MELISSA BACHMAN Living her...

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M ELI SSA BAC H M A NLi v i n g h er d r ea m

“When the time came for me to hunt, I was prepared.

Nothing was going to stop me.”

The content in The American Woman Shooter does not necessarily represent the opinions of the owner. No additional fact-fi nding was conducted to verify the information contained here-in.

Joella BatesAli CsinosLinda GilbertsonKevin L. Jamison, Esq.

Jennifer Hoyt LalliJulie Loeffl erR. J. Machado De QuevedoAnna McGregor

Andy MoralesMaggie MordauntSheila RockwellTarra Stoddard

Contributors (in alphabetical order):

Art Director: Rick Keen [email protected]

Associate Editor: Sheila [email protected]

Website/Social Media Director: Natasha Snodgrass [email protected]

Managing Editor: Julie Loeffl [email protected]

Marketing Director/Sales: Briden [email protected] or [email protected]

Founder and Publisher: Lucretia Free [email protected]

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M ELI SSA BAC H M A NLi v i n g h er d r ea m

“When the time came for me to hunt, I was prepared.

Nothing was going to stop me.”

Defending Yourself During

the Holidays

2 TheAmericanWomanShooter.com

“Melissa Bachman - Living Her Dream” continued on page 19

would work 30 days straight and use my free time to film my own hunts. I bought my own camera and edited everything myself. Nothing was going to be given to me,” she added.

Bachman was eventually offered a full-time position and began producing professionally. Still, she was behind the camera, many times carrying 75 pounds of equipment. She longed for the day when she was the one carrying the bow or the rifle.

Her internship with the North American Hunting Club was about to pay off.

“I never did my own stuff on work time,” Bachman explained. “I was filming a hunt in Illinois, and I took a whitetail with a bow in 2007. I edited it and put it all together and asked them to run it on the show if they needed it. More people started asking for my hunts, and sponsors liked it. So that’s how it all began.”

Bachman is beginning her fifth season on the Sportsman Channel and

her 26-week series, Winchester Deadly Passion, can be seen every Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.

Bachman has become a true role model and is willing to help others. She will soon begin a program to help beginners edit their own hunting shoots. But, with either a rifle, shotgun or bow by her side, hunting

“I had a double major in TV Production and Spanish in college and my first dream was to be a sideline reporter in the NFL,” Bachman added. “But I wondered why I couldn’t combine my knowledge of broadcasting with hunting.”

An honors student at St. Cloud State, Bachman sent out 72 resumes when she graduated and received 72 negative responses. Did anyone think that was going to stop her?

Bachman believes that nothing comes free and that work is the best way to get what you want. She relayed her thoughts on people getting “lucky” in

the entertainment business, but she feels that fighting for your dreams is rewarding. And Bachman knew how to fight.

“I wrote one company back (that was) nearest to my home, and told them I would work for free so they could see what I could do. No one turns down free work so they agreed. I worked for free for four months working on other people’s shows. I learned about everything and worked my way up. I

She’s a self-made business woman, a role model, a hunter and, sadly, a lightning rod. Born and raised in Minnesota, Melissa Bachman is everything you see on her show, “Winchester Deadly Passion”, and more. A lot more.

Big game hunting, especially the taking of lions in Africa, has been center stage in the media recently, and Bachman has been the recipient of negative press and personal attacks after she posed with a lion that she killed in 2013.

Hopefully, the reader will find these attacks on Bachman are unwarranted.

Bachman is as comfortable with her Winchester Repeating Arms XPR as she is with a camera. Her parents taught her and her brother how to shoot, but Bachman took it upon herself to learn how to bring her hunts to life.

“In Minnesota you have to be 12 before you can hunt, but my mom and dad introduced me to tree stands and duck blinds when I was five,” Bachman remembers. “When the time came for me to hunt, I was prepared. Nothing was going to stop me.”

Thanks to her equally impressive ability in the classroom, Bachman secured a work permit that allowed her to begin her dream of hunting every day while in high school. She also had time to compete in the pole vault on her school’s track team.

by Andy Morales

Melissa Bachman - Living Her Dream

TheAmericanWomanShooter.com 3

always asks me, “How long does it take to miss?” and I always respond with the same answer: “Forever.” All of them have helped me, given me tips, and stuck with me in things related to shooting.

Right now I want to get better so that I can be the best at my local club matches! When I'm 30 years old I want to have at least one national champi-onship. I would also like to compete in Three Gun Nation on Television.

I think people are more surprised than anything to hear that I shoot. Actu-ally, very FEW people at my middle school know that I compete. There is a thought that guns are bad. I can't even wear my sponsors' shirt at school because "gun shirts" are against the rules. The gun isn’t gonna pop off the shirt and shoot anyone! If you play basketball and wear a Suns shirt I think you should be able to wear a gun related shirt if you're a shooter!

The girl versus boy thing doesn’t matter with shooting. The bullets are just as fast! It doesn’t matter if you are a girl or a boy, in this sport you can be equally good if you do your best and try hard. I’m so glad I can compete in such an amazing and fun sport like this!”

--DANYELA D'ANGELO

I was offered a sponsorship by KE Arms and I was so excited! I was able to tour the factory and saw a machine that creates AR’s from metal blocks.

Shooting and gymnastics are my two favorite things to do. I compete in both sports. A while ago my gymnas-tics coach told my Mom that I could move up to tumbling and trampo-line(TnT) on an actual team. I was really excited and glad I can com-pete in both sports. I want to thank EVERYONE at my local club who are always there to give me some point-ers, or show me where I am making mistakes. Four very important people have inspired and shaped me in my shooting. My Dad, (Danny D’Angelo), Niam “Nick” Saiti, Gannon Burleigh, and John Tyler Brooks have all been

very inspiring in my shooting career. Nick is one of the best shooters in the world and took an interest in me. When I watch him shoot, It seems like he’s shooting a machine gun. Gannon has given me lots of what he calls “pro tips.” He and my dad are friendly rivals who’s scores seem to be almost the same, no matter what they do to win. John is a former Marine Scout Sniper who built my KE Arms competition rifle and sighted it in with me in 110° heat! My dad hand-loads my ammo, gets up at 5:00, puts everything in the truck, bought the guns for me, and supports me in everything. He

The American Woman Shooter Magazine has always recognized and encouraged Junior Shooters. In this and in future issues, we have decided that in order to further empower our featured girls, we will have them write their own articles, in their own words. Here, 12-year-old Danyela D’Angelo tells her story, and about how she feels when she hears, “Girls Can’t Do What?!?”:

"My name is Danyela D’Angelo. I’m 12 years young and a 7th grader. My interest in shooting competitively all started when I was about 7 years old and my Dad took out his BB gun. I knew he loved shooting, and he let me shoot it one time at some cans, and I loved it! After that I asked him every day if I could shoot it again and it seemed like his answer was always, “Maybe tomorrow.”

After a few months went by, I start-ed getting comfortable with the BB gun and learned all of the 4 gun safety rules. When I was 10, I start-ed to shoot in steel challenge with a .22 short barrel rifle(SBR). I shot just about every 3rd Sunday of the month, which didn’t seem like enough practice. After a year of shooting just Steel Challenge, I started shooting every Thursday night, at our local club Cactus Combat Match League, which I still do every week. Now I’m shoot-ing in pistol, rifle, and 3 gun matches almost every weekend.

I have 2 younger sisters, Delylah and Dory, who are 6 and 9. My 9 year old sister shoots the same SBR I learned on in Steel Challenge, and she is very good, much better than I was at her age. But she learned differently than I did... with Delyah my Dad only ever said two words: “don’t miss”!

by Sheila Rockwell

Girls Can’t Do What?! - Danyela D’ Angelo


of pistol shooting and ensuring that these experiences are exciting and positive. And I absolutely love that no matter how much I improve, it is unlikely that I will ever obtain the perfect result . . . so I will never get bored and I will never give up on trying to better myself.

The range has become my "happy" place, whenever I am stressed or over-committed this is where I find myself. Somehow, I am always calmer after range time . . . whether I am training on my own, or catching up with friends while we have a few shots. I am now the Vice President of the North Western Pistol Club, an

Instructor, the current State Women's Air Pistol Champion, and have almost completed my Range Officer training.

I never expected that I would meet such amazing people and fall in love with this amazing sport, but now I can't imagine life without pistol shooting and the incredible friends I have made throughout our state. I have been lucky enough to be trained by some amazing coaches and aim to nominate to compete in the Tasmanian State Team at the Nationals within the next couple of years.

requirements and joined the North Western Pistol Club of Tasmania in June 2013.

Our Club has about 70 members in total, which includes about 3 active women shooters. We shoot ISSF matches, IPSC, Service and WA1500 matches.

