No matter if I’m going to work in a suit and tie, jogging in tennis shoes and basketball shorts, or out on a date in blue jeans and a collar shirt, I never leave home without having a watch on my wrist, a knife in my pocket, and a handgun concealed. The three fit perfect together. All three are stylish staples and functional necessities that I live by. I been fascinated into watches since I been five. My father and grandfather were watch fanatics and exposed me to their collections. Naturally, I would become a watch guy. In a world with digital watches that are connected to our phones and lives, I enjoy a smooth, rugged automatic watch in a dive case with a unidirectional dial. I don’t do much diving in Pennsylvania, but I enjoy the aesthetics of a dive watches. Functional and stylish without voice controls. I have always enjoyed a good knife. A knife doesn’t need to connect to our social media outlets: it just needs to cut and cut good. My new knife was recommended to me by an EMT. It has a serrated edge, tungsten carbide window breaker, and a seat belt cutter. The additional features make this knife a great everyday carry knife. Also the orange color screams style. Lastly, to put any outfit together is a great carry gun. My Kahr K9 has been an exceptional carry gun and I have fired hundreds of rounds through it. It is also a great conceal carry handgun. It fits comfortably inside an inside the waistband holster. I brought wood replacement grips, custom checkered stainless steel guide rod, and a custom leather holster with stingray outliners. My gun, my knife, and my watch: I’m naked without them but dressed for any occasion with them.
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagunGun free zone, huh? Well I’ll sue!
The gun control advocates have been very patient and intentional in their pursuit of disarming us. They have used long term planning and tactics, hijacking our educational and court systems, and enticing the media with increased ratings through fear. To use a phrase from my Marine Corps days, it’s time to adapt and overcome. I plan to use this column to help develop a long term vision for combating those that would take away our second amendment right to bear arms. I hope you join me for the journey, not only join me, but collaborate to develop a viable long term plan to retain our freedoms. I hope this will be an active and engaged community, because I am sure not smart enough to figure this out on my own.
Seriously, we have to start thinking generationally. The enemy inside our gates has been at this a long time, so we must combat it with the same intentionality. In the short term though there are options. First and foremost it is time to start hitting the gun free zones in their most important nether regions, their wallets. Obviously, states have mandated gun free zones, such as schools, or bars, but some individual companies elected to also not allow patrons the right of self-protection. For whatever reason, these companies have decided to take responsibility for the safety of their customers. Follow my logic here, a company has implied that they assume the responsibility of protecting their customer by removing the ability for the customer to protect themselves. There are many misguided reasons why they have so chosen, such as insurance breaks, or they are liberal left, or religious right, the reason matters little to me. They are in business to make money, so that is where we must attack. Our voice must be united and strong. The message must be loud and clear, if you assume to take our ability to protect ourselves an attack occurs in your business we will hold you liable for not providing adequate protection.
We have to share this message everywhere, on every social media platform. Even those people that do not believe in protecting themselves would be likely to sue if they or a family member have been attacked in a gun free zone. The next shooting that occurs in a business that does not allow concealable weapons needs to be sued by all those involved. A lawsuit has to occur, and has to be won to set a precedent so that other shop owners understand the responsibility they bear if they elect to disarm their legal patrons. I know that the defense is that we have the ability to choose not to shop at those locations, and that may be a defensible position for a small store, but not so much if it is an entire mall, or a large department store, restaurant chain, or movie theater. For those locations it may be that it would generate undue burden to expect the customer to go elsewhere, or a myriad of other potential issues. I am not a lawyer, but I am willing to help fund such a lawsuit. We, the gun community, must be willing to assist those that would fight to set precedent and further our goals.
I am excited about where we are headed. The gun control groups have never been more brazen, but our community is also becoming more outspoken and I am happy to play a small role in it, however that may work out. You all are some great people, and I look forward to getting to know you all more. Peace out.
Jason McCabe
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagunRay Price: Winter in America
We are the people of a divided nation. I feel less safe than I have ever felt before. There is a chill in the air.
I’m worried. I’m worried that we as a nation are further apart than ever. The gap keeps widening and we begin to collapse from within. I’m worried that the actions of some police officers will lead to distrust amongst our protectors.
Law enforcement is our watchmen but who watches them? I’m worried as a young black armed male that if a police officer pulls me over will I be safe?
