History of the Ruger Pistol

Although primarily known for its long guns, the Ruger line of pistols extends back to the founding of the company.

Officially the Strum, Ruger, & Co., Ruger was founded in 1949, which makes it somewhat of a newcomer to the American gun maker scene. Despite being founded by Alexander Strum and William Ruger on $50,000, Ruger is now a public company worth $1B today.

Ruger is the largest gun manufacturer in the United States today, having produced 1.67 million guns in 2015, including revolvers, pistols, rifles, and shotguns. By comparison, in the same timeframe, Smith & Wesson produced 1.47 million guns.

Long guns make up the majority of Ruger’s sales, but their line of pistols makes up 38 percent of their firearm sales in 2016.

Beginning with a .22

Despite rifles making up the largest portion of gun sales for Ruger, the company was founded on its pistol. In 1949, when Ruger opened its doors, it started with only one product – a rimfire semi-automatic .22-caliber pistol designed by William Ruger himself. This became the inaugural member of the MK line.

The first of these pistols shipping in early October of 1949, and by the end of the year the company had shipped over eleven hundred guns, with five thousand more on back order by February of the next year. Demand only increased, and by the middle of 1950 Ruger was producing one thousand pistols a month with nine thousand more on back order.

Even before the .22 was launched, Ruger was considering expanding their line to include a target pistol. He hired John “Jack” Boudreau, a self-taught gunsmith and successful target shooter since 1932. Boudreau held a patent for an Olympic-style Free pistol and had proved the Ruger pistol made for an excellent target gun by winning several matches with it in September of 1949.

The Ruger .22 remains the bestselling autoloading pistol in its caliber, having produced and sold more than two million to date.

The Centerfire Addition

It took almost 40 years for Ruger to add a centerfire pistol to its product line. In 1987, the company released the P-Series, starting with the P85 9mm. Since its release the P-Series has continued to evolve and improve, living up to Ruger’s expectations that their products would be so good he’d “want to own one, even if it was made by the competition”.

Following on the heels of the P-Series, Ruger has produced the LC9 and LCP, with the LC standing for “Lightweight Compact”. The LC9 is a 9mm recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol featuring a locked breech, a loaded chamber indicator, and a magazine disconnect safety.

The LC380 was introduced by the company at the 2008 SHOT show. It’s a tiny, ultra-light pistol making it ideal for concealed carry and as a police backup weapon.

Ruger has since introduced a number of additional auto and semi-auto pistol lines, including the SR-series with a 9mm entrant in 2007 and a .40 caliber version in 2010. In 2011, the company introduced the SR1911, modeled after the famous Colt M1911. In 2015, Ruger released the American Pistol, a semi-auto that uses a Browning-type locked breech short recoil action.

The article History of the Ruger Pistol originally appeared on Clipdraw

The History of the XD Pistol

The XD is a fairly recent edition when compared to some of its counterparts, such as the 1911 and the Ruger. Despite being a modern addition, the XD has an interesting and varied past. Based off of a Croatian pistol, the XD was adapted and has evolved to meet the needs of the U.S. market.

An Inauspicious Beginning

The path to the development of the XD pistol had its humble beginnings in eastern Europe. It’s foundations tie back to a service pistol from Croatia known as the PHP. This sidearm, initially created by industrial parts manufacturer I. M. Metal, was first produced in 1991.

While the design was solid, it was challenging to manufacture anything during the early 90s in the midst of the Yugoslav War. The result was a pistol that had promise, but initially experienced issues in quality.

The designer, Marko Vukovic, and his team continued to make improvements to the weapon over time. There were two later releases of the PHP – the HS95 in 1995, and in 1999 the release of the HS2000.

Adoption in Europe

Thanks to the improvements developed over the ten years since it’s initial release, the HS2000 became a reliable, well-made pistol. In fact, the increases in quality lead to both the Croatian military and Croatian law enforcement to adopt the handgun as the standard issue sidearm for officers and military personnel.

The Move West

Despite its success in eastern Europe, the HS2000 experienced challenges in the move to the lucrative U.S. market. Initially sold as only a 9mm, the pistol was considered cheap by American gun enthusiasts, and the $200 price point didn’t help to shake that perception. The pistol saw limited success in its first few years in the U.S.

But in 2002, Springfield Armory, Inc., acquired the licensing rights to the HS2000. Re-branding the handgun as the X-treme Duty 9x19mm Parabellum – or the XD-9 – the handgun began to catch the interest of the American market.

The XD Evolves

Since then, Springfield Armory has continued to evolve and expand the line of the XD series.

Initially, ten models were added to the XD family. This included the inclusion of 3 separate calibers, the introduction of multiple colors and finishes, as well as supporting 5 different cartridges, and offering 7 barrel lengths.

The improvements and re-branding paid off, and in 2006 the XD-45 was recognized by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence and American Rifleman as the Handgun of the Year, while in 2009 that distinction went to the XD(M).

Springfield has continued to evolve and improve the pistol since then, creating new lines and features to the approval of gun enthusiasts and concealed carry owners. For instance, in 2012, significant fail-safe editions and other features were introduced in the XD-S line, with a 9mm pistol added to the S series in 2013. Sights were also upgraded, and the grip was improved to include anti-slip surfaces and aggressive texturing where needed.

Despite humble and even difficult beginnings, the pistol we now know as the XD has proven itself as favorite, thanks to flexible choices and good design. It’s clear why this pistol has received multiple awards and appeals to many gun owners.

Purchase your Clipdraw for XD here.

The article The History of the XD Pistol originally appeared on Clipdraw

History of the 1911 Pistol

With a long history and a storied past, the M1911 pistol is arguably the most influential handgun in the modern era of firearms. Designed by John Browning and developed by Colt, the M1911 was the self-loading answer to multiple requirements for a modern sidearm by the U.S. military at the turn of the century.

A Design Driven by Need

As the 19^th century was drawing to a close, the U.S. military found itself involved in a number of conflicts – first the Spanish American War and, as a result, the Philippine-American War. As the U.S. military engaged with the Moro guerrillas, they found that the M1892 revolver didn’t have the stopping power needed for the close warfare of a jungle campaign.

