Firearms Preemption Laws

One of the more confusing, and quite frankly dangerous aspects of gun ownership in many states is running afoul of the widely scattered and different federal, state, city, and local laws regarding guns, gun configurations, and gun accessories.  What is legal in the state as a whole may not be legal in a certain city in that state.  What is legal in a neighboring state may not be legal in your state.  And if something is legal in your town, but you travel to a neighboring town with a certain type of weapon or accessory in your possession, you may be fined or even arrested.  

As mention below, these laws created by local communities create "...a confusing patchwork of laws..." and "...places citizens in the position of not knowing when they may be violating local laws..."

Preemption laws are supposed to be one way to remedy all that confusion and protect citizens.  In an effort to prevent cities and townships from being too far-reaching in their firearms laws, preemption laws are supposed to protect citizens against the confusing web of local laws by making state and federal law the guiding principle in their own laws.

Also related to preemption laws, is something that we have here in Colorado referred to as a "Peaceable Journey" law (CRS 18-12-105.6).  Both Denver and Boulder, for example, ban certain types of firearms and open carry.  But what if I have to drive through either of those cities while in possession of the type of firearm banned in those cities?  If I am pulled over, and the police officer discovers that I am carrying the type of weapon banned in that municipality, they are not supposed to be allowed to confiscate my firearm or even arrest me due to the Colorado state preemption and peaceable journey laws that are in effect.

The Colorado "Peaceable Journey" Law (CRS 18-12-105.6) includes the following:

(1)  The general assembly hereby finds that:

(a)  A person carrying a weapon in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance for hunting or for lawful protection of such person's or another's person or property, as permitted in sections 18-12-105 (2)(b) and 18-12-105.5 (3)(c), may tend to travel within a county, city and county, or municipal jurisdiction or in or through different county, city and county, and municipal jurisdictions, en route to the person's destination;

(b)  Inconsistent laws exist in local jurisdictions with regard to the circumstances under which weapons may be carried in automobiles and other private means of conveyance;

(c)  This inconsistency creates a confusing patchwork of laws that unfairly subjects a person who lawfully travels with a weapon to criminal penalties because he or she travels within a jurisdiction or into or through another jurisdiction;

(d)  This inconsistency places citizens in the position of not knowing when they may be violating local laws while traveling within a jurisdiction or in, through, or between different jurisdictions, and therefore being unable to avoid committing a crime.

Source:  Lexis Colorado Revised Statute Annotation

This Writer's Opinion: Why are we even forced to deal with this hogwash?!  The Second Amendment is clear that the citizens have the RIGHT to self-defense, and to possess the necessary arms with which to be able to defend themselves, their communities, and their families.  The answer is simple: The objectives of these communities include restricting or even banning firearms to make firearms ownership and possession so confusing and expensive, that people will give them up just to avoid being arrested and/or taxed, fined, and regulated into the poor-house.  What other rights as enumerated and are supposed to be protected in the U.S. Constitution cause the citizens to go through this level of gymnastics in order to comply with the law and enjoy the right?  Firearms owners continue to be hated and scorned by certain segments of our community and the lawmakers themselves.

As if draconian state gun control isn't enough, these local city and community laws are an arbitrary and capricious means towards adding a confusing additional layer of gun control.  They are, at the very least, knee-jerk reactions in the wake of tragedies for these city councils to politicize an issue and "grandstand" their efforts to make their citizens think that they are actually doing something meaningful to prevent these tragedies in their communities.

This is why city and county elections matter.  Get active and make sure that you are supporting City Council, Mayor, County Supervisor/Commissioner, and especially County Sheriff candidates who will uphold the U.S. Constitution and protect your rights.  If you have the ability in your locality to vote on judge retention, make sure that you are voting to get rid of activist judges who try to uphold these unconstitutional city laws when they are rightfully challenged.  Attend your City Council and County Commission meetings regularly.  Speak up at these meetings and let these people know your objections to their overreach.  Bring a friend!

For More Information: NRA-ILA Article - https://www.nraila.org/articles/20191111/strong-firearms-preemption-laws-are-more-important-than-ever

And in Other News...

Taxing the Second Amendment?

