LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY T.C.L.E.O.S.E.TRAINING:

Hi Y’all It’s your Instructor again,

Before I get rolling I want to send out best wishes to Bill the Webmaster’s Mom who is and has been having to spend time in and out of the hospital , and I hope that my meditations and your prayers help with her spirit and speedy recovery. If you get a chance give the Webmaster a shout out for his Mom. Thanks all.    bill@bigtexasdesigns.com

I want to get these impressions on as they are still fresh soooooooo…….

LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY T.C.L.E.O.S.E.TRAINING:

EQUIPMENT:
For my certification testing I used the following:
1.    Para Ordnance 1911 SXT (SINGLE STACK) and 3 magazines (I Chip McCormack,2 Wilson Combat) all magazine 8 rounds in .45 ACP

2.    College of the Mainland’s S&W 586 six shot .357 Magnum revolver with fixed sights and a four inch barrel in stainless steel.

3.    College of the Mainland’s Remington 870 Police pump shotgun.

4.    Blackhawk Serpa CQC holster (paddle) and double mag pouch.
All shooting for our qualification began at 25 yards and went down to 3 yards except shotgun which went down to 10 yards.
 

For the “Dueling Tree” speed and accuracy shoot:

1. Para Ordnance 1911 SXT and the same magazines 

 For the Speed and accuracy drills on the five circle targets I used the following:

1. Springfield Armory XD Tactical and 3 magazines (factory `13 rounders) 5 inch barrel, .45 ACP*
2. Safariland/Bianchi Duty Rig with magazine pouch, pepper spray, collapsible baton, cuffs and case, Streamlight light holder, and Bianchi inner and outer belts and keepers.

I used this particular equipment set up for the rest of the week as the courses of fire demanded drawing from the duty holster and magazine pouches and multiple reloading drills were part of all courses of fire.
*note; (I used this weapon [XD Tactical] because personally I needed to work with its trigger more and its 5” barrel is the same length as my 1911, and the College is also caught up in the ammo crunch and .40 ammo is getting scarce for their cadet classes and .45 is not. Also most of the other Instructors had their duty Glocks and one had an HK USP, and Maffei from GPD SWAT used a 1911 from WILSON COMBAT.)

I learned that:

• I need to practice more barricade shooting (but where?)
• I need to practice more shooting on the move (again where?)
• I got some great range practice ideas that I CAN! use for y’alls training. (barricades and circle targets in a certain numbered order of firing.)
• I need to practice more “sear reset” shooting and teach it to you. This technique is a necessity for you as trainees and will immediately improve your accuracy with a handgun. No Bull!
• I was one of few who does include “weak or support” hand shooting in their practice regimen every time.
• I was the only one who practiced with a revolver on a regular basis
•  Eyes, heart rate and trigger control affect us all when shooting and as we get older.

The great thing about this is I can do these thing at all of the ranges we have shot together at except for the shooting on the move and some of the barricades. I can fix up a simple cardboard/paper barricade simulator at all of the ranges.

ABOUT THE GEAR AND HOW IT WORKED:

1.    The 1911 performed flawlessly and is superbly accurate with the Trijicon Nite Sights on it.

2.    The Serpa holster was totally reliable and very fast to draw from even with its locking mechanism. The paddle didn’t budge at all whereas other paddles worn there moved up during draw and fire sequences. If they make this holster for your weapon BUY IT! Go online to Blackhawks website or call them if your model of weapon doesn’t show up on their list because some gun sizes are interchangeable.

3.    The Springfield Tactical XD experienced one malfunction (type I’ve never experienced before) where a round stood up in the magazine causing a type of stovepipe jam and I just dropped it and did a combat reload as “tap-rack-assess” didn’t work. I assume the magazine was dirty as I cleaned it after and it never happened again through the weeks shooting. Several of the issue Glocks had malfunctions mostly unseated mags or stove pipes. In fairness, we didn’t clean weapons at all during the entire week because they have to work dirty too. I cleaned the magazine (and only that magazine) at lunch and purposely did not tag or mark it and put it back into use for the remainder of the week. The XD is fantastic and very accurate if I do my part, but as I said, I need to work with the trigger re set on it and was constantly trying to improve that to the detriment of my accuracy. Its 5” sight radius is very helpful and it also has the Trijicon Nite Sites on it which work for me.

4.    The Safariland/Bianchi duty gear is standard in law enforcement and kept everything right where it started even after all the physical activity no adjustment was necessary.