The U.S. military set out to find a new standard issue pistol, one that was self-loading, reliable, and be a minimum .45 caliber. In 1906, six designs were submitted for consideration and three were eliminated quickly. Re-designs of the remaining three pistols, from Savage, Colt, and DMW, were requested, but only Savage and Colt submitted new weapons for consideration.

Testing and refinement of the weapons continued from 1907 to 1911. The most telling success was a test conducted at the end of 1910, in which 6,000 rounds were put through a single pistol. A widely acknowledge story from that test was when the Colt firearm became hot during the tests, it was simply immersed in water to cool. The Savage was reported to have 37 defects coming out of the firing test. The M1911 had none.

The Beginning of the 1911 in Combat

On March 29, 1911, the Colt design was adopted by the U.S. Army as its service weapon, and in 1913 the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps followed suit.

The timing of adoption couldn’t have been better, providing military troops with a self-loading and reliable sidearm just in time for two important conflicts – the Punitive Expedition to capture Pancho Villa in 1916, and U.S.’s entry into World War I.

While the Punitive Expedition failed in its task of catching Villa, it did introduce many future military leaders, such as George S. Patton, to the use of the M1911 in combat. But the irrefutable proof of the pistol’s success in what it was designed for – short range stopping power – was shown in the trenches of WWI.

Manufacturing of the pistol was expanded from Colt’s factory and the U.S. government’s Springfield Armory to include contracts to Remington and North American Arms Company.

Following WWI, the firearm saw additional improvements to the design. An arched mainspring housing, ergonomic improvements, a shorter trigger, and improved sights were added and became the M1911A1.

Following its success in these military campaigns, many law enforcement officers began to adopt the M1911. The U.S. Border patrol, FBI, the Prohibition Service, and the Texas Rangers were among the most well known of the agencies who began using the pistol.

The 1911 in Modern Wars

As the U.S join World War II in late 1941, the standard firearm for the service men and women in the military was the M1911. During this time, nearly 3 million pistols were produced. The weapon continued to play an important role in additional conflicts of the 20^th century, including the Korean War and Vietnam.

In 1985, the U.S. military replaced the M1911 with the M9 9mm pistol as the standard sidearm, but the same challenges experienced with the smaller caliber in 1902 remained, and the military once again turned to the M1911 as a service arm.

In the post-war United States, the M1911 became the practice and competition firearm of choice for many recreational shooters. As the popularity of the 1911 increased for competition shooting and personal safety, so did the market for accessories and custom gunsmithing. Several recent trends, including concealed carry, have rekindled interest in the M1911.

With over 100 years under its belt, it is undeniable that the M1911 has cemented its place in history. From military usage to modern competition and concealed carry, Browning’s design remains a reliable choice.

To carry your weaponwith a slim IWB profile, buy a Clipdraw for 1911.

The article History of the 1911 Pistol originally appeared on Clipdraw

History of the Glock

Many of today’s most popular pistol companies have long histories. Glock is one of the exceptions to that rule. A relative newcomer to the space, Glock combined new ideas with the staples of engineering knowledge to produce a pistol that would impact the entire handgun industry.

A Beginning Without Guns

Glock KG was founded in 1963 by Austrian engineer Gaston Glock. Glock at this point was already a successful businessman with experience in injection molding.

Within only a few short years, in the early 1970s, Glock was manufacturing military equipment, including grenade casings, machine gun belt links, and field knives. Gaston Glock was also asking his military contacts what they wanted most from a firearm.

The list was daunting. They wanted a pistol that was reliable and durable. They wanted something that would be easy to learn. They also wanted something that was simple to fire. And they were looking for a weapon that would have a larger ammunition capacity than current options.

A Military Request

In 1980, Glock received a formal invitation to create a new service pistol. Taking the requests of his contacts into consideration, the G17 was developed. The sidearm used a new 3-party internal safety system that was revolutionary to the industry and included the trigger, drop safeties, and firing pin.

Understanding that simplicity is key to reliability, Glock developed the pistol with, on average, only 35 parts. With fewer parts to clean or wear, the gun was durable and easy to maintain.

Other requirements from the Austrian government included being lightweight with a hammer-forged barrel. To address this, Glock designed the handgun with a polymer frame. The weapon also offered a 17-round capacity.

Thanks to these innovations, the Glock pistol was adopted as the Austrian Army’s standard service pistol in 1983.

Global Adoption

Shortly after it’s incorporation into the Austrian military’s usage, the G17 went through NATO durability testing and passed with flying colors. This set the stage for it to become the preferred pistol of international law enforcement agencies.

It was also at this time and because of its proven durability that the Norwegian Army accepted the Glock as the sidearm of choice for its service men and women.

The Move to the United States

Following its successes in Europe, Glock made the move to the United States in 1986. The features which made the G17 attractive to European military and international law enforcement caught the eye of U.S. police departments.

The gun came to the U.S. at exactly the right time. Law enforcement across the U.S. was feeling the pressures of addressing an increasing and aggressive drug trade in the 80s, and the pistol gave police an advantage that they were missing. Not only did it have a larger capacity than their standard sidearm, but the ease of use, consistent trigger action, and light weight resulted in officers finding the weapon easy to learn while also increasing their marksmanship.

With law enforcement in the U.S. switching to Glock pistols, the gun became a well-known, and therefore, attractive option for the civilian market.

The late 80s also saw more improvements to the pistol. The second generation of the Glock was released in 1988, with more calibers being added to the lineup. The G19 Compact and the G17L Competition pistols were also introduced that year.

A Boost from Popular Culture

As the Glock became popular with seasoned professionals, the entertainment industry began to feature the pistol in films. The year 1990 was a big year for the Glock in popular culture. First, the pistol appeared in on the TV Show Law and Order. Later that same year, Bruce Willis’s character, John McClain, used the weapon in Die Hard 2, cementing the pistol as a fixture in popular culture.

