. </div>
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<strong>Go Looser and Longer</strong></div>
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Thankfully, light, loose and whispy doesn't ever go out of style. Looser, lighter clothing is not only more comfortable, it is cooler too as it allows the air to circulate and keep things cool! Wear a long cotton shirt with your summer shorts/skirts to easily conceal your in the waist or on the belt holstered gun. Wear patterned shirts and dresses. The pattern helps to help to minimize the appearance any "bulge". <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39311/default.asp" target="_blank">The Betty</a> is a great in the pants holster in any season. Its minimal design means less stuff in your pants. <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39422/default.asp" target="_blank">The Magnetic</a> is a very popular holster for the simple reason it requires no belt or heavy waist band to secure itself to the waistband. If wearing summer dresses, the bra holsters (mentioned above) are a good bet along with the <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/40334/default.asp" target="_blank">Pistol Wear Under arm</a> and the <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39071/default.asp" target="_blank">Ultra Under arm</a>, both made with great breathable fabrics and are another great choice.</div>
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<img alt="Betty Holster shown" border="0" height="229" id="img-1370233034532" src="http://blog.berettausa.com/Portals/194963/images/betty%20karh%20carreicropped.jpg" style="border: none; height: 229px; width: 200px;" width="206" /> <img alt="betty karh in use 3cropped resized 600" border="0" height="221" id="img-1370233118989" src="http://blog.berettausa.com/Portals/194963/images/betty%20karh%20in%20use%203cropped-resized-600.jpg" style="border: none;" width="220" /></div>
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Betty holster shown above</div>
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<strong>Go Deeper</strong></div>
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Summer weight pants, shorts and skirts means lighter and weaker waistbands which can make on the waist or in the pants carry very difficult. Try a holster that isn't dependent on the waistband such as the <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39526/default.asp" target="_blank">Pistol Pouch</a> which "buries" the firearm down on the pelvic area. This is a cotton holster with a thin band that is worn around your hips. Your <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39602/default.asp" target="_blank">belly band</a> worn low and on your hips can also be a solution, but tend to be a bit warmer because of the elastic. Both bra holsters, the <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39021/default.asp" target="_blank">Flashbang</a> and the <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39378/default.asp" target="_blank">Marilyn</a> are also good choices. The <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/40334/default.asp" target="_blank">Pistol Wear Under Arm</a> and <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39071/default.asp" target="_blank">Ultra Under Arm</a> holsters also are great "deep" choices. Keep in mind however that going deeper brings with it some challenges, mainly accessing your gun quickly and safely. Practice these draws regularly with your unloaded gun. Carrying your firearm off body should be your last choice. Carrying in a <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/default.asp?view=search&groupid=1272" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">concealed carry purse</a> introduces much greater levels of risk and provides access to your gun that no one should have. The utmost care MUST be taken when doing so. </div>
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<img alt="pwunder arm front 3photo" border="0" height="252" id="img-1370233494048" src="http://blog.berettausa.com/Portals/194963/images/pwunder%20arm%20front%203photo.jpg" style="border: none; height: 252px; width: 200px;" width="200" /> <img alt="pw in use 2 web" border="0" height="251" id="img-1370233545110" src="http://blog.berettausa.com/Portals/194963/images/pw%20in%20use%202%20web.jpg" style="border: none;" width="190" /></div>
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Pistol Wear Under Arm Holster shown above</div>
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<strong>Go Smaller</strong></div>
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Although not the ideal solution, as we don't want to give up firepower if we don't have to, carrying a smaller gun in the summer months is an option and is better than not carrying any gun at all. if you can afford a second gun, the very small and compact semi-automatics and lightweight revolvers are very easy to hide. Some are now so slim that they don't create a bulge, and who needs more of those?? You may want to research the available holsters for these models prior to purchasing to make sure the type of holster you want/need to wear is available for it. One important thing to be aware of is that the smaller, lighter guns will have quite a bit more recoil to contend with. They simply don't have the weight and size necessary to absorb it, so that means your hand an arm do!!!</div>
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<img alt="Beretta Nano" border="0" class="alignLeft" height="203" id="img-1370266759051" src="http://blog.berettausa.com/Portals/194963/images/nano_lipstick2.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); float: left; height: 203px; margin: 0px 15px 5px 0px; padding: 2px; width: 305px;" width="305" /></div>
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<img alt="Pico 0057" border="0" height="184" id="img-1370266854757" src="http://blog.berettausa.com/Portals/194963/images/pico_0057.jpg" style="border: none; height: 203px; width: 214px;" width="214" /></div>
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Perhaps you have some things that have worked for you that are not covered here. Please feel free to post them.</div>
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Stay cool ladies and stay safe!</div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-40302433919451478922013-01-02T07:36:00.000-08:002013-06-03T19:10:24.210-07:00A Call To Women Gun Owners - Speak Up!I wanted to speak to you, the American woman gun owner, face to face.<br />
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The looming changes and restrictions to our rights to to be able to match the weaponry of the violent criminal who wants to do us harm are coming. As women - we already have the disadvantage, the application of the proposed legislation would leave us ill equipped and on an even more un-level battlefield. I believe the path we as a nation are about to head down leaves us extremely vulnerable to more restrictions that will jeopardize our Second Amendment rights. Now is the time for us, collectively, the millions of women like you and me who exercise our right to defend ourselves, our loved ones and our homes, to enter this debate with passion and might.<br />
Thank you for listening and uniting to effect policy.<br />
With great respect,<br />
Carrie<br />
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Here is a link to contact your representatives - http://nraila.org/<br />
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<a href="http://membership.nrahq.org/default.asp?campaignid=XR027406" target="_blank">Join the NRA here and save </a>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-71167262478293783482012-11-29T06:48:00.002-08:002012-11-30T17:11:40.064-08:00Do you get a ‘kick’ out of shooting?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4d555a; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; line-height: 26px;"></span><br />
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<strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 20px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">By Guest Contributor Dawn Brown</strong></div>
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<strong style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Recoil, also known as kick or kickback, is the backward momentum of a gun when it is fired</strong>. Many beginners are very concerned about how much recoil a gun is going to produce when it fires. That is completely understandable because if you’ve never shot a gun before, you don’t know what to expect. What is surprising to me is number of husbands who send their wives to the range with a large caliber gun for their first shooting experience. I’m not saying that women can’t handle the larger caliber guns, but giving a brand new shooter a .38 Special snub nose revolver or a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol to learn with might be setting them up for failure, or at least an extreme dislike of shooting.</div>
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If you are a first-time shooter, why not set yourself up for success by starting out with a smaller caliber, such as a .22 pistol? As you can see from the pictures below, the muzzle barely lifts up when the shot is fired. The minimal recoil will help you get past any anxiety or nervousness during those first shots. It will also allow you to focus on the fundamentals of shooting, rather than stressing out about the recoil of the gun with every shot.</div>
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<a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-1-9-28-2012-9-56-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-95 alignnone" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-1-9-28-2012-9-56-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 1 (9-28-2012 9-56 PM)" /></a> <a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-1a-9-28-2012-10-34-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-96" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-1a-9-28-2012-10-34-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 1a (9-28-2012 10-34 PM)" /></a></div>
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The next set of pictures show the recoil of a .380 caliber pistol. The .380s are popular with many people who carry concealed because they are so small. The .380 cartridge is smaller than a 9mm cartridge and therefore slightly less powerful, but due to the short barrel length of the pistol you will experience some recoil. All that energy has to go somewhere, so it goes towards “open space” (where your hands are not gripping the gun), which is up and back if you have a solid two-handed grip.</div>
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<a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-2-9-28-2012-9-57-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-97" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-2-9-28-2012-9-57-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 2 (9-28-2012 9-57 PM)" /></a> <a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-2a-9-28-2012-10-35-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-98" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-2a-9-28-2012-10-35-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 2a (9-28-2012 10-35 PM)" /></a></div>
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The 9mm cartridge is powerful enough for self-defense use, but it is smaller than a .40 or .45 cartridge. This means that the recoil of a 9mm pistol will be lighter than those calibers, but you are going to feel more recoil than the .22 and .380 pistols. The pistol being fired below has a compact 3.8” barrel. As mentioned before, the shorter the barrel, the more recoil. A 9mm pistol with a longer barrel might not recoil as much as the one in this picture.</div>