I had never competed in an individual sport before and while I found it daunting initially, I have now grown to love the solitude and focus required to remain competitive during a match.

After dabbling in IPSC I have now become a dedicated Service/WA1500/Air pistol

shooter. My Service and WA1500 matches are shot with either a 6 inch or 4 inch Smith & Wesson revolver, both were custom built as I found after trying various pistols that one of my mentor's competition guns suited me best. I reload my own ammunition and adjust the power factors dependent on the requirements of the match. The Walther Club 400 is my pistol of choice for Air Pistol.

As for why I shoot . . . I enjoy the freedom of not relying on anyone except myself when competing, I love giving my complete focus and undivided attention to achieving the perfect shot (And then analyzing and starting over when I get it wrong), I love enhancing the experience of new shooters attending the range, making sure they are comfortable all the way through their first experiences

New Years Eve 2012 . . . My New Years Resolution for 2013 was to try 6 new things by the end of the year. My mantra became "Don't pass up an opportunity to try something new or different". I was a thirty-something year old woman, a wife, and mum of two young boys in a stressful job. I was in a rut!!

During that year I tried many new sports, activities and pastimes. Some I kept and some I left behind. I had only minimal exposure to firearms and really only knew which end to avoid.It was on Saturday, 23rd February 2013, that I was exposed to a whole new world. My husband and I had been invited to the local pistol club by a friend and, after watching a couple of matches, I had just been handed a .22 Unique pistol. I remember hanging onto it the way I'd hang onto a smelly sock, two fingers on the grip and having no idea what I was supposed to do now. I was given very brief instructions on safety and stance. After a very uncoordinated 20 rounds, with only about 5 hitting the target, the fear had left me and the adrenaline had kicked in . . . and unfortunately it was time for home.

I harassed my husband for 2 weeks before we returned to the range. Another club member handed over a .9mm Tanfoglio and actually told me what the sights were and how they were used . . .and suddenly I was hitting the target!! I was hooked!!I completed my membership

by Anna McGregor, Tasmania, Australia

International Shooter Anna McGregor -From Beginner to Instructor and Competitor


Overall:

This product gets a thumbs-up from me, for ease of use, reliability, and price-point. In my opinion, newer shooters may benefi t most from this product as it will help with accurate target acquisition. Would I recommend it to replace a competition optic? No. Will it replace a magnifi ed hunting scope? No. But it’s great for range use and close-range hunting with rifl e and shotgun. Use as one would a red-dot scope. At about $100 MSRP, it is a nice addition to your fi rearm without breaking the bank, and would make a welcome gift under the tree for the fi rearms enthusiast on your Christmas list!

where the bullet will go. Is it easy to use? Yes. No electronics and no batteries means that the sight can be exposed to water or the elements without worry of failure. The sight has a simple, rugged design and appears perfectly durable for range or hunting use.

the CONS:

There is no sight picture whatsoever below the tip of the triangle on the sight. You cannot see anything through the green glass that surrounds the triangle.In extreme low light conditions, there is no light source or illuminated reticle. If using a weapon-mounted light, the light source is too far in front of the sight to be of use.

the PROS:

The See All Open Sight is an interesting concept, indeed. It’s small, lightweight, and requires no batteries. Out of the box, it takes just a few minutes to install on any weapon with a Picatinny or Weaver rail system. Yes, this means that this sight can be used universally on your rifl e, shotgun, handgun, airgun….crossbow…etc. It attaches rather easily by sliding it onto the rail and then tightening the two Allen screws with the included attachment tool. There is virtually no “sighting-in”, though there are adjustments for windage and elevation.

It’s an Open sight, so there is no magnifi cation of your target. Instead, it replaces the use of traditional iron sights. Does it work? Yes. Line up the tip of the black triangle with your target, pull the trigger, and that is

by Sheila Rockwell

SEE ALL OPEN SIGHT REVIEW

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Meredith Rogers

"I love the way archery makes me feel and the challenge. I started heavily shooting archery last year to cope with an autoimmune

disease I have called, Eosinophilic Esophagitis. I can't eat a lot of what others eat and get sick often. My Mom bought me a compound bow to help me cope. Being able to shoot a bow makes me feel strong and healthy. I also love the challenge archery presents. Hitting targets and managing the adrenaline that comes with it makes me feel tough, like I can do anything.”

Kaylea Wren

“Make sure you find someone who inspires you and is a mentor to you. When you first get started people may beat you, but that’s only

because they have been shooting longer. Never give up and perfect practice makes perfect. You can’t get better by just having a regular boring practice. You need to make it fun and put your all into it so you can get better.”

Emily Robinson

"I like the challenge of making myself a better shot. I compete with myself, not others. I like the strategy involved in action

shooting sports. I know I must work hard to be more accurate and gain speed. Something I love about the shooting sports is the chance to help other females get into the sport. I really enjoy helping new shooters at matches. I wish more females would get involved and give the sport a chance."

Kimberly Snyder

"Honesty and Integrity are the fundamentals that I believe in with all my heart. I find that beauty for everything is appreciated

and found when there is truth and honesty. When I am hunting I am not looking to win any beauty pageant, I find myself beautiful by what I experience and what is given to me on every journey I embark on. I find beauty in the outdoors and on the smiles of first time hunters.”

Joni Marie

"My motto is, "Be someone who makes everybody feel like somebody." Supporting and encouraging others is so important.

Celebrating someone else's victories in no way takes away from your own. I think people often forget that. As women we've got to lift each other up! There are so many things in life that can weigh you down; and a few positive words can make such an impact on someone!"

Danielle Vermeulen

"Stop waiting till you are ready or better, because the fact of the matter is that you will never get there. You won’t know what you have

to work on till you get out to a match. If you are dead last, then so be it! You will be far better off leaving a match with some newfound knowledge and experience than some paper certificate saying that I beat two other lady shooters who are just as inexperienced. I want to be good, not “good for a girl” and that is going to take time and work. Time and work. And, lots and lots of ammo.'

WOMEN SHOOTERS ACROSS AMERICA™


Merry Christmas and to have Faith in knowing that only God, not us, has perfect timing.

See Jennifer’s recipe on Page 27

to His plan, and stop trying to have a child, but rather focus on my Christian cookbook, Hunt & Gather. The day after I photographed the fi nal recipe for the book, we found out that we were pregnant. It was four days prior to leaving for a Canadian whitetail hunt. Last year, we had our 5th stocking monogrammed. This year, we found out, again, that we were pregnant 4 days prior to leaving for a Canadian bear hunt. I look forward to our 6th monogram, and baking this healthy recipe with our children. I wish every one of you a Very

As we approach the Christmas and New Year’s Eve Holiday season, I can think of no better recipe to share than Whole Wheat Whitetail Gingerbread Cookies. This mere cookie embodies new beginnings, and how a test became a testimony for me. Whole grains saved my body, and hunting saved my soul. Years ago, I battled health issues and fi nally found answers through a dietician. As a born-carnivore, I was not consuming enough, or really any, whole grains. I took control of my health by educating myself on every gluten and gluten-free whole grain available, and then took action by resolving to replace white fl our based recipes with whole grains wherever possible. Similarly, I transformed my inner spirit by opening my heart to God’s plan. On my hunt for deer, I found God. My treestand is my chapel, and my kitchen is my favorite place for charity.

For me, Whole Wheat Whitetail Gingerbread Cookies symbolize Christ’s birthday. I use this recipe to thank Him for the bounties bestowed upon us. Christmas is a time to bake, share testimony, and cuddle by the fi re with the Bible. In fact, two of the fi rst foods noted in the Bible are whole grains and venison.

On a personal note, my husband and I tried to start a family for 10 years. We hung our 5 stockings on the mantle every year, 2 monogrammed for us, 2 for our cats, and 1 for the child we prayed for. Never giving up hope, we looked upon the unnamed stocking each year, arm in arm, with tears in our eyes and faith and love in our hearts. Two years ago, after fi nding God, I decided it was time to give in

by Jennifer Hoyt Lalli

WHOLE WHEAT WHITETAILS FOR A HOLIDAY BODY AND A SPIRITUAL SOUL


Third thru 12th graders are choosing S3DA (Scholastic 3-D ArcHERy). As the National Training Specialist, I train instructors throughout the US. Contact me at [email protected] or check out our website www.s3da.org for more information. For bows that take your child to the next level, look toward our S3DA sponsors: Bear ArcHERy and Darton ArcHERy.

It was LOVE at first shot with the Darton Exciter. The Exciter works great for short-draw arcHERs who want a light-weight compact bow with speed that sizzles. It is easy on the wallet.

We know that Momma will be happy when the family shoots arrows together.

