The Target Zone
March 2008
Volume 2   Issue 3 
Welcome to The Target Zone
The Monthly Newsletter of Center Target Sports, Inc.
 
Peggy, the Staff, and I hope this issue finds you all well.  It is nice to be back in North Idaho.  The SHOT show was great but the Vegas weather never got above 50 degrees while we were there.  We have found some great new items to introduce to you and they will be arriving soon.  We will highlight them in future issues...Be on the lookout!
 
I wanted to take a moment and tell you how honored, humbled and surprised Peggy and I were to receive the Post Falls Mayor's award for the Community Service Business of the Year.  We were blown away by such an honor.  Over 3 years ago we made a commitment to give back to this community and we have tried to be true to our promise.  For Mayor Larkin and his staff to recognize us is beyond our wildest expectations.  Shooting ranges often get negative press so this was especially sweet for us here in Post Falls.
 
Girls class
 
My apologies for not getting this email to you last week.  A number of you have asked, "where is the newsletter? "  As many of you know, last week I was teaching for 9 days straight including our 5 day Comprehensive Handgun Course.  So, no excuse...I was just a little involved.  Speaking of involved, the students in that course shot over 1800 rounds.  We saw some serious skills and technique development throughout those 5 days.  If you ever get the chance, come by and observe this course the next time I am teaching it, you will see first hand why I am so excited about the teaching and learning that takes place during this awesome course.
 
Enjoy and Be Safe 
 
Your CTS Family.
 
P.S. If your friends aren't receiving this newsletter and you think they'd be interested, or if you would like to receive past issues of the nuewletter, let us know at www.centertargetsports.com  Just click on "Contact Us".
archery
 
Are you thinking ARCHERY?
 
Well, if you are, I hope you think of us.  We are beginning our second year of offering archery products and services.  When we decided to bring archery products into our business we knew we could not carry huge amounts of equipment.
 
My goal was then as it is now.  Carry quality products at a competitive price and provide an archery pro-shop service second to none.  I believe we have succeeded.  We are dealers for PSE, Alpine, Browning, Archery Research, and Diamond.  If you do your research, you'll find the PSE bow is rated the top performing bow available.  Obviously we stock the top of the line PSE models.  However, mid-range and entry level bows are all most people will ever need. 
 
As a matter of fact, 3 years ago I shot the 378 bull Elk hanging on the wall of the range with a $500.00 archery set-up.  You don't need a $1500 set-up to enjoy the excitement of archery season hunting.
 
If you have not met Chris our archery tech, you need to do so.  Chris brings years of pro-shop and competition experience to CTS.  Chris is also an awesome archery instructor.  I am thrilled at how well the students shoot their bows after working with Chris.  He knows archery and he has a knack for teaching it.
 
Give us a chance to earn your archery business.  We will provide you with quality equipment, expert service at a fair price, and in the family atmosphere you have become accustomed to at CTS.

Remember the range is open for archery shooting Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9PM.
John is our Go To Guy...Meet John Balbi! 
 
John Balbi has been a great addition to our CTS family.  He is tremendously dedicated to our mission at CTS and he is always looking out for you, our patrons.  In addition to being a good friend and great employee, John is tremendously talented in so many areas.
 

John came to North Idaho six years ago to visit his brother Pete. He liked the area so much he and his wife Diane packed thier  bags and moved here. John has worked all his life in mid-sized family businesses. He has worn many hats, including Plant millwright, Plant manger and Director of IT; most of the time simultaneously.  

  
John found himself drawn to Center Target Sports because the role takes advantage of the breadth and depth of his skills and experience. 
 
The computer man... John has bailed us out of technical computer overload on more than one occasion.  John has donated a lot of time and energy to insure our computers and overall automation efforts are focused and efficient.  John thrives on challenge. He enjoys the thrill of a project or process that is working smoothly, and has the patience to keep removing obstacles until it does. 
 
Working at CTS has introduced John to retail sales.  He is a natural at customer service and can always be counted on for a smile.  He enjoys meeting people and working directly with the public.  Take the time to meet John, you will be glad you did.
 
Next Generation Arms Chooses Center Target Sports
 
Girls class
 
Extreme Environment AR's
 
Too Good To Be True?
  NOT!!
 
NO OIL EVER 
 
Fire hundreds of rounds if not thousands without cleaning.
 
We are so proud and excited to announce that Next Generation Arms has chosen Center Target Sports as their EXCLUSIVE DEALER for Eastern Washington and Idaho.
 
As many of you know, our goal is to become the region's leader in AR's and related equipment.  This partnership with Next Generation comes just as we are drastically expanding our AR and AR accessories inventory. Soon we will have a section of the store dedicated to our AR enthusiasts.
 
We will stock an ever growing assortment of accessories that will meet the needs of the AR defensive minded and AR sport/competitive minded shooter.
 
Let me tell you why I am so excited about this new business relationship.  Simply put, the rifles manufactured in Oregon by Next Generation are invincible.  Nathan Roads, Founder of Next Generation has mastered the technique of coating metal.  Between his ceramic coatings and the very same coating used by Benchmade knives, Nathan has produced a system unlike anything I have ever witnessed.
 
