Utah Concealed Firearms & Training

Study: Majority of U.S. Public Distrusts Feds

The American people are overwhelmingly frustrated by the feds, with public trust in the institution near historic lows. To add to these troubling indicators, a new Pew Research Center study also finds that, for the first time, a majority of the U.S. public believes that the government threatens their “personal rights and freedoms.”

This latter finding is, perhaps, the most shocking, as 53 percent of Americans answered affirmatively when asked whether Washington poses a threat to these sentiments; 43 percent responded “no,” with an additional four percent claiming that they are unsure. When examining past trends, it is clear that there has been a great deal of growth in this arena.

Consider the Nov. 2001 proportions, in which only 30 percent answered “yes” to that same question and Aug. 2002, when only 32 percent did the same. Here’s a chart showcasing trends surrounding threats to personal rights and freedoms from 1995 through 2013:

Much of this change is partisan in nature. Take, for instance, the differences in trending data between Republicans and Democrats. Pew reports:

The growing view that the federal government threatens personal rights and freedoms has been led by conservative Republicans. Currently 76% of conservative Republicans say that the federal government threatens their personal rights and freedoms and 54% describe the government as a “major” threat. Three years ago, 62% of conservative Republicans said the government was a threat to their freedom; 47% said it was a major threat.

By comparison, there has been little change in opinions among Democrats; 38% say the government poses a threat to personal rights and freedoms and just 16% view it as a major threat.

Trouble for the government doesn’t end here, though. With the ongoing debate over the contraceptive mandate and the perception that feds authorities are unfairly cracking down on gun rights, among other issues, trust and faith in the institution has waned. Shockingly, only 26 percent of respondents believe that Washington will do the right thing “just about always or most of the time.” On the flip side, the vast majority — 73 percent — say that the government can only be trusted sometimes or not at all.

See the fascinating demographic breakdowns, below:

Historically, the rise in distrust of the government and the decline in reliance is noteworthy. A stunning graphic assembled by Pew shows just how pronounced these phenomenon are when looking at data from 1958 through 2013.

In 1958, the proportions were essentially flipped when compared to the most recent findings, with 73 percent expressing trust in the government and 23 percent expressing distrust. Interestingly, data for 2001 shows an anomaly from the general pattern — a rise in trust and a decrease in skepticism. However, this can be explained when taking into account the impact that the Sept. 11 attacks had on the American populace.

Check out this shocking graphic, below (to experience the interactive nature of this graphic, complete with time-stamped events, click here):

With a lack of trust also comes a dissatisfaction with government. Considering the aforementioned findings, it’s no surprise that only 2-in-10 Americans are content with the federal government. Fifty-eight percent claim that they are frustrated, with 19 percent reporting anger. While discontent is certainly a reality, it should be noted that emotions about the government fluctuate depending upon political events and happenings.

Again, in Nov. 2001, just after the terror attacks, fewer people were angry and frustrated and more Americans counted themselves as “basically content.” At the time, there was a sense of national unity — the ideal that the U.S. was working collectively to move past the horrific tragedy.

The survey was conducted from Jan. 9-15 and included 1,502 adults. Confidence levels vary for different groups that were included in the study (view this information here).

Ammo Shortage. Tried to buy ammo lately?

Tried to buy ammo lately?  Many people can’t find what they need, or what they find is very expensive.  Standard .223 FMJ is selling for more than a buck a round at some places – and that’s when you can find it.  Welcome to the 2013 ammo shortage.

One of the never-ending debates with gun folks has been what kind of calibers to own in a disaster situation.  That disaster might be a widespread natural disaster, an incident of terrorism or even just a political disaster that causes a scarcity of shooting supplies.  It seems we are in a political disaster of sorts.  ”Never let a good crisis go to waste” is what this administration seems to practice, and they are quite content to push the disarming of Americans on the bodies of dead school children.  Shameful.Ammo

Regardless on how we’ve got here, we are in an ammo shortage.  In the past, I have frequently heard three theories bandied about on the topic of ammunition selection for disasters.  While adopting one of these theories now is a little late to do you any good, thinking about them while observing the current firearms market might give you insight for future planning.

Caliber Consolidation:  Some people have suggested consolidating on one round, such as a .357 Magnum, which can be carried in a handgun and in a carbine.  Generally the idea is you only have to find and buy one caliber.

Popular (Commonly Found) Calibers:  Others suggest different calibers for different tasks, but stick to the commonly found rounds.  For example, 9mm handguns and .223 rifles would typically fit the bill from this perspective.  The concept here is that the common calibers are made in the largest quantities and by all of the manufacturers.  So, these will be the easiest to find.

Uncommon and Oddball Calibers:  Still others think that going with less popular cartridges will mean less demand on the ammo when a rush hits.  Something like a .45 GAP handgun and a .257 Roberts rifle.  The idea is all of the common ammo will be snapped up, but you could still find the oddballs on the shelf.

Frankly, all of the above approaches have pros and cons.  None of them is perfect.  But, I can give you my observations from both the current and the 2008 ammo rushes, and perhaps you can draw some conclusions about what may work for you going forward.

Observation #1 – The common calibers were the first to disappear.  I think .223 was the first caliber to run dry this time around, but 9mm, .45, 7.62×39 and .308 all quickly vanished also.  That happened back in ’08 also.  Soon after, all of the other popular calibers were bought out also:  .38 Special, .40 S&W, .380 ACP, etc.

Observation #2 – The uncommon calibers can still be found.  I checked with a distributor about their ammo stockpile and they said the hot calibers don’t stay in their warehouse any longer than it takes to slap a new mailing label on them.  As soon as any roll in, they are sold.

