FEATURE PICTORIAL - TRAINING - LIFESTYLE
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ARCHIVE - ISSUE ONE - MAY 2013
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On the Cover,
Sure Shots' Second-in-Command Carrin Welch carries a Glock 19, CRKT Blade, Hoffner drop holster platform, ASP baton and, of course, "Flo", the AR-15 she built for the Sure Shots' AR-15 Build Project. See more pics from the cover photo shoot! |
The Sure Shots Media Blitz of 2013by Niki Jones
The Sure Shots women's pistol league has been around since 2010 and has over 300 core members in Texas. It wasn't until January of this year, though, that we were swarmed by magazines and news programs wanting to hear our story. The "Sure Shots' Media Blitz of 2013" started one day in January, when I received an email out of the blue from a reporter at New York Magazine, telling me she'd like to do a story on the Sure Shots. My first reaction was "NEW YORK MAGAZINE!!!"—not only had I subscribed to the magazine for years; I still subscribe even though I've lived in Texas since '05. My second reaction was, "Wait, what's the 'angle'?" —with the climate of the gun debate being so heated recently, I always have to be extra careful. Marin Cogan, the reporter, reassured me she was interested in the recent rise of women getting into firearms, and that would be the focus. She shared with me that she was a gun enthusiast, and even sent me a link to a previous article she'd written for New York Magazine to confirm it. I was convinced. I received the interview questions, and about three weeks after I replied the story ran. I was pretty thrilled with it. My only criticism was the title: Rise of the Female Gun Nut. I'd have much preferred "Gun Enthusiast"! [Read more] Training Truthsby Kent Morrison
Much has been said and discussed recently about training, specifically firearms training. Is reality based training with simulated scenarios the way to train, or should training focus on static accuracy at greater distances? Should proper manipulation be the sole focus, or should artificially induced stress be created to help push for “stress inoculation”? What is the best training to receive? The simple answer is a resounding, YES! ALL training has some value, and even poor training teaches us what to avoid. Varied training can be a GREAT thing and growing shooters should be encouraged to seek out as much training as you can spend the time and money to receive. Try to find training that suits your goals. If you wish to get better at competitive shooting (such as IDPA), find training that supports that goal. Shooters looking to increase a skill and comfort level for possible defensive situations should strive to locate training that focuses on that aspect of shooting. Bottom line is students should attempt to define their goals and seek training that pushes them in that direction. [Read More] |
AR-15 Build ProjectThe Sure Shots AR-15 Build Project is an ongoing project where the ladies of the Sure Shots build our own rifles—basically, our "dream guns"!
It all came about it in the summer of 2011, when our training company, BSG, and the guys at Legion Firearms started getting us more familiar with rifles, namely the AR-style platform. Once we realized that these rifles were relatively easy to assemble and “customize”, the idea was hatched—let's get together the ladies who wanted to put together their own and help each other through the process. [Read more] |
Hey Tough Guy! by Niki JonesRainier Arms Raptor™ Ambidextrous Charging Handle
I recently had the chance to test out a Rainier Arms Raptor™charging handle. First, straight out of the package, the handle felt solid. I'm still relatively new to the AR-15 world, but to me a standard charging handle seems a little lightweight. The Raptor™ looked like it could stand up to use well beyond what I would ever give it—I am not necessarily tough on my shooting gear, but I do want it to feel solid and be reliable. I like that if I am doing one-handed manipulation of the handle, the rearward force is pushing against something sturdier than a tiny little roll pin. I also like that if I do a traditional, over the top, two-finger operation, I had two very solid handles to grab, and it felt very balanced. While I am right handed, I can see that for a “lefty” the ambidextrous design of the Raptor™ would go a long way towards making an AR platform rifle equally easy to use for left- or right-handed individual. Equal tabs on either side and the exact same operation, regardless of which side is used. I have tried several variations of charging handles, and so far can say the Raptor™ definitely has my vote for being user-friendly and really solidly built! Funny how I am practically planning my next carbine build around a charging handle, but I am. Thanks, Rainier! |