Make sure to look for more equipment and shooting tips.

SHOOT STRAIGHT AND DREAM BIG!

For the past 75 years, the Daisy Red Ryder has frequently been a child’s first gun. Now, Daisy offers ambidextrous longbows and compound bows for young children to shoot with supervision by a responsible adult. Safety is their first concern, with features including a shoot-through riser that keeps the arrow fully contained and a downward sloped arrow rest that self-aligns the arrow, launching each arrow from the same position. Both retail for below $65.

As children get older, they need a serious bow for shooting serious targets. The Genesis bow by Brennen Industries is a universal bow that is used by NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program). NASP offers

a great introduction to archery, but just like with T-ball in baseball, archers look for new challenges.

Are you addicted to the mystical flight of the arrow? With the holidays coming up, I’ve got some great gift suggestions for you for Christmas.

Buying a Lifetime Hunting and Fishing license is one of the greatest lifetime gifts that you can give to a youngster. The regulations vary by state, but they are a great investment for conservation and a real bargain when purchased while the child is very young. Reading to very young children sparks an interest in exploring people, places, and things. I remember books about dogs and horses and magazines like Outdoor Life and Field and Stream that left me yearning to hunt and fish in far-away places. Children’s book author, Shasta Sitton, (www.WhitetailPress.com) shares two children’s books themed for the outdoors enthusiast: “Wyatt’s First Whitetail” and “Grace Goes

Bowhunting.”Once they try it, they want you to buy it; I am talking about trying shooting.

by Joella Bates

ARCHERY GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS


“Paying It Forward” continued on next page.

kept looking to find clothing that was covert and tactical, yet fashionable and feminine. Those two concepts had not been combined to produce concealed carry clothing for women. There were just a few items on the market for women and they looked similar to the items available to men. The end result was that I found nothing. Because I did not have the knowledge in fashion design, I reached out to my friend, Julene Franklin, who has a background in fashion design. My career has been in the business world. In 1989 I graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. I have been an Accountant for 26 years and held a Nevada CPA license for 20 years. Julene graduated from Texas Women’s University with a double major in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising and has over 25 years of experience as a designer and production manager with designed lines that have been sold in small boutiques and major department stores. She was able to take my concept and sketch out a shirt that was exactly what I had in mind. Julene successfully turned my concept into a reality. We became business partners

Nevada tag for a buck antelope.

TAWS: “Tell me about what prompted your decision to start Silver State Apparel?”PATTY: “After obtaining my CCW permit in December 2009, I faced the challenge that all women face who carry concealed, “what clothes

should I wear?” I started looking for clothing that would assist me in concealing a weapon. I wanted cute clothes to wear that were also tactical, so I started searching the internet and retail stores and could not find anything. For a few years I

TAWS: “Patty, what is your personal choice of a firearm for CC?”

PATTY: “For the first five years I carried a .38 Ruger LCR because a revolver is “tried and true”. That small revolver had a lot of recoil, I did not enjoy shooting it, and it was a challenge to conceal. Yet I pressed on, because I was not ready to carry a semiautomatic. About a year ago I purchased a .380 Glock 42. It is actually easier to conceal because it is thinner and it is a pleasure to shoot with little recoil. I prefer to carry IWB and have a Flashbang Ava holster that is very comfortable. I also have a concealed carry purse, and of course my Glock fits nicely in one of my women’s concealed carry shirts from Silver State Apparel.”

TAWS: “What types of shooting do you most enjoy?”

PATTY: “My love of guns and shooting evolved to an interest in hunting big game in the last couple of years. It was a joy to attend Hunter Safety class with my grandson, Jordan. To continue to learn, I attended a rifle class and purchased a rifle on my own, the Lady Hunter rifle from Savage Arms, a rifle designed specifically for women. In 2014, I shot my first cow elk in Wyoming and in 2015 I filled my

Six years ago, Patty McConnell took an introductory course on handgun handling and safety, and her love of firearms was born. Empowered by her newfound knowledge and skills, she chose to further her training, obtaining her CCW and eventually her NRA Pistol Instructor Certification. Everyday carry presented itself as a challenge to Patty, who wanted fashionable and functional clothing that would both conceal her carry pistol and fit her properly. Frustrated at the lack of options available for women, Patty decided to take matters into her own hands and, after collaborating with a friend who had a background in fashion design, formed Silver State Apparel in 2013. Silver State Apparel donates a portion of it’s proceeds to a charity for abused women. Here, Patty shares her story of how she turned a “problem” into a successful business.

by Sheila Rockwell

PAYING IT FORWARD: PATTY McCONNELL


“Paying It Forward” continued on page 26.

The firearms industry needs to follow the example of Savage Arms, who designed a rifle just for women based on the unique geometry specifically suited for women. It was not a youth rifle or a smaller version of a man’s rifle. Women are unique and we know what we want and need, and the firearms industry needs to ask us for input when designing new products. When I attended Shot Show for the first time in 2015, it was obvious that the firearm industry is a longstanding male-dominated industry which is now growing in part due to women entering the market and purchasing guns for protection, competitive shooting. and hunting. I would like to see the new companies in the firearms industry, like my company, that have been created by women for women, supported by the industry as a whole. All these new companies should be given a special place at Shot Show in a special section such as a “Women’s Showplace” in order to support the new companies catering to women, to encourage women to support the firearms industry, and to assist retailers in seeing new products for the women’s market.”

TAWS: “Which organization do you support, and what made you choose this charity? What was your motivation to make the decision to share your profits with a charity?”

PATTY: “When I started Silver State Apparel, one of my core values was to be a giver and to give something back. I wanted to give to women who needed help. Because I am passionate about women’s safety, I chose a local organization in my community, The Committee to Aid Abused Women (CAAW), a non-profit organization that provides free confidential services to those experiencing family violence. CAAW provides individuals and families with a step-by-step path to safer and healthier living through individualized service plans as well

Sometimes we are in t-shirts, jeans, and boots, some events require us to wear a dress, and others of us have to work in a professional environment and must wear business attire. We cannot always carry the same way every day, so we need options. Clothing from Silver State Apparel gives women one more option for on-the-body carry, which is the best option to have instant access to our firearm. By providing another option for women, our product encourages and assists them to carry when a purse or holster may not work in a certain situation. Our shirts are also designed to cover a larger gun carried with an IWB holster because they are cut a little longer and looser on the bottom. The concealed

pocket can also hold an extra magazine if you are carrying your firearm or pepper spray if you are in a gun-free zone. If you are traveling, you can carry your wallet, passport, lipstick or car keys in the hidden pockets.”

TAWS: “If you could change something about the firearms industry in general, what would it be, and why?”

PATTY: “Over the past five years I have seen some positive changes in the firearms industry regarding products designed for the new emerging market of women gun owners. At first the firearms industry thought all they had to do was make everything pink for women. Then we started to see almost every firearms manufacturer come out with a small compact carry gun designed more for women. We have also seen special ammunition designed for women to soften the recoil and there are other companies like mine that have designed holsters just for women.

with Julene overseeing the design and production processes and I assumed responsibility for our operational and financial management. Our first sales were in October of 2013.”

TAWS: “What makes your clothing different?”

PATTY: “Our women’s concealed carry shirt has a boutique look and comes in various colors and multiple sizes from Extra Small to size 3X. There are long sleeve, three quarter and short sleeves all with various embellishments but the same overall construction. The

shirt has two concealment pockets that are accessible through openings on the front of the shirt with Velcro closures. Concealment pockets on each side accommodate right and left handed shooters and hold small light weight handguns up to 6 1/2 inches long and weighing no more than 16 ounces. Double layers of fabric in the shirt front, distribute weight evenly from the shoulder. Our shirts are made of comfortable stretch fabric for fit and function. “

TAWS: “Do you think that wearing your clothing motivates more women to carry their firearms?”

PATTY: “Women have a more difficult time finding ways to conceal their firearm. We wear different types of clothing depending on the situation.

“Paying It Forward” continued from previous page.


“Gun-oration” continued on page 27.

by a professional. I happened to be Facebook friends with Bert Edmonston IV.

Bert is a third generation hand engraver and jeweler. On January 24, 2015, Bert attained the unique distinction of Master Engraver through the Firearms Engravers Guild of America. I reached out to him to learn more about the engraving process on firearms. The tools Bert uses are completely unguided by any form of mechanical assistance. The engraving is executed "freehand".

I shipped a Derringer to Bert to engrave. In his hands, stock firearms are transformed into masterpieces in the truest sense of the word. The Derringer is now a work of art! The leaf and scroll patterns are well defined and executed with strength and the sureness that only a master

are great if you want just a touch of personalization. "Brilliant Backstraps" offers a variety of color or bling. You can buy a few and change them to suit your mood or to match your outfits.