As the 1990s progressed, Glock added additional pistols to their line. Additional models were introduced throughout the 90s, expanding the caliber and capacity of the Glock pistols to answer the demands of a wider audience. The Glock 17T is also introduced during these years, providing law enforcement the equipment it needed to safely train.

The third generation of Glock pistols was introduced in 1998, with a rail for adding accessories such as tactical lights and lasers. Advancements continued on the pistols, including the addition of the G36 Slimline in 1999, and safety and regulatory additions like integrated key locks in 2001.

By 2007, less than 40 years after being adopted as the Austrian Army’s service weapon, Glock had sold more than 5 million pistols worldwide, and today, Glock continues to improve and evolve their pistols.

For the slimmest possible IWB concealed carry, buy a Clipdraw for Glocks.

The article History of the Glock originally appeared on Clipdraw

Sharp Dressed Man – Concealed Carry When You Need to Look Good

Casual days make it easy to conceal carry your gun. A sweatshirt or sweater, jacket, or even an untucked t-shirt or button down keeps just about any way you carry your weapon under wraps.

But what about when you’re getting dressed up? Whether it’s for work or for a night out, looking polished shouldn’t mean you can go without protection. But a tucked in dress shirt hardly provides the coverage you need for most concealed holsters. And wearing a suit coat for an entire day can be uncomfortable and, depending on the time of year, hot.

There are ways to carry your gun without showing it to the world even when dressed in a suit or simply khakis and a tucked in polo. IWB concealed carry wearing business casual attire can be easier than you think if you have the right product!

Check out our solutions:

• Clipdraw Selection Guide
• Trigger Safety Products

Garment Over Top

While wearing a jacket all of the time might not be realistic, there may be instances where you’ll only be dressed up for a short period of time. In these cases, it may be completely reasonable to use your Clipdraw and don a sports coat or blazer to hide your gun.

Another option for very dressy occasions, or for business dress, is to consider a vest. Button down vests are a common garment for formal occasions, but many men wear vests as a regular accessory. A vest may also help to conceal your weapon, but make sure to spend time practicing your draw with this slightly more constricting garment on.

Another option if you’ll be wearing your jacket 100% of the time is to consider a shoulder holster. However, a shoulder holster may cause more problems than it solves. Most people are unfamiliar with carrying their weapon this way, and more importantly, have little practice in drawing their gun from this location. Without practice, owners run the risk of pointing the gun at themselves or accidentally pointing it at others while they draw from a shoulder holster. Without a lot of practice, this type of carry isn’t recommended.

Make Room at the Waist

More realistically, though, you’ll want to wear your weapon in such a way that you can remove your jacket throughout the day or go without something like a vest. Even in these instances, you have options.

One option is to use an inside the waistband holster that also allows you to tuck in your shirt. These “tucker” holsters provide the option to tuck your shirt in over your gun, but behind the clips.  You’ll want to make sure to purchase pants large enough to accommodate the extra bulk of the gun and holster at the waist and wear shirts with extra room so that they can be bloused over the clips.

This type of carry can be safer than the shoulder holster but still requires practice. Drawing your weapon means using your support hand to untuck your shirt while you draw with your strong hand. While this may sound complicated, with practice you will be able to get your draw down to under 2 seconds.

Another option is a pocket carry. However, a pocket carry may limit your choice of weapons you can carry, since a pocket holster and gun may produce a bulge if they are too large.

For safety sake, it is important with a pocket carry to use a holster designed for this purpose and not just place the weapon in your pocket. You should also plan for that to be the only item in the pocket. Accidents can and have happened to people who have reached for a wallet or keys in the same pocket their weapon was stored in.

It will take a little more planning but carrying a concealed weapon while wearing dress clothes or simply a tucked in shirt is achievable. Whichever method you decide to use, practice will be the most important thing you do to ensure safety and your peace of mind.

Add a Saf-T-Blok for extra safety:

The article Sharp Dressed Man – Concealed Carry When You Need to Look Good originally appeared on Clipdraw

ClipDraw Offers New Custom Engraved Products

Gift giving can be a challenge, especially for men. Under normal circumstances, it’s hard to decide what they will like, how much to spend, or even where to begin.

The stakes are raised when you’re shopping for someone special, or the gift is for a particularly meaningful occasion. Best friend’s big birthday? A gift for your best man? A thank you for the man who raised you? These can put extra pressure on finding the perfect item.

ClipDraw is here to help. With our new line of custom engraved products, it’s easy to find that special gift that speaks to how important the receiver is to you, no matter what the occasion. We’ve got you covered for Father’s Day, an anniversary, for groomsman’s gifts, and even for no reason at all.

We know it can be hard to choose, though, so we’ve put together a few suggestions to help make your choices easier.

For the Outdoorsman

Outdoorsmen have a myriad of tools, toys, and gear that they need. Campers need tents and cooking equipment. Hunters want calls and blinds. And anglers hope for lures and reels.

But one thing that every outdoorsman needs is a high-quality pocket knife. And they will all tell you that they have different knives for different purposes.

Makes sure that they have one that reminds them of you forever. With a custom engraved knife, they will think of you and appreciate the gift every time they use it, whether that is to cut their line free from a tangled hook or slice an apple for a quick snack on the trail.

Engraved Black Folding Pocket Knife

For the Handyman

Whether working on their car, doing a DIY home repair or improvement, or building something new, a handyman uses a lot of specialized tools. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room in his tool chest for a multitool.

Our 10-function stainless steel multitool is perfect in the garage or in their pocket. Have it engraved with “World’s Greatest Dad”, “Thanks for being there”, a meaningful date, or anything else that will set this tool apart for your gift recipient.

Custom Engraved 10 Function Stainless Steel Multi Tool

For Mr. Prepared – or Mr. Unprepared

Some people seem to be ready for any situation, inspiring confidence in friends and family. Others we loveably acknowledge their shortcomings, seemingly forgetful or unprepared at the best of times.

Regardless of which camp your intended recipient falls into, they will appreciate a mini Maglite flashlight, engraved with a special message.

