Concealed Weapons Permits in Arizona

Arizona recently passed the "Constitutional Carry Bill," a law allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons in public without a permit. It would seem that there is now no reason to get a permit, right? Wrong. In reality, there are many benefits to obtaining a permit. In this article I will describe the process to get a concealed weapons permit, and in the next article I'll describe the benefits to having a permit versus not having one.

First, to get a concealed weapons permit in Arizona you must meet a few basic qualifications. You may not be a felon, must be over the age of 21, not be deemed mentally infirm by the court, and you must not have a domestic abuse conviction (misdemeanor or not). You must complete a training course, ran by a private school, which lasts at least eight hours and covers a specific curriculum provided by the state. Next, an applicant must have their fingerprints documented by someone licensed by the state. They will submit proof of training and identification and their fingerprint cards to the Department of Public Safety along with a $60 application fee. As Arizona is a "shall issue" state, as long as all their ducks are in a row the permit will be issued and mailed out quickly. Turnaround is generally 2-4 weeks from door to door.

The courses cover a variety of topics. The first few hours are spent on nomenclature and definitions, the basics of understanding a handgun and how it works. Many courses will explain the pros and cons of each type of weapon, for example automatics versus revolvers. As there are also many different methods of carrying a concealed weapon, classes will review this as well and analyze which solutions work best for which situations.

Another important section to be reviewed is the weapons safety rules. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded, never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to destroy, keep your weapon on safe (if applicable) and your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire, know your target and what lies beyond it, and maintain control of you firearm are the five modern weapons safety rules.

After the safety brief, there will be a mandatory qualification exercise. Every student in the class will have to fire ten rounds at a short distance at a man-shaped target. They must strike the target with a high percentage. It is generally impossible to fail this test due to marksmanship as it is at a very close range, this is effectively just a test of basic understanding of the weapon.

The next few hours are spent on the legalities of concealed weapons carry and self defense. There are many legal intricacies which determine where you may and may not carry a weapon, and general guidelines for what you should do if you have to use a weapon in defense of yourself or another.

In my next article, I'll explain the benefits to having a concealed weapons permit versus relying on the "Constitutional Carry Law" recently enacted.

Cias Hart is a veteran and resident of Arizona. If you have been charged with a crime relating to carry a concealed weapon, contact a criminal attorney in Phoenix immediately. A criminal lawyer in Phoenix can represent your interests in court and ensure that you are not charged falsely due to the intricacies of concealed weapons carry in the state of Arizona.

Ninjutsu Martial Arts Training - Concealing and Carrying Your Weapons for Faster Drawing and Use

The art of Ninjutsu martial arts training is known for its number of weapons. Regardless of whether the weapon is designed to be concealed or not, the Ninja always seems to be able to get his weapon out much faster than his opponent.

In fact, one of the most common questions that I get, from everyday students as well as law enforcement and military professionals is, "what suggestions do you have for carrying my weapons for better concealment and use?"

This article offers a few suggestions - things to think about from a strategic standpoint, that will not only improve your weapons skills, but also get you thinking more like a Ninja about this and other areas of your training!

However, before I share with you some suggestions for carrying and concealing your weapons, I want to discuss a few other considerations first. These considerations will determine what, if any, of my suggestions, you will want to, or in some cases, be allowed to use.

Please note that the following points and questions are NOT limited to students in the law enforcement, security, or military fields. They are just as viable for everyone else. So, don't take them lightly, nor should you immediately assume that I'm "talking about someone else."

Some of the things that need to be considered, before we even begin to talk about how to carry or conceal your weapons are:

1) Are you mandated or required to carry the weapons and equipment that you have? What I mean is, do you have to use specific models and styles, or can you opt for something else instead?

2) Do you have to carry your weapons a certain way, or in a uniform place on your gun belt, tactical gear, etc? This, along with number 1 above, are common problems which police and security officers, and members of the armed services must contend with. Regardless of whether they have a personal preference, for whatever reason - policies and procedures are often in place which requires them to comply with the status quo, and "do it like everyone else."