Taxing our rights is nothing new for sure.  This video directly ties in with the importance of preemption laws, as mentioned in the opening above.  If a municipality can't ban certain (or ALL) firearms, they will try to make firearms and ammunition impossible to obtain, create red-flag laws to make everyone prohibited to possess firearms, and in the case of the video below, impose taxes to make firearms and ammunition too expensive to obtain.  Besides being an unconstitutional means of backdoor gun control, in my opinion, laws that place exorbitant taxes on firearms and ammunition unfairly prohibit the poor by keeping them from being able to afford even the basic means of self-defense that is supposed to be protected for everyone.

You can stay up to date on this issue and other Second Amendment news and get some great gear reviews by subscribing to The Guns and Gadgets Channel.

Training

Proper Shooting Stance:

In last week's training video, former Navy SEAL Chris Sajnog discussed properly gripping the pistol.  He emphasizes concentrating on proper grip and then letting the trigger finger find its proper position.  This week's video is a good follow up to grip, which talks about proper stance.  Something that I see practiced all too infrequently is finding a natural point of aim (NPOA) and then using stance, not arms, to adjust so that your NPOA is always consistent and repeatable, and accurately puts the correct point of impact on the target.

This practice can be done using the LASR App software as well so that you can practice finding your NPOA and then see how the various adjustments to your stance can affect the actual point of impact on the target.  In fact, using the LASR App system (do NOT do this in live-fire), you can use Chris's practice for finding your NPOA with your eyes closed, then fire the shot with your SIRT pistol or other laser training device before you open your eyes.  The LASR App will record the shot and give you instant feedback to allow you to adjust your stance to align your NPOA with an accurate point of impact.  Then when you think you have found a good and repeatable stance that gives you your properly aligned NPOA, go to the range and practice under live fire to confirm.

And again - practice the "eyes closed" method above ONLY when in a safe dry-fire condition using the LASR App software.  When performing live fire, always keep your eyes open and aimed at your target, know your target and what is behind the target, and between you and the target!

Shameless Commercial Plug:

For more information about the LASR App Training System that you can use to set up this drill in a dry fire environment, see my LASR App page and receive a discount when using my discount code.

To receive a 10% discount on Live Fire Drill Cards, a shooter's training log and some great training ideas visit Burnett LFDC!

The CNN Spin on DC versus Heller

From time to time, I like to highlight what "the other side" is saying about the Second Amendment and gun ownership rights.  And this CNN video is about as "other side" as it gets when it comes to gun rights and the attitudes expressed by those who are ignorant about the reason for gun rights or just hate guns that much.

Although this video is from almost 7 years ago, it highlights what gun owners are up against when it comes to the interpretation of the right to keep and bear arms.  Leave it to CNN to inject their own interpretation into the wording and interpretation of the 2008 Supreme Court DC versus Heller ruling and even the wording of the Second Amendment itself.  It always seems that those who don't understand the Second Amendment or who have a blatant agenda to severely limit or even do away with gun ownership in this country, twist words and meaning to suit that agenda.

This Writer's Opinion: The Founding Fathers made it clear in their language when they wrote the Second Amendment that the citizenry had an absolutely individual right (and responsibility) to keep and bear arms.  The "militia" clause simply meant that all able-bodied citizens make up the militia, and "well regulated" simply means that these same citizens should be well trained in the use of firearms.  And according to several constitutional and second amendment scholars and lawyers, the founders agreed to this very opinion.  The Second Amendment has nothing to do with hunting, as many today will often claim.  The Second Amendment is all about an individual right to self-defense, whether that defense is from a criminal or a tyrannical government entity.

The same opinions expressed by CNN in this video are still being expressed today.  It is important for all of us to be sure that we are aware of what is being said by both sides of the argument, and then being able to articulate facts and truth.  Stay active in Second Amendment issues.  Attend rallies, gun rights events, city council meetings, and town hall events with your representatives.  Don't be afraid to question them on their stances and express your opinions.  But most important of all, VOTE!  Supporting and electing good Second Amendment friendly candidates is crucial to our ability to maintain our rights and our heritage.

And in Other News...

