Wednesday, September 17, 2014

How will the lead ammo ban affect you?

In October of 2013 the state of California passed a ban on hunting with lead ammunition http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/lead-free/ . While more states are looking at the same alternative to traditional hunting, I am looking for ammunition alternatives myself. Not everyone has a friend that works overnight in the Sporting Goods dept at the local big box retailer that can text them in the middle of the night to let them know that they got in 6 boxes of .380 (or whatever).

The Washington Times reported that the only smelter left in the U.S. that produced lead for ammunition closing will have absolutely no effect on the availability or cost of ammunition http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/2/obamas-epa-smelter-closing-will-not-affect-ammunit/?page=all . Most major ammunition manufacturers began making "green" ammo by 2008 when the lead ammo debates intensified. If you do a cost comparison between the two, non-lead ammo is not the same cost as traditional lead ammo.


It makes me wonder if the $11 core charge on a car battery is worth it, or is that something that I should save along with the lead I pick out of the hillside at the shooting range. I have been saving my brass for years. Why not save the lead as well? Many people are making their own bullets http://www.ehow.com/how_2212846_make-ammunition.html and have been for some time. As a child I can remember my father casting .54 caliber balls for his muzzleloader.

As more states are looking at alternatives to lead bullets I will keep collecting lead (and storing it safely) for my personal use. http://ehs.whoi.edu/ehs/occsafety/leadweightsafety.pdf . If it gets to the point where you need to make your own bullets, it will be too late to start collecting lead.

Practice makes Perfect.
Stay Safe
Oregon Concealed Training

Get certified today

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Smart Guns - Stupid People




The new "Smart" gun in the news have two basic working ideas. The most popular it seems is a .22 caliber model that costs $1399 and works on RFID (Radio Frequency Indicator) technology. You have to have a watch (or ring) that sends a signal to your gun and must be within 6 inches of the gun for it to be operable (a light on the back of the firearm turns green). Thus preventing the gun to work if stolen. Right?



The other, a 1911 model, mostly is set up with fingerprint technology. Because we all know that this is the fastest most reliable safety when you need to defend yourself quickly. Actually with a lot of practice you might be able to pull this maneuver quickly even with all of the adrenaline and fear. Right?




 I am not saying that owning a smart gun makes someone stupid. But how stupid do they think we are? My guns are smart guns (not electronic). They do not need a watch or ring (sold separately). They do not need a fingerprint in the right location. Do you know why they are smart? Because we are not all idiots.




I keep my guns locked up when they are not on my person. SMART.

I learn, study, and practice safety at all times SMART.

I teach my children and others safety and safe practices SMART.

My guns are in a 1200 pound safe bolted to the wall and floor SMART.

Regular Practice SMART.









I have read many news stories over the last couple of days from the pro-gunners and the anti-gunners (some story links below) that jump to conclusions and reactions of what they think the other thinks about and how they will respond to these "safer" firearms. But, there are a few things that are very important that I am not hearing people talk about. Many people assume that anybody that is pro gun is a conspiracy theorist, a nut job, or both. With that as a lead in, here are a few things to consider.


1) We promote Safety. Keep your guns out of reach etc. etc.  Unfortunately, there are many people (sorry southern CA) that will rely on the technology of this new firearm. i.e. "I don't need to put it up, no one can use it anyway" This will happen! This will promote terrible habits.

2) Electronics can fail. According to Murphy it will happen when you need it

3) In battle, the first step is to disable communication. Jam signals. disable electronics. The far left and some in our government (such as those pushing gun restrictions and Smart guns) say that anyone that fears gun grabbers and takeovers are paranoid. That being said, with guns that rely on RFID technology to work, how hard would it be for them (Army, NATO, DHS) to disable any gun that relys on electronic tech?

4) At a price tag of $1399 plus a watch (sold separately) at $400, instead of 1 Stupid gun with too many opportunities for failure, I will instead buy two SMART guns such as these two below.


 http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/02/21/gun-control-smart-technology-personalized-column/5645119/

http://www.digitaljournal.com/tech/technology/new-smart-gun-hits-shelves-and-debate-in-america/article/372297

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2014/02/20/first-smart-pistol-shelves-in-california/





Friday, February 14, 2014

New anti gun legislation hurts Oregonians

One step closer for more anti gun legislation


Yesterday, the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee voted 3 to 2 down the party line to move Senate Bill 1551 to the Senate Rules Committee.  As previously reported, SB 1551 would criminalize the otherwise lawful private transfer of firearms.  This move is most likely due to the fact that the Senate Rules Committee is not subject to the same deadline requirements as other committees.  Now, more than ever, it is critical to contact members of the Senate Rules Committee and express your OPPOSITION to this overreaching legislation.
Using the contact information provided below, please call AND e-mail members of the Senate Rules Committee and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 1551.

