ProArms News & Views

The National Shooting Sports Foundation “First Shots” program that Pro Arms hosted on June 26th, the first time for us, was a success. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about safe firearms ownership and handling, as well as fire 50 rounds of ammunition from the Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolvers, all provided free of charge by the NSSF. Participants ranged in age from 8 to, well, let’s just say retired, and all reported having fun while learning about guns and the shooting sports. There has also been interest in having another “First Shots” program, during the cooler part of the year, so keep an eye on our calendar for another chance to participate in “First Shots.”

While the Pro-Arms Gun Shop goes boppin’ along delivering great guns at great prices to great people, the Pro-Arms Podcast has hit a bump here and there but is still going strong.

Bump one: hosting issues.  Hang in there, folks. Our PrEditor (producer/editor) Gail is working hard to get all fifty or so of the past podcasts re-posted so folks can download them. Look for them at http://proarmspodcast.com  She can’t be editing and posting new ‘casts until the old ones are reformatted and uploaded, yes, she’s making them smaller.

We’ve long had a potpourri format here, see-sawing between the eight-person round table with the core podcast group – Host Steve, PrEditor Gail, and Terri & Jon, Mike, Chris, Herman, and me – and interviews with the fascinating people we all run across in our regular work in the industry. Shows have been heavy on the latter lately, if only because events like the SHOT Show, the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association conference, and the National Tactical Conference/Polite Society match have given us a rich mine of knowledgeable people for us to bring to you.  Today, as I write this, Gail and I are in Chicago preparing to interview the last of the four named plaintiffs in the landmark Supreme Court gun rights case McDonald v. Chicago, and Lt. Bob Stasch, a veteran of fourteen gunfights. That’s the sort of resources you don’t get other places; we know we can get the eight of us together most any time.

Soon, though, we’ll get back to the round-tables we all enjoy doing. Listener feedback indicates that they miss those, too.

Remember to support the Gun Rights Radio Network! They host us, and many other podcasts that our group enjoys listening to, and of course GRRN hosts a lively and fascinating forum at http://gunrightsradio.com. Join in, and share the fun!  We’re having a contest to raise money for GRRN. If you subscribe for at least one year, or donate an equivalent amount ($24) or more, send an email to contest@massadayoobgroup.com, and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win $800 worth of training from Massad Ayoob Group. We have courses all over the country and should have one within striking distance of you. The winner will be drawn on October 1, 2010. It’s a small step toward repaying GRRN founder Mark Vanderberg, who busts his butt for no profit to bring a huge amount of knowledge and entertainment to us all.

Share the fun, and the knowledge. We hope you enjoy the Pro-Arms Podcasts as much as we enjoy putting them together for you.

Best to all,

Mas

They can be just a small dog that barks. They can be a large dog that barks a warning. And they can be a large dog that can actually protect you. If you have a large dog for actual protection you need to get training. Just as you should if you carry a weapon for self defense. Training does not make a dog aggressive. It will in fact do the opposite. They will be more confident and know what is expected and not expected of them. There are different degrees of protection training.

It all depends on one’s needs. But one thing I will say is if you do decide to get a dog for protection, remember that it is a living thing. With a gun you can purchase it and never pick it up again. If you need it, it may or may not work out for you because of lack of training. If this is the case it will be your own fault, and hopefully never accidentally hurt anyone. But with the purchase of a dog it will need proper love and caring. You cannot purchase him, then leave him alone, expecting him then to be loyal and ready when you need him. Yes, they can be loyal to the worst owners. We have all seen their love and loyalty to people who have abused and mistreated them. But an effective protection dog is more than just a dog who loves you unconditionally.

