MAGPRO INC Firearm Safety Training

Tips On Buying That First Pistol

         

Buying that first pistol

In almost every entry level firearm course I teach, the same question often arises, “What kind of pistol should I get?” Unfortunately there is no easy answer; many factors play into what is the best pistol for that individual. One of the signature features of our basic course is that we expose students to as many different models and styles of pistols that we can. The question often comes after this part of the course where students are taken by surprise at how many different variations the industry offers. When asked this question, I guide students to find their own answer based on a few considerations.

What will it be used for?

When purchasing that first pistol, first determine what you will be using the pistol for. Will it be used for self-defense as a daily carry or strictly for sporting use on the range? I often recommend a used small caliber pistol for a first time shooter such as a 9mm, .380 or even a .22. Learning the basics and developing marksmanship skills at this stage is key.  A smaller caliber pistol will enable the shooter to conduct live fire training without breaking the bank or facing the intimidation of a large caliber round. A pistol which will be carried daily for protection should be small in size as well, making concealment under clothing much easier. A pistol intended for sporting use or on the range can be of any size, as long as it fits you.

Does this one fit me?

Pistols come in all sizes, shapes and the right one is out there for every shooter. To find the right fitting pistol, a new shooter should be looking at two key elements. Does this pistol fit comfortably in my hand? And can I effectively reach all the controls? Many of today’s modern pistols come with changeable grips to help achieve the perfect fit. The pistols should feel comfortable in your hand; you should be able to achieve a good hold on the pistol’s grips without overstretching your hands or any awkward feelings. If it feels nice like that perfect pair of jeans, then you could say it fits in that regard. Next the user should be able to reach all the controls of the pistol effectively. Can you with one hand press the magazine release, draw the hammer back and send the slide forward using the slide release all with one hand? If so, and the pistol feels comfortable then I would say this pistol is a good size fit for you.

It cost how much?

As a new shooter make sure your first purchase doesn’t break the bank. If this is your first step into the firearms community you are going to have many follow-on purchases to support that new pistol such as a holster, ear protection, eye protection, targets, range fee’s and a whole lot of ammunition. Choose a pistol that fits within your budget and will allow you to purchase all those additional items you are going to need. Firearm prices are affected by many factors such as brand name, popularity, material and availability. Some of these factors drive the quality and overall value a firearm, while others just drive the price. For Example, in Massachusetts, the ban on Glock firearms (except for law enforcement and those grandfathered in prior to 1998) has driven the price for many used Glocks to surpass that of new firearms which are MA compliant. In this case, Glock makes a great firearm but the availability is driving the price up not the actual value. Buying a quality used pistol is also a great way to save some money but still get a quality firearm.

Purchasing your first firearm can be a daunting and intimating process, but it doesn’t have to be. If you choose to make the purchase from a private party consider the points mentioned above before you finalize the transaction. Also, shopping at a reputable dealer and knowing what to look for can help ease the process.  Let the salesperson know that you are new to the sport and this will be your first purchase, any good shop will be more than happy to help you locate that first pistol and all the accessories that fit your needs and your price point.

Please do not hesitate to send us your questions or comments.

Chris Watson, Director of Training
MAGPRO INC Firearm Safety Training
magproinc.com

Police Chiefs can deny Firearm ID Cards based on discretion. Doctors can recommend that guns in your home be confiscated, Read more

Part II of III

Some of the changes to the Massachusetts gun regulations [H4376] that were signed into law by Governor Patrick on August 13, 2014 went into effect immediately, while other changes are scheduled to go into effect at different times.

 

1. Effective January 1, 2015, Massachusetts Licensing Authorities may petition the district court to deny an applicant’s Firearm Identification Card based on undefined suitability measures. Prior to this new legislation, Firearm Identification Cards were purely handled as Shall Issue, without the imposition of an arbitrary suitability standard.  Shall Issue meant that if you passed the state and federal background check, after being fingerprinted, photographed, interviewed and paying all applicable fees, you Shall be issued a FID. That process ends January 1, 2015 with the implementation of the new FID suitability language. 

 

1. Another important area to pay attention to is the new law language that seeks to impose a voluntary expectation on physicians to ask their patients whether they own and possess firearms. Physicians are encouraged to participate in training that educates them about the role of firearms, including firearms ownership and access to household firearms, in impacting rates of attempted and completed suicides. Under this provision physicians will also be asked to assess and report risk of harm that is heightened by the patient’s ownership of firearms. This process can lead to the temporary or permanent “Safe Harbor” of firearms – the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms. The potential for misuse of this provision is, at minimum, concerning. 