Don't take my word for it.  Come in and shoot our demo and see for yourself.  I want you to shoot a few hundred rounds and then inspect the bolt.  To date, everyone that has shot our demo has been truly amazed with its performance. 
 
New rifles arriving daily.  Come in and shoot one.
Monthly Personal Safety Training Tip
 

Attitude, Posturing & Awareness

For Self Defense

 

It is not always about guns, gadgets, and the things we carry for protection.  I submit it is more about how you carry yourself and your level of awareness.  Can your body language make you a potential victim?  The answer is a resounding YES!

 

Criminals normally prefer to work during the hours of diminished light.  Typically in the late night hours or early morning.  Statistic's indicate the hours between 9 PM to 2 AM are the most dangerous to be out and about.   Why is this true?  Well during this time frame there are less people around to act as witnesses.  Another factor to consider is that during this timeframe you are tired from a long day at work or possibly a late night of socializing.  Let's face it you are not only tired, you are vulnerable.

 

When you're overly tired you're not as alert as you should be.  When your eyes are tired your vision is somewhat impaired.  Is that a gun, a knife, a cell phone?  When tired these types of split second evaluations may become very difficult to make.  Finally, when you're tired it affects your physical posture.  Next time you are at the mall or out to dinner watch the people.  Try picking the victims from the winners.  It will be easier than you think.  You will see some people walking around that are obviously feeling the effects of a long day.  They will simply appear too tired to defend themselves if necessary.  Look also for the shoppers who are so oblivious to their surroundings they are in a daze and couldn't spot a problem coming at them.

 

Now look for the people you believe to be the least likely to be attacked in the parking lot.  Compare the victims and the winners to see what you can learn.  The winners will jump out at you.  They will be walking tall, standing tall, and will look other people in the eye.  Self confident is a word you would use to describe them.  You do not have to be tall to walk tall or look like a boxer to exude confidence.  If you appear alert, ready and capable to defend yourself trouble will look elsewhere. 

 

A recent study by the Department of Justice indicated that 70% of convicted felons stated they would not have initiated their attack if their victim would have even verbally indicated their willingness to resist.  Raising your level of awareness is the single most important thing you can do to keep yourself or your family safe.  Beyond any defense tools you can carry, or techniques you could master, being aware is what will keep you safe.

 

Colonel Cooper of Gunsite Academy established a 4 color code system of awareness.

         White - Unaware and unprepared.

         Yellow - Relaxed alert.

         Orange - Specific alert.

         Red - Condition Red is fight.

 

Peggy and I try to live our lives in Condition Yellow.  It is really not that difficult and with a little effort can become very natural.  I have just scratched the surface here.  In fact, the space allotted for this article could easily be consumed with a discussion of Cooper's color code system.  To learn more, take the time to Google Cooper or his color code system.

 

After all is said and done, Be Aware of your surroundings, Walk tall, Be Confident, and Be Safe

 

woman shotgun

Home Defense Shotgun Course

Next Class Offered March 30th
 
What is the best firearm for home protection?  Wow, if I had a dime.....   Well I feel very strongly about the shotgun as my first choice for a home defense firearm.  I know, I know, many of you immediately think of the 12GA pump when you read shotgun.  Well, there is no question the 12GA pump has proven itself over and over as a fantastic defense tool.
 
However, the first shotgun that comes to my mind is a shotgun that was developed by Mossberg as a "Home Defense Shotgun".  It is built on their reliable series 500 action.  This gun has a spreader choke on the barrel that is designed to control the 000 buckshot for optimum performance within the home.  It can also shoot slugs and birdshot as well.
 
Regardless of your shotgun of choice, you need to know how to use it to be effective.  We offer an 8 hour class developed to clear up any misconceptions about the ability and deployment of the defensive shotgun.   We start out teaching the students to pattern their shotguns and learn to effectively operate and fire under no stress and high stress situations. Topics of instruction include shotgun safety and responsibility, recoil control, marksmanship skill development, shooting positions, speed and tactical reloading, malfunction drills, target engagements, threat assessment, and shotgun modifications/accessories.

In addition to learning the shotgun's attributes, this course will teach you the shotgun's limitations. The student will be introduced to Close Range Engagement Techniques (CRET), reality based scenarios, 360 degree coverage and low light shotgun applications.

A combination of lecture, demonstrations, and live fire exercises will be used to teach the proper deployment of the shotgun from point blank to distances out to 25 yards.  All students will learn to transition from sidearm (pistol) to shotgun and back to pistol.

 

All instruction materials, range time, and targets are provided by Center Target Sports.

 

Students must provide the following:

 
  • eye and ear protection
  • Flashlight attached to, or separate from the shotgun
50 rounds of birdshot 50 rounds of buckshot (low recoil loads recommended)
  • 50 Slug rounds
  • Pistol with at least 2 magazines
  • 50 Rounds of pistol ammo
  • Holster, magazine pouches
  • Semi-auto or pump action shotgun
  • Sling of your choice

    Don't hesitate to ask any of us at CTS for more information or additional guidance in the appropriate course selection to best meet your specific needs.