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<a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-4-9-28-2012-10-02-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-99" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-4-9-28-2012-10-02-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 4 (9-28-2012 10-02 PM)" /></a> <a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-5-9-28-2012-10-03-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-100" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-5-9-28-2012-10-03-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 5 (9-28-2012 10-03 PM)" /></a></div>
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Now, let’s take a look at the recoil of a .40 caliber pistol. If you’ve never shot before, you’re nervous and a little scared, and you don’t know how to properly grip a pistol, do you think a .40 caliber pistol would be a good one to start with? I sure don’t!</div>
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<a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-7-9-28-2012-10-05-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-101" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-7-9-28-2012-10-05-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 7 (9-28-2012 10-05 PM)" /></a> <a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-8-9-28-2012-10-06-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-102" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-8-9-28-2012-10-06-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 8 (9-28-2012 10-06 PM)" /></a></div>
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The .45 caliber pistols have quite a bit of recoil, too, but they are generally larger and heavier so the recoil doesn’t feel as harsh as you might expect. There is still quite a bit of kick, as you can tell by this picture.</div>
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<a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-13-9-28-2012-10-18-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-103" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-13-9-28-2012-10-18-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 13 (9-28-2012 10-18 PM)" /></a> <a href="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-14-9-28-2012-10-19-pm.png" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-104" src="http://dawnxd.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/snapshot-14-9-28-2012-10-19-pm.png?w=812" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-top: 6px; max-width: 100%;" title="Snapshot 14 (9-28-2012 10-19 PM)" /></a></div>
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These snapshots were taken from this short video of one of our female employees shooting a variety of semi-automatic pistols ranging from .22 to .45 caliber. You can check out the video here: <a href="http://youtu.be/_nVdAlg0htw" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-out; color: #ee4e00; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/_nVdAlg0htw</a>.</div>
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At BluCore, we want new shooters to get a “kick” out of their first shooting experience and have it be a positive one. We wrote this blog and made this video to showcase the recoil of the most popular calibers of semi-automatic pistols. Sometimes more experienced shooters forget what it’s like to shoot a gun for the first time and they try to get others to start with gun that is “too much” for a beginner. Why not give new shooters the best chance for success by starting them out with a lower caliber pistol so they can get comfortable shooting and work on their fundamentals? Once they have the confidence and skills, they will be more than ready to take on the big guns.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Follow her personal blog at <a href="http://dawnxd.wordpress.com/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">dawnxd.wordpress.com</a> and BluCore’s blog at <a href="http://www.blucoreshootingcenter.com/blog/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">www.blucoreshootingcenter.com/blog/</a>.</span></span>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-63496745875809136582012-10-15T15:54:00.001-07:002012-10-15T18:12:38.708-07:00Going Through The Change<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIDgiFnwfPq-MoRr4cQJRRyRURJqXWbVECHt1IjE2hJe-k46GUAMiFjT09Mw_OugsJIpnrx-R-kqU9YiU88MK7cGMfU6PvE_v2_6UWWPUydpjTwfAhlESaIxAtGLeedBKhv30TwD3bq0/s1600/change_of_seasons_by_silveryn1+http-::foraseason.blogspot.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIDgiFnwfPq-MoRr4cQJRRyRURJqXWbVECHt1IjE2hJe-k46GUAMiFjT09Mw_OugsJIpnrx-R-kqU9YiU88MK7cGMfU6PvE_v2_6UWWPUydpjTwfAhlESaIxAtGLeedBKhv30TwD3bq0/s400/change_of_seasons_by_silveryn1+http-::foraseason.blogspot.com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Change of seasons by Silveryn</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I suppose I could be writing about the change of seasons as we all are invigorated by the crisp weather and the changing leaves. Or, I could even be writing about THE CHANGE. You know the change that involves hormones and hot flashes! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">No, I won’t go there, not today. The change I am talking about is the very profound change that a woman goes through after making the decision to own a firearm, goes through the very important process of deciding which firearm is right for her and training to properly, safely and proficiently learn how to shoot it to defend herself. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It changes us profoundly. We feel different and we move through our daily lives differently. We in fact are different. How so? We have confidence. With this new sense of confidence we start to look people in the eyes more when we are out and about. We scan the environment with new keen sense of awareness of possible risks and people out of place. We walk through parking lots, restaurants and other public places more prepared and with the confidence that given the worst possible case scenario, we know we are fully prepared to give it all we’ve got to defend ourselves. This not only changes us in the realm of self protection, it also effects every aspect of our lives and relationships.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I believe society breeds high levels of insecurity in women, socially, emotionally and physically. We seem to always be the “weaker one” or the one “not good enough”. The ability to level the playing field, or more appropriately the battle field, is extremely significant for a woman. We feel less like a victim and more like an empowered, fierce force. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_rzxcmEDu5ZwF_sEzed6Ucts26Z_ZFo6y1lNGXdDEqz7bb_LIf9sL6fhtdQBvXdAH1a55PRAFQebi4akhsOg9Ax3rkkkIwa4KiOFyLyOalLregDAUFflblEAJ7ZN61pBpjYYZyfcOqc/s1600/confident+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_rzxcmEDu5ZwF_sEzed6Ucts26Z_ZFo6y1lNGXdDEqz7bb_LIf9sL6fhtdQBvXdAH1a55PRAFQebi4akhsOg9Ax3rkkkIwa4KiOFyLyOalLregDAUFflblEAJ7ZN61pBpjYYZyfcOqc/s320/confident+woman.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The role of self protector doesn’t come naturally for most women. We are raised to believe we are protected by others. Today, this just isn’t an option for it is not possible in this crazy world, with our crazy schedules to be protected by our men, our police or others all of the time. Women are taking on this role with courage, intelligence and passion.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So we are changed on the outside because we now carry a firearm and are equipped to defend ourselves, but we are also changed on the inside because we carry a new sense of confidence that impacts every area of our lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Has it changed you? </span></span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-16931708773969536722012-09-28T13:51:00.001-07:002012-09-28T14:13:42.804-07:00Are You Ready?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmihX2o_8_PvKUXncQ1Bo7DNQdyxjETvZBg5P3vUTyw-wukowZTYuEjhxfF1hQrb7rcNe_cVFyc6NBbT2zpPpqGc6dH4V6b35ZpfB-mKe7PbXqhT4JKrc_xjI1dnLRBdxDWX88RpYZjs/s1600/second-amendment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmihX2o_8_PvKUXncQ1Bo7DNQdyxjETvZBg5P3vUTyw-wukowZTYuEjhxfF1hQrb7rcNe_cVFyc6NBbT2zpPpqGc6dH4V6b35ZpfB-mKe7PbXqhT4JKrc_xjI1dnLRBdxDWX88RpYZjs/s400/second-amendment.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Election season is deeply upon us. Sadly with that comes quite a bit of dirty politics, annoying ads and an endless onslaught of phone calls! It is quite easy to “tune out” and just go MIA from heated conversations and the stress of hearing all of the doom and gloom or worse, to be lulled into thinking that your vote doesn’t mean anything. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Responsibility comes naturally to us as gun owners, we are fully aware of our responsibility to “Bear our arms” legally and safely. We each have a deep rooted and almost religious understanding of what freedom means. Do we really understand how easily we can loose these freedoms? Are we also willing to take responsibility to protect them?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I spoke with and listened to Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association last night give a passionate talk about the very real and very present threats to this and other foundational freedoms we each are so blessed to have. He said something that struck me as very profound. He shared that we are only as secure as our ability to protect ourselves. Think about that for a moment. It is a simple statement yet profound as we look at it personally and nationally. It speaks to our ability to protect ourselves from a violent criminal but it is also profound as we look at it in terms of how our country is governed. Our ability to protect ourselves is one that is granted to us as US Citizens by our government.. Yes I believe that the human right of freedom is one that comes from God, but as US Citizens we also accept the fact that these laws and even our rights are decided and determined by our elected government. These, as Americans we agree to live by. Our “ability to protect ourselves” therefore comes from our government. The deepest beauty in our democracy is that we have a voice - WE elect the people that are in essence our government. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am not a politician and won’t pretend to fully understand all of the nuances of the political game being played with our 2nd Amendment rights. But I do know that lurking just below the surface - pressing hard up against our rights as we currently know them is a very real threat. One that no matter how much we complain, argue and defiantly cry out “From my cold dead hands”, jeopardizes them. Our rights as citizens of this country are in the hands humans, of our elected politicians. Electing and putting the right ones there is our job alone. Yours and mine, period. We must take the responsibility and we must also be held accountable for the outcome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Did you know that our 2nd Amendment was almost lost? In 2010 the Supreme Court upheld this fundamental right to bear arms by just 1 vote! Are you aware that the next President of the United States will likely be appointing 1 to 3 new Justices to the Supreme Court during the next presidential term? The election of our next President is crucial. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have all heard about the UN Arms Treaty and were relieved when it was dropped during this years discussions. The reality is - it will be back in full glory next year.! Our Senate however, must ratify such a treaty if it were passed for it to be honored here in the US. Who those Senators are whom will be making that decision is critical. You will be deciding that NOW.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are many more examples of legislation both nationally and at the state level that are part of the cancerous efforts to eliminate our 2nd Amendment rights.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Should you be scared? Yes, you should. Not scared stiff and immobilized but scared into action.