Author Archive
Why Train when you can Complain?
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If you got a new gun in 2011, congratulations and Good Luck! When someone buys or is given a handgun for the first time, I hear the same story echoing in the background. Many people put time and money into the gun purchase, but then complain about some of the optional and mandatory accessories and issues that will have to be considered, including professional training. I am not referring to someone showing you how to functionally load and unload it at the gun store, but a comprehensive class with the methodology and training protocols that will take your purchase of a lethal weapon, to a safer and more effective level. The general complaint is that many people don’t want to spend the money to hire a professional, or just don’t know when youll have enough time to fit training into a busy schedule. I understand the many complications of this decision. It may be that your spouse or a friend tells you not to worry about it and that they will show you how to use it, unfortunately more often the outcome is usually the same “Procrastination“. Many new gun owners make the decision to buy a gun, but don’t take action to get the knowledge and skills required to become comfortable and confident to master this deadly weapon. If you recently purchased or were given a handgun and want to carry it for protection, then take action with a new powerful attitude and proper foundational training. You will then be well on your way to a safer and beneficial experience.
Make the decision to find and pay for a quality professional firearms instructor or school. This by far outweighs complaining about the purchase of the gun itself, that may just give you an overated sense of personal security. When you budget to get a handgun for personal protection or sporting purposes for the first time, consider adding some or all of the options mentioned below into your overall plan. Some of these are necessary right away and some can be addressed at a later time. Yes I am biased to high level training because that is what I do professionally as an Instructor. I believe that when lives are at risk, primarily YOURS, then an honest effort is required to make your investment worthwhile. I will elaborate on those options and features below.
- Handgun Cost – Average, Good quality Semi-Autos $500-$850, Revolvers $400-$650, Can be more or less depending on brand name
- Tritium Night Sights $100 to $150 (Highly recommended because most personal protection occurs in Low to No Light)
- Gun Mountable or Accessory handgun light to use in conjunction with your gun $75 to $250
- 1 or 2 Extra Magazines for Semi Autos and Speed-loaders for a Revolver $20-$45 average good mags, Under $10 per Speedloader
- 1 to 3 different types of holsters, depending if you are ever going to carry it. Several options and body locations $30 to $150
- Range or FMJ Practice Ammunition $12-$25 per 50 rounds, depending on caliber and specific manufacturer features
- Defensive Hollow Points for protection $18 to $30 per 20 or 25 rnds depending on caliber and specific manufacturer features
- Eye protection for practice, (basic is fine as long as it is ricochet impact rated) $5 – $100
- Ear Protection, whether it is inexpensive foam plugs, standard or electronic hearing protection $1 Foam plugs to $250 Electronic
- Cleaning Kit and basic necessary materials $50-$75
- Range Bag to put all of you gear into $40-$200
- Basic and Eventually Advanced Firearms Training. Consider the Deadly subject matter at hand “Your Life” $PRICELESS
- Possible Trigger or advanced gunsmith if your new gun requires some specific customization $100-Open$
- Possible Grip panel changes, $20-$50 Average grip upgrades, Custom grips are much higher
- Snap cap Dummy rounds to practice loading and unloading $10-$20
- Specialty Training Targets $10 -$50
- Range Fees, or shooting club membership, unless you shoot out in a vacant approved area $15 per hour indoor, $10 outdoor day pass
- Misc. Fuel to get to the range regularly, Time, Babysitters, etc.. soft costs! $Your issues, do the math.
- Consider joining the National Rifle Association (NRA) to help protect your 2nd Amendment rights $35 per year
- Try to include your family, friends and associates into training and shooting together at a class or the range. No $, just time and effort
This surge in new Gun sales is exciting for the Industry, and one step closer to protecting the 2nd Amendment and our Freedoms as Americans.
Please be safe and responsible!
Good Luck,
Mark Volpone - Maricopa Tactical
The End of Change or a Renewed Beginning
Posted by: | CommentsWell another year is in the record books. Many Americans understand more that the illusion of hope and change has started disintegrating pieces of their lives. We are heavily pressured with the decay of economic, financial and social issues pounding on us from the current regime. At this hyper-speed of increased taxes, regulations and underlying inflation, the average working citizen, is near a suffocating point. This is an inevitable consequence of putting an inexperienced far left radical, with an open check book in charge of our lives, future and opportunities. The mantra of Pay your Fair Share and Put More Skin in the Game by this administration, is bringing a strangling point to an already disoriented economy, and personal uncertainty for the future. Next we have seen European style Occupy mobs roving through cities and making demands for fairness and economic justice, or else. Regardless of this frustration and entitlement mentality over many things lately, the sane people legitimately affected over toxic issues are potentially going to be more influenced by this anarchist mobster mentality. This could be dangerous in the future for this country as a Democracy.