I have been out of the group for over 12 weeks. The reason being, I just had a planned litter of 8 Rottweiler pups. When I have a litter (and yes, I said when I have a litter) all my time and time I do not have is spent with the mother and her pups. Yes even my husband now knows he is on his own. I have to say he is very good about this. Even though he has gone through this before, I have to thank him for all his support. Even a preplanned trip we had, he took alone while I stayed home. I may go a little overboard, but I feel it was my decision to have this litter and I make sure that they have the best possible start in life. I am with the mother 24 hours before delivery, during delivery and until they are a couple weeks old. They are taken total care of until they are ready for their new homes at 8 weeks. I am very proud of how the vet, the new owners, and everyone is impressed at how well all 8 look and are taken care of.

The joy I bring to the pups’ new families says it all. This is what I work for on every litter. But now it’s their time to spend looking after and caring for their new member to the family. Time schedules will change, trips will be canceled, shoes will be chewed if not watched, potty training, walking, feeding, just to name a few. So before you get a pet make sure you are willing to take the time to love and care for it for many years. If you are I hope they bring you years of enjoyment as mine have. And if it is one for protection all the more benefit for you and your family. Now after more than 10 weeks I was able to go shoot some, get some rest, and give more love and attention to my other dogs, and also to my understanding and loving husband.

Every firearms owner has, at one time or another, read a newspaper article, or opinion column, or Editorial, or Letter To The Editor, that just made their blood boil because it just wasn’t true.

“HOW CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH THAT!!!!” we all scream. Well, there’s a simple reason they can get away with that, and that’s because they own the ink and paper. And, once in print, many accept their cr*p as fact. In many cases, the Mainstream Media (MSM) they could care less whether or not the printed material is factually correct as long as it fits their liberal template, and the private ownership of guns is not high on their list of favorites. Expect them to be anti-gun.

You can yell, scream, beat the dog, use the paper to wrap fish or line the bird cage, get onto a Forum and rant (I call that “preaching to the choir”), or just stew about it. Or, you can respond via a Letter To The Editor.

The latter can be far more effective than you may realize, since it can acquaint the readers with the fact that the paper “screwed the pooch” on the truth. Just venting, however, may not get your letter published. It needs to be done properly. And, there is a bit of art, and some degree of science, involved in getting a Letter To The Editor that criticizes the newspaper  actually published in that newspaper. I know that because at one time I was well paid by various conservation groups to write Letters To The Editor to refute liberal fallacies impacting these conservation/outdoor recreation groups. Having spent (by that point in time) 20 years as an Outdoor Editor for a Times-Mirror newspaper, I knew what would capture the attention of the Editorial Page editor, and… literally… force them to print a letter that called them incompetent.  Here’s how I did it… and how you can do it.

Step 1:

Let your blood pressure return to normal and then calmly analyze the piece for the FACTUAL ERROR. There is often at least one. This becomes your focus, and what will become the basis for your response. These factual errors may be blatant, or subtle. An example of blatant is “One person in the United States dies every 10 minutes from gunfire”.  Do some research on FBI statistics and you can refute that with fact. An example of subtle might me “More people die of gunshot wounds every year than in automobile accidents”. Same research…. Google it… refute it.

Step 2:

Once you have your ERROR… look for a second… it will often be subtle…

Step 3:

Once you have both of those, look for “snarky comments”… liberals in opinion pieces or Letters To The Editor cannot help but make them (check the Pro Arms Podcast archives for Dwayne Waldens piece in the Suwannee Democrat newspaper… it’s a classic example of liberal condescending “snark”) … file that away for latter inclusion.

Step 4:

Writing your Letter to the Editor.