The ultra prepared will appreciate the thoughtful gift, as well as the extra lamp stored in the tail cap. It’s water and shock resistant, making it perfect no matter when or where the need arises.

Your less prepared friend or family member will love this light, too. The beautiful case allows them to keep it close for emergencies. Plus, it comes with two AA batteries so that it can be used immediately – even if your gift recipient doesn’t have any on hand.

Engraved Flashlight

For Always Being Remembered

Some people and some occasions call for something a little more special than others. If you’re also buying that special gift for someone who loves the practical, choosing the right item can be anxiety-inducing.

Take the anxiety out of gift giving with our beautiful silicone band bracelet. This bracelet has a fully adjustable band to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The stainless steel plate can be engraved with messages of support, love, quotes, or even bear important medical information. It’s as perfect for the crafts or tradesman as it is for the corner office.

The article ClipDraw Offers New Custom Engraved Products originally appeared on Clipdraw

Appendix Carry – Why Clipdraw is Superior

One question to consider when conceal carrying your weapon is how you plan to carry it.

Will you carry inside your waistband, behind the hip?

Or in a shoulder holster?

As you think through your options, you might also want to consider an appendix carry with Clipdraw.

What’s Appendix Carry?

Thinks of every cowboy and action movie you’ve ever seen. Sure, the cowboys carry a weapon in a thigh holster, the action heroes behind their hip in their waistband.

But when they are in a pinch? They tuck that handgun into their waistband in front. That’s appendix carry.

With your gun tucked in the front, it’s easily accessible and quick to draw. It’s also fairly well concealed under an untucked t-shirt, polo, or button down.

However, this has been a polarizing topic. Proponents strenuously defend the method, while others claim it isn’t safe or comfortable. We’re here to look at the truth.

Clipdraw Pistol Draw Demonstration

Is it Safe?

Critics of appendix carry often talk about how it’s not a safe location. And it’s true that, should your weapon accidentally discharge, the damage done could be significant.

This position points your holstered weapon at your thigh, and as any student of human anatomy will tell you, the thigh is where you keep one of the biggest blood vessels in your body – the femoral artery. This large artery supplies blood to your legs, and damage to it can be fatal.

We have to remember, however, that anywhere you carry your firearm, if not handled with care and safety, can be dangerous to you or someone in your immediate area.

The measure of safety of a carry position is in how you handle the weapon.

For instance, an accidental discharge of the weapon can be prevented in any carry position by following the rule to keep your finger away from the trigger until your gun is pointed down range.

This falls under proper handling and eliminates one of the factors that could cause your weapon to go off unintentionally while carried in the inside front of your waistband.

Concerns around the trigger being pulled while holstered is also a matter of common sense gun safety. Using a trigger guard or lock will prevent the trigger from accidentally being pulled.

Is it Comfortable?

The answer to this question is different for everyone and has largely to do with body type and how much you plan on sitting or bending over while your gun is holstered.

Most people who find appendix IWB to be comfortable are those that don’t have a lot else taking up space in their waistband. Or, to be blunt, the more slender you are, the more comfortable this carry position is for you.

But waist size isn’t the only component to consider for comfort.

Given where the weapon sits in a front carry position, many find sitting uncomfortable and bending over – say, to tie your shoes – downright painful.

The only way to know if this position is comfortable for you is to try it.

1911 Draw Demonstration

Benefits of Appendix Carry

The biggest question, of course, is why would you consider holstering your weapon this way at all. Carrying your weapon in the front of your waistband has several advantages.

The jury is divided when it comes to draw speed. Detractors of the carry style say that moving your clothing to pull from the waist slows you down.

Supporters claim that the gun is easier and quicker to grab, especially in tight quarters.

There is also a protection factor. It’s easier to protect your firearm from someone trying to grab it when it’s in front of you than when it is situated behind your hip.

The usefulness and comfort of IWB carry is largely a personal choice. If you’ve tried it before and found it to be uncomfortable or inconvenient, you may want to give it another try with a holster specifically designed for front of the waistband concealment.

You might find that with the right equipment, appendix carry lets you enjoy the multiple benefits it offers.

Helpful Guides:

• Clipdraw Selection Guide
• Clipdraw Models

The article Appendix Carry – Why Clipdraw is Superior originally appeared on Clipdraw

Enhanced Carry Permit Allows Guns in Arkansas Capital, Bars, and Churches

New enhanced concealed carry permits became available in early 2018 in Arkansas, allowing permit holders to carry on university campuses, churches, bars, and the state Capital building.

What is especially unique about the permit process is it makes Arkansas the first state to require active shooter training as part of the process. Requirements for the enhanced permit include a course that includes instruction on what to do in an active shooter situation as well as a live-fire exam.

The license training was designed by the Arkansas State police, with the intent of preventing a permit holder from increasing the chaos at the scene of a shooting. With the training, responsible permit holders wouldn’t create a more confusing scene for responders.

Speaking about the thoughts behind the development of the enhanced training, Arkansas State Police spokesman Bill Sadler said, “The licensee must be able to egress from the active shooter situation and not necessarily become someone who is going to act as a law enforcement officer might.”

The active shooter classes can only be attended after achieving a 70% hit accuracy on a stationary paper target in a live fire exam. In the six-hour training class, students are instructed to understand that, even during an active shooter situation, their weapon is a last resort.

Nathan House, an enhanced permit instructor, told applicants in classes this year that they should concentrate first on running and help others escape. “Make them come to you,” House told the class. “If that active shooter decides that they want to come into that room where you are at, then you are prepared to defend yourself.”

Some privately-owned buildings have been designated “sensitive places”. These include bars and churches. The owners of these establishments have the option of not honoring the law. If a church decides that a permit holder can’t carry in their building, the gun owner must follow their wishes.

Republican state Representative Charlie Collins sponsored the bill that passed last spring that allows for the enhanced permits. He strongly believes that Arkansas will be safer with guns in the hands of the right people. In the event of an attack, Collins says “You have the potential for one of these enhanced concealed-carry holders to literally be on scene, and to be able to draw a weapon and shoot back.”