I have been pulled over before by a police officer for a routine traffic stop. I immediately grabbed my license from my wallet and placed it above my visor. I then placed my hands on the steering wheel until the police officer approached me and instructed me to obtain my proper documentation.
I didn’t feel complied to tell the officer I had a license to carry permit and that I was armed. I want to be as cooperative with law enforcement as possible and allow them to do their job. Just like me, law enforcement officers just want to do their jobs and go home. Because of the recent tragic events involving the deaths of two black men and the deaths and injuries of law enforcement officers nationwide as a direct result, we as a nation need to stand with law enforcement.
Law enforcement officers need our support right now. They are not our threat. As a young black man, I also have to protect myself against the savages of my city. The savages are the ones that seek to commit crimes and cause harm. The savages of my city are a bigger threat to my family and I than the police.
They are the real predators not our law enforcement. The nation has become colder. People are angry. People are frightened. I’m angry but that’s why we have communities to help make changes.
“Common blood flows through common veins and common eyes all see the same”
Lyrics from Gill Scott Heron still hold value today. Now more than ever we need to stand together.
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagunRay Price: My Shield
With the warm summer months upon us, I recently decided to put away my Sig Sauer 9mm P239 for a more compact, and lighter pistol for conceal carry. There have been numerous subcompact pistols released that are lightweight, and can be concealed easily. I opted for the Smith and Wesson M&P Shield in 9mm.
I personally prefer all steel pistols over polymer frame pistols because I enjoy the feel steel pistols have when shooting them in comparison to polymer pistols. But when searching for a new everyday carry gun for the summertime, the Smith and Wesson Shield fit my requirements. The Shield is a thin handgun. It has a 3.1-inch barrel, with an overall length of 6.1 inches and an unloaded weight of 19 ounces.
The Shield can be equipped with a seven or an eight round magazine. I have a few seven round magazines and one eight round magazine. I usually carry one or two spare magazines in my pocket. When wearing it with a belt clip holster, I hardly can tell it’s on and it is barely visible with a t-shirt on. Of all the handguns I have carried, it is the best concealable handgun I have owned, that does not sacrifice stopping power for concealment. I have owned a Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard in 380acp and although it fit perfectly in my custom ostrich pocket holster an it was barely noticeable, I did not like the snappiness when firing and I wanted a 9mm instead of 380acp caliber pistol.
This summer, the Smith and Wesson M&P Shield will be on my hip wherever I go. I’ll still be able to wear a t-shirt and shorts without compromising my dress when carrying a pistol. After taking this firearm to the range and having multiple range sessions with it, I feel comfortable carrying this pistol on me. In your comments let me know what you’re carrying in right now and your thoughts on the Smith and Wesson Shield.
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagunRuger SP101 Wiley Clapp Edition: Beautiful and Practical [Product Review]
My eight year old daughter saw me cleaning my Ruger SP101 Wiley Clapp and said “Dad that’s a nice cowboy gun.” I never looked at this revolver as a cowboy gun but after she said that I smiled and thought yes it is a nice cowboy gun. This isn’t a six shooter that the likes of Billy the Kid would use nor is it trying to be that. My first handgun I carried concealed was a revolver. I liked carrying it but at the time I want a firearm with more ammo capacity that I traded in my revolver for a high capacity polymer pistol. I didn’t realize until a year ago, that revolvers are not outdated and with proper training can save your life in a self defense situation. After firing and carrying this revolver, it makes for a great conceal carry weapon for personal defense.
This all-steel, 25 ounce 5-shot snub nose revolver has a lot going for it. This is similar to the standard 2.25-inch model, but in place of the fixed sights, the Wiley Clapp SP101 has a drift-adjustable Novak rear sight and brass bead front sight. It also has a nice set of textured wood inlays on the grips, and a tapered cylinder. I have fired a Ruger SP101 before and the one thing I wanted to change on the firearm were the sights. The sights on the original were hard to acquire the target and I did not shoot that firearm accurately. The Ruger SP101 Wiley Clapp edition aids in acquiring the target faster by adding a brass bead front sight. From my experience shooting the revolver, it makes getting on target faster. When shooting this firearm from twenty yards away, I found it very accurate and and recoil light. I shoot 300 rounds of Winchester 38 special ammo and the revolver was precise and the recoil was hardly noticeable. Other than the aesthetic additions, this is the same Ruger SP101.