5.    I used their S&W revolver because at 25 yards the longer barrel was easier to hit with than my 2 ½” Model 19 (S&W).

6.    I used their Remington 870 because it’s what I have so I know the gun.

7.    I had no problems with either weak hand or revolver shooting because I always practice both, and the same for reloading my weapon.

Overall I was very satisfied with the performance of all of my equipment and learned a lot about my shortcomings tactically. I
too learned that you make the most out of what you have to work with especially as a firearms instructor. The range limitations I am faced with were am excuse. My fault. Now they are motivational and they will challenge me to be creative beyond what I’ve been.

I will figure out a way to do a low light course very soon (May/June). I have new drills to put you through if you show up at my practice (Thurs. 4/28/10 at 6:30pm. @ Marksman Indoor) and you have to come and learn about trigger reset. You will be amazed.

Look for you at the range Thursday nite.

EDDIE... OUT!    

Questions: Defending Yourself | Reloading | What to buy first

A few questions I recently received.  These are great!  Keep them coming...

QUESTION: The regular need for range time goes without saying but with the rising cost of ammunition in the last year or so it is getting almost cost prohibitive to squeeze off that 150 to 200 rounds needed to keep a sharp eye and good trigger control.  Do you feel you get the needed benefits by using 22 caliber guns for practice or 22 conversions for your carry pistol?  Huge savings in dollars but what are you trading in return?

ANSWER: Conversions are almost as expensive as buying a .22 pistol. A .22 caliber pistol is a viable defensive weapon for sure so the benefit of practice is extremely valid to all aspects since you specifically mention "eye and trigger control". A conversion kit will cost about the same as 500 rounds or more of .40 S&W ammo which could equal five 100 round practice sessions split every 2 months that's just shy of a year and a good training regimen. (Most police recertification/firearms training involves 100 to 200 rounds annually or bi-annually exceptions being semi-annually depending on departmental policy and municipality budgetary consideration/allotment.)


QUESTION: As violent crime continues to rise more and more women see the need to carry concealed, which I think is great, however, do you feel most of the women that get their license have made up their mind mentally and morally to pull the trigger to protect themselves?  If not, how do we help them to that decision, now, before they are faced with it.

ANSWER: I gage the mental ability to use deadly force by women specifically no differently than in males. In many instances I believe women will "drop the hammer" without hesitation because the factor of sexual assault is far more likely to be a component of an attack against a woman. I also do NOT believe that the "lioness defending her cubs" is a metaphor, and when cornered I'm pretty sure they'll charge ferociously and determinedly especially if properly trained. In all my years doing this I've only had one trainee actually say to me "I'm not sure I could shoot somebody"... that person was NOT! a female. Seen lots of women afraid of guns; so am I, but they were wanting to be trained for a reason.

QUESTION: Our current government probably will not push for American citizens to give up their guns although, may very well make it very difficult to produce and purchase ammunition.  Do you feel it necessary for the average shooter to be a re-loader as well?   If so to what percentage of current usage?

ANSWER: Every trainee of mine should learn to reload ammunition! It saves tons of money, it's fun, it's fascinating to do, and it gives a shooter an added sense of accomplishment when they fire the first round they made themselves. I reload for all my pistols and two of my rifles and will soon reload for four of my rifles. I don't reload for my 9mm or .223 as that ammo is still just as cheaply bought as reloaded. I have one complete reloading station and will soon have another specifically set up for .45 ACP. Depending on caliber, my cost runs about $7 to $12 dollars a box (50) all calibers.

QUESTION: if you do not own a gun but have come to the realization you need to be armed, in what order would you purchase your weapons for personal and home defense. Using the list below as your options:

     ____   a. Semi-auto pistol
     ____   b. Revolver pistol
     ____   c. Bolt action hunting rifle w/ scope
     ____   d. AR/M4 Semi-Auto Rifle
     ____   f.  Hunting Style Pump Shotgun
     ____   g. Tactical Style Pump Shotgun

ANSWER: I love this question, good one:

1. g. Tactical shotgun (either pump or semi, 12 ga.,20 ga., or .410 ga. in that order )
2. d. M-4 (223 or 5.56 Nato) with flashlight on side rail and good red dot either flat top or A1 with handle
3. b. Revolvers are easier to manipulate under stress when startled from sleep. (six shot .357/.38 or .44 Mag/.44 special)
4. a. Semi Auto pistol of conventional double action if minimally trained , your choice otherwise.
5. h. Maglite, Surefire, Streamlight tactical flashlight (you left it off the list but just as valuable as your firearm)

Fantastic questions, I know I can always count on my students and friends for great, thought provoking questions and conversation.  As always, you can ask about anything.  I may not always know the answer but I'll always have an opinion.

