Gun Statistics
When criminals realize we are armed and able to defend ourselves, they will be less likely to confront us.
Law enforcement can't protect all people at all times. If they were able, we would have no crime. This is just
plain common sense.
If guns cause crime do matches cause arson?
If guns cause crime does water cause drowning?
If guns cause crime needles cause drug abuse?
If guns cause crime do pencils misspell words.
41,650 deaths related to motor vehicle accidents
17,229 in falls at home and on the job
3,306 from water in drowning
19,457 from poisoning, in the same year
3,369 due to fire or burns,
3,200 due to choking
Doctors Accidents Cause More Deaths Than Guns
Number of physicians in the US = 700,000
Accidental deaths caused by physicians per year = 120,000
Accidental deaths per physician = 0.171
(U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services)
Number of gun owners in the US = 80,000,000
Number of accidental gun deaths per year (all age groups) = 1,500
Accidental deaths per gun owner = 0.0000188
( U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms)
Therefore, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.
FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.
Gun Control: The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her panty hose, is somehow morally superior to a woman
explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound.
Rape-Statistical Best Defense
Use of a weapon, and especially a firearm, is statistically a woman's best means of resistance, greatly enhancing her odds of escaping both rape and
injury, compared to any other strategy of physical or verbal resistance.
This conclusion is drawn from four types of information.
First, a 1989 study (Furby, Journal of Interpersonal Violence) found that both male and female survey respondents judged a gun to be the most
effective means that a potential rape victim could use to fend off the assault. Rape "experts" considered it a close second, after eye-gouging.
Second, raw data from the 1979-1985 installments of the Justice Department's annual National Crime Victim Survey show that when a woman resists a
stranger rape with a gun, the probability of completion was 0.1 percent and of victim injury 0.0 percent, compared to 31 percent and 40 percent,
respectively, for all stranger rapes (Kleck, Social Problems, 1990).
Third, a recent paper (Southwick, Journal of Criminal Justice, 2000) analyzed victim resistance to violent crimes generally, with robbery, aggravated
assault and rape considered together. Women who resisted with a gun were 2.5 times more likely to escape without injury than those who did not resist
and 4 times more likely to escape uninjured than those who resisted with any means other than a gun. Similarly, their property losses in a robbery were
reduced more than six-fold and almost three-fold, respectively, compared to the other categories of resistance strategy.
Fourth, we have two studies in the last 20 years that directly address the outcomes of women who resist attempted rape with a weapon. (Lizotte, Journal
of Quantitative Criminology, 1986; Kleck, Social Problems, 1990.) The former concludes, "Further, women who resist rape with a gun or knife
dramatically decrease their probability of completion." (Lizotte did not analyze victim injuries apart from the rape itself.) The latter concludes that
"resistance with a gun or knife is the most effective form of resistance for preventing completion of a rape"; this is accomplished "without creating any
significant additional risk of other injury."
The best conclusion from available scientific data, then, is when avoidance of rape has failed and one must choose between being raped and resisting,
a woman's best option is to resist with a gun in her hands.
When criminals realize we are armed and able to defend ourselves, they will be less likely to confront us.
Law enforcement can't protect all people at all times. If they were able, we would have no crime. This is just
plain common sense.
If guns cause crime do matches cause arson?
If guns cause crime does water cause drowning?
If guns cause crime needles cause drug abuse?
If guns cause crime do pencils misspell words.
41,650 deaths related to motor vehicle accidents
17,229 in falls at home and on the job
3,306 from water in drowning
19,457 from poisoning, in the same year
3,369 due to fire or burns,
3,200 due to choking
Doctors Accidents Cause More Deaths Than Guns
Number of physicians in the US = 700,000
Accidental deaths caused by physicians per year = 120,000
Accidental deaths per physician = 0.171
(U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services)
Number of gun owners in the US = 80,000,000
Number of accidental gun deaths per year (all age groups) = 1,500
Accidental deaths per gun owner = 0.0000188
( U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms)
Therefore, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.
FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.
Gun Control: The theory that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her panty hose, is somehow morally superior to a woman
explaining to police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound.
Rape-Statistical Best Defense
Use of a weapon, and especially a firearm, is statistically a woman's best means of resistance, greatly enhancing her odds of escaping both rape and
injury, compared to any other strategy of physical or verbal resistance.
This conclusion is drawn from four types of information.
First, a 1989 study (Furby, Journal of Interpersonal Violence) found that both male and female survey respondents judged a gun to be the most
effective means that a potential rape victim could use to fend off the assault. Rape "experts" considered it a close second, after eye-gouging.
Second, raw data from the 1979-1985 installments of the Justice Department's annual National Crime Victim Survey show that when a woman resists a
stranger rape with a gun, the probability of completion was 0.1 percent and of victim injury 0.0 percent, compared to 31 percent and 40 percent,
respectively, for all stranger rapes (Kleck, Social Problems, 1990).
Third, a recent paper (Southwick, Journal of Criminal Justice, 2000) analyzed victim resistance to violent crimes generally, with robbery, aggravated
assault and rape considered together. Women who resisted with a gun were 2.5 times more likely to escape without injury than those who did not resist
and 4 times more likely to escape uninjured than those who resisted with any means other than a gun. Similarly, their property losses in a robbery were
reduced more than six-fold and almost three-fold, respectively, compared to the other categories of resistance strategy.
Fourth, we have two studies in the last 20 years that directly address the outcomes of women who resist attempted rape with a weapon. (Lizotte, Journal
of Quantitative Criminology, 1986; Kleck, Social Problems, 1990.) The former concludes, "Further, women who resist rape with a gun or knife
dramatically decrease their probability of completion." (Lizotte did not analyze victim injuries apart from the rape itself.) The latter concludes that
"resistance with a gun or knife is the most effective form of resistance for preventing completion of a rape"; this is accomplished "without creating any
significant additional risk of other injury."
The best conclusion from available scientific data, then, is when avoidance of rape has failed and one must choose between being raped and resisting,
a woman's best option is to resist with a gun in her hands.