What does all of that bring? The FBI claims about 1.5 million background checks for firearms sales that were processed at the end of 2011. Now given that many of those guns were probably gifts of one type or another, there are also a large number of new shooters here. The number of citizens that have had a previous background check or a State approved Concealed Carry Weapon Permit, can usually do the federal paperwork, and buy a gun without a new background check. Since these people have been previously approved for a state CCW with a background check, then I suspect there are possibly as many or more gun sales being approved then reported. It is good to see more first time, or non-Concealed Carry Weapon Permit holders entering legal gun ownership. More Guns means what? It means people are scared and tired of waiting for the federal government to protect them. In retrospect the Government is apparently doing everything in their power to continually subvert Americans Rights and Freedoms.
Get Professional Training, and empower yourself with more than just a gun purchase. Invest in yourself by educating and empowering yourself to a higher level of safety and security, by taking a professional firearms and personal protection training course.
The Government cannot protect the southern border of this country, so how will they be there for you in a violent attack. Preparedness is more than just a tag line word. When the ATF launched the Fast and Furious program and it unfolded, they sent agents to law abiding gun shops in the Southwest, and mandated that they sell them guns illegally as a STRAW Sale purchase, and then sent them off to the most vicious Mexican Drug Cartels with no serious tracking or exit strategy. This was unbelievable, and many Law Enforcement Officers, Politicians and Citizens were completely floored by this level of arrogance and stupidity. The public got wind of and observed this serious criminal act in 2010 when it resulted in an American Border Patrol Agents death, as well as many civilians in Mexico with these guns. We are told that the ATF distributed up to 2000 illegal guns to drug cartel gang members, and at this time only a small portion of the guns have been recovered. Unfortunately this operation has been whitewashed with typical government side stepping, lies and backdoor manipulations, however the blood is fully soaked on this Administrations hands. From the beginning of this tragedy, and never to be fully proven, was in many experts opinion an apparent and covert attempt to undermine and damage the 2nd Amendment. This also infringed on the possibility of Legal Americans from owning or carrying guns in the future. It has been obvious from the beginning, that the administration knows that typical left wing bashing of the 2nd amendment and gun control was not going to connect, unless they could trigger an incident that got public support on their side to further gun control restrictions. Straight from the Obama playbook is their own words that have been consistent; Never let a Crisis or Tragedy go to waste.
The Southwest was the Bulls-Eye for this concoction of warped left wing ideology and outright incompetence. The Obama administration, Eric Holder and their operatives enjoy and take credit for having their name and fingerprints on everything that they touch. So to think that implementing the Fast and Furious Gun running program with such serious negative possibilities, and that no one at the top had a clue of its existence is Insane. Now if Fast and Furious had been successful, this administration would boast with great claims of victory for their ability to keep the citizens and the country safe. This goes way beyond Dont be a Victim. I believe it is more accurate to say Dont be a Victimized Slave of Government. Preparedness assists in protecting yourself and your family from danger.
This is what drove such high gun sales in 2011, FREEDOM!
For thousands of years, civilizations have had leaders that used force or disarmed their citizens for the ideological perception of safety and security. Many leaders took away the ability and incentives of the people to protect themselves, further squashing their Freedoms and then subverted the populace into one form of slavery or another.
I believe that the desire for unapologetic Freedom is the Renewed Beginning we need to protect!
Have a Safe, Healthy and Prosperous 2012!
God Bless the USA
Mark Volpone, Director of Training, Maricopa Tactical www.maricopatactical.com
Mark Volpone - Maricopa Tactical
Moment of Honor for the Tucson Shooting Victims
Posted by: | CommentsHello,
Today, Sunday is the one-year anniversary since a gunman opened fire in front of a Tucson grocery store on Saturday January 8th 2011 for a political event.
Six people were killed, and 13 were wounded, including AZ State Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D), who was shot in the head and survived and Federal Judge John Rolls was also fatally shot in this horrible massacre.
Tragedies happen in many different ways daily, but today we honor and pray for the families and victims of the Tuscon massacre.