3) Is there any other reason that you carry the weapon that you do? Reasons that may come to mind, or that may be true for you, might include the fact that, "it's the only one you've got," or "it's your favorite." You must be careful that you have not limited yourself unnecessarily to certain weapons because of "favorites," or because you think that they are the "official" weapon of your style!

Do you understand what I'm getting at?

If you must conform to rules, policies, or specific regulations which dictate how and what you are "allowed" to do; or, if you saddle yourself with self-imposed limitations, then you seriously diminish your ability to be as effective as you possibly can. And...

You can only be as fast or as effective as those conditions and "guidelines" allow you to be!

That being said, here are a few suggestions for carrying and concealing your weapons. Due to the fact that there are countless weapons that could be discussed, and the fact that I don't know what you have, these suggestions are offered in the way of "strategic suggestions," rather than specific instructions.

Okay?

Here are a few that come to mind off the top of my head as I write this:

1) Think about your build and the size, shape, and design of the weapon you're considering. When thinking about concealing this particular weapon, how can you position it so that it is not evident or obvious that you have it on you?

Remember to insure that your carry and concealment method does not change the way you walk or otherwise carry your body. Regardless of whether someone can see a weapon that you're concealing, doesn't mean that they won't suspect that you have one if you walk or move as if, to them, YOU DO!

2) When thinking about carrying a weapon for quicker access and bringing it into the fight faster, the best thing to think about is how you naturally move. You can also think about what types of situations you are likely to be in when you need to go for the weapon. And then, with this information in mind, carry the weapon "along the natural path" that your hand will be traveling so as to make grabbing and drawing it, as quick and as easy as possible!

3) If possible, also ignore conventional thought, or "the way everyone else does it." If you carry a handgun, whether you're a police officer or just a civilian with a carry permit, avoid carrying your backup magazines (clips) or "speed-loaders" (in the case of a revolver) at the front of your gun belt. I suggest carrying them in a place, and in a way, which allow for your arm to work naturally and quickly for both retrieving the ammunition from it's case, and for getting it into the waiting weapon!

4) Always opt for a smaller, less bulky or less obvious version if one is available. Never knowingly choose to carry and use something that takes more time to draw, get into the fight, or will give away the fact that you have it, when something better is available. Just not very Ninja-like at all!

Of course, each weapon has it's own specifics. The point here is not to do it like I would. But instead, to learn to think like a master warrior so that you can be the most effective, and have the greater advantage, in a hostile, life-threatening situation.

Are you serious about mastering the art of ninjutsu, or just curious about what gives this system its power? Do you want to know what it takes to progress through the levels of self defense mastery in this powerful martial art?

How? By insuring that your training is about strategic application of skill and skill proficiency - not just learning a bunch of "moves"! Get started by reading this valuable ninja training book, "Becoming The Master." Get your free copy at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/becoming-the-master-subsc.html

Jeffrey Miller is a master-teacher in the centuries-old art of Japan's ancient shadow warrior. Each month he shares his 30+ years of training, research, and knowledge - combined with his years of real-world experience using these teachings on the dangerous streets of our modern world - with literally thousands of students from all over the world. Shidoshi Miller says, "If you really want to learn ninjutsu, and become a master of the Ninja's arts, then I can show you the secrets for developing the power, confidence, and control of a true Ninja warrior!"

Advantages of Carrying Non-Lethal Weapons

Who hasn't, at one time or another, felt insecure or threatened by the possibility of becoming a victim of crime?

Have you ever been caught unawares as you were walking along the street and eyed a suspicious character coming your way? Perhaps you have even gone home and interrupted a burglary in progress. In either of these situations, it is easy to feel helpless and vulnerable.

The best way to be prepared to respond in the case of possible violence is to carry some type of non-lethal self defense weapon such as a stun gun. There are a number of reasons why this choice is preferable to carrying a traditional gun.