To change the look of your gun, you can apply pre-cut pistol skins to your slide or to your entire gun. Pistol Skins are high-performance, waterproof vinyl wraps that can be applied to any pistol. They are removable and have no effect on the finish. Pistol Skin kits come with pre-cut pieces and fit all pistol models.

If you're interested in changing your gun's look permanently, there are a few options.

I suggest having a professional paint your firearm. The two standard options available are Cerakote or Duracoat paint. Cerakote is oven-baked and has been formulated to be abrasion, wear, corrosion, chemical, and impact resistant. Duracoat is air cured and scratches more easily. You have to be careful not to clean it with any chemicals or to drop it. The options are unlimited on design and color when it comes to painting your firearm. So definitely have fun with it and let your personality shine!

Last, but never least, is my personal favorite option for firearms. That is to have your firearm engraved

You've found your perfect gun. Now, you'd like to personalize it. There are a few simple and affordable things you can do yourself for customizing your firearm. First, you can start with some non-basic grip screws and side panel grips. You can choose color, bling, patterns, or even personal pictures to grace your grips. For extra pizazz, add a Recoil Plug Spring with "Don't Tread On Me". Then add matching screws to pull your look together.

You can go all matchy or flashy. "Wicked Grips" makes limited-edition grip art sets. They will not mass produce, and thus dilute, the quality of their work.

They also offer unique and gemstone grip screws. Some gun models will have the option for backstrap grips. These

by Tarra Stoddard

GUN-ORATION


or a training class. They also come with an input jack compatible with most MP3 players and 2-way radios. The price point is great ($75-85 depending on where you purchase them), run on only 2 AAA batteries, and can be found at most big box stores or online sites. Additional details can be found here: www.solutions.3m.com.

Starting at just $7.00, Plug’rs make the perfect stocking stuff er! If you are an instructor or competitor, these are a must have! They're chamber safety fl ags! Not just any old chamber safety fl ag, but customizable and unique chamber safety fl ags. You can get them in seven diff erent colors with a quote, your name, favorite

football team or anything you can think of printed right on them - with a 22 character limit.

They hold your slide open with a brightly colored fl ag for the RSO, other competitors and instructors to ensure that you have properly cleared your fi rearm on the line or right out of your range bag. The pressure from your slide and the unique shape the the Plug’r™ prevents it from falling out and if there are several of the “same” fi rearms on the line or in the rifl e rack - you’ll be able to pick yours out immediately! They are available in pistol, shotgun, rifl e and 22LR. You can order them online at www.plugrusa.com!

tempered to the best tolerances for durable toughness, & has a long edge retaining life. Pricing starts around $275. "The only way to damage a Bolduc Knife is to lose it!" Visit www.bolducknives.com

USGMC makes magnetic gun cleaning/work mats that are ingenious in design and quality. Lost springs and pins are a thing of the past! The mat cleans easily and serves as perfect protection for your furniture when you are working with solvents and greases. For a MSRP of $84.99, you can buy a set of three--one of each in small, medium, and large sizes. Keep one for yourself and gift the other two! Check out their magnetic accessory trays, too! Available online at www.usgmc.net…and as a special gift for our readers, USGMC has agreed to give a discount on any item ordered for the remainder of 2015. Enter code TAWS10 at checkout!

Peltor™ Sport Tactical 100 Electronic Hearing Protectors are great for both hunting and shooting on the range, come equipped with soft padding for your ears, and 3M technology to suppress gunshot / range noise while still being able to pick up low-level sounds. It helps you communicate on the range with others during recreational shooting

Bottle Breachers makes 50 caliber bottle openers that are handcrafted by Military Veterans. Bottle Breachers are made from dummy ammunition that has been professionally polished. Engraving is also available. Military vets have used 50 caliber ammunition

to defend our country, they now use ammo to provide gifts for others! The Bottle Breacher is a great everyday

bottle opener and conversation piece. It is the perfect Christmas gift! Prices vary, and start at about $23.00. Visit www.bottlebreacher.com

The Soybu Women's Sweater is available in two beautiful colors! It is versatile, and very breathable. It is made of 92/8 acrylic/wool, and is wrinkle resistant. It’s a great pickfor every occasion this season. It is available on sale for only $37.00from www.cabelas.com.

Looking for that one-of-a-kind forever gift? Bolduc Knives is the place to purchase a quality knife that you will never have to replace! A few of the custom design styles to pick from are their hunting, fi let, or full kitchen block knife sets. Each single knife comes with a leather sheath made for your knife. Bolduc Knives are made with the best materials on the planet. The high quality steel is heat treated,

Hey, TAWS Readers! We know the holidays can be stressful, and it’s sometimes hard to come up with the perfect gift. So we decided to share with you some staff picks for gifting the outdoors and fi rearm enthusiasts on your shopping list. They’re sure to bring a smile to any Scrooge’s face! Enjoy, and Happy Holidays from The American Woman Shooter!

THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS!


“Tara Fox’s Story...” continued on next page.

to losing a stirrup, all of my weight shifted to the left side, and I started to slide off. When I started hanging over the side of him, all I wanted to do was get back on and make him do it right, even though if I would have just let go I could have ended up in the soft dirt... but because I was so stubborn, I tried to hold on. I ended up slamming

against the metal roping chute and was dragged along the steel piping of the alleyway until I eventually fell off. When I first fell, I didn't think anything was really wrong. In fact, my barrel racing instructor told me that I thought that I was fine and I tried to get up, but there was no way anyone would let me. I remember a couple seconds of being on the ground-- nothing hurt and everything seemed fine, but this was actually during my seizure. When I finally started breathing again, everyone was all around me and holding me still until the ambulance arrived. As soon as the ambulance got there they loaded me up, drove to a parking lot and put me on life-flight. We went straight to the ER at Memorial

Hermann at the Texas Medical Center.

In the emergency room, it was discovered that I sustained multiple rib fractures, multiple pelvic fractures, a severe sacral fracture, a lumbar L5 transverse process destruction, a fractured right scapula, a spinous process fracture of the thoracic spine,

figure out the problem. He would have a perfect practice, then at barrel races it would be completely different. The week before the accident, we went to a barrel-racing camp by Martha Josey, the NFR Barrel Racing Champion. At the camp, he did very well, so I was excited and expected him to be back on track.

My emotions going into the alleyway before my run were a little mixed up on what I had to expect of our run and what was going to happen. Going into the first barrel, I thought everything was great; he finally went in and it was time to make a clean run. Going around the second barrel, my foot slipped out of the stirrup because I expected him to turn left, but he was actually headed straight for the alleyway, and was gaining speed. Due

"My name is Tara Caroline Fox. I live in Manvel, TX. I live at home right now because of the accident. but last year I attended Alvin Community College.

I love the sport of rodeo. I didn't start rodeoing until I was a senior in high school. Although I barrel race, I also like to rope, pole bend and tie goats. I also loved cheerleading. When I was 6, I started competition cheerleading and cheered until I was 18. I was also a member of the FFA and showed cattle in high school. I like to go to my family's ranch in Gonzales, TX, and to hunt.

I started barrel racing when I was a senior in high school. I loved the sport from the very beginning. My horse, Cross, is very high-spirited, but fun to ride. I won my first buckle on him at the Wharton Chute and Barrel Series. We placed 1st and 2nd at many jackpot barrel races and we also won 2nd in barrels at the Alvin Summer Series. I went to YRA and TYRA finals on the same horse. Last year I competed in college rodeo on Cross. I represented Alvin Community College as an independent.

On Monday night, June 30, (the night of the accident), my goal was to have a clean run due to the fact my horse was having problems a couple months before with turning left. We took him to several vets and had changed some of the tack, trying to

On June 30, 2015, 19 year old Tara Fox was involved in a horrific barrel racing accident. She was airlifted to the hospital and sustained multiple serious injuries. The road has been long and arduous, but with true grit and determination, Tara has made a remarkable recovery. She took the time to talk to The American Woman Shooter and has shared with us her courageous story, in her own words:

by Sheila Rockwell

TARA FOX’S STORY OF BRAVERY, RECOVERY & STRENGTH


supportive of me throughout my healing process.

I have been hunting for many years and because of my friend, Megan, I have also been exposed to competitive shooting. Thanks to my aquatic rehab, I'm getting close to having strength to be able to begin shooting instruction.

Being a competitive individual, the physical part of the recovery is not the setback. At times emotionally I would feel a little down and discouraged

because I am not able to pursue my plans to go off to Sam Houston State and be a part of the rodeo team this school year. I was sad to see my friends go out and move off to school, and at times I felt very alone. But then I'm reminded how fortunate I am and how far I've come, and I know that this is just a bump in the road and I will be back on track before I know it.