SCOTUS Contemplating Case Regarding Unconstitutional Bans...:

I always get excitedly optimistic but at the same time a little worried when the Supreme Court decides to take up a gun rights case.  Given the current makeup of the Supreme Court, I lean more on the optimistic side in hopes that SCOTUS will again maintain the opinion that not only is the Second Amendment an individual right but also rule that it is a right that protects firearms and firearm accessories in common use, as the framers intended.  But these rulings can go either way, which will influence the way that states and municipalities make or modify their laws.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that SCOTUS rules correctly on this matter.

You can find out more information about the Worman versus Healey case that is discussed in this video.  Click on the various "Main Document" links there to read the Amicus (friend of the court) briefs filed by the various organizations for this case.  You can also stay up on Second Amendment news and get some great gear reviews by subscribing to The Guns and Gadgets Channel.

Training

Trigger Finger Isolation Drill:

This week's drill is another good one from The Tactical Rifleman Channel.  Trigger finger placement has a huge influence on where the shots land.  Too far across the trigger, or too shallow, and your trigger finger could possibly throw your point-of-aim/point-of-impact relationship off and your shots will not go where they were intended.  As they show in the video, this drill is done very close to the target into a 1-inch by 1-inch square.  As you can see in the video, a slight error at this distance will be greatly magnified at farther distances.

This drill can be done in a dry fire environment using the LASR App software, but then should be done in the range under live fire to get a feel for actual recoil and trigger press from the pistol that you are carrying with or shooting in competition.  My competition pistol and my daily carry pistol are two different guns, so I practice this drill with both. Practice putting your trigger finger at different positions to find the best spot.  Once you have found the ideal trigger finger placement, practice over and over until you build up good muscle memory.

The link for the target used in this drill is here:  https://instructorzee.com/targets-%26-stuff.  This target can be programmed into the LASR App software as well so that you can see how the various trigger finger placements affect the actual point of impact on the target.  Then when you think you have found your proper trigger finger placement, go to the range and practice under live fire to confirm.



Shameless Commercial Plug:

For more information about the LASR App Training System that you can use to set up this drill in a dry fire environment, see my LASR App page and receive a discount when using my discount code.

To receive a 10% discount on Live Fire Drill Cards, a shooter's training log and some great training ideas visit Burnett LFDC!

Second Amendment News and Training Resources

With all of the news about gun legislation, gun control efforts, and other threats to our Second Amendment liberties, I wanted to take a moment to post about some excellent resources for getting up to date news about new laws, gun control efforts, and even some good gear reviews.  There are also some good training channels out there as well.  In fact, the reason I am featuring some of my favorite channels below is that they have a good mixture of news, training, and gear reviews.  Training and staying sharp is important these days, especially if you are trying to maintain your emergency preparedness and self-defense posture.  I highly recommend visiting the channels for these folks, like their videos, and subscribing to their channels.  The YouTube algorithms are such that liking and subscribing really helps these channels to stay visible and get traffic.  Below are the links to their channels, as well as some recent videos to help get a sense of their video style.

Please also visit some of my affiliate links on this page and in this blog as well.  These are good, patriotic vendors, and I would like to help them earn your business.
  

Guns & Gadgets:

The Daily Shooter:

Reid Henricks (Valor Ridge):

Alex Kinkaid (Three F Words):

Pat McNamara:

A Closer Look at Gun Security

The local and national news programs seem to feature stories about shooting accidents (negligence) on a weekly basis. So often the lack of gun security is the reason these disasters occur. Gun security is not rocket science, it is common sense, yet many homes that have firearms do not follow basic steps to ensure proper safety. This lack of responsibility leads many people to call for national gun controls. We have (too many) gun control laws and policies.  We just need people to practice proper gun security without it having to be legislated.

Gun security can be as complicated or as simple as you want to make it. The gun security system that works best for you will depend on what type of firearms you own and the purpose of owning it.

For people that own firearms for hunting, gun security usually involves a gun safe. This is often due to the high cost of these firearms. The gun safes protect the firearms from moisture and theft as well as keeping them out of the reach of curious children.

A safe adds greatly to gun security because they are extremely heavy so they are difficult to walk off with, and the locking system stops casual theft. Some gun safes even have a separate area to lock and store ammunition, separate from the firearms. This is one of the key elements in gun security, having ammunition and firearms located in different secured containers.

