October TriggerTalk Article: Our Own “Inconvenient Truth”

Over the past few weeks there have been several developments that are encouraging to those of us that enjoy gun ownership, the shooting sports and self-defense. Two studies were released by very well respected institutions or publications that debunk arguments the anti-gun crowd has been using against us law abiding gun owners.

I didn’t need a fancy study to know these facts,  I only needed to observe that there has been an incredible number of new gun purchases (tens of millions)  and new shooters in the country over the past few years and yet the number of violent and gun crimes continues to fall.

If you are surprised by this, it is because you didn’t hear about these studies from your local or mainstream news sources. True firearms facts are often something they choose to ignore. Fortunately you read listen to and read TriggerTalk Radio so the truth will prevail.

Jane M. Orient, M.D. published an article in the  Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons in which she reveals politicized attempts to address gun violence as a health problem rather than a crime problem.

She goes on to show the real motives behind these “medical studies” and the true nature of their goals. “Organized medicine’s decades-long campaign to have firearm-related fatalities considered as a public health rather than a criminal justice issue is not evidence based. Its reliance on weak, even tainted evidence and spurious reasoning, and its attempts to suppress or discredit contrary evidence, is consistent with a political agenda of incremental civilian disarmament.”

Coincidently, did you know the “Affordable Health Care Act” requires Physicians to ask you about firearm ownership in your home, and how you store them?  Now that is just the type of personal information we want to have on a government run database!

Don B. Kates and Gary Mauser have published a study in Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy  showing there is no data indicating a greater number of guns leads to increases in crime, despite what the Gun Control crowd tells you.

I do not have room to include the entire text of these studies here, but if you email me I will send them to you or you can download them off my website: www.triggertalkradio.com .

Rounding out the month was the recall election in Colorado where two Anti-Gun Senators that pushed for severe gun control laws despite the wishes of their constituents were recalled from office. They were replaced by new ones from a different party that is traditionally friendlier to gun ownership and firearms issues.

They did not leave quietly however, vowing “That we (pro Second Amendment) may have won the battle, but they will win the war” These were the exact words from the Democratic Senate President, who previously told his fellow Senators to not answer the phone or e-mails during the passage of the anti-gun bills to prevent their input from being heard.

Locally some of our Cities and Counties seem to be following the course set by the former Colorado (now unemployed) Senators.  Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County among others are voting on resolutions to restrict gun rights. Pushing for limitations on magazine capacities, strengthened gun free zones and back ground checks for every transfer including giving a gun to a family member or selling it to a friend.

These are the same measures Mayor Bloomberg’s “Mayors Against Illegal Guns” group have been pushing at the state and local levels all over the country.  In Colorado they promised to protect the anti-gun politicians in their next elections and any recall efforts with obvious poor results.

It is our job to let our State and Local politicians know that we expect them to take care of the roads, taxes and other local issues. Leave the Constitution and our 2nd Amendment rights alone or we will make sure they are similarly unemployed!

TriggerTalk Articles

October 5th Show

Show files are up on the Podcast page!

Mike Avery called in during the first segment to talk about his show which premiered today on WAAM at 6:00 am this morning. Michigan Outdoor Magazine Radio is a Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, shooting show that is heard on 25 stations here in Michigan.

Mike’s website: www.mikeaveryoutdoors.com/ includes podcasts of his show so be sure to listen each week!

So much much to talk about in the news:

Silly soccer coaches suspending a game because a man is lawfully carrying a firearm.

People with negligent discharges due to not using a proper holsters.

I have always used a proper holster as noted below!

My First gun

In the third Segment Gary Knechtel calls in to update us on the Wednesday October 2nd Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners meeting. Although the Board did not vote on a useless Non-Binding resolution to restrict the rights of lawful gun owners plenty of people show up to let them know how they felt. The chambers were so full that people had to be seated in a second room and watch on Closed circuit TV. Great work to all those that showed up, we will keep you informed on the next steps.

 In the fourth segment two of our long time listeners called in:

Robert from Wixom talked about his quest for an accurate .224 heavy bullet for Whitetail hunting.

John from Danville, IL called in to talk about a cool undergarment concealed carry holster made by 5.11 Tactical that he saw at a  Police Supply House. Check out this option for comfortable deep concealment.

