Jamie Jackson

LOL Here's a link to their "outdoor lab facilities" : http://orsaonline.org/facilities.asp I'm a member there as well, and definitely prefer weekdays as it's much less crowded. It's a great place to shoot and a real value as well.

Thank you. I'll Google their site. TNdad posted above that ORSA (where I am a member) has been approached before, but without results. I'll contact a few folks there and see what comes from it though. Thanks folks.

That is a Catch 22 Mykltn. I realize that I'm over in Knoxville and so is the guy that taught our class... so it's a bit of a drive, but If you want his contact info just PM me. I don't know if that'll work for you or not. Good Luck Sir.

LOL, That was it Brother. Great group of folks! PM replied to Sir.

I hope it does my Friend, because I've operated off of that assumption for several years now. I carry a Boston Leather 4 ply junior...But it hasn't been challenged. I keep a copy of the statute in my wallet, Just In Case. And I adhere to the "Stupid Rule"...I don't go to stupid places, with stupid people, or do stupid things... I just wish we had better wording...much as to the effect that Mykltn sited for KY, or Florida's "Weapons" permit which I carried for about 10 years prior to my TN permit.

It was for this very reason that 6 friends and I contact a gentleman that does Monadnock certification for a local Security company and contracted him to host a class for us. The cost was about $75.00 each in 2006. I like having the legal option. I agree carrying even a quality collapsible baton can be a bit of PIA at first, but, of course, you get used to it. I also have OC certs and have "ridden" the taser. It's all about options along the use of force continuum. I do wish there was a way to legally carry a sap, not necessarily a blackjack, but a flat sap. I believe Georgia and Florida allow them. In an FUT (Messed Up Tangle) they are an excellent choice. Just my unsolicited and ever devaluing $.02 worth.

Any updates or luck in locating an Appleseed event or place to hold one around the Knoxville area? I'm surprised about the lack of interest at ORSA. I've never attended one would certainly like to. TIA

Brian, That is a very generous offer. You are a gentleman Sir. While I would personally decline, I do plan to load up on some factory ammo I have hanging around and driving over one of these days to check out your facility. We all have guidelines that we have to follow, both in our working relationships and our personal lives. I appreciate the challenges you guys face. Your seems to be a business I'd like to support & I look forward to meeting you and the staff. J.

Brings us back to Rule #1. All Guns are Always loaded. Whenever I pick up, or I'm handed a firearm, the first thing I do (with the gun pointed in a safe direction and my finger off the trigger...#3 & #4) is a chamber check. It should be so ingrained that it is a part of who we are. And I agree. The story as printed leaves a lot to supposition. But the media isn't renowned for getting the facts straight...or all of the facts for that matter.

My heartfelt condolences to the family. As to the media: Guns don't just "go off" by themselves...they require intentional, or unintentional, human intervention... This is an unfortunate tragedy and a reminder that we all need to follow The Four Rules of Gun Safety stressed by Col. Cooper.

My carry preference is appendix for my Glock 19. I've carried in that manner for 8 or 9 years in a Leather Arsenal holster I modified. It's served me well, but it's almost too well worn. I contacted Randy and discussed the issue with him. He suggested the Slimline Tactical. I ordered one from him Tuesday the 11th. I received it today, Saturday the 15th. Randy communicated with me every step of the way. He even included an extra set of belt loops that would allow a different carry height. I am impressed with the holster. It's rides comfortably and securely and the height is perfect for me, allowing a sure fighting grip. It's comfortable while seated, something I've heard numerous folks express concern over. No worries here. I've only worked about 50 presentations dry fire so far...but I've only had it a few hours. I'm looking forward to giving it a workout at the range about midweek...my weekend. I found it to be a great price and Randy to be someone I plan on doing business with again in the future. Thanks for the head's up Dave and Rebel.

That is undoubtedly the most impressive collection I've ever heard of. I agree with the sentiment already expressed by many...Wow! But I'm with Caster on this. I sure would want to shoot them... especially the Hotchkiss...and the Colt Gatling...and the Sharps...and the S&W Volcanic model pistols... OK...all of them.

LOL Spiffy my Friend, You are right...but I restrained my self and paid close attention to John...but it wasn't easy... I appreciate what you're saying Dennis. But I have to think the XS sight will be conquered. They are excellent defensive shooting sights. I'm new to them as well and these old eyes are most definitely aging.... I've seen folks do some impressive long distance shooting using them, 50-100 yards...so I know it's possible. I just have to work out the mechanics for myself. I already knew I needed distance practice, so this is a good motivator for me.

Thanks to John and Don! Brad and I shot the Classifier last evening. Darn those distance shots! I need to definitely work some 20-30 yards shooting to get dialed in on my XS Big Dot sights...and occasionally actually use them. I appreciate John and Don taking the time out to run us through the Classifier. Great guys and I enjoyed shooting the breeze as much with 'em. Anyway. I got Marksman...and I won't be able to make another IDPA Match until January because of my work schedule. You guys save me a place in line. Later, J

I plan on shooting this match. It'll be my first USPSA match since the late '90's and I'm looking forward to it. The stages look great. I don't understand some of the "gadget" terminology...but figure I'll learn. Thanks Alpha.