Be sure to visit Gonzo's Garage for more articles
and recommended products.

Many gun collectors like to display their collections in glass cases. These cases often come with locks however they are not the best method when it comes to gun security because the cases can be easily broken into. Also, these cases are usually lightweight enough that thieves could carry them away.

Handguns present yet another issue.  Most of us, especially concealed carry practitioners, keep at least one handgun loaded for home security.  We need to keep these handguns secure, yet quickly accessible.  So in those instances, we typically keep them in a biometric handgun safe, or one that uses a short combination of button presses to keep them readily accessible when we're not carrying them.

When considering gun security for your home there are a number of factors to consider. You want to make sure that your firearm is not used against you in the case of a robbery. The easiest way to avoid this is to make sure that none of your firearms are left loaded, and that both the firearm and ammunition are locked in separate areas of your home.  The exception, of course, being the ready firearm mentioned above.  But the handgun safe containing that firearm should be well hidden and will not be obvious to the home invader. You also want to make sure that children that are living in your home or visiting your home do not have access to firearms.

Children are naturally curious, especially about weapons. Often times the shooting accidents (negligence) involve children that are playing with a loaded firearm. Children are going to push, pull and press on all areas of a gun, so they can easily take it off the safety, without knowing what they are doing. Also when playing with a gun, children naturally point and pull a trigger, which leads to disaster if the firearm is loaded. It is important to talk to your children about gun security and to also have them attend gun safety education courses.

The right to bear arms is one of the basic rights of Americans. As with all of our rights, this comes with the need for responsibility. Gun security is using common sense (our version of common sense, not that of the politicians or gun control groups) to ensure the safety of everyone living in and visiting the home that has firearms. Very simple steps can ensure gun safety in your home.

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Paintball Guns as a Training and Self Defense Tactic

Let me just say up front:  Colorado law gives me criminal and civil immunity from prosecution should I decide to use deadly force in the event of a home invasion.  In a home invasion scenario, I will take full advantage of the legal protections afforded to me by law.  The main objective of any self-defense method is to stop the attack, and my philosophy is to stop the attack and protect my family by the most effective means available to me at the time.  For me, that method of self-defense includes having ready firearms, being trained to use them, and then employ them where needed. 

But not all people are comfortable having firearms in their homes, and not everyone is comfortable shooting firearms.  That is fine.  The methods that are right for me are not necessarily the methods that are right for others, and I respect that.  I wrote an article a while back on "Principles versus Tactics" to explain that you have to decide what you are willing to do in a particular situation, then for you to decide how you will accomplish that.

It is also important that I maintain my training and proficiency in my primary self-defense tool as well as a variety of other self-defense methods that I may need to employ to stop an attack.  It is not always time or cost effective to schedule trips to the range to expend live ammunition.  There are a variety of training methods out there that I use, including dry firing with the LASR App System, and using non-lethal projectile shooting tools such as paintball to help build the muscle memory involved in firearms operation, and that allows you to actually practice tactics with moving targets in a safe environment.

There are many other self-defense and training tools out there, but in my testing, I have found one in particular that I am writing about today offers both a good training tool and a good home defense tool, especially for folks who just aren't comfortable with having firearms in their homes.

Paintball as a Training Tool:

When it comes to training for tactics, having the ability to shoot at moving targets, and in return being shot at by moving targets offers more realism into actual scenarios that you may encounter.  This is a type of training often referred to as "force on force" training and is more effective at helping you to learn tactics and gun handling skills under pressure than simply shooting at static targets.  The type of training tools to achieve the desired proficiency outcomes is an important aspect to consider, however.  Whereas airsoft tends to use guns that emulate actual weapons functionality, such as forcing you to perform magazine changes, they offer little, in comparison to paintball, in the "pain" incentive to force you to be more tactfully minded to prevent from being shot.  While I have found airsoft to be a great training tool for indoor close quarters training, paintball offers a more fast-paced alternative to outdoor and longer range scenarios.  Since the incentive "not to get shot" is higher with paintball, the "stress inoculation" component obtained provides a more realistic force on force training as well.