T-Shirt Holster

On his weekly afternoon drive time show Thayrone reminded listeners of the need to be prepared.  Trouble can find you when you are not expecting it. Do you carry when you are out walking or running,  Working in the yard, etc….? Many people feel safe on their own property by trouble (two legged or four legged) can come at anytime.

Several years ago I was  attacked by a Rottweiler and two Pit-Bulls while working in the yard. These dogs were owned by a former neighbor and had not shown any previous aggression.  I sucessfully fought them off with a shovel until the neighbor heard the commotion and came to get her dogs.

I explained to her that I had young grandsons that visited frequently and if the dogs ever came into my yard again I would be protecting my family with any means necessary. This also included a call to the County Sheriff’s office to ensure the concern was documented.

Although she had the dogs put-down that evening, I vowed I would not be caught unable to protect myself again. 

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NRA-ILA lists Washtenaw county fight on their website

http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2013/9/michigan-oppose-anti-self-defense-resolution-before-washtenaw-county-board-of-commissioners.aspx

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September 28th Show

Show files are up on the podcast page!

triggerTalk

Matt Clark joins me in studio to discuss his background and enjoyment of firearms and of course we also cover the local politics of the day.

We talked about the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners proposed resolution to repeal “Stand Your Grounds”   and additional Gun Control measures.

 

Board of Commissioners vote is this Wednesday, October 2nd!

Remember to call you Board of Commissioners member and let them know that you do not support this resolution!

Read their Resolution that also calls for many other gun control actions and repeal of pre-emption laws that prevent individual county’s and cities from making their own patchwork of gun laws.

Hear Conan Smith’s interview on why the Washtenaw Board of Commissioners wants to limit your gun rights.

Conan Smith interview from 9/21/13

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A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE REPEAL OF MICHIGAN’S STAND YOUR GROUND LAW AND FOR STRENGTHENING OF FIREARM REGULATIONS
October 02, 2013

WHEREAS, Stand Your Ground laws threaten to lead to unnecessary use of deadly force by eliminating the common-law duty to retreat and break off a confrontation where that can be accomplished with reasonable safety; and

WHEREAS, research by the Urban Institute suggests a troubling pattern of racial disparity in the application of Stand Your Ground laws in states with those laws; and

WHEREAS, research by Texas A&M shows that after state passes Stand Your Ground measures, they saw no drop in robberies, burglaries or aggravated assaults. Instead, an increase in murders was observed; and

WHEREAS, in a Tampa Bay Times review of 192 cases of deaths in which the Florida Stand Your Ground law led to the release of the killer, 70% of the victims were unarmed; and

WHEREAS, in 2006, Michigan passed Public Act 309, the Michigan Self Defense Act, which mirrors the Stand Your Ground laws of other states; and

WHEREAS, Public Act 309 of 2006 effectively eliminated Michigan’s long standing common law necessity requirement for lawful use of deadly force; and

WHEREAS, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners believes that Public Act 309 of 2006 can place an unreasonable burden on prosecutors to overcome the presumption that a defendant claiming self defense acted upon a reasonable and honest belief of imminent death, great bodily harm, or sexual assault, especially in cases in which the only witness who could rebut the presumption is dead; and

WHEREAS, Public Act 319 of 1990, the Firearms and Ammunition Act, impedes local units of government from protecting the public health, safety and welfare by preventing the establishment of reasonable local regulations concerning the sale, transfer, transportation or possession of firearms and ammunition;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners calls upon the Michigan State Legislature and Governor Snyder to repeal Public Act 309 of 2006 and Public Act 319 of 1990; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners call upon the Michigan State Legislature to adopt common-sense gun regulations such as improved background checks, strengthened gun-free zones, and limits on the sale of high-capacity magazines; and

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, this resolution shall be transmitted to Governor Rick Snyder, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, State Senator Rebekah Warren, Speaker of the House Jase Bolger, State Representatives Jeff Irwin and Adam Zemke, and to members of the Michigan House and Senate Judiciary Committees

_______________________________________________________________

1o-02-13 Stand Your Ground Resolution

Find their phone # and Email here:

http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/boc/members

1.             Kent Martinez-Kratz            734-646-8946

2.             Dan Smith                             449-2985

3.              Alicia Ping                            734-548-5160

4.              Felicia Brabec                     (734) 548-3179

5.             Rolland Sizemore, Jr.         (734) 891-3526

6.             Ronnie Peterson                  H: (734) 635-0791

7.             Andy LaBarre                       34-945-1298

8.             Yousef Rabhi                        734-548-5159

9.             Conan Smith                        (734)662-0268

Do not let them get away with this!  Be respectful and remind them that two state Senators including the Senate president in Colorado were recalled two weeks ago for passing laws with this exact same wording.