Our Constitutional Right
"To Keep And Bear Arms"
Amendment II - Bill of Rights, Ratified by the People in 1791
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the
right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
In their own words, the Framers saw the "right of the people to keep and bear arms" so important that they made
it second in our Bill of Rights.
The Second Amendment exists for one single purpose...protection against tyranny by the Federal Government of the
United States.
"To Keep And Bear Arms"
Amendment II - Bill of Rights, Ratified by the People in 1791
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the
right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
In their own words, the Framers saw the "right of the people to keep and bear arms" so important that they made
it second in our Bill of Rights.
The Second Amendment exists for one single purpose...protection against tyranny by the Federal Government of the
United States.
Safe Firearms Handling
I CANNOT STRESS THIS POINT ENOUGH, ALL GUN OWNERS AND ESPECIALLY PARENTS HAVE A CIVIC DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING
THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILIES AND OUR SOCIETY!
1. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.
Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical provisions for avoiding accidental
discharge and the various proper procedures for loading and unloading. No person should handle any firearm without first having thoroughly
familiarized themselves with the particular type of firearm they are using, and with safe gun handling in general.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing. Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at any part of your body or at another person.
This is particularly important when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is
pointing in a safe direction. A safe direction means a direction which will not permit a discharged bullet to strike a person, or to strike an object from
which the bullet may ricochet.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property.
Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the
direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
3. Firearms should be unloaded when not in use.
Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. Firearms and ammunition should be
securely locked in racks or cabinets when not in use. Ammunition should safely be stored separate from firearms. Store your firearms out of sight of
visitors and children. Never assume any gun you pick up or that is handed to you is unloaded. ALWAYS check both the “chambering and status of the
firearm” for yourself! Then proceed to handle the gun as though it were still loaded.
It is the Gun Owner’s Responsibility to be certain that children and persons unfamiliar with firearms cannot gain access to firearms, ammunition, or
components!
4. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.
Even a bit of mud, snow or excess lubricating oil or grease in the bore may cause the barrel to bulge, or even burst on firing, and can cause serious
injury to the shooter and bystanders. Be sure that you are using ammunition of the proper caliber and loading for the gun you are using. If the report or
recoil on firing seems weak, or doesn't seem quite right, CEASE FIRING IMMEDIATELY, unload your firearm, and check to be sure that no obstruction
has become lodged in the barrel.
5. Be sure of your target before you shoot.
Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an
unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the
trigger.
6. Wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors when you shoot.
All shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and adequate hearing protectors when shooting. Exposure to shooting noise can damage hearing,
and adequate eye protection when shooting is essential.
7. Never climb a tree or fence with a loaded firearm.
Put the firearm down carefully before climbing a fence, and unload it before climbing or descending a tree or jumping over a ditch or other obstruction.
Never pull or push a loaded firearm toward yourself or another person. When in doubt, or whenever you are about to do anything awkward, unload your
gun.
8. Don’t shoot at a hard surface, or at water.
Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity.
9. Never transport a loaded firearm.
Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should be used to carry an unloaded
firearm to and from the shooting area.
The only exception to this rule is:
If the weapon is loaded during travel it
Must Be Securely Holstered Upon Your Body and have proper CCW Licence
(check your local personal weapons laws)
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs of any kind when handling firearms or shooting.
Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over. Handling firearms while under the influence of alcohol in any form, or medications that could affect your
judgment or co-ordination, constitutes a criminal disregard for the safety of others.
At minimum, abuse of this ruling can and will result in Misdemeanor Criminal charges being brought against you in every jurisdictional venue within the
united States that I am aware of.
Not all firearms are the same. Be sure you know and fully understand your choice of handgun.
The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical provisions for avoiding accidental discharge and the various
proper procedures for loading and unloading.
No person should handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarized themselves with the particular type of firearm they are using; be it
Revolver or Auto-pistol, and with safe gun handling in general.
I CANNOT STRESS THIS POINT ENOUGH, ALL GUN OWNERS AND ESPECIALLY PARENTS HAVE A CIVIC DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING
THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILIES AND OUR SOCIETY!
1. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.
Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical provisions for avoiding accidental
discharge and the various proper procedures for loading and unloading. No person should handle any firearm without first having thoroughly
familiarized themselves with the particular type of firearm they are using, and with safe gun handling in general.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing. Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at any part of your body or at another person.
This is particularly important when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is
pointing in a safe direction. A safe direction means a direction which will not permit a discharged bullet to strike a person, or to strike an object from
which the bullet may ricochet.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property.
Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the
direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
3. Firearms should be unloaded when not in use.
Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. Firearms and ammunition should be
securely locked in racks or cabinets when not in use. Ammunition should safely be stored separate from firearms. Store your firearms out of sight of
visitors and children. Never assume any gun you pick up or that is handed to you is unloaded. ALWAYS check both the “chambering and status of the
firearm” for yourself! Then proceed to handle the gun as though it were still loaded.
It is the Gun Owner’s Responsibility to be certain that children and persons unfamiliar with firearms cannot gain access to firearms, ammunition, or
components!
4. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.
Even a bit of mud, snow or excess lubricating oil or grease in the bore may cause the barrel to bulge, or even burst on firing, and can cause serious
injury to the shooter and bystanders. Be sure that you are using ammunition of the proper caliber and loading for the gun you are using. If the report or
recoil on firing seems weak, or doesn't seem quite right, CEASE FIRING IMMEDIATELY, unload your firearm, and check to be sure that no obstruction
has become lodged in the barrel.
5. Be sure of your target before you shoot.
Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an
unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the
trigger.
6. Wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors when you shoot.
All shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and adequate hearing protectors when shooting. Exposure to shooting noise can damage hearing,
and adequate eye protection when shooting is essential.
7. Never climb a tree or fence with a loaded firearm.
Put the firearm down carefully before climbing a fence, and unload it before climbing or descending a tree or jumping over a ditch or other obstruction.
Never pull or push a loaded firearm toward yourself or another person. When in doubt, or whenever you are about to do anything awkward, unload your
gun.