Paintball as a Group Bonding Tool:

Putting on my prepper hat for a moment: Being able to train with your family, members of a team that you are prepping with, or even just the people you work with has its benefits also.  Paintball fields seem to be popping up all over the place.  Here in Colorado, "woodsball" is a very popular activity, as we have our beautiful mountains and forests in which to play games, and those areas offer a wide variety of terrains and scenarios.  Grab your bio-degradable paintball ammo and head for the hills!  Paintball has become very popular for families and groups to include as part of a camping trip, as well as for groups of co-workers to plan team-building events. 

Paintball as a Home Defense Tool:

In my recent testing, I have been quite impressed with the types of non-lethal self-defense paintball ammunition on the market today.  In addition to regular paintballs, you can also purchase pepper balls that contain pepper spray, hard rubber balls, PVC nylon balls, and even glass balls containing iron dust for use in paintball guns as a self-defense tool.  In my testing with various materials used as targets, I have seen the PVC Riot Balls, for example, cause enough damage on multiple thicknesses of heavy cardboard and drywall to be very plausible as a self-defense method.  I am awaiting a shipment from Bulls Breaker Balls in South Africa so that I can test their latest product, but my research so far indicates that that product has promise as a self-defense ammunition as well.

Paintball Gun Recommendations:

Hands down, the Tippmann A5 is my personal recommendation.  The Tippmann A5 is sort of the "Ruger 10/22" of the paintball gun world in that accessories, modifications, air supply variations, upgrades, and spare parts are so plentiful and widely marketed, that this gun can be personalized very easily.  This gun is extremely easy to work on and maintain, and there are a plethora of YouTube videos out there to give you advice and instruction.  I also prefer the Tippmann A5 simply because of the "Cyclone" feed system that has shown to be extremely reliable, and saves the expense of having to buy an add-on electric hopper, or some other feeding system, ta make the gun run consistently and reliably.  The Tippmann A5 also uses the larger 20+ oz CO2 and 3,000psi High-Pressure Air (HPA) supplies, which allows for larger capacities and more shots.  Reusable CO2 canisters are relatively inexpensive to purchase and fill, and fairly easy to find refill stations.  HPA refill equipment is becoming more readily available and inexpensive, and HPA is said to actually be better on paintball gun internals and more consistently shooting in a variety of environmental conditions (temperatures) than CO2.

My home-defense Tippmann A5 is modified with a buttstock, red dot sight, Vortex magazine conversion kit, and Flatline Barrel.  The magazine conversion is inexpensive and was very simple to install.  Instead of a hopper that is now in the way, I have the ability to load 20-round magazines with a variety of ammunition types.  I have the red dot sight set up for very close engagements, zeroed for 21 feet, a typical distance of encounter within my home.  I have the velocity set at around 300fps, which is enough velocity to be effective, but yet low enough to help prolong the life of the gun internal valves and o-rings.  The CO2 supply is a 24oz external cylinder that is screwed in, but not fully, so as to prevent leakages, but still be on the gun so that it can be quickly screwed in the remaining turn or two to fully charge the gun when needed.  The ready condition of this gun also includes a fully loaded magazine in the gun and four spare fully loaded magazines nearby. 

For those of you who prefer more of a "handgun" type of platform, there are two front-runners out there.  The Tippmann TiPX, and the Tiberius T8.1.  In fact, the Tippmann TiPX is used as the manufacturing model for the SALT Supply Pepper Gun, as those models are actually manufactured by Tippmann, and then sold as a self-defense weapon.  Both the Tippmann and Tiberius are .68 caliber paintball guns, an important factor when choosing a caliber for your paintball ammunition.  68 caliber is the most readily available when choosing actual self-defense rounds, and it has more capability as a self-defense caliber (in my humble opinion) than the smaller paintball calibers.  Both also use the smaller 12-gram CO2 cartridge for the air supply.  These cartridges are very inexpensive to buy in large quantities but have very limited capacity when shooting.  I recommend the handgun platform as a backup, but not as a primary defense tool.

