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Coolers, Commerce and Calumny

By
Dr LateBloomer
-

In the ongoing battle of political righteousness versus lawful commerce, the virtue-signaling drama award for the week goes to… YETI and the NRA.

The NRA claimed that YETI cancelled their relationship and prior orders and called YETI’s behavior “unsportsmanlike”. Then YETI claimed that the NRA report was inaccurate, and they were simply realigning their programs, or somesuch.

One is left to think that though the NRA’s reaction might have been a tad too dramatic, YETI’s response was merely trying to damage-control their way out of a tight spot. NRA has now produced a counter-response, and there has been quite a bit of resultant social media drama. In the end, firearms owners and their wallets will make the final decision.

I personally think YETI will come out the ultimate loser, but I do not have a dog in this fight. I appreciated my freebie YETI cups that I got at SHOT range day the past two years, but the only insulated cup I’ve bought with my own cash was a Walmart knock-off for the happy-face price of ten bucks. Heck, I’m still using a cooler that was in my parent’s basement when my mother moved to a retirement home. I’m that cheap. Some people might be willing to sacrifice a car payment to keep their beer cold for an entire week, but I would not be one of them.

There are those though, who seem to be going overboard about this. NRA supporters have been shooting up their YETI coolers online, and there is video of some being literally BLOWN up. That seems a bit extreme to me. The adage about cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face comes to mind. I also think that such a petulant display merely gives liberals more fodder for painting gun owners as unhinged nut jobs. 

With that said, given the amount of calumny that gun owners in general and the NRA in particular have been subjected to lately, I really can’t blame them for an over-the-top response to this latest kerfluffle. If they want to shoot up their own personal property which they spent hundreds of dollars on, that is their prerogative. However, I think covering up the YETI logo with an NRA sticker or three would be a wiser move.

Orca and Pelican coolers have both since entered the fray by offering statements of 2A support and even discounts for their products, or NRA donations for a purchase. This seems to me to be a more positive and “yay capitalism” type of response.

Despite the uproar, YETI is only the most recent liberal-leaning company to jump on the Condemnation-By-Commerce bandwagon. Other companies have led the charge – REI comes to mind, as does Delta Airlines and Citibank. There was even a derisive piece in the New Yorker recently, sneering at the appearance of Chick-Fil-A restaurants in liberal elite New York City.

Ain’t freedom grand though? I can spend my money wherever I wish – and so can they. But eventually virtue-boycotts lead to counter-boycotts, and pretty soon I’m going to need a computer algorithm to decide where to shop. I can’t even just punt and buy an Ozark Trail cooler from Walmart, because didn’t Walmart stop selling ARs the other year, and recently restrict ammo sales to those under 21?

There comes a point where it all just seems silly. I can have friends of different religions (and the 2A IS a religion to me), so why can’t I do business with companies that have different views than mine? Does every purchase have to be a political statement? Isn’t there a certain point where it’s JUST a chicken sandwich?

I for one, am putting my foot down. If someone offers me a drink after a long hot day at a match after the guns are put away, I am certainly NOT going to refuse a free beer just because it came out of a YETI cooler. In my mind that would truly be … unsportsmanlike.

States’ Rights vs. Federal Government Will and the Ramifications for Second Amendment Rights

By
MASF
-

The Legislation of Marijuana: States’ Rights vs. Federal Government Will and the Ramifications for Second Amendment Rights

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By: Birdie Andree – MASF Member

There are many cogent arguments both for and against the decriminalization of marijuana; for every positive reason one can find for cannabis legislation, there is a negative rejoinder to be found. Even if we narrow our focus solely to the medical aspect of this issue, we still encounter a vast spectrum of evidence supporting either side of the debate. A few examples of the significant therapeutic benefits of medicinal marijuana and its derivatives can serve to illustrate the validity of legalizing the drug. It is used to control pain, spasms, and sleep disturbances in patients with multiple sclerosis.(1)(2) It also successfully controls pain in patients with cancer,(3) AIDS,(4) and chronic migraine headaches.(5) It is being used to decrease seizure frequency in epileptic patients,(6) to treat wasting disease in HIV(7) and CNS(8) patients, to counteract the side effects of nausea and loss of appetite from chemotherapy.(9) Conversely, studies have also shown that using marijuana, even infrequently, interferes significantly with brain development in younger users(10)(11), and, in the case of long-term users, the loss of IQ points on a level akin to that of brain damage due to lead poisoning.(12) Cannabis use has been demonstrated to be a direct cause of the increased rate of strokes in otherwise healthy people as young as 19 years of age.(13) The drug has even been proven to be the source of outbreaks of salmonella(14) and aspergillus(15) contaminations which can cause lethal infections especially in the immunocompromised. Given the extreme dichotomy between the benign aspects of cannabis use and the potential for its abuse and possibly devastating side effects, states must carefully weigh the decision to legalize marijuana on any level. While some states have mandated that cannabis is safe enough to be sanctioned as a recreational drug, the vast majority of states that permit its use do so solely on a therapeutic level. In Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and the District of Columbia where marijuana is deemed lawful as a recreational drug(16) there is little to no legal or social distinctions between the use of pot or alcohol. However, patients who must register for a medical marijuana card in states which only allow for the medicinal use of the plant are being forced to forfeit their Second Amendment rights to have access to doctor-recommended medicine. Unless the Federal government lifts the Schedule I status of marijuana, the legality of its use as a state level legally sanctioned medicine becomes moot. The fight between the States to legislate for their citizens and the Federal government to impose its will has become a battleground upon which citizens are being stripped of their constitutional rights.

Our system of checks and balances has served to protect cannabis-friendly states and their elected officials from federal prosecution by the Department of Justice and, if somewhat more slowly, to protect both the means of production and distribution of cannabis within those states. To insulate these states and put an end to the Justice Department’s overly zealous prosecution of marijuana producers and distributors operating legally within their borders, Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (R- California) and Sam Farr (D-California) sponsored an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill, to wit: “None of the funds made available in this Act to the Department of Justice may be used… to prevent such States from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.” (17)The House approved the spending bill and the amendment, section 542, along with it by a vote of 219 yays to 189 nays.(18) It did so again the following year with a vote of 242 to 186.(19) While the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment must be renewed each fiscal year, it would seem that the House of Representatives is committed to doing so. Notwithstanding the section 542 rider, the Justice Department continued to prosecute marijuana farmers and dispensaries. However in a consolidated case brought before the 9th Circuit Court in December of 2015, United States v. McIntosh, ten defendants argued that the DOJ had no standing to indict the defendants as they were protected under section 542. The court agreed, and in its ruling, filed on August 16, 2016, found that the accused were entitled to evidentiary hearings that they may be given a chance to prove their compliance with state regulations before the Justice Department could proceed to forfeiture and indictment. (20) Thusly, the states and their agents are protected, both under the law and in the courts, from legal persecution by the Federal government. However, as will be explored, the individual patient is not afforded these same protections and as such is forced to choose between access to their state-sanctioned medicine and their Second Amendment rights.

To comply with state regulations, a medicinal marijuana user must obtain a medicalmarijuana card. This act alone immediately precludes them from legally exercising their Second Amendment rights. With only “rare exceptions” allowed, every legal purchase of a gun must include a National Instant Criminal Background Check of the purchaser. The buyer must fill out ATF form 4473 which allows for said background check of them to proceed.(21) For this discussion, the most important question on form 4473 is Number 11, e. which asks “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substances?” Question 11,e. includes the following boldfaced warning: “The use or possession of marijuana remains unlawful under Federal law regardless of whether it has been legalized or decriminalized for medicinal or recreational purposes in the state where you reside.” (22) On September 21, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives put out an “open letter to all federal firearms licensees.” The author of this letter, Arthur Herbert, Assistant Director of Enforcement Programs and Services for the ATF, categorically states that anyone who possesses a medical marijuana card is considered to be “an unlawful user of a controlled substance.” He further declares that it is illegal to “transfer firearms or ammunition to the person, even if the person answered ‘no’ to question 11.e. on ATF Form 4473.” (23) For a relevant case on point, we can examine Wilson v. Holder. On October 4th of 2011, Wilson attempted to purchase a handgun from a local gun store. The owner of the establishment knew Wilson personally, and as such, knew she was a registered medical marijuana cardholder. He followed the law and rightfully refused to sell her the gun she was attempting to purchase citing the open letter admonition from the ATF as his reason for refusal. As a result, Wilson then filed suit in the Federal District Court of Nevada, Wilson v. Holder, asserting that her Second Amendment Rights had been violated. The court rejected her arguments and dismissed the case with prejudice. (24) Wilson then appealed to thecourt of appeals. As with the case of United States v. McIntosh, the case of Wilson v. Loretta E. Lynch et al, was adjudicated by the 9th Circuit Court. However, in S. Rowan Wilson’s case, the court refused to protect Wilson’s rights and upheld a motion from the federal governmentdefendants to dismiss the case.(25) They based their conclusions on circular logic, faultysyllogism, and bad precedent.