The article Enhanced Carry Permit Allows Guns in Arkansas Capital, Bars, and Churches originally appeared on Clipdraw

In Wisconsin? Be Aware of Recent Safe Transport Ruling

If you’re a resident of the state of Wisconsin or will be traveling to or through there with your firearm under a reciprocity agreement, you need to be aware of a recent controversial Wisconsin State Supreme Court ruling.

Gun rights advocates used the 2014 arrest of Brian Grandberry to draw attention to potentially conflicting wording between two laws in the state – the Concealed Carry Statute and the Safe Transport Statute.

Grandberry was stopped while driving in Milwaukee. He was asked at the time if he had a weapon and indicated that in the glove compartment there was a loaded .45 High Point. According to the Safe Transport Statute, a handgun may be transported loaded and uncased. Other weapons must be unloaded, or in the case of a bow, unstrung, and transported in a case.

He also informed the officers that he had a concealed carry permit. However, the officers were unable to find a record of Grandberry’s permit. He then admitted that he had taken the appropriate course but hadn’t applied for the permit yet. He was convicted of a misdemeanor for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.

Gun advocates, however, encouraged Grandberry to appeal the ruling. Because the Safe Transport Statute allows for having a loaded, uncased gun a vehicle without specifying the need for a concealed carry permit they argued that Grandberry was within his rights to have the gun in his glove compartment.

Grandberry argued that because he was following the stipulations in the Safe Transport Statute and wasn’t actually “carrying” the weapon, he was in compliance with the law.

Unfortunately for him and for other gun advocates, the appeals courts and the Supreme Court of Wisconsin agreed with the lower court’s ruling, but not without controversy.

The majority ruled that the two statutes were not in conflicted and that Grandberry could have complied with the law by putting his gun out of reach or by completing the process to obtain his CCW permit. However, there was both a concurring opinion and a dissenting opinion filed with the ruling.

In the dissenting opinion, Justice Rebecca Bradley stated that the application, in this case, was unconstitutionally ambiguous. As a result, she felt that Granberry’s conviction should have been overturned.

In the concurring opinion, Justice Daniel Kelly said the court came to the correct ruling, but that the two statutes created a gray area that was unnecessary.

The outcome means one thing for gun owners, though. If you transport your weapon in Wisconsin and you don’t have a CCW permit that is recognized by the state, you’re better off complying with the letter of the law and not the spirit.

The article In Wisconsin? Be Aware of Recent Safe Transport Ruling originally appeared on Clipdraw

Teachers Around the Country Are Participating in Concealed Carry Classes

Given recent events, it’s not surprising that educators across the country are looking for ways to protect themselves and their students. This week we round up stories throughout the United States about teachers and concealed carry.

Free Concealed Carry Classes for Teachers

A number of states have seen gun ranges offer free concealed carry training classes for teachers.

In Illinois, On Target Range in Crystal Lake, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, is offering their two-day course for free to teachers. The range announced the offering on Tuesday, March 13^th. According to On Target’s director, Thomas Dorsch, 50 teachers signed up in the first 24 hours.

“It’s a telltale sign of what the teachers want,” he said. “They want to protect themselves and they want to protect their kids.”

The Armory KC in Missouri has also offered up a free class for teachers. The class teaches firearm safety, defensive techniques, and instruction on the carry laws as written for the state. Graduates from the course receive their concealed carry certification.

But despite announcing the free course on their Facebook page a month ago, only one teacher has signed up. Store co-owner Chad Reed believes that may be because teachers are prohibited from carrying in the classroom.

“Right now, federal law prohibits them from carrying in the classroom. But I suspect we could see that change in the future,” said Reed. “And when it does, I want them to be ready to do that.”

The Orem police department in Utah also offered a free class to teachers and administrators. The class concentrates on gun safety, but Orem officers said they would like to offer a class about active shooter tactics in the future.

New Bill to Allow Concealed Carry for Teachers in Louisiana

A controversial bill is being drafted in Louisiana that would allow teachers and other school employees the ability to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds and in classrooms.

Allowing armed teachers would be up to the school board for each district. The educators would be held to the same concealed carry standards as other citizens, including annual eight-hour tactics and safety class.

While some lawmakers were against the bill, others were willing to consider it under certain circumstances. East Baton Rouge School Board President David Tatman felt teacher and educator training would need to go further than current concealed carry training does. “I think it’s got to be a specific type of training, that how do you handle that situation on campus,” he said.

The article Teachers Around the Country Are Participating in Concealed Carry Classes originally appeared on Clipdraw

Albuquerque Woman, Daughter Rescued by Armed Bystander

On February 18^th, 2018, Albuquerque hotel owner Xiao Gong was driving her 20-year old daughter to the airport when her vehicle was struck by another car while at an intersection.

It was no accident Qian Ming, 66, ran into Gong’s truck. Ming, Gong’s estranged husband, intended to stop the vehicle so he could attack the women inside it.

Once stopped, Ming exited his car carrying a gun and shot at least once into the truck with the women in it, striking the daughter in the shoulder. Ming then pulled his daughter from the car and began brutally beating her in the head and face with his gun.

Witnessing the incident was a 34-year old Uber driver who stopped to help. The unnamed man, a 12-year National Guard veteran, approached Gong’s truck with his own gun and order Ming to stop the attack.

Instead of stopping, Ming turned his weapon on the man, who then shot and killed Ming.

The bystander cooperated with police when he was taken in for questioning and was later released. The guardsman stated he was in fear of his life when Ming turned his weapon from his daughter to the bystander, and that he was also concerned for the welfare of Gong and her daughter.

While the district attorney will have the final say, the police are not charging the man at this time, instead hailing him as a hero how may have prevented a more serious incident.

“In my 19 years of experience, I would say that those two females would have been dead if he hadn’t stepped in and took action,” Police spokesman Simon Drobik said. “To say the least, this guy prevented possibly a double homicide. That’s what we could have on our hands tonight.”