Eddie  OUT

My Instructor Training - Step by Btep

Wow! What a week I had. First, let me send thanks to my trainees and friends that sent me the great questions. I hope my answers were clear for you.

The training cadre’ at College of the Mainland Law Enforcement Training Center was very supportive and complimentary. Here too, let me strongly advocate and suggest that you go on the College web site (com.edu) and check out under the Continuing Education section; the firearms training that they offer not only to Law Enforcement but to civilians as well. Matter of fact folks you’d be crazy not to go over there and take one of the basic firearms courses. They offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced handgun training for civilians. It would cost you in the thousands to travel to a training facility like Thunder Ranch, or Gunsite or The Sig Academy and the college is within driving distance of every one of my trainees and it costs in the hundreds (and I mean like under $400. Range). Lem Powell, Nick Rack, Bob Williamson are the most laid back and knowledgeable group of Instructors you could hope for. It is why I keep going back for their training for myself. Your tuition includes all ammo, targets, and weapon if you need one, and the Instructors are very good and make you feel totally at ease. I will train under these folks any time and save a bunch doing it. They also on occasion put on armorers schools from Glock, Remington and others. I strongly advise urge and hell, plain tell y’all get down there and get some training from the College of the Mainland Firearms Training group. They are so good it would be a shame to pass by something within our area because of any cross town driving distance or time spent. Do it! Ladies these guys will really help because you won’t be intimidated by a drill instructor or cop or know it all attitudes. Ya know, go there come on back to me and we’ll work on what you pick up from them. I am by no means the end all of firearms training and wouldn’t be put off if you got training from anyone of the College’s staffs caliber.

My T.C.L.E.O.S.E. Police /PSB Firearms Instructor Course (Range portion) was from last Monday through Friday. By my count we fired:

Monday:

• Semi auto pistol 50 rounds at 25-15-7-3 yards minimum score 90%.
• Revolver 50 rounds same distances minimum score 90%
• Pump Shotgun 5 slugs at 25 yards, 3 buckshot at 15 yards and 2 buckshot at 10 yards

110 rounds total, all timed drawing from holster, low ready, strong hand and weak hand on B27 targets.
Eleven of us started the class and at the end of the qualification shooting 2 were sent home for failure to qualify. I didn’t have to re-shoot any portion of the qualification others did (you were given 2 chances).
 
I scored 237 Pistol (possible 250) 243 Revolver and 98% Shotgun. I fired my 1911 45 ACP, from my Blackhawk Serpa holster and double magazine pouch with 3 magazines (8rd) and I used the College’s 4” S&W fixed sight 586 .357 Mag. Revolver and Remington 870 shotgun. The school Instructors did all scoring and all ammo was provided. Needless to say……I passed. (It’s pass /fail but they scored numerically).

Tuesday: In the afternoon after the morning classroom session, we went to the range for speed and accuracy drills on the “Dueling Tree”. This is a steel post that stands 7’ with 6 circular steel plates 6” in diameter. The plates are arrayed so that there are 3 on each opposing side. We loaded 6 rounds each in 2 mags and stepped up to the line two shooters at a time (at 15 ft.). On command we draw shoot our 3 plates which flip over to the opposite side and then we shoot the other shooters targets back to his side and whoever does that first wins, (reload included till both mags empty ). I SMOKED IT!!!!!!  I even had a Galveston County S.O. Instructor request to shoot against me on my last relay and all he could do was tie me. That was soooooooooooooo cool! Once again I used my 1911 .45ACP.
50 rounds total.

Wednesday: was all classroom with instructional methodology, case law of Failure to Train Lawsuits that have effected Law Enforcement training , and physiology of the eye in regard to low light shooting and adaptation. Fascinating and thorough.
Thurs.:  was at the range for range development, course of fire development, environment, lead dust and health hazards and liability, and preparation of our lesson plans. We took a break and then shot a course of more speed and accuracy drills on 4 and 5 scoring rings targets where we had to on command shoot the scoring rings in the order we were given and from the holster timed. Strong and weak handed with reloads.  Again, 50 rounds total and this time I used my Springfield XD Tactical .45 ACP from my Safariland duty rig. It was for training only so no scores were taken and everyone shot on an even basis. Then back to the Range classroom and presentations went till the end of the day. I didn’t get to do mine till …….