Since the United States District Court for the District of Nevada had no direct precedent,
it cited the irrelevant case of The United States of America v. Kevin V. Dugan. The court stated that Kevin Dugan, a firearms dealer, grew, sold, and was a habitual user of marijuana. “A jury convicted him of, among other things, shipping and receiving firearms through interstate commerce while using a controlled substance, in violation of § 922(g).” In the court’s opinion, based solely on his use and sales of cannabis, Dugan forfeited his Second Amendment rights.(26)Wilson is distinguishable from Dugan in that Wilson did not traffic in firearms and was not proven to be an addict let alone even a one time user of marijuana. Indeed, she had no criminal history whatsoever. However, the lower court held that merely possessing a medical marijuana card was sufficient to place Wilson in the same category as Dugan, namely a habitual drug user who forfeited her Second Amendment rights. (24 p.13) On appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court found that Wilson had no standing to challenge the lower court’s ruling as she was to be believed on her claim that she had never used the drug. (25 p.12) In addition, the circuit court determined that the impact on Wilson’s Second Amendment rights due to the ATF’s open letter was minimal as she was only precluded from purchasing a firearm, not from owning one. (25 p.14) The court further stated that Wilson could regain her rights to purchase a firearm by “surrendering her registry card”. (25 p.15) Finally, both courts found that her fifth amendment rights to due process as concerns purchasing a firearm had not been violated as a result of the ATF’s open letter because Wilson’s possession of the medical marijuana card justified the government’s presumption that she was a habitual drug user and therefore had forfeited her second amendment rights.(24 p.15)(25 p.24) They packaged up Wilson as neatly as Schrödinger had boxed up his cat; clearly, both courts were determined to find that there had been no violations of Wilson’s Second Amendment rights.

Rowan Wilson has the option of returning her registration card to the State of Nevada to re-secure her Second Amendment rights; however, a patient who is dependent upon their medicine does not have the same luxury. While Congress has protected the states’ rights, and the courts have protected the rights of the growers and distributors, both have turned their backs on the most vulnerable, the patients. It becomes readily apparent that the Federal Government, and the courts working as its agents, are using the discrepancy between the Schedule I designation of marijuana and the state-sanctioned medical use of the drug to further a specific political agenda; namely, to curtail the Second Amendment rights of medical marijuana patients. As of March 1, 2016, there are one million two hundred forty-six thousand one hundred seventy registered legal medical marijuana patients in the United States,(27) and every single one of them has had to forfeit their Second Amendment rights. It is unconscionable that so many United States citizens have been forced to choose between their health and their constitutionally protected rights. Half of the states in America have already legalized cannabis use on some level while more are poised to do so; couple this with the knowledge that our courts are already over populated with judges who are willing to twist or ignore existing laws to “make policy” or push a political agenda. The implications for the immediate and long-term ramifications to our right to bear arms are staggering.

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Biography:
Birdie Andree is a mother, grandmother, as well as a full-time student. She started shooting in 2007 and is a very active member in the shooting community. She is also a NRA member in addition to being a contributing member to MASF.

End Notes

1. ”Treating-MS, Complementary-Alternative-Medicines, MARIJUANA (CANNABIS).” MS
National Multiple Sclerosis Scociety. N.p., nd. Web. 2. Zajicek JP, Hobart JC, Slade A, Barnes D, Mattison PG; MUSEC Research Group. Multiple sclerosis and extract of cannabis: results of the MUSEC trial.Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry (2012) 83(11):1125-32. Web.doi: 10.1136/ jnnp-2012-302468.3. Johnson, MB chB, Jeremy R., Mary Burnell-Nugent, Dominique Lossignol, Elena D. Ganae-
Motan, and Marie T. Fallon. “Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of THC:CBD Extract and THC Extract in Patients with Intractable Cancer-Related.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 52.3 (2010): 167-79. Web. 14 Oct. 2016. <DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.06.008>.4. Abrams, D.I., C.A. Jay, S.B. Shade, H. Vizoso, and H. Reda. “Cannabis in painful HIVassociated sensory neuropathy.” Neurology 68.7 (2007): 515-21. Web. 14 Oct. 2016.
<doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000253187.66183.9c>.5. Borgelt, Laura M. “Effects of medical marijuana on migraine headache frequency in an adult population.” Pharmacotherapy 36.5 (2016): 505-10. Web. doi: 10.1002/phar.16736. Devinsky, Orrin, Maria R. Cilio, Helen Cross, Javier Fernandez-Ruiz, and Jacqueline French.
“Cannabidiol: Pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders.” Epilepsia 55.6 (2014): 791-802. Web. DOI: 10.1111/epi.126317. Struwe, Melissa, Suzanne H. Kaempfer, Constance J. Geiger, Andrew T. Pavia, and Terry F.
Plasse. “Effect of Dronabinol on Nutritional Status in HIV Infection.” AOP Annals of Pharmacotherapy 27.7 (1993): 827-31. Web. doi: 10.1177/106002809302700701
     

8. Croxford, J. Ludovic. “Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in CNS Disease.” CNS Drugs
17.3 (2012): 179-202. Web.
doi:10.2165/00023210-200317030-000049. Jatoi, A., Windschitl, H.E., Loprinzi, C.L., Sloan, J.A., Dakhil, S.R., Mailliard, J.A.,
Pundaleeka, S., Kardinal, C.G., Fitch, T.R., Krook, J.E., Novotny, P.J. and Christensen,
B.“Dronabinol versus megestrol acetate versus combination therapy for cancerassociated
anorexia: a North Central Cancer Treatment Group study”. Journal of Clinical
Oncology,(2002):20(2), 567-73. Web.10. Weir, Kirsten. “Marijuana and the developing brain.” American Psychological Association
46.10: (2015) 37 pars. Web.11. Filbey, Francesca M., Tim McQueeny, Samuel J. DeWitt, and Virednra Mishra. “Preliminary findings demonstrating latent effects of early adolescent marijuana use onset on cortical architecture.” Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience 16 (2015): 16-22. Web.
doi:10.1016/j.dcn.2015.10.00112. Meier, Madeline H., Avshalom Caspi, Antony Ambler, HonaLee Harrington, and Renate
Houts. “Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to
midlife.” PNAS 109.40 (2012): 30 pars. Web. doi: 10.1073/pnas.120682010913. Wolff, Valerie, Jean-Paul Armspach, Valerie Lauer, Olivier Rouyer, and Marc Bataillard.
“Cannabis-related Stroke: Myth or Reality?” Stoke 44.2 (2013): 558-63. Web.
doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.67134714. Taylor, M.D., David N., Kaye Wachsmuth, Ph. D., Yung-hui Shangkaun, M.S., Emmet V.
Schmidt, M.D., and Timothy J. Barrett, M.S. “Salmonellosis Associated with
Marijuana- A Multistate Outbreak Traced by Plasmid Fingerprinting.” The New England
Journal of Medicine 306.21 (1982): 1249-53. Web. DOI: 10.1056/
NEJM19820527306210115. Gargani, Yousef, Paul Bishop, and David W. Denning. “Too Many Mouldy Joints-Marijuana
and Chronic Pulmonary Asperigillosis.” Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and
Infectious Diseases 3.1 (2011): 16 pars. Web. doi: 10.4084/MJHID.2011.00516. State Marijuana Laws Map. Map. Governing. Ed. Zach Patton, Elizabeth Daigneau, Alan
Ehrenhalt, Paul W. Taylor, and Penelope Lemov. N.p., 26 May 2016. Web.
http://www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html17. Sullum, Jacob. “9th Circuit Says Feds May Not Prosecute State-Legal Medical Marijuana
Suppliers: The appeals court rules that Congress has forbidden such interference.”
reason.come 17 Aug. 2016: 9 pars. Web.
<http://reason.com/blog/2016/08/17/9th-circuit-says-feds-may-not-prosecute>.18. Farr, Sam. “Farr Statement on Rohrabacher-Farr Medical Marijuana Amendment.”
Congressman Sam Farr: Representing California’s Central Coast (CA-20). N.p., 2014.
Web.19. ”Rohrabacher Hails Passage of Medical Marijuana Amendment.” Congressman Dana
Rohrabacher: Proudly Serving California’s 48th District. N.p., 4 June 2015. Web.20. ”United States of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Steve McIntosh, et al Defendant-Appellant
Opinion.” United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit. Ed. Diarmuid F. O’Scannlain. N.p.,
16 Aug. 2015. Web.
<https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2016/08/16/15-10117.pdf>.21. ”Private Sales Restrictions and Gun Registration.” NRA-ILA: Institute for Legislative Action.
N.p., 17 Jan. 2013. Web.
<https://www.nraila.org/articles/20130117/private-sales-restrictions-and-gun-registration>.22 ”Firearms Transaction Record OMB No, 1140-0020.” ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives. N.p., n.d. Web. 12
<https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/form-example-firearms-transaction-record/
download>.

