“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . .”
(Thanks to Dickens with the opening lines of “A Tale of Two Cities.” Mrs. Goodwin, my sophomore English teacher, would be proud!)
Things have come to the forefront these last few days from Venezuela to Mexico to the Mideast to Austin Texas.
March came in like a lion, and we aren’t discussing the weather.
It is past time for you to revisit your personal and family plan for safety.
It is past time for you to reread Principles of Personal Defense.
It is past time for you to carry your personal defense weapon(s) and practice with them.
During these challenging times, we need to redouble our efforts to keep our head on a swivel and live the color code.
Shared from one of the many lists I follow:
- Remain alert, aware, mobile, self-contained.
- Keep in-touch with friends, family, colleagues, neighbors
- Don’t travel unnecessarily
- Stay tuned-in to current developments.
- Keep your gas-tank full.
- Have adequate reserves of cash, food, water, medications, flashlight(s), batteries
- Have Trauma Kit(s) readily available and know how to use them
- Stay far away from crowds, particularly political/religious events, protests, demonstrations, riotsRemember our friend John Farnam: “Don’t go to stupid places with stupid people and do stupid things.”
- Don’t linger in dangerous places. When possible, immediately exit unsafe areas/circumstances.
- Go armed. Have always on you, and nearby, what you need to hold-out for a while.
Travel to Mexico. Shari and I were on the Mexican Riveria over the Christmas holidays. I’m not sure I’d be doing that now. I certainly would not be there for Spring Break, but that’s just me . . .
As to the weather, Gunsite is experiencing some of the best February and March training weather in recent memory. (However, we could use some moisture!) When our friend Matt Gish arrives for his annual February Advanced 1911 Armorer Class, he usually brings the snow with him. Not this year. (His class is so popular that we have added another in September and it has sold out. If interested, I’d get on the wait list!)
We have a private 3 day pistol tutorial underway this week along with Walt Wilkinson and the Combat Rifle course. (Just finished the Scoped Carbine last week.) Next week is busy with 250 Pistol, 350 Pistol with Optics, two private classes, and the increasingly popular two (2) day Pistol Range Day.
Planning on a hunt later this year? Mario Marchman and Gary Smith will be offering the five (5) day Safari/Hunter Prep class. (I took this a year or two ago and will be using the skills on my first black bear hunt in Canada later this Spring!)
Wanting a taste of Gunsite or a refresher? Day Zero Pistol is now open for those who want a one (1) day class or the three (3) day 150 Basic Pistol. It gives you a great foundation for you to come back to a 250 Pistol class.
Shotgun classes continue to increase in popularity. It is not a dinosaur weapon, but very versatile for personal defense and hunting. Join Bill Halvorsen, Joe Knapp and Paul Kultala.
Looking for a non-firearm type of defense. Long-time Rangemaster Steve Tarani offers up his two (2) day (Weekend) Edged Weapons Class.
Finally, we close out March hosting the Arizona Armed Women of America annual State Shoot. About 100 ladies attend to receive Gunsite training as well as camaraderie.
Take a look at gunsite.com for all the details of the courses.
Enough for today. Please go back and reread the beginning of the newsletter. We live in the best country in the world, but miscreants have been invading us for several years and there are increased chances of something bad happening. Do not let it catch you unaware and unprepared.
As my late friend Louis Awerbuck was known to say: “Check 6.”
DVC,
Ken
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