Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper Firearms Safety

Gun safety tips are always worth repeating. 

Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper was a pioneer of modern pistol techniques and founder of Gunsite Academy in Arizona. I have several of his firearms training videos. 

Above, Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper.

From the Gunsite website:

Gunsite was founded in 1976 by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, author, columnist, professor, WW II and Korean War combat veteran.

Col. Cooper intended Gunsite to be the vehicle for spreading the Modern Technique of the Pistol, which he created during his years in Big Bear Lake, CA. Cooper built the facility which was known then as the American Pistol Institute (API),  just west of Paulden and north of Prescott AZ. Cooper began teaching pistol, shotgun and rifle classes to both law enforcement and military personnel, as well as civilians, and did on-site training for individuals and groups from around the world. He was known for his advocacy of large caliber handguns, especially the Colt 1911 and the .45 ACP cartridge. Jeff passed away September 25, 2006 at the age of 86. His wife, Janelle passed away July 28th, 2019.

Cooper was the first one to define and stress the Four Basic Rules of Firearms Safety

1. All guns are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. (For those who insist that this particular gun is unloaded, see Rule 1.)

3. Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. This is the Golden Rule.

4. Identify your target, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.

To read more, go here.

You're Choosing the Wrong Home Defense Shotgun

You're Choosing the Wrong Home Defense Shotgun — These 5 Are the Only Ones Worth Owning video by Survival Gear Showcase.

Summary:

When your home is the last line of defense and backup isn't coming, the shotgun in your hands matters more than anything else in your safe. In this video, five of the best tactical shotguns on the market are ranked and broken down — from a pump-action workhorse that's been trusted by law enforcement for decades, to a cutting-edge mag-fed platform that's rewriting what a 12-gauge can do.

Every gun on this list has been evaluated for reliability under stress, home defense performance, and real-world practicality — not just spec sheets.

Bison Safety

Above, a couple of lounging bison at Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Every so often, I read about people at Yellowstone National Park (and elsewhere) getting gored by a bison. These incidents aren't the bison's fault, they are the fault of stupid and careless people.

RV Travel posted an article with a video on bison safety. It includes tips on what to do, what to look out for and what not to do.

They begin it with:

A sighting of bison, the largest wild animal roaming North America, tops many an RVer’s bucket list experience. But to keep the experience positive for humans and bison, some basic bison safety and etiquette rules are necessary. Especially for RV travelers who might actually encounter bison in the wild. See the video at the bottom of this article.

As awe-inspiring as bison may be, never forget they are also massive muscular walls of brute strength that also come equipped with sharp horns. Even though their size might make them appear slow, bison are surprisingly agile and fast!

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Education channel produced the video (near the bottom of this article) so that visitors know proper bison etiquette in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to their state park. However, you need not be in Texas to benefit from this video. American bison in any state can be expected to react in the same ways.

To see the video and read more, go here. 

RVing With Guns

Above, at the Hardin, Montana KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Carrying a gun while camping.

This is a "tradition" that both grandfathers, my dad and I have practiced over the years. You never know what sort of predator one may encounter. As the Scout motto says, "Be Prepared!"

During our recent trip to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota, both my friend Mitch and I packed heat.

This is the topic in today's newsletter in RV Travel.

They begin their article with:

We know many of our readers RV with firearms. In the video below, MJ and Izzy of Endless RVing tackle the topic of RVing with guns. The pair says a lot of RVers make some fundamental mistakes, and they created this video to help keep everyone safe when RVing with firearms. Some of the mistakes could seriously injure you or others, or worse. So if you carry a firearm in your RV, check these out!

As a bit of background, Izzy has been a police officer for more than 24 years and a firearms instructor for more than 10.

The couple breaks this topic down and keeps it simple with three things you should ALWAYS do and three things you should NEVER do when carrying a firearm in your RV.

To read more, go here. 

How To Keep Your Home Safe While You Are Away

In my community, we have a neighborhood watch. It is a relatively safe place as friends and neighbors look after each other. Most residents are armed, so it would be foolish for a burglar to try to rob someone while they are at home.

