Classes will start the weekend of August 17th.
Retail sales will start as soon as our new FFL comes in, which should take a few weeks.
Massachusetts Pistol Permit Course
Intended use is the most important factor in selecting a new firearm. Is the gun for home defense, self defense, target or competitive shooting? Is it for hunting? If so, what type of hunting? These are all questions a new gun owner should be asking themselves before buying a new firearm.
Most of my students come to class with very specific goals. The most frequent of which is Home Defense/Self Defense. The first question to ask yourself is ‘Am I going to conceal carry or just use it for home defense’? If the answer is home defense only then I would suggest buying a shotgun. Using a shotgun for home defense is ideal for two reasons. First, 12 pellet 00 Buckshot fires 12 .33 caliber lead pellets with a devastating affect on a target. Bullet impact is measured in foot/lbs and a shotgun has the greatest force on impact when compared to rifles and handguns (suitable for home defense). Second, muzzle velocity reduction in a fired buckshot round from a 12 gauge shotgun happens faster than that of a rifle or handgun. Helping to reduce the likely hood of over penetration through interior and exterior walls. This should be a safety concern when defending your home with firearms since you are not able to tell what, or who, is in the next room. Remember, know your target and what’s beyond it!
If your answer is ‘self defense with the intent to conceal carry outside of the home’ then the right gun for you is a handgun. The simple reason is that, unlike shotguns and rifles, a handgun is easy to conceal. Now, should you conceal or open carry? Again, for me, the answer is easy. You should conceal the handgun. There are two reasons for this. First, surprise is a tactical advantage. Why would you want to give up that tactical advantage by open carrying the gun? Second, you will draw unwanted attention from the general public and ultimately with law enforcement by openly carrying the handgun. This is especially true in a state like Connecticut.
The type of gun that is appropriate for target or competitive shooting is going to solely depend on what type of competition the shooter is participating in. 3 Gun Competitors will actually need all three platforms. Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clay competitors will need a shotgun. Cowboy Action Shooters will need a lever action rifle, side by side shotgun and 2 single action revolvers. Each type of completion will have a specified gun type associated with it. This is very similar to hunting, the type of game will determine which gun is suitable. For example, you would want to use a 12 gauge shotgun to hunt squirrel.
Other factors that should be considered when purchasing a new firearm are pistol fit and ergonomics. Does it feel comfortable in your hands and are you able to hold it comfortably?You should at the very least try and hold the gun before you buy it. If at all possible you should try and shoot it. Pistol size, weight and recoil will also be a factor. For shotguns, if the 12 gauge has too much recoil move on to the 20 gauge. For handguns there is a direct correlation between the weight of the gun and how much recoil there is: the lower the weight the more recoil there will be.
In short, you should do what’s best for you and not listen to the know it all gun store clerk that thinks everyone should buy a Colt 1911 Single Action Only handgun for self defense. When purchasing a firearm you should do your own research, consult knowledgeable shooters and purchase from a reputable dealer. There is no right or wrong here. There is however appropriate and inappropriate. Become knowledgeable, gain experience through training, have a lot of self awareness and make the best decision for you.
-Bobby
With Election Day 2018 behind us I’ve been asked several times about what the results mean. This is not an easy question to answer when you consider the vast difference in the national versus local results and their implied ramifications.
Nationally, the Democrats gained control of the United States House of Representatives. They gained at least 23 seats and potentially more with a few races yet to be called. This has a few likely outcomes. Gun legislation will, in all likelihood, be passed in the lower body. Rest assured every time there is shooting a Democrat will be stepping over the dead to call for gun control legislation in the House. We should expect proposed legislation to include a renewed “modern sporting rifle” bans, magazine limits, universal background checks, liability insurance requirements for gun owners and a reversal of the ban on the use of public funds to study “gun violence”.
Thankfully, the blue wave wasn’t much of one, and it broke up on the red wall that is the United States Senate. The GOP increased the majority to a potential 54-46, given a win in Florida by former governor Rick Scott who is in a recount. The Kavanaugh confirmation had an affect on red state Democrat Senators. 3 of the 4 red state Democrat’s voted against Kavanaugh, all 3 were unseated by Republicans. The only one to keep their seat was the only one to vote for Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.