8. Don’t shoot at a hard surface, or at water.
Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity.
9. Never transport a loaded firearm.
Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should be used to carry an unloaded
firearm to and from the shooting area.
The only exception to this rule is:
If the weapon is loaded during travel it
Must Be Securely Holstered Upon Your Body and have proper CCW Licence
(check your local personal weapons laws)
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs of any kind when handling firearms or shooting.
Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over. Handling firearms while under the influence of alcohol in any form, or medications that could affect your
judgment or co-ordination, constitutes a criminal disregard for the safety of others.
At minimum, abuse of this ruling can and will result in Misdemeanor Criminal charges being brought against you in every jurisdictional venue within the
united States that I am aware of.
Not all firearms are the same. Be sure you know and fully understand your choice of handgun.
The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical provisions for avoiding accidental discharge and the various
proper procedures for loading and unloading.
No person should handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarized themselves with the particular type of firearm they are using; be it
Revolver or Auto-pistol, and with safe gun handling in general.
Michigan CCW / CPL License Question and Answer
Who is eligible to receive a CCW / CPL in Michigan?
Michigan residents (of at least six months) 21 years of age or older who have successfully completed a CCW safety training course and have not been
convicted of a crime described under PA 719 of 2002 are eligible to apply for a license.
( Click here to see PA 719 of 2002 )
How do I apply for a CCW / CPL in Michigan?
Once you have successfully completed a personal protection course you fill out an application packet (you can do it right online here) and submit
fingerprints and 2 photos to the state. After your application has been turned in it goes before the county gun board for final approval. The whole
process can take a couple of months or more depending on the number of applications coming before the board at any given time.
How long is my license good for?
Licenses which were issued before July 1, 2003 were issued for a period of three years, at the end of which time they will need to be renewed. Licenses
issued since July 1, 2003 are issued for a period of five years. Those who had a three year license and apply for renewal at the end of their three year
term will then receive an updated five year license.
How much does it cost to get a license/permit?
$105 for both new license applicants and renewals. The fee shall be payable to the county. The county treasurer shall deposit $41.00 of each fee
collected under this section in the general fund of the county and credit $26.00 of that deposit to the credit of the county clerk and $15.00 of that
deposit to the credit of the county sheriff and forward the balance to the state treasurer. The state treasurer shall deposit the balance of the fee in the
general fund to the credit of the department of state police. The department of state police shall use the money received under this act to process the
fingerprints and to reimburse the federal bureau of investigation for the costs associated with processing fingerprints submitted under this act. The
balance of the money received under this act shall be credited to the department of state police.
Where can I find application packets?
The County Sheriff, Local Police Agencies, and County Clerks will provide concealed pistol application kits during normal business hours (they are free
of charge). You can also find them online here.
Where can I find CCW / CPL classes?
CCW courses are also called "Personal Protection in the Home" courses and can be found on the National Rifle Association webpage at www.NRA.com.
A great class in Livonia is here
Where can't I use my CCW / CPL?
Individuals licensed to carry a concealed pistol by Michigan or another state are prohibited from carrying a concealed pistol in the following areas:
1. Schools or school property, but you may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if a parent or legal guardian
2. Sports arena or stadium
3. A hospital
4. Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official allows
concealed weapons
5. Public or private daycare center, public or private childcare agency, or public or private child placement agency
6. A casino
7. A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university
8. A tavern where the primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass consumed on the premises
9. An entertainment facility that the individual knows or should know has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more
NOTE: Premises does not include parking areas of the above places
Can I use my CCW / CPL in Michigan State Parks?
According to Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox:
A person licensed to carry a concealed pistol may possess a pistol while hiking or camping within a state park provided that the pistol is not loaded. A
person licensed to carry a concealed pistol may possess a loaded pistol within a state park only during established hunting seasons on lands
designated open to hunting or at a target range established by the Department of Natural Resources or during an officially sanctioned field trial.
A person licensed to carry a concealed pistol is subject to the rules, regulations, and orders of the Department of Natural Resources regulating the
possession of firearms and may not possess or carry a pistol while hunting deer during "bow and arrow only" hunting season, unless the person is
licensed to hunt deer with a firearm and is hunting in an area open to firearm deer hunting.
Where can I find more information about CCW / CPL in Michigan?
MI Attorney General
Mike Cox
525 W. Ottowa St.
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517/373-1110
www.ag.state.mi.us
Email: miag@michigan.gov
Link to AG opinion #7123 - CCW use in State Parks
Link to PA 719 of 2002 - Current CCW legislation
State Law Enforcement:
Michigan Department of State Police
714 S. Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517/332-2521
www.michigan.gov/ohsp
Who is eligible to receive a CCW / CPL in Michigan?
Michigan residents (of at least six months) 21 years of age or older who have successfully completed a CCW safety training course and have not been
convicted of a crime described under PA 719 of 2002 are eligible to apply for a license.
( Click here to see PA 719 of 2002 )
How do I apply for a CCW / CPL in Michigan?
Once you have successfully completed a personal protection course you fill out an application packet (you can do it right online here) and submit
fingerprints and 2 photos to the state. After your application has been turned in it goes before the county gun board for final approval. The whole
process can take a couple of months or more depending on the number of applications coming before the board at any given time.
How long is my license good for?
Licenses which were issued before July 1, 2003 were issued for a period of three years, at the end of which time they will need to be renewed. Licenses
issued since July 1, 2003 are issued for a period of five years. Those who had a three year license and apply for renewal at the end of their three year
term will then receive an updated five year license.
How much does it cost to get a license/permit?
$105 for both new license applicants and renewals. The fee shall be payable to the county. The county treasurer shall deposit $41.00 of each fee
collected under this section in the general fund of the county and credit $26.00 of that deposit to the credit of the county clerk and $15.00 of that
deposit to the credit of the county sheriff and forward the balance to the state treasurer. The state treasurer shall deposit the balance of the fee in the
general fund to the credit of the department of state police. The department of state police shall use the money received under this act to process the
fingerprints and to reimburse the federal bureau of investigation for the costs associated with processing fingerprints submitted under this act. The
balance of the money received under this act shall be credited to the department of state police.