Friday: I was the last to give a presentation. I learned from observing all the others and from the total class de-briefs after each one before me. Everything in the total class debriefings (including the evaluation comments of our Instructors) was extremely supportive and helpful. Zero criticism and negativity. All constructive helpful and appreciated by the presenters. I made a presentation on revolvers. Went great, great feedback from my peers and the Instructors. As a matter of fact, Sgt. Greg White Training Sergeant for Galveston County S.O. was so impressed he has invited me to come to their training range and teach a revolver course to their deputies. Cool. Then we shot all the courses of fire that we had to design for our certification. 8 courses of fire 50 rounds each and we had to run the line while being observed by our Instructors and evaluated on the sheet and signing off after complete class debrief again. Of course, I gave a revolver course of fire but I’m going to detail the one that was the most fun and most challenging for all of us.

The course of fire was designed and put on by Officer Tommy Maffei of the Galveston P.D., S.W.A.T team. It is what is called a tactical course of fire but it was designed (as were all) to follow his classroom lecture/presentation  which was how your skill levels are affected as your heart rate increases under the threat and stress of a violent confrontation, and how they can deteriorate in that scenario.
 
The range at College of the Mainland has 10 lanes at the far end that are stationary targets and you move backward or forward to the marked distances of the range which are from 25 yards all the way down to 1 yard. Officer Maffei set up the College Patrol Car simulator at approx. 35 yards center of the range. We each loaded 3 mags with 10, 12, and 9 rounds and gave them to him. His course was, when you indicated you were ready, he had you sit in the simulator with loaded holstered weapon with 10 rounds in the weapon. On his command (a beep) you exited the patrol vehicle , did 10 pushups, 10 jumping jacks, ran the full length of the range, touched the first target with your hand, ran back to the patrol car and touched it and ran to the left side (#1) 25 yard position where the first target was set up. You placed your hand on the upper left corner of the target and when he yelled “GUN! GUN!”, YOU DRAW AND FIRE TWO ROUNDS AT CONTACT DISTANCE AFTER MOVING YOUR OTHER HAND TO YOUR CHEST!  (He had his hand ready to block any ones arm that came out with the weapon if the other hand was anywhere other than on your body or still on the target). You then moved five paces to the right where you fired 4 rounds around the right side of a barricade at the 20 yd. line and four rounds around the left side. Now you’re empty and you reload with the 12 round magazine while behind the barricade and you then move forward through a corridor and doorway simulator to engage a man with a gun with 6 rounds at the 10 yard line while moving forward and then over to your right again and engage the “Dueling Tree with 6 rounds from behind a curb, reload with nine rounds on the move to the 3 yard line where from behind a barricade you engage 3 circles in a horizontal line  on a target that represent hostage takers with 3 rounds each. You’re empty now and you show clear and reholster your weapon.  He allowed 130 seconds for the entire tactical course and I did it in 98.75 seconds (rounds on all targets no numeric score) THAT WAS A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!! And your skill level obviously is challenged cause you are pumpin! Kudos to Officer Maffei and a well thought out and set up and executed course of fire. Every Instructor that fired it loved it.

Officer Maffei allowed no one other that himself, the shooter and the Class Instructors on the range at one time. All the rest of us stood in the classroom portion of the range and observed through the glass. Again I used the Springfield XD and my duty rig.

Total rounds for Friday fired were just under 400 rounds. All the ammo supplied by the College.
Approximate total number of rounds fired for the course:    650 TO 700 ROUNDS!!!! (Per shooter).
THAT WAS SOOOOOOOOO DAMN MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!!
 
After a break for chill period we had a little graduation where we got our Training Completion Certificates and were dismissed.  All nine of us graduated and the Instructors went out of their way to tell us that we were by far the best group of Instructors, most knowledgeable and proficient shooters the College had ever run through the Training Course.

NOW. WHY DO I TRAIN?    

FOR YOU!

IF I DON’T LEARN I SHOULDN’T TEACH AND HOW CAN I TEACH YOU AND GIVE YOU YOUR BEST CHANCE FOR SURVIVAL IF I DON’T LEARN MYSELF?

AND TO TRAIN WITH A GROUP OF PROFESSIONALS LIKE THAT? …………..NO BRAINER.

P.S.  Oh yeah…..I learned I need to practice my barricade shooting.  It was my weakest skill and I will work on it for sure.

P.PS. Officer Maffei has volunteered to come and teach you a Low Light course of fire that he has as did his partner Officer Mach (S.W.A.T.-GPD) IT WILL HAPPEN ASAP!!!!!!

