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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER  '11

Range Bag Tips: First Aid Kit

A small First Aid kit should be included in any range bag.  (If you shoot at all you'll use it.)  It should include band-aids, disinfectant, burn cream and a small roll of gauze.  Slides snapping shut and hammers dropping will occasionally catch skin.  Burn cream for fingers too close to the rear of a cylinder catching blowback or a hot cartridge down the front of a shirt.  One other item I carry in my bag:  QuikClot.  See Gunshot Antidote

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Traveling with your gun

What are the rules for traveling out of state with your gun?

By Motor Vehicle:
Laws vary from state to state, however, Federal law, "the Firearms Owners Protection Act" (FOPA) allows the transportation of a firearm from any place you are legally allowed to possess it to any other place you may legally possess it, if the firearm is unloaded and locked out of reach.  In vehicles without a trunk it must be in a locked container other than a glove compartment or console.  Ammunition must also be locked out of reach.

By Air:
Firearms may only travel in checked baggage.  They must be unloaded, in a locked hard sided container and declared at the airline check-in.  Only the passenger may have the key or combination.  Ammunition must be securely packed and may be in the same locked container as the firearm.  Various airlines may have other restrictions.  Visit your airline's website and print out their policy.  Bring it with you when you check in in case you get a dumb clerk.

Note: Authorities at New York and New Jersey airports often disregard the Federal protections; travelers traveling through have been arrested.  You may want to have your firearm shipped to your destination in these states.

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North American Arms Black Widow .22 Mag

You may recall this gun from class.  While not my primary carry gun, I occasionally carry it when I need something light and easy.  It holds 5 shots of .22 Mag ammo, so a fair amount of firepower in a small package.

Pros:
1/ Size:  Can't get any easier to conceal.  Rule of thumb:  The bigger the gun the less likely you'll have it when you need it.   
2/ Grip:  The rubber grip is well designed and gives good purchase even with big hands.
3/ Workmanship:  Nice machine work, well crafted.

Cons:
1/ Single action:  If you can't do it with 5 rounds, run, not a fast reload.

2/ Trigger:  Rudimentary, no trigger guard.

Note: If you carry in a pocket, make sure it's in a pocket holster.  This will prevent it from rotating on you, protect it from keys and coins and hide the outline so it doesn't "print" on you.  

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First Shots

When going to the range be sure to bring or buy plenty of targets.  The natural tendency is to focus on and save the last few targets as your aim improves and your groups tighten.  However, the most important target is your first target showing your first magazine or cylinder load.  In a real life shooting situation, your first shots will probably be your only shots.

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Gunshot Antidote

Worst case scenario:  A gunshot wound

The most important thing involving a gunshot is stopping the bleeding until emergency medical can arrive.
I always keep a pack of QuikClot in my range bag and my car.  It will stop even arterial bleeding and is issued to our troops in Afghanistan (and previously Iraq).

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