Whenever I travel, I have neighbors and friends keep an eye on the ol' homestead. I do likewise for them.

Keeping one's sticks and bricks abode safe is the topic of an article in today's newsletter of RV Travel. 

It begins with:

We all take steps to keep ourselves and our RV safe while on the road. But how many take extra steps to deter burglars from our homes while on the road?

Pages have been written here and elsewhere about staying safe from crime while RVing.  However, little has been written about how to deter burglars from burglarizing your home in your absence while RVing. Full-timers no longer have to worry about a sticks-and-bricks house, but what about the rest of us? Personally, my home has been burglarized twice over the past 40 years while my wife and I have been traveling. After the last burglary, I studied up and doubled down on the steps I take to deter burglars from my home. So far, so good.

Here is what I learned and the steps I take to deter burglars:

To read more, go here. 

Tornado Safety For RVers

If one is an avid RVer, chances are they may find themselves in a region of the country prone to having tornadoes. Even areas not prone to tornadoes can get one, albeit on rare occasions.

I remember one struck in Los Angeles that damaged the Los Angeles Convention Center near downtown back in the 1980s. 

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on tornado safety for RVers.

They begin it with:

Tornadoes might feel like something that happens to other people in other places—until you find yourself camped in their path. And unlike a traditional home, an RV doesn’t offer much in the way of protection.

If you’re on the road when a twister threatens, knowing what to do before it strikes can mean the difference between panic and protection. Here’s your go-to guide for tornado safety when you’re traveling in an RV—because riding out a storm in your rig should never be the plan.

 To read more, go here.

 

Women Are Leading A Surge In Gun Ownership

Women are leading a surge in gun ownership.

This has been blogged here previously. The latest is from The Hill. Their article also explains why this is so.

They begin with:

There’s a quiet revolution happening in the world of gun ownership in America — and it’s being led by women.  

For years, firearms ownership was seen as a predominantly male activity, but recent trends show that women are driving the surge in new gun buyers. A recent Gallup poll highlights this growing shift, showing that women are not only purchasing firearms at higher rates, they are rethinking what it means to protect themselves and their families in today’s world.  

This is no fleeting trend; it’s a cultural shift. And it’s changing the face of gun ownership across the country. 

To read more, go here. 

Nassau and Freeport Under Safety Warning

Above, shopping in Freeport with our cruise ship in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Mitch Geriminsky and I took the Bahamas cruise back in August, two of our stops were at Freeport and Nassau.

We didn't know it then, and we weren't advised by Norwegian Cruise Line during the cruise, but both Nassau and Freeport were under a State Department Level 2 travel advisory. This is due to some violent crimes from gang activity. 

According to Yahoo!:

Both Nassau and Freeport are popular cruise destinations that are both under a travel advisory from the US Department of State. That has been the case since Jan. 26, 2024, but anyone visiting needs to be aware of exactly what the warning says in order to be safe if they decide to get off the ship in either destination.

A Level 2 warning is a little more serious and should be paid attention to, but it's not the US government telling you not to travel. In the case of The Bahamas, which is under a Level 2 travel advisory, you really have to read the warning.

"Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime," serves as essentially the headline for the Level 2 travel advisory which then gets much more specific.

"The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the 'Over the Hill' area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence," the State Department shared.

Although in a Level 2 safety warning, we saw nothing that would give us concern while we were in Freeport or Nassau. It would have been nice if Norwegian Cruise Line told us about the travel advisory.

To read more, go here.

"This Little Bullet" With John Wayne

Until yesterday, I didn't know about this gun safety video, "This Little Bullet". It stars John Wayne. It was produced in 1977.

About the video:

This firearms safety video was created by the Arizona Fish and Game Commission, and stars John Wayne. If you have children you want to get started in the shooting sports, this should be a MUST WATCH video for them. It is also a good reminder to those of us who are active in the shooting sports. ENJOY. 

It is a nice little piece of history and is still relevant today.

Here's the video: 

RVing With Guns (Videos)

For those who RV with firearms or are planning to do so, here's three videos on RVing With Guns by Endless RVing.