The mother also acknowledged the seriousness of the situations. “He saved our lives,” Gong told investigators at the hospital, according to Drobik.

The article Albuquerque Woman, Daughter Rescued by Armed Bystander originally appeared on Clipdraw

Concealed Carry Owner in Utah Saves Officer – Without Firing a Shot

If there was ever a need for a textbook example of how to help an officer in danger, Derek Meyer has given us one.

While driving in Springville, Utah on Saturday, February 3^rd, 2018, Meyer witnessed an incident in progress that made him turn his car around.

A Utah police officer confronted a man whom he witnessed rummaging around in a local donation bin. The unidentified officer confronted Paul Douglas Anderson, who exited the donation box but refused to remove his hands from his pockets at the officer’s request.

When Anderson finally complied, he is reported to have balled up his fists and began beating the officer, punching him repeatedly in the face. It was this physical altercation that Meyer saw.

Meyer admits that he owns a gun and his concealed carry license for the purpose of protecting other people.

“I carry a gun to protect me and those around me, but primarily I carry a gun to protect my family first and foremost,” Meyer said. “Outside of that, if I were to use my gun to protect anyone, it would be law enforcement or military personnel.”

Meyer arrived on the scene as Anderson was continuing to pummel the officer about the face. Meyer exited his car, aimed it at the assailant, and ordered him to stop. Anderson did, but also took the opportunity to run. Meyer did not shoot and did not pursue.

Several local agencies assisted in the search for Anderson, who was found roughly 30 minutes later hiding under a flatbed trailer. He was transported to jail and charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, burglary, theft, and failing to stop at the command of an officer.

The officer was treated at a local hospital for lacerations on his face and a fractured eye socket. Cpl. Cory Waters of the Springville PD acknowledged that Meyer’s rapid response may have saved the officer’s life, and certainly prevented more extensive injuries.

“Had he not been in the right place at the right time, who knows what would have happened,” Waters said. “But he definitely stopped the attack from continuing and becoming much worse. He might have even saved either one of their lives. It could have gone really bad, even for the suspect.”

Meyer’s didn’t do it for the attention, just to help the officer. But he is sharing his story as an example. “There aren’t enough good stories from responsible, gun-owning people,” Meyer said.

The article Concealed Carry Owner in Utah Saves Officer – Without Firing a Shot originally appeared on Clipdraw

Arkansas’s Opens New Enhanced Concealed Carry Instructor’s Exam

Last Wednesday marks the first day that Arkansas instructors could take the new state test required for teaching the class needed to obtain a concealed carry license.

Passing this new test will qualify these instructors to teach the enhanced permit classes, needed to carry weapons previously restricted, such as college campuses, churches, and other public buildings. They cannot teach the enhanced class until they have passed the new exam. However, the test will be required for all instructors in the state to continue to provide classes for all concealed carry levels.

Dozens of instructors came to the Arkansas State Police Headquarters on January 24^th to take the new test. Some instructors wanted to be able to offer the enhanced class to their students sooner, while others wanted to get the test out of the way, knowing they would eventually be required to take it.

“I wanted to go ahead and get it done so I’d be able to offer this sooner than later,” Instructor Elka King said.

The new enhanced license will have greater requirements, and the state’s true-false test is meant to help those teaching these skills show their knowledge in these areas.

To begin with, the new class has increased shooting training and competency requirements. Applicants must fire 50 rounds each at targets at 3 yards, 7 yards, and 15 yards. There will also be active shooter training included as part of the enhanced licensing requirements.

“There’s training that’s going to be required on emerging events that’s really geared around active shooter, active shooter threats and how you manage that,” instructor Jody Box said.

Instructors have until July 1^st to take the new test. “The law says if you’re going to remain an instructor you have to take the enhanced conceal carry test and you have to offer enhanced training,” Instructor Carl Burdine said.

Failure to do so means their instructor certification will not be renewed. Those taking the test must score at a 40 on the 50-question exam, getting at least 80% of the questions correct, to pass.

The article Arkansas’s Opens New Enhanced Concealed Carry Instructor’s Exam originally appeared on Clipdraw

Man Shot, Killed in Attempted Robbery of Concealed Carry Owner

Christmas Eve is usually filled with hustle and bustle and last-minute running around. For one 31-year old man on the south side of Chicago, it also meant protecting himself from a would-be robber with his concealed weapon.

The man, who police would not identify, was leaving a store in a strip mall in the 1200 block of South Jackson in Chicago’s Loop at about 6:15 PM on December 24^th when he was allegedly approached by 37-year-old Corey Haggard. Haggard pulled out a gun and announced his intent to rob the man, demanding his money.

After Haggard stole the man’s property, the 31-year-old pulled out his own gun and shot Haggard in the chest before he could flee with the man’s belongings.

Haggard was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County, only minutes away from where the shooting took place. The medical examiner reported that Haggard was pronounced dead at 11:37 PM on Monday, December 25^th.  An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.

Haggard had lived in the Lawndale area of Chicago before the incident.

Police have opened a death investigation. The robbery victim has a valid concealed carry permit from the state of Indiana.

However, this may prove to be a complication for the 31-year-old man. While Indiana is open to concealed carry permit holders from other states within their borders, Illinois famously is not.

As the 50^th state to allow a concealed carry permit, Illinois shares no reciprocity agreements with any other states. To legally carry a concealed weapon in Illinois, you must have an Illinois issued permit.

Indiana, on the other hand, accepts permits issued in Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and New Hampshire. Twenty-nine other states accept Indiana’s permit. While Illinois does not recognize Indiana permits, other Midwest states, such as Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan, do.

Because of the lack of reciprocity, the robbery victim may face challenges with the Illinois court system, if not for the shooting, then possibly for illegally carrying a concealed weapon according to state laws. No charges have yet been filed.

The article Man Shot, Killed in Attempted Robbery of Concealed Carry Owner originally appeared on Clipdraw

Delaware Residents Sue, Win for Right to Carry in State Parks

Since the 1960s and 1970s, it has been illegal to carry a gun onto the ground of state parks or forests in Delaware. But all that changed on Thursday, December 7^th, 2017.

