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 Center Target Sports Newsletter
The Only 5 STAR Range In The Northwest! |
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2010 BEST Range in USA
award by SHOT Business Magazine
2010 BEST Indoor Range in USA
award by GSSF, Glock Inc. |
HOME OF THE LIFETIME WARRANTY |
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The TARGET ZONE |
April 2013 |
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Quick Links |
CTS offers a lifetime warranty on all new and used firearms
Next Member Fun Shoots
April 22-Barricades
May 15
June 18
from 5-7pm
Don't forget we have full auto machine guns for rent! MP5, UPM40 & KRISS 45 Are you 65 or older? Let us know to get your discount.
Next FREE CLINICS May 14 (see article) June 12 6pm call 773-2331 to register Don't forget our online gun gallery
Happy Hour - 2 for 1 range time M-F noon to 3pm two shooters share one lane for one price
Don't forget Gift Certificates available all year
IDPA
1st & 2nd Sunday of each month
and now
also the 4th Sunday too
7-11am
Did you know there are only 10 Five Star rated indoor ranges in the US, and we are one of them!
Next Glock Matches March 16 (3rd Sat of every month) New hours 9am-1pm New Series starts April 20 Good in Multi-States Remember if you take your Utah CCW training with us it is all inclusive. Our Fee Includes Fingerprinting, Passport Photos,help in filling out all the forms and even a Pre-addressed Envelope.
Truly, One Stop Shopping!!
For a complete list
of classes with dates and times, go to:
CTS The Only Place
To Try
Before You Buy...
Remember Bullseye Every Thursday Night at
Friday Night
Date Night (all day)
Unlimited shooting for both you and your date only $22 and 10% off Ammo and Targets
Women shoot free with the purchase of a box of ammo all day on Thursdays
FREE 1 Hour Class and Range Day with every firearm purchase.
A $57.00 Value plus a lifetime warranty
of classes with dates and times, go to:
Don't Forget Our
AR PRO SHOP
For All Your AR Needs |
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Welcome back to the Target Zone:
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Welcome back to the Target Zone. As I write this newsletter I am in very wet, rainy, windy Chicago, IL. Thank heavens for warm dry hotel rooms.
As you will read below, this trip to Chicago is a bit more exciting than my usual trip here. Yes, I am always here to teach but this trip we debuted my new book "Low-Light Combatives". The book signing event was yesterday and it went very well. I am blessed that God has given me something to share and an ability with which to share it. Of course the book and all my traveling to teach would not be possible without my best friend who is my partner who just happens to be my wife, and the phenomenal staff at CTS that I leave behind to hold things together in my absence. Thank you all!
We continue to struggle like everyone else for ammunition. Never fear, we are leveraging our brass and will always have ammo for training and range use. Please accept our apologies on our necessity to only sell ammo for use in the range. I hope you understand.
Also note that Center Target has never increased the price of any item that we did not have to pay more for. We will not be part of any price gouging. We recently removed some consignment guns from the sales floor because the owners refused to put fair pricing on them. We are committed to getting through this desperate time without taking desperate measure. We at CTS believe we (the shooting community) will be better off as a result. On a personal note I believe you the consumers are astute enough to know when some of our competition is trying to capitalize on the situation and we hope when this is all over you remember that we never participated in any price gouging or offered anything but the highest level of training possible.
Lately a few of you have asked us to eliminate the retakes or offered to pay for a retake in an effort to get into a class. We will not do either of those. Yes, if our intent was to take your money and train as many students as possible, we would do like others in our area. However, that is not our intent. We want you to repeat, we want you to learn, we want you trained to the highest level. That is why in 8 plus years we have taught over 10,000 of you. Let's not fix it if it isn't broken! Thank you for your continued support and patronage.
A few words about Basic Pistol II vs. repeating Basic Pistol.
We created Basic Pistol II at the request of our Assistant Manager and my Lead Instructor Ken Cramer. Ken accurately saw a need for a venue that provided more trigger time to the basic student that would allow their skills to more rapidly improve.