One of the most inspiring people to me is Amberley Snyder. She was a barrel racer who was involved in an awful motor vehicle accident and is now paraplegic, but yet she still rides

and is a successful professional barrel racer. She is upbeat and overcomes her disability and is a positive inspiration to anybody.

I hope to graduate from Sam Houston State University with an AG Business degree, then go to Texas A&M University to get my masters in Business. I want to make horses, hunting, shooting, rodeo, and AG a part of my life.I want people to know that I feel fortunate, and that this accident is going to make me stronger. I hope to one day encourage others who may be going through a hard time. I'm very thankful for all the support and love that I have received!"

--TARA FOX

stronger. After a couple of weeks of being at home, I started going to Aquatic Care Programs to do aquatic therapy. There, I was allowed to walk only in the water. Aquatic therapy was a major help in my recovery, especially with my strength. After 9 weeks of absolutely no walking or weight bearing, I was finally allowed to start walking. For a week I used a walker, but since then I have only been using one crutch. I've always loved the saying, "when you fall off just get back on the horse" but in my situation it's taken literally! I've been pushing myself to be stronger every

day because I can't wait to start riding again. My doctors said I'm allowed to sit on a horse in November and I hope to be able to ride again in January.

Everybody asks if I am scared to go back to barrel racing, but that's not the case at all. In fact, because of the accident, it just gives me more motivation and determination to be successful and to strive to be the best at what I do. With everything that's happened I realize how fortunate I am to be able to ride again. I was lucky to be in Houston ,TX , where the Texas Medical Center is located and to have Dr. Mark Prasaran, Dr. Josh Gary, Dr. William Brendel, the trauma surgeons, all the nurses and the therapists that helped me. My friends and family have also been there every step of the way and have been extremely

a collapsed lung, and a retroperitoneal hematoma. I had to go into emergency surgery to repair the sacral and pelvic fractures immediately due to instability. The pelvis had to have multiple pins inserted for stabilization.

My horse seemed fine, but he was taken back to his former owner in West Texas for a few months of rest.

The first few days in the shock/trauma ICU were a blur due to being heavily sedated. Even though I barely remember, my family told me that I had a lot of friends from my school and rodeo as well as family friends that came to see me. After a couple of days, I was transferred onto a general trauma floor. I can still remember the tremendous amount of pain I was in even just laying there, not living at all. It was a huge deal to try and sit up 90 degrees, but I had support the whole way through. I spent July 4th in the hospital and my friends decorated my room. The Alvin Youth Livestock Arena Association (AYLAA) did a tribute to me by doing a grand entry and had everyone there wearing pink in support of me. I was happy to be able to watch it on my mom’s iPad while I was still in the hospital. After a couple of weeks at Memorial Hermann at the Texas Medical Center, I was transferred to Southeast Memorial Hospital for inpatient rehab. I was there for a couple of weeks until I was finally released to go home. Although I was excited to go home, it was very hard to get used to the new environment while being in a wheelchair and not being able to move much at all. I was very emotional because of everything that had changed in my life. Some days I couldn't believe it had happened, but there were also days that I knew I would get through it and be even

“Tara Fox’s Story...” continued from previous page.


“Spiders and Leaves and Snakes” continued on page 27

of mind. Thinking this through, I was not elated at the idea of stuffing in a copperhead in my pocket.

Wild birds are adapted to take venomous snake bites much better than mammals. I allowed my bird to deliver several good footings to the snake’s head (and a few bites), then traded her off. I placed the “I’m pretty sure it’s dead” snake into a Ziploc bag, then into my game bag and called the bird to my glove. After a quick check, I thought my bird to be bite-free, and we made our way back to the house for the snake feast (her feast, not mine).

Once we returned, I noticed swelling in her right foot. She indeed had been bitten while fighting the snake and her foot was already double the size it should be.

Her snake kill landed us in the ER vet’s office that afternoon and warranted a week’s worth of pain meds, antibiotics and “bed rest” for her.

In the days that followed, as I was helping my bird recuperate and watching for any ill effects, I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was to not have been the one to find the copperhead first. Her taking a venomous snake that day was the last thing on my mind of things that could happen. But with the weather as warm as it was and the woods wet, venomous snakes should have been

degree heat. Not to mention, a key component of squirrel hunting is being able to SEE things in the trees. With a full canopy still on, I could neither see game nor my bird for most of the hunt. We walked for hours and saw nothing.

Because I am a glutton for pain, a few days later we tried again. And, 10 minutes into the hunt, my bird went down on a kill! At this point, I was elated! “First squirrel of the season!”, I thought. I ran full speed toward where she landed to help her dispatch the squirrel.

Only, it isn’t a squirrel. It’s a copperhead.

One of the key points in a falconry hunt is helping the bird quickly and humanely dispatch quarry. A kicking rabbit can injure a bird and break feathers. A squirrel can cause a nasty bite that may leave lasting damage to feet. As I stood there in the woods and accessed my bird, tangled up with a very unhappy venomous snake, I cannot repeat here the words that I uttered at that moment. What do I do?

In falconry, when a bird takes game, they are trained to make a trade. You help them dispatch the quarry, and then offer them a reward for the kill. This allows you to divert their attention from the fresh kill and stow the game in the bag - out of sight, out

It’s that time of year again. Camo-clad hunters of all types are chomping at the bit to take that first step into the woods, armed with their weapons of choice, looking for a successful hunt. I am one of a small group of hunters in my state (and the nation) that trek out into the wilderness without a shotgun or a rifle or a bow to take game. I am a falconer. My weapon of choice to wield is a wild trapped and trained red

tail hawk. Our main targets are squirrel and rabbit. Regardless, I am just as eager to be in the woods, as soon as possible, once the season opens. While we (my bird,

Thistle and I) may be ready to take down our next kill, the weather... well, the weather this time of year isn’t always on board.

Squirrel season for falconry in Georgia opens mid-August. Falconers usually wait until the tree canopy is down to loft their birds. I trapped my current bird in August of this year and have been patiently waiting for both she and the weather to be ready. A few weeks ago, she was ready. So, I decided to see just how bad an early October falconry hunt in Georgia could be.

It was bad. Really bad. Spiders. Spiders in my eyes. Webs in my mouth. Oh - the spiders. And the heat. And the humidity. And walking for miles through the woods, up hills in 80

by Ali Csinos

Spiders and Leaves and Snakes - OH MY!EARLY HUNTS AND WHAT LURKS IN THE WOODS


while I went into my closet for the old .22. I placed the rifle in my heir’s crib. “This is yours,” I told him, as I slipped the bolt into my pocket. “But first; we always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction . . .”

that larger guns be pointed in a safe direction. Twenty years after that first lesson my first semester of law school left me with little time to shoot the old gun. Christmas, exams, and the birth of my first child approached with nearly equal speed. My son was born in time to come home in a red Christmas stocking. He was placed under the Christmas tree for a round of pictures

When I was born, Mom decided that I would grow up without so much as a toy gun. She was foiled in this desire. If I used an official Davey Crocket rifle or a stick and shouted “bang,” the effect was the same. Even so, it was a great surprise that Christmas when a real .22 rifle was found under the tree.

My father had noted my interest and decided that I would learn under supervision, rather than allow my elementary curiosity to lead me into mischief. He took me to buy the first box of ammunition with the warning that loaded or not, the muzzle had to be pointed in a safe direction. For a long time I put more cleaning patches than ammunition through the little gun. Then my Uncle Vernon came to visit. Uncle Vernon, an avid hunter, took me into the woods where we found a bluff of soft dirt to prop up

targets of convenience. A small trickle of water made intermittent attempts to erode one side of the bank. My uncle eyed the stream with caution. We’re not supposed to shoot at water,” he

warned. “Bullets skip off water like flat stones across a pond.”

He said “we,” including me in the adult world for the first time. The safety lesson associated with it emphasized that manhood had its responsibilities. Later the Boy Scouts would provide more structured gun safety lessons and the Army would provide a more structured group, which demanded

by K. L. Jamison

CHRISTMAS RIFLE


“Standing on Their Shoulders” continued on next page.

It has defi nitely changed for the better, especially in the last 7 or 8 years. It used to be a one-size-fi ts-all when it came to guns and holsters, and ‘that size’ was for a larger man. Now there are more choices for women. We are made diff erently and have very diff erent needs when it comes to proper fi tting of a gun and / or a holster.

How were female shooters perceived when you began versus now?