  

 

Safest National Parks In The U.S.

Above, Petrified Forest National Park came in as the second safest national park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's been many reports of injuries and fatalities that have taken place in our national parks over the past several years.

Some have been caused by carelessness, stupidity, natural incidents (such as landslides) and animals. 

TheTravel has posted a list of the 10 safest American national parks. Not surprisingly, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona ranked as the second safest national park. I thought the park would make the list before I even saw it.

They begin with:

There are 63 national parks in the US, preserving everything from temperate rainforests to coral reefs to fragile rock formations. With so much beauty to explore, it's no wonder that over 300 million people visited a national park in 2022.

For those hoping to join the statistics in the coming year, there are a number of factors to consider. Some US national parks will require reservations in 2024 and will take plenty of advanced planning to visit. Timing isn't the only thing at play when visiting national parks, however. Those less familiar with the parks may be worried about getting in over their heads out on the trails. Thankfully, there are many safety measures in place that ensure a positive and safe experience.

So, just how safe are the national parks in the US? American outdoor brand KÜHL has compiled data from the national parks regarding park fatalities, search and rescue missions, and proximity to hospitals to rank all 63 national parks by safety. Final scores ranged from 7.80 for America's safest national park to a mere 0.63 for the least safe.

To read more, go here. 

Best Handguns For Women

Men, in general, have a wide range of firearms they can get for themselves. For ladies, this is also true, but some have preferences on what they feel they can handle. 

Pew Pew Tactical has compiled a list of the best handguns for women. And, the list is by women.

It begins with:

If you’re a lady in the world of guns or considering becoming one, you’ve probably wondered which firearms are best for women.

Unequivocally, women are capable of shooting the same guns as boys. But there are certain models that some women tend to prefer.

And that’s the topic of today’s chat…What are the best handguns for women?

Spoiler alert, they’re not all pink .22 LRs, the gun shop would have you think. (But if Barbie pink is your jam, there’s always Cerakote…)

In this article, we’ll go over some things to consider when choosing a gun – stuff like handgun size and caliber.

And remember, as well-meaning as your boyfriend, husband, or significant other is, you should always be the one to decide what handgun you buy. (And ideally, try one out at the range before purchasing.)

Also worth mentioning, this is a list curated for the ladies by the ladies. Yep, the women of Pew Pew Tactical have had hands-on time with every gun on this list.

So, with that said, let’s dive into our top pics!

To read more, go here. 

Most Aggressive Driving Cities

Above, trucks on Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last Sunday, while driving on Interstate 40 to Albuquerque, I almost had to shoot out a trucker's tires (or worse) as he had a fit of road rage near Laguna.

He made aggressive moves with this truck and trailer at me (swerving) and threw an object at my motorhome. He apparently didn't like the speed I was traveling. 

I make it a practice to bring my 9mm pistol whenever I travel and this was the closest time I ever had to use it. It was at the ready just in case. Fortunately, he sped off and the incident was over.  

Aggressive drivers is the topic of an RV Travel article. It provides a list of what cities that have the most aggressive drivers.

They begin it with:

Aggressive driving—fast acceleration, hard braking, speeding. GasBuddy, a PDI Technologies company, released the results of its annual aggressive holiday driving study. It reveals that U.S. drivers are up to 48% more aggressive on the roads during the holiday season. The study ranked the top 50 U.S. metros from most to least aggressive, placing Tucson, Arizona, at the top of the “naughty list”, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the city with the “nicest” holiday drivers, rising six spots from 7th in 2022.

What is road rage? 

Here's a legal definition:

In the United States, road laws differ from state to state. But all state adopt the official definition of road rage as described by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, which is “An act of assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle or precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.”

In terms of road accidents, road rage is referred to as “Aggressive driving.” NHTSA defines it as an individual committing a combination of moving offenses that puts other persons and properties around him/her in danger.

To read more, go here. 

Keep RV Drawers and Cabinets From Opening

Above, a safety catch I installed in my overhead cabinets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some years back, I was with a girlfriend who had a two-year-old. The dinette to my motorhome has an attachment for child safety seats. But it was directly under some overhead cabinets.