The result of his thinking was the development of Basic Pistol II which is designed to be almost entirely conducted on the range. That's why the pre-requisite of Basic Pistol is important.
If you completed Basic Pistol but want more trigger time to refine your shooting skills with an instructor present, the Basic Pistol II class will allow you to grow leaps and bounds... more than if you merely repeated Basic Pistol. Of course when you complete Basic Pistol II you can repeat that course as often as you like! Now we are really learning and improving your skills.
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Part Time Help
We are in search a few good people who want to join the CTS team. As people leave and business continues to grow we need to continue to support our customers at the highest level.
If you are a people person we can teach you the gun knowledge. A person who has a passion for customers and dealing with the public is who we are looking for. So if you're looking for part time work and can work weekends please get your resume to Peggy ASAP. CCW permit required.
Machine Guns
Our machine guns are giving us fits. We lost one to a complete breakdown which means it needs to go back to the manufacturer for parts and one needs to return to the factory for their expert diagnosis.
Problem is we can not return these guns for repair without paperwork from the Feds. The paperwork can take up to 6 months. We are doing everything possible to get these guns up and running and we are also looking to purchase another gun so we will have 4 guns to help provide the ultimate machine gun experience.
Thank you for your patience as we work through these issues.
Mark your calendar for our 2nd annual Customer Appreciation Day August 10th! Once again we'll be asking our customers and friends to step up and support the Post Falls Food Bank, the Inland NW Blood Bank and Toys for Tots....more info to come in future newsletters!
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Class sign-ups...a side note: We short the website several spots in each class so we don't overbook. So if the web says a class is full, call the range to confirm, there might be one or two spots available. 208-773-2331.
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We Buy Used Guns and will be happy to sell your gun on consignment for you. We try to keep a large selection of used guns on hand, but we are selling new and used guns as fast we can get them in. So the time has never been better for you to get cash out of that firearm that is just collecting dust.
It will cost you nothing to bring it in and get an idea on what value your firearm has. Just see Cam or Ken or Ed.
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A Note from Peggy:
Every month we remind you that Center Target Sports continues to be a collection point for used cell phones and toiletries for the Post Falls Women's shelter (OASIS). I just want to say thank you for the incredible outpouring of generous donations for this worthy cause. The number of toiletries, phones, hats, PJ's, robes, slippers and toiletry bags has been overwhelming. Our customers are the best! If you're traveling and have checked luggage, collect all those unused bottles in your hotel bathroom and bring them back for us to donate to OASIS. Every little bit helps. Thank you. CTS is the ONLY one collecting for the Shelter and I'm proud to be making monthly deliveries.
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We sell NRA & GSSF memberships...ask any employee
archived newsletters
Want to read previous newsletters?
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New Items In Stock!
Can you say Reaction Time development and improvement. Well that is exactly what these new flashing targets from LaserLyte are designed to do.
LaserLyte innovators in firearms laser technologies, have developed a new interactive target system with dual modes for reaction and training; the Reaction Tyme Target, TLB-RT. This new laser training system comes with two (2) targets for more realistic training scenarios. Each target works independently of each other providing the user a variety of scenarios from near-to-far or left-to-right shooting.
The interactive system works in two modes; reaction and training. The reaction mode features random LED signals in intervals of three to seven seconds that can be shot with any of the LaserLyte® Trainers. When a hit is made the target celebrates with two beeps and a LED flash. The training mode allows the user to practice trigger control and accuracy with an always-on and ready-to-be-shot mode. When a hit is made, the target sounds two beeps and the LED flash.
The LaserLyte® Reaction Tyme Target allows for new and experienced shooters to gain increased levels of confidence and skills in the comfort of their own home while saving money on ammunition. The twin targets provide an active training session that can be set-up in a variety of ways. Any of the LaserLyte® Trainers work with the TLB-RT including the LT-PRO, LT-1 and the LaserLyte® Trainer Cartridges in .223, .380, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
New Tactical Gear and Bags
We have expanded our entire line of tactical equipment and shooting bags. In stock we have new web gear and speciality bags as well as many uniquely shaped bags that can be customized to your specific needs.