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pejUwxhC9IKjTF-xuIv_U6GsUNIRz4UZz0PN6ZDPaIywFD0rPcmc2ar7RBiI75ZblydJ-FTM1r6rQu4B2s5GER6WW_mFlGfA25BIcNB_j12X8-u3TH8vLNU9cR0TCMQjjisiHStJg0s/s1600/eagles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pejUwxhC9IKjTF-xuIv_U6GsUNIRz4UZz0PN6ZDPaIywFD0rPcmc2ar7RBiI75ZblydJ-FTM1r6rQu4B2s5GER6WW_mFlGfA25BIcNB_j12X8-u3TH8vLNU9cR0TCMQjjisiHStJg0s/s320/eagles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is the point of this article? It is NOT to begin an argument over any of these issues and not to tell you how or who to vote for. It is to challenge you to take responsibility for your government. Take the time to understand the significance of this election season and educate yourself on the politicians and the issues. Support those organizations that are working to protect your rights and of course to inspire you to VOTE . Talk with your family, friends and co-workers and “Rally The Troops” to do the same. It literally may be now or never. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Are you willing to take your chances? I’m not and pray you aren’t either.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.nraila.org/">http://www.nraila.org</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #000000;">/</span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-36799929003612821802012-09-06T12:28:00.000-07:002012-09-06T13:20:16.135-07:00When You've Got To Go.... You've Got To Go!<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The ladies room, potty, doing your business, going to the bathroom, or even powdering your nose. Whatever you call it - we ALL have to do it! The problem is, what in the world do you do with your concealed firearm when you do? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For some obvious reasons, men have it a little easier in this department, well... most of the time. There is quite a bit of confusion and not a lot of discussion on this “interesting” topic. In a recent discussion on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWellArmedWoman" target="_blank">The Well Armed Woman Facebook</a> page, the lack of information clearly results in less than safe solutions. So, what should you do? You don’t want anyone in the next stall to see your firearm, freak out and call 911 when you’re simply answering Mother Nature’s call. You don’t want it to fall on the floor and slide over to into the next stall with a mother assisting her young child and you certainly don’t want to do anything that could risk an accidental discharge. So what do you do? </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Theo Romeo UCD Advocate</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The answer is quite simple. The less you do the better! Anytime your remove your firearm from its holster you create risk. A well made in the pants or on the waist holster should hold your firearm snug, even if you accidentally turn it upside down. If your’s doesn’t - get a new one. Not everyone likes a thumb break but here is a good place where they come in handy. Keep your hand on the HOLSTERED firearm as you carefully slide down your pants and keep your hand on it. Keep the top of your pants up off the floor and out of view from “neighbors”. If you’re wearing a belt, this is even more important as once you undo your belt - the weight of whole package takes on a mind of its own. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The problems arise when you remove the firearm to get comfortable. Some of you are placing it on the toilet paper dispenser, the back of the toilet and even hanging it by the trigger guard on the hook on the door. These are not safe solutions and yes, even the most responsible and conscientious gun owners can leave and forget their firearms behind. It has happened, perhaps it has even to you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Many women are wearing bra holsters and belly bands. With these holsters this challenge is eliminated. For those of you that carry in your purse, as awkward as it may be, place your purse on your lap or even hang it over your body cross body style. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If for some reason not addressed here you MUST remove the firearm from your body, keep it holstered and hold it or keep it on your lap while you’re “busy”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All of this “work” just to do your business may seem cumbersome, uncomfortable and even a pain in the neck. The truth is, this comes with the responsibility of safe gun ownership. If you really think about it, we are very lucky to even have the right and opportunity to be a little uncomfortable this way. So... Give thanks and go take care of business! </span></span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-16834966608721319532012-08-20T16:28:00.002-07:002012-08-20T17:33:52.460-07:00MY DEFENSIVE HANDGUN TRAINING AT THUNDER RANCH<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was a long day of travel - I kept wondering why did <a href="http://www.thunderranchinc.com/" target="_blank">Thunder Ranch</a> have to be so far away in the mountains? Once I arrived I quickly understood. The property was breathtaking. The facilities even more impressive. This was way more than a shooting range, this was a serious training facility - surrounded by God’s amazing majesty. I hand’t met Clint or Heidi previously - our entire relationship had been a “digital one”. Facebook, email and a couple of phone calls. I knew they were special people as it was easy to tell even via email, however, I was a little nervous. They had contributed so much to <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/" target="_blank">The Well Armed Woman</a> with their positive support and the incredibly generous donation of the Ultimate Giveaway Training Class and they are legends. I wondered what they were expecting in me? We’re they expecting a highly seasoned gun gal? One who already knew all they were about to cover in the class? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzBTGWFAY2rpPUITZim6LnCnlXUakaVYLq6Sx7dUFITukO1IiG0fA6SUk_qI3e0_xOcJAkpEpYW-Skvfd0WW0a5Ny9cRfsJkA1YObF5xRIBB1n7DmLNqjmrLmYs3eazfKhwAt7yuV-bQ/s1600/ClintAndHeidi2010-MED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzBTGWFAY2rpPUITZim6LnCnlXUakaVYLq6Sx7dUFITukO1IiG0fA6SUk_qI3e0_xOcJAkpEpYW-Skvfd0WW0a5Ny9cRfsJkA1YObF5xRIBB1n7DmLNqjmrLmYs3eazfKhwAt7yuV-bQ/s200/ClintAndHeidi2010-MED.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Of course all that worrying for nothing. I was greeted by two warm and gracious faces and big hugs. Instantly I was comfortable and felt like I had known them for many years. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Trainings start early at the Ranch - there is so much to do and much ground to cover. First we met the women from all over the country taking the class. An impressive group of women representing every demographic and every level of experience. Some with none, some with much and everything in-between. I was thrilled to get to meet some of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWellArmedWoman" target="_blank">TWAW Facebook</a> fans that were there. We spent the first morning in the classroom where Clint reviewed facility and safety information, what we would be covering and the basics of learning to “fight”. We all were riveted! Not only by what we were being told - but with Clint and his totally captivating “Clint Self”. I don’t think any of us have ever met anyone like Clint Smith. Here are few words to attempt to describe the indescribable! Bold, candid, straight shooting, blunt, raw, serious, funny with a dash of shy. Two of the young moms in the group shared with me on the last day that at home, because they have young children, they work so hard to keep their language and that of others “appropriate”. They said at first they were shocked at Clint’s candor, but by the end, they laughed and said they had started to sound like him. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We started on the range after lunch with the in-depth safety reminders and rules. (which is how we started each and every session) Some basic shooting first - just to get the jitters out and to get comfortable on the range. We quickly progressed to multiple shot drills from about 15 yards. We incorporated verbal commands - very loud ones I must say, and practiced working alongside a partner, providing cover for reloads and malfunctions. Heidi, Clint and their staff followed each of us closely, working individually with each, guiding and instructing us on what we each needed to correct. We shot all afternoon, hundreds of rounds! I think we all were in firearm heaven even with the blisters that began to show. Arms were tired, hands were tired - but eyes and smiles were wide. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was pooped.. My arms and hands hurt but I couldn’t wait for day two. I slept like a baby. We were on the range by 7am. I arrived with blisters bandaged and all 7 magazines fully loaded. Day two had movement drills, leaning, flash light training, clearing malfunctions and shooting steel plates (way harder than it looks!) and the TERMINATOR 3 in store for the afternoon. At one time, Heidi had us all stand at the other end of the range with our backs to her and she and her staff created malfunctions in each of our firearms. We had to run, find our firearm, attempt to shoot, discover the malfunction and clear it and shoot the target (attacker) 3 times in each zone. Talk about stressful! It actually was probably quite comical if you were to watch a video of it. Thankfully, none exists. I hope!!! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Terminator 3 is a two story structure where we would begin to learn to scan and maneuver inside a building after a threat in multiple light levels. There was quite a bit of apprehension in anticipation for this. Moving ourselves and our skills from the stagnant shooting range at home into a life like scenario of our homes proved to be emotionally challenging for some. I think the reality of what we were really here for began to sink in.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW20eg1SJ33C3AvkakVhUR4w1B4gU8vVUlWxXtoMTWt4O8b07LbmjOUXhPn9pu_qMKyA7NQj_ZTlr6WXShE15Z-VrL9Wp4FTLsKJZ6ge1fLoFap3EyxrdHDuV6YJddpFE6Np__q-v-8io/s1600/woman+terminator+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW20eg1SJ33C3AvkakVhUR4w1B4gU8vVUlWxXtoMTWt4O8b07LbmjOUXhPn9pu_qMKyA7NQj_ZTlr6WXShE15Z-VrL9Wp4FTLsKJZ6ge1fLoFap3EyxrdHDuV6YJddpFE6Np__q-v-8io/s320/woman+terminator+3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We donned our body armor and were taught, one by one how to maximize the distance as we cleared each room, clearing doorways and walls. It was awesome to bring all of the skills we had learned into a scenario and put them all together to protect ourselves, our families, our home and yes to victoriously get the bad guy. We each had the opportunity to work the Terminator 3 three times individually with clint, working various layouts and multiple light levels over the last 2 days. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Day two ended in victory and bodies ready for bed. Funny, I don’t really remember much about the evenings. I know I ate and I know I slept! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Day three was for me, my favorite - we moved and shot from every conceivable position. We ran forwards, backwards, sideways, we kneeled, we sat, we laid. We fired massive amounts of ammunition (with pretty impressive precision I must say) into every zone from every distance. When it was time for the final drill of the course, I was at the back of the range waiting to be the last one through Terminator 3. As I watched I saw a totally different group of ladies on that line. They were confident, competent, strong and powerful. I don’t know how many rounds Heidi instructed them to fire - but it was a lot! It was like the 4th of July fireworks. I just smiled at the sight and sound of these incredible Well Armed Women, truly ready to fight for their lives.. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the long drive and flight home I reviewed all that I had learned. Here are a few of the key lessons and impressions. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Clint and Heidi are two amazing people. Passionate and gifted teachers committed to helping people train to their greatest potential. I am blessed to have these two new friends.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The threats we arm ourselves for are very real and very ugly. We must face that and train to fight for our lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Training is perishable - we can’t train and then never practice to keep it “fresh”. With training comes a commitment to keep our skills honed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Carrying a firearm is a lifestyle change. If we make the choice - we accept the “inconveniences” and the responsibilities that come with it. As Clint said, “Carrying a firearm isn’t supposed to be comfortable, it is supposed to be comforting.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nothing can replace live training. Do all you can do to get trained. Save coffee money, don't buy as many pairs of shoes, sacrifice where you can to get the training you need to save your life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Training to fight and why we train refreshed my memory of <a href="http://thewellarmedwoman.blogspot.com/2012/03/never-forget-ruth.html" target="_blank">Ruth</a>. Many of you have met Ruth as I have shared her story here on my blog. It is why we train and why the work of The Well Armed Woman is so incredibly important. In her memory - we train so there is never another <a href="http://thewellarmedwoman.blogspot.com/2012/03/never-forget-ruth.html" target="_blank">story like Ruth’s</a>.</span></span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-76629352139352817262012-08-09T21:06:00.002-07:002012-08-09T21:09:48.345-07:00Whatever men can do...<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Written by Mary McDonald.. Guest Contributor</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This past weekend, my neighbors were having a little family barbeque and invited my son and I over. Kind of a welcome back home for a woman that was working out of town for a couple of months. Also, a welcome to the neighborhood for Ann, who is the new girlfriend of 70 year old Tom, who's lived next door for the past four years. Little four foot nine inch Ann was opening a jar of pickles, finding it a bit difficult until she started banging on the lid to loosen the seal. I told her she should have gotten Tom to open it while he was there. She looked up at me and said, "Whatever a man can do, a woman can do, and usually do it a whole lot better."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Which is true. Personally, with carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis in my hands, I don't mind asking my son (with much larger hands) to open a jar for me. But I also have jar openers and will usually do that myself. I also know there are far too many times when I do what other single moms do -- forget waiting on someone else, I'll just do it myself. But I was raised by a mom who taught four kids, two boys and two girls, how to cook, sew, and do laundry. And my dad insisted we all had to know how to change the oil and the air filter on our vehicles. He taught us enough about engines that we can usually diagnose what's happening, or at least what system is affected, before it goes into the shop. My brothers usually do most of the work themselves. My sister and I usually have guys look at us strange when we explain what's happening, until they realize we actually know what we're talking about.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My dad also taught us how to shoot a single shot .22 rifle, took my brothers hunting, and would have taken my sister or I if we had pushed to go with him. But picking up a big shotgun and bruising my shoulder, like my sister did, wasn't my idea of fun. He taught us all to respect a firearm, something he taught my son as well. Oddly enough, it's my 27 year old son who's taught me more about firearms than my dad. And although my dad's been gone now for six years, I know that I wouldn't have discussed handguns or carrying a concealed weapon with him. It was not something he felt was necessary, but it's something I feel is important in my everyday life.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I equate my knowledge of guns and gun handling to cars. I know how they work, how to fill them with oil, gas, and air. How to change the air filter, change a tire, replace windshield wipers. I like trucks over cars, couldn't really identify different models or some of the extras on cars, could care less about the flash and power. I just want something reliable, comfortable and economical that has the power I need when I'm ready to haul something or pick something up. I could change the oil if absolutely necessary but would prefer to let my son do it -- he's a new mechanic, almost finished with his associates degree in automotive technology. I know how brakes work, he knows the proper terminology, all the parts, and how each works. He doesn't mind getting greasy, I can't wait to wash my hands. I know bookkeeping and taxes, he could figure it out if necessary but would prefer to get someone else to do it for him.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The same principle applies when it comes to handguns -- he taught me how they work, how to take apart and clean my handgun, how to secure it, how to shoot it. I load my magazines, load my handgun, clear any jams, then take it apart and clean it after target practice. I know my gun well, but I don't know the intricacies of revolvers or how to identify half the brands on the market. As a fiction writer, ideas come to me that lead me in directions I never expected. So a new story about concealed carry had me a bit nervous, knowing the story I needed to tell but not having the knowledge to properly explain the situations involving guns. Talking to others on forums or social networking sites, I sometimes feel like I'm totally clueless. And some guys have a habit of making others, especially women, feel inadequate, stupid, or off base. Which is precisely the message I try to offset in my stories.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As women, we shouldn't feel slighted because we either don't understand a subject or don't have as much knowledge on a subject as another person. We all have our talents, and we need to be confident in our strengths while learning to offset our weaknesses. If it means partnering with others, then find a good partner or good group. But when it comes to a handgun, be confident in your own weapon, in how to handle and clean it. Don't allow others to make you feel inadequate because you don't have an extensive knowledge of other firearms. Your handgun is your partner. You choose it based on your experience and comfort level, and not based on the recommendations or insistence of another.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I may not have an extensive knowledge of handguns and gun instruction, but I do know how to weave a good story that involves women. And sometimes about concealed carry. Which means, I need beta readers to read through those sections and explain how to describe something better or correct my verbage, all without getting offended with the correction. Something Carrie has graciously agreed to do for me. I suggest other women do the same -- find others who can help them learn in a constructive, reinforcing environment while sharing their own talents, their own strengths.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And I have to agree with Ann -- anything a man can do, women can usually do better. Something I am finding more and more with sites like The Well Armed Woman.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Mary "Dynk" McDonald </span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-91548428734737851722012-07-30T11:50:00.002-07:002012-07-30T11:50:59.170-07:00THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">No, not the major German offensive, launched toward the end of World War II, but the daily battle of women all over the U.S. trying desperately to discreetly carry their firearm. The majority of women prefer on the body carry but find it so difficult at times, the concealed carry purse becomes the fall back even though for most it is less preferred.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Women have curves, sometimes big ones, but bulges??? No, we would like to leave those to the men! A big bulge in a strange place just will not work for most women. Women are very concerned about the firearm being truly concealed, this is key for them to effectively protect themselves in many situations. A large bulge gives away the advantage. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I think women would be wise to explore how they will carry, what the holster options are for their preferred mode of carry and in many cases, what models these holsters are designed for prior to purchasing their gun. I think we tend to go shopping for the gun first, then struggle with how we are going to carry the darn thing after we get it. For me, my first gun was a Kimber .45 - not a practical carry gun for a 5’1”, 110 lb. woman! But, I loved the gun, loved the way it felt in my hand and loved the power and that is what drove my decision. I did not fully consider how I would conceal it, I rationalized that I would just figure that out later. Probably not the wisest decision. Although I love my Kimber as she was my first, I had to buy another, smaller firearm that I could “really” conceal. Yes, loving your gun and everything about it is absolutely MANDATORY but so is having it on you all the time.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/default.asp?view=profile&itemid=39021" target="_blank">Bra Holster</a></td></tr>
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There are more holster options for women now, but some are limited in the number of models they will fit, so if a bra holster is really the best option for you, you want to know what models it is available for prior to shopping for your gun. If you can find the perfect match - A firearm you love and a holster you will wear - you will successfully carry your firearm. If it is a mis-match you wont carry all the time like you should - or you might settle for a less than ideal mode of carry that can inhibit your effectiveness when you need it most. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-4vrmMhq_zqavGzQmZPTfqijC6vxBU5JjEWN8haU4AMqKKq3Ymtl8Bx8_Pg4Up-k83vAfD0xYC8wPE-fqlTGe6tty_HAXcNW6zEY2k4qQ-6ElAzsPOoag6zeFFNm78U8Cep63HMrHCA/s1600/TWAW+thigh+holster+closed+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-4vrmMhq_zqavGzQmZPTfqijC6vxBU5JjEWN8haU4AMqKKq3Ymtl8Bx8_Pg4Up-k83vAfD0xYC8wPE-fqlTGe6tty_HAXcNW6zEY2k4qQ-6ElAzsPOoag6zeFFNm78U8Cep63HMrHCA/s200/TWAW+thigh+holster+closed+web.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/default.asp?view=profile&itemid=39591" target="_blank">The Well Armed Woman Thigh Holster</a> <br />w/ Garter</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It is so frustrating for women to want to use a particular type of holster to only learn that it is not available for their firearms. There are of course some “universal” options that work very well, but again the size, weight and width of the firearm is a significant factor. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So if you have not purchased your carry firearm take some time to really consider what type of clothing you tent to wear most often for both for work and pleasure and investigate the best options for you. At The Well Armed Woman I try to help by making and <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/pages.asp?pageid=110707" target="_blank">offering videos</a> demonstrating various holsters to help you make the best decision possible. I also offer <b><i>most</i></b> holsters as returnable if they just don’t work for you. But do your homework first to minimize frustration and unnecessary shipping costs.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-87310412368145363372012-07-10T16:01:00.000-07:002012-07-10T16:01:53.696-07:00Concealed Carry For Larger Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Women have multiple challenges carrying a firearm. Many of those challenges are due to the curves and shorter waists of the female body. Adding to the problem is finding holsters that can be worn comfortably, discreetly and safely while allowing for effective access to the firearm should the need arise. Most holsters are designed by men for a man's body and typical male clothing styles.</div>