Cost

First, the cost of purchasing an electroshock weapon is far less than that of a traditional revolver or pistol. A good quality handgun can set you back in the hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.

Then there is the cost for ammunition - and the ability to keep the weapon loaded, locked and ready.

And lastly, most states require that anyone carrying a weapon also carry an appropriate permit. This, too, requires an outlay of money, not only for the license fees, but perhaps for training classes as well.

Convenience

A stun gun is more convenient all the way around. For one, you do not need to worry about keeping it out in the open, as is often the case in states that have laws against concealment (of course to be sure you are compliant with applicable laws, always check with your local authority).

A Phazzer or TASER gun weights far less than a bulky handgun. It is generally smaller, too, and of a size that will fit nicely into a purse, laptop case, or backpack. This also makes it easier to reach during an emergency when you need to get your hands on it right away.

Safety

Because electroshock guns are non-lethal weapons, they are safer. You needn't worry about the possibility of the criminal taking it from your grip and using it on you with disastrous results. Nor do you need to be concerned with the possibility of killing someone. A stun gun is a great self defense weapon that keeps the owner safe but limits liability.

You do not need to take a self defense course in order to learn how to use a stun gun, either. For the most part, it is point and click.

As you can see, there are many advantages to carrying a personal self defense weapon such as a stun gun over a traditional handgun. When it comes to your safety and security, don't be caught unprepared. Arm yourself with a handy, inexpensive, and effective way to thwart a violent crime today.

Protect yourself by purchasing a non-lethal weapon from Phazzer Technologies. Visit the online store and learn more about this safer way to keep yourself self.

The Importance of Obtaining a Permit For Concealed Weapons

The debate regarding the purchase and possession of weapons in the United States has a storied and unresolved history thus far. While the debate rages on, individuals are still allowed to purchase and own handguns for the protection of their property, for hunting, and for collection. In Texas and other states, it is legal for individuals to carry concealed handguns on their persons, if they have the proper license to do so.
It is very important that individuals realize the seriousness of obtaining a license before carrying a gun in a concealed manner. If a person is apprehended with an unlicensed handgun or is caught carrying it in a concealed fashion without the proper permit, he or she may face criminal weapons possession charges. Such criminal charges may result in fines, probation, the revocation of weapons licenses, and even incarceration.
To obtain a concealed handgun license in Texas, individuals must often show proof of residency in the state for a period of at least six months. Individuals may show such proof in the form of rental agreements, utility bills, and other official documentation that shows the person's address in the state. People are also often required to show proper identification, which may include driver's licenses, social security cards, or other forms of government-issued identification.
Persons who have been convicted of violent crimes or other types of weapons convictions may not apply for a concealed handgun license if the conviction occurred within the past ten years. The laws require that only individuals in good standing with the law and a clean record for the decade prior to the application be granted the right to carry a handgun on their person. Although many people do not realize it, persons who have been convicted of DWI and DUI may also be denied the right to carry a concealed weapon.
Persons seeking a concealed weapons permit are usually required to take weapons-safety classes that usually include up to fifteen hours of instruction regarding the rules and regulations of the state. Following the completion of classes, the applicant must wait a period of sixty-days in order for the application to be processed and acceptance or rejection to be finalized.
It is important to remember that you should always obtain the correct licenses before carrying a concealed weapon. It is also essential for license holders to be aware of government buildings, schools, and other locations that do not allow non-commissioned individuals to carry weapons, even if they hold a concealed weapons permit.

Crossbows As Your Alternative Defense Weapon

The Crossbow: An Alternative Weapon for the Modern Day

A crossbow, resembling something between a rifle and a bow, uses a fast string to launch projectiles—just as a bow does—but also has a stock and trigger like a rifle. Although we don’t know exactly when the crossbow was invented, they were discovered in Chinese graves dating back as early as 2500 B.C. The crossbow was also used by the Greeks in 5^th century B.C.  The Greeks realized that there was a definite advantage to the crossbow over a traditional bow and this discovery revolutionized their success on the battlefield. The crossbow became the weapon of choice because of its versatility and accuracy.