  • In This Issue
    Think ARCHERY
    Meet "Big" John
    Maintenance FREE AR's
    Personal Safety Tip of the Month
    Home Defense Shotgun
    Secure Those Guns
    Girls class 

    Why Should You Own A Small Gun Safe?

     

    Many of our customers labor over the need for a safe in their home.  A major consideration in this evaluation is the safe size.  Safes come in all sizes from the walk in to the under the counter varieties.  I believe it is the responsibility of every gun owner to keep their firearms secured. How we do this depends on many factors.  The number of firearms, their size, scoped or not, the makeup of your household, children etc...

     

    Obviously, if a firearm is kept in the home for protection, it should be stored loaded and locked.  Not LOADED AND HIDDEN.  Hiding a firearm loaded or unloaded with ammunition near by is NEVER SAFE.  Sorry for the capital letters here but, I do not want any misinterpretation of my intent.  Loaded guns MUST be locked.

     

    Ideally, secured loaded firearms kept for protection should be accessible quickly and without the need to turn on the lights.  Those of you that have taken my CCW courses or the defensive Handgun series know why this is important.  I understand that the smaller, quick access gun lock boxes may not be in everyone's budget.  We have tried to offer the best combination of quality and price in our retail offerings.  However, if these lock boxes are too expensive, you can use something as simple as a modified ammo can that can be purchased for $5.00.  Just add a $5.00 lock and hasp and now you have a method to keep a loaded handgun locked for $10.00.  Keep in mind though that access to a firearm stored this way will not be as quick as in a push button or thumb print mechanism.

     

    In a high stress situation, our fine motor skills deteriorate and the simpler the access to our firearms the better.  This is especially true in the dark, so we can maintain our night vision.

     

    Below are some considerations pertaining to this subject.

     

    1. Quick Easy Access

     

    Consumers want quick and easy access to their valuables, including self-defense firearms. Inconvenience is a popular excuse to not properly secure a firearm. Safes that offer quick and easy access with a push button or thumb print lock can be the answer. 

     

    2. Secure Valuables

     

    Security Cases can be used to protect jewelry, cash, credit cards, medicine, keys, firearms and other valuables at all times. Whether you have repairmen, workers, cleaning people or party guests in your home, your valuables will remain safe and secure.

     

    3. Safeguard Children

     

    A firearm locked in a quick access security case reduces the possibility of a child (your own or a visiting friend) or any other unauthorized person from tampering with, discharging or stealing the firearm.

     

    4. Small Size

     

    Consumers who own or purchase a large gun safe for their collection will also want to consider purchasing a small case to secure a self defense firearm they want quick access to.

     

    5. Office Use

     

    Small security safes are also ideal for use at the office. Great for the executive who doesn't want to sit on a bulky wallet all day or needs a secure place to privately store small items.

     

    6. Responsibility

     

    As the media, legislature, and courts focus on gun safety devices, CTS would like to offer consumers a better and safer alternative to "gun lock" and "smart gun" devices currently being promoted. We do not advocate or suggest mandated storage laws. We do, however, strongly urge consumers to voluntarily secure their weapons responsibly.

     

    7. Law Enforcement

     

    Many Federal, State, and City agencies are supplying their officers with V-Line products including the F.B.I., US Postal Inspectors, Transportation Security Administration, Ventura County Fire Department, and CA Department of Justice. V-Line products are issued to officers and agents for use in home, office, vehicles, and travel.


    Whether you purchase a specially designed gun vault or make your own...Remember, safety should always be your primary concern.

     
    Be Safe.....


     
     
     IDPA Group Continues to Grow More Popular... Come in and Enjoy this Group 1st & 2nd Sunday of each month
    7am-11am 
     

     
     
    For a complete list of classes with dates and times, go to:
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CTS The Only Place To Try Before You Buy...
     
     
     
    Want to Experience
    FORCE on FORCE Training?
     
    Take our 2 dayTactical Pistol Course on March 28 & 29th
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Gift
    Certificates Available
     
     
     
     
     
     
    FREE  1 Hour Class and Range Day with every firearm purchase.
     
    A $55.00 Value
     
     
     
     
     
     
    New GSSF Match Series Begins 
    March 15th
    9am - 2pm
     
     
    Repeat any class completed, forever for FREE!
     
     
    New GSSF Match begins March 15
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CTS, The Only Place To Try Before You Buy...
     
     
     
    Want to Experience
    FORCE on FORCE Training?
     
    Take our 2 dayTactical Pistol Course on March 28 & 29th
     
     
     
    Gift
    Certificates Available
     
     
     
     
     
     
    FREE  1 Hour Class and Range Day with every firearm purchase.
     
    A $55.00 Value
     
     
     
     
    Remember Bullseye
    Every Thursday Night at 6pm
     
     
    Ed & Peggy Santos
    Center Target Sports
    208-773-2331