There was a feeling of “Stay in the kitchen”, or “What could I possibly learn from you?” when I put myself out there as an instructor. I had to prove myself every single time to the men in class. Also, there were hardly any other women taking classes back then. It was rare to see another woman in a training class. Now you see more female instructors and more women taking classes than ever before. Also, men are more receptive to female instructors. This is great progress.

What is the next big milestone for female shooters moving forward?We need more women attending the more serious-types of classes.

titled, “Teaching Women To Shoot”, 2nd edition. Vicki is also the author of “Women Learning To Shoot” (co-authored by Diane Nicholl), and has taught for law enforcement and the U.S. Marine Corps.

How long have you been shooting?

Over 35 years

What got you started?Growing up in Colorado, I wanted to learn how to hunt for birds and big game. Then after I found myself divorced and with two children, I realized I needed protection in the home. That’s when I bought my fi rst gun.

What made you continue?I had known my current husband (John) prior to my fi rst marriage. We were friends. After we both divorced from our fi rst marriages, we had maintained our friendship, so it was only natural that I received my personal defense training from him. We fell in love and got married. I found myself wanting to travel and train with him, and that’s when the instructor in me was discovered and developed.

How has the industry changed as it relates to women?

In The Spotlight: VICKI FARNAM

Vicki Farnam is well known throughout the fi rearms industry. She is an instructor at DTI (Defense Training International), and the creator of DTI For Women. She and her husband, John Farnam, travel the country teaching classes on both the instructor development and new shooter levels. Vicki is most noted for developing an instructor class for men on how to teach women to shoot. She spent an incredible amount of time researching the diff erences between how men and women learn. She realized someone had to teach men about women, and met that challenge head on. Not only does she have a training class devoted to that topic, she has also written a book

We stand on the shoulders of the women who have come before us. There are a select group of women in the fi rearms industry who have made signifi cant contributions that have paved the way for more women to enjoy all that shooting has to off er. Often, these women are overlooked as the industry is searching for the latest and greatest developments. The American Woman Shooter is honored to spotlight these great women, have them share their thoughts and comments about then and now, and about what they see in the shooting industry's future for women. We hope you enjoy learning about this extraordinary group.

by Julie Loeffl er

STANDING ON THEIR SHOULDERS A TRIBUTE TO WOMEN WHO PAVED THE WAY IN THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY


her knowledge of TV production to others. That may take her away from 300 days of hunting a year but not necessarily.

“I’d like to teach production in the field and show others how to run a business,” she said. “This has all been a journey for me, much like hunting.”

A lot of her efforts have been towards educating fellow hunters and the general public on conservation efforts put forth by hunters through regulated sport hunting, taxes, fees and education.

Bachman would eventually like to earn a doctorate degree and teach at a college where she can pass on

is hunting and that sometimes means coming up empty. “ The viewers want to see a successful hunt, but that sometimes doesn’t happen,” Bachman offered. “All hunters know this, but I love the whole process of the hunt. The preparation, the work and the experience. Last year, 13 hunts went without harvesting an animal. That’s the life of a hunter.” Unlike a lot of other shows, Bachman tries to stay away from editing her hunts in a way that makes everything look perfect. Again, what you see is what you get - an actual hunt. And, yes, she is still producing and editing her own work. “Getting an animal is icing on the cake,” she added. “And I process the animals myself. Whatever my family doesn’t need, we donate to local meat lockers, women’s shelters, or whoever may need food to eat.” Bachman’s parents and brother have appeared on several of her shows and she giggled and preferred not to answer when asked who is the better hunter in her family. But not everything has been as humorous on her trek. As mentioned before, a photo of Bachman with a lion she hunted several years ago set off a firestorm on the internet that continues to this day. The attacks are something Bachman feels she does not deserve.

“Melissa Bachman - Living Her Dream” continued from page 3

Almost 30 years ago, there really weren’t any notable females in the industry. I didn’t have anyone to look up to, so I made my own way.

It’s always on your body, and almost always 100% concealable. Granted, it doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s a great option.

What’s your every day carry?

My EDC is interchangeable between a small revolver, a Smith & Wesson Shield in 9mm, and a Springfield Armory XDS in 45mm.

What / who was your inspiration to become an influential female force in the shooting industry?

Whatever we are going to learn, we need to learn well, because you never know when you will be put to the test. The number of women carrying concealed needs to continue to grow so we can stand up for the rights of everyone.In your opinion, what is the greatest shooting gear invention / adaptation for females (one of your ‘must-haves’)?The Flashbang bra holster. It’s an ingenious design. Lisa Looper found a way to attach a holster to your bra.

“Standing on Their Shoulders” continued from previous page.


perhaps putting my phone in a front pocket, slinging my purse across my body, carrying my bags in my non-dominant hand and keys either in my dominant hand or in a quick-access pocket on the same side. If someone were to approach and “ask for the time”, I’m going to attempt to put an object between us (car, shopping

cart, trash can, etc.) and make my way back to the front door of the store as opposed to walking straight to my car. I’m also not going to feel compelled to answer a complete stranger other than to say, “No”. Easier said than done, I know. As women, we are wired to be kind and polite. But the attacker is betting on that, and will use that to their advantage if you are not paying attention.

Regardless of your choice of personal defense this holiday season, using the

basics of personal safety and paying attention to your surroundings might be all that’s required, leaving more time for enjoying the nostalgia that surrounds this time of year. Happy Holidays!

always illegal) is not a form a personal defense. It’s not a magic talisman, and it’s not show-and-tell time. If you need to deploy your gun during a personal attack, you'd better need to use it. (I’m sure you have thought through these types of scenarios many times, or at least have read and researched these types of situations.)

Here’s a less-lethal example: If I’m walking to my car at any time of the day with shopping bags, purse, phone and keys in hand, I may look like an easy target to someone with ill intent. I may stage myself a little differently,

This time of year, it is easy to become excited about the holiday season and all that it entails; getting together with friends and family, decorating the home, eating delicious treats and shopping for gifts. Most of us, if we're being honest, will admit that we don’t always put the emphasis on personal safety that is necessary.

Whether you are relying on concealed carry of a gun, a bladed weapon, a compact flashlight or other means of personal defense, you should first begin with the basics of personal safety: Pay attention to your surroundings. Observing what’s happening in your immediate area could be all that’s required for a safe holiday shopping trip. There may be no need for further escalation of a situation, meaning you win and everyone is safe.

However, if you detect a possible threat, then it’s up to you to determine what level of force is needed to get away and out of the attack situation. Whether it is a person approaching you in a parking lot with unknown intent, or an altercation becomes physical and there isn’t anyone in your immediate area to assist you, the force you use to stop the attack has to be justified (especially in the eyes of the court). Legalities vary in each state, and I’m not an attorney, but I would suggest brushing up on what is considered to be a measured response when using a gun in your state. For example, brandishing a gun (while ridiculous and almost

by Julie Loeffler

DEFENDING YOURSELF DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON


the Slide-Pull, your pistol can also be hung by the device itself next to your bed, by the front door, or on your wheelchair. This can be effected with the use of a dowel rod, coat hooks, or whatever you choose. If you choose not to conceal it, it’s there when you hear that “bump in the night.”

The only draw-back to the Slide-Pull is that you need to remove it prior to disassembly of the pistol for cleaning. But, that’s a small inconvenience.

In operation, the Slide-Pull does not interfere with the handling of the pistol and is a “miracle worker” when I’ve needed to clear a malfunction. A simple pull of the slide-pull and the round is dislodged. If I have a malfunction in competition the Slide-Pull is expedient, with very little loss of time to my score. If I need to function the slide in Personal Protection, it’s a ‘Single Finger Solution.’

In Part II of this topic, I’ll introduce you to another product developed to remedy the pain and discomfort in the manipulation of your slide.Reference: brassstacker.com

with women and the older set, and has been the sole supplier in our area for those women and men whose hands no longer function like they did when we were 20 years of age.

Now, you may ask yourself, how can such a device be easily concealed? Surprisingly enough, my “Gun Tot’n Mama” purse, Model GTM-99 holds my full size XD9 (4” barrel) with Slide-Pull attached, with no extra stress and strain on the seams or stitches. I wear it on my right side with the strap slung over my left shoulder. With very little effort, I can unzip the purse’s compartment that holds my pistol with my left hand, while inserting my

right hand straight down to grip my pistol and pull it up and out. So in many ways, it’s like carrying it in a holster on my hip. If you choose to wear a holster on you hip, there is very little difference in your draw other than to realize that you need to clear the slide-pull as you grip. And once your brain understands this and you practice with it in place, your draw becomes just as natural as it was before you added the Slide-Pull.