However, they said, many of the traditional hunting calibers can still be had relatively easily.  Specifically mentioned as having moderate to good inventories:

  • .243 Winchester
  • .270 Winchester
  • .300 Win Mag
  • 7mm-08
  • 7mm Rem Mag
  • the WSM (Winchester Short Magnum)      cartridges

While the above calibers can still be had, the distributor told me that certain hunting cartridges are being snapped up as quickly as they come in.  The two mentioned:  .30-30 and .308.  The .30-30 is a great all-around cartridge and is mostly chambered in lever action carbines, which are still legal in most/all states.  In addition to hunting guns, the .308 is also found in a lot of tactical-style guns, which has probably driven a lot of sales.

Observation #3 – From the prior ammo rush, we know that certain calibers will be slow to return to normal inventory levels.  Some calibers, like .223, will run on the manufacturer lines year round.  Other calibers, such as .380 ACP, will only run on the line for several months during the year, because normal demand for the year can typically be met with just a few months of production.  Then that line can be switched to another partial year run.  In times of normal demand, this system works fine.

If demand is even between a popular caliber and a niche caliber, you are likely to see the popular caliber start appearing again sooner just because more of that ammo is being made.  But, of course, demand is not equal.  There is not a precise way to predict what calibers will start filling the channels again first, but I would expect to see 9mm in Walmart before .357 Magnum.  I know during the 2008-2009 run on ammo, .380 was very tough to find for a long time.

Observation #4 – We all should have bought more ammo and magazines 12 months ago.  Leading up to the 2012 elections, we all knew that things would go bad for us if President Obama was re-elected.  I know I bought a little extra before the elections.  Now I wish I had bought a lot extra.  Hindsight…

Where does all of this leave us?  Hopefully a little wiser before the next big rush.  Much like the grasshopper and the ant, we should be preparing in the good times so we aren’t left out in the cold when the bad times arrive.

Woman Hiding with Kids Shoots Intruder

Another case of responsible gun owner protecting herself and family from an intruder.

LOGANVILLE, Ga. —

A woman hiding in her attic with children shot an intruder multiple times before fleeing to safety Friday.

The incident happened at a home on Henderson Ridge Lane in Loganville around 1 p.m. The woman was working in an upstairs office when she spotted a strange man outside a window, according to Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman. He said she took her 9-year-old twins to a crawlspace before the man broke in using a crowbar.

But the man eventually found the family.

“The perpetrator opens that door. Of course, at that time he’s staring at her, her two children and a .38 revolver,” Chapman told Channel 2’s Kerry Kavanaugh.intruder

The woman then shot him five times, but he survived, Chapman said. He said the woman ran out of bullets but threatened to shoot the intruder if he moved.

“She’s standing over him, and she realizes she’s fired all six rounds. And the guy’s telling her to quit shooting,” Chapman said.

The woman ran to a neighbor’s home with her children. The intruder attempted to flee in his car but crashed into a wooded area and collapsed in a nearby driveway, Chapman said.

Deputies arrested 32-year-old Atlanta resident Paul Slater in connection with the crime. Chapman said they found him on the ground saying, “Help me. I’m close to dying.” Slater was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center for treatment.  Chapman said Slater was shot in the face and neck.

In February, Slater was arrested on simple battery charges, according to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. He has been arrested six other times in the county since 2008.

Kavanaugh was the first reporter at the scene as deputies investigated. The victim’s husband told Kavanaugh he’s proud of his wife. He was on the phone with her as the intruder broke in.

“My wife is a hero. She protected her kids. She did what she was supposed to do as responsible, prepared gun owner,” Donnie Herman said.

He said he’s thankful for his family’s safety.

“Her life is saved, and her kids’ life is saved, and that’s all I’d like to say,” Herman said.

Channel 2’s Amy Napier Viteri learned from Chapman late Friday night that slater has been placed on a ventilator and suffers from punctured lungs, a punctured liver and a punctured stomach.

He said if Slater survives the night, doctors will try to operate in the morning to repair the damage.

Chapman said Slater has four exit wounds.

Slater is currently being charged with burglary.

Inmates using newspaper’s gun owner map to threaten guards

Law enforcement officials from a New York region where a local paper published a map identifying gun owners say prisoners are using the information to threaten guards.

Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco, who spoke at a news conference flanked by other county officials, said the Journal News’ decision to post an online map of names and addresses of handgun owners Dec. 23 has put law enforcement officers in danger.

“They have inmates coming up to them and telling them exactly where they live. That’s not acceptable to me,” Falco said, according to Newsday.

Robert Riley, an officer with the White Plains Police Department and president of its Patrolman’s Benevolent Association, agreed.threaten

“You have guys who work in New York City who live up here. Now their names and addresses are out there, too,” he said adding that there are 8,000 active and retired NYPD officers currently living in Rockland County.

Local lawmakers also say that they intend to introduce legislation that prevents information about legal gun owners from being released to the public.

The newspaper published the online map last month alongside an article titled, “The gun owner next door: What you don’t know about the weapons in your neighborhood.” The map included the names and addresses of pistol permit holders in Westchester and Rockland counties obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

While the paper ostensibly sought to make a point about gun proliferation in the wake of the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., the effort may have backfired. A blogger reacted with a map showing where key editorial staffers live, and some outraged groups have called for a boycott of parent company Gannett’s national advertisers. Ironically, the newspaper has now stationed armed guards outside at least one of its offices.

Threaten