What does that mean for gun owners? Any legislation passed by the House must also be passed by the Senate. With a solid Republican majority in the Senate that won’t happen. Also, Republicans control the Executive branch. President Trump would likely veto any such legislation if it were to pass both houses. With a solid majority in the upper house comes the ability to keep appointing federal judges and possibly one or two more Supreme Court Justices. With Justice Ginsburg and Justice Breyer in their 80’s the likely hood of having to replace at least one of them is high. The result of this would be to preserve the Second Amendment for at least another generation.
Nationally, the 2018 mid-term elections did not do much for the ant-gun crowd.
The problem lies right here in the State of Connecticut . The 2018 midterm elections were a disaster for gun owners and second amendment supporters in the “Constitution State”. The Democrats already held a solid majority in the Connecticut House, which increased on Tuesday to a 92-59 majority. The Democrats also increased their hold on the Connecticut Senate. In what was a 18-18 advantage for the Democrats (an actual 19-18 advantage with the tie breaking vote going to the Democrat Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman) to a potential 24-12 majority.
This opens the door for all sorts of issues for Connecticut Second Amendment supporters. We should be prepared to see new gun control legislation as soon as this winter when the new legislative session begins on January 9, 2019. Things such as raising the price to obtain the permit, requiring liability insurance for gun owners, an “approved” gun list or an out right ban on some firearms types.
Nationally, the second amendment is protected from further infringements by the left by Republican control of the Senate and with a Republican President. At a state and local level the second amendment could be under fire from the left as a result the Connecticut statewide elections. Frankly, the gun crowd got their ass kicked on Tuesday November 6th.
Bobby
If there is one thing you can count on in the “gun world” it’s strong opinions. Everyone has got an opinion and no one has ever been wrong. That’s a problem in my eyes because it can cause some serious safety issues.
As most of you know, I teach quite a few firearms related classes. Ranging from the most basic of classes, the NRA Basic Pistol Class, to advanced classes like our Drawing From a Holster Class. In each one I always emphasize the importance of self-awareness, common sense and consistent training with each student in order to become a safe and responsible gun owner. I also express my disdain for the “know it all” gun owner/gun salesperson.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to guns. There is no “best caliber”. Glock’s (or any polymer frame striker-fired pistol) are no better than 1911 style handguns, or vice versa. There is no best way to conceal carry your pistol (with a chambered round or with without). What’s best for each gun owner should be determined by the gun owner themselves. Not the grumpy, crusty old guy behind the gun shop counter.
Frankly, it’s gun owners like this that give the rest of us a bad name. It makes it more intimidating for potential new gun people to join our ranks. Who wants to be ridiculed for their choice of firearm manufacturer? No one wants to be looked down upon because of their choice of caliber. We should be looking out for one another not hindering the growth of our ranks
Ultimately, this sort of behavior can lead to safety issues. Most notably it can lead to unasked questions. The unasked question is the only “dumb” question when it comes to firearms safety. It can also create other issues concerning the safe operation of a firearm, such as proper unloading and clearing of the firearm to make it safe. Of all things related to firearms it is safety that is of the upmost importance. This “I know what’s best for you” attitude is a real safety issue.
Gun owners (especially new gun owners) need to make good sound decisions about what’s best for them. They should do their own research, consult knowledgeable shooters and purchase their firearm from a reputable dealer. All too often gun owners allow others to influence their decisions and then end up with an inappropriate firearm. Gun owners need to be self-aware enough, and use their common sense, to make an informed and appropriate gun purchase and related decisions. Listening to someone who thinks one size fits all when it comes to firearms isn’t a smart idea.
-Bobby
The saying goes, elections have consequences. For the anti-gun liberal left that certainly rings true over the last 12 to 18 months when it comes to Supreme Court nominations. The election of Donald Trump in 2016 was the best thing that could happen for gun owners and gun rights organizations. With his election came the promise to appoint conservative Supreme Court Justices. President Trump has come through on his promise.