Where can I find application packets?
The County Sheriff, Local Police Agencies, and County Clerks will provide concealed pistol application kits during normal business hours (they are free
of charge). You can also find them online here.
Where can I find CCW / CPL classes?
CCW courses are also called "Personal Protection in the Home" courses and can be found on the National Rifle Association webpage at www.NRA.com.
A great class in Livonia is here
Where can't I use my CCW / CPL?
Individuals licensed to carry a concealed pistol by Michigan or another state are prohibited from carrying a concealed pistol in the following areas:
1. Schools or school property, but you may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if a parent or legal guardian
2. Sports arena or stadium
3. A hospital
4. Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official allows
concealed weapons
5. Public or private daycare center, public or private childcare agency, or public or private child placement agency
6. A casino
7. A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university
8. A tavern where the primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass consumed on the premises
9. An entertainment facility that the individual knows or should know has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more
NOTE: Premises does not include parking areas of the above places
Can I use my CCW / CPL in Michigan State Parks?
According to Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox:
A person licensed to carry a concealed pistol may possess a pistol while hiking or camping within a state park provided that the pistol is not loaded. A
person licensed to carry a concealed pistol may possess a loaded pistol within a state park only during established hunting seasons on lands
designated open to hunting or at a target range established by the Department of Natural Resources or during an officially sanctioned field trial.
A person licensed to carry a concealed pistol is subject to the rules, regulations, and orders of the Department of Natural Resources regulating the
possession of firearms and may not possess or carry a pistol while hunting deer during "bow and arrow only" hunting season, unless the person is
licensed to hunt deer with a firearm and is hunting in an area open to firearm deer hunting.
Where can I find more information about CCW / CPL in Michigan?
MI Attorney General
Mike Cox
525 W. Ottowa St.
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517/373-1110
www.ag.state.mi.us
Email: miag@michigan.gov
Link to AG opinion #7123 - CCW use in State Parks
Link to PA 719 of 2002 - Current CCW legislation
State Law Enforcement:
Michigan Department of State Police
714 S. Harrison Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517/332-2521
www.michigan.gov/ohsp
For further
info. click
on banner
info. click
on banner
Concealed Pistol Instructions
1. Concealed pistol application kits are provided during normal business hours by the following:
* County sheriffs
* Local police agencies
* County clerks
2. Concealed pistol application kits are free of charge to individuals who wish to apply for a license to carry a concealed pistol.
3. Concealed pistol application kit includes the following:
* Written procedure to obtain a concealed pistol permit
* Application form
* Written procedure to appeal and the appeal process form if denied a concealed pistol permit
* Reference numbers for current pistol safety training entities
4. Processing Application
* Applicant files their application with the county clerk in the county in which the individual resides.
This must include: (1) a copy of the certificate of completion of the pistol safety training course, and (2) a passport quality photograph, in which I can
do for you.
* Applicant pays a fee of $105 to the county clerk at time of filing.
* Applicant receives a receipt for payment.
* Applicant provides receipt and has fingerprints taken by sheriff department or a local law enforcement agency. However, the local agency may
charge an additional $15 for the taking of the fingerprints. Some sheriff departments participate with a vendor to provide applicant finger printing.
There is no additional charge for this service.
* Sheriff department or local police agency forwards fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for processing.
* Once county gun board receives the fingerprint comparison report, they will issue or deny the license within 45 days sometimes longer.
1. Concealed pistol application kits are provided during normal business hours by the following:
* County sheriffs
* Local police agencies
* County clerks
2. Concealed pistol application kits are free of charge to individuals who wish to apply for a license to carry a concealed pistol.
3. Concealed pistol application kit includes the following:
* Written procedure to obtain a concealed pistol permit
* Application form
* Written procedure to appeal and the appeal process form if denied a concealed pistol permit
* Reference numbers for current pistol safety training entities
4. Processing Application
* Applicant files their application with the county clerk in the county in which the individual resides.
This must include: (1) a copy of the certificate of completion of the pistol safety training course, and (2) a passport quality photograph, in which I can
do for you.
* Applicant pays a fee of $105 to the county clerk at time of filing.
* Applicant receives a receipt for payment.
* Applicant provides receipt and has fingerprints taken by sheriff department or a local law enforcement agency. However, the local agency may
charge an additional $15 for the taking of the fingerprints. Some sheriff departments participate with a vendor to provide applicant finger printing.
There is no additional charge for this service.
* Sheriff department or local police agency forwards fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for processing.
* Once county gun board receives the fingerprint comparison report, they will issue or deny the license within 45 days sometimes longer.
Click on the banner for further information and online
application, if you fill it out on line be sure to remember
NOT to sign it! You have to sign it in front of them.
application, if you fill it out on line be sure to remember
NOT to sign it! You have to sign it in front of them.
CCW / CPL Classes
Shooters has a great class to attend. It is broke up into 2 days for those of you that find
a full day hard to squeeze in. You receive breaks, lunch and license pictures on the
spot. It is a great relaxed atmosphere with some great people serving the tri-county
area for over 25 years. Over 20 years of experience in the business and will provide
you excellent services for most of you're firearm needs. Click on image below to check
it out.
a full day hard to squeeze in. You receive breaks, lunch and license pictures on the
spot. It is a great relaxed atmosphere with some great people serving the tri-county
area for over 25 years. Over 20 years of experience in the business and will provide
you excellent services for most of you're firearm needs. Click on image below to check
it out.
CCW/CPL SAFE TRAINING
Michael Schnitzer
NRA Training Counselor
Michael Schnitzer
NRA Training Counselor
Quotes
Thomas Jefferson: "And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that this people
preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms.
Thomas Jefferson, Author of The Declaration of Independence, and President of the United States. "The strongest reason for
the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government."
Patrick Henry:"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately,
nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined...The great object is that every
man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.
Samuel Adams:"The Constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States,
who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms."