Senate Rules Committee:
Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-21), Chairman
503-986-1700
Sen.DianeRosenbaum@state.or.us

Senator Ted Ferrioli (R-30), Vice-Chairman
503-986-1950
Sen.tedferrioli@state.or.us

Senator Lee Beyer (D-6)
503-986-1706
Sen.LeeBeyer@state.or.us

Senator Ginny Burdick (D-18)
503-986-1718
Sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us

Senator Bruce Starr (R-15)
503-986-1715
Sen.BruceStarr@state.or.us





 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Get your Valentine Concealed

Bring your Valentine to your conceal carry class and save 50% off their class
 Best date night ever.
Register 2 people for the February 15 class at the Collectors West gun show (Portland Expo Center) and get half off the second class. Promo code VALENTINE = 50% off second class

Code is for Oregon class and will take $35 off the second class. Regular price is $70. This code will take $35 off any combination of 2 or more classes. Best date this year.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

New Gun Control in Oregon

New gun bills can be the beginning of the end.
 In February, Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eug)  says this time he is sure that he will have the votes he needs to pass the new Gun Control legislation going to the floor in February. This is not something for us (the tax paying, voting) citizens of Oregon to vote on. This will be determined by the people chosen to represent us.

 Prozanski says “I believe it will get an up or down vote because I was told it would get an up or down vote,”
  Having his strings pulled by Ginny Burdick, who I am surprised is not in jail for treason against the state of Oregon and the U.S.A., Prozanski is trying to get his toes in the door. This kind of gun legislation only hurts and affect law abiding citizens. Gun rights groups such as OFF (Oregon Firearms Federation) and GRAA can help only so much, but the real people with the ability to shut the door on Senator Prozanskis proverbial foot is you. Us the citizens and voters in Oregon. Let your senators know that we do not want new gun legislation. Especially those that are following blindly the senators that are pushing the same legislation that failed last year.
  They say that this is not a gun registration bill, but that is exactly what it is and it only causes problems for law abiding citizens not criminals.
  In the amount of time it takes to read this post, or put a picture on Facebook, or watch a set of commercials in the evening, you can send an email to your senator (even if you think yours is one of the good ones) and let them know that you (the voter that they are representing) do not want new gun laws.

I will make it easy for you (commercial break style)
Easy to copy and paste in your email
Their Email addresses are below

 Dear Senator,

        I am opposed to any new gun legislation in Oregon. We have enough gun control in our state and any more would be an unjust burden on law abiding citizens. I speak for myself and my family and all of my friends are like minded in this matter. We the people want you to vote Against any new gun legislation.

 Thank you for representing us how we feel in this matter.

                                               Thank you .                                            .


   Don't know your senators email address? Let me make it easy for you.



The bill is a replica of a bill that died during the 2013 session without a vote by the Senate or House. The only difference between the two proposals is the new bill expands the family transfer exception to include Aunts and Uncles passing their guns onto nieces and nephews, Prozanski said.

Don't Let Them Take Away Any More Rights





Tell your Senator "No new gun legislation"

 Here are the Oregon state senators contact info. Email them, it only takes 1 minute. One email represents literally hundreds of voters. Let your opinion count.

 Don't know who you senator is? Here is a map


Just click the senators email address and write or paste your letter


/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Jeff Kruse

Party: Republican
District: 1
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1701
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-315, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.JeffKruse@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/kruse
/senate/MemberPhotos/baertschiger.jpg

Senator Herman Baertschiger Jr.​

Party: Republican
District: 2
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1702
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-403, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.HermanBaertschiger@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/baertschiger
/senate/MemberPhotos/bates.jpg

Senator Alan Bates

Party: Democrat
District: 3
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1703
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-205, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.AlanBates@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bates
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Floyd Prozanski

Party: Democrat
District: 4
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1704
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-415, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.FloydProzanski@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/prozanski
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Arnie Roblan

Party: Democrat
District: 5
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1705
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-417, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.ArnieRoblan@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/roblan
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Lee Beyer

Party: Democrat
District: 6
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1706
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-419, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.LeeBeyer@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/beyer/
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Chris Edwards

Party: Democrat
District: 7
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1707
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-405, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.ChrisEdwards@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/edwardsc
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Betsy Close

Party: Republican
District: 8
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1708
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-303, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.BetsyClose@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/close
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Fred Girod

Party: Republican
District: 9
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1709
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-401, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.FredGirod@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/girod
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Jackie Winters