EDDIE          OUT

I did it! | College of the Mainlands | Galveston P.D. SWAT

FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR
April 24, 2010

I did it! As of Friday April 23, 2010 at 3:00:00 p.m . CST your old Instructor is officially a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education Police Firearms Instructor and a Texas Commission on Private Security Board Firearms Instructor. Thanks to the fantastic training staff of Nick Rack and Lem Powell and their course at The College of the Mainland Law Enforcement Training Center ( and now the fees we pay Austin.) .

Those of you who know me understand that my near fatal accident in January 2008 and the follow on dissolution of my engagement and subsequent move and recovery period set that goal back until now. It just so happens I returned after my third surgery to work in April 2008 so it was a two year set back, but as many of my dearest friends and family have heard me say on many occasions “RANGERS NEVER QUIT!” To those friends and trainees and family members who encouraged me and supported me through it all helping me “hump my load” with positive encouragement I say from my heart THANK YOU.

To those who doubted, and thought me crazy and that I’d never do it ? I told you so!!!!! ( You know who you are). Never tell a Ranger (even an old one) that they can’t do something.

I have many reasons for posting this on the website beyond my pride in the accomplishment of a goal I set for myself years ago and accomplished through adversity and financial hardship. I had the great privilege of training with some incredibly dedicated Law Enforcement Professionals from the Galveston P.D. S.W.A.T. Team, Galveston County Sheriffs Dept. Firearms Training cadre’ and Warrants Div. (they gave me an official Galv. Sheriff’s Deputy patch for the job I did), Kemah P.D., Santa Fe P.D., and the Tx. Dental Board Criminal Investigation Unit. Their support for me as the only non full time police officer and their always positive feedback on my shooting skills, professionalism, and presentations both of my classroom lecture and course of fire development and execution were very humbling and gratefully received. I was awarded both the GCSO patch and praise from the Galv. P.D. SWAT officers in that they wished everyone they deal with in private security field were as professional and skilled as I am. High praise indeed from these officers indeed and much appreciated.

Let me talk about them for a bit. Galveston P.D. is presently sharing space with Galv. County S.O. in the basement of the S.O. building. The members from the G.P.D. S.W.A.T. Team are NOT FUNDED! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT CRAP AFTER WHAT THEY WENT THROUGH AND DID FOR THEIR CITY COMMUNITY AFTER HURRICANE IKE ?!!!!!! That is a shameful disgrace and a political problem that should not be allowed to continue. It is not G.P.D.’s fault.

These dedicated officers pay for their own training, weapons (personal) beyond issued equipment, and still have to fulfill their duties as patrol officers. Post Hurricane Ike and Rita that is just wrong guys. As a fellow professional, I can’t help but admire these guys for going above and beyond the call of duty to guarantee the community they protect that their brother officers will receive the absolute best training that they can possibly have and therefore also the highest chance of survival on a street that is truly in the throes of turmoil. STILL!!!!

Any one I have trained and licensed should know that equipment for a team like G.P.D. S.W.A.T. is not only highly specialized, but very expensive. These guys pay for that equipment out of their own pockets because they are true professionals. Then they show their dedication by not only attending a full 40 hour Instructors Course, but also working their shifts or giving up their vacations. As you can tell I’m impressed. That is positive Law Enforcement no matter how you look at it. They even had to drive their own vehicles to and from class. 

1. They need to get paid o.t. and they need to be reimbursed.
2. They should get every piece of gear they need and have their Dept. pay for it or reimburse them.
3. They should at least get promotions that would increase their pay and ease the financial burden they take upon themselves and their families
4. These are the very least things that should be done and the City of Galveston and The State of Texas should be ashamed that this is allowed to happen in a place that continues to rise up from the Gulf every time a natural disaster occurs. They have a true WARRIOR SPIRIT and I for what it’s worth salute them and their dedication to not only their city and community but to their fellow officers.

