Jake’s Life

This post is in response to a few comments and e-mails from a previous post asking for information on firearm handling.

First off, I feel that I would be irresponsible if I didn’t outline the fantastic four before getting to anything else:

1. All guns are always loaded. (This is a mindset you have to get into, not a requirement for your gun to always actually be loaded.)
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. (Index your trigger.)
4. Always be sure of your target, and what is behind and beyond it.

More safety information. Even more. Read it. Seriously, don’t move on until you review this information if you’re interested in getting into firearms for defense of safety.If you are seriously considering buying a gun or shooting one and don’t already know all of this information, don’t buy one. Instead, go to your local gun range or NRA chapter and take a class. They will provide the handgun while you can provide your attention to learn this in a practical manner.

Now, from here on out I’m going to talk about basic firearm information, and only as it relates to my firearm (a Springfield XD .45 ACP), not tactics or training. You can’t get training from a web site alone, and frankly I don’t feel qualified to impress much more than basics and then some upon people when it comes to firearms. I’m not an instructor, I only have four years experience of carrying a firearm everyday, and don’t get out to the range as much as I probably should. 

This is my gun, which I purchased new about three years ago now. I originally narrowed it down to a Glock Model 22 .40 or the Springfield XD. Why did I choose this gun? After renting both from the range and doing research online, I chose the newer XD for some features the Glock didn’t have.

Choosing a firearm is like choosing a car, or a computer, or even clothes, albeit the extra responsibility.

Would you carry a gun…To church?
A personal web site that asks a big question for religious packers. I know my answer.

Open Carry
The only time I “open carry,” meaning carrying a firearm not concealed, is when I’m at work or at the range. Sometimes when I’m in my car I will if it’s a warm day, but otherwise I would prefer people not know. Still, there’s way more than open carry discussion at this site, along with some great firearm law maps of the US.

XD Talk
A forum made for enthusiasts of the Springfield XD, of which I carry the .45 ACP variety.

Ethics and Concealed Carry
A personal site regarding just that.