Thank you,
Mark Volpone
Director of Training
www.maricopatactical.com
So You got a New Gun, Ok “Now What”
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Now that you have your NEW GUN, get professional training and Learn how to use it Safely, and Effectively. There are many potential attack scenarios and restrictive gun legislation issues that every American may have to confront in the future. These Freedom and Protection issues affect all races, gender, political ideologies or personal financial situations.
Do yourself a life size favor and hire a professional firearms instructor to help you take this serious issue to a higher level of safety and security.
Unarmed and Helpless or Armed and Powerful (Your Choice)
Suggestions to consider along with a new Gun.
1) Make sure it is a legal purchase or trade according to Federal, State, County and City Laws.
2) Confirm the comfort and grip fit of your Gun with a qualified individual or firearms professional.
3) Get a basic cleaning kit and learn how to disassemble and clean it yourself for better familiarization.
4) Purchase and or have installed on your Gun, Tritium Night Sights, for low or no light situations.
5) Learn how to safely and efficiently Dry Fire the your gun in a controlled environment. (Not for .22 Rim-fire guns)
6) If you are going to carry it exposed or concealed ever, research what holsters and extra magazine pouchs are available.
7) Get Practice (FMJ), and Hollow Point Defense Ammunition.
8) Get a couple of extra magazines for a semi-autos or speed loaders for a revolver.
9) Consider a small mountable flashlight that attaches on rails for many new semi-auto gun types or get a handheld version.
10) TRAINING, TRAINING,TRAINING - This is the most important and overlooked aspect of having a new gun.
These are diminishing skills, so please take the time, money and responsibility to be at a minimum, Safe and Efficient.
Good Luck and The best of life in 2012!
God Bless the USA
Mark Volpone - Maricopa Tactical
Mark Volpone
Director of Training
Maricopa Tactical
Concealed Carry .50 cal 1911 “Commander” Handgun Review – Phoenix, Arizona
Posted by: | CommentsConcealed Carry with a .50 caliber 1911 Commander
Handgun REVIEW
Personal Protection, Concealed Carry and Tactical Training go hand in hand with the uneasiness and dangerous threats that are steadily increasing in America. By doing your research about self defense is a good start, however the application and action to go further and actually getting trained is yet another issue. Learn more, and practice with multiple tools of defense in your personal protection tool box. Whether it is awareness techniques, threat verbalization, physical movement, striking, non lethal or lethal force, don’t wait until an incident happens, before you get motivated and educated.
If you choose to carry a concealed carry handgun, you may want to consider this .50 caliber M3 1911 GI Commander as an option. We are reviewing this gun, and have previously been impressed with the Guncrafter Industries M1 and M2 .50 caliber 1911 type handguns. These handguns are very impressive visually, as well as their superior functioning capabilities.
In this article I will give a brief overview of the New M3 Commander.
Come Check out the Video we did on the M3 @ http://www.youtube.com/lonegunneraz
This Video is NOT a Training Video. We wanted to do a entertaining view of the M3 Ultimate Tool with the Ultimate Tool Instructor. Common sense and humor is required to appreciate this.
From basic gun safety to advanced weapons training, if you master the basics of shooting and learn some self-defense options, one of these skills may one day save your life. Before you commit to a lethal option, ask yourself if you are mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared for the possibility of defending your life, while potentially taking another persons life. This is a dicey subject at best! The knowledge pertaining to the use of shooting skills is very important, however the gaps in a persons mental and emotional state, must be overcome before anyone that is serious about carrying a gun, i.e. weapon or firearm for personal security, actually does carry. The best idea is to find not just a qualified personal protection instructor, but to enlarge your vision, and find one that could also be an excellent mentor for you.
The Guncrafter M3 is one of the most impressive concealed carry guns that I have ever come across. The .50 caliber GI round was tested by me, “Mark Volpone” CQC specialist for Maricopa Tactical in Phoenix Arizona. I also had our Military/Law Enforcement Veteran instructor from SEAL Team One and Six, as well as a former SWAT Team Leader “Chris Caracci” test the GI system. Overall we both were very impressed with the handling and functioning of the GI .50 caliber weapon system.
The .50′ GI round is a little shorter, and is slightly larger in diameter then a .45 acp round, and the rim is also reduced to .45 acp specifications. Looking at the two next to each other the .50 GI rounds slightly dwarfs its cousin the .45acp. The brass is made by Starline and is beefy and of very good quality. The brass is fully reloadable, and Guncrafter sells the reloading dies.