Calling the rules unconstitutional, Delaware’s Supreme Court lifted the more than 50-year-old ban.

The court made its decision based on the precedent set by a case involving the Wilmington Housing Authority.  That case, in which the rules of the housing authority prevented residents from carrying guns in common areas, was overturned in 2014. In that case, the court ruled that individual agencies do not have the right to set rules that counter state-granted rights.

After the ruling, the two agencies responsible for the rule, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Agriculture, no longer have legal grounds to enforce the bans.

The case was brought forward by a number of citizens interested in protecting their rights and the rights of others. One of the plaintiffs, Jeff Hague, is treasurer for the Bridgeville Rifle and Pistol Club and president of the Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association. Hague’s interest was not just for himself, but for members of these organizations and visitors to club functions.

For instance, during club competitions, members faced challenges when looking to camp near these events. “A law-abiding citizen from out of state couldn’t bring his gun or couldn’t camp, so he had to sacrifice one or the other,” Hague said.

Hague was clearly pleased with the decision. “They did the right thing. This reaffirms the constitutional right that Delawareans have … to self-defense and the right to keep and bear arms, not just in hunting and fishing and sporting, but in defense of their family and home.”

The ban, while in place, did allow for exceptions for hunting activities on state lands. But for residents who wanted to carry their legally owned weapons for protection, there were no provisions allowing them to do so.

Delaware has thousands of concealed carry permit holders in the state, despite the rigorous process employed by the state. The ranks of permit holders have swelled in the last few years, with the states seeing a 188 percent increase in permit applications and renewals in 2016 over the previous year.

Both the DNREC and the Department of Agriculture are taking time to review the ruling before responding publicly to the court’s decision. It’s anticipated that the agencies will rewrite the rules in the coming months.

The article Delaware Residents Sue, Win for Right to Carry in State Parks originally appeared on Clipdraw

National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Moves Forward

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee this week will be reviewing a bill that would allow those licensed to carry a concealed weapon in their home state to do so while traveling through or visiting other states as well.

The bill was initially introduced back in January by Republican Richard Hudson from North Carolina. The bill, slated to be reviewed on Tuesday, November 28^th, seeks to alleviate what has been referred to as “onerous” civil suits that have stemmed from licensed owners from one state carrying their weapon into another.

“For me and the vast majority of Americans who support concealed carry reciprocity, this is welcome progress,” Hudson said in a written statement on Monday. “I want to thank Chairman Bob Goodlatte for his strong leadership to protect our Second Amendment rights. I will continue to work with my colleagues and President Trump to pass this common-sense legislation to protect law-abiding citizens.”

Proponents of the bill claim that many of these gun owners don’t even realize they are violating the law because they are legally allowed to carry their weapon concealed in their home state. As they cross state lines into areas where gun laws differ they unintentionally break the law.

All 50 states have provisions for allowing guns to be carried concealed, but the challenge comes in the differences in licensing and the lack of reciprocity from state to state. “Currently, the patchwork of reciprocity laws and agreements between states is confusing and has caused law-abiding citizens to unwittingly break the law and suffer arrest and detention,” Hudson said.

Some states have created agreements with others that have similar carry laws. Other agreements are only one way. And still others have been recently changed or rescinded. At the end of 2015, for instance, Virginia ceased to recognize CCW permits from other states it previously had an agreement with. In all, residents of twenty-five states that previously could legally carry their weapon into Virginia had that right removed.

Supporters also claim that without reciprocity across the U.S., the 2^nd amendment rights of lawful gun owners are being violated.

It is expected that the bill will pass the Judiciary Committee and move on to consideration by the entire House of Representatives. However, no date for a vote by the entire House has yet been set.

The article National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Moves Forward originally appeared on Clipdraw

Alaskans See Uptick in Concealed Carry Courses as Response to Crime, Shootings

It’s difficult to turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or log on to the Internet without hearing about another tragic mass shooting or reports detailing an increase in violent crime.

As the public discusses how best to handle these tragedies, some individuals are taking their security into their own hands by taking concealed carry classes.

Not all states require coursework to have a CCW permit. In Alaska, anyone over 21 that can legally carry a firearm can carry it concealed with no class or special permitting required. But that doesn’t seem to be stopping Alaskans from choosing to learn the best and safest ways to have their weapons on them at all times.

Instructors that teach the specialized classes from all over the state have reported a surge in class registration and attendance. James Henry, founder of Anchorage-based Spectre Tactical reports an uptick in class registrations starting as far back as 2015. Henry also notes that other instructors in the area have seen the same rise.

Usually, Spectre Tactical keeps their classes at 12 students or below, but recently the increased demand has forced them to allow more students to attend.

Despite the class not being required, the safety aspects are bringing in more interested parties. For many participants, they have purchased a gun but never owned or shot a weapon before. The classes give them confidence with their weapon and an understanding of the safety precautions needed when carrying it in public, out of sight.

CCW classes have similar curriculum regardless of where they are given. Since the laws surrounding concealed weapons is different for each state, most courses incorporate information about the laws in the state the classes are being given in.

In addition to the safety elements of carrying your weapon in public, classes typically also include information on the regulations for the use of a weapon in public. There are many things owners can and can’t do depending on situations and location.

These classes also help students understand exactly what is required of them when they are pulled over by a police officer when carrying their weapon. There are states that require that you inform a peace officer if you have a concealed weapon, while others have no such laws. However, even in states that don’t require the information, many officers indicate that they prefer to be informed so that they can take the appropriate precautions.

If it’s not required, it’s up to the individual if they feel they will benefit from the knowledge and training included in the class. Clearly, however, the residents of Alaska are looking to build confidence with their weapons.

The article Alaskans See Uptick in Concealed Carry Courses as Response to Crime, Shootings originally appeared on Clipdraw

Las Vegas Concealed Carry Owner Prevents Kidnapping

It started with a loud noise.