The appointment of Justice Gorsuch and recently confirmed Justice Kavanaugh is exactly what gun rights proponents needed. These appointments have flipped the balance of the court to a 5-4 conservative or strict constructionism interpretation of the constitution. Meaning that the second amendment should be interpreted as it was when the constitution was written. Therefore, ensuring the right to bear arms to all citizens.
This opens the door for many opportunities to right the wrongs that have occurred since the renewed push for anti-gun legislation in the months and years after the tragedy at Sandy Hook. Overturning the assault weapons bans that occurred in many states, as well as the universal background check legislation in states like Connecticut and New York. The ban on so called “high capacity magazines” could also be overturned with the new make up of the court.
With National Reciprocity already passed in the House it could now be passed in the Senate and would, in all likely hood, stand up to judicial review in the Supreme Court. This would be a big one and is the “holy grail” of pro-gun proponents. Imagine being able practice your second amendment rights in all 50 states. The way the founders intended it.
Remember though, elections have consequences. Republicans must retain the majority in the Senate to pass national reciprocity. They must also retain the majority in the House. Don’t let the effort to confirm Kavanaugh under the worst conditions possible (created by the liberal left) go to waste. Every vote counts. If you aren’t registered to vote then do so now. Become informed on the candidates at every level of government. National campaigns matter, but so do the elections at the local and state level.
Complacency kills and, as President Obama once said, “elections matter”.
Use the link here to register to vote if you are not registered. Deadline to register to vote in the November 2018 elections for Connecticut is by midnight October 31, 2018:
https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do
Bobby
I don’t like to talk about myself much. I prefer to remain in the background and just blend in. I think the Army instilled that in me. Keep your head down, do your job, your not special. That’s the Army mantra for a regular Army grunt like me. I feel as though that must change now. It needs to change for a bunch of reasons. The biggest reason is because I believe this country and many of its citizens have lost its way.
My story begins on September 10, 2001. After watching the first episode of Band of Brothers on HBO I went to bed. At the time I was working as a debt analyst for a financial database company called Thomson Financial in Newark, New Jersey and living in Hoboken, New Jersey. I was scheduled to work in New York City the next day and attend a class at our office on Fulton Street.
I woke up late the next day, September 11, 2001, and was running about 20 minutes behind. I didn’t get to the PATH Train station in Hoboken to go to the World Trade Center until a few minutes before American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower at 8:45 am. I estimate that I arrived at the PATH train station 5 floors under the towers just after United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower at 9:03 am.
I could immediately tell something was wrong as we pulled in to the station. There were no people on the platform except for Port Authority Police Officers. I could see, and smell smoke, and the doors to the train didn’t open immediately when the train stopped. An announcement was made over the intercom system that there was a “police action” at the World Trade Center. We never got out of the train. We just went back to New Jersey to the Pavonia/Newport station.
When I first saw it I couldn’t believe. I had no idea what happened. I saw it first through a huge window as I was coming up the escalators. Both towers were smoking and I could see flames. A man standing next me told me what had happened, after I asked, and I didn’t believe him. I could see debris falling from the towers and was horrified to be able to tell the difference between the debris and the people jumping. I watched both the north and south towers fall from right there. Outside the Pavonia/Newport PATH train station. It was 11 o’clock Tuesday September 11, 2001.
After the second tower fell I decided to try and get back to my office in Newark. So I got back on the train and headed to Newark. I was hoping some of my co-workers, that had also been headed to our Fulton St. office, would be there. Or, at least someone had heard from them. The first time I saw a TV was in the bar located on the first floor of the building complex I worked in. That was the first time I saw the planes hit as it was replayed over and over. I finally believed that guy back at Pavonia/Newport Path Train Station.