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For larger, full-figured women the challenges are even greater. A large bust makes reaching for the firearm difficult and sometimes impossible if crossing the body is necessary. A fuller middle also interferes with reach and accessibility. Clothing styles and options that accommodate concealed carry are limited, which only adds to the problems and frustrations. For some women, the combination of these challenges makes typical methods of concealed carry so uncomfortable and frustrating that they give up trying.</div>
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Each woman naturally will have her own set of challenges because every woman's body is unique. But the issues faced by larger women are significant and the topic is often neglected. Here, I will attempt to break down the problems as shared by hundreds of women who frequent The Well Armed Woman site, as well as advice and ideas they shared that work for them. Again - there is no single solution to the various problems larger women have, but I hope to offer two things: one - the sense that, as a larger women, you are not alone and that many women share your frustrations; and two - that through the sharing of all of these women, perhaps there is a suggestion or two that you will find helpful to carry your firearm safely and comfortably. All women need to push through and overcome their particular obstacles because if your gun is not on or with you - it can't protect you.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, here are the most common problems:</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Large Bust</span></div>
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Buxom women shared a few key issues pertaining to full-sized busts. The primary issue is reach. They simply can't get around their breasts to get to their gun, whether in a shoulder, cross-body, an on- or in-the-waistband holster, or even a bra holster. One might assume that a bra holster would work well, given that large breasts create sufficient "hiding space" for a gun, but a majority of larger women responded that bra holsters don't work for them, explaining that the gun "gets lost" and is extremely hard to draw. Sweat under the breasts was another key negative commonly shared.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Wide Around The Middle</span></div>
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Being wide around the middle restricts the ability to reach the holstered firearm especially with bra holsters and on- or in-the-waistband holsters (whether appendix or cross body). The need to wear looser stretch pants with elastic waistbands also limits the possible options for on- or in-the-waistband holsters as they need the support of either a sturdy, wide belt or a substantial and tight waistband. Having a large middle also makes it tough to access an ankle holster. Another common frustration of larger women is that the grip of the gun digs into them in most on-the-waist forms of carry.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Short Waisted</span></div>
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Most women are more short waisted than men. This makes drawing from an on-the-hip holster difficult as there is not enough room to fully clear the firearm without running a fist into the underarm or breast. And the more of you there is in that shorter distance, the tougher this becomes. The distance is simply not sufficient for an effective draw. Most on-the-hip holsters ride too high which only makes things worse. When you factor in elastic or weak waistbands and it becomes almost impossible.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are some suggestions women made:</span></div>
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So, what can you do to make concealed carry more comfortable and effective for you? This depends on your climate, and any one of the above issues or a combination of them. But there are a couple of common areas of agreement among the women we polled. The majority found the belly band to be a very good option. Lying against the skin, it can be rotated to any position around the middle. Belly bands can also be worn high or low on the middle, so the user can find the location most comfortable for her and which provides the easiest access to her gun. Unfortunately, a common complaint was that in warmer weather, belly bands can be hot to wear.</div>
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An alternative suggested by very large chested women was using an inside-the-waistband holster like "The Betty", but clipping it to the top of the bra near the arm pit. So the gun lies on top corner of the breast, not under it. A simple reach through the collar of the shirt allows for easy access. </div>
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Carrying the firearm on the waist with a loose fitting cover shirt or in the pants, off the back of the hip, more toward the small of the back was another successful position for many of the larger chested, wider middle women. The middle and the bust do not come into play which allows for smoother access. Whenever holstering on the back, however, a woman must be hyper alert to her surroundings as she may be more vulnerable to another person gaining access to it from behind.</div>
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The Remora or a similar rubberized pocket holster, which will stick firmly to clothing without the need of a clip was another popular option for in-the-waistband carry. Many women reported to me that because of the non-slip qualities of the rubber - you can place the firearm in any location and it stays put, making it ideal for stretch waistbands.</div>
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Another suggested option is a magnetic outside-the-waistband holster, which instead of a metal clip, uses a very strong magnet that locks shut over the waistband. No belt is required, the strength of the magnet providing the necessary support. Also available are paddle holsters which slide down the inside of the pants, acting as a brace to keep the holster in place when no belt is available.</div>
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For larger women who happen to be long waisted, a very positive solution is to wear low rise pants. The lowered waistband will increase the distance between the grip of the gun and the armpit. Adjusting the location to just off the hip (front or back) and adjusting the cant to a steeper angle for easier access is also effective.</div>
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For women whose middles were "in the middle", the most successful reported option was in-the-waistband, appendix-style carry. Because the firearm is carried in the fleshy front (in front of the hip bone) this was found to be a very comfortable carry position, providing good access to the waist area.</div>
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The ankle holster was suggested by many women who deal with large bust and shorter waist issues, but this option is reported as ineffective for women who are larger in the middle as noted earlier.</div>
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The last and most reluctantly suggested option for most of these women is carrying in a concealed carry purse or fanny pack. Carrying in an external bag takes an extra dose of awareness and responsibility, but for many women it can be the difference between carrying and not carrying. When this is your only option, the firearm must be in a sleeve or pocket holster with the trigger fully covered and the firearm in a separate compartment within the bag. There are just too many items in the purse that can get in the trigger guard and contribute to an accidental discharge. The bag must be on you and with you at all times. Having the firearm in a separate compartment also makes access easier and faster. No fumbling around - you know right where it is.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/default.asp?view=search&groupid=1257" style="color: #480b5c;">View holsters here</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/pages.asp?pageid=110707" style="color: #480b5c;">View women's Holster Talk Videos Here</a></div>
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Practice is essential when wearing any new holster or when changing the position of one you already use. The utmost care must be taken to make sure you are not "covering" yourself at any time during holstering and un-holstering. Practice with your UNLOADED gun (checking 3 times) to get comfortable and effective with the new holster and location.</div>
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Our ability to carry a concealed firearm is a powerful equalizer for women when assaulted. For many large women, running away or running for cover may not be a realistic option. She must be able to access her gun quickly, safely and with the skill necessary to defend herself. That requires at least three things: The gun must be with her, it must be holstered in a manner and location that SHE can manage and she must be well-trained and prepared to draw and use it effectively.</div>
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A sincere thanks to all the women who bravely shared their stories, challenges and photos with The Well Armed Woman. Hearing about your struggles and sharing what works for you will no doubt help others.</div>
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<br />Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-53806879940409375732012-06-27T14:42:00.001-07:002012-06-27T19:13:25.579-07:00A Well Armed Woman's Independence Day<br />