23.Herbert, Arthur. “Open Letter to all Federal Firearms Licensees.” ATF Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. N.p., 21 Sept. 2011. Web.
<https://www.atf.gov/file/60211/download>

24.Gloria M “S.Rowan Wilson, an individual, Plaintiff, vs. Eric Holder et al Case No.:
2:11-cv-01679-GMN-PAL.” JUSTIA Dockets & Filings. N.p., 11 Mar. 2014. Web. 9
<https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/nevada/nvdce/
2:2011cv01679/83947/49/0.pdf?ts=1394721175>.

25. Rakoff, Jed S. “S. Rowan Wilson, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Loretta E. Lynch et al: No 14-15700
D.C.No. 2:11-CV-01679-GMN-Pal Opinion.” United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit.
N.p., 31 Aug. 2016. Web. 11
<http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2016/08/31/14-15700.p

26. Graber, Susan P. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee KEVIN V. DUGAN,
Defendant-Appellant. No. 08-10579 D.C. No.5:03-cr-20010-0- RMW-1 OPINION.” United
States Courts for the Ninth Circuit. N.p., 20 Sept. 2011. Web.
<http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2011/09/20/08-10579.pdf>Navarro,

27. “How Many Legal Medical Marijuana Patients Are There in the United States?” Chart.
ProCon.org . Web. 8 Oct. 2016.
<http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889>.
Calvin College openURL resolver

Works Cited

Abrams, D.I., C.A. Jay, S.B. Shade, H. Vizoso, and H. Reda. “Cannabis in painful HIVassociated
sensory neuropathy.” Neurology 68.7 (2007): 515-21. Web. 14 Oct. 2016.
<doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000253187.66183.9c>.Borgelt, Laura M. “Effects of medical marijuana on migraine headache frequency in an adult
population.” Pharmacotherapy 36.5 (2016): 505-10. Web.
doi: 10.1002/phar.1673Croxford, J. Ludovic. “Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in CNS Disease.” CNS Drugs 17.3
(2012): 179-202. Web.
doi:10.2165/00023210-200317030-00004Devinsky, Orrin, Maria R. Cilio, Helen Cross, Javier Fernandez-Ruiz, and Jacqueline French.
“Cannabidiol: Pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other
neuropsychiatric disorders.” Epilepsia 55.6 (2014): 791-802. Web.
DOI: 10.1111/epi.12631Farr, Sam. “Farr Statement on Rohrabacher-Farr Medical Marijuana Amendment.”
Congressman Sam Farr: Representing California’s Central Coast (CA-20). N.p., 2014.
Web.Filbey, Francesca M., Tim McQueeny, Samuel J. DeWitt, and Virednra Mishra. “Preliminary
findings demonstrating latent effects of early adolescent marijuana use onset on cortical
architecture.” Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience 16 (2015): 16-22. Web.
doi:10.1016/j.dcn.2015.10.001Gargani, Yousef, Paul Bishop, and David W. Denning. “Too Many Mouldy Joints-Marijuana and
Chronic Pulmonary Asperigillosis.” Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious
Diseases 3.1 (2011): 16 pars. Web. doi: 10.4084/MJHID.2011.005Graber, Susan P. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee KEVIN V. DUGAN,
Defendant-Appellant. No. 08-10579 D.C. No.5:03-cr-20010-0- RMW-1 OPINION.” United
States Courts for the Ninth Circuit. N.p., 20 Sept. 2011. Web.
<http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2011/09/20/08-10579.pdf>.Herbert, Arthur. “Open Letter to all Federal Firearms Licensees.” ATF Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. N.p., 21 Sept. 2011. Web.
<https://www.atf.gov/file/60211/download>

Works Cited

 Abrams, D.I., C.A. Jay, S.B. Shade, H. Vizoso, and H. Reda. “Cannabis in painful HIVassociated sensory neuropathy.” Neurology 68.7 (2007): 515-21. Web. 14 Oct. 2016.<doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/01.wnl.0000253187.66183.9c>.

Borgelt, Laura M. “Effects of medical marijuana on migraine headache frequency in an adult population.” Pharmacotherapy 36.5 (2016): 505-10. Web. doi: 10.1002/phar.1673

Croxford, J. Ludovic. “Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in CNS Disease.” CNS Drugs 17.3 (2012): 179-202. Web. doi:10.2165/00023210-200317030-00004

Devinsky, Orrin, Maria R. Cilio, Helen Cross, Javier Fernandez-Ruiz, and Jacqueline French. “Cannabidiol: Pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders.” Epilepsia 55.6 (2014): 791-802. Web. DOI: 10.1111/epi.12631

Farr, Sam. “Farr Statement on Rohrabacher-Farr Medical Marijuana Amendment.” Congressman Sam Farr: Representing California’s Central Coast (CA-20). N.p., 2014. Web.

Filbey, Francesca M., Tim McQueeny, Samuel J. DeWitt, and Virednra Mishra. “Preliminary findings demonstrating latent effects of early adolescent marijuana use onset on cortical architecture.” Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience 16 (2015): 16-22. Web. doi:10.1016/j.dcn.2015.10.001

Gargani, Yousef, Paul Bishop, and David W. Denning. “Too Many Mouldy Joints-Marijuana and Chronic Pulmonary Asperigillosis.” Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases 3.1 (2011): 16 pars. Web. doi: 10.4084/MJHID.2011.005

Graber, Susan P. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee KEVIN V. DUGAN, Defendant-Appellant. No. 08-10579 D.C. No.5:03-cr-20010-0- RMW-1 OPINION.” United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit. N.p., 20 Sept. 2011. Web. <http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2011/09/20/08-10579.pdf>.

Herbert, Arthur. “Open Letter to all Federal Firearms Licensees.” ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. N.p., 21 Sept. 2011. Web. <https://www.atf.gov/file/60211/download>

Jatoi, A., Windschitl, H.E., Loprinzi, C.L., Sloan, J.A., Dakhil, S.R., Mailliard, J.A., Pundaleeka, S., Kardinal, C.G., Fitch, T.R., Krook, J.E., Novotny, P.J. and Christensen, B.“Dronabinol versus megestrol acetate versus combination therapy for cancerassociated anorexia: a North Central Cancer Treatment Group study”. Journal of Clinical Oncology,(2002):20(2), 567-73. Web.

Johnson, MB chB, Jeremy R., Mary Burnell-Nugent, Dominique Lossignol, Elena D. Ganae-

Motan, and Marie T. Fallon. “Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of THC:CBD Extract and THC Extract in Patients with Intractable Cancer-Related.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 52.3 (2010): 167-79. Web. 14 Oct. 2016. <DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2009.06.008>.

