We attended an amazing self defense-related class this weekend (more on that soon) which meant spending 10 hours a day in a classroom. After the long day, dinner out seemed like to much effort so we opted to eat in.A carry out sub and can of beer never…

I walked out to get the paper this morning, saw snowflakes and thought I was seeing things. Alas, WeatherBug confirmed my vision.I don’t think it will amount to anything, but still, I’m so very ready for Spring.
[ This content originated at Musings Ove…

There’s been a lot of discussion the past few days regarding the recent “compromise” on gun rights in Virginia. While nothing has yet been signed, and legislation is still in the works, the details are starting to emerge. While most gun owners are seeing good in this, some gun rights activists are upset at the notion of ANY compromise. Unfortunately that attitude could also mean no progress. It’s also become quite apparent that the anti-rights contingent on the left is absolutely livid. (That in itself gives me pleasure and is a positive sign.)

If the governor keeps his word, Virginia will honor concealed carry permits from ALL states. This is an improvement over what we had before the Attorney General and State Police Supervisor plotted to rescind reciprocity agreements with 25 states. If all the legislation involved moves forward, and if McAuliffe signs it, Virginia permits could probably possibly be accepted in most other states which allow concealed carry. It will likely take some time before those additional reciprocity agreements are hashed out across the country.  (I’m keeping my Utah permit nonetheless.)

During his press conference last Friday, Governor McAuliffe spent a lot of time hyping the closing of the so-called “gun show loophole” and fighting domestic violence. Some 2nd Amendment rights advocates have argued that forcing these “fixes” was the intent all along of McAuliffe and Herring. If that’s the case, the governor is an extremely poor negotiator, or just not very smart. Or both. The “fix” for the “loophole” is to require the State Police to be on hand at all gun shows to perform VOLUNTARY background checks for sellers who want to do them before selling a gun. Private sellers have ALWAYS had the option to do that. The proposed regulation regarding Permanent Protective Orders simply models law that already exists under federal law.

I happen to believe that McAuliffe was never fully supportive of Herring’s action, even if he agreed on principle. This week the Governor even admitted “But we have no record of anyone in the last 25 years being injured or hurt with (sic) someone who came into our state with a concealed weapon.” Once he saw the fallout from his Attorney General’s decree, he became downright scared. He has come to recognize just how strong the pro-rights support is in the legislature, and learned that gun rights is not a strict Republican/Democrat issue. “Pro-gun” bills have been moving forward, and some possibly with veto-proof majorities. As a friend termed it, McAuliffe made a “tactical retreat.” It’s telling that while McAuliffe was touting this “historic” compromise, while heaping praise on Mark Herring for helping to initiate it, the Attorney General was conspicuously absent from the stage. A planned strategy or a mistake, the end result is the same — the leftists took another beating and freedom won. Although the politicians are apparently not allowed to admit it.

My impression is there is national trend towards the restoration of 2nd Amendment rights, despite the occasional setbacks. There are losses at times, but net change seems to be happening for the good. Those fighting for gun rights with an “all or nothing” attitude will be disappointed and, I think, may even hurt the fight. I strongly believe we should ask permission of NO person, or state, to exercise a right and to provide for the defense of our families and ourselves in the best means possible. Unfortunately the rules imposed on us by the power-hungry elite have reduced our expression of certain rights. We must fight continually to have the recognition (not granting) of those rights restored. It seems, for now, patriots in Virginia are making steps in the right direction.

Yesterday afternoon I made an spur of the moment run out to the local beer store to check if my favorite late winter release, Tröegs Nugget Nectar was in stock. A successful beer run made, I returned to my desk and within a few minutes received a text message from Colleen, who happened to be out running errands at the same time.

That’s Hardywood Sidamo Coffee Stout and Blue Mountain Dark Hollow Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout in her cart. Looks like we both had the same idea! We’ll have plenty of good beer to enjoy this week.

Attorney General Mark Herring (December 22, 2015): “Strong, consistent enforcement of Virginia’s laws and safety standards can prevent disqualified people who may be dangerous or irresponsible from utilizing a concealed handgun permit, and it’s what th…

Déjà vu, but not.

Despite the near 70° temperatures today, the outdoor range remains closed. Since I’ve been itching to get in some trigger time, I had to break down and make a lunch time visit to a local indoor range. I’m typically weary of the indoor facility due to not being able to see what the other folks are doing. Fortunately there were only two other lanes in use, and both appeared to be occupied by experienced shooters giving lessons to new shooters. I was able to concentrate on enjoying the distraction of shooting.

Looking through my shooting journal, I realized it had been almost a year to the day since I last visited this range. This would be the first time shooting indoors since I put the fiber front sight on the gun. It was also the first time shooting indoors since I stopped wearing the Rx shooting glasses. Both of these changes could have an effect on shooting in the low light conditions. Despite the target itself being blurry, I was pretty happy with how I shot. I was drifting to the left a bit, but that’s not an unusual issue, otherwise the groups were passable. (More dry fire would probably help with that.)

After firing off 100 rounds, in a very short time, it was back to work. The quick lunch time run was a bonus to what was otherwise just another Monday. Perhaps I should make this a regular thing — I hardly ever leave my desk for lunch so any excursion would be a treat.

Today is the Feast Day of St. Brigid of Ireland, one of our family’s favorite Saints. The quote below has long been attributed to St. Brigid.”I’d Like A Great Lake Of Beer For The King Of Kings. I Would Like To Be Watching Heaven’s Family Drinking…

Sunday afternoon is one of our favorite times to head out for a relaxing late lunch, and a good beer or two. This past Sunday, as I perused the beer menu at Sedona Taphouse, a listing for BadWolf Brewing AK-47 caught my eye, for obvious reasons. It was listed in the “Pale Ale” section of the menu, which made it even more interesting to me.

Our American bastardization of the beloved Kolsch style is brewed with a traditional grain bill and Kolsch yeast and that’s where the similarities end. Our love for hops drove us to add copious amounts of Simcoe for an American hop bite. This Ameri-Kolsch clocks in at a formidable (by Kolsch standards) 47 IBUs, is light refreshing and tastes like freedom!

Prior to the start of the snow from winter storm Jonas last weekend, we received a notice from the range where we shoot…A reminder for all that the Chapter grounds are to be closed to member access at noon today.  This will coincide with the arr…