My personal preference (for the handgun platform) is the Tiberius T8.1.  The main reason I chose the Tiberius model is because the CO2 cartridge and the paintball rounds are both contained within the magazine.  That means that will very magazine reload, you are getting a fresh CO2 canister as well as more ammunition.  These paintball pistols only fire 10 or so rounds per paintballs CO2 cartridge, so being able to quickly reload both ammunition and CO2 quickly is extremely important in a self-defense scenario.  I also chose the Tiberius model because it comes ready to go out of the box with the ability to load and shoot the new "First Strike" shaped paintball rounds, which come in both paint and solid self-defense rounds.

A Word on Airguns/Airsoft for Self Defense:

Airsoft guns are NOT self-defense tools.  Period.  They may offer a half-second distraction so that you can flee and go find another weapon, but they will not stop an attack.  There is a chance that brandishing that airsoft gun will give the bad guys pause, but they will soon see that orange tip and know that you do not have the ability to do them any harm at that particular moment. Other air guns, such as pellet guns, may have the ability to cause minor injury or a momentary distraction, but again (in my humble opinion), pellet guns just are not made to be self-defense tools.  There are varying opinions about that out there, certainly, the video below explains some ideas on the subject.

Wrapping It All UP!

I believe in firearms as the most effective defensive measure in the event of a home invasion. Period!  Violent criminals only understand one thing: Force.  Speed, surprise, violence of action, and a determination to win will help you prevail against evil.  I always have a firearm at the ready at various places in my home and am ready to employ the firearms as a defensive measure all the time, but I also have non-lethal tools such as pepper spray and paintball guns that I see as viable options in home defense scenarios.  

Not everyone is comfortable with having firearms in their homes and would like a non-lethal measure to stop or at least slow down an attack.  Paintball guns offer a viable self-defense alternative, in my opinion.  There are a variety of inexpensive and reliable paintball guns out there, including the Tippmann A5 and Tiberius T8.1 guns, that can easily be adapted and customized for home defense use.  But whatever tool or tactic you choose, you must be familiar with the operation and maintenance of that tool, be familiar with its capabilities, and above all practice using them in order to be effective.

URGENT: Join The NRA Today!

Shameless commercial plug - I am an NRA Recruiter and get a commission for signing up new NRA members.  But here's the deal:  Our 2nd Amendment Rights Count On It...

We need your help!  There is no doubt that the 2018 legislative session in the state of Colorado and the nation is going to be tough on gun rights.  There is still yet a lot of work to do to save our rights and our future as gun owners.  The new gun-friendly administration has been elected, but they are under fire and being attacked by those not friendly to our rights as citizens to defend ourselves.  In fact, those wishing to take back power have even promised groups such as the "Brady Bunch" that they are will work on new gun control measures behind the scenes now and enact them once they are in power.  And unfortunately, their newly emboldened base consists of some of the most anti-gun, anti-self-defense people in history. 

But we have a strong ally:  The hard work and dedication of the professionals at the National Rifle Association will ensure that we can take the fight against draconian and excessive gun control measures to those who don't want us to defend ourselves.  Watch this SHORT VIDEO about the NRA to learn more...  Then JOIN, as we move forward in 2018 to ensure that all of us enjoy our RIGHTS for responsible gun ownership, self-defense.

NRA Membership is Affordable! 

A one-year regular membership is just $30.00 per year, with savings for multiple years or life memberships.

A full membership also includes your choice of magazine subscriptions to the most informative firearms publications available today.

Additional insurance and other great benefits. 

Support the NRA through your membership.  JOIN THE NRA TODAY. 

You can save on a regular annual membership by joining for multiple years.  A one-year membership just $30.00.  JOIN TODAY.

The Second Amendment is second in importance only to the First!!!  Indeed, it's the Second Amendment that allows the general population to defend all the rest of them from any attempt at tyranny.

"While the people have property, arms in their hands, and only a spark of noble spirit, the most corrupt Congress must be mad to form any project of tyranny."

Rev. Nicholas Collin, Fayetteville Gazette (N.C.), October 12, 1789

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The following is a quote from James Madison sixteen (16) months before he introduced the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1789.

"Besides the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation, the existence of subordinate governments, to which the people are attached and by which the militia officers are appointed, forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition, more insurmountable than any which a simple government of any form can admit of."