Meier, Madeline H., Avshalom Caspi, Antony Ambler, HonaLee Harrington, and Renate Houts. “Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife.” PNAS 109.40 (2012): 30 pars. Web. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1206820109

Navarro, Gloria M.”S.Rowan Wilson, an individual, Plaintiff, vs. Eric Holder et al Case No.:2:11-cv-01679-GMN-PAL.” JUSTIA Dockets & Filings. N.p., 11 Mar. 2014. Web. 9 <https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/nevada/nvdce/2:2011cv01679/83947/49/0.pdf?ts=1394721175>.

O’Scannlain, Diarmuid F.”United States of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Steve McIntosh, et al Defendant-Appellant Opinion.” United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit. N.p.,16 Aug. Web. <https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2016/08/16/15-10117.pdf>.

Rakoff, Jed S. “S. Rowan Wilson, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Loretta E. Lynch et al: No 14-15700 D.C.No. 2:11-CV-01679-GMN-Pal Opinion.” United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit. N.p., 31 Aug. 2016. Web. 11 <http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2016/08/31/14-15700.pdf>.

Struwe, Melissa, Suzanne H. Kaempfer, Constance J. Geiger, Andrew T. Pavia, and Terry F. Plasse. “Effect of Dronabinol on Nutritional Status in HIV Infection.” AOP Annals of Pharmacotherapy 27.7 (1993): 827-31. Web. doi: 10.1177/106002809302700701

Sullum, Jacob. “9th Circuit Says Feds May Not Prosecute State-Legal Medical Marijuana Suppliers: The appeals court rules that Congress has forbidden such interference.”reason.come 17 Aug. 2016: 9 pars. Web. <http://reason.com/blog/2016/08/17/9th-circuit-says-feds-may-not-prosecute>.

Taylor, M.D., David N., Kaye Wachsmuth, Ph. D., Yung-hui Shangkaun, M.S., Emmet V. Schmidt, M.D., and Timothy J. Barrett, M.S. “Salmonellosis Associated with Marijuana- A Multistate Outbreak Traced by Plasmid Fingerprinting.” The New England Journal of Medicine 306.21 (1982): 1249-53. Web. DOI: 10.1056/NEJM198205273062101

Works Cited

Weir, Kirsten. “Marijuana and the developing brain.” American Psychological Association 46.10: (2015) 37 pars. Web.

Wolff, Valerie, Jean-Paul Armspach, Valerie Lauer, Olivier Rouyer, and Marc Bataillard. “Cannabis-related Stroke: Myth or Reality?” Stoke 44.2 (2013): 558-63. Web. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.671347

Zajicek JP, Hobart JC, Slade A, Barnes D, Mattison PG; MUSEC Research Group. Multiple sclerosis and extract of cannabis: results of the MUSEC trial.Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry (2012) 83(11):1125-32. Web. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-302468.

“Firearms Transaction Record OMB No, 1140-0020.” ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 <https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/form-example-firearms-transaction-record/download>.

“How Many Legal Medical Marijuana Patients Are There in the United States?” Chart. ProCon.org . Web. 8 Oct. 2016. <http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=005889>. Calvin College openURL resolver

“Private Sales Restrictions and Gun Registration.” NRA-ILA: Institute for Legislative Action. N.p., 17 Jan. 2013. Web. <https://www.nraila.org/articles/20130117/private-sales-restrictions-and-gun-registration>.

“Rohrabacher Hails Passage of Medical Marijuana Amendment.” Congressman Dana Rohrabacher: Proudly Serving California’s 48th District. N.p., 4 June 2015. Web. 

State Marijuana Laws Map. Map. Governing. Ed. Zach Patton, Elizabeth Daigneau, Alan Ehrenhalt, Paul W. Taylor, and Penelope Lemov. N.p., 26 May 2016. Web. http://www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html

“Treating-MS, Complementary-Alternative-Medicines, MARIJUANA (CANNABIS).” MS National Multiple Sclerosis Scociety. N.p., nd. Web.

We Like Shooting 240 – Totally normal mic

By
We Like Shooting
-

Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 240 – tonight we’ll talk about 9mm build update, Gunnit rust build, black rhino concealment, ATI grips, and more!

WLS 240 – Totally normal mic

Haley Strategic Partners Micro Chest Rig: First Impressions

By
Keith Finch
-

Haley Strategic Partners just released the D3CRM Micro Chest Rig.

This trimmer offering of their chest rig line offers users a smaller, lighter, and more compact profiled option for torso riding magazines and equipment.

In addition the rig is truly modular in a way the previous rigs were not with removable and replaceable inserts that cover 3 AR sized magazines, 2 .308/7.62×51 magazines, or 4 pistol caliber carbine/submachinegun magazines. Two pockets with retention bungee for pistol magazines, one on each end, increase on deck ammunition and increase the total capacity to 6 potential PCC magazines if you forego running any ammunition for a sidearm from the Micro. A small administrative pouch sits on the front with a Velcro strip on the outside and a full Velcro panel on the interior along with some elastic bands that can wrap around to hold equipment. Lights, note pad, GPS unit, or a small aid kit could easily ride in the space.

Configured for AR mags the 4 position insert under the MP5 magazines converts the micro in a couple minutes to the pistol caliber configuration. The 7.62/.308 marksman configuration rig is just as easily added with one or two mag inserts.

As a standalone item or able to be attached or worn over armor the Micro offers the wearer an organized low bulk option to quickly access and carry additional ammunition and mission essential equipment.

Clear design elements focus on quick reactive emergency response instead of a sustained mission load, the Mirco compliments a first-responder’s staged equipment by being placeable in a small out of the way space. 11.5″x7″x3.5″ roughly for a space to stow the AR configured rig loaded. Combined with belt mounted magazine pouches it is not hard to carry 6+ magazines. Double or triple magazine pouches on the front of hard armor get thick quick, I prefer a single row close to the chest if feasible and the Micro runs admirably in that regard.

I ordered the Micro with all 3 configuration inserts as I have weapon systems in all 3 styles. It is currently the only piece of equipment I have that can easily make the transition between a pistol caliber carbine load out and a rifle. Even excellent pouches like the G-Code Scorpions, which do work, are not specifically configurable to run pistol caliber carbine magazines and 5.56/7.62 rifle magazines.

PCC and .308/7.62 inserts next to some P-Mags

The 5.56 and 7.62 inserts come with the MP2 polymer retention devices and are designed to run them while running magazines, they are removable to substitute other equipment. The MP2’s allow the mags to ‘click’ in and out, being held place while moving but removing the need for a bungee over top that would slow an emergency reload.

So far, in the time I’ve spent running the new rig dry, I like it. It dawns quickly using the X-Harness system, tightening down like most harness buckle set ups (though I wish their were an on board way to control the slack and excess strap, it would be difficult as the design lends itself to be put on and tightened as opposed to sized). It reconfigured easily using the Velcro surround structure, from one set up you can change to another in a couple minutes from start to setting the new magazines in place and putting the rig back on.

The Haley Strategic Micro offers the best execution of a multi-platform configurable rig I have seen to date. For an individual or unit with a variable mission capability requirement that wants to run a quick consistent system it will be hard to beat.

I will run it through some courses and my own drills over the summer and we will see if I can find the weak spots. I’ve got an AR500 Chest Rig Adapter coming for the plate carrier and we’ll see if this runs smoother than the X-Harness over armor.

MAKING SENSE OF PISTOL SIGHTS

By
A Girl and a Gun
-

by Jim Majoros, President
Viktor’s Legacy Custom Gunsmithing LLC

Having the right sights on your handgun is important, and there are many different options from which to choose: combat sights, fiber-optic, tritium and white dot. Let’s explore the available options and what they can help you achieve.

Combat type sights are basic and straight forward. They are all black, have a wide front blade, wide rear notch, and are non-adjustable, providing quick acquisition of your front blade. They are not designed to help you shoot in small tight groupings. Rather, they allow you to get on your target quickly, bury the front sight in the rear notch and press the trigger- making them the right type of sight for the job.

White dot sights are similar to combat sights, with a white dot on the front sight and two dots on the rear sight. They come standard on most factory guns. White dot sights promote good visibility at the range. They can be fixed or adjustable. Bury the front blade in the rear notch on your target, line up the dots horizontally and press the trigger.