Good job sschrick! My Buddy Brad and I will be shooting the Classifier next week. I've shot once before...but around '97. I know it's the same, but I haven't shot it since...nor IDPA until recently... Maybe I'm naive, but shouldn't the Classifier represent what you can shoot cold, on demand? Which of course means I'll shoot lousy, but it'll hopefully motivate me to get out and practice more. And Distance shooting and Movement shooting are 2 areas I already know I need to work on. I am looking forward to it and will post back when I have an actual tale to tell. J.

When I came to East TN on a Travel assignment in the beginning of '06 I carried on a Florida Non-Resident permit. I came from MS and let the State permit I had from MS expire (I'd had it since 1990). Florida, at that time simply had better coverage / reciprocity. Once we made the decision to stay in TN and make it our home, I took the State approved course and got my TN permit. I checked with the AG's office and MS-DPS in MS prior to letting my MS permit expire in lieu of the Florida permit...I did the same with the TN AG's office and THP regarding carrying on my Florida Permit until I got TN Permit...just wanting to stay legal. So they (non-resident permits) can have a use. TN's reciprocity has grown a good bit in those few years and I personally don't see a need to have any other than my TN permit. The AG's and HP's have been good resources for me in the past, and I'm sure they'd remain so if folks have a question. Of Course I think we shouldn't have to request a privilege when we have a Right. It's a nest we collectively made over the last few generations. It's not comfortable to lay in. But it's what we have. At least for now.

It's a great group isn't Brother? I'm sure gonna try to make the USPSA match, and I'll try and bring Brad along as well...he just needs to buy his wife some flowers or chocolate or something shiny. I counting on you being there Buddy...remember...chocolate/flowers/shiny...

Thanks for the vid Jeremy. I really appreciate the alternate views on the stages. You did well Buddy...working all night and then shooting all day ain't a walk in the park.

Thanks for all the great info folks. I most definitely agree that Marlin's Microgroove Barrels by Glen E. Fryxell is an excellent read which is why I linked it earlier. http://castboolits.gunloads.com/ is a wealth of info as well, and I'm a member there. Good folks. But we have have a wealth of info here on TGO as well...And I like the "home town" feeling here. Thanks again friends. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Raised beds are a great alternative, imho. Without them we couldn't realistically garden in our little patch of suburbia...At least I couldn't if I wanted to stay married. It sounds like yours has been quite productive USMC. Good work! Congrats on the planned purchase of the Berkey. Excellent system. edit: to add: This past week I did the 4 to 8 modification to an old Norinco SKS I picked up back in the late '80's. (I just barely broke the radius btw) It worked like a charm and now I have reliable feeding from 5 & 10 round detachable mags. I plan to try it out on white tail deer this fall. I planted beets, carrots, mustard, collards, and turnips...watered them every other day (since it obviously didn't want to rain any...until today) and they are already starting to break ground. I picked and blanched 5 quarts of asparagus beans and got them in the freezer this morning. Asparagus bean link: http://www.localharv...d-organic-C3705 I have to cut the okra at least once a day or it gets too large and starts to toughen. I hope to pickle some my next day off work. I shot an IDPA Match this weekend and learned where I need to focus my practice. I also picked up some Berry's bullets and did some reloading today. edit yet again: OH yeah... I ordered a couple of books that look great. I listened to an interview with the author a couple of weeks ago. You guys might want to look into these. Links below. Books: "299 Days". Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/299-Days-Preparation-Glen-Tate/dp/0615680682 Interview on The Survival Podcast with Jack Spirko: http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/glen-tate-on-299-days

Thanks for posting the video. Well done Sir. It was a fun, albeit challenging match for me. I just couldn't seem to keep my head straight on it. Getting old is not for the fainthearted. I thoroughly enjoyed the match and it was great to see the good people I've met before, and meet and shoot with new (to me) folks. Thanks to the SO's (Les was ours, unless I'm screwing up his name, if so my apologies...Great Guy) and Mike for putting on such quality matches.

I'm an old fart and wear bifocals. and Yes, "Youth is wasted on the young". I know what you mean. Life throws us a challenge every now and then. The scenario you describe is a good example. I still just focus on my front sight, with the target being pretty fuzzy at distances. I make sure my sight is centered on the distant targets, at what I perceive as a line drawn across from axilla(armpit) to axilla, for IDPA targets just a bit lower (that's where they put the scoring ring...) We have some 15-18 yard shots at my local club as well. Even when I used my G17 with Big Dot sights last month I didn't have any problem getting my hits...except that one pesky hostage that stepped in front of the badguy that time. Like you mentioned...at closer ranges, only use as much sight as you need. Maintain a good straight back trigger press and it should put the rounds where they need to go...at least the majority of the time. Good Luck Buddy.

I'm glad to hear you fared well Dirtshooter. Yer Right. The Good Lord takes care of us...every day my Friend. 5 miles outta Myrick? It's definitely a small world.

Glad you got the work Buddy. But hate you'll miss the match. Be Safe Spiff.