 

You can find the full MGL Chapter 284 “An Act Relative To Reducing Gun Violence” here https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2014/Chapter284


Stay tuned for PART III

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New Mass Gun Laws: The Good–The Bad–The Questionable

Important information that law enforcement, firearm dealers and civilian gun owners should know about the new Massachusetts gun regulations. As I predicted two months ago in our June 14^th BLOG titled, “D-Day July 31^st For New Massachusetts Gun Law Bill,” extensive gun law changes were signed into law by Governor Patrick on August 13, 2014. As is the case with all of the MGLs, sorting through legal revisions, reframing and expansions of language is a daunting task. Therefore, I am committed to bringing you important facts and observations in a plain language 3-part series. 

PART I

The Good (My working definition of good is – “It could have been worse.”)

• LTC denials and restrictions can be appealed in district court. This is one of the most progressive provisions I’ve seen in over a decade. Never in the history of the Commonwealth has there been a statutory provision for LTC applicants to challenge a license restriction in the district court. This can serve as a useful vehicle for establishing case law and precedence that could result in a higher rate of city-to-city consistency relative to arbitrarily imposed LTC restrictions on lawful citizens.
• FIDs remain “SHALL ISSUE.” Applications will be accepted at age 14. FID denials, refusal to renew, suspension or revocation must be put in writing to the applicant in conjunction with a district court petition filed by the Licensing Authority (LA). The burden of proof is placed on the LA to substantiate his petition.
• FID/LTC renewal and first time applicants must be provided with a receipt by the LA. For renewal applicants, the receipt serves as your indefinite All Lawful Purpose identification as a valid firearm licensee until issued your new FID/LTC or you receive a written denial. All Lawful Purposes infers the ability to purchase firearms and ammunition permitted under your LTC/FID. The former 90-day grace period that has caused so many problems due to lengthy processing time has been eliminated.

The Bad

• LTCs remain MAY ISSUE with LA discretion to impose restrictions and apply an undefined standard of suitability. An applicant can appeal a LAs decision in district court within 90-days of the restriction or denial.
• Self-Defense Sprays – there is no system to prevent prohibited persons from purchasing mace and pepper spray. The new law doesn’t require any level of background check, just an ID to establish age or if under 18 you need an FID. I agree that we need to make self-defense sprays more easily accessible to lawful citizens without the lengthy process of obtaining an FID. However, legislators just swung the pendulum fully in the opposite direction and opened unbridled access of incapacitating chemical sprays to prohibited persons.  One possible preventative measure may be a modified version of a NICS check at the retail counter, which would take under 3-minutes.

The Questionable

• On March 1^st of even years (e.g. March 1, 2016), the EOPSS is required to collect, examine and report on statistics relative to firearm crimes including trafficking; the connection of confiscated firearms to crimes; source of firearms used in attempted or completed suicides; arrest and prosecution of firearm related offenses; for the purpose of evaluating whether Massachusetts gun regulation are effective in reducing crime. On the surface, this law could be extremely valuable to lawful gun owners in the Commonwealth. Why? Because it would document the broadly known fact that violent criminal behavior with unlawfully possessed guns IS NOT IMPACTED by piling new gun laws on the shoulders of law abiding citizens who comply with firearm safety training requirements, submit to extensive state and federal background checks and contribute to the overall health of their communities as productive citizens of the Commonwealth. What makes this new law questionable is that its implementation is “Subject To Appropriations.” Yes, this is a common phrase used in both the Executive and Legislative branches of government. However, this is also a very commonly used excuse for either not implementing a law or poor performance. If the Commonwealth was ever challenged on why a report was not generated in accordance to the statutory timelines the response could be, the law was not funded. If a substandard report was challenged the response could be, the law is inadequately funded. I’m concerned about the state’s commitment to accountability to its citizens who deserve to know and see the facts.

You can find the full MGL Chapter 284 “An Act Relative To Reducing Gun Violence” here https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2014/Chapter284

Stay tuned for PART II

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SUICIDE AWARENESS & ACCIDENT PREVENTION FOR GUN OWNERS

1) Restrict Unauthorized Access To Your Firearms - Ensure that firearms are not accessible to children or unauthorized adults. All firearms that are stored or kept in the home are to be stored in secure containers or affixed with an approved tamper proof lock (e.g. cable lock or trigger lock) only accessible to authorized persons.