Fiber optic sights provide a popular upgrade. Both front and rear sights have fiber optic tubes that gather ambient light and enhance the visibility of the sights. They work well in lower light and are phenomenal in brightly lit conditions. The sights glow like little light bulbs, so they are hard to miss! Standard fiber optic sights come with a red front and two green rear dots. Don’t let anyone tell you that is the only way you can get them- and don’t be concerned with the position of the colors, because they can easily be changed! All green, green front and red rear, all red…it can be done. Depending on the manufacturer, you can get them with fixed or adjustable rear. The front blades and rear notch come in differing widths (front sights from .090 to .150 wide, and rear sights from .125 to .160 wide) but the standard width rear notch is usually .150 with the front blade at .125. This results in a narrow lateral displacement, forcing you to be more precise with sight alignment/sight picture- think smaller groupings! You can tailor your front sight width and rear sight notch to achieve the perfect setup for you.

Tritium sights are like fiber optic sights, except they have tritium vials installed. Tritium is the same material that is in the dial of a watch to make the numbers glow in the dark. These sights work best in no-light conditions, and they work like white dot sights in daylight conditions. The vials last for about 10 years. A good number of manufacturers offer tritium sights- however, there are just a few companies that are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to handle and install the vials for those manufacturers. For that reason you may notice a name other than the manufacturer’s on the sights.

There are also different styles of sights:
“Carry” style sights are slanted so that they won’t get hooked on clothing or holsters.
“Charger” style sights are square and blocky. They enable you to “charge” your weapon against your shoe, pants, table top or any other surface- useful if you have to shoot to slide lock, reload, and continue defending yourself if you are fallen or injured.

Adjustable rear sights allow you to tailor your point of impact to your style of shooting. It’s likely that once they are adjusted, you’re going to leave them that way.
Fixed rear sights will shoot where you look, if installed correctly. Why not consider using ones that are properly installed by a competent gunsmith? They One Texas company has a “Perfect Impact Guarantee.” If you buy their sight set for your gun, the sights will be at the correct elevation for the distance you are shooting. Lateral sight adjustment is up to your installer.

Your sights need to be changed if you can’t see them properly. Some sights are very difficult to remove and install, and require special tooling for this. If you insist on changing your own sights PLEASE go to the manufacturer’s website for instruction. I’ve seen videos on YouTube of guys using air chisels to drift sights out of their guns, all the while swearing that is the only correct way to do it. I can assure you, the results of their techniques may not be satisfactory. There is a very good reason why I have an expensive collection of sight removal and installation tools at my shop! When in doubt, consult a good gunsmith.

Good Luck, good shooting, and be safe!!

SOURCE ARTICLE: https://www.agirlandagun.org/making-sense-pistol-sights/

Things You Hear in a Gun Store: The Reliability of ‘Experts’

By
Keith Finch
-

Readers,

I’m certain nearly all of you have heard at least one truly absurd item emerge from the mouth of somebody at a gun counter.

It is honestly expected. Everyone has heard or picked up something as gospel that is entirely fictitious and being the helpful folks we are we enjoy sharing. This is usually as harmless as it is ridiculous.

But not always.

Friends of mine run a gun store. They operate within a state that requires pistol registration.

Anything that is federally defined as a pistol legally must have the serial number and physical description on record with the state. Additionally any firearm that meets the state’s separate legal definition must be recorded.

With that in mind a stripped receiver is its own entity. While legally a serialized firearm it is not complete and cannot meet a rifle or pistol definition. This does not stop the local authorities from trying to improperly classify it.

 

They received a call from their local LEO’s firearms records department informing them they were in noncompliance for selling stripped receivers without registering them as pistols. They politely informed the department that they were incorrect and the registry is required if and when the receiver is assembled into a pistol by federal or state definiton.

 

Just to be certain they called the state firearm authority.

To which they received the answer ‘no, receivers do not need to be registered’.

Correct.

‘Receivers are not firearms’

Incorrect. Receivers are absolutely firearms in the eyes of the federal firearms authorities, thus they are serialized. But they are not rifles or pistols. They are an ‘Other Firearm’, which covers serialized frames and receivers.

So after this second piece of incorrect information from an authority within the departments who are supposed to know they talked to a state supervisor.

‘You have to be 21 to buy firearms in the state so it does not matter if it is registered or not’.

Nothing in that conveyance by the state supervisory authority on firearms is correct, spoken to a Federal Firearms Licensee whose very businesses’ existence depends on proper compliance with the law. Nothing.

In the state in question the legal age for ownership is 18. Both pistol and rifle can be purchased at 18 unless federal law states otherwise, like in the cases of NFA items or purchasing a pistol from a FFL.

Receivers, since they can become pistols or NFA items upon completion, fall into the law federally as necessitating 21 years of age.

And registration matters.

Having a firearm that the state requires to be registered that is not can be legally quite expensive and result in the firearm’s confiscation and possible forfeiture. The state’s definition of a pistol must be adhered too in addition to the firearm’s federal definition and those definitions are drastically different. If the firearm meets the state’s definition it must be registered regardless of the federal definition. This additionally confers the legal benefits of the firearm being a pistol within the state.

Registration absolutely matters.

 

We don’t need to trust in the random firearms knowledge of the random strangers at the firearm store. Or the range. We can trust but verify with very little risk, unless it gets legal. In that case always verify.

But when that verification is so blatantly wrong? What do you do then? Who watches the watchers, especially when their business is on the line? Do you take the false and at times illegal advice from the legal ‘authority’?

No.

You comply with the law. Not the random book keeper(s) who should not be on the FAQ line with bad info. Verify, verify, verify.

Credibly.

Lawyer.

REDEFINING PLINKING

By
A Girl and a Gun
-

According to Wikipedia, “The term plinking is an onomatopoeia of the sharp, metallic sound (or “plink”) that a projectile makes when hitting a metal target such as a tin can. The most common caliber used for plinking is the .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge, since these rounds are relatively inexpensive and have a low recoil.” Well, that sounds… boring!

Plinking is actually so much fun, and it can be an asset to firearms training.

Because the name plinking is derived from the sound a .22 bullet makes on a target, it suggests that time at the range doing this activity is not serious practice time. You may even hear, “I’m just gonna go plink some rounds.” Any time you can get to a range and do live-fire shooting with any gun of any caliber should have some purpose behind it. Without focus you are just wasting ammo and potentially picking up bad habits.

Redefining Plinking

Using a .22 caliber pistol or rifle is commonly used to introduce the basics of marksmanship to new shooters and youth. It has low recoil and is economically priced. The down side is they tend to have a smaller grip, which has very different ergonomics in the load-and-make-ready process and trigger press. The smaller gun can require a completely different set-up and muscle memory. A great way to integrate a .22 into your training is to have the same or similar style model of your carry or competition gun in the smaller caliber. Using a conversion kit you can modify your primary gun so that it fires 22lr ammo so that you can enjoy the benefits of a .22. You get the fun and low-cost of plinking, but still have the opportunity to practice your marksmanship and build muscle memory on your primary gun.

Choosing the right ammo for your .22 caliber pistol or rifle is very important. Purchasing .22 ammo can be confusing so reference your owner’s manual and read online reviews about your gun and which ammo performs the best. Keep in mind .22 ammo is known for being “cheaper” in cost, but don’t just buy what is cheap; it might not run in your gun and it is wasted money.

SOURCE ARTICLE: https://www.agirlandagun.org/redefining-plinking/

We Like Shooting Double Tap 057 – Vanil-lame

By
We Like Shooting
-

Welcome to We Like Shooting’s Double Tap, Episode 57, Where we answer your questions,  talk about new tech in the gun world, and touch base on gun industry news.

We Like Shooting Double Tap 057 – Vanil-lame

After Action Review (AAR) of Green Ops – Defensive Carbine for AR Platforms

By
MASF
-

By: Mark Farage – MASF Member

AAR: Green Ops – Defensive Carbine for AR Platforms I (09/20/15 – NRA Headquarters Range)

I don’t like reading long dissertation style after-action reports on classes so, I’ll try and keep this short, informative, and to the point.

Any time that I go check-out a new instructor / teacher, I always make it a point to take one of their basic courses. It’s a great way to be introduced to an instructor / teacher and it’s a great way for you to be introduced to them. Trust me, as an instructor / teacher myself, getting to know your students (their capabilities – strengths and weaknesses) is uber important. Also, if an instructor can’t teach the fundamentals well… well, that’s a bad sign. As such, I took the Defensive Carbine for AR Platforms I course from Green Ops last night at the NRA Range.