Justin Pearson was in his home in Las Vegas on October 5, 2017, when noises on his street drew him outside.

“I opened up the door,” Pearson recalls, “and this big BMW goes flying by — 60 mph in a 25 mph zone. I dialed 911 immediately.”

The next thing Pearson did, though, was pure instinct and habit. Before leaving the house to investigate and keep police apprised of the situation, Pearson put his Heckler & Kock VP9 pistol on.

“I carry a concealed firearm everywhere I go,” Pearson said.

Moving down the street to get a license plate number for the 911 operator, he saw the car nearly lose control. Then the driver turned the vehicle around and stopped in front of a house where a 6-year old boy was playing in the front yard. As Pearson continued to move closer to the situation, the driver got out of the car.

He described the driver as a “solid” 6’ 4”, 250-pound man. Although of a similar height, Pearson’s body type is wirier.

“He was a very big dude, and I’m not a menacing person by any means,” Pearson said. “I don’t think I could have physically stopped the guy. It would have been super ugly if it was just me versus him.”

What happened next is what made Pearson begin to add up what an altercation would look like in his head. The driver, now out of the car, grabbed the 6-year old and began shoving him into the BMW. Luckily, his firearm evened the playing field.

Pearson yelled “Hey, stop!” at the driver, and at the same time lifted his shirt and placed his hand on his weapon, without drawing. That was enough. The sight of the gun made the would-be kidnapper pause just long enough for the young boy to jump from the car and run.

With the boy no longer in his control and facing an armed citizen ready to draw, the driver left the scene. The police would not arrive for 17-minutes.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police confirmed that the driver was the boy’s biological father who had neither permission to take the child or parental rights. Without Pearson’s quick actions, the boy would have become another of the thousands of people each year who are abducted by someone they know.

In the end, Pearson credits his firearm for being able to intervene. “If I didn’t have a firearm, I don’t think there’s much I could have done.”

The article Las Vegas Concealed Carry Owner Prevents Kidnapping originally appeared on Clipdraw

Oregon Vet, Concealed Carry Owner Stops Knife Attack

On September 28^th an Oregon veteran and concealed carry permit holder, Mica Smith, stopped an assailant who had pulled a knife on another man.

As Mica Smith sat having dinner with his wife and some friends on the patio of Conversion Brewery in Lebanon, Oregon, he witnessed an argument between two men in the parking lot. One man, Elizah Bullock, was in his car. Smith’s full attention was drawn to the altercation when the other man, Michael Ryan VanGelder yelled “What did you (expletive) say to me?” at Bullock. Then VanGelder pulled a knife.

Smith reacted to VanGelder’s threatening posture by leaping from the patio to the parking lot and pulling his concealed Glock 42 .380 and instructed VanGelder to drop the knife.

When VanGelder ran, Smith and Bullock gave chase. They caught VanGelder, and although Bullock was injured in the pursuit they were able to hold VanGelder until police arrived. VenGelder was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, second-degree disorderly conduct, and fourth-degree assault.

Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley praised Smith and how it was clear that his previous weapons and concealed carry training turned a potentially dangerous situation into a positive outcome. “That’s a good example of what concealed carry permits are intended to do,” said Riley.

Riley emphasized that the concealed carry training gave Smith awareness and discipline that an untrained citizen might not have.

Smith concurred. When asked about the details of the incident, Smith said “I did not put my finger on the trigger. I do not put my finger on the trigger unless I’m going to fire.” Smith added as he discussed his responsibility in the situation, “I knew that somebody’s life was in danger and that others could be threatened too.”

For other concealed carry permit carriers, Smith recommends having a high familiarity with your weapon is important before carrying it out in public. He says he doesn’t carry a weapon that he hasn’t put 50 to 100 rounds through at the range. This allows him familiarity with the weapon and how best to fire it.

Smith hopes never to fire his weapon outside of the range, but says “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it”. But he also feels that concealed carry is better than open carry beyond the training requirements. “I think with open carry, you could end up with someone picking a fight just to see if you’re a badass,” he said.

The article Oregon Vet, Concealed Carry Owner Stops Knife Attack originally appeared on Clipdraw

Arkansas Law Maker Looks to Expedite Permits for Domestic Violence Survivors

In an effort to protect survivors of domestic violence, Arkansas senator Trent Garner (R-27), has begun drafting a bill that would expedite concealed carry permits for this group.

Although the bill will not be up for review until lawmakers are back in session, the intent of the bill is to provide a mechanism for these survivors to quickly obtain a concealed carry permit so that they can protect themselves in the aftermath of the violence they experienced.

“I’ve seen a lot of other states do this, and the thing that jumped out to me – we want to make sure these brave women and survivors don’t become a statistic, that we don’t come back and see that they were gravely injured or murdered when they could have protected themselves,” said Sen. Garner.

The bill would allow domestic violence survivors to participate in an expedited process to obtain their permits. While a background check would still apply, as would the associated fees for a permit, the required concealed carry training would be given a 45-day grace period. This would allow survivors to begin protecting themselves quickly, while also maintaining the standard of concealed carry training.

Sen. Garner points out there is some evidence to support the idea of providing survivors with guns in an expedited manner. “In testimony in Indiana, a firearm expert said that he had trained hundreds and hundreds of women and they all said the same thing, ‘He stopped coming for me when he saw the gun.’”

The will is likely to see some opposition from survivor advocates groups. The concern, as Angela McGraw, Executive Director of Women and Children First, comes from the willingness and ability of the survivor to protect themselves, and the reaction of the attacker.

“They get the gun, and the person that’s the perpetrator comes toward them or whatever, they’re going to beat the crap out of them just trying to get the gun from them. It’s going to be a worse beating than it was beforehand,” said McGraw.

Sen. Garner, however, is sensitive to the need for adjustment and open discussion around the bill, which is why he started drafting it so early. He has indicated a desire for feedback, and an openness to adjusting the training grace period if needed.

The article Arkansas Law Maker Looks to Expedite Permits for Domestic Violence Survivors originally appeared on Clipdraw