1. Check the newspaper itself for their guidelines. In most cases they want Letters To The Editor to be 350 words or less, although they may run a truly well written 500 word letter. Abide by that! Don’t ramble… don’t rant… be concise. Consider this to be a Sniper shot instead of a shotgun blast.
2. Begin your letter with the proper format: example…. To The Editor; I read with interest your (identify the piece you are complaining about properly… if it was a news article, state so. An opinion piece, same, an Editorial, same, Letter To The Editor, same… positively identify the particular piece, the publication date) an example would be…. To The Editor, I recently read your 4 June Opinion piece by Butthead Liberal, “ Why Only Cretins Own Guns”, and found factual errors within it.” THE KEY IS FACTUAL ERRORS… if that is in your lead sentence you WILL have the editor’s attention, even if they are a flaming liberal. FACTUAL ERRORS is the biggest scare you can throw into a local newspaper editor, and they will read your letter… and are likely to publish it even if it gives them heartburn.
3. Once you have the lead, make your first paragraph about the most blatant factual error… refute it with facts… provide reference documentation. BE VERY POLITE… NO LIBERAL SNARK… BE AN ADULT…. BAD LANGUAGE, OBSCENE COMMENTS, CHARACTER DENEGRATION… ALL WILL GET YOUR LETTER TOSSED!
4. From there, second paragraph on the other less blatant errors, or on the snark. You can, politely make fun of the typical innuendos.
5. Close with a declarative statement (but not an antagonistic one)…. example: “As concerned citizens we would all like to see violent crimes rates decrease. But, misinformation, as seen in (yadda yadda article) does little to solve the problem, and only muddies the waters. As a loyal reader I would expect more facts and less inflammatory opinion. (avoid using liberal, whacko, etc… to describe the opinions… liberals do that… we deal in facts)
6. Sign your letter with your name, and your home town (the latter is BIG with Editors… inflates their ego as to how far and wide their mullet wrapper is actually read). Then, expect a phone call from the newspaper to actually confirm that you are the one who wrote this, and do live where you say you do. Don’t lie… not in your Letter, or in your phone conformation. Liberals do that cr*p. We don’t need to.

It takes some time, and some thought, and the proper procedure, to get a newspaper to print a letter that clearly states their content is not factual. But, if you do it right they will. They really won’t have a choice.  And,… everyone who read the original piece will now see your response. That’s pretty cool, especially since you’re using their own ink and paper to get out the truth that they choose not to print.

This week I attended the AcuSports dealer booking show.
Monday they had an afternoon at the range, for new firearm testing.
A couple of things stood out.

Glock GEN4

Shot the Gen4 Glock mod 22. The Gen4 has a different grip frame than
the previous products from Glock.
The grip frame has been reduced in size much like the slim frame
versions of the 10mm/45acp frame. The gun comes with two additional
back strap covers for lack of a better term. The grip enhancers clip
into the bottom of the dust channel and are retained by the trigger
housing pin at the top. Glock does provide a longer pin for the
thicker and slightly wider grip additions.
We did not get to try the guns with the different grips installed, but
in it’s smallest configuration it felt very good in my hands.
The magazine release is different in shape and is reversable. Old mags
will work with the new frame as long as the release stays on the left
side of the gun. To Glocks credit the guns will be coming with (3) mags.
The recoil spring has been changed to a dual captive spring like on
their compact models G26, G27, G30 ect.
The dual recoil spring and adjustable grip size really helped to
reduce the recoil impulse of the 40S&W cartridge.

Taurus

The new 738TCP (Taurus Compact Pistol) is a winner in the tiny .380
pocket pistol market. The sights are a little larger and wider than
the LCP/Keltec offerings. The pistol felt slightly larger in my hand
and I mean slightly. I did not have the opprotunity to directly
compare the TCP and the LCP. The 738 shot great 5 rounds touching at
about 7 yards.
Had the chance to shoot the Taurus 709 Slim for the first time and
think it is a good gun for the money. Very slim, compact and in
9MM!!!!!! It is not a Kahr P9 but for the cost it is a good buy.

Ruger

They intruduced the compact version of the SR9 the SR9c. About the
same size of the M&P and XD compacts. It comes with a standard flat
bottom magazine but has a finger extension in the case along with a
full size mag with a grip adaptor on it.
Shooting the compact was very comfortable with both the flat bottom
mag and one with the finger extention. Ruger reps told me they have
been working on the trigger in the SR9 series and it showed on the 9c.
It was the best trigger pull I have felt on an SR9 yet.

SIG Sauer

Shot the full size P250 in 9mm. Very nice. SIGis also shipping the
combo kits now with a full size firearm and an additional subcompact
grip, slide assy and mag.