IMG_9439

Overall, I was impressed by the course and will definitely take additional classes from Mike Green. The course opened up with some basic classroom information on defensive firearm use and safety information. I won’t bore you with the details…but the details are important…particularly in light of today’s litigious culture. Just know that the hour spent in the classroom goes quickly and you will be on the range soon.

Range time started with a 5-round zero course of fire and ended with a barricade shoot / no-shoot decision course of fire. In between those two courses of fire the group of ten students was broken down into two groups and the groups alternated between courses of fire and rest periods. The courses of fire included, but were not limited to: 1-shot ready drills, 2-shot ready drills, 1-shot / reload / 1-shot ready drills, 1-shot / reload / 2-shot ready drills, multiple-target transition drills, etc. All-in-all what you would expect from a basic carbine course.

Screen Shot 2016-06-30 at 12.06.06 PM

I really appreciated the fact that we covered malfunctions but, we didn’t spend any actual range time on clearing malfunctions. In a 4-hour course format there just isn’t enough time to train on malfunctions. I know there are a gazillion different opinions out there on malfunction training but, in this area I completely agree with Mike Green, save the majority of your malfunction training for off-range time. In today’s busy world a lot of us have limited time to hit the range and that time is better spent shooting. I fully support malfunction training in more advanced classes, but a basic class shouldn’t get bogged down in malfunction training. As an aside, I’ve run a combined 50,000 rounds through my two primary guns (a Noveske MK18 and a SCAR CQC – yes, I’ve changed barrels, bolts, firing pins, springs, etc.) and I’ve only had a handful of malfunctions outside of those purposely induced by instructors / teachers. What’s the lesson; invest in good equipment if you’re going to trust your life or the lives of your loved ones to that equipment.

Screen Shot 2016-06-30 at 12.17.36 PM

Mike is a really good teacher, he takes time to work with each student, his demonstrations were spot on and he does a great job of teaching “methods” and reiterating that “methods” are just that…”methods” on how to do something not “the only way” to do something. I was really impressed with the fact that he spent time with each student on each drill, giving pointers here or there depending upon the need (skill based). I was also impressed with Mike’s demeanor, he’s a good instructor / teacher and as a good instructor / teacher he didn’t feel the need to stroke his ego… I always like that in instructors / teachers. Being humble is a rare commodity these days… and Mike has that mastered. Mike also did a great job of fielding questions and answering them but, also keeping on point.

At the end of the day we all (well most of us) have limited resources, limited time, and limited ammo… so, would I recommend you investing in a training class with Mike; absolutely. There aren’t that many short-format courses out there and I think Mike has really filled a niche and the location for the DMV can’t be beat. A special thanks also goes to the NRA range staff for keeping everyone safe.

Screen Shot 2016-06-30 at 12.16.25 PM

If you have any questions, let me know and I will answer them as best as I can based upon my experience.

-Mark William Farage

Bio Picture - Mark Farage

Biography:

Mark Farage is the founder of Farage Precision, LLC and a minority owner of Ronin Combat Strategies.  Mark is a “teacher” with a highly diverse skill set honed from a wide range of experiences, travels, and training.  His background includes, but is not limited to: competitive shooting, professional firearm instruction, extensive off-road experience, advanced first aid training, global travel, and, combative tactics.  As a shooter he is an avid USPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun, 2-Gun, Precision Rifle Series, and Steel Challenge competitor and he gained practical firearms experience as a private military contractor working in the Middle East.  In the area of vehicle dependent travel he has participated in off-road adventures from Columbia to Vietnam, he’s been getting off of the beaten path for over 20 years, and he has a reputation for building some of the most capable overland vehicles ranging from Land Rovers to Toyotas.  He has attended numerous driving and recovery schools and is well versed in a full-spectrum of vehicle operations.  Mark has also traveled the globe and visited every continent with the exception of Antarctica.

FP Small Logo

Mark has extensive experience working for international corporations in the area of global risk management, fraud mitigation and resolution, and corporate criminal investigations throughout North and South America, Asia, and Europe.  His investigations have led to the prosecution and imprisonment of individuals on the local, state, and federal level.  Mark currently works for a publicly traded company in the Washington, D.C. Metro area and continues to maintain industry contacts in the off-road, firearms, military, and medical community.  Mark has an undergraduate degree and Masters of Business Administration from Christian Brothers University; he is a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a NRA certified firearms instructor.

Mark is an adventurer at heart and does not let his Osteogenesis Imperfecta prevent him from enjoying and thriving in life.  Mark enjoys CrossFit, climbing, hiking, fishing, camping, wrenching on his off-road vehicle, and reading when he is not knee-deep in an adventure.

SOURCE ARTICLE: http://masf.co/2016/08/17/after-action-review-aar-of-green-ops-defensive-carbine-for-ar-platforms/

AR500 Armor Wants You in PE!

By
Keith Finch
-

Polyethylene

The fine folks of AR500 dropped me a line that their latest addition to their rifle armor offerings is on sale. 

Seriously on sale.

Like an exceptional Testudo carrier and UHMWPE plates for less than a pair of plates normally on sale.

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene offers a lighter weight, greater mobility, increased comfort load out of rifle rated hard armor and AR500 has them ready to go.

These continue to ride as my standard plates. In case you missed the review it’s here.

And below.

 

 

 

 

There is a universal truth to armor.

It sucks to wear.

The materials capable of stopping a bullet or shrapnel impact and imposing it between you and that potentially lethal puncture/energy transfer usually carry the characteristic: HEAVY.

The affordable steel plates that AR500 Armor is known for weigh 8lbs each. Combine that with necessary trauma padding or soft armor and a carrier you quickly push 25lbs in a hurry. The level IV selection of composite ceramics provide better protection but no savings in weight.

The stereotypical response to a complaint about armor is “It’s supposed to be comforting, not comfortable.” In short, the burden of armor is a necessary discomfort for the protection. A balancing act of mobility against the ability to stop an impacting gunshot. It ironically makes you a little slower and easier to hit, especially on an unconditioned body. Physical education and conditioning make armor bare-able.

However, thanks to science, we continue to develop and apply materials that do things better.

Armor types: Steel level III, Ceramic level IV, and UHMWPE level III
From back to front. Steel level III. Ceramic level IV, UHMWPE level III

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) offers us several material advantages.

Polyethylene? Yes.

Plastic? Yes.

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW) is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. Also known as high-modulus polyethylene, (HMPE), it has extremely long chains, with a molecular mass usually between 3.5 and 7.5 million amu.[1]

The longer chain serves to transfer load more effectively to the polymer backbone by strengthening intermolecular interactions. This results in a very tough material, with the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made. –Wikipedia

UHMWPE is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.[3] It embodies all the characteristics of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with the added traits of being resistant to concentrated acids and alkalies, as well as numerous organic solvents.[4] It is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals except oxidising acids; has extremely low moisture absorption and a very low coefficient of friction; is self-lubricating (see boundary lubrication); and is highly resistant to abrasion, in some forms being 15 times more resistant to abrasion than carbon steel. Its coefficient of friction is significantly lower than that of nylon and acetal and is comparable to that of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), but UHMWPE has better abrasion resistance than PTFE.

UHMWPE is 8-15 times stronger than steel in strength to weight. It also has a very high chemical neutrality resisting water, oils, and solvents. It’s molecular strength is extremely high but actual density low, making it buoyant.

The polyethylene is made into long molecular aligned fibers and woven into a sheet. When layered with other sheets it allows for exceptional energy transfer reduction between the molecules and layers. The sheets are oriented in varying directions further increasing the overall property strengths of the UHMWPE as the aligned fibers crisscross.

The layers and dissonant orientation of the specialized polyethylene form an energy absorbing ‘catcher’s mitt’ plate that successfully stops rifle rounds. NIJ Level III rated stopping 7.62x51mm (.308), 7.62x39mm, and 5.56x45mm (.223 Rem) multiple hits stand alone (does not need to have a soft armor or carrier component to function). UHMWPE would be a worthy armor candidate on fewer property merits but when the material is formed into 10×12 armor plates they weigh less than half their conventional level III and level IV counterparts.