Party: Republican
District: 10
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-301, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.JackieWinters@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/winters
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Peter Courtney

Party: Democrat
District: 11
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1600
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-201, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.PeterCourtney@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/courtney
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Brian Boquist

Party: Republican
District: 12
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1712
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-305, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.BrianBoquist@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boquist
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Larry George

Party: Republican
District: 13
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1713
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-307, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.LarryGeorge@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/georgel
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Mark Hass

Party: Democrat
District: 14
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1714
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-207, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.MarkHass@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/hass
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Bruce Starr

Party: Republican
District: 15
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.BruceStarr@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/starrb
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Betsy Johnson

Party: Democrat
District: 16
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-209, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.BetsyJohnson@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/johnson
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward

Party: Democrat
District: 17
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1717
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-215, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.ElizabethSteinerHayward@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/steinerhayward
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Ginny Burdick

Party: Democrat
District: 18
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1718
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-213, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.GinnyBurdick@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/burdick
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Richard Devlin

Party: Democrat
District: 19
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1719
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-211, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.RichardDevlin@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/devlin
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Alan Olsen

Party: Republican
District: 20
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1720
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-425, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.AlanOlsen@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/olsen
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Diane Rosenbaum

Party: Democrat
District: 21
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1700
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-223, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DianeRosenbaum@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/rosenbaum
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Chip Shields

Party: Democrat
District: 22
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1722
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-421, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.ChipShields@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/shieldsc
/senate/MemberPhotos/dembrow.jpg

Senator Michael Dembrow

Party: Democrat
District: 23
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1723
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-407, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Sen.MichaelDembrow@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/dembrow
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Rod Monroe

Party: Democrat
District: 24
apitol Phone: 503-986-1724
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-409, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.RodMonroe@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/monroe
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson

Party: Democrat
District: 25
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1725
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-413, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.LaurieMonnesAnderson@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/monnesanderson
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Chuck Thomsen

Party: Republican
District: 26
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1726
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-316, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.ChuckThomsen@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/thomsen
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Tim Knopp

Party: Republican
District: 27
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1727
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-309, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: sen.timknopp@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/knopp
/senate/MemberPhotos/

Senator Doug Whitsett

Party: Republican
District: 28
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1728
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-311, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DougWhitsett@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/whitsett
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Bill Hansell

Party: Republican
District: 29
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1729
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-423, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.BillHansell@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/hansell
/senate/MemberPhotos/

​Senator Ted Ferrioli

Party: Republican
District: 30
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1950
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-323, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.TedFerrioli@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ferrioli


Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Oregon Concealed Handgun License: Frequently asked Questions

Oregon Concealed Handgun License FAQ's 





What do I do if I move? If you move within your County, please contact your county office or check their website for instructions.  If you no longer have residency in your county of application (see ORS 166.291 for the definition), you must apply to the County Sheriff of your new residence address to transfer your CHL.  There is typically a $15.00 fee for this transfer.  The expiration date of your CHL will remain the same.  If you move out of state, consult the regulating agency where you are residing.

Does the License allow me to carry any weapon?No.  This is a Concealed Handgun License.  See ORS 166.210(4) for the definition of a handgun.

Are there places I can't carry my handgun concealed? Yes.  There are several locations in which you cannot carry a firearm, even with a carry permit, including:
  • Federal Facilities - federal courthouses, social security offices, secured areas of airports, airplanes.
  • Posted private property where the owner prohibits firearms possession, and others.
  • National forests marked or posted with signs prohibiting all firearms.
  • Indian reservations or property - you may not carry a firearm concealed without the written permission of the tribal judge; this may also apply to certain casinos on tribal lands.
  • Courts - in a courtroom, jury room, judge's chambers, or adjacent areas that the presiding judge determines should be free of firearms to ensure the safety of litigants, court personnel witnesses, and others.

    PLEASE NOTE:  If you plan to carry your handgun, it is important to research the requirements at these locations before you go.  Learn more at ORS 166.370
Where do I find Oregon Concealed Handgun law?Oregon concealed handgun law can be found at:  http://oregonconcealedtraining.com/oregon-gun-laws-conceal-carry-ors-166-291/
How long is a CHL valid?Four years from date of issue.  However, an arrest or criminal activity involvement is cause of revocation .