I got some child safety catches for those cabinets so that he wouldn't get beaned by stuff flying out of the cabinets on a rough road. I was going to put those in anyway as some items are made of glass.

That is the topic of an article in Do It Yourself RV. 

They begin it with:

Traveling on back roads or less maintained routes can often cause significant jostling to an RV. It’s not uncommon for drawers to come loose under these conditions, spilling their contents or, in worse cases, causing damage to the drawer slides. While some newer RV models are equipped with locking drawer slides and hinges to prevent such mishaps, these mechanisms aren’t always foolproof. In older RVs, there might be no safeguards at all against drawers and cabinets swinging open. A surprisingly simple and effective solution is to use child safety locks.

These locks are an affordable and efficient way to secure drawers and cabinets, preventing them from opening during transit. Implementing this method is especially useful in RVs that lack built-in locking mechanisms. It’s a practical approach to “child-proofing” the RV – a strategy that’s beneficial regardless of whether there are actual children onboard. 

To read more, go here. 

Eclipse Glasses and Merchandise

Merchandising for the upcoming annular solar eclipse in Gallup, New Mexico has already started.

Good ol' capitalism!

I saw a merchant offering Gallup-centric annular solar eclipse t-shirts at Amazon. I did get a t-shirt in Idaho in 2017 when the Great American Eclipse took place.

Here's a photo:

 

On the other hand, there are some merchants who are selling eclipse safety glasses. Walmart is one. I would presume that Gallup Walgreen's and supermarkets are selling them as well. I would recommend calling around and ask before going on a "wild goose chase" to get some. I already have some.

The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque is offering free eclipse glasses. Go here for more information.

Annular Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

Above, eclipse watchers during the 2017 Great American
Eclipse near Roberts, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those planning to observe the annular solar eclipse on October 14, safety precautions must be taken to protect one's eyes from the damaging rays of the sun.

I have several pairs of solar glasses left over from the 2017 Great American Eclipse. They are still good to use. They have been safely put away in my motorhome.

From the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

The American Astronomical Society says modern eclipse glasses do not expire. If the glasses were compliant with the ISO 12312-2, and have no punctures, scratches or tears, and the filters/lenses remain attached to the frames, they will last.

Space.com has eight safety tips for observing the eclipse.

They begin with:

A solar eclipse will be visible across North, Central and South America on Oct. 14, and it promises to be a landmark event. 

Everyone in the U.S. will see a partial solar eclipse, with those farther west seeing a much larger chunk taken out of the sun.

Only from a path 125 miles (200 kilometers) wide running from Oregon through Texas — via California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico — will observers get to see a "ring of fire," as a slightly smaller-than-average new moon obscures about 90% of the sun for up to almost five minutes (annularity). Our annular solar eclipse 2023 guide tells you everything you need to know about North America's "ring of fire" eclipse. 

For some specific regions — notably the high-elevation Colorado Plateau, where many eclipse-chasers will head — there are some particular safety issues to be aware of. However, everyone in the continent needs to be aware of how to stay safe on eclipse day for an event that will take up to about three hours, depending on the exact location.

While this is an exciting and unique experience, it's crucial to prioritize safety when observing the eclipse. Here are eight tips to ensure safe and enjoyable viewing of this exciting and unique event, which won't happen again in the U.S. until June 21, 2039 in Alaska.  

 To read more, go here.

Essential RV Safety Devices

Above, Santa Fe Skies RV Park in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Life on the road is an enjoyable pastime, but things that mar the experience can and do happen.

RV Life has posted an article on RV safety devices that every RV owner should have.

They begin it with:

When you travel in an RV, you can explore every part of the country. But all this adventuring comes with an inherent risk. No matter how careful you are, something could always go wrong. That’s why it’s so important to travel with a collection of safety devices and emergency equipment.

You need to be ready for anything when you travel, including propane leaks, faulty brakes, thieves, or a dead battery. Some of these issues can be solved by preventive measures, while others need to be dealt with once something actually breaks. Fortunately, RVs are made to be fixable so you can deal with most problems easily (as long as you have the right tools).