3.3lbs each and buoyant (won’t sink in water) cuts the overall weight of a kitted carrier down by around 50% while still maintaining level III protection.

armor weight and size comparison
3.3lbs vs. 8lbs

Physically the plates are higher volume but most carriers like my Valkyrie have enough room to accommodate them without issue.

armor thickness comparison

The thick light weight plates are also significantly less fragile than level IV ceramic.

Ceramic body armor plates are fragile, to a degree, being designed to catch a high velocity projectile from the front (or back) strike face. The layered ceramic is designed to crush and break, catching impacting rounds. Once it is broken the plate needs replacement. Ceramic is still a glass product and if dropped, sat on, or torqued in a way that cracks the layers they are now compromised.

The polyethylene (plastic) plates aren’t as vulnerable to unintentional damage from rough handling.

If considering any maritime application the buoyant water proof plates will not sink a water bound wearer or be compromised by immersion. The coast guard, any harbor or coastal deputies, and in any other emergency or duty armored application near water UHMWPE benefits the wearer if they end up in the water.

Putting UHMWPE Polyethylene plates into your armor set up increases comfort, durability, mobility,  and water safety (where relevant), while significantly decreasing physical duress and kit weight. Unless you’re requiring a level IV threat protection the PE plates have substantial advantages in a carrier.

It’s an armor material selection or upgrade worth serious consideration, currently my standard plates. They suck much less to wear, almost comfortable.

 

“No one sweats into their armor or has to go into the rain or water while wearing it and no one uses oils and solvents around firearms while wearing armor. It certainly isn’t heavy and doesn’t cause discomfort so I’m not sure why any of this is advantageous.” – Marine Veteran, after going for a swim with a rifle while in body armor now cleaning said rifle as the heavy SAPI’s and carrier chafe

Get Me a Medic – Stat!

By
Annette Evans
-
A basic trauma kit doesn't have to be big, hard to carry, or difficult to use - this is in my carry-on bag.
A basic trauma kit doesn’t have to be big, hard to carry, or difficult to use – this is in my carry-on bag.

Medical is one of the hot topics in the self-defense training industry. With mass shootings, vehicle attacks on pedestrians, and other violent events in the news constantly, it’s becoming an increasingly popular topic everywhere else too. Carrying a gun or other weapons isn’t for everyone whether for legal or other reasons. Having the knowledge and tools for first aid? There are no restrictions on owning and carrying first aid supplies. You should join the crowds who are adding medical training and equipment to your life. Here’s why.

When Seconds Count…

It’s not just armed response that is minutes away at best. It’s also any chance of medical intervention in the moments that matter after a violent injury or even common yet major health events like allergic reactions, heart attacks, and strokes. If you are prepared to be the person on the spot in your fantasy of saving a crowd from a mass shooter, you should also be prepared to be the person on the spot with the higher likelihood event of an injury or illness that requires immediate help. The standard of care is fifteen seconds to get a tourniquet on to control massive hemorrhagic bleeding. And if it’s you leaking blood, you might want to get on it yourself.

Do Something!

Nobody likes to feel helpless. Interventions as simple as direct pressure can control blood loss long enough to make a difference. And even if it doesn’t, knowing how and being able to take action means you were able to try. You were able to do more than stand by and watch someone die. That’s not something I can live with, and it’s something you should think about before you skip yet another opportunity to take a first aid class.

If I Can, You Can

One of the beauties of medical training is that many immediate first responder techniques can be easily learned by anyone. You don’t have to wait for a class to fit into your schedule either. A few minutes with a YouTube video can get you started. A quality in-person class like Bleeding Control is only a few hours and covers all of the basics.

Much of what’s useful for equipment is both affordable and easily carried. You don’t need to plan to improvise when a CoTCCC recommended tourniquet is $30 from a reputable supplier, can be carried in a back pocket, and is proven effective. My SOFTT-W goes almost everywhere with me and if I’ve figured out how to do that, a little creativity on your part will get you there too.

Sh!t Happens

It’s not unusual to focus on gunshot wounds as a leading cause for needing medical help right away. They’re not the only reason why first aid is needed in everyday life. Even in the sexy trauma first aid realm, where we get to use tourniquets, slap on chest seals, and shove hemostatic dressings into holes, there are many other reasons why we might have to get to work.

How many of you work around heavy machinery? Factories are one thing, but limb-crushing injuries can happen at construction sites, warehouses, work yards…you get the idea. How about motorcycles? Even if you don’t ride, pay attention to who you’re sharing the road with on the next warm day. Now think about what might happen if a leg gets trapped between bike and car or asphalt. If a big piece of debris is kicked up by a passing car or flies out of a truck bed and spikes itself into a rider, or even a pedestrian.

And those are just the bloody injuries or the blunt force traumas. They’re not the only things that go wrong. For instance, do you have a child or co-worker who is allergic to bees, peanuts, something else? Anaphylactic shock is deadly, sometimes in minutes. Knowing where an Epi-Pen is and how to administer it can save a life.

IT SAVES LIVES

We’ve learned some hard-won lessons from the War on Terror, and we can respect them by not allowing people to die from preventable causes. In the Tactical Combat Casualty Care – All Combatants class I recently took, one of my instructors was living proof that what we were learning that day works. He couldn’t stand in front of us because both of his legs were traumatically amputated in Afghanistan. Two CAT tourniquets saved his life with minimal blood loss. His story is worth a few minutes of your time:

We would like to offer our profound thanks to Adam Hartswick and the crew of DUSTOFF 68 for sharing their story and hope that it will inspire and educate as many people as possible so that more lives are saved in the future. ***Be aware that the following footage from the incident is GRAPHIC.Sgt. Adam Hartswick was deployed to Afghanistan with 3-41 Infantry, Alpha Company, when his life was forcefully altered by a devastating attack on his unit May 14, 2013. "I was the company senior medic (68W) responding to an attack on our second platoon," Adam said, recalling that day. “I wasn’t even supposed to go outside the wire that day. I had guard duty, but when I heard that my guys had been hit – I had to go.” Adam jumped into the back of a responding QRF vehicle and rushed to aid his teammates."When I arrived at the scene I immediately discovered that my junior platoon medic, SPC Cody Towse and two other Soldiers were dead.” After the initial explosion, Cody had rushed to aid SPC William Gilbert and SPC Mitch Daehling. William had been killed instantly in the blast, but Mitch was still alive and critically injured. As Cody attempted to treat Mitch, he placed his med ruck on the ground and triggered a second device that killed them both instantly. Cody was posthumously recognized for his heroism and awarded the Bronze Star. Arriving on scene with the QRF, Adam worked to set up his CCP and treat the wounded."I was doing human-remains recovery and treating the walking-wounded when the [Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)] team showed up," he continued. "The EOD team leader Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Baker came up to me and put his hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eye, and calmly told me, ‘We’re going to save our brothers.’ Moments later he went to interrogate a device and it blew up, killing him about ten meters in front of me." Adam suffered minor injuries from that explosion but was able to continue his medic duties."I shook that off and went to retrieve him when I was blown up," he said. “It felt like I got hit by a truck! My body was ringing like a tuning fork, but I was still conscious, so I treated myself. I was able to get one CAT (tourniquet) on good and tight but I was missing an index finger and putting that TQ was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Thankfully the platoon leader was competent in TCCC and came to me (in spite of the danger of other IEDs) and applied a second CAT on my other leg and reassessed and tightened my initial tourniquet.” The blast from the IED had critically wounded Adam. “My body was a wreck – I had: bilateral transfemoral amputations, right index finger amputation, partial right thumb amputation, large lacerations on right arm, bilateral perforated eardrums, fractured right hip, mild TBI, various shrapnel wounds, and bruises all over my arms and legs. Somehow I had no torso trauma, no facial trauma.” In what would later be recognized as the 2013 Dustoff Rescue of the Year, DUSTOFF 68, C/2-3 GSAB, Hunter AAF, GA (CPT Douglas Hill, 1LT Kelly Ward, SGT Robert Silva, SGT Jason Daniels, and SGT David Hixson), plucked Adam and a wounded teammate from the IED strewn battlefield and raced them to Role 3 care. Remarkably, despite having both legs being traumatically amputated, Adam remained conscious without any pain management until he reached the Role 3 OR where he continued to joke with nurses until he was anesthetized.Six days later, Adam was back in the United States at Walter Reed Medical Center recovering from his injuries. Adam’s father, himself career Army, slept in a chair next to his son’s bed for the weeks that it took Adam to fight his way out of intensive care. Today, ever thankful for his second chance, Adam works tirelessly to spread the TCCC gospel through his role as a TCCC instructor with Techline Trauma. As Adam puts it, “Every gunfighter needs to be trained to be a medic and every medic needs to be trained to be a gunfighter.”Reposted from North American Rescue.