Smith and Wesson

The new 2.5in barrelled J-frames are nice. More positive ejection and
the longer sight radius make them easier to shoot. Also available this
year will be 38spl J-frames with the cylinder machined to use full
moon clips for reloading. I guess now we will see M&P340’s being shot
in enhanced service revolver at IDPA marches. Asked but no mention
of one in 9mm yet (darn it)
The new M&P’s wil be available with night sights from Smith again and
are supposed to have an upgraded trigger like the M&P Pro.

Shot the Walther P380, nice shooting, would be great for the recoil
sensitive. The gun is a little large for a .380 which makes it a pussy
cat to shoot. Hope to see a compact version in the near future.

FNH

SCAR will be out in .308 shortly. That should be a hoot.
The 45 Tactical felt really good in the hand and shooting.

Winchester is expanding the PDX1 line of personal defence ammo. New .
380, .410 for the Judge and a 12ga with a slug and buckshot in the
same cartridge.

That is it for me. Hope to be hearing about more products in the next weeks
with the SHOT Show starting on Monday.

There is a great write up of the Gun Rights Radio Network this week on the AmmoLand website.  If you haven’t listened to any of the Podcasts you’re missing a lot of good information and don’t forget the GRRN forum where you can interact with all of the Podcasters and other listeners.

Our Podcast, The ProArms Podcast is on hiatus due to a server crash but is expected to be up and running in its new location just in time for the SHOT Show so stay tuned for more great news from the SHOT Show and then it’s back to our regular fortnightly podcasts.

This has been an exciting year for the team at ProArms and Johns Lawn Equipment. We really launched ProArms last
November with the move into the new building at Johns Lawn Equipment. The new building and the new business has been an
exhilarating experience to say the least. We have not been able to make as many of the local matches as we wanted with the adult
responsibility thing going on and the added work load, but we have been blessed in this venture. We have had a tremendous amount
of support from friends and the community.

I also want to thank all of you for your support both in the store, through the podcast and the forums. The support we have heard
thru the forums and your comments at the matches are all much appreciated. We hope we can continue to provide you with good products, good advice and hopefully good entertainment.

I personally want to thank some people that have made this venture possible:

Terri Strayer – She has put up with my short temper at times when things have not been just right, took on a lot of extra work that came along with the new business and the expansion of the Johns Lawn Equipment and been there to support me through everything that we have undertaken.

Mas Ayoob – His advice and mentoring in so many ways. He is such a wealth of knowledge it is unbelievable. Mas thank you.

Gail Pepin – Gail is the one that has taken care of all of the techno work. If it were not for Gail there would not be a ProArms podcast, website or blog. She has worked tirelessly to keep the podcast and all of techno stuff in order.

Herman Gunter – Herman is a long time friend who has mentored me in firearms, personal protection and life in general. Herman and I have spent many a Friday evening at the range shooting and solving all of the worlds problems. Herman is the one who introduced Terri and myself to Mas back in 1998 at the first class he taught in Live Oak.

Steve Denney – The manager of ProArms and the podcast host. He has put in a lot of extra time to get both of these endeavors going. Plus his knowledge of self defense. It all comes through at the counter of the store, in the concealed carry classes, the personal protection classes or at the range.

Chris Christian (GOF) – Everybody needs one. Chris has been the one that will grab me by the throat and stop me from going in the wrong direction. I know you have all heard he and I go back and forth during the podcasts. Exchanges like those can only happen between family and Chris is a brother to me.

I can not go into all of the things that these people mean to me in this short blog post, it would fill a book. These are not just friends these people are family.