Because of the design of

I’ve noticed that as I age, my hands no longer function without discomfort nor do I have the upper body strength that I once had. As such, manipulating the slide on my semi-automatic can be downright painful. If you’re affected by Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, a missing digit, or everyone’s favorite, Arthritis, a new device has been invented just for us. If you own a Glock (any model) or a Springfield Armory XD9, you can manipulate your slide pain-free. It’s called the Slide-Pull by TGR Enterprises/Brass Stacker.

The Slide-Pull is shaped like a figure 8 open at one end, and weighs just ½ ounce. Made of aluminum, it clamps to the slide using a simple Allen Screw and sits just below the cocking grooves. It sticks out beyond the back of the slide by ¾ of an inch, and allows you to work the slide with one finger. When I tried it on my XD9, I knew it was for me. One local gun store recognized its potential popularity

by Linda Gilbertson

TAKING THE “OUCH” OUTPART I


In a world where men and women look over their shoulders while walking down the sidewalk, and where high school and college students find themselves silently praying that their campus won’t end up on the evening news as the next national tragedy, Mandy Autrey is doing something about it.Combat Focus Instructor, Mandy Autrey, lives to educate and train individuals to take back their lives and dominate their fears.

Mandy recently retired from law enforcement after twenty-eight years of service, but you won’t catch her sitting on a beach relaxing. In fact, three years before she retired, Mandy started her own business in Sacramento, CA called GunLady Defensive Firearms Training.

Now that she’s “retired”, she can focus on what she’s most passionate about, educating and training individuals in self-defense and firearms training. “I want to give people another option than to become a victim. You have every right in the world to take care of yourself. With the training I offer, firearms are just a part of it. You need to adopt a mindset that goes along with it. I teach my students that. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man, woman or child, I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn.”

Mandy’s long list of honorable careers began when she joined the Air Force in 1983. Basic training was where she first learned to fire a gun. Four years later, she followed in her family’s tradition and became a law enforcement agent. She’s worked in numerous prisons throughout California. Mandy spent the last ten years of her career as a Parole Officer in Los Angeles and Stockton, CA.

Some of her other responsibilities throughout her career included Baton and Weapons Training, Armory and Weapons Trainer, Hostage Negotiator, Alarm Reponses Instructor, Cadet Training Officer, and she wrote instructional plans for new equipment that was used in the agency. “This is a profession I can be proud of. I didn’t think I would go out and save the world, but it was a respectable job. And it still is.”

Mandy first became a firearms instructor in 1993 when she was with law enforcement. “It was actually a fluke. I was supposed to teach them about another piece of equipment but I ended up teaching firearms. I discovered my passion for teaching and training people when I saw that spark in their eyes once they started to believe that they could do it. Knowing that it could actually help them because I wasn’t just regurgitating textbook information to them, gave me a deeper sense of purpose as an instructor.”

Mandy’s approach to self-defense and firearms training goes way beyond the basic “how to” and “what if” scenarios. “I provide a service to folks who believe that they can’t do it on their own. Meaning, I provide more than just self-defense instruction as far as handgun and firearms training. I help develop in them the confidence that goes along with it. I provide reassurance that they have the right to protect themselves and give them a solid foundation so that they can grow. Sometimes I give

“Meet Mandy Autrey” continued on next page.

by R.J. Machado De Quevedo

MEET MANDY AUTREY, AKA “THE GUN LADY”


them back a piece of their life from an incident that took place in their past. I give them the power to empower themselves.”

Mandy has her Master Degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor Degree in Human Services. However, Mandy has never relented in her own pursuit of learning. She has committed herself to acquiring numerous firearms instructional certifications over the years. Some of her certifications include California Post Firearms, Arrest and Control Proctor Instructor, DOJ Certified Instructor, NRA Firearms and Personal Protection Instructor, Taser Instructor for Civilians, Baton Instructor, Peace Officer Standard Training, Counter-Ambush Certified, and a California CCW Instructor in multiple counties. But one of the certifications that makes Mandy Autrey stand out from her peers is her certification as a Combat Focus Shooting Instructor. There are roughly about seventy-five CFS Instructors in the world. However, only about fifty are active; an estimated four of which are women, including Mandy Autrey.

“My favorite thing about being a Combat Focus Instructor, is that I answer the “why”, not just the “how”. I teach them not only the mechanics of the weapon, but how the body reacts and how the mind perceives things. I bring the mind and body together. This isn’t just a shooting program. I help them buy into what they are doing so that it makes more sense. And through rigorous practice, they develop the muscle memory to respond on instinct and do what needs to be done.”

Having spent many years in law enforcement, Mandy offers her students the unique benefit of her experience and insight, which goes far beyond textbooks or manuals.“I don’t just teach people how to shoot a gun, but how to defend their lives. I teach more than just the bio-mechanics and technique of gun handling; I give them that mindset of what they need to do so that they are prepared. I am very passionate about self-defense because of the jobs that I’ve had. I know the mindset of the criminal. I know how they think. They don’t operate the way the rest of us do. I’ve been out there and I understand it. I have always been an active instructor. That means I don’t just teach out of a textbook. I’ve lived it. I do what I teach.”

Mandy’s training philosophy isn’t to coddle her students or try to impress them with her skills and knowledge. “I’m very humbled to be called an expert in my field. It’s something I had to get used to. I just want to help people build that step by step foundation and encourage them to not give up.”

Her message to the inexperienced shooters as well as the advanced shooters seeking further self-defense and firearm instruction is the same. “Find a firearms instructor that you make a personal connection with, who you believe and feel has your best interest at heart. You have to interview the instructors. If you don’t get that feeling of connection, move on to the next one. I want people to know that self-defense isn’t just about owning guns or the need for a gun. They don’t need to be afraid of guns. They simply need to have a healthy respect for them. The gun isn’t evil; it’s just a tool, a piece of equipment. I’ll teach them how to use it.”

Five of the most popular classes Mandy teaches are her CCW Course, Combat Focus Shooting, Fundamental Home Defense, Private Handgun Training and 360 Street Sense for Women. She’s also developing a Skill Builder course for advanced shooters which she will soon be adding to her regularly offered classes.

When I asked Mandy how she felt now that she’s retired from law enforcement and finally able to invest herself fulltime into her business, GunLady Defensive Firearms Training, her answer said it all, “Find what you love and do what you love, and you never really work a day in your life.” You can check out Mandy’s website for a full listing her certifications and self-defense and firearms training classes at www.gunlady.net.

“Meet Mandy Autrey” continued from previous page.


of honor and respect of a room full of Marines in their uniforms. It was an incredible honor and a life changing experience to serve those who serve our country in the position to protect our freedom. One of the highlights of our trip was being invited to bring additional training programs back to the base in the near future.

I am honored to represent women on our homeland as a firearms instructor in a predominantly male field, teaching life-saving skills. I feel this work is important and a great contribution to society. It is a privilege to be chosen to share that knowledge with others while fostering strong support for our Second Amendment.

With strong brand name recognition and a great student following, my company has experienced exponential growth. I have aligned myself with additional instructors to teach some of my classes. I’ve also created fantastic business relationships with some great partners like CCW SAFE, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Breakthrough, Stealthgear, The Well Armed Woman, I.C.E. Training, Rocky Mountain Gun Shows and Bass Pro Shops to name a few.

One of my most distinguished accomplishments this year was to work with and train our great Marines at Camp Pendleton’s Edson Range in California as the first female non-military commissioned civilian instructor. I was so honored to have been invited to teach my flagship product “Combat Citizen Workshop”, a multi-state conceal carry weapons course with additional defensive training range drills. Also requested was the NRA Range Safety Officer and Chief Range Safety Officer Certification Courses. I have conducted several similar large group courses, but none with the magnitude

I’m known in the industry as “CCW Maggie”, owner and lead instructor for Homeland Personal Protection Firearms Training Company. But you can just call me Maggie.

My company offers conceal carry permits for NV, UT and FL since 2010, basic fundamental marksmanship training, and personal defense shooting both inside and outside of the home. I am also a certified NRA training counselor. I continue to educate myself by taking training classes myself so that I am not teaching antiquated philosophies as the industry continues to evolve. I am proud to have trained over 4300 students. In addition, I am the NV State Leader for The Well Armed Woman and currently lead two chapters, The Battle Born Las Vegas and Henderson Chapters.

by Maggie Mordaunt

THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS TRAINS WITH “CCW MAGGIE”


Pocket carry is a very popular concealed carry method, especially in the winter months. This

particular holster is the DeSantis Nemesis, and can be worn inside jacket or pants pockets alike.

by Julie Loeffler

FUNCTIONAL FASHION

is zippered. The holster has a clip for a belt, but I have found that it can easily clip to some excess material inside the lapel pocket, which then provides enough stability for a draw.