Shooting the Ruger was a pleasure. As mentioned before, the recoil was light and very easy to get back on target. The sights make it very easy to shoot. It is not a heavy firearm but neither a lightweight revolver. I like the weight and feel. It has a very good balance. It is also capable of shooting 357 Magnum loads, but during my outings I have not experimented with shooting 357 rounds out of this firearm yet.The grips are comfortable in the hands. The wood inlays add a unique look to the revolver. The double action trigger pull is smooth. I found that I shoot this firearm better than some of my other automatic pistols.
The Ruger SP101 is comfortable to carry. I carry it in a IWB holster and it is barely noticeable to me. I brought Corbon 38 special +P 110-gr self defense ammo and a few speed loaders to carry extra ammo. If you are lucky and can find one of these you will not be disappointed. I brought mine used for a reasonable price but new this firearm can be found around the mid $600 range. Aesthetically this is a beautiful firearm, but with the addition of the Novak brass bead sight, this is more than capable at being a great self defense revolver that I would recommend.
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagunConcealed Carry as a Young Minority
Six pack or a revolver? That was an easy choice for me. When I turned 21, the last thing I wanted to do was spend my day at a bar. I wanted to spend my day at my local firearms dealer. My father accompanied me when I purchased my first gun, the same place he purchased his first gun. Together we spent months looking at all the handguns. I saved my hard earned cash up and couldn’t wait until I was able to purchase my first handgun. I have been around handguns since I could remember and been shooting since I was 12. I was even on the high school rifle team, but this was my own gun. With it not only came great responsibility but also great fear. I brought my concealed carry permit that same day, but was I ready to carry?
Life changes when you carry a live gun on your hip and you’re out in public. It’s different from getting your first car. You get your first car and drive off the lot. You can’t wait for your friends to see you in your new car. Your excitement is running through your body but you buy your car and forget about what it is capable of doing. You forget that your new car can instantly become a weapon and can take you or someone else’s life. When I carried my gun for the first time I felt it on me. It was awkward and heavy.
I reminisce at times when I recall my first time carrying a firearm. It felt weird and wrong because I was the first person my age who I knew that carried a gun and in the beginning I felt like I was breaking a law. As a minority, I felt even more cautious. I never saw stories of black concealed carry people defending themselves in the newspaper or television but I saw black people committing crimes with firearms. It also illustrated a stereotype that black people who had a gun were criminals. I knew that wasn’t true but most people see a young black male carrying a gun as trouble.
Most firearms related crimes committed in my city involve minorities killing other minorities (black on black violence.) Other than my father my godfather, and a few minority policemen, I didn’t know any black people who carried a firearm in my city. I live in a city with a population of about 14,000 people and an increasing amount of violent crimes and a drug epidemic.
As a young boy, I rarely saw anyone except police, military, or criminals with guns and was taught in school guns kill people. It wasn’t until I became a teenage and my father started to educate and teach me about firearm education, safety, and marksmanship, I knew that school was spinning me an incorrect narrative. In high school, I joined the rifle team and continued learning marksmanship. The rifle team furthered my firearm training but I also learned that there was a lot about shooting I still didn’t know. I found out that in the urban high school I attended, the vast majority of the team never shot a rifle in their life. The suburban teams we played against the majority of the team had been exposed to firearms before joining the team. I realized that minority families were less likely to expose their children to firearms. My school and my community were not educating young minorities about gun safety.
I carry a firearm daily and educate myself on laws. I train consistently and love exploring the firearm culture. I recently brought a precision rifle to start training long range shooting and I plan on going deer hunting for the first time. Since carrying my first handgun, I don’t feel awkward anymore. I just wake up, take a shower, get dressed, put my gun on and head out the door. My conceal handgun has become an extension of me. With the increase in violence and the backwards politics in my city, I fear that people will restrict firearms from law abiding citizens but not restrict the criminals from obtaining firearms. I plan on being a firearm activist and to be a positive influence in the firearm community. I plan on trying to bring gun education to the inter city schools and working with pro gun groups to get young minorities.