Everyone in my office was accounted for. So, some of us from work hopped in a car headed back to Hoboken. I think it I got back to my apartment around 3 o’clock or so. At this point I still hadn’t spoken with any of my family. Cell phone reception had been knocked out by the collapse of the towers and landlines were also not working. I think it must have been around 5 o’clock that evening that I finally talked with my mom. She had known where I was going that morning as was terrified, as you could imagine. My roommates and I walked down to the water right after I talked with my mother. We watched tower 7 fall from right there on the Jersey side of the Hudson.
My emotions ran the gamut for the next few weeks. I remember feeling anger, sorrow, empathy, guilt, wanting revenge and helplessness. It was the last two that would become the driving force for me to enlist in the United States Army in September of 2003. What I remember most is the missing person flyers taped to every bus stop, front and back, all the way down Washington Street in Hoboken. There were so many of them. Too many to count. I also could feel an outpouring of love and togetherness. We talked about “Never Forget” and “United We Stand”. There was a sense of patriotism and love of country. We weren’t Democrats or Republics and we didn’t care about “hanging chads” anymore. We were one nation.
But that is gone now. We have forgotten about 9/11. We have forgotten the lessons learned from that awful day. We’ve lost our sense of community and togetherness. Most of all we have lost our love for this country and we no longer give America the respect she deserves. This is the greatest country in the world. Many of us have forgotten that detail. I fear for our country and its future.
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Bobby
Shooting is a perishable skill, if it isn’t trained it goes away. No one can walk into a range and just be the best shooter there. It takes time, practice and hard work. There are many factors that make up a good shooter. One thing that is always constant is consistent training. Not just any training but correct and purposeful training.
We can help you there. Whether your new to shooting and have no clue or if you have been shooting for a long time and are looking for something new. If you are new we offer private lessons in the function and proper manipulation of a firearm. This would also include proper cleaning and maintenance. For someone who has been shooting for a while we offer our drawing from a holster class. We have even gotten permission for some of our students (after they have been trained enough and vetted by Bridgeport Shooting Range) to draw from a holster by themselves.
The ultimate goal here is to be properly trained. For most people that shouldn’t stop after you have taken your NRA Basic Pistol Class. Becoming familiar with your firearm, safe with your firearm and accurate with your firearm are important hurdles to clear before you carry in public. Frankly, if you aren’t any of those you shouldn’t carry your firearm in public. You would be a danger to yourself and to others.
The solution to all of this is to get follow on training with us, to include private lessons. We can get you to the point where you are competent enough to carry that firearm in public to protect yourself and others.
Take a private lesson with us today!
-Bobby
The newest gun control crisis according to the anti-gun crowd is 3D Printer Guns. The issue specifically is that the plans/directions for these types of firearms could potentially be made available for free on the internet. The plans for these firearms are input into a 3D printer and parts are then manufactured according to the specifications taken from those plans. The frame, and many of the internal working parts, are made from the plastic used by 3D printers. Parts like the barrel, chamber and firing pin are metal and are purchased separately.
Over the last few weeks I have been asked a number of times about my thoughts on 3D Printer Guns. Ultimately, I see it as a statistical non-issue. The anti-gun crowd often sites that 35,000+ Americans are killed yearly by “gun violence”. Total population in the United States as of the end of 2017 was 325.7 million. That works out to be 0.00011 percent of the population are killed yearly by “gun violence”. The addition of 3D Printer Guns is not going to affect this number and make it rise significantly. This is actually my stance on mass shootings as well. It is the media that makes these issues out to be more significant than they really are.
3D Printer Guns is just the latest in a long line of fabricated issues relating to firearms. Fabricated by the liberal left and anti-gun people. Pointing out statistical evidence as I did above makes me heartless or a “gun nut”. Pointing to the abnormal levels of shootings in the Democrat run City of Chicago makes me a racist. Being outraged about the release on bail of a terrorist in New Mexico, that was literally teaching children how to perform mass shootings, makes me Islam-a-phobic. Real problems that have real solutions are ignored by anti-gunners and statistical non-issues are given too much attention. I wrote a blog about hardening of our schools a few weeks ago. Again, a real solution to a problem that the anti-gun crowd resists.