George Mason:"To disarm the people (is) the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
Thomas Jefferson: "The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right
and duty to be at all times armed."
Alexander Hamilton: "The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed."
James Madison The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of
almost every other nation...(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms
Tench Coxe: "Whereas civil rulers, not having their duty to the people duly before them, may attempt to tyrannize ... The
people are confirmed by the article in their right to keep and bear their private arms."
Thomas Jefferson: "One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them."
Richard Henry Lee: "To preserve liberty it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught
alike, especially when young, how to use them."
Thomas Jefferson: "None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is
therefore at all times important."
Alexander Hamilton: "If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is no recourse left but in the exertion
of that original right of self-defense which is paramount to all forms of positive government."
Thomas Jefferson: "Most codes extend their definitions of treason to acts not really against one's country. They do not
distinguish between acts against the government, and acts against the oppressions of the government. The latter are virtues,
yet have furnished more victims to the executioner than the former, because real treasons are rare; oppressions frequent. The
unsuccessful struggler's against tyranny have been the chief martyrs of treason laws in all countries."
Thomas Jefferson: "And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that this people
preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms.
Thomas Jefferson, Author of The Declaration of Independence, and President of the United States. "The strongest reason for
the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government."
Patrick Henry:"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately,
nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined...The great object is that every
man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.
Samuel Adams:"The Constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States,
who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms."
George Mason:"To disarm the people (is) the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
Thomas Jefferson: "The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right
and duty to be at all times armed."
Alexander Hamilton: "The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed."
James Madison The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of
almost every other nation...(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms
Tench Coxe: "Whereas civil rulers, not having their duty to the people duly before them, may attempt to tyrannize ... The
people are confirmed by the article in their right to keep and bear their private arms."
Thomas Jefferson: "One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them."
Richard Henry Lee: "To preserve liberty it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught
alike, especially when young, how to use them."
Thomas Jefferson: "None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is
therefore at all times important."
Alexander Hamilton: "If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is no recourse left but in the exertion
of that original right of self-defense which is paramount to all forms of positive government."
Thomas Jefferson: "Most codes extend their definitions of treason to acts not really against one's country. They do not
distinguish between acts against the government, and acts against the oppressions of the government. The latter are virtues,
yet have furnished more victims to the executioner than the former, because real treasons are rare; oppressions frequent. The
unsuccessful struggler's against tyranny have been the chief martyrs of treason laws in all countries."
Citizen Weapon Types
The average Citizen need only be concerned with a few types of firearms. The weapons discussed are generally available over the counter to the
Citizen. This section will discuss the basic technological aspects of the various types of weapons.
Rifles and Carbines
The most useful arm to the Citizen is probably the rifle or the carbine. A rifle is a long arm with a rifled (grooved) barrel chambered for a full power
cartridge, and intended to be fired from the shoulder. A carbine is simply a more compact version of the rifle, most often with a shorter barrel and
chambered for an intermediate power cartridge.
Single shot rifles and carbines are specialized firearms of little practical use as defensive arms as they must be reloaded each time a round is fired. Both
the rifle and the carbine are available as repeaters in lever, pump, bolt, or semi-automatic type actions.
Lever Actions
Lever Rifle
The lever action rifle & carbine are probably the most commonly known type to most Americans. This is the weapon usually seen in TV and movie
Westerns and typically carried in a saddle scabbard. Spencer and Henry lever action rifles were introduced during the Civil War, though few saw actual
service. The standard rifles used by the troops of both the Federal Army and the Army of the Confederacy were either muzzle loaders, or paper
cartridge breech loaders, both requiring a fairly complicated process of reloading after each shot. A few breech loading metallic cartridge arms were
available, but these were also single shot weapons. A repeating rifle would allow several shots to be fired before reloading and thus dramatically
increase the rate of fire.
The Winchester Model 1873 was the first really successful lever action repeater. Several designs were introduced and subsequently discontinued in the
evolution of the Winchester lever action, the Model 1894 being the most common and still in production in various forms. Marlin, Browning, and Savage
also produce lever action repeaters, the Savage Model 99 and the Browning Model 81 being perhaps the most useful for our purposes.
All lever actions utilize a lever under the action to facilitate repeat shots. After a shot is fired the user lowers a lever under the action which unlocks the
breech, extracts the fired cartridge case and cocks the hammer. A fresh cartridge is fed from a spring loaded magazine into position, and when the
underlever is raised the fresh cartridge is pressed home into the chamber and the breech locked.
The Winchester and Marlin lever actions utilize a tubular magazine requiring round nosed or flat point bullets. This is a disadvantage as these bullet
types lose velocity very quickly and limit the effective range of the arm dramatically. Another disadvantage is that the breech locking system of
Winchester and Marlin rifles is not designed for high intensity cartridges.
Savage and Browning both produce lever guns that use a box magazine making the use of ballistically superior pointed bullets possible. The breech
locking system is also stronger allowing them to be chambered for modern high pressure cartridges like the .308 Winchester (7.62 NATO).
Pump Actions
Pump Rifle
The pump action (also called slide or trombone action) is today most commonly seen in use on shotguns. At one time pump action type rifles were quite
popular. Operation is very similar to lever types, the actuating mechanism being a sliding forearm rather than a pivoting underlever. The drawbacks of
relatively weak lockup and extraction, and tubular magazines in this action are similar to lever guns.
Remington, however, produces a pump action in its Model 7600 which utilizes a box magazine and a strong rotating bolt lockup chambered for modern
high intensity cartridges. Extraction of fired cases remains the weak point. Keeping the chamber and action clean will help in this area.
Bolt Actions
Bolt Rifle
The bolt action repeater is the strongest and most accurate action type. Operation and maintenance is simple. Cartridges are usually loaded into a box
magazine singly, or in military types by placing a stripper clip containing the appropriate number of rounds in a slot machined above the magazine and
pressing them down into place. The bolt is pushed forward, picking up a single round, and sliding it into the chamber. The bolt handle is then pressed
down, rotating large locking lugs at the front of the bolt into recesses at the rear of the chamber creating a very solid locked breech.