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As Well Armed Women we enjoy our own personal form of Independence Day each and every day! </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">By taking responsibility of our personal self defense, we gain a sense of independence which is both physical as well as emotional. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Physically, we are equipped and trained to carry and use a firearm to use effectively if heaven forbid our lives are at risk. Emotionally we have a confidence and sense that if we have to, we will know what to do and will have the strength and courage to defend ourselves effectively.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I will never forget the overwhelming sense of personal confidence I felt when I began carrying a firearm. Internally I felt strong and capable. It really changed the way I "moved" through my life. My self confidence rose and for probably the first time in my life, I knew what it was to be truly empowered and independent!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I recently posed the following question to the women on Facebook: As a Well Armed Woman, one word that describes how that makes me feel is ____________. The words the hundreds of women used to describe this feeling was really inspirational. Let me share a few of them with you. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Strong</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Smart</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Normal</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Confident</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Capable</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Self-sufficient</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Fabulous </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Independent</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Ready</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Equal</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Free</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Bad A**</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As we all celebrate our nations independence, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I want to celebrate YOURS! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I'm proud to be your Sister In Arms and I salute your commitment to safe and responsible gun ownership. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Happy Independence Day! </span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-7015682217387554452012-06-22T14:40:00.000-07:002012-06-22T14:43:20.180-07:00The Well Armed Woman ULTIMATE Giveaway is ON<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Well Armed Woman has teamed up with Clint and Heidi Smith, owners of <a href="http://www.thunderranchinc.com/" target="_blank">Thunder Ranch</a> in what may be the most significant giveaway ever for women firearm enthusiasts. Women from all over the country are submitting essays and videos sharing “What makes them a Well Armed Woman and why,” to be entered into The Well Armed Woman Ultimate Giveaway. The winning Well Armed Woman will win a full 3 day training course (of their choice) with the Smith's at their premier firearms training school <a href="http://www.thunderranchinc.com/" target="_blank">Thunder Ranch</a> in Oregon, lodging in a quaint lakeside cabin, 1000 rounds of ammunition and a $200 shopping spree at <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/" target="_blank">The Well Armed Woman.</a> This is a $2200 package! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy." </span>Clint Smith</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What an amazing way to educate, equip and empower a woman shooter! So many women are eager and hungry to learn to handle firearms safely and effectively to defend themselves, what better way to accomplish this than to train with one of the firearm industry’s most respected legends?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Clint and Heidi are amazing people and are such extremely experienced and gifted trainers. The training facility at their ranch is top notch and their desire to bless others and arm them with knowledge and skill is a beautiful thing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Entries for The Well Armed Woman Ultimate Giveaway will be accepted through July 28th, 2012 and the winner announced August 1, 2012. Contestants may submit a brief written essay on what makes them a Well Armed Woman and why, along with photos or they may create a brief video. Entrants must be a woman, 21 years or older and be legally able to own a firearm, with no criminal record. Contest information, rules and entry form can be found on The Well Armed Woman website. <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/pages.asp?pageid=111460" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So film your video or write your Well Armed Woman story and enter the fun. Maybe you will win this dream package. Help us to spread the word around the country. Share on Facebook or Twitter and send to your email list - let’s offer this to as many women as possible!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here are some famous Clint Smith quotes:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Dont shoot fast, shoot good."</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That's rediculous. If I have a gun, what in the hell do I have to be paranoid for."</span></span></div>
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"When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away."</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-5619042047269868872012-06-15T16:34:00.003-07:002012-06-15T16:34:34.332-07:00DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Have you ever wondered where all of these women shooters are coming from? They are everywhere; At the range, at gun stores and they are even going to gun shows! It’s like they are crawling out of the woodwork. Even the color and shape of gun gear is changing because of them all. They are EVERYWHERE. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Did they just appear out of nowhere, are they some new form of creation? Where did they all come from and how did they become such good shots? It actually isn’t all that mysterious. Many have just been busy being girls and since the world of shooting for the most part, has been a “manly” culture, they have left it to them. But as with most things, the times have changed. The door has swung wide open for women and they are skillfully and happily - stepping over the threshold. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Many in fact aren’t new to shooting at all. If you ask them you are likely to hear that their father showed them how to safely use a firearm when they were young. They will share their fondest memories of falling on their behinds because of the recoil, or of hitting the bullseye on their first shot and the shocked look on their dad’s face at the sight. Time with dad is a very special thing to a young girl and they remember every minute of their times shooting together. For many it was one of the few places where they could really connect with their fathers. They will lovingly give him the credit for teaching them about safe gun handling and for making them such good shots. Many share that they had put these times and the guns behind them to move into womanhood to assume their roles as wife, mother and/or professional. But, as I said, the times have changed. Necessity drives many of these women to return to their roots and pick up a gun again to protect themselves. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What great gifts for a father to give his daughter; precious time with him and the skills to safely handle a firearm. As so many women are sharing their memories of shooting with their fathers this Father’s Day and how grateful they are because of it, I hope the dads of today continue to invest in their little girls and realize that it is about so much more than guns. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Happy Father's Day!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-87230154635922131672012-06-10T10:08:00.001-07:002012-06-10T10:08:12.562-07:00THE TRUTH<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A recent post on The Well Armed Woman Facebook page on “Why we carry a firearm” created quite a stir and evoked an awesome amount of passion. One word kept smacking me in the face. That word was TRUTH. What frustrates the law abiding, good American citizen is the avoidance and mistreatment of what is the truth in the typical anti-gun conversation. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Not all of the words below are mine, but I will write them in the first person, as my reasons for carrying a firearm are the truth for me personally. Therefore no one can argue with me as what is true for me, is mine alone. However, I do not own these truths, they are not new and I know that for millions of firearm owners these truths are what lies at the heart of their choice to arm themselves. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at a touch, nay, you may kick it all about all day like a football, and it will be round and full at evening.” ~Oliver Wendell Holmes</span></div>
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Who can argue with the truth? If we align ourselves and can clearly communicate what is true then it perhaps becomes more difficult for those that simply want to argue. To effectively explain our choices, we must arm ourselves with articulate words of truth and then, simply stand on them. </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don’t carry a gun because I want to shoot people, I carry a gun because I refuse to be a victim. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don’t carry a gun because I hate the government, I carry a gun because I realize the limitations of government to protect me. I carry for emergency self defense when there are no better options left.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I don’t carry a gun because I am paranoid, I carry a gun because sadly there are very real threats all around me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don’t carry a gun because I am an evil person, I carry a gun because I’ve lived long enough to see the evil in this world and to accept that I am prey to those who are evil.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don’t carry a gun to compensate for anything, I carry a gun to equalize the battlefield. My physical size and strength can’t even come close to that of an attacker.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don’t carry a gun because I am angry, I carry a gun so I don’t ever have to hate myself for not being prepared and protecting myself or those I love.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don’t carry a gun because I love it, I carry a gun because I love life and the people who make it meaningful to me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don’t carry a gun to scare people, I carry because I am trained to do so, safely.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I carry my gun, because it is my right to do so... responsibly. </span></div>
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“If one tells the truth, one is sure sooner or later to be found out” Oscar Wilde<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
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</div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-85045324814654560492012-05-27T09:23:00.000-07:002012-05-27T09:23:12.119-07:00IMPRESSIONS FROM A GUN SHOW VIRGIN<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are some simple impressions and a few questions from a gun show virgin:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are not too many women at gun shows.... Yet!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I didn’t get strange looks for walking around with a gun on my hip.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I did get curious looks for being a woman cruising the aisles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is oddly comfortable and comforting being surrounded by guns, ammo and gun loving people!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have no difficulty believing the recent Gallop Poll that said 47% of homes in the US have a firearm. They were all at the show!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can wear ANYTHING you want to a gun show and I mean anything! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fully grown adult males actually will pin handwritten signs on scraps of paper on themselves! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What are all those little parts filling the tiny bins on so many of the tables?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Gun lovers are really nice and patient people.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The people watching doesn’t get any better.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are many “interesting characters” to talk to at gun shows. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bring a cart with wheels - everything is VERY heavy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Buy your ammunition on your way out!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Going to a gun show is like going to the humane society. There are so many guns that need good homes. You MUST leave with one.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You see the wildest t shirts for sale and on the visitors.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I didn’t expect to see machetes and Gothic swords - but they were fascinating.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The collector firearms are amazing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The military historic paraphernalia is sobering.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I want one of those huge rounds in my home. I don’t know what they are - but they are really big, very heavy and very cool!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love the sound of stun guns.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nothing beats a hot dog, a Coke and a stadium full of firearms.</span></span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-22100113069622963792012-05-20T20:39:00.001-07:002012-05-20T20:39:56.535-07:00CARS AND COMPASSION<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">How far from reality is the characterization that all large companies are only about the money and that somehow, people of influence have only attained that position at the expense of others.</span></h3>
