Guns, Firearms, Projectile Weapon Sports/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer questions relating to Legal Concealed Carry in most of the Western US, with detailed knowledge of Concealed Carry laws in Arizona. I have an in-depth understanding of tactical and defensive handgun skills including Close Range Gunfighting, Armed Vehicle Operations, Low Light Gunfighting and Advanced Concealed Carry techniques. I can answer detailed questions regarding Firearms Safety, Gun Handling and Marksmanship techniques. I can also answer detailed questions in the area of Crime Prevention and Victim Avoidance. ***PLEASE NOTE: Despite having done so in the past, I cannot continue to answer questions about valuation of firearms of any kind or questions regarding when a gun was made or what the impact of age or condition might be on the value of any firearm, either contemporary or antique.***

Experience in the area

NRA Training Counselor, NRA instructor for Personal Protection in the Home, Home Firearms Safety, Basic Pistol and Refuse to be a Victim disciplines. Certified by the AZ Dept. of Public Safety as a Firearms Safety Instructor for AZ Concealed Weapons Permit Classes and AZ Unarmed and Armed Security Guard Training. Instructor in both Low Light Gunfighting and Close Range Gunfighting. As a Staff instructor for Suarez International, I teach intermediate and advanced level tactical handgun courses. I am also teach intermediate and advanced level courses in the AR15/M4 and Kalashnikov Rifle platforms. I am a multiple graduate of Gunsite Academy and hold a certificate of Armed Vehicle Operations from them. I have been instructing in Arizona professionally for the past 9 years and have over 20 years shooting experience. Certified by the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners as a Crime Prevention Specialist.

Organizations

National Rifle Association, Life Member; International Society of Crime Prevention Practioners; International Defensive Pistol Association; Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association; Association of Police Marksman; President, US Marshals Posse - District of Arizona

Education/Credentials

BS, Political Science, Appalachian State University; Suarez International - Low Light Instructor, Suarez International - Close Range Gunfighting Instructor, Gunsite Academy - Armed Vehicle Operations, Arizona Department of Public Safety - Firearms Safety Instructor, NRA Instructor Ratings in Personal Protection in Home, Home Firearms Safety and Basic Pistol, ASP Tactical Baton Instructor, ASP Tactical Handcuff Instructor.

Past/Present Clients

Please visit my website for testimonials at http://www.armedpersonaldefense.com

What do you like about this subject?

One of the most satisfying parts of this field is to help someone learn how to recognize and avoid criminal violence, or when things go south, having provided them with training in skills to protect themselves or their family if confronted by that same criminal violence. If what I teach saves one life, the time and energy invested is all worth it.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Proficiency in firearms is a perishable skill. I continue to train with some of the best schools and instructors in an effort to always stay on the cutting edge of defensive handgun and tactical handgun techniques. No matter how good you get, you can always learn something...

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

A sound understanding of the "Combat Triad" as defined by Jeff Cooper, is essential to being able to defend yourself with a handgun should the need arise. Training that utilizes the "Combat Triad" will insure that you possess the correct mindset, marksmanship and gun-handling skills necessary to prevail against your adversary.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

You would not believe the amount of time I spend getting people to 'unlearn' bad habits and poor techniques they picked up from well meaning friends or family members...the only worse source of information I can think of would be the movies or television. Just because you see it in a movie or on a tv show doesn't make it 'correct'.