Very well made and accurate bolt action rifles and carbines are widely available and chambered in a broad variety of powerful calibers. Rate of aimed
fire suffers slightly compared to semi-auto types. Accuracy of bolt guns is generally excellent and optical sights (scopes) are easier to mount. The bolt
action is the preferred type for long range engagement and sniper use.
Semi-Automatic Actions
Semi Auto Rifle
This type of weapon is more properly called self-loading. The action extracts the fired case from the chamber and loads another round into the chamber
without the assistance of the operator. The trigger must be squeezed to fire each round. The advantage of the self-loading weapon is that the shooter
can devote full concentration to target selection and sight alignment, rather than being concerned with operating a mechanism in order to fire
repeatedly.
The adoption of the M-1 Garand self-loader by the U.S. prior to WWII gave our soldiers a distinct advantage over German, Italian, and Japanese troops.
The Garand was nearly as accurate as the bolt action rifles issued to Axis forces, and provided a greater rate of aimed fire. Disadvantages were
increased weight and more required maintenance. The self-loading weapon requires good fire control discipline on the part of the operator. A high rate
of AIMED fire is the desired result, rather than spraying bullets in the general direction of the target.
Self-loading mechanisms in firearms suitable to defensive and sporting use are generally gas operated. A round is fired, and propellant gas is bled off
behind the bullet as it passes a port in the barrel near the muzzle. This gas pressure is used to move a piston and operating rod, which then unlocks
and opens the breech ejecting the spent case and compressing the buffer spring arrangement. Spring pressure then forces the bolt forward again,
picking up a fresh round, chambering it and locking the breech. Some systems apply gas pressure to a piston connected directly to the bolt thus
reducing moving parts, but increasing the distance powder gasses must travel and possibly increasing fouling.
The modern self-loader is a very effective and dependable weapon. Accuracy can be very good, but is dependent upon the quality control implemented
at the myriad and various arms and ammunition manufacturing facilities.
Selective Fire Actions
The standard for military small arms is currently selective fire capability. This means the weapon can be fired semi-auto, or full auto. As explained
above, semi-automatic fire requires the trigger to be operated to fire each round. Full automatic fire means that the operator need only pull the trigger
to initiate firing. Firing continues as long as the trigger is held back or until all ammunition is expended.
A major problem with full auto operation is that with full power cartridges recoil will force the weapon further off target with each succeeding shot. This is
not a problem for tripod mounted weapons such as heavy machine guns, but shoulder fired weapons become difficult to keep on target. The adoption of
the M-16 utilizing the small caliber 5.56mm NATO cartridge was intended to minimize this difficulty, while the reduced weight of the new rifle and round
enabled the soldier to carry the extra ammo full auto fire necessitated.
Field experience showed that fire control discipline was not adequately dealing with the problem of indiscriminate fire and wasted ammunition. The M-16
A2 thus incorporates a burst mode in place of the full auto mode. Burst mode allows only 3 rounds to be fired before the trigger must be released and
squeezed again to reinitiate firing.
Weapons capable of selective fire can be obtained by the Citizen from Class III weapons dealers. Recent legislation prohibits the sale of newly
manufactured full auto or selective fire weapons to law enforcement agencies and the military only. Preban autos available to the Citizen are quite
expensive and require licensing and payment of a $200 fee to the BATF. One may expect that BATF will keep a record of your possession and visit
unannounced to inspect such.
There are many cases on record of BATF raiding law abiding gun owners on trumped up charges, seizing legally possessed weapons, destroying or
seizing other personal property, and injuring or killing innocent people. Federal, State, and local authorities refuse to prosecute these illegal activities,
or even to cut the budget of the offending agency. Selective and/or full auto weapons should not be the weapon of choice for the average Citizen.
Careful, well aimed fire from a bolt or semi-auto action is much easier to achieve and more effective. Leave the concept of suppressive fire to the
Rambos at BATF, they have the budget and "destroy everything in sight" mentality such foolish policies require.
Shotguns
Shotguns are smooth bored weapons designed to send a large number of small round projectiles toward the target. The projectiles (lead or steel shot)
spread out in a reasonably controlled manner as they proceed downrange. Most often used in bird or small game hunting, shotguns are effective in
stopping small fast moving targets. Shotguns are available in single shot, double-barrel, pump, bolt, and semi-auto actions. Such weapons have a
definite but limited usefulness. A pump or semi-auto shotgun can be used effectively for defense purposes, but only at close range. Several
manufacturers produce shotguns designed specifically for this use.
Handguns
Two types of repeating handguns are available, the revolver and the semi-auto pistol. Usefulness of both is limited to very close range defense or
backup. The revolver operates by means of rotating cylinder of chambers aligning with a fixed barrel. Commonly called a six-gun, two sub-types are the
single action and the double action revolver.
Single Action Revolver
Single action revolvers require the user to cock the exposed hammer with the thumb, rotating the cylinder to align the next chamber with the barrel.
Squeezing the trigger then discharges that chamber. The cylinder of a single action revolver is usually loaded one round at a time through a loading
gate at the side of the gun. This requires two actions to reload each chamber in the cylinder - extraction of the fired case and insertion of the fresh
round.
Double Action Revolver
Double action revolvers usually have cylinders that swing out away from the frame of the handgun to allow one operation of the ejector rod to empty the
cylinder of all fired cases at once. A device called a speedloader, which holds six rounds in alignment, can then be placed over the cylinder to load all
chambers at once. The cylinder is then swung back into position ready to fire. As the trigger is squeezed, a linkage inside the frame cocks the hammer
and rotates the cylinder. At the end of the trigger stroke the hammer is released firing the round in the aligned chamber. Double action revolvers tend to
have quite stiff trigger pulls as one action has to accomplish many tasks. Most can be fired single action by cocking the hammer with the thumb. The
hammer can then be released with a light squeeze on the trigger.