I understand that there are other Departments that face the similar situations that Galveston does, but c’mon; these guys really were at the tip of the spear and unlike the City of New Orleans they didn’t run. Hell they couldn’t even be blown or washed out and they are our neighbors. The other officers from the Gulf Coast that came to the Instructors Course were just as dedicated and took a huge hit (Kemah especially) and all banded together. I saw no mention of that in any type of media post hurricane Ike, and we should all be thankful that these guys are out there. I always appreciate it when y’all and others thank me for my military service and support for all my fellow veterans and military personnel but hey at the very least would you all do something for me please? The next time you get a chance; if an officer happens to drive through your neighborhood on patrol, flag him down and thank him just like you thank me. He or she deserve that much but you might offer em a soda or bottle of water or just an invite for coffee on a cold day or nite. Introduce yourself and your kids. Don’t hesitate to do it. It brightens their day and everyone who serves likes to know that somebody appreciates the job they do or have done. If you take your kids to Galveston and the water parks and beach and museum don’t just contribute to the corporate interests that take money from us as tourists. Stop a patrol officer if you see one and say “Thanks” and if you can have them call a SWAT guy if there’s one on patrol and donate your old cartridge brass to them or donate to their “fund “ whatever it may be but most of all thank them for their dedication and tell the SWAT team that your Instructor “Special Ed” asked you to say Hi.

 My hat is off to the dedicated Law Enforcement professionals I trained with this week and I’ll train under them ANY TIME!

Tomorrow I’ll give some detail about the class but as a preface it was fun and we shot over 575 rounds supplied by College of the Mainland.

Later... Eddie Out

What Shot Size, Smallest Carry Caliber & Blood Alcohol

Following are a series of great questions from student and friend, Doug.

Eddie,

QUESTION: For a concealed firearm, what is your opinion: Carrying an expensive (i.e. Kimber) vs.a less expensive (i.e. Taurus) if is broken-in prior to being placed in-service.  Is the reliability that much greater to warrant the additional expense?

ANSWER: There is no advantage to carrying an expensive 1911 let's say Kimber, Springfield, Les Baer, Ed Brown that costs from $1,000.-$3,000. as opposed to a Taurus or Springfield or Para GI type that all run in the $600.-$700. range. A 1911 is a 1911 is a 1911 is a 1911. I've seen several Hi Point semi auto pistols (the latest at Cactus Builders) in .40 and .45 calibers that functioned flawlessly and were plenty accurate. They retail from under $200.

I haven't found many firearms from the "major" manufacturers to need any break in at all lately, Doug. They only need for us to familiarize ourselves with them at the range. That goes for me too. The Taurus That I bought following your lead, worked fine straight out of the box and all I've done is order a spare magazine from Taurus (it does take a specific one) as after-markets aren't available for the "P" model same goes for holsters but they are coming.

The truly custom shop guns all come with a recommended "break in". No I don't believe their price warrants any more reliability as the "majors" guarantee and warranty their pistols straight out of the box or as issued. Great deals out there for a great deal less money.

QUESTION: what shot do you recommend for a 12ga. riot gun for use w/in a house?

ANSWER: I believe the best rounds are #7 and #8 bird shot and Hornady TAP loads as they guarantee no over penetration. Bird shot Doug, gives a fist sized pattern out to 20 or 25 yards in short barreled fighting shotguns like your Benelli or my Remington 870 express police. Bird shot for sure will not over penetrate.

QUESTION: What is the smallest caliber you would recommend for a concealed carry?

ANSWER: A wiser man than I once said he carried a .45 because "they don't make a 46."
Nothing less than 9mm is my personal recommendation and whatever the largest caliber you can consistently shoot and hit with.

The smallest handguns I carry regularly are as you know Doug a Sig P226 in 9mm and a S&W model 19, .357 magnum with a 2 1/2" barrel loaded with +P+ hollow points and in 9mm the Winchester Ranger or Federal Hydra Shok or Hy Shok 146grHP (I believe).

QUESTION: Scenario: Say a person is returning from dinner w/ his wife, a firearm is in the vehicle, and:

• blood/alcohol is greater than 0.00 but less than 0.08?
• greater than 0.80?
• do the police have the right now to forcibly draw blood or breath-test?

ANSWER: There is no such thing as a legal limit of alcohol consumption in regards to concealed handguns and licensees. Any trace amount of alcohol is reason for weapon seizure and suspension (at least) of the CHL. The no refusal blood drawing from suspected violators of DWI or DUI is now working it's way through the appeals courts and Superior Courts and District Federal courts.  As I write this, several states under 4th, 6th, 14th amendments to the Constitution and will certainly be knocked down as unconstitutional. Even Federal Law Enforcement realizes that. States and their Highway Patrols in general knew that when they pushed for it in their states at all jurisdictional levels, but they did the old DWI/Insurance checkpoints until it was ruled un constitutional. Still got convictions until the ruling though.

Thanks Doug, good ones


Get in those questions and comments.  I love to hear from you,

Your Instructor... Eddie