New designs and concepts are arriving daily. We added a new display rack in an effort to better provide better access for you to make a selection.
Do not hesitate to try on any of this gear and our staff will be happy to assist.
When it comes to shooting bags, don't forget to check out the GPS line of quality bags and shooting bag backpacks.
We are excited to offer these very innovative solutions to carrying your gear.
Whether you are a competitive shooter with multiple firearms to move around or someone with limited gear, our selection of bags will have a solution for you.
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REMEMBER...We are the home of the LIFETIME Warranty and the Repeat any Class Completed Forever for FREE Policy!
Our Mantra -
Better Products, Better Service, Better Experience!
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Get Ed's New Book
Combatives" Order online or pick up a copy at the store... I am so excited to finally have my newest book finished. In keeping with tradition, I officially released the book at ILEETA, the largest Law Enforcement training conference in the USA. You may remember that it was in 2008 at ILEETA that I released my first book "Rule the Night Win the Fight". That book is regarded by many as the standard in LE low-light training. Not wanting to tempt fate, I felt it only fitting to release "Low-Light Combatives" during the ILEETA conference. I had a book signing in conjunction with the release that was beyond my wildest expectations. A very special thank you to two very talented friends, Frank Martin of Frank Martin Photography and Al Gregory of AG Photography. Frank, for his tremendous artistic ability and his vision in the creation of the cover and Al for the very detailed and effective photography within the book. The book is what it is because of the tremendous efforts and abilities you gentlemen possess and so willingly share. THANK YOU....ED |
May 14th Free Clinic- An Escalation of Force - 6pm
Escalation of Force - What is it? Is it necessary? Can it help in my defense? These and many other escalation of force questions will be addressed. if you carry concealed either a non-lethal or a lethal weapon this is the FREE clinic for you.
 We will also discuss some less-lethal options as a representation of force escalation. Verbal intervention as well as physical presence will be discussed. Discussion of the differences involving issued within the four walls of your home vs. out in the public eye will also be discussed.
Please call the range to reserve your spot. 208-773-2331
Do you have an idea for a free clinic? Please send your ideas to peggy@centertargetsports.com . Thank you.
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Seldom offered classes:
Defensive Hand Gun II - April 27 & June 17
With a Tactical Pistol class on the horizon...now is the time to get the pre-requisites out of the way. We have been offering a number of DEF HG I classes so students will be ready for Defensive HG II which is scheduled on April 27th.
This is an 8 hour course limited to 10 students. The primary goal of this course is to develop the defensive handgun and personal skills necessary to not only survive but control a lethal encounter. This course builds on the skills and theories presented in Defensive HG I (CTS-201). Students will learn and practice the skills and attitude essential to surviving a lethal threat or confrontation.
The course will include both classroom presentations and live fire range exercises. A combination of Dry Practice and Live Fire with Real World Scenarios including multiple threats, low light shooting, hostage rescue, wounded shooter drills, equipment malfunctions, and moving targets.
Defensive Handgun II
Advanced Carbine at Fernan Rod and Gun Club Outdoor Range Offered Twice this Summer!
Don't miss the most comprehensive Carbine class offered in the Northwest. We will offer this advanced program twice this summer on June 8th and August 17th at  Fernan Rod and Gun Club Outdoor range. We are blessed to have such an awesome facility available to us here in North Idaho.
This class is less than 1 hr of classroom and approximately 7 hrs of shooting on the range. We will pick up where we left off at the end of Basic Carbine and move into a comprehensive format covering carbine and also handgun transitions.
Please make sure you check out the list of required equipment prior to registering for this class.
Advanced Carbine
AR Armorer Class
June 21 & 22 (2 days)
If you have ever wanted to learn about the AR weapons system this is the class for you! In two days of comprehensive indepth assembly and disassembly no part will go unremoved and explained.
This class will teach you what you need to know about building and or modifying the AR.
On day one you will build the rifle from parts provided to you in a ziplock bag. That's right... every rifle component will be placed in ziplock bags and you will assemble and function test the rifle.