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<br />I believe that, for many, it is the other way around. That a company’s commitment to “do good works” and labor to help those less fortunate, results in a blessed company. Beretta is such a company. Beretta and what we see as the “company” is merely the complete reflection of the Beretta family members, both past and present, their values, guiding principles, and the direction they give to everything they do. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; color: #333333; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_pAMl2LAYICQ1PLk5k85FAXRJcE1NCTLgc5-MMpG9Xh_GRFvcUtrWWrNYm167x659NZfSDDUEBhu-rVqbT0Dgjn1S8ehV8-1w3B-MFTB0aIRLqLJJV2cnyWjsuU-lUjhY2qQRTGA-K0/s1600/Mrs_Beretta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #cc3300; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_pAMl2LAYICQ1PLk5k85FAXRJcE1NCTLgc5-MMpG9Xh_GRFvcUtrWWrNYm167x659NZfSDDUEBhu-rVqbT0Dgjn1S8ehV8-1w3B-MFTB0aIRLqLJJV2cnyWjsuU-lUjhY2qQRTGA-K0/s320/Mrs_Beretta.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">Mrs. Beretta with her son, Carlo</td></tr>
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Umberta Beretta, with grace and elegance, continues this deep history of giving. Umberta says that since she was a child, she has had the instinct to protect the weak. She shared: “It is silly to concentrate on your own life. Life is too short. The least one can do is try to think ahead and try and create a better world for those who are coming next”.<br /><br />She is passionate about protecting children from the ravages of AIDS and believes with education it can be stopped. Her commitment to the health of mothers and children around the world has her involved with multiple organizations driven to protecting those most vulnerable. Umberta continues this committed work with her participation in the upcoming “women only” car race, The Cash & Rocket (RED) Tour.<br /><br />Thirty five red cars and seventy of the most successful women from the worlds of fashion, film, music, art and business will travel to the fashion cities around the world and unite in their efforts to raise global awareness and funds for charity. <br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; color: #333333; float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR9aETcEm7-Lf38jprNs8lpIOBQaKrliFzR9Zz_otVycg314HJ5nI-3a9lfS3Q_lPHtdkicFVO9r2sWQbP11uhjSz6qXq6KcfNxziGN1-p3i8jqfBA0-gWeAtdyuR8zVgAVwiKIp1WOo/s1600/981_2_Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #cc3300; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR9aETcEm7-Lf38jprNs8lpIOBQaKrliFzR9Zz_otVycg314HJ5nI-3a9lfS3Q_lPHtdkicFVO9r2sWQbP11uhjSz6qXq6KcfNxziGN1-p3i8jqfBA0-gWeAtdyuR8zVgAVwiKIp1WOo/s320/981_2_Blog.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">Mrs. Beretta will be driving a Porsche like this one</td></tr>
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These seventy inspirational women will hit the road June 7th for a 3 day road trip like no other. They will travel from central London, to the elegance of Place Cendome in Paris, through the cobbled piazzas of Milan ending in the glamour of Monte Carlo's casino, raising funds along the way. Umberta is actively giving her time and resources in a very personal way to make sure the event raises cash. Individuals from around the world can donate to the "car" or "team" they like.<br /><br />How about us all “joining” Umberta on this journey to help others and make our world a better place for the suffering. Every donation, even the smallest, can make a big difference. Donate here: www.crowdrise.com/umbertaandgabriella.<br /><br /><i>“Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, that can alter the face of the world.” </i>Anonymous<br /><br />With all of the misrepresentations and mischaracterizations of big companies today, it is so important to acknowledge and recognize those that are founded and rooted in compassion and heart, and continue to live it and <i>walk their talk</i>, like Beretta. Hats off to Umberta: she is an inspiration to us all.<br /><br /><i>“To do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success.”</i> Henry Ford (1863-1947)<br /><br /><i>"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."</i> Anne Frank (1929-1945)<br /><br />If you would like to be part of this cause by sponsoring Umberta, donate <a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/umbertaandgabriella" style="color: #cc3300; text-decoration: none;">to team RED</a>.</div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-92121824908051292862012-05-13T09:57:00.001-07:002012-05-13T17:45:00.935-07:00DEFENDING OUR YOUNG<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mothers are never more fierce than when protecting their young. This primal instinct is in all living creatures. The violent fight to the death response is fully acceptable and is the expected response in the animal kingdom when a mother's young are threatened. In the wild, predators lurk and stalk, waiting to find weak and vulnerable prey. Should someone threaten a lionesses young, they are met with force like no other. It is intense, fierce and violent. Nothing is more important to that lioness, then to protect her young. If you threaten a Mama bear’s cubs, what do you expect? You will receive a full on deadly response from her and are likely to not survive it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is no different for us human mothers. The threats are all around our families. They are invading our lives in ways like never before. Unthinkable crimes and violence are entering our homes, schools and our streets. Attackers will receive the same response as that of the lioness or mother bear. So, how can it possibly surprise or even offend people when a woman protects her child, by equipping and training to use a firearm in defense? </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The threats our families now face have evolved and changed. As with the animal kingdom, we must adapt our survival techniques to meet the changing face of the threats. So simply put, as the attacks grow in intensity, complexity and power, so must the defense. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes, women are evolving. Many are now the only protector the family has, as a mother she must move into this role equipped to defend against the dangers of today. The instinct to protect is no less fierce in a human mother than it is in the animal kingdom and as the dangers grow more intense, so shall a mother’s defense. A well armed and well trained mother is a fierce force. For many women, what an evil attacker is going to see when attacking her children, are not her front teeth or fingernails, but the barrel of her gun. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-25534051066398137302012-05-03T16:01:00.001-07:002012-05-13T10:13:17.094-07:00THE PROBLEM WITH WOMEN<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Women have issues. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes we do. No... not those. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have some serious issues as gun owners.. Things that make it uniquely difficult for women to simply buy a gun and jump in to gun ownership. Here are a few of them. Perhaps you can relate or better yet - perhaps you can help.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ISSUE 1</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Fact:</b> Women think and act differently than men. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNBMZiyCUrCbuYY4AZMB6DfW8lYDXzzsA_zsPkPR4fu787Rv9EhQ9JTPi245z69gx2GIl2F9a662-Vk9RL_tjLKatv1PazuoYxQJ3EsjFDdZwxlwdWngpoDISYsk6KGvqPzimepzH2po/s1600/+_boy_toy_gun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNBMZiyCUrCbuYY4AZMB6DfW8lYDXzzsA_zsPkPR4fu787Rv9EhQ9JTPi245z69gx2GIl2F9a662-Vk9RL_tjLKatv1PazuoYxQJ3EsjFDdZwxlwdWngpoDISYsk6KGvqPzimepzH2po/s320/+_boy_toy_gun.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Problem:</b> Boys are raised to play rough, to be tough and to grow up to be the provider and protector. Girls are raised to be gentle and sweet and to nurture their husbands and families. Women today, more than ever before have been placed in the position of being the protector. The protector of themselves, their families and their homes. More women are working out of the home, are single and are the heads of households.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The solution:</b> Women must be given the information they need to begin to change their thinking. Its complicated for women, it's difficult to change the way they view their role in their personal protection and to get over the hurdles of fear. To effectively “assume” this new role, the men in our lives, instructors and gun dealers need to understand this and have the information we need as women and to communicate it effectively.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ISSUE 2</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Fact: </b>Carrying a concealed gun is really hard to do as a woman.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Problem:</b> Women have curves - lot’s of them in lots of different places that create all sorts of issues. We also wear a variety of different clothing, most of which lack a belt or firm waistband. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Solution:</b> Women need holsters that are designed for all of those curves and the issues they create. As well as holsters that offer variety in the places where they can be carried. Holster manufacturers need to stay creative and let the curves dictate. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ISSUE 3</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Fact:</b> Women need firepower that they can handle that will do the job.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Problem: </b>Women’s hands are smaller and have less strength than a mans. Finding a firearm that we can wrap our hands around, reach all of the controls, rack the slide (on a semi-auto) handle the recoil and shoot safely is tough without giving up stopping power.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Solution:</b> More higher caliber firearm options, with grips a woman can get her hands around, with manageable and reachable controls and minimal recoil. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You see, we have big problems as women shooters, which naturally require big solutions. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">More and more women are getting into the "business" of guns and accessories and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am seeing a greater desire to meet the needs of the female shooter from all sides of the industry, which is very encouraging. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Keep it up guys, your ladies are waiting. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Those other issues? Well, we will deal with them another day. </span></span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-37729783976173862302012-04-23T16:12:00.000-07:002012-05-13T10:15:08.881-07:00Eat Your Vegetables<br />