Although the first crossbow doesn’t look anything like what they do now, early crossbows were constructed in much the same manner; primarily, they were bows mounted across wooden tillers or stocks. When the crossbow was fired, an arrow or bolt moved down a channel in the tiller/stock. Later, devices were built in to make it easier to draw the string back. One common device was called a stirrup and it was built on the front of the crossbow. This allowed the archer to brace the crossbow with a foot and draw the string with both hands. Some men used hooks attached to their belts.

The design of the modern crossbow has many improvements over the earlier design. Earlier crossbows were simple pieces of wood with ends that were connected by a bowstring. Modern bows have more effective shapes and are constructed out of better materials. As a result, they are much more accurate and far more powerful.

Crossbows versus Traditional Bows

Ordinary bows require a great deal of physical strength and training, where crossbows do not. With a traditional bow, the archer must draw, aim, and shoot in rapid succession. The longer it takes to aim, the more tired the archer’s arm becomes, which lessens his accuracy. If one uses a crossbow instead, he can draw the string, cock the crossbow, and then leave it cocked until the archer is ready to fire.

Another benefit to the crossbow takes the archer’s stature into consideration. If an archer is short in stature, it may be difficult for him to use a long bow and the crossbow then becomes a better option. If the archer doesn’t have a lot of upper body strength, drawing back a traditional bow can be difficult. Unlike a traditional bow, the archer’s size and upper body strength doesn’t come into play quite as much with regards to the crossbow. With a crossbow, an archer can use his thigh and buttock muscles (the body’s strongest muscle groups) to cock the crossbow. There are also tools available, like levers or cranks, available to him to increase his ability in this area. So basically, a crossbowman is able to use a more powerful weapon than a traditional archer with the same amount of physical strength.

How a Crossbow Works

Modern crossbows are usually made from very strong, lightweight materials like various woods, plastics, and even bone. They also have accessories such as adjustable stocks, scopes, and other attachments to make the use of the crossbow more efficient. Yet, they are still basically a bow and arrow that is operated by spring action. What happens when you draw a bow is that you pull one end of a spring and it stores elastic potential energy until you let go of it. Its potential energy becomes energy movement, which allows the spring to snap back to its original shape. The movement and energy of the spring action propels the arrow from the bow at a high rate of speed.

The amount of energy a bow can hold is called the draw weight. It is the amount of physical force required to draw the bow. A bow’s draw weight increases as the distance you pull the string back increases. The overall strength of a bow depends on how hard it is for an archer to pull the string back as well as how far back it can be pulled. Manufacturers call this bow energy, which is measured in foot-pounds, and arrow velocity, which is measured in feet per second.

There are several factors that affect a bow’s length and draw weight, and that will change the velocity an arrow will travel including its size, shape, and composition. As a result a simple short bow will not be as powerful as a simple long bow. Larger crossbows that a crossbowman aims from the shoulder are more powerful than smaller, handheld crossbows. Because some crossbows can have an arrow speed of 292 feet per second or more, it is absolutely critical that you know how to safely handle your crossbow.

Handling Your Crossbow Safely

The crossbow is a lethal weapon and it is important to follow assembly instructions provided with your crossbow. The crossbow is a weapon designed primarily for hunting large game, so it is fast, powerful, and it produces high energy. Therefore, care must be taken to handle a crossbow safely. Here are some safety tips:

1. Before using your crossbow, examine it for worn cables and strings, missing strings, and loose or damaged parts. Never use your crossbow unless it is in top condition.
2. The forehand grip on a crossbow is positioned to keep your thumb and fingers from getting injured. Never hold the forehand grip in a position where your thumb extends above the flight deck in the way of the strings. Always keep your fingers on the forehand grip above the flight deck so they don’t interfere with the string. Never have your hands or fingers positioned on the forehand grip where they are in front of the cable or string.
3. Don’t cock your bow until you are ready to use it.
4. Use the proper arrow for the model of crossbow you possess.
5. Grip firmly when you cock your crossbow, otherwise the string can slip and cause serious injury.
6. Never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
7. When pointing at a target, make sure people are standing well behind you.
8. Never release the trigger safety until you are aiming at your target. Crossbows have an automatic safety that engages as soon as you cock the bow. Some have a separate manual safety that you can engage yourself. Either way, the safety will keep you from firing the bow accidentally. However, once you release the safety, be sure your target is in sight.
9. Never walk or hike with an arrow loaded in your crossbow.
10. It is not safe to manually unload a crossbow. So if you don’t take a shot, carry old arrows with a field tip and fire it into a bale of hay or some other inert object to discharge the arrow.
11. Never dry fire your crossbow or use it with bolts lighter than those it’s made to use. Choose bolts that correspond to the size and weight of the bolt your model of crossbow fires. Using a light bolt with a very strong crossbow can cause the bolt to fly erratically and can damage the bow and cause injuries to you or others.

Today crossbows are popular weapons amongst recreationists and big games hunters alike. They recreationally, can be a great deal of fun for both amateurs and pros.  But before using a crossbow, be sure to research the laws in your state, because laws governing crossbow use vary widely from state to state. Some laws allow only disabled hunters to use crossbows, while others allow anyone to use a crossbow. So know the laws, understand that this is a lethal weapon, and if you decide to buy a crossbow, learn how to handle it safely to avoid unnecessary injuries.

THE PURPOSE OF PANTS

So, what comes first the weapon or the pants?  That's an interesting question and likely one that you either haven't thought about before or you have thought about it and still haven't arrived at the correct answer.  Today we're going to suggest some answers to the ever-present problem of carrying your weapon in the best place with the utmost of concealment.

More years ago than I even care to remember I began having to carry a concealed weapon as part of my work.  My wardrobe was the last thing I was considering at the time.  I was far more concerned with the weapon that would serve my purposes at the moment.  It needed to be large enough in caliber to provide adequate protection for myself and those around me while still being small enough in size to be able to conceal well.  It was indeed a dilemma which for a long time gave me fits.

Eventually I decided that I needed to focus more on the proper weapon than I did on the clothes that would help me conceal it and so I decided on carrying a Springfield Armory 45 caliber semi-automatic with a 5-inch barrel in stainless steel finish.  This allowed me to be properly armed and allowed good balance as it related to shot placement.

Choosing the correct holster in which to carry this large weapon was my next concern.  It needed to be a high quality holster that would afford me comfort while still being easy to carry for an extended time each day.  Sometimes that meant that I would be carrying this weapon for more than 8 hours each day.  Needless to say this was a major concern.  What I found was that it was impractical to try to put the weapon in an inside the pants holster as it was just too large.  I then went to a vertical shoulder holster but soon learned that when drawing the weapon it made me swing the barrel of the weapon toward things other than my intended target.  This was also the case with a horizontal shoulder rig.  It again required me to swing the barrel of the weapon in directions that I thought to be unsafe.  So what was I to do?  Well, in the end I decided on a paddle holster.  It didn't require a belt to hold it securely and was available in either leather or nylon.  I have never been a fan of nylon holsters so went with the leather holster.  Even after hours of carry each day it was comfortable, didn't shift positions as I wore it and was fairly easy to conceal beneath a jacket or a sweater.

After having solved that problem I was faced with another one that being the concealment of a second weapon as a back up.  I chose to carry a small revolver as it allowed me to carry it in a jacket pocket or a pants pocket.  The revolver I chose did not have a hammer thereby avoiding the problem of it snagging on clothing when I drew it from the holster, jacket or pocket.  A semi-automatic weapon would have allowed one shot but then, because of the action, would have made the weapon useless for any further shots without it being total out of the protective pocket or holster.  A revolver was the best choice.