The GI .50 Commander has felt recoil somewhere between a .45 acp and a 10mm 1911, but without the snapping of the 10mm round. Since recoil is more of a subjective issue and everyone has a little different opinion on what it means to them, we have given you our opinion to consider. There are four proprietary rounds made by Guncrafter for the .50 caliber GI handguns. There is the 300 gr TMJ @ 700 fps, the 275 gr Hollow Point @ 875 fps, the 230 gr CHP Hollow point @ 1000 fps and the 185 gr CHP HP @ 1200 fps.
We found no major differences in the placement of rounds or recoil in less than 15 yards. The 185, 230 and 275 grain HP have felt recoil more like a .45 acp +P, and the 300 grain felt more like a hard hitting .45 acp FMJ round. The 300 grain groups very well, and is probably the best value for overall CQC training. The 275 grain is a great all purpose defense and training round, but adds a little more cost and recoil associated to it. The 230 and 185 grain are machined Guncrafter bullets, and awesome in accuracy, velocity and penetration. Upon impact, both rounds have shown in 10% ballistic gelatin that simulates body flesh composition, that they will expand to a full inch in diameter, or roughly the width of a quarter, and not over penetrate. The CHP hollow points have pointed petals like a star when expanded, and are significantly higher in price then the other rounds. However after seeing them in action, I wouldn’t leave home without them. http://www.guncrafterindustries.com/50gi-chp.shtml
As far as accuracy with the M3, at 3 to 10 yards was within an inch and a half group from a modified Isosoles stance, with many rounds one on top of the other. At 15 and 25 yards we had less than a two inch group. We experienced No malfunctions or feed issues during any of the testing phases. I like the Commander size for Concealed Carry, because it is about the same size as a .45 acp Commander, but with a hair more beef to handle the .50 caliber round.
Here are some more features of the GI .50 M3 Commander. Weighing in at about 35 oz empty, a 7+1 round magazine capacity, a 25 pound flat spring, full length guide rod, and a standard 4.5lb trigger. I prefer a trigger pull closer to 3lbs myself, but this one is still clean, crisp and consistent. It has a forged proprietary frame from Guncrafter, a forged slide and a heavy match stainless steel barrel. They come standard with a parkerized finish, and are available in upgraded black melonite. We had the MT Tactical upgrade package on this M3, which has the tougher melonite finish, shredder grips, ambidextrous safety, bobbed frame for concealed carry, a lighter 3.5lb crisp trigger, Heine or XS Big Dot night sights, and front cocking serrations. Definitely old school 1911 heaven! I assisted Guncrafter in this M3 design and upgrade options, because I believed it could be the best of the best in 1911 style concealed carry handguns. There are many nice .45s, but the .50 GI is at the top of the list.
I have carried a many top of the line concealed carry handguns in the last 20+ years, and although the M3 is in the custom handgun price range, the .50 M3 Commander with the MT Tactical upgrades is worth every penny of investment, and peace of mind.
Guncrafter also has the M1 which is the size of a Government 5″, and the M2 is the same size, but with a Light Rail. We previously did a review and video on the M2, so check it out online. With the added weight of the light rail, the M2 was incredibly balanced and extremely comfortable to shoot, but not practical for most concealed carry situations.
Guncrafter also makes a Conversion Kit of the .50 cal for the Glock 20 and 21. This kit comes with the slide, barrel assembly and one .50 caliber GI magazine. It is available in either hard chrome or upgraded to a black melonite finish.
Regardless of your skill level with a concealed carry firearm, or whether you are a new shooter, the person or people you choose to train you can be a significant difference in determining the outcome of a violent attack. Training is more important than whether you carry a .50 caliber, a 9mm or .38 special handgun. If you are ever attacked, it is so important to compartmentalize the danger, and the fear. You must stay focused and in the moment, and keep your mind on the business at hand of survival that is in front of you. Learn how to manage your crisis awareness, and to be able to react faster or avoid a confrontation completely. Get your mental awareness techniques as sharp as your physical abilities, and gun handling skills.
Contact Mark Volpone at Maricopa Tactical for the structure and functioning of your personal protection, fitness and firearms training, as well as gun sales and gear, or contact a qualified professional in your area.
Your Will and Mind must be Challenged to get the Maximum Results!
Train to Win – Win to Live
Mark Volpone
Director of Training
Maricopa Tactical
www.maricopatactical.com
480.460.0059