We support the right to defend ourselves and we do not forgot those that want to take those rights  away from us!

 

Dick Cupka

 

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September 21st Show

triggerTalk

Show files are up on the podcast page!

Today we talked about upcoming events, national politics and the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners  proposed resolution to repeal “Stand Your Ground” Law along with a host of other Gun Control measures.

In the second segment I note the positions of Dan Smith and Alicia Ping and in the third segment Conan Smith calls in to state his position in support the proposed resolution.

Hear Washtenaw Board of Commisioner Conan Smith’s Interview on the link below:

Conan Smith’s interview on the the Resolution to repeal “Stand Your Ground” and other Gun Control measures.

In the fourth segment callers weigh in on Conan Smiths comments and their opinions on the proposed resolution.

Safe Shooting!

Dick Cupka

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Call and e-mail your Washtenaw County Commissioner!!!

10-2-13 Stand Your Ground Resolution

Find their phone # and Email here:

http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/boc/members

1.             Kent Martinez-Kratz            734-646-8946

2.             Dan Smith                             449-2985

3.              Alicia Ping                            734-548-5160

4.              Felicia Brabec                     (734) 548-3179

5.             Rolland Sizemore, Jr.         (734) 891-3526

6.             Ronnie Peterson                  H: (734) 635-0791

7.             Andy LaBarre                       34-945-1298

8.             Yousef Rabhi                        734-548-5159

9.             Conan Smith                        (734)662-0268

Do not let them get away with this!  Be respectful and remind them that two state Senators including the Senate president in Colorado were recalled this week for passing laws with this exact same wording.

We support the right to defend ourselves and we do not forgot those that want to take those rights  away from us!

 

Dick Cupka

 

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September 14th Show

Show files are up on the Podcast page!

I have also loaded up the contact information for the Washtenaw Board of Commissioners 

Tell them how you feel about them dabbling into gun control, and remind them their job is manage the county, fix the roads and not forward a political agenda!

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September 7th Show

triggerTalk

Show File are up on the Podcast Page!

In the first segment We talked about the up coming NRA Days at the Dundee Michigan Cabelas. The agend for this weekends presentations is attached below:

Cabelas NRA Days September 14th and 15th 2013

In the second segment we talked to David Castlegrant about the the Emergency preparedness EXPO that will take place at the Birch run Convention Center on October 19th.

Emergency Preparedness EXPO at Birch Run October 19 2012

In the Third segment I was honored to talk to Carrie Lightfoot.  Carrie is the Founder of “The Well Armed Woman” which is a great resource for information, training, and products related to woman  and firearms. Concealed Carry, Home defense, products for the woman shooter. This is the place to go for information.

The Well Armed Woman Website

Carrie will be teaching classes at Michigan State on September 21st and you should plan to attend!

In the fourth Segment, Long time listener and call John from Danville, IL called about a PTR 91 he recently purchased. We ran out of time to talk but John promised to call back to give us a range report!

ptr91kf(3)

Safe Shooting!

Dick Cupka

Pindar Quote

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September Article

Trigger Talk:  A Helpful New Product

With the influx of new shooters into the handgun world, I often see people struggle to operate the slides on their semi-automatic pistols. This is especially true if the person is small, has low upperbody strength, or may have medical issues such as arthritis or other disorders.

Gone are the days when you only found young and middle age men in Concealed Pistol License courses.  These days classes represent all ages and are typically 30 – 50% women.

Physical limitations should be considered in your firearm choice.  Today there are many small pistols on the market specifically for concealed carry. Unfortunately when these guns are downsized, it often takes a very stout recoil spring to retain proper function.

Some people chose a revolver for this reason because it does not require the functioning of a slide to chamber a round. While this is true, a double action revolver may have a long firm trigger pull that can be very difficult if you have finger strength or joint pain issues. Some of the newest composite revolvers such as the Ruger LCR or Smith and Wesson Bodyguard have newly design trigger control groups to lessen the force required. If you are purchasing a new gun be sure to “Dry Fire” the trigger at the gun counter to check and make sure that you can smoothly pull the trigger through five or six pulls. If you cannot then a revolver is not a good choice for self defense.