Eventually I had to chose a summer holster.  Weather considerations were a big factor for carry as the location I worked would sometimes be over 100 degrees on some days and wearing a jacket or a sweater simply was not possible.  I had to find a way to conceal my weapons without "printing" or showing to anyone on the street that I was armed.  The solution was an inside the pants holster.  With it I could carry the weapon and cover it well enough with a shirt that was untucked and nobody would know that I was armed.  It did take some getting used to however because the pants that I wore were purchased before the weapon and were therefore not designed to have a weapon stuffed between the belt and my body.  It was very uncomfortable to say the least.  The solution was obvious.  I had to change my wardrobe to fit the gun rather than try to carry a weapon that fit the wardrobe that I already had.  Once I discovered this simple solution it was no longer a problem.

And that's what you must do also.  If your weapon has become part of your daily wardrobe and you must wear it for many hours each day you must simply change your wardrobe to fit the weapon you're carrying.  Not doing so will create a dangerous situation as it could give away the fact that you are armed at a time when that really should not be known by anyone.  That's why it is called "concealed" carry.

It's time now for you to head to your local clothing store and begin trying on new pants.  Of course to know exactly if the weapon will fit properly concealed you'll have to have it on your person so you can go into the fitting room and be sure it's going to work.  Don't simply go buy bigger wasted pants, bring them home and learn too late that you've chosen the wrong size.  Cuts on clothing are different by brand and style.  You must try them on before the purchase and with the weapon in place.

Don't worry.  Nobody's going to come into the dressing room with you.  They'll never know!

Kel Tec PF9

PF-9

The PF-9 is a semi-automatic, locked breech pistol, chambered for the 9mm Luger cartridge. It has been developed from our highly successful P-11 and P-3AT pistols with maximum concealability in mind. The PF-9 has a single stack magazine holding 7 rounds. It is the lightest and flattest 9 mm ever made. Firing mechanism is Double-Action Only with an automatic hammer block safety.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Calibers:	9mm Luger                      9 x 19 mm
Weight unloaded:	12.7 oz.                           360g
Loaded magazine:	5.5 oz.                             156g
Length:	5.85"                               149mm
Height:	4.3"                                 109mm
Width:	0.88"                                22mm
Barrel Length:	3.1"                                 79mm
Capacity:	7 + 1
Trigger Pull:	5 lbs                                22.2N

The rear sight is a new design and is adjustable for windage with the supplied allen wrench as well as for elevation with the use of shims (not included). The included 7 round rectangular magazine is supplied with a finger extension base plate and numbered holes. The under barrel accessory rail shares the dimensions of the MIL-STD-1913 picatinny rail although there is only one locking notch in the forward position.

Description	MSRP
Blued Finish	$ 333.00
Parkerized Finish	$ 377.00
Hard Chrome Finish	$ 390.00

Carrying A Concealed Weapon. Your Life Depends On It.

It isn't often that you come across a web-site that is accurate, informative and useful in your everyday life.  That changes now!

As experts in the field of concealed carry and with years of experience to back up what we have to offer you'll find that this will be the last site you'll ever need as it relates to concealed carry and the safety of your friends, your family and yourself.

You can't depend on anyone but yourself to remain safe in today's society.  If you're not willing and able to defend those that you love, who will?  Police response is slow at best and it isn't their responsibility to prevent the crime.  They are responsible for investigating and prosecuting it after the fact.  You can't wait that long.  You must prevent anything that can harm you or your loved ones and friends.

So how do you do that?  Well, we would suggest getting your concealed weapons permit and then actually using it.  You'd be surprised how many people take the required classes and then never pick up a weapon again.  Not smart!

We're going to help change that mental attitude.  We'll convince you through our writings and video training just how important it is to take action and be safe.  We are sure you'll find great value in what we have to offer.  We've worked for over 45 years combined in the law enforcement and security fields and we know what we're talking about.  Now it's time to share that knowledge.  Stay with us.  You won't be sorry you did and the life you save could be your own.

We'll see you again soon with our first training posting.  Until then though be safe, be prepared and watch your back.