Semi-Automatic Pistols
Semi-automatic pistols operate as self-loaders, with each round fired the empty case is ejected, and a fresh round chambered. Pistols may be single
action, double action, or double action only.
Single action (SA) pistols require the hammer to be manually cocked for the first round, the trigger is then pulled firing the pistol. Recoil is tapped to
provide energy for ejecting the empty case, cocking the hammer, and chambering a new round. The pistol is now ready to fire again, chamber loaded,
hammer cocked. Double action (DA) pistols will cock the hammer with the first round's trigger pull, the pistol will fire, eject the empty case, cock the
hammer, and chamber a fresh round. The pistol is now ready to fire again, chamber loaded, hammer cocked.
Double action only (DAO) semi-autos eject fired cases and chamber a fresh round with each firing, but the hammer is always cocked by pulling the
trigger. The first part of the trigger pull will cock the hammer, the final few ounces will release it. Recoil provides the energy to eject the fired case and
chamber a new round only.All handguns are more difficult to shoot adequately than are rifles. A revolver is slightly easier for the novice to learn to
operate well than a semi-auto. Semi-auto pistols require diligent effort to learn safe handling and marksmanship.
No handgun can be made to do the job of a carbine or rifle. But all things considered, a handgun is better than no gun, you have a right and
responsibility to protect yourself.
The average Citizen need only be concerned with a few types of firearms. The weapons discussed are generally available over the counter to the
Citizen. This section will discuss the basic technological aspects of the various types of weapons.
Rifles and Carbines
The most useful arm to the Citizen is probably the rifle or the carbine. A rifle is a long arm with a rifled (grooved) barrel chambered for a full power
cartridge, and intended to be fired from the shoulder. A carbine is simply a more compact version of the rifle, most often with a shorter barrel and
chambered for an intermediate power cartridge.
Single shot rifles and carbines are specialized firearms of little practical use as defensive arms as they must be reloaded each time a round is fired. Both
the rifle and the carbine are available as repeaters in lever, pump, bolt, or semi-automatic type actions.
Lever Actions
Lever Rifle
The lever action rifle & carbine are probably the most commonly known type to most Americans. This is the weapon usually seen in TV and movie
Westerns and typically carried in a saddle scabbard. Spencer and Henry lever action rifles were introduced during the Civil War, though few saw actual
service. The standard rifles used by the troops of both the Federal Army and the Army of the Confederacy were either muzzle loaders, or paper
cartridge breech loaders, both requiring a fairly complicated process of reloading after each shot. A few breech loading metallic cartridge arms were
available, but these were also single shot weapons. A repeating rifle would allow several shots to be fired before reloading and thus dramatically
increase the rate of fire.
The Winchester Model 1873 was the first really successful lever action repeater. Several designs were introduced and subsequently discontinued in the
evolution of the Winchester lever action, the Model 1894 being the most common and still in production in various forms. Marlin, Browning, and Savage
also produce lever action repeaters, the Savage Model 99 and the Browning Model 81 being perhaps the most useful for our purposes.
All lever actions utilize a lever under the action to facilitate repeat shots. After a shot is fired the user lowers a lever under the action which unlocks the
breech, extracts the fired cartridge case and cocks the hammer. A fresh cartridge is fed from a spring loaded magazine into position, and when the
underlever is raised the fresh cartridge is pressed home into the chamber and the breech locked.
The Winchester and Marlin lever actions utilize a tubular magazine requiring round nosed or flat point bullets. This is a disadvantage as these bullet
types lose velocity very quickly and limit the effective range of the arm dramatically. Another disadvantage is that the breech locking system of
Winchester and Marlin rifles is not designed for high intensity cartridges.
Savage and Browning both produce lever guns that use a box magazine making the use of ballistically superior pointed bullets possible. The breech
locking system is also stronger allowing them to be chambered for modern high pressure cartridges like the .308 Winchester (7.62 NATO).
Pump Actions
Pump Rifle
The pump action (also called slide or trombone action) is today most commonly seen in use on shotguns. At one time pump action type rifles were quite
popular. Operation is very similar to lever types, the actuating mechanism being a sliding forearm rather than a pivoting underlever. The drawbacks of
relatively weak lockup and extraction, and tubular magazines in this action are similar to lever guns.
Remington, however, produces a pump action in its Model 7600 which utilizes a box magazine and a strong rotating bolt lockup chambered for modern
high intensity cartridges. Extraction of fired cases remains the weak point. Keeping the chamber and action clean will help in this area.
Bolt Actions
Bolt Rifle
The bolt action repeater is the strongest and most accurate action type. Operation and maintenance is simple. Cartridges are usually loaded into a box
magazine singly, or in military types by placing a stripper clip containing the appropriate number of rounds in a slot machined above the magazine and
pressing them down into place. The bolt is pushed forward, picking up a single round, and sliding it into the chamber. The bolt handle is then pressed
down, rotating large locking lugs at the front of the bolt into recesses at the rear of the chamber creating a very solid locked breech.
Very well made and accurate bolt action rifles and carbines are widely available and chambered in a broad variety of powerful calibers. Rate of aimed
fire suffers slightly compared to semi-auto types. Accuracy of bolt guns is generally excellent and optical sights (scopes) are easier to mount. The bolt
action is the preferred type for long range engagement and sniper use.
Semi-Automatic Actions
Semi Auto Rifle
This type of weapon is more properly called self-loading. The action extracts the fired case from the chamber and loads another round into the chamber
without the assistance of the operator. The trigger must be squeezed to fire each round. The advantage of the self-loading weapon is that the shooter
can devote full concentration to target selection and sight alignment, rather than being concerned with operating a mechanism in order to fire
repeatedly.
The adoption of the M-1 Garand self-loader by the U.S. prior to WWII gave our soldiers a distinct advantage over German, Italian, and Japanese troops.
The Garand was nearly as accurate as the bolt action rifles issued to Axis forces, and provided a greater rate of aimed fire. Disadvantages were
increased weight and more required maintenance. The self-loading weapon requires good fire control discipline on the part of the operator. A high rate
of AIMED fire is the desired result, rather than spraying bullets in the general direction of the target.