Over the two day class we will cover assembly / disassembly, function, fit, operation, and troubleshooting just to mention a few topics. Sign up today as this class is limited in size and will sell out.
AR Armorer course
 Def HG I
Retakes-only June & Aug
The RETAKE Only class has proven so successful that we are going to offer it regularly. I was very impressed with the students who have taken the retake only class.
I am excited about the level of instruction I am able to offer in this new class format. Students wanting more trigger time would be much better off taking the retake only class rather than repeating the def HG 1 class in its entirety.
The retake only class has only 20 min classroom and all the rest of the class is dedicated to live fire with one on one coaching. Don't miss this FREE retake only class! You must call the range to sign up for the class...it is not on the website. 208-773-2331.
5 day Comprehensive HG in July
It is that time again. For all of you that are wanting to improve your HG shooting skills this is the class. The class is 5 days of intense shooting and learning. This class is the most comprehensive class of this type taught anywhere in the USA.
We only charge a fraction of what the "big named" schools charge and we even let you repeat our course forever for free. The emphasis of this class is to make every student a better shooter. Regardless where you start on day one, by day 5 you will be better. I guarantee it!
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Guest Instructors Coming Back to CTS!!
By now you know how serious we take our training. Their are only two instructors that I have ever allowed to teach in our facility. This year we have both of these professionals here doing what they do best. I truly believe that Michael Janich and John Farnam are the best in the world at what they do. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the "Best of the Best"!
A real treat this year for all the Mike Janich fans...He has agreed to teach Counter-Blade concepts. This is the ultimate in Defense against the knife. Do not miss this class. It is the first time he is teaching it here in the Northwest!
Michael Janich is back June 29-30
Counter-Blade Concepts Seminar
 In this two-day seminar, Michael Janich will present detailed instruction in his Counter-Blade Concepts (CBC) system of empty-hand defenses against edged-weapon attacks. This street-proven system begins by defining the threat with a detailed video analysis of actual knife attacks. It then presents a progressive series of skills designed to significantly enhance your survivability against both ballistic and static knife attacks. The CBC system functions as both a stand-alone unarmed skill set and as a critically important complement to weapon-based personal-defense.
This seminar will include step-by-step instruction in the critical skills of the CBC system and methods of integrating them into contact-distance shooting tactics. It will also address the use of CBC against other weapon threats, including firearms and impact weapons, and its use as a foundation for knife tactics. Students should bring purpose-designed training knives, eye protection, and a blue gun, airsoft, or other inert training pistol with holster.
The price for this class is $300 and is non-refundable. This class does not fall under the "forever for free" policy at CTS.
Counter Blade Concepts
Learn from the Master. John is a no nonsense guy and that is the message you get when you take a defensive handgun class from him. Most people never get the opportunity to take a John Farnam class without traveling great distances and incurring all the associated expenses of such travel and lodging. Take this class offered in your backyard!
I want to explain about the Farnam class and the fact that you make payment check out directly to John and why we can't take a credit card for his class. Simply put we don't make a penny on a John Farnam class. To keep the cost to a minimum we do not mark up his fees.
We offer the cost for two primary reasons. Number 1, we want you exposed to the best available training. No 2, Once exposed to his training, you will understand just how good our own inhouse instructor really are.
John Farnam is coming back Aug 2-4
Defensive Hand Gun 
The DTI Defensive Handgun Course is designed to prepare the responsible, adult gun owner to handle, maintain, safely store, and use their firearm safely, responsibly, correctly, and effectively, so that they are able to successfully handle nearly any personal protection situation.
An increasing number of people are seeking to improve their defensive shooting skills and expand their knowledge about the use of firearms for personal protection.
Here in the United States, many states are currently expanding access to concealed carry permits. DTI classes offer permit holders and those who are considering applying for a permit an opportunity to learn how to properly and safely carry a concealed handgun and to understand the laws regarding the use of lethal force for personal protection.
The course will consist of classroom lecture/demonstration and live-fire exercises on the range.
Classroom instruction includes:
- Situation Awareness
- Threat Evaluation
- The Force Continuum
- Courtroom Savvy
- The Physio/Psychological Aspects of Lethal Encounters.