James Madison, The Federalist No. 48, February 1, 1788

My Philosophy

I believe that our Second Amendment rights afford us as law-abiding citizens the ability to own firearms, and we should be able to use the tools that we see fit to protect ourselves, our families, and our property.  The immortal and often debated meaning of the words of the Second Amendment "A well-regulated militia..." was intended to mean that all citizens have the right and responsibility to bear arms in protection of self, family, and country.  "Well regulated" at the time, meant well trained and disciplined.  We believe that the meaning and spirit of those words are just as relevant today.  Our citizens should be well trained, but "...the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." 

"The Gonz" is a Fort Collins-based political and gun rights activist, NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, and Law Enforcement AR-15/M-16/M-4A1 Armorer, and NRA Recruiter specializing in fostering gun rights and firearms safety.  We emphasize firearms safety and are strong advocates of a law-abiding citizen's right to own firearms for self-defense, hunting, and sporting purposes.  If you live in the Northern Colorado area, please ask how I can help you with all your firearms training needs.  By joining the NRA today, you are helping me to muster the vital resources needed to ensure that these rights are here for our children and future generations to come.

Say “Gun Lobby” One More Time…

I DARE you!  I DOUBLE DARE you!  Seems I always hear the same old worn out talking points from the usual gun-control suspects about how our lawmakers are in bed with the so-called “Gun Lobby.”  Every time someone opposes the new gun control legislation, the gun control crowd is all up in arms (pun intended) about how the “Gun Lobby” is controlling everything.  When the NRA or one of the other gun rights groups gives money to support a pro-Second Amendment candidate’s campaign, it is always the corrupt “Gun Lobby” that is the root of all this evil.  The people spewing this nonsense somehow think that the “Gun Lobby” ONLY supports and is beholding to big business and manufacturers.  Or maybe they think the “Gun Lobby” is in the pocket of some cabal with no regard for the fact that actual people just want to protect and enjoy their rights.  Basically, when the people in gun grabber land don’t get their way, it’s resistance to the evil “Gun Lobby” that becomes their battle cry. 

 “OMG!  The ‘Gun Lobby’ just gave $500 thousand dollars to Senator Smith’s campaign.”

“This is outrageous!  The ‘Gun Lobby’ gave $200 thousand dollars to help defeat our latest gun control measure.”

“Congressman Carson is in bed with the ‘Gun Lobby.’  That is so corrupt that he would take money from a special interest!”

“The ‘Gun Lobby’ is raising millions of dollars to oppose ‘common sense’ gun regulations.”

“This is sad!  The ‘Gun Lobby’ is responsible for the mass shooting that just occurred…”

Evidently, these people don’t realize that the Second Amendment is an enumerated individual right in the U.S. Constitution.  Nor do they realize that these gun rights groups are huge and active because of their large citizen memberships.

I apologize that I can’t write this post in crayon so that those who don’t get it can understand.  But this so-called “Gun Lobby” of which the gun control crowd speaks, The National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, National Association for Gun Rights, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, and a whole host of others, is made up of over five million American Citizens!  That’s right!  We The People are members and make up the body of this so-called “Gun Lobby.”  We are members of these organizations because we are up against very rich and powerful people who oppose gun rights, and we know that the only way that we can win is to join together in a unified voice, and leverage the political and legal clout of these gun rights organizations to help preserve our RIGHTS. 

We pay dues and give donations to these organizations with the full expectation that they will use their muscle on our behalf to help elect pro-Second Amendment candidates, and strongly oppose draconian gun control measures.  So if you are going to claim that the so-called “Gun Lobby” is giving money to these efforts, then my response is: “You’re darn right they are!”  They are doing exactly what We The People, We The Members, and We The CITIZENS are paying them to do.  They are doing their JOB!

Oh, and by the way, the “Gun Lobby” does not cause any of these mass shootings for which the “Gun Lobby” seems to get the blame.  Those are done by sick and broken INDIVIDUALS.  And it’s funny: practically none of these mass murderers are ever NRA members.  Imagine that!

Not that any in the gun control culture will acknowledge these truths, or admit to their own hypocrisy.