Posted by Stay The Course on Thursday, March 23, 2017

After watching that, I couldn’t look Adam in the eye and not be a true believer in the value of quality medical training and equipment. How about you?

We Like Shooting 239 – Both Places

By
We Like Shooting
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Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 239 – tonight we’ll talk about , AR pistols, california compliant mag system, vertx, Shield Sights, and more!

WLS 239 – Both Places

Just a Girl and Her Decoy

By
Dr LateBloomer
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I know this isn’t the usual review article, but I figure if you can’t keep a sense of humor while you are deep in the learning curve of a new activity then why bother.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am a novice hunter, and hope to bag my first spring gobbler during the rapidly approaching local season.

As part of my initiation into the cult of this avian adversary, I attended my local National Wild Turkey Federation dinner about a month ago. During this initiation “ceremony”, I was parted with many of my dollars. These dollars were spent on various games of chance which taunted my greed with promises of new shotguns. There were new calls and additional chances to win handguns and gear with which to bag my own specimen of the revered quarry. All of this to benefit the habitat and preservation of Meleagris gallopavo. I placed bids on many items, and kept my fingers crossed. Annnnd what did I come home with?

A glorified rubber chicken.

I’m teasing of course. This was a top-of-the-line Avian X hen decoy and I was tickled to have ANY decoy to start out my turkey career. But I could not get over a neophyte’s sense of the absurd about the whole thing – especially when I read the directions for use.

I was first of all required to allow my hen decoy to “come to room temperature”. Well, I don’t really like to be messed with much when I’m cold either, so I suppose I could understand that. Then, I was instructed to locate the air valve on the bottom of the decoy, and pull out the valve stem. Wait, I thought this was a hen? She has a “stem”? And I’m supposed to put my mouth there and, and … inflate her? This was too much for my inner middle-schooler, who dissolved into a fit of the giggles. But wait- there’s more. 

The next step instructed me to place my newly inflated hen IN A HOT SHOWER… FOR TEN MINUTES. Let me tell you, after inflating an expensive rubber chicken with my mouth, I kinda felt like I needed a shower too – either that or I needed a Groucho Marx mustache. But the post-shower results were JUST GORGEOUS!

She is so realistic that I decided to give my hen turkey a name. I’m calling her Henrietta. Original, I know.  But now I’m going to feel like a bit of a pimp. I mean, I’m going to be out there showing her off to the tom turkeys. I want pretty little Henrietta to get them excited enough to throw caution to the wind and strut right into the path of my shotgun. I feel dirty already.

I suppose I could think of this in a more positive vein. Maybe I should think of Henrietta as an undercover cop on a prostitution sting. Her job is to look and act alluring and available, and my job is to bring the lecherous John – I mean Tom – to “justice”. In this case, “justice” being the death penalty by 12 gauge, with post-mortem incarceration in my freezer. Tasty justice.

To help with my feelings of guilt about pimping out my new friend and because I’ve got a gimpy post-op hand and thus am bored, I wanted to feature Henrietta in a few “get to know you” photo-ops while we both work on our pre-season training. If she’s going to be my wingman – I mean hen – then we need to train together.

Here’s Henrietta lounging on the couch after her shower.

This is us studying-up our NWTF magazine

This is Henrietta critiquing my calling  – “No. No. No.” She says, “Your accent is all wrong. Repeat after me, The rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain.” 

Her look says it all – You CAN’T be serious.

Henrietta and I have done pretty much everything but the Chicken Dance to get ready for the season. Come to think of it, maybe I could talk her into practicing “My tailfeather shake brings all the Toms to the yard”. 

I sure hope it will. Wish us luck.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR SHOTGUN WITH SWAB-ITS

By
A Girl and a Gun
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When it comes to maintaining firearms, Swab-its’ Bore-tips offer improved barrel cleaning and lubrication while the Gun-tips line offers four distinct sizes and lengths of swabs to ensure cleaning and lubrication of the harder to reach areas that are often neglected. Reusable and easy to clean with soap and water or mineral spirits, Swab-its products are more thorough, quicker and easier to use than traditional methods of firearms cleaning and do not leave the residue or lint left behind by patches, mops and cotton swabs.

Before You Clean Your Shotgun

Visually and physically inspect to insure the firearm is unloaded. No ammunition should be present while cleaning. It is advisable to have your manufacturer’s owner’s manual handy for reference for proper disassembly and maintenance procedures. If you purchased your gun used, many manuals can be downloaded by accessing the manufacturer’s website.

What you need: shotgun rod, solvent, lubricant, Swab-its Bore-tips in correct gauge, Swab-its 9 piece Gun-tips, a rag or paper towels. In this article, we address cleaning the Over-Under Shotgun. To demonstrate, we will clean and lubricate a Beretta Silver Pigeon.

Disassemble the firearm according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Essentially, you should have three pieces: the receiver with the stock, the barrel and the forend. Select the appropriate gauge Bore-tip, they are available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410, and apply solvent/cleaner. Keep in mind that the Bore-tips are quite absorbent and require less fluid than you may normally use with a mop.

Working from the breech end, push the Bore-tip through the chamber, forcing cone and barrel. Wait for the solvent to soften the fouling. Most solvent manufacturers recommend 10-15 minutes.
Brush the barrel with the appropriately sized brush and then use the Bore-tip to reapply additional solvent. Repeat the process.

Using the same Bore-tip, mop out the fouling by running the swab through the barrel and blotting off on a paper towel or rag. Most of the fouling will have been removed. At this point, thread on a clean, dry Bore-tip and run it through to remove residual solvent and fouling. This will dry the barrel. Take the remaining Bore-tip and apply lubrication, if desired. Remember, this must be removed before the next time you fire your gun.

Bore-tips are washable and reusable. To save hassle, the lubricating swab can be placed in a zip lock and continued to be used for lubrication only in the future, as long as it is not contaminated by solvent. The swabs that were used for application of solvent and removal of fouling are easily cleaned by either dipping them in mineral spirits, blotting and allowing to evaporate dry, or, washing with a degreasing dish soap, such as Dawn. If using dish soap, allow sufficient time for complete drying before reusing. When using a bio-based product, cleaning with dish soap will work best.


The 5” large surface Gun-tip (olive green handle) can be used to clean under the ejector/extruder. Accessing the locking lugs and recesses is most easily achieved with the 3” precision tip Gun-tip (grey handle).


The same swabs are ideal for swabbing the frame and frame recesses. The 3” mini tip Gun-tip (brown handle) can also be used on the frame recesses.
Be sure to clean beneath the forearm bottom metal, using the 5” Gun-tip.


Remember: If you are storing your firearm and coat the barrel with light lubrication, this lubrication MUST be removed prior to shooting your gun.

By Michele Makucevich, Firearms Products Territory Manager of Swab-its. She oversees the Rhode Island CMP and is a long-time youth coach and competitive shooter.

SOURCE ARTICLE: https://www.agirlandagun.org/clean-shotgun-swab/

BREAKING: Possible Gunfight in the Region being searched for Reinking, UPDATE: Reinking in Custody

By
Keith Finch
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Image from today.com

From Blue Lives Matter. Noise of a possible gunfight, rapid gunfire, from the region of Tennessee where the ATF and local authorities are looking for the at large Reinking.

Officials have announced a press conference. More at the link.

https://www.themaven.net/bluelivesmatter/news/rapid-gunfire-heard-in-woods-where-atf-is-hunting-waffle-house-gunman-dDEaqt1rzE6X7OvvutaIrg/

UPDATE

BREAKING: Murder suspect Travis Reinking is in custody. Arrested moments ago. – Metro Nashville PD

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