Live-fire exercises on the range include:
- Threat evaluation
- Risk identification and reduction
- Lethal threat containment and management
- Precision shooting
- Discretionary shooting
- Low-light shooting (with and without a flashlight)
- Cover and movement
- Performing under stress
Tactical training is conducted in a realistic manner, stressing correct use of cover, movement, challenges, and other important individual tactics. In addition, students will practice close and extremely close encounters and weapon control.
The price for this class is $625 and is non-refundable. This class does not fall under the "forever for free" policy at CTS. Tuition can be paid by cash or check only with checks being made out to John Farnam.
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We need your help! Over the years many of you have said you would like to help us when we schedule a "Work Day" at the facility. Well, now is the time.
We will be closed all day on May 6th for a work day. The 5:30 pm "keychain/kubotan defense" class will be offered as scheduled. During the day we will be cleaning, painting, adjusting, refurbishing and who knows what else. If you have some time to spare and want to spend it with a great group of people we could use your help. We will provide lunch, direction and plenty of appreciation.
Please contact Stephanie to volunteer for our May 6th maintenance day. Knowing who's coming and what areas you would like to help out with will allow us to better schedule the day's activities. Thank you in advance for your support.
UPDATE!!!
A number of you have volunteered. Thank you!! We can always use more help. We have a very ambitious day planned and every little bit will help. We will be painting, cleaning, improving, moving, rearranging, etc... Please sign up if can spare some time to help us improve our facility.
Stephanie@centertargetsports.com
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New Enhanced Idaho CCW Permit
It is too early to say much about this recently past legislation. Other than it will take time before many additional States decide to honor it. As soon as the program is published we will start to offer it. It will not take effect until July 1 at the earliest.
Utah renewals that need Idaho certificate.
Kootenai County is now accepting the Utah application form that we gave many of you 5 years ago when you completed our Utah class. If you have to renew your expiring Utah permit you NOW must have the Idaho permit if you are an Idaho resident. Never fear, follow Peggy's link below to download the Utah GRAMA form. With this form you are requesting a copy of your original Utah CCW application form. The cost is $5 and the Kootenai County Sheriff has agreed to accept your application form as proof of firearms training for your ID permit.
A special thanks to the Kootenai County Sheriff for making this allowance for the thousands of you that will meet this requirement.
Recently the Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigations has seen a great increase in the number of concealed firearm permit applications being submitted. As recently as a few months ago they were receiving on average 1,500 applications a week. Currently the average is 5,000 applications a week. BCI is taking measures to process this increase in applications by working overtime and hiring more employees.
Whenever someone calls into BCI with a question the employees that
answer the phones are the same employees trying to process the
applications and issue the permits. The more phone calls they receive
slows down the processing time of the applications. It is currently taking 3 weeks to process payments and then another 60 days before permits will be issued. You can watch your credit card account or checking account to see when your payment goes through and then add another 60 days to that, this will give you an idea of when to expect your permit.
Please do not call BCI before this time line has lapsed.
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Upcoming Class Schedule
Master CCW (ID) - April 22, 29, May 5, 15, 18, 20, June 6, 15, 28
Utah 4 hr CCW - April 24, May 22, June 25
Utah 8hr CCW - April 21, May 11, June 23
Handgun Familiarity - April 28, May 14, 26, June 11, 25
Youth Firearms Safety - April 28, May 26, June 11, 25
Basic Pistol - April 20, 30, May 1, 4, 7, 16, 21, 23, 25, 29, June 2,5,8,13,18,26,29
Basic Pistol 2 - May 31, June 20
Refuse to be a Victim - May 8
Keychain Defense/Kubotan - May 6, June 12(daytime)
Cane Defense - May 8
Wilderness 1st Aid - June 11
Defensive Handgun 1 - May 19, June 9
Defensive Handgun 1 (re-takes only) - June 16
Defensive Handgun 2 - April 27, June 17
Basic Carbine - June 1
Advanced Carbine - June 8, Aug 17
Home Defense Shotgun - April 26, May 12, June 7
AR Armorer Course - 2 days - June 21 & 22
Michael Janich-Counter Blade Concepts - June 29 & 30
John Farnam - Defensive Handgun - Aug 2-4
5-day Comprehensive HG - Coming in July
We offer private lessons for $50/hr. Contact Ken if you're interested.