Julie: I’ve never really practiced deployment from a jacket pocket, so for me that’s not an option at this point. However, I think it’s a skill I’d like to acquire and practice. All of my heavier winter jackets are waist-length, allowing me to pull the bottom of the jacket upwards along with my undergarments in order to get to my IWB (inside the waistband) carry position, whether appendix or back hip area.

my draw time down. My favorite deep conceal would be a standard belly band. My back-up is an ankle holster that I wear throughout the winter, and I love it as well.

Sheila: For me, my CCW option remains the same. I prefer a corset-style holster and carry in the appendix area. My daily "uniform" consists of jeans and a shirt/sweater. I usually don't tuck in my shirts, so it's the same motion to draw, even with a few layers. If, for some reason, I need to wear a heavy jacket for an extended time outdoors, I move to a soft leather holster and carry inside the lapel pocket of the jacket, which

With the holidays approaching and cooler weather coming into play, our concealed carry choices may be modified from our summer favorites. Depending on our layers or on zipper locations on sweatshirts / jackets, our concealed carry option may be covered by more or heavier garments. Have you practiced deployment from a deeper concealment position, and what’s your favorite carry position for winter weather?

Tarra: I always practice holster changes to retain my muscle memory. I like to practice them to become smoother in my draw without flagging myself or others along with cutting

Got a question? “Shoot” it over to ([email protected]), and I’ll make sure we get it covered. Remember, no filters, just straight talk.

by Julie Loeffler

STRAIGHT SHOOTIN'

Belly bands continue to be a top pick for con-cealed carry with women. There are many

different styles, but this one touts a smaller band around the back and a larger pouch in the front

with a magnetic closure.


as the caring support victims need. CAAW is the area’s leading provider of services to those experiencing family violence. We give 1% of our revenues to this charity. Most new companies take about 5 years before they see a profit, so that is why I want to give a small portion of my revenues from the beginning. We have been selling product for 24 months and our contributions to CAAW have not been significant yet, but we are committed to continue to give our small amounts while we grow our business as we know that most nonprofits are supported by many donors giving small amounts on a consistent basis.”

TAWS: “What else would you like our readers to know about you and your company?”

PATTY: “Currently, we are working on expanding our product line and are developing a women’s activewear shirt. The shirt will assist women when they are participating in outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, biking or jogging and want to carry a small firearm. We expect to have the shirt available by early summer.”

“Paying It Forward” continued from page 11.

Please send questions to Kevin L. Jamison 2614 NE 56th Ter

Gladstone Missouri 64119-2311 [email protected].

Individual answers are not usually possible but may be addressed in

future columns.

When a family member is a prohibited person, he or she cannot have access to firearms, ammunition or a bullet-proof vest. An ex-convict in Iowa found a .22 bullet in his new apartment. He tossed the bullet into an ashtray and moved on with his life. The police appeared one day and of all the objects in the apartment, noticed the bullet. He received eighteen years in prison.

The key word is access. If the person knows where the gun, ammunition or bullet-proof vest is and can get to the object, he has committed a federal crime. In one case an ex-convict was acquitted of having access to the gun in his wife’s purse. This appears to have been on the theory that no man knows what is in his wife’s purse. If a family member cannot have access to firearms and ammunition, this requires precautions. Guns and ammunition and a bullet-proof vest if any, must be locked up. Nothing belonging to the prohibited person must be stored in the safe. No fingerprints or DNA of the prohibited person must touch the interior. This should prevent problems. There was a recent trial in New Jersey which found that a husband could not possess firearms because his wife had a record for domestic abuse. Even though the guns were locked in safes, the judge ruled that the wife had access. This is the funhouse mirror that is New Jersey gun law. We can hope that it will be successfully appealed.

Kevin L. Jamison is an attorney in the Kansas City Missouri area

concentrating in the area of weapons and self-defense.

FAMILY PROBLEMS

Every family has it's black sheep. The spouse who did something stupid in his youth, a mental health history, a misdemeanor domestic violence claim that was easy to plead out and became a bar to gun ownership years later. Years after that; the courts ruled that this was not an ex-post facto law.

Under federal law, a prohibited person may possess muzzle-loading guns designed before 1898. This would not allow possession of a modern designs such as in-line muzzleloaders. However, this is federal law. Many states consider muzzleloaders to be the same as modern arms. A New Jersey collector was stopped with a new acquisition: a 200 year-old flintlock. He was arrested for unlicensed possession of a firearm. He was pardoned by Governor Christie, but the law remains.

by K. L. Jamison

GUN SHOW LAWYERTHINGS PEOPLE ASK ME AT GUN SHOWS


the FIRST thing on my mind. While the bite cost us a few weeks of hunt time, she’s made a full recovery. I probably would not have felt so great so quickly.

While we all are in a hurry to scratch our hunting itch as quickly as possible, it’s good to stop and take a moment to remember that the woods can offer up some surprises that you might not be ready to tackle. This hunt was a great reminder that, this time of year, we should all keep vigilant as we tromp through the leaves and brush to our next hunt!

“Spiders and Leaves and Snakes” continued from page 16

could produce. This holds even under the magnification of a watchmakers loupe. He brought the patterns to life, and made it look truly 3-D. It was breathtaking to see the fine engraving take on a life of it's own, and the design is well suited to the size and profile of the Derringer. This will now be a family heirloom that will hopefully be passed down for many generations to treasure and enjoy. Now the Derringer is not only a work of art, but a working tool. Bert Edmonston IV welcomes individual engraving and be reached at his website, www.westernengraver.com. When you look for an engraver, make sure you look at their previous work, preferably in person.I hope this inspires you to personalize your firearm with a bit of Gun-oration!Sincerely, my best to you, Tarra Stoddard

“Gun-oration” continued from page 12.

Pipe a thin outline of Royal Icing (recipe at left) around the perimeter of each cookie; pipe borders, and fill them in with colors to decorate; top with dragées (edible metallic confection), colored sugar, sprinkles, or real chocolate sprinkles

NOTE: Gingerbread cookies are a great gift and the color is perfect for whitetails.

4 ½ cups whole wheat flour1 Tbs ground ginger

1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa1 tsp Vietnamese cinnamon1 tsp fresh ground nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

Details: preheat oven to 350 ºF (bake), see sugars & flours in Lessons, page 253Add the butter and brown sugar to an electric mixing bowl; mix on med-high speed with paddle for ~ 4 min until the sugar is dissolved into the butterScrape the butter down from the sides; add the molasses, salt, and vanilla; mix on med speed ~ 1 min; scrape down the sides, add the egg; mix on low speed ~ 1 minWhisk the flour, ginger, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda togetherAdd half of the flour blend to the butter mixture; mix on low speed until the flour is absorbed; remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape the paddle clean; add the remaining flour; mix gently with a wooden spoon until the flour disappearsAllow the flour to hydrate by sitting for ~ 10 min; transfer to a nonstick surface; fold the dough gently a few times to ensure the flour is incorporated; form 4 discs, ~ ½” thick; wrap each in saran wrap; refrigerate for at least 4 hr (or freeze)Remove one disc at a time from fridge to keep others chilled; transfer a disc to a floured nonstick surface (Silpat is best); roll the dough between the nonstick surface and saran wrap to ~ ¼” thick; adjust saran between each roll to help it stretch; sprinkle flour below the dough as needed (flour eases transfer)Cut out shapes; transfer cut-outs to a nonstick baking sheetRepeat with other discs on a floured surface; reroll leftover dough up to 3 timesBake for 6 min; remove from oven; allow cookies to cool first on the pan for 6 min; then, transfer cookies directly to a wire rack to cool completely

Royal Gingerbread Whitetailsby Jennifer Hoyt Lalli

For the Royal Icing (decorates 4 discs of baked

gingerbread cookies)3 egg whites, room temp

¼ tsp cream of tartar4 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla food coloring

silver dragées, optional

Details:Add the egg whites to a dry electric mixing bowl; beat on med speed with whisk until foamy, ~ 30 sec; add the cream of tartar, beat ~ 30 sec; stop the mixer; add the powdered sugar; beat on low speed until the sugar is incorporated; scrape the sides; beat on high speed ~ 2 min until glossy; add the vanilla; beat ~ 20 secDivide and transfer the royal icing into separate bowls for each desired colorMix a few drops of food coloring into each bowl until desired colors are achievedTransfer each icing color to separate pastry bags, fitted with decorating tips, or a Ziploc bag with a small hole cut at the corner; pipe the icing (see next page), and allow it to dry; store iced cookies in Tupperware or cookie jars

For the Gingerbread Cookies(4 discs of dough, ~ 40 – 48 cookies)

1 cup butter, softened1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 cup molasses1 tsp fine sea salt

1 Tbs vanilla1 egg


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