Self-loading mechanisms in firearms suitable to defensive and sporting use are generally gas operated. A round is fired, and propellant gas is bled off
behind the bullet as it passes a port in the barrel near the muzzle. This gas pressure is used to move a piston and operating rod, which then unlocks
and opens the breech ejecting the spent case and compressing the buffer spring arrangement. Spring pressure then forces the bolt forward again,
picking up a fresh round, chambering it and locking the breech. Some systems apply gas pressure to a piston connected directly to the bolt thus
reducing moving parts, but increasing the distance powder gasses must travel and possibly increasing fouling.
The modern self-loader is a very effective and dependable weapon. Accuracy can be very good, but is dependent upon the quality control implemented
at the myriad and various arms and ammunition manufacturing facilities.
Selective Fire Actions
The standard for military small arms is currently selective fire capability. This means the weapon can be fired semi-auto, or full auto. As explained
above, semi-automatic fire requires the trigger to be operated to fire each round. Full automatic fire means that the operator need only pull the trigger
to initiate firing. Firing continues as long as the trigger is held back or until all ammunition is expended.
A major problem with full auto operation is that with full power cartridges recoil will force the weapon further off target with each succeeding shot. This is
not a problem for tripod mounted weapons such as heavy machine guns, but shoulder fired weapons become difficult to keep on target. The adoption of
the M-16 utilizing the small caliber 5.56mm NATO cartridge was intended to minimize this difficulty, while the reduced weight of the new rifle and round
enabled the soldier to carry the extra ammo full auto fire necessitated.
Field experience showed that fire control discipline was not adequately dealing with the problem of indiscriminate fire and wasted ammunition. The M-16
A2 thus incorporates a burst mode in place of the full auto mode. Burst mode allows only 3 rounds to be fired before the trigger must be released and
squeezed again to reinitiate firing.
Weapons capable of selective fire can be obtained by the Citizen from Class III weapons dealers. Recent legislation prohibits the sale of newly
manufactured full auto or selective fire weapons to law enforcement agencies and the military only. Preban autos available to the Citizen are quite
expensive and require licensing and payment of a $200 fee to the BATF. One may expect that BATF will keep a record of your possession and visit
unannounced to inspect such.
There are many cases on record of BATF raiding law abiding gun owners on trumped up charges, seizing legally possessed weapons, destroying or
seizing other personal property, and injuring or killing innocent people. Federal, State, and local authorities refuse to prosecute these illegal activities,
or even to cut the budget of the offending agency. Selective and/or full auto weapons should not be the weapon of choice for the average Citizen.
Careful, well aimed fire from a bolt or semi-auto action is much easier to achieve and more effective. Leave the concept of suppressive fire to the
Rambos at BATF, they have the budget and "destroy everything in sight" mentality such foolish policies require.
Shotguns
Shotguns are smooth bored weapons designed to send a large number of small round projectiles toward the target. The projectiles (lead or steel shot)
spread out in a reasonably controlled manner as they proceed downrange. Most often used in bird or small game hunting, shotguns are effective in
stopping small fast moving targets. Shotguns are available in single shot, double-barrel, pump, bolt, and semi-auto actions. Such weapons have a
definite but limited usefulness. A pump or semi-auto shotgun can be used effectively for defense purposes, but only at close range. Several
manufacturers produce shotguns designed specifically for this use.
Handguns
Two types of repeating handguns are available, the revolver and the semi-auto pistol. Usefulness of both is limited to very close range defense or
backup. The revolver operates by means of rotating cylinder of chambers aligning with a fixed barrel. Commonly called a six-gun, two sub-types are the
single action and the double action revolver.
Single Action Revolver
Single action revolvers require the user to cock the exposed hammer with the thumb, rotating the cylinder to align the next chamber with the barrel.
Squeezing the trigger then discharges that chamber. The cylinder of a single action revolver is usually loaded one round at a time through a loading
gate at the side of the gun. This requires two actions to reload each chamber in the cylinder - extraction of the fired case and insertion of the fresh
round.
Double Action Revolver
Double action revolvers usually have cylinders that swing out away from the frame of the handgun to allow one operation of the ejector rod to empty the
cylinder of all fired cases at once. A device called a speedloader, which holds six rounds in alignment, can then be placed over the cylinder to load all
chambers at once. The cylinder is then swung back into position ready to fire. As the trigger is squeezed, a linkage inside the frame cocks the hammer
and rotates the cylinder. At the end of the trigger stroke the hammer is released firing the round in the aligned chamber. Double action revolvers tend to
have quite stiff trigger pulls as one action has to accomplish many tasks. Most can be fired single action by cocking the hammer with the thumb. The
hammer can then be released with a light squeeze on the trigger.
Semi-Automatic Pistols
Semi-automatic pistols operate as self-loaders, with each round fired the empty case is ejected, and a fresh round chambered. Pistols may be single
action, double action, or double action only.
Single action (SA) pistols require the hammer to be manually cocked for the first round, the trigger is then pulled firing the pistol. Recoil is tapped to
provide energy for ejecting the empty case, cocking the hammer, and chambering a new round. The pistol is now ready to fire again, chamber loaded,
hammer cocked. Double action (DA) pistols will cock the hammer with the first round's trigger pull, the pistol will fire, eject the empty case, cock the
hammer, and chamber a fresh round. The pistol is now ready to fire again, chamber loaded, hammer cocked.
Double action only (DAO) semi-autos eject fired cases and chamber a fresh round with each firing, but the hammer is always cocked by pulling the
trigger. The first part of the trigger pull will cock the hammer, the final few ounces will release it. Recoil provides the energy to eject the fired case and
chamber a new round only.All handguns are more difficult to shoot adequately than are rifles. A revolver is slightly easier for the novice to learn to
operate well than a semi-auto. Semi-auto pistols require diligent effort to learn safe handling and marksmanship.
No handgun can be made to do the job of a carbine or rifle. But all things considered, a handgun is better than no gun, you have a right and
responsibility to protect yourself.