For the entire calendar go to:
Owner Orientation classes are the free one hour class you receive when you purchase a gun at Center Target Sports. Just bring your receipt and show up. If you want to take the class and didn't buy your gun from us, the class is $40 and everyone's welcome. Call the range for times. 208-773-2331
Shotgun - May 17, June 24, July 23, Aug 22
AR - May 10, June 17, July 18, Aug 14
Sig - May 3, June 4, July 11, Aug 9
S&W semi-auto - May 16, June 21, July 24, Aug 13
Revolver - May 8, June 12, July 3, Aug 1
Glock - May 1, 22, June 6, July 9, Aug 7, 29
Ruger - May 2, June 5, July 10, Aug 8
1911 - May 15, June 20, July 22, Aug 21
Bersa - April 22, May 21, June 20, July 30, Aug 20
Walther - May 14, June 14, July 17, Aug 16
Taurus - May 9, June 13, July 2, Aug 2
Kahr - April 23, May 24, June 27, July 26, Aug 27
Springfield - May 7, June 19, July 12, Aug 6
CZ - April 19, May 20, June 26, July 25, Aug 23
Kel-tec - May 13, June 18, July 16, Aug 15
Beretta - June 7, July 19, Aug 28
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Welcome our 2 new employees
We continue to grow our staff to best serve your needs. Who would have thought that our staff would ever grow to 13 employees. This is only a reality because of the tremendous loyality and support of our patrons. Peggy and I along with our entire staff are very greatful to to all of you for your continued support.
We take the process of hiring staff members very seriously and we always strive for the best. The best is what I believe we have in our two newest employees. Both Dennis and Duane each bring unique qualities and great people skills to our staff. Please take the time to introduce yourself and help us make them feel welcome.
Meet Dennis Mader,
Dennis and his family moved to Idaho about 20 years ago after his retirement as a Special Agent, for the State Attorney General's office. During this time he was also a district firearms/ training officer, and was certified by the FBI in their training methods. He is a graduate of the CHP, DOJ, and the DEA National Academies, and holds many POST certificates.
We are particularly excited about the tremendous Antique Firearms knowledge Dennis brings to CTS. He is a long time student of historical firearms and their development, which has continued to today as a pastime and a real interest, so if you have any questions about that old or vintage firearm, please ask him. He is a Co founder of SASS, Cowboy Action Shooting.
· Dennis is a member of the following:
· Cody Museum
· Sharps Collectors Association Co Founder/Life
· Colt Collectors Association
· Single Action Shooting Society Co Founder/Life
· NRA Life
Meet Duane Wilcox
Duane grew up in Spokane and Elk, Washington. He is a fulltime Firefighter for Spokane City and previously served in the US Navy for 7 years as a Firefighter/Search and Rescue team during Desert Storm/Desert Shield.
He has been a rifle shooter for many years and has recently added Glock 19 to his arsenal. He and his family enjoy camping, spending time at the lake, dirt bike riding, mud bog racing, competing in car shows, target shooting, as well as snowmobiling, and skiing in the winter.
Duane is married to his beautiful wife for 16 years, together they have 3 beautiful daughters who are all looking forward to improving their shooting.
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Monthly Tip! Part 2 (cont) from Dec newsletter
Part Two of the Firearm Maintenance Tip I started in December!
Sorry for the delay in completing this monthly tip. Note to self, don't start a 2 part tip in the month of December. There is just so much happening at the end of the year...especially an election year. Oh well, here is the last of the cleaning / maintenance tip.