From me and the entire ProArms Team

May all of your hits be down zero and all of your times be personal bests.
Stay safe and keep up the good fight.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

–
John Strayer
Johns Lawn Equipment Inc.
ProArms Inc
www.proarmsinc.com

The Pro Arms Podcast website (Podbean.com) has been down for at least a week, with no indication of when it will be functioning correctly again.  In the meantime, Gail is working on a new website for hosting the Podcast, so stay tuned.  For additional information, please check out the Pro Arms Podcast section of the GRRN Forums at:

Proverbs 27:17 — “Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

A good friend has coined the term “manly-man conversation”. We are privileged to have, from time to time, manly-men conversations. With all due respect to the Governator, manly-men conversations have nothing to do with the Governator’s so-called “girly-men.”

A manly-man conversation may be referred to in the following manner. “Ray and I were sitting around having a manly-man.” That statement lets all concerned know what we were doing. How do you do that? What were we doing? Why would anyone want to do that?

Let us answer the last question first. Many-men conversations are good for sharpening the countenances of friends. (The word countenance is used here in an old English manner. Your countenance is thus not only your face, but your entire manner of acting.) We all need to be sharper.

How do you have a manly-man, and what do you do? Manly-men conversations cannot be held under tight time constraints. You must be willing to spend the time to do a proper “sharpening” job. The conversation may wind across a number of subjects casually linked by stream of consciousness and willingness to hear and be heard. It is not a debate, but a true information gathering and sharing excursion. The subject of the conversation may be generally related to a weapons nexus, though it expands to apply to all life matters.

You may wish to begin with guns and which is best and why. Moving on to competition, you may wander through the subject of what Mas Ayoob or other gurus are testing and how this may be helpful. You may also discuss what you and others are learning from your shooting and carrying. Manly-man may progress through Lethal Force Institute classes and other training classes taken or wished upon. You may talk about safes, safe-keeping, and various armpits of the world that the conversant participants have traversed. You may bring to bear blog, book and magazine references. Generally the main stream media will only be the subject of passing derision.

Manly-men conversations pierce to areas of the soul because they deal with matters where people are truly interested. They are manly in mind and thought process since they must be entered with a willingness to free exchange, but with some expectation of proper confidentiality.

The shocking thing about manly-men conversations is that women may participate. (Under the warpaint, ladies need to have their faces sharpened also. Since we are gentlemen, that is as far as we may go.) The generally conservative, independent, and freedom oriented thought processes of the manly-man conversation will require the cessation of touchy-feely stuff. When you dispense with sloppy sentimentality, you may then joyously deal with serious matters.

You may have benefited from manly-man conversations for many years. Now, if someone asks you, you may be able to put a name to that which you have been doing. If you have not been the beneficiary of such a conversation, take the time to begin the manly-man journey. You will enjoy the service of sharpening up your friend(s) while you are being made sharper by them.

About two months ago the kind folks at Springfield Armory sent Mas a test pistol.
This was not just one of the new off the shelf firearms but one of the XDm’s that had been worked over by the custom shop.

By now most should know my nickname has been changed from Glock Boy to the XD Kid. I have really taken to the Xd and XDm line of pistols. This Custom Shop specimen was a real sweetheart.
Mas or should I say Gail allowed me to borrow this pistol while they were away at some classes.
This was also a mistake on my part.

After shooting the customized XDm to get use to the trigger pull (3.2 to 3.5 lbs) I ran some drills with it. Shooting an IDPA classifier with a standard XDM 9mm, then reshooting it with the Custom Shop gun, I shaved 4 full seconds off the previous run.

This is where the money comes in. When Gail DEMANDED I return the gun. I stalled for two whole days, then with the threat of bodily harm I begrudgingly returned the pistol. But I could not live without one of these.

A quick phone call to the Springfield Armory Custom Shop, and the process was underway. I sent my XDm 9 to the custom shop and two weeks later it was returned. Customized and ready to go with some personal touches. For just a little flair I had blue flames added to the slide.
This is the pistol in the picture from the post on the Jacksonville match.

I am not going to say how much the work cost, but it was worth every penny, and now I have my own match XDm.

Be careful when friends or others ask you if you want to try their gun. Sometimes someone just being nice, allowing you to try something a little different can separate you from your hard earned money.

That being said, Damn I love this new XDm!!

Until Next Time
The XD Kid