 

2) Be Aware of Suicide Indicators - Primary indicators include talking about suicide, isolations and withdrawal, sadness, depression and hopelessness. When you add environmental access to lethal means of committing suicide, such as access to firearms or potentially toxic prescription mediations, etc., the risk of a suicidal act increases.

 

Other potential risk factors and warning signs may include: 

1. Noticeable changes in eating/ sleeping habits /personal hygiene.
2. Obsession with death (e.g., in music, poetry, artwork).
3. Change in mood (e.g., depression, irritability).
4. Alcohol and / or drug use or abuse.
5. Giving away possessions / suddenly making a will.
6. Finalizing personal affairs.
7. Coworkers, family, friends are concerned about the person
8. Previous suicide attempts.
9. Committed or attempted suicide of a close family member.
10. Past psychiatric hospitalization.
11. Recent loss of a close relationship to separation, divorce or death.
12. Poor social skills to include difficulty interacting with others and making friends.
13. Violence in the home or social environment.
14. Work-related problems.
15. Serious medical problems.
16. Poor school performance.

Crisis Hotlines

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call one of the 24-hour crisis hotline numbers below right away:

• Samaritans Massachusetts Statewide Hotline: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255); Press # 1 if you are a Veteran

 

Figure 6A - Source: Massachusetts Violent Death Reporting System, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Massachusetts Hospital Discharge Database, Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis.

D-Day July 31st For New Massachusetts Gun Law Bill - Is It More than a “Brochure Bill”?

On March 28, 2013 Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo created a Committee to Reduce Gun Violence. Committee members were told that no issues are off of the discussion table, including proposals for additional revenue.

Nothing more clearly identifies the driving force behind DeLeo’s committee than his own words: “In the wake of some very high profile instances of gun violence around the country, I knew we had to do something.”

By my definition, a Brochure Bill is foremost a legislative campaign to convince constituents that their elected officials are taking some action on an issue. A central characteristic of a Brochure Bill is that elected officials are aware that the Bill will not likely find its way into statute.  However, the Bill will serve well as a pulpit talking point against claims of inactivity or lack of action. Is the new gun law Bill more than a brochure?

So what are a few of the somethings that are proposed in the DeLeo Committee Gun Control Bill for Massachusetts, a State that enjoys a top-six ranking for the strictest gun laws in the U.S.?

1)      To expand the already confusing and non-standardized suitable person discretionary authority that police chiefs presently have to deny a license to carry handguns to include rifles and shotguns.  The committee also believes that placing a definition of suitability in MA statute” will not provide the necessary flexibility and discretion needed in allowing the licensing authority to make a reasoned decision.” As it presently exists, this discretionary authority is arbitrarily applied and void of guidelines for licensing authorities.

2)      Require background checks on all gun sales, including private sales. This requirement will likely include non-monetary transfers of firearms. The committee report doesn’t address non-monetary firearm transfers in the Bill.

3)      Bring Massachusetts into compliance with the National Instant Background Check [NICS] Improvement Act of 2007, which requires that addiction and mental health records be submitted to the NICS system data-base used to qualify or disqualify individuals applying for gun licenses. Now this is among one of the “somethings” that deserves careful consideration.  Pre-existing and formally diagnosed mental health issues have been an unfortunate, but real, common thread in the high profile mass shootings.

4)      Standardize Basic Firearm Safety Training curriculum and add a statutory requirement for live-fire training and a module on suicide.  I’m a firm believer that firearm safety training businesses, Independent civilian instructors, as well as RET officers should ALL conduct firearm safety training that includes structured curriculum content in compliance with the standards of the existing MGLs and CMR.

5)      Enforcing and encouraging compliance with existing gun storage laws – There is no sales tax on purchases of gun safes. The committee recommends an additional financial incentive be considered, such as a tax credit for the purchase of a gun safe.

Brochure Bill? Maybe, in part. It is likely that we may see a July 31^st D-Day passage of a version of the DeLeo Committee to Reduce Gun Violence Bill. Why? Some of the items on the discussion table resonate on both sides of the gun debate aisle. Another reason is because Massachusetts, like so many other States, prefers the academic task of writing laws over the less desirable task of fixing the glaring problem of lack of judicial enforcement and penalties for the illegal transport, possession and criminal use of guns in the Commonwealth.

www.magproinc.com #gunlaws 

Boston Police Study Group 2014 - Promotional Exam Innovation

When Boston Police Officers embark upon the career advancement challenge of preparing for the Promotional Examination, they know all too well the enormous amount of study time required and the gargantuan volume of information that must be learned and understood in order to score well.