Special Considerations
Salt water or marine environments are environments where cleaning and maintenance is even more important. Salt water will reek havoc on a gun if left alone. Needless to say, anytime your gun gets dunked, in fresh or salt water, you need to completely disassemble it and make sure the parts are clean and dry. If your gun goes into salt water, make sure to put it in fresh water as soon as possible to stop the corroding power of the salt water. Gun Scrubber will also displace moisture on a temporary basis. Ultrasonic cleaning and the ultrasonic lube solution can be a huge benefit in these situations.
Tips and Tricks
Improvise can often be the word of the day. Household items as well as tools from the gun industry can make the task of cleaning or maintenance much easier. There are many little spots that are hard to get at that accumulate grime.
Q-Tips or Cotton Swabs
I have found these are lifesavers when getting into nooks and crannies of the underside of a slide, or inside the frame. They are a must have in any gun cleaning kit. I just buy the biggest, cheapest packs I can find. Using these cotton swabs, I can get into places more thoroughly than I would have been able to, unless I'd completely disassembled the gun.
Pipe cleaners
You can find these in the craft department at Wal-Mart. They are great to slide between close machined surfaces that are hard to get a patch or cloth into. Some meticulous cleaning may seem like overkill, but it is really up to you how clean you want to get your own guns.
Silicone/Rem-Oil cloths
These cloths are fantastic tools to a wipe down guns you've handled. They can clean off any oils from your hands that may cause rust. That's especially true for those older style blued guns. They can mean the difference between a gun that looks like it did when you bought it for the rest of your life, and one that has round rust marks in the design of your fingerprints.
Hoppe's Bore Snake
The Hoppe's Bore Snake is one of my favorite tricks of the trade. I have one for all my calibers, and they make cleaning much easier. I scrub down the bore with a good solvent and then run the snake through. 99% of the time I have a gleaming clean bore. For those times it isn't quite enough, I just repeat the process. These remove the need for patches, and can be reused for years with or without dipping them in Hoppe's #9 (but I have to admit I'm a dipper).
Tooth Brushes
Never again let a family member throw away an old toothbrush. Always ask the dentist for a new brush at every dental appointment. Toothbrushes are pretty good to get the slots and grooves clean inside the slide of an auto, but they tend to not be tough enough. Companies like Otis make all types of gun cleaning brushes in various bristle types. Copper and nylon are good for the specific applications and they are relatively inexpensive. It never hurts to have a toothbrush on hand though.
Spray Solvents
The most important consideration here is to use gun specific products. We have patrons of CTS that use unleaded gas, break cleaner, etc... DO NOT do this. Gun specific cleaners are far less caustic than brake cleaner, but spray into those hard to reach places and clear out grime like it was nothing. Just re-oil and you're in business. These can, however, remove paint, as well as some wood and metal finishes, so be careful. Newer versions are even safe for polymer framed guns as well. This alone has saved me countless hours of cleanup when dealing with the underside of the slide, or inside my 1911 frames.
Side Note: We have transitioned most of our cleaning products to the ProShot line. They are worthy of your consideration.
Dental & Electronics Pics/Tools
Another reason to be friends with your dentist. I have used these tools for years. They give us the best ability to get to little areas to remove caked on or stubborn grit, even rust, that has accumulated. You can find these at Harbor Freight or at Radio Shack. Be careful with any steel tools...they can easily scratch off your finish. I use pics wrapped in a cleaning patch doused in Hoppe's #9 to get into the small crevices.
It is Work!
A firearm is a significant investment, and unlike many of the other big ticket purchases in our life, like cars, stoves, cameras, TVs, they almost never end up going to the dump or junkyard when you decide you want a different one. Guns are the ultimate "durable consumer good." They almost never get thrown away, and they are seldom worth less than 25% less than you paid for them. Often they are worth several times more later in life. If you take care of your guns, they will take care of you, whether it be protecting your life, service in the field, sport, or as your own little retirement account locked in your gun safe. By keeping them clean and making sure that no hidden rust or corrosion is creeping in, you will keep them in service for a lifetime, and possibly several lifetimes.
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15%
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Ed's New Book!
Save 15 % on Low-Light Combatives.
Present this coupon and receive 15% off Ed's new book. | | Offer Expires: May 10, 2013 Only one coupon per person per visit. |
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