Tag: Denver

Concealed Carry, Shooting Techniques

Frequency and Depth of Training: A Guide to Education and Practice for Concealed Carry Permit Holders”

Mark Schneider

The right to bear arms, particularly in the context of concealed carry, comes with a significant responsibility to ensure safety, legality, and proficiency. This extensive guide, aimed at concealed carry permit holders, explores a structured approach to firearms training and education. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing training, practice, and knowledge acquisition, vital for those committed to responsible gun ownership and use.

Beginning with Basic Training: Establishing a Solid Foundation

NRA Refuse to Be a Victim Course: Our course extends beyond firearm training, focusing on proactive safety and avoiding dangerous situations. It covers home, automobile, technology, and travel security, emphasizing situational awareness and preventive tactics. This seminar is vital for those seeking to complement physical defense skills with strategies to enhance overall personal safety, teaching how to better prevent confrontations and potential threats.

Concealed Carry Training for Novices and Intermediates: The journey into responsible gun ownership begins with a foundational concealed carry training program. Our standard Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) class is tailored for intermediate shooters, while beginners are recommended our combined CHP and NRA First Steps course. These initial stages cover firearm safety, basic handling, shooting principles, and an overview of the legal aspects of carrying a concealed weapon.

NRA Basic Pistol Course: Following the foundational training, the NRA Basic Pistol Course represents the next step. This course offers a deeper exploration into the mechanics, maintenance, and handling of pistols. It plays a crucial role in transitioning from basic firearm operation to becoming a proficient shooter, emphasizing accuracy, different firing positions, and safe gun handling.

Advanced Skill Development: Specialized Training for Home and Public Spaces

NRA Inside the Home Protection & NRA Outside the Home Protection: With a firm grip on basic pistol skills, it’s essential to move towards more situational and advanced training. The NRA’s Inside the Home and Outside the Home Protection courses are designed to provide real-world scenarios that teach gun owners how to defend themselves in various environments. These courses address tactical considerations, legal implications, and the psychological aspects of using a firearm in self-defense.

Reinforcing Skills through Regular Practice and Continued Learning

Consistent Range Practice: To ensure the retention and improvement of shooting skills, regular practice is indispensable. Membership at a local shooting range and engaging in shooting activities 2 to 4 times a month is recommended. This not only aids in skill maintenance but also helps in staying comfortable and familiar with one’s firearm.

Recurrent Training: Given that skills can diminish over time and legal guidelines can change, it’s advisable to retake training courses every three to five years. This practice helps in refreshing skills, updating knowledge on legal changes, and staying informed about new techniques and safety protocols.

Broadening Knowledge: Self-Study Through Books, Videos, and Memberships

Extensive Reading List: A comprehensive understanding of firearms, self-defense laws, and tactical strategies can be significantly enhanced through reading. Recommended literature includes Andrew Branca’s “Law of Self Defense,” Massad Ayoob’s insightful publications, “The Modern Day Gun Slinger” by Don Mann, “The Trial of Bernhard Goetz” by Fletcher, various books by Attorney Gerry Spence, Jeff Cooper’s works, and regular reading of “Concealed Carry Magazine” by USCCA.

Educational YouTube Channels: In today’s digital age, learning is further augmented by visual content. YouTube channels like John Correia’s Active Self Protection provide real-life defense scenario analyses, Massad Ayoob on the Wilson Combat channel offers expert advice on defensive shooting, and The Armed Attorneys Emily Taylor and Rich Hayes, along with Andrew Branca’s channel, provide valuable legal insights.

USCCA Membership: Joining the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is highly recommended for access to their extensive Protector Academy. This online resource offers a wide array of training modules, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, and includes practical tips on concealed carry and self-defense tactics.

Integrating Training into Everyday Life: The Importance of a Defensive Mindset

Developing a Defensive Mindset: Beyond physical training, developing a defensive mindset is crucial for concealed carry permit holders. This mindset involves situational awareness, understanding the psychology of a potential attacker, and mental preparedness for the ethical and emotional implications of using a firearm in self-defense.

Scenario-Based Training: Engaging in scenario-based training, such as simulated defensive situations, can be invaluable. These exercises help in understanding how to react under stress, make rapid decisions, and apply shooting skills in real-world contexts.