Like any other industry, law enforcement advancement is a highly competitive experience requiring new and innovative approaches to learning a wide variety of topical rules, regulations and laws in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

When it comes to a tactical approach to study innovation, the Boston Police Promotional Exam Study Group featured in this article is deploying just that. One of several innovative approaches implemented by this BPD study group included inviting me, Charles Hollins, Owner of MAGPRO INC Firearm Safety Training, to present on the study section that deals with Firearm Laws. I have ten years experience teaching firearm safety and have assisted over 1,500 people within the last 12-months in meeting the basic firearm safety requirement to apply for a License-to-Carry or Firearm ID Card. In addition, I have written two of the twenty-three Basic Firearm Safety Course Curriculums endorsed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, LTC016 and LTC023. It was an honor to facilitate a session on firearm laws for this group of dedicated, experienced, veteran officers. Whenever I conduct training on state and/or federal firearm laws, I seek to be helpful in translating the often convoluted and complex statutes into clear and digestible plain language. In addition, the study group had several opportunities to discuss practical applications when encountering a civilian who is a lawful gun owner and to hear a civilian’s perspective of the firearm licensing process, gun-laws and enforcement in the Commonwealth.

I couldn’t be more proud of our men and women in uniform who not only have devoted their careers to public safety but, who strive so diligently for professional advancement.

It is my privilege and commitment to support law enforcement in the difficult and often dangerous work that they perform everyday.

Good luck on the Promotional Exam.

Best,

Charles Hollins

www.magproinc.com [email protected] @magproinc

 

 

Can Commercial Truckers Lawfully Carry A Firearm? Most Say No!

 

                  

As someone who spends a decent amount of time digging through the convoluted MGL, CMR, USC, CFR, NFA, GCA, et al depositories of firearm laws and regulations, I decided to add my opinion to this discussion.

 

I could not find one reference within the DOT FMCSR that addresses the lawful transport of a firearm by a properly licensed commercial truck driver. Nor could I locate a motor carrier firearm possession prohibition in any of the aforementioned State and Federal depositories of firearm laws and regulations.

 

I challenge anyone to direct me to a specific federal regulation that prohibits and makes unlawful the interstate transportation of a firearm in a commercial vehicle by a driver who is properly licensed to carry. When the available facts change, I’ll be more than happy to change my position on the issue - and so should you.

 

The Federal law that protects and allows lawful interstate firearm transport (USC Title 18 Sect 926A) does not contain a clause that excludes commercial truck drivers.  

 

I do know that trucking companies do have their own rules and regulations that their employees must comply with or be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Such rules and policies do not constitute a federal law.

 

I appreciate the topics that I’m asked to report on. So, keep them coming.

 

Best,

 

Charles Hollins

 

Visit us at www.magproinc.com 

 

Defensive Firearm Safety Training - Learn The Right Way

Our students come from different backgrounds and experiences. They are hardworking, lawful citizens representing diverse professions. We often have students who own businesses, homes and enjoy loving families.  Most people would agree that our lives and families are priceless gifts. Our careers, businesses and homes are the result of sacrifice and hard work. Notwithstanding their differences, our students share common values when participating in our defensive firearm safety classes. The values include protecting those precious gift that make up their unique quality of life. Defensive firearm safety training is one of the tools many lawful citizens choose to add to their protection toolkit. Individuals participating in our classes focus on acquiring the skills, knowledge and attitude to be safe and responsible gun owners. Safety begins with treating every firearm as if it is loaded, always pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, never placing your finger inside of the trigger guard unless you are on target and making sure that all firearms are unloaded when not in use.  Students learn about a variety of safe storage options to ensure that unauthorized adults and children do not have access to firearms. Graduates from our classes leave with the knowledge and skill that prevents accidents and supports a lifetime of safe practice at the range. 

If you or any of your friends have been considering defensive firearm safety training that qualifies you to apply for your License to Carry or Firearm Identification Card, let us assist you with learning the right way.

Visit us at www.magproinc.com or call 774.776.8699

Get Trained! Get Certified! Stay Safe! #projectchildsafe #crosman #firearmsafety #magproinc 

 

Neil Leonard, MAGPRO INC & Department of State Police Certified Instructor, poses with live-fire course graduates. 