To me, the issue of 3D Printer Guns isn’t a significant issue and the liberal press, liberal politicians and anti-gun people have made a mountain out of a molehill. Too much time, energy and resources are being wasted on things like this and not enough time, energy and resources are being spent on solvable issues like the murder rate in Chicago, properly dealing with a terrorist teaching kids to be school shooters and hardening our schools against mass shootings.
-Bobby
In order to celebrate Labor Day and, let’s be honest parents – kids returning to school, we are going to run a sale on our CT/Utah Combo Course and our Utah Pistol Permit class. If you attend a class during the month of September you will receive $25 off the regular class price. That makes the CT/Utah Combo Class $200, normally $225 and our Utah Pistol Permit class $100, normally $125.
In addition to saving some money, taking the CT/Utah Combo Course is a great way to save something else – time. Taking the CT Pistol Permit Course and the Utah Pistol Permit course separately will take about 12 hours total. By combing the classes, because many of the topics are the same, I can shave 3 to 4 hours off by teaching it in the same day.
Getting $25 off our Utah Pistol Permit class is another great money saver. By obtaining the Utah Pistol Permit you gain reciprocity with 33 other states, allowing you to legally carry in those states. No other permit in the United States has that level of reciprocity. Another advantage to taking this class is that I discuss how to get additional individual states permits. By the time you leave class you will have gained the knowledge to get an additional 8 permits, bringing total number of POSSIBLE permits to 41.
We hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend this year and look forward to seeing you in the classroom and at the range in the month of September.
Bobby
There is evil in this world. I’ve seen it. I’ve fought against it. I’ve felt it and can tell you that it has a way to let you know it’s there. It exists not only in the Middle East, West Africa, South East Asia, Afghanistan, but its also here in the United States. Evil comes in many forms and you may think I’m talking about terrorism, but I’m not. I’m talking about school shootings.
The solution to stopping these horrible violent acts is simple, and to me obvious. Rather than arguing about guns, mental health, the role of psychiatric drugs and violence in movies and video games we should be focusing on protecting our children. Schools are soft targets that need to be hardened. We did it swiftly and unanimously with airports and aircraft after the terror attacks of 9/11. Why isn’t this being done with our schools?
On September 11, 2001 we as a country were attacked and the method and weapon that was used was airplanes. The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all commercial flights and did not resume until September 14, 2001. Over the next several weeks and months airports and airplanes underwent a complete security overhaul and the way America travelled via the airline industry changed forever.
The solution the federal government enacted over those few months after 9/11 resulted in the following changes. Shoes and hats had to be taken off when going through security. Liquids such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner were limited to 3.4 ounces when stored in carry on luggage. Body scanners started to be used and random screenings began to take place. The door to the cockpit of an aircraft is now permanently locked during flights and passengers have no access. The biggest change, the creation of the department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration and a dramatic increase in the number of Air Marshall’s.
Similar policies and security changes should be implemented in our schools. Access to schools should be limited to one access point with armed personnel and metal detectors. In the interest of fire safety all other doors should be fire doors opening from the internal side only and alarmed. Security personnel should patrol the hallways and the grounds actively as a deterrent to potential threats. Finally all authorized students, teachers, staff and parents should be issued identification allowing access to the building. No ID. No entrance.
President Trump and his administration have floated the idea of arming teachers in schools to protect our kids. Although I do agree that teachers should be allowed to carry firearms in schools, I do not agree that they should be the first line of defense for our kids. Our children deserve better than a 60 year old English teacher with no firearms training. Our kids deserve good men or women capable of doing violent things without hesitation. Men and women trained to protect and defend our most precious of things, our children. Frankly, men like me.
The problem lies with political will. For 9/11 we had it and it changed the way we as a country flew commercially. For school shootings we have not found it and our children are dying as a result. There is evil in this world and it always finds a way to rear its ugly head. It’s up to good men and women to defend the innocent and those who can’t defend themselves. This includes our politicians. They are failing us by not hardening our schools. They are failing us because they use the deaths of the innocent for political gain.
Bobby