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagunBrowning High Power: More than a Heirloom
I have been fortunate enough to have been trained in marksmanship by my father. My father has been one of the most influential people in my life. He has purchased many firearms through the years, but the handgun he cherishes the most are his 9mm Browning High Powers. He has always enjoyed the Browning High Power because how accurate and concealable the pistol is. They are also one of the most beautiful firearms. They have become more than firearms; his three Browning High Powers are memories of him and the time we spent together shooting.
The Browning High Power is one of the very first handguns I have ever fired. My father has had a variety of Browning High Powers in the past. He now has three, which are his favorite handguns. I remember the many range trips we have gone on together with the Browning High Power. My father taught me marksmanship skills and safety fundamentals with the Browning High Power. Time spent at the range, he would show me how to line up the sights on the target, the importance of trigger pull, and other skills. After the range, we would go home and clean the firearms and he would show me how to disassemble the gun. The Browning High Power is the very first pistol I remember my father conceal carrying. I remember my father always carrying it in a custom leather holster, with his double magazine pouch. My father taught me that a good holster and belt are essential for conceal carry and it’s just as important as the pistol you are carrying.
My father currently has three Browning High Powers in his collection. He has a T series High Power that was made in Belgium. He has a Browning High Power that was sent to Novak’s custom gunsmithing shop. The last one he acquired was a limited production two tone High Power with a gold trigger. He occasionally carries his High Powers and shoots them at the range. With a great holster and belt, the Browning High Power makes for a great ccw pistol. It is a narrow pistol that conceals easily.
After shooting many compact and sub compact 9mm pistols, it is a pleasure to shoot a full size pistol, especially the Browning High Power. When I look at the Browning High Power, I look at its legacy and the legacy it has left for me. It is not only the first handgun I learned how to shoot, but it’s the countless memories my father and I have shared together. The Browning High Power is my family’s heirloom and the gift of marksmanship and memories from father to son.
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagunAlex Tham – Reports From The Frontlines
Greetings from California to all you Black Man With A Gun faithfuls. It’s no secret that the state of California is not friendly to the 2nd Amendment (nor any civil rights apart from those that are dear to left wing politicos). However, this past week, the CA legislature, dominated by the Democrats, has openly declared war on all law abiding gun owners in our state. It would take an essay or a novelette to document the entire slew of proposed legislation that we face, so for brevity’s sake, I’ll link a call to action from one of our newest 2nd Amendment advocacy groups in CA so you can see what we’re facing:
Firearms Policy Coalition – Call To Action
I’m sure none of you are surprised by what you’ve seen here and you’re wondering why state the obvious. It is my hope that with the help of Gunmovement and other grass roots, gun rights activity, we can educate and inform all Californians as well as those fortunate enough to live in free America, just what these politicians purport to be doing in our name. Far too many of our citizens, gun owners and non gun owners alike, have very little knowledge of the activity that takes place in our state capital. Others don’t consider the long term ramifications of apathy or an every man for himself attitude.
I know many will just advise that we abandon ship and move to a place that actually respects the Bill of Rights. I find that piece of advice unacceptable. First, I love this state that I live in despite the twisted and corrupt politics. I lived here long before these would be rulers infected us with their insanity, so I’m not inclined to just hand them my home on a silver platter. Second, we are not completely lost. Many gun owners are waking up and many new groups have risen up to the challenge of defending our 2nd Amendment heritage.
So why tell you all this when it’s clear we’re facing an uphill battle? To let you know that we’re on the frontlines of this cultural, ideological and political war and the like any good fighting force, we’re only as strong as the support we receive back home. It is my hope that you’d support us in spirit, morale and, for those of you so inclined, financially by lending your support to the organizations that are fighting for us, and in the long term, for all of you as well. I’d like to introduce you to two organizations which have been working diligently against these civil rights crushing efforts:
The Coalition For Civil Liberties
The NRA-ILA has also made the commitment to keep all funds donated by Californians in California, to fight the never ending onslaught of our would-be rulers.
While all appears bleak, we are hardly finished or done in California and I hope that, rather than being depressed by our seemingly desperate plight, you are encouraged to be more involved so that your home state will never become infected by this disease hopolophobic fascism. Remember, once a plague of locusts has finished ravaging an area it moves on. We’ll do our best here to stop them, but I don’t think anyone has the luxury of sitting back and watching from the sidelines.