What are the application requirements? There are three requirements:
1.  County Residency*
2.  Proof of Competency
3.  Pass a criminal background check 
          *residency is defined in ORS 166.291


What is the cost to apply for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL)? - New License - $65.00 
- Renewal License within County - $50.00
- Address change or replacement within County - $15.00

Where can I get an application for a Concealed Handgun License? Applications are usually available from the sheriff office, or on-line at the county sheriff website.
  1. What would disqualify me from obtaining a CHL? Please review the requirements for obtaining a CHL .  If you do not meet the requirements, you would be disqualified.  If you have a unique situation, you should call the CHL Unit to discuss your particular circumstances.  Otherwise, the requirements are that you must:
    1. Be a US citizen, or a legal alien who can document continuous residency in the United States for at least six months and has declared, in wirting, to the INS your intent to acquire citizenship (Form N400).
    2. Be at least 21 years old.
    3. Have no legal condition that would prohibit you from possessing a firearm under either Oregon or Federal law.
    4. Have no outstanding warrants for your arrest.
    5. Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Services.
    6. Not be an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance.
    7. Not be on any form of pre-trial release.
    8. Not be required to register as a sex offender in any state.
    9. Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor, or found guilty of a misdemeanor withing four years prior to application 
    10. Not be subject to a citation issued under ORS 163.735 or an order issued under ORS 30.866, 107.700 to 107.723 or 163.738 (e.g. Stalking or Restraining Orders).
    11. Demonstrate handgun competency.  For military veterans, this can be accomplished by presenting a DD214 that specifies handgun training.  For all others, this can be accomplished by presenting a certificate of completion from a handgun safety course taught by an NRA instructor.


How will I know if my application was denied or revoked? If your CHL is denied or revoked, you will be sent a certified letter advising you of that fact and the reason for the denial/revocation. If your CHL is denied or revoked, you will be sent a certified letter advising you of that fact and the reason for the denial/revocation.

What would cause my CHL to be revoked?In essence, anything that would cause you to be denied a license when you initially applied would cause your CHL to be revoked.  Examples would include:  new arrests where you are on a form of pre-trial release, conviction of a misdemeanor, or being named as the respondent of a restraining order that's in effect.  Please call if you have a concern in this area.

If my CHL application is denied or my CHL is revoked, can I appeal? ORS provides an appeal process for denials and revocations through the filing of a petition through Circuit Court.  You have 30 days from the date you receive the revocation letter to appeal the decision.  For additional information, refer to ORS 166.293(5).

I am a veteran with a DD214; does that satisfy the competency requirement for my application? Maybe.  If your DD214 specifically states the words pistol or handgun training, it would satisfy the requirement.  Words such as 'small arms' or 'marksmanship' alone will not fulfill the statutory wording.

What type of identification do I need to bring?You must bring two pieces of current ID:
  • One must have a current photo (e.g. Oregon Driver's License).
  • The second piece of ID does not have to be a photo ID, however, it must be current (have an expiration date, include your name, and not be expired).
  • New applicants must also bring:
    • Proof of competency (e.g. NRA Certificate)
    • Completed Reference Sheet

 Please do not apply until you have met the competency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Complete a hunters' safety course approved by the Department of Fish and Wildlife or similar agency, if handgun training was a component of the course.

Completion of any firearm safety or training course available to the general public offered by law enforcement, a community college or private or public institution or organization, or firearms training school, if the instructors were certified by the NRA or a law enforcement agency and if the course had a handgun safety component.

• Complete a handgun safety class taught by an NRA certified instructor. Certification or card issued must be presented at the time of your scheduled appointment.

• Completion of any law enforcement firearms safety offered for security guards or other law enforcement officers. Certification must be presented at your scheduled appointment.

• Provide a copy of your DD214 if it indicates you have been trained with a handgun, sidearm or pistol. If your DD214 does not indicate handgun training, we will be unable to accept this as proof of your competency.

• Present evidence of equivalent experience with a handgun through participation in organized shooting competition or military experience.
Which county should I apply in if I am not a resident of Oregon

         Statutes mandate that as a non-resident you must live in a contiguous state.

         From the research I have done I would recommend applying in Linn, Grant, or Columbia (WA residents) county.

         Clackamas county website says it will not issue to non-residents 

         Marion county website says it will not issue to non-residents 

         Multnomah county FAQ page says it will not issue to non-residents 

         

What states can I carry concealed in with an Oregon License

  Oregon does not have reciprocity with any other states, but there are a number of states that will recognize the Oregon concealed handgun license. REMEMBER you must follow other states laws when legally carrying within that state.
  
 These are the states that recognize the Oregon license as of January 2014 according to usacarry.com

The statutes are hard to understand. Where can I get a better understanding of Oregon Gun Laws

  The book OREGON CONCEALED is an easy to read and easy to understand book giving the reader an excellent understanding of the law and how it applies to you in the real world, going over such topics as:

How to handle a police stop

The definition of concealed

Justification of deadly force

Written by a retired attorney who had (and won) numerous cases involving firearms and conceal carry