Physical Fitness and Conditioning: Physical fitness plays a vital role in self-defense. Regular exercise, strength training, and conditioning improve stamina, agility, and the overall ability to handle a firearm effectively under stress.

Staying Informed: Keeping Up with Legal and Technological Changes

Legal Awareness: As laws governing concealed carry and self-defense can vary and evolve, staying informed about legal changes at the local, state, and federal levels is essential. This knowledge not only ensures compliance with the law but also provides a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities of a gun owner.

Technological Advancements: The firearm industry is continuously evolving, with advancements in firearm technology, safety features, and accessories. Staying updated with these developments can lead to more informed choices about the tools and equipment used for concealed carry.

Supporting Gun Rights in Colorado: The Importance of Joining RMGO

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO): For gun enthusiasts and advocates in Colorado, joining the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO) can be a crucial step in protecting and promoting gun rights within the state. RMGO is known for its staunch defense of the Second Amendment and its proactive approach in lobbying against restrictive gun legislation. By becoming a member, individuals not only contribute to a stronger collective voice in legislative matters but also stay informed about local gun laws, receive updates on critical legal battles, and participate in community events focused on firearm rights and education. Membership in RMGO symbolizes a commitment to safeguarding the rights of gun owners in Colorado, ensuring that their voices are heard in the ongoing debate over gun ownership and usage.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a responsible and proficient concealed carry permit holder is a continuous journey that encompasses formal training, regular practice, self-study, and an ever-evolving understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities. With an initial investment of 37 hours in our classroom and range training, supplemented by ongoing practice, education, and a commitment to personal development, individuals can confidently and safely exercise their right to bear arms.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. The use of this information is at your own risk. For advice on specific legal issues, consult a qualified attorney.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law, News

Denver’s New Gun Laws

Mark Schneider

Navigating Denver’s New Concealed Carry Laws: A Guide For Gun Owners

Denver’s enactment of the new municipal code, Section 38-131, represents a significant shift for concealed handgun permit holders and gun owners. This legislation, a response to former Mayor Michael Hancock’s 2022 initiative to combat gun violence, broadly prohibits the concealed carrying of firearms in public parks and any buildings or land owned or leased by the city and county of Denver. With its passage by a 9 to 3 vote in the city council, understanding the full scope and implications of this law is crucial for permit holders and gun owners.

Understanding the Law’s Extensive Reach

The ordinance’s broad scope includes all city-owned or leased buildings and land, notably encompassing public parks. This expansion significantly affects areas where permit holders were previously allowed to carry firearms.

Deciphering the Boundaries

For concealed handgun permit holders, this new law changes the landscape dramatically. Areas that were once routine parts of daily life, such as public parks and city facilities, now fall under strict no-carry zones. Understanding these boundaries is critical to avoid unintentional legal breaches.

Exceptions and Affirmative Defenses

Despite its extensive reach, the law includes specific exceptions and affirmative defenses applicable to certain groups, including law enforcement officers, active-duty military personnel, licensed security guards, and those with authorization at police shooting ranges.

Transportation of Firearms

The law permits the transportation of unloaded firearms within private vehicles for hunting or personal protection, a provision crucial for gun owners who engage in these activities.

The Impact on Permit Holders

The introduction of this law necessitates a significant adaptation for permit holders. The changes affect where you can legally carry a concealed firearm, with non-compliance leading to financial penalties.

Balancing Legal Compliance and Personal Safety

Permit holders must now navigate the complex balance between adhering to the new legal framework and maintaining personal safety, especially in emergencies where quick response is vital.

Enforcement and Potential Penalties

Violations of the ordinance are treated as non-criminal infractions, similar to parking violations, with fines ranging from $50 for a first offense to up to $999 for subsequent violations. While not criminal charges, these fines represent a substantial financial consideration.

Essential Strategies for Permit Holders

  1. Stay Informed: Keeping abreast of the specific locations of city-owned or leased properties and public parks where the law is enforceable is crucial.
  2. Understanding Exceptions: Familiarizing yourself with the law’s exceptions and affirmative defenses is essential to know when and where carrying is permissible.
  3. Pre-Planning: When traveling within the city, consider your route and activities in light of these restrictions.
  4. Engage in Advocacy: Participating in discussions with local representatives or gun rights advocacy groups can offer a platform to voice concerns and seek further clarifications about the law.

