Your Vote Counts

If the Second Amendment is important to you, then ladies, please exercise the right to vote provided to you in the 19^th Amendment.  In 1848 a group of mostly women gathered and discussed the fact that women deserved the right to vote.  These women, aka suffragettes, endured ridicule, jail and public shunning to secure the right for women to vote.  They knew that women could make a difference in elections.  We have equal opportunity, but do we take advantage of it?  Let’s give a shout out to those women who broke through the voting glass ceiling for us, and make a loud statement that we value the Constitution and all of its amendments!

Every election is important, but the elections this year seem more important than ever, and it is vital that we vote. Our country is facing challenges that have proven to be unsolvable over the past six years; we must work to get leaders in office who can tackle these problems with solutions that are rooted in our Constitution. Let’s elect leaders who understand that the oath they take is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States – all of it. 

At the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) Women’s Leadership Forum Summit, in Middleburg, Va., last month, Jason Oulmet, Deputy Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, gave a presentation about the battleground states for Pro-Second Amendment candidates.  The candidates the NRA endorses in those states include the following:  Montana – Steve Daines; South Dakota – Mike Rounds; West Virginia

– Shelly Moore Capito; Arkansas – Tom Cotton; Louisiana – Bill Cassidy; Iowa – Joni Ernst; Colorado – Cory Gardner; North Carolina – Thom Tillis; Georgia – David Perdue; Kentucky – Mitch McConnell; and Kansas – Pat Roberts.

Information about election in your state is available at the NRA Political Victory Fund. Please educate yourself on the issues and candidates. Then please, on Nov. 4, 2014, no matter how busy you are, no matter the hassle of waiting in line and/or driving out of your way, no matter if your kids are impatient, no matter how much suffering it seems to vote … stand tall and proud in that line, and remember the suffragettes who sacrificed so much for us, smile, VOTE and make a difference in this election!

Karen Butler is the President of SLG², Inc, DBA: Shoot Like a Girl. Shoot Like a Girl is a company dedicated to growing the number of women who participate in shooting sports by empowering them with confidence.

How to Get Competitive with Your Shooting

Competitive shooting can sound very intimidating to some, especially to new shooters. To be honest, all competitors once were beginners, and with time, dedication and practice, they will more than likely become more advanced. The process of learning to shoot competitivey can be very challenging and rewarding at the same time.

There are several types of matches to meet a variety of interests. The one common denominator I have found at all matches I’ve attended is the welcoming feeling I get from the other shooters. Everyone is always so inviting and extremely helpful. I went to my first match not knowing anyone at the range, nor did I know all the rules. I soon learned how comforting it was to see so many people wanting new shooters to succeed, do well and have fun.

Each match includes a new shooter briefing. This is where the match directors explain all the rules and describe how that particular match will be run. The match directors are always good about putting you with others who are experienced and can help you learn and be safe. I’ve compiled a short list of websites to help you get started.

I would encourage anyone wanting to try competitive shooting to just jump in and go for it. It has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Plus the bonus is that you meet more people who share your same passion for shooting. Don’t ever worry that you won’t have all the right equipment or know every rule. There always will be people there who will be more than happy to let you use their stuff and help guide you in learning the rules.

Basic Equipment needed to get started

Again, don’t  be afraid to show up if you don’t have everything. Competitive shooters always bring backup equipment, just in case they need it. First, have a good reliable firearm, and a couple extra magazines. Second, have a sturdy belt that can handle the weight of your firearm and magazines. Third, you will need a quality OWB (outside-the-waistband) holster that covers the trigger guard and a couple of magazine pouches, all of which will need to be able go on your belt. If you shoot Steel Challenge with a .22, you will not need a holster or magazine pouches. In all competitions, you will need ammo for your firearm, and sometimes that can vary, but to be on the safe side I always bring around 200 rounds to each match, unless I know I need more. If you have never used a holster and/or magazine pouches, don’t be afraid to ask if someone could show you before you get started.

Here are just a few of the websites and forums I have used to help me learn more about competitive shooting. I’ve also included some of the places I order holsters and equipment from.

Boomer Shooter

Brownells

Civilian Marksmanship Program

Comp-Tac

CR SpeedGlock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF)

International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA)

International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC)

International Shooting Sports Foundation (ISSF)

Midway

NRA Competitions

Steel Challenge

3-Gun Nation

United States Practical Pistol Association (USPSA)

USA Shooting

I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you at a match sometime!

Jamie Meyer instructs at Oklahoma Gun Training.

" I Shoot For The Girls" Charity Archery Tournament for NBCF

ATHENS, Ala. -- Oct. 31, 2014 -- Shoot Like A Girl (SLG2) is proud to announce that we will be hosting our annual “I Shoot for the Girls™” mail-in tournament, a sanctioned event by the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), until March 31, 2015.  This tournament, which began in Oct. 2014, provides participants an opportunity to compete on a national level in a fun mail-in tournament.  SLG2 will donate 100 percent of the profit the NBCF. 

“Last year, we raised just under $10,000 for NBCF, and our total for the past 3 years has been $24,000,” said Karen Butler, president of SLG2. Raychel Shaw, an instructor with SLG2, is the tournament director. “Raychel will ensure the tournament runs smoothly and help us meet our goal of raising $20,000 for the NBCF to use for early detection screenings and research to end this horrible disease,” added Butler.  