There are all kinds of gadgets and gizmos on the market, but not all of them are actually necessary. There are a few essentials you should definitely bring along for the ride, though! That’s why we’ve compiled the following list of safety devices that every RV owner should have.

 To read more, go here.

Traveling With Firearms In Your RV

Above, yours truly with my Winchester 94.

Camping, whether by tent or an RV, with a firearm has been a part of my family ever since I can remember. My grandfathers and my father did and so do I. I guess you may call it a family tradition.

It all boils down to personal protection. Doing so and knowing the applicable laws is important. There is an old proverb: It's better to be judged by twelve than to be carried by six. It is wiser to act decisively and be judged by a jury than to be killed through inaction or being unarmed. Just make sure it's legal for you to do so.

The topic of traveling with firearms in your RV was posted yesterday in RV Life. It is well worth reading. 

They begin with:

Can You Travel With Firearms In Your RV?

Are you at risk of fines or jail time when traveling with firearms? Guns can be a tricky topic; however, it’s essential to talk about so you are informed on the safety and laws of traveling with firearms in a camper.

People have mixed opinions about guns and who and where they should be allowed. We are not going to debate these topics. Instead, let’s discuss RVing with firearms for those who choose to do so.

Firearm ownership and transport come with laws and regulations to ensure the safety of the owners and the general public. For RVers and the context of this article, we will be looking at transport within an RV. Traveling by air with firearms has its own set of laws and regulations we won’t be discussing.

Due to the legal obligations and seriousness of firearm ownership, it must be noted that laws and regulations specific to you, your firearms, and your location must be adhered to. Priority number one for anyone legally traveling with a firearm should be training, certification, and competency in handling and using their firearms.

To read more, go here. 

RV Safety Advice From Truckers

Above, a traffic collision led to an I-40 back-up two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems that the majority of traffic accidents on Interstate 40 (that I live near) involve big rig semi trucks. I couldn't say who caused each accident, but I do know that most often trucks travel on the highway at excessive speeds beyond what is safe for conditions.

When I am on the highway in my motorhome, trucks blow past me at high speeds and the air suction sometimes is pretty unnerving. The same goes when we get high winds. That's why I drive in my lane favoring the right side.

With the above in mind, RV Travel posted and article and video on RV safety advice from truckers.

It begins with:

In this fun and informative video, Robin Barrett of Creativity RV chats with people in the know about RV and big rig safety: truckers!

Surprise, it turns out that truckers and RVers can peacefully co-exist and help to keep each other safe on the road.

Robin picked the brains of truckers from TruckersReport.com. The professional big rig drivers have a whole lot of knowledge that can benefit RVers, so the video presents some truly beneficial information from people in the know. In it, they give practical and actionable advice and also talk about their biggest concerns surrounding sharing the roads with RVers.

 To read more and see the video, go here.

Keeping RV Cabinet Doors From Spilling Things

Above, a cabinet safety catch in my motorhome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As the following article from Do It Yourself RV states, there's a lot of shaking going on while one's RV is on the road.

All this shaking, especially on rough roads, can cause cabinet doors to pop open and shifting contents inside the cabinet can fall out and possibly bean someone who is sitting below.

I installed some plastic cabinet safety catches to three of my cabinets and they have worked well. None of the cabinet doors have popped open and spill anything. They were easy to install. I also have some spring-tension cabinet bars in other cabinets.

There are several ways to keep things from moving inside the cabinet and Do It Yourself RV shows what they are. 

They begin with:

There’s a whole lot of shaking going on! In your RV cabinets, that is. Whether your rig is cruising down the highway or bumping down the gravel road to the campground, every little bump on the road leads to earthquake-level seismic activity inside your RV. 

No wonder things sometimes fall out of RV cabinets when we travel. This can create an annoying mess to clean up before getting settled into the campsite. Who’s got time for that?

We’re here to help you! In this article, we’ll show you three different ways you can keep things from falling out of your RV cabinets. Not handy? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. None of these awesome methods of corralling your stuff requires skills or even tools.  

To read more, go here.