Analyzing the Law’s Broader Implications

The introduction of this ordinance is part of a larger conversation about gun rights and public safety. While aimed at enhancing safety, it intersects with the rights of lawful gun owners and permit holders, raising questions about effective crime prevention and the impact on law-abiding citizens.

Public Safety Versus Personal Rights

The law reflects an effort to balance public safety concerns with the rights of individuals to carry firearms for personal protection. This balance is a contentious issue, with opinions divided on the effectiveness of such restrictions in preventing gun violence.

The Deterrent Effect

One of the key questions surrounding the law is its ability to deter individuals with intent to commit violent acts. Critics argue that those determined to commit crimes may not be swayed by such restrictions, while supporters believe it to be a step towards safer public spaces.

The Role of Permit Holders in Public Safety

Permit holders often undergo extensive background checks and training, positioning them as responsible members of the firearm-owning community. The new restrictions place additional burdens on these individuals, who are generally law-abiding and knowledgeable about gun safety.

“Personal Decision: To Carry or Not in Restricted Areas”

As a concealed handgun permit holder or gun owner, the decision to carry in the newly restricted areas of Denver, such as public parks and city-owned or leased buildings, poses a significant personal dilemma. While the law clearly prohibits the carrying of firearms in these locations, individuals must weigh the importance of their ability to defend themselves against the risk of receiving a ticket, which, though a non-criminal infraction, carries financial penalties. It’s a decision that involves balancing personal safety with legal compliance. While I can suggest that permit holders might still consider carrying in parks and certain Denver buildings to ensure their own safety, it’s crucial to emphasize that this is not legal advice. Each permit holder must assess their own risk tolerance, the specific circumstances they might encounter, and the potential financial consequences of their decision. It is a personal judgment call, and those who choose to carry in these areas should be fully aware of the law and the implications of non-compliance.

Conclusion

For Denver’s concealed handgun permit holders and gun owners, the new ordinance necessitates a careful reassessment of how and where to legally carry firearms. While the law aims to enhance public safety, it also introduces new limitations on the carrying of firearms in public spaces. Navigating these changes requires staying informed, understanding the law’s nuances, and engaging in constructive dialogue about its implementation and impact.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. The use of this information is at your own risk. For advice on specific legal issues, consult a qualified attorney.

Legal & Law, News

Looking Back At The Death of Elias Armstrong: A Controversial Case of Self-Defense in Colorado

Mark Schneider

By: NRA Certified Instructor Firearms Instructor Mark Schneider (Owner: Concealed Carry Classes Of Denver)

Notice: This article is not legal advice and I not an attorney.

Introduction

In February 2023, Denver, Colorado, became the backdrop for a tragic and controversial incident that raised significant questions about self-defense laws, gun ownership, and the ethical implications of using lethal force to protect property. The incident involved the shooting death of a 12-year-old boy named Alias Armstrong, who had stolen a car with friends near Northfield Mall in Denver. The car’s owner, whose identity remains unknown, tracked down his stolen vehicle using GPS technology, leading to a fateful confrontation near Denver Health. This article delves into the details of the case, examines Colorado’s self-defense laws, and discusses why District Attorney (DA) McCann chose not to press charges.

The Events of February 2023

On a chilly February evening, Alias Armstrong, a 12-year-old with friends, made the regrettable decision to steal a car near Northfield Mall in Denver. Unbeknownst to Alias, the car was equipped with a GPS tracking system, allowing the owner to locate it quickly. The owner, upon discovering the theft, promptly alerted the Denver Police Department (DPD). Officers arrived on scene and failed to act on the information provided by the owner including the location of the vehicle. The owner indicated his intention to track down the stolen vehicle himself if DPD failed to take action.

After failed action by the Denver Police, the vehicle’s owner eventually tracked the stolen car to a location near Denver Health. Like a lot of citizens these days, citizens are feeling they need to take matters into their own hands due to lack of action by law enforcement. When he arrived at the scene, he found Alias and individuals inside the stolen vehicle. What followed was a confrontation that quickly escalated into a deadly gunfight between the car’s owner and one of the passengers inside the stolen vehicle. Alias Armstrong tragically lost his life during the exchange of gunfire.