Semi-Automatic pistol typically have a much lighter triggerpull than a double action revolver. Many of the striker fired polymer pistols such as Glock, Springfield XD  also have some form of a “Safety Design” built into the trigger to help prevent inadvertent discharge of the gun without the trigger being pulled.

This still leaves the shooter having to function the slide to chamber a round. This can be especially difficult on the smaller guns because the recoil spring must be strong to function in the smaller lighter gun.  Some techniques for making this chore easier can be practiced: such as holding the slide with your weak hand and pushing forward with your strong arm. This helps because your arm and shoulder muscles are stronger at pushing than they are at pulling. However sometimes the hand is just not strong enough to clamp on the slide.

I recently came across a new product that I think could be a tremendous help to people that struggle to function the slide on their pistol. It is called the “Slide Pull” and is made by a company called “Brass Stacker”. Attached to the back of your slide it provides a ring for you to place you finger through to pull when functioning the slide on your gun.

Slide Pull 3

Installed with a simple allen wrench in minutes, it does not interfere with the function of the gun.  The slight additional length of the gun should not be of any concern for a home defense gun. I simulated installing  a Slide Pull on one of my carry guns  (Glock 26)  and I do not think it would interfere very much with concealability.

slide pull 2

If you are interested: checkout their website www.brassstacker.com.  They current produce“Slide Pulls” for Glocks and Springfield XD’s.Reasonably priced at only $42 it comes in blackor if you prefer it is available in Pink!

Slide Pull 1

TriggerTalk Articles

August 31st Show

Show Files are up on the Podcast Page!

In the first segment we talked about the new Harvard study on gun violence that was published this past week. You likely wont hear about this from the mainstream media because it does not support the position of those pushing for more and stronger Gun Control.

The fact that some countries have very few firearms has not reduced the rate of violent crimes. In fact, according to the study, “Homicide results suggest that where guns are scarce other weapons are substituted in killings.”

Researchers Don B. Kates and Gary Mauser reviewed the gun laws in several European countries to see if banning firearms would decrease murders and suicides. They found that countries with higher firearm ownership had lower murder rates.

The fact that some countries have very few firearms has not reduced the rate of violent crimes. In fact, according to the study, “Homicide results suggest that where guns are scarce other weapons are substituted in killings.”

Additionally, the study looked at violence compared to firearm ownership and found there is “a negative correlation.”

“(Where) firearms are most dense violent crime rates are lowest, and where guns are least dense violent crime rates are highest.”

http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/jlpp/Vol30_No2_KatesMauseronline.pdf

In the second segment John Howell joined us talk about a great fundraiser to support the Boys Scouts of America.  The “Autumn Adventure” is a day ovf hunting and shooting for a good cause.  John is looking for corporate sponsors  and this could be opportunity  for you take your clients  to a sporting event they actually participate in while supporting the Boy Scouts.  The brochure is attached below:

2013_Autumn_Adventure_Invitation[1]

In the third segment Maggie Dolezal was my guest and she is the Founding leader and Coach of the Dundee High School Trap Club. Maggie described  the fun and interest they have  had with the club experience phenomenal growth. The club is now entering it’s fourth year and has been competing in regional competitions.

The Club has been aided by Beretta Firearms through  their support for Exhibition Shooter Travis Mears to hold shooting clinics and exhibitions  in support of the youthful shooters.

Travis Mears Beretta Exhibition Shooter

One challenge the club faces is there are few other High Schools nearby fielding a team so it is difficult to set up meets.

I sent out a challenge to listeners to initiate discussions with High Schools in their area to potentially start Trap clubs or Teams at their local High School.

At the end of September there is a Shotguns Coaches Class being offered in Lenox, MI by the NRA for those of you interested in becoming a coach.

NRA Coaches Class – September 28-29 2013

If you would like to learn more about hoe to set up a Club at your High School, Please contact Maggie by email at:   mdole7691@charter.net

Other Show Topics included  the ineffectiveness of the Starbuck’s boycott  by “Mom’s Demanding Action” and the absurdity of the new Obama Gun Control Executive order’s and how banning the importation of  Antique Firearms is in no way related to reducing gun violence by thugs and street criminals.

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