Lawful Firearm Purchase - Plain Language Summary

                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                  

MASSACHUSETTS

 Purchasing

No matter what geographic state in the U.S. that you choose to process a firearm purchase, a  
Federal Firearm License Dealer [FFL] will have you fill in information on the BATFE form 4473.
You must pass a FBI National Instant Background Check [NICS] to be approved for firearm purchase.

A completed form 4473 is used to process the NICS check that authorizes the dealer to proceed with the sale, delay the sale or to deny the sale.

In some states form 4473 is all that is required to purchase a firearm. Massachusetts FFLs are required to process a Massachusetts Instant Record Check System [MIRCS] background check in addition to the NICS. All Massachusetts firearm license holders are issued a unique Pin number to process gun purchases. Dealers are further required to provide firearm purchasing customers with either an approved trigger or cable lock with each gun purchased.

Presently, there are no restrictions on how many guns you can purchase. ALWAYS keep a copy of the purchase documents in a safe place for future reference.

Transfer

The term Transfer is primarily used when referencing non-dealer firearm sales or gifts between private citizens. Massachusetts law limits the number of firearms that a private citizen can transfer to no more than 4 per year. The recipient [transferee] has no limit to how many firearms he may receive via transfer.

Transfers are processed on the electronic form E-FA10 that can be found on the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security website under the forms folder. The form title is Personal Sale or Transfer. The E-FA10 process does verify whether either party’s information matches the data in MIRCS. If a firearm license number is invalid or there exist any other inconsistency of information keyed in on the form, you will be unable to continue to the next page until the errors are corrected.

Whether you are the transferor or transferee, ALWAYS keep a copy of the transfer documents in a safe place for future reference.

Straw Purchase

What it is - When a lawful individual purchases a firearm for a person who is prohibited from firearm purchase and possession. NEVER get talked into doing this. Don't Lie For The Other Guy!

What it isn't - When a lawful individual purchases a firearm for a person who can lawfully possess a firearm. Example: A parent who makes a lawful firearm purchase as a gift for a son or daughter who possesses a FID or LTC.

If you have questions or would like us to write on a particular topic of interest, please send an email through our website Contact Page

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Gun Buy-Back Programs – Get $$$.$$ No Questions Asked!

Gun Buy-Back Programs are symbolic efforts intended to garner public acceptance and often used as a viable approach to reducing crimes that involve illegal guns.  

Why do I call it symbolic and not substantive?

“Criminologists have found that the buybacks have no impact on gun crime or gun-related injuries and that the programs do not target the guns most likely to be used in violence.” Frequently quoted.

If the criminologist’s empirical data is accurate, we cannot refer to a gun bay-back program as a substantive effort to reduce gun related crimes - the desired substantive outcome.

The National Research Council found that the 1994 – 2004 Federal Assault Weapons Ban didn’t produce ANY measurable reduction in illegal gun activity. Why, it too was not targeting the real problem of illegal guns.

Why is public acceptance important?

Gun bay-back initiatives seek community-based involvement and philosophical buy-in. Despite the absent of a track record of gun-violence reduction, gun buyback programs have brought a circle of people together holding hands with a “No More Gun Crimes” banner in the circle’s center. Any positive based effort, even a misguided one, which brings a diversity of community groups and lawmakers together, has its inherent benefits.

However, where are the banners with tangible and measurable solutions?

Consider the 1896 New York Times article written by Andrew D. White, former President of Cornell University, which was titled “Crime Goes Unpunished – The Problem of High Crime in the United States.” Also the 2013 New York Times Article that references the 2010 DOJ study which revealed that nearly 80,000 Americans were denied guns because they lied about their criminal histories. Yet only 44 of those people were charged with a crime.

The gun crime solutions are multitudinous and are hiding in plain sight. Namely, the enforcement of the myriad of existing laws that punish violent crimes, including crimes that involve illegal firearms.

There are tons of questions, but consider two for now:

1) Are individuals turning in guns for $$$.$$ likely to be criminals surrendering their weapons?
2) What percentage of the guns recovered in buyback programs are connected to or helped solve crimes?

Is a concentrated effort to improve effective enforcement of laws simply not an option? Is lack of resources part of the reason for incidents of failure to enforce statutory penalties? Is it a training or equipment issue? Are there too few detectives or other investigatory personnel?

A first step towards reducing illegal gun offenses is enforcement of existing statutory penalties from arrest, to prosecution, to conviction, to sentencing, which can include a rehabilitative component, where appropriate.

Competent and carefully scribed laws that lack enforcement are viewed by criminals and lawful citizens as the proverbial "PAPER TIGER" - not a deterrent.

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