Understanding Colorado’s Self-Defense Laws

Colorado, like many states, has specific laws that govern the use of lethal force in self-defense situations. Two critical statutes come into play when analyzing the shooting death of Alias Armstrong: Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) 18-1-704 and CRS 18-1-706.

CRS 18-1-704 – Use of Physical Force in Defense of a Person

Under CRS 18-1-704, individuals are permitted to use physical force, including deadly force, in self-defense if they believe it is necessary to protect themselves or another person from what they reasonably believe to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force. This statute is commonly cited in cases of self-defense, and it hinges on the idea of a reasonable belief in the threat.

CRS 18-1-706 – Use of Physical Force in Defense of Property

CRS 18-1-706 pertains to the use of physical force in the defense of property. However, you are only allowed to use reasonable force to protect property and not necessarily deadly force, unless if the circumstances justifies deadly force under CRS 18-1-704.

In other words, Colorado law allows for the use of reasonable force to protect property, but it generally does not authorize the use of deadly force solely for the protection of property unless the circumstances involve a threat of serious bodily injury or death.

DA McCann’s Decision Not to Press Charges

After a thorough investigation into the shooting death of Alias Armstrong, District Attorney McCann decided not to press charges against the car’s owner who had confronted the individuals inside his stolen vehicle. This decision was grounded in McCann’s belief that a jury would likely not convict the car owner due to the existing self-defense laws in Colorado.

McCann’s decision rested on several key factors:

  1. Reasonable Belief: The car’s owner claimed that he believed his life was in danger of serious bodily injury or death when he confronted Alias and the other individual inside the stolen car. Given the ambiguity of the situation and the perceived threat, McCann deemed it difficult to disprove the car owner’s reasonable belief in the need for self-defense.
  2. No duty to Retreat Requirement: Colorado is a “not duty to retreat”(Colorado V. Monroe) state, which means there is no legal duty to retreat before using force, even deadly force, in self-defense situations. This legal framework strengthens the argument for the car owner’s actions being justified.
  3. Protection of Property: While CRS 18-1-706 allows for the use of reasonable force to protect property, it primarily focuses on situations where personal property is danger of being stolen. In this case, the car’s owner claimed he was protecting his property.

The Ethical, Emotional And Failure Of Police To Act Aftermath

While the shooting of Alias Armstrong may have been deemed legally justifiable under Colorado’s self-defense laws, the case raises significant ethical and emotional concerns. It raises concerns about modern policing and failing to act when they can.

  1. The Police Failed To Act: The owner of the vehicle did what any other reasonable and prudent person would do. He called the Police. The DPD arrived, took a report, was given pertinent information and failed to act. This is very common with law enforcement these days. This is also setting a dangerous precedent for vigilantism.
  2. The Tragedy of a Young Life Lost: Alias Armstrong’s life was cut short due to a series of unfortunate events, ultimately leading to his untimely death. Regardless of the legal justifications, the loss of a young life is a tragedy that cannot be overlooked.
  3. The Value of Human Life: The incident reminds us of the ethical dilemma surrounding the use of deadly force. While self-defense laws are intended to protect individuals and property, they should also prioritize the preservation of human life whenever possible.
  4. Alternative Approaches: Some Critics may argue that there might have been alternative ways to address the situation without resorting to lethal force. Experts in non-violent conflict resolution and de-escalation could possibly question whether a different approach could have been taken.
  5. Emotional Impact: The car owner, too, will carry the emotional burden of taking a life, even if it was in self-defense. The psychological trauma and moral questioning that often accompany such incidents cannot be underestimated.

Conclusion

The shooting death of Alias Armstrong in February 2023 near Denver Health remains a contentious and tragic case that challenges our understanding of self-defense laws, property protection, and the ethical implications of using deadly force. While Colorado’s legal framework may have allowed for the shooting to be considered legal under self-defense, it does not erase the ethical and emotional complexities surrounding the incident.

Ultimately, this case serves as a stark reminder that legality is not the only factor to consider when examining a tragic event. It highlights the importance of continuously evaluating self-defense laws to strike a balance between individual rights and the preservation of human life, especially in situations involving the use of deadly force. The shooting death of Alias Armstrong forces us to confront these challenging issues and strive for a more just, lawful and fair society.