Alex Tham
Director
American Marksman Training Group, LLC
Ray Price – CZ-USA Scorpion EVO: My New Favorite PDW
I have always enjoyed CZ-USA firearms. In the past I had two pistols and my dad had many throughout the years. Through trading, we both had parted with our CZ-USA firearms, but we have had overall great experiences with them. Then I found out about a fairly new firearm from CZ-USA: the CZ-USA Scorpion EVO. Ever since hearing about this firearm I knew I wanted one and since owning one for about a year now, I can say that I won’t be parting with this firearm.
The CZ-USA Scorpion EVO was introduced to the American marketplace as a pistol but the original design was a sub machine gun. It is chambered in 9mm. The CZ-USA Scorpion EVO pistol is a light weight pistol, made with several polymer features to reduce weight. The overall length is 16 inches and it came with two 20 round magazines, but you can buy 30 round magazines. The MSRP of the CZ-USA Scorpion EVO pistol is $849 but I was able to acquire mine for a little less than that. I’m not going to go into all the features and the specifications of the pistol as I want to give you my impressions and experience with it.
Before taking the firearm out to the range, I attached a Sig Sauer red dot sight, buffer tube and Shockwave Technologies’ stabilizing pistol blade to add stability making firing the firearm easier. The blade rests on your forearm as you operate the firearm. I shot the firearm from 15 yards to 50 yards and it was a joy to shoot. Out to 15 yards I was shooting a steel tree target and I was ringing the target. Even out to 50 yards, the pistol still performed great. With the red dot, the pistol is very accurate. Not taking anything away from the iron sights as they are very good and the sight radius can be adjusted. I shot my father’s CZ-USA Scorpion EVO at 20 yards with just the iron sights and I was very accurate and able to acquire the target fast. The firearm did not have any failures since I have owned it. I have put at least 500 rounds through it.
I do want to mention that this firearm would be an excellent short barrel rifle. My father loved my CZ-USA Scorpion EVO pistol so much he brought one himself and was able to turn the pistol into a short barrel rifle by going through the proper ATF registration. If you are interested in this firearm, you will enjoy it. I shot different types of 9mm ammo and it functioned flawlessly through the firearm. Because of the light weight versatility, light recoil, and ability to accessorize it, the CZ-USA Scorpion EVO is my home defense pistol. This is a great firearm for close quarters. Leave a comment if you have any questions about the firearm
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagunRay Price: For My Concealed Carry Sisters
Recently my sister approached me and asked me what I thought about her getting her concealed carry permit. Naturally I told her it was a great idea and that she was among many people especially woman obtaining their permit recently. She then asked me the following questions as it pertains to a woman who wants to conceal carry.
“What would be advice they you would offer a woman who was interested in carrying a handgun for self defense?” I would first ask her why she has become interested in carrying a firearm? I would then want to know what experiences she has had with firearms and any training she has had. I would explain to her or anyone who was interested in carrying a handgun that they look into educating themselves on the laws and seek proper training.
“What firearm would you advise a woman to buy for conceal carry?” There are many options for conceal carry. It depends on her experience and what she feels comfortable with. I would advise any woman interested in owning a handgun to journey to their local firearms store and ask to handle the most popular handguns for conceal carry.
“What carry options are available for women?” The same carry options that men have available to them, women have, and more. There are manufacturers making clothing and holsters specifically for women to conceal carry. Conceal carry is about how well you can hide your firearm and it comes down to the holster and clothing; that goes for anyone.
“Would you consider carrying in a purse?” Well…I carry to work with me everyday a messenger bag. My dress attire for work is dress pants and a dress shirt tucked into my pants. When the weather is nice enough without having to wear a jacket, I sometimes off the body carry and place my handgun in a pocket in my bag easily accessible to me. I think there will be times that a woman will have to carry their handgun in a purse, but she should think this method of carry out to be able to quickly access her firearm when needed and also be mindful where she keeps her purse. If she doesn’t have her purse, then she doesn’t have her firearm. I do not like off the body carry but sometimes you might have too depending on the situation. Research other carry options to carry on the body if possible.
If you like the podcast, download the free app for it on IOS at http://BlackManWithAGun.org also available in Google Play for Android. You can support this podcast at http://patreon.com/blackmanwithagun