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“I don't want any vegetables, thank you. I paid for the cow to eat them for me.” Doug Coupland<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon." Doug Larson</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have noticed something very interesting. I post a photo on Facebook of a cat wielding a machine gun or a Mae West quote about being a bad girl and within hours - over 500 shares, even more likes and tons of great comments. I post a photo of an attractive woman brandishing a firearm and BINGO thousands of shares and likes and hundreds of comments. (Yes, there are tons of MALE Well Armed Women fans.) I post a link to a phenomenal article loaded with potentially life saving tips and/or spot on marksmanship tips and..... Maybe 10 shares, 100 likes and only 5-10 comments. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So what is that? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That is human nature. We love something quick, fun and satisfying but don’t really like to take the time to take care of our “firearm health”. There are a few areas in our lives, where this probably really doesn’t matter much. Then there are the few that really do matter, like our health, our relationships, our careers and yes, our skills as an armed personal defense shooter. But of course as Booker T. Washington said “Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is where the Broccoli comes in. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It really is like eating vegetables. We know they are good for us, very good for us.. We don’t even question it and yet some of us still avoid them like the plaque. So What can we do to get over the barrier of “if it is good for me, than no thank you”? What can we do to make these “vegetables” taste better besides wrap them in bacon? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We know that regarding one’s physical health, if they have an illness or are diagnosed with a serious medical issue, they will make the dietary and lifestyle changes necessary. They WILL begin to eat their vegetables. The fear becomes the motivator. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now, none of us should have to, or needs to go through the trauma of a close call or an attempted attack to create the fear to get us to change our ways, should we? Of course not. It takes the mental commitment and belief that we each could REALLY be in this type of horrifying situation to create the fear that will cause us to change our ways and do the reading, training and practicing necessary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So the moral of the story is: enjoy the simple things and the things that make you laugh but also invest in your firearm health. Read, train, practice and grow in your knowledge of what just might keep you alive if the horrific and unexpected happens. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh and yes, EAT YOUR VEGETABLES TOO.</span></span></div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-58443139503195052152012-04-09T12:21:00.000-07:002013-02-08T20:32:20.235-08:00AMBASSADOR<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You, my friend are an <b><i>Ambassador</i></b>. You may not realize it and you may not even wish to be, but you are. The dictionary lists the following definition of an ambassador: <i> </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>“A person who acts as a representative or promoter </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>of a specified activity.”</i> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You have joined a very distinguished group of individuals who influence our society and our world. So, now that you know who you are, how well are you doing at your job? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">People are watching you and people are listening to you. They are making decisions and forming opinions based on what you do and say. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">To add even more pressure, do you realize that how well you do your job as Ambassador directly effects millions of gun owners and their ability to protect themselves and enjoy their firearms? This is a lot of pressure, and all you wanted to do was defend yourself and/or enjoy shooting targets or hunt, right?</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The day you purchased your first firearm you took on a great responsibility. You knew owning a firearm was a serious decision and that there are laws you must abide by, but did you realize that how you handle and use your firearm, how you speak of it, and your attitude about firearms puts you in such an important position?</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Society, the government, your family and your neighbors, who perhaps are not experienced or knowledgeable in firearms, will form their opinions and make voting decisions also based on what they learn from you. Those who currently want to remove our right to own firearms are foaming at the mouth for <i>anything</i> and <i>anyone</i> that can be used to accomplish that goal. We see gun owners who act inappropriately, carelessly and even violently used in this way almost nightly on the news.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So, how are you doing? Are you safe? Do people see you shooting with eye and ear protection and following firearm safety rules? Do they ever see you pointing your gun at anything other than a safe target? Do you tell “off color” jokes or make less-than-tolerant comments involving your gun? Do you store your gun properly? Do you know the laws in your State and know where you cannot legally use your gun? Do you leave your favorite shooting area in the desert or woods clean? Do you realize that anytime we breach any of the above we could, in a moment, become a tool used to further efforts to place all of our rights in jeopardy. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As I become entrenched in social media with <a href="http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/" target="_blank">The Well Armed Woman</a> and monitor many, many pages, I regularly see and read such poor representations of what responsible gun ownership is really about. I wonder to myself: “If this is what those outside the gun culture see, it’s no wonder they fight so hard to take this right away. What a bunch of angry lunatics”. I see it at the range, sometimes, too. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You know, I’m really not a <i>fuddy duddy</i>. I love shooting my guns and nothing means more to me than being able to defend myself, if necessary, and to help women do the same. I love a cool photo or a funny pro-gun sign or saying, but I also cherish my right to own and carry my firearm, and am frustrated by those that are reckless and careless and risk becoming ambassadors for those who desire to take my right away or to limit it.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Of course, there are many, many responsible owners and fine reflections of responsible gun ownership, and most of us are pretty good Ambassadors, doing our best to be good examples of safe, responsible gun ownership and handling. I think we can do better though. I know I can do a better job and take my “appointment” as Ambassador more seriously. I need to have the courage to remind my brothers and sisters in arms of their great responsibility and need to be good representatives as well. I need to be more careful and mindful when I don’t even think anyone is watching. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Safe, respectful, responsible and a gun owner with integrity... That is the Ambassador I want to be.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” </span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As the effort to limit our rights grows, our united work to represent our passion responsibly becomes that much more important. What do you think we can do individually and collectively to be the best Ambassadors possible?</span></span></div>
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Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439338186574210618.post-10022047756260669882012-04-02T19:27:00.000-07:002012-05-13T10:16:28.809-07:00LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Ahh, a new relationship. The excitement, the long talks, spending as much time together as you possibly can. These things are all part of any new significant relationship. You explore each other, learn everything you can about the other and eventually know everything there is to know. People begin to say the two of you look alike, act alike, talk alike and, as years pass, even dress alike! I know you know what I am talking about: you have seen couples wearing basically the same outfits, most of them don’t even know they have done it. It just happens. They have grown so much together that they seem to meld into one. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Yes.... I know I am writing a gun blog and am sure you are wondering <em>“what does this have to do with guns”</em>? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Many women and perhaps men, purchase a firearm for self-protection. They want to feel safe and have the means to protect themselves and those they love. So they make the purchase, perhaps even glance through the owner's manual, load it with ammunition and put it in a safe place. Only to be left there, until the day they need it. The honeymoon is over, and so is the relationship.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">What’s missing here? Yes: the romance. Every relationship needs attention and some quality time spent together. For a relationship to work, this is required on a regular basis. Otherwise, you will grow apart and become like strangers. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Romance with my gun? you ask. Well, sort of. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Spending some quality time with your firearm is one of the most important things you can do, not only when you first purchase your gun, but on an ongoing basis. This firearm is extremely important to you: this piece of metal (or plastic, in some cases) will become a part of your body. Heaven forbid the time comes when you must rely on it to save your life, you need to know it, really know it. You need to know how to get it to do what you need it to do, under incredible stress I might add. The level with which you and your firearm are “one” in a life threatening situation will seriously contribute to the outcome. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Hold it, wear it and work it. (UNLOADED OF COURSE). Regular safe dry-fire practice is a great way to get acquainted and stay acquainted. Take your firearm on a date - go to the range and spend some quality time together. Owning a gun is a long term and committed relationship, one you must actively spend time on and invest yourself in. The rewards? A long, healthy happily-ever-after life together</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I expect you will have some interesting comments on this one! In the meantime, </span>I will leave you with some famous love sone lyrics. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em>“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”</em> - The Beatles, The End<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em>“The greatest thing you'll ever learn, i</em></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"><em>s to love and be loved in return.”</em> - Nat King Cole, Nature Boy</span></span></div>
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</div>Carrie Lightfoothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14592491375470311540noreply@blogger.com10