Contestants will shoot from 18 meters (Vegas Style). The target consists of 3 breast cancer ribbons, the white in the center of the ribbon’s loop is worth 10 points, and anywhere on the pink is 5 points; this includes a very small breast cancer ribbon in the “I Shoot For the Girls™” logo. There will be 10 rounds, for a total max score of 400 points. Each arrow should be shot at a different ribbon. Double scoring and certification by a range officer is required. To date, the target has not been shot clean by any competitors. Participants can shoot in 1 of several divisions:  Women’s, Men’s, Young Adult (15-17), Youth (12-14) and Cub (11 and under). Winners in each division will win a prize pack from SLG2. Archery Ranges and Shops should email Raychel Shaw for specific details on hosting an event.

Ranges and shops that provide free range-time for archers to shoot in the “I Shoot for the Girls™” tournament will receive a certificate and certificates for their top 3 in each division.  There are no upfront costs for dealers to host this tournament, which makes it a win-win! The cost is $20 per shooter. Special targets and official score cards will be mailed to ranges. Contact Raychel Shaw for more details.

About Shoot Like A Girl:

Shoot Like A Girl (SLG², Inc) is a company dedicated to growing the number of women in shooting sports by empowering them to participate with confidence.  With the help of our corporate sponsors, Shoot Like A Girl (SLG², Inc) thanks their valued corporate partners who share their mission to grow the number of women in shooting sports, by empowering them with confidence:  Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 3M Peltor, Hunter Safety System, Ammo To Go, Bear Archery, BowTech, Charter Arms, Colt, Crimson Trace, Danner, Game Plan Gear, GLOCK, Inc, Hogue, Hoyt, Hunt Force, Elite, Lethal, Lumenok, Neet Archery Products, Mammoth Coolers, Mathews Inc, Mossy Oak, Powder Hook, POV Action Cameras, ScentBlocker/Tree Spider, Smith and Wesson, Sonic Boom Targets, Stedi-Stock, Taurus, ThermaCell, Trijicon, Triple Crown Outdoors, Trophy Hunting Products, TRUGLO, PSE Women’s Outdoor News, Upper Canyon Outfitters, and ASA.

Colt Peacemaker Product Review

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a Colt Peacemaker, single-action .357 revolver. I shot a 3rd generation model, made between 1972 and 1975, with brown-stag bone grips. Just holding this firearm in my hand felt like getting a history lesson. It is incredibly beautiful, and this particular gun amazed me that it could be nearly a decade older than me and still retain its looks and sturdiness.  It became clear to me, standing in front of an assortment of Colt revolvers and holding the oldest one of them that Colt makes firearms that will stand the test of time.

Loading, unloading, aiming and familiarizing myself with the Peacemaker was a breeze. This gun screamed quality and craftsmanship and felt so well balanced while acquiring the target; aiming it was effortless.  I was amazed at how smooth and manageable the recoil was.  I was able to quickly cock the hammer back and regain my sight picture and fire again smoothly and quickly with incredible accuracy.  I shot .38 Special ammo through it, and then, .357 rounds to compare the difference.  The gun shot both types of ammo incredibly well.

I was glad that my husband accompanied me on this trip to the range, and he shot the Colt revolver, too, why....because I fell in love with it and really wanted to buy one after the first 3 rounds.  I didn’t have to convince him that we needed to buy it, because he felt the same way. Since he is a history enthusiast, the thought of owning an incredible firearm that not only made history, but was made to continue to be a part of history also appealed to him.

The purchase of an older model Colt is an investment that we can make to pass down to our children and their children.  Even though we cannot purchase the Colt that we shot that day, we are looking forward to finding one just like it in the near future.

Visit Colt Firearms 

Raychel is a Firearms Instructor for Shoot Like A Girl. To read more about Raychel go to www.ShootLikeAGirl.com and click on Pro Staff. 

Lacrosse Swamp Tuff Pro Waders Product Review

The Swamp Tuff Pro Waders by Lacrosse have been the best waders I have ever worn.  Being a die-hard waterfowler, I have worn these waders in the toughest of conditions and they always have kept me warm and dry.

Lacrosse thought of every aspect in its design.  If I were forced to pick my favorite quality, I would have to choose the heavyweight 5mm fleece-lined insulating neoprene. Due to the warm Texas climate, I am extremely cold natured. Even on ice-breaking days, these waders have kept me warm, while wearing only a minimal base layer underneath.

In fact, while wading in knee-deep flooded timber, I have had ice form around the outside of the Swamp Tuff Pros and stayed completely warm, without the slightest discomfort.

In order to stay properly concealed, I have ended up in many short bushes that line a shoreline. I have had many close calls that would puncture many other common brands. Lacrosse durability and double-stitched and reinforced seams are built to last many seasons without punctures or tears. The knees and seat also are reinforced to provide lasting durability.

Another challenge that I have dealt with in years past, with other brands, is the quality of the boots.  Wading through the mud and muck where a duck calls home can be extremely tough if you experience some boot slippage. Lacrosse adds a contoured ankle fit to prevent ankle slippage, which allows my feet to stay in place during the most challenging muddy conditions.

I have, without a doubt, found my lifelong brand for quality waterfowl waders. I would recommend Lacrosse to any serious waterfowl hunter!

Swamp Tuff Pro Waders are offered in the following camo patterns: Mossy Oak Bottom Land, Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Blades and Realtree Max-5.

MSRP: $300