VA-ALERT: VCDL Update 11/6/09

[OakRidgeStars]

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VCDL's meeting schedule: http://www.vcdl.org/meetings.html
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Abbreviations used in VA-ALERT: http://www.vcdl.org/help/abbr.html
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VCDL Update 11/6/09

1. VCDL member John Strauss -- RIP
2. Column: The "no guns" insult
3. Editorial: Virginia and gun control
4. LTE: Loophole 'solution' shifts burden
5. TEXT: ODU campus safety alert [10/30/09]
6. Gun show slur in VA election
7. Lynchburg "Gun Surrender Program" being used to "reduce crime"
8. Dangerous weapon assaults in D.C.
9. Another home invasion claiming to be law enforcement
10. Williamsburg man accused of home invasion arrested
11. James City police to offer free firearm-safety classes
12. Loudon County Sheriff investigates Stabbing Near School
13. Tears flow from gun control advocates as the end of the National Parks gun ban draws closer
14. Is .357 Sig ammunition safe?
15. U.K.: Gun crime goes up by 89 percent in a decade (despite gun ban)
16. N.J. Court Says Americans Have No Right To Buy Handguns
17. Armed off-duty security officer saves doctor
18. Who needs a gun in a national park?
19. Who needs a gun in a restaurant?

**************************************************
1. VCDL member John Strauss -- RIP
**************************************************

Al Steed, Jr. emailed me this a few days ago:

--

Sad to announce the passing of VCDL & NRA member JOHN STRAUSS, 67,
Master Chief, US Navy Retired, a combat wounded veteran of Vietnam and
Operation Desert Shield, of Radford, VA. John was a super supporter
of all of our Second Amendment events---many of you met John and Betty
at the VCDL picnic in Salem. John's funeral service was this
afternoon. We here in SW Virginia will miss him--he is now with many
of his friends, may he rest in peace.

AL STEED JR

**************************************************
2. Column: The "no guns" insult
**************************************************

VCDL "Republican Roundup" protest highlighted

Jeff Knox emailed me this:

--

http://tinyurl.com/ygqn7rx

http://www.FirearmsCoalition.org

The "No Guns" Insult

By Jeff Knox

(Manassas, VA, October 29, 2009) How does it make you feel when you
start to walk into a business and see a "No Guns" sign prominently
posted? Are you angry? Offended? Indifferent? How do you react?
Do you just turn around and take your business elsewhere? Complain to
the management? Just ignore it and go on with your business? The
members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League take "No Guns" signs
as personally offensive and they let their offense be known - to the
business, to fellow VCDL members, and anyone else who'll listen - or
read a web page. VCDL maintains a list of anti-rights Virginia
businesses on their web site, http://www.VCDL.org, and encourages gun owners
and rights supporters to avoid these businesses except to let them
know that their policy is offensive. VCDL has actively pursued this
position for several years while they have simultaneously grown to
become the most politically active and effective rights organization
in the state.

So when the 7th District Republican Committee decided to hold a major
fundraising rally in a location which is prominently posted "No Guns,"
VCDL let the Republicans know they weren't happy. When the
Republicans held the annual event in the same anti-rights location
every year for the next several years, disregarding VCDL's repeated
objections, many at VCDL began taking the Republicans' choice as an
insult. When the Republicans refused to change venues - even though
VCDL offered to help sponsor the event at a different location - VCDL
got mad.

On October 17th about 250 VCDL protesters gathered in a shopping mall
near the Innsbrook Pavilion, the private, anti-rights event center
where the annual Republican Roundup was being staged. The well
organized protest included a moon-bounce and other distractions set up
for the kids, an airplane towing a "Guns Save Lives" banner, and even
a hot air balloon proclaiming the same message. Local shops,
restaurants, and hotels welcomed the protesters - who were mostly
openly carrying sidearms - and even offered special discounts. A good
and safe time was had by all.

The Chairman of the 7th District Republican Committee has previously
told people who complained to him about his choice to use the anti-
rights facilities that while he and the Republican Party strongly
support the Second Amendment, price and convenience trumps
principles. And he's sticking to his No Guns. Even as there were
almost as many people outside protesting as there were inside
rallying, the chairman announced that the event would again be held in
the same location next year. The level of base callousness and simple
stupidity is just staggering.

This up-scuttle echoes a larger issue of misunderstanding between the
activist, rights community and the general public - sadly often
including many gun owners. When a business posts a "No Guns" policy
they are making a political statement whether that is their intent or
not. They are also denigrating and insulting lawful gun owners -
particularly those who choose to carry. A "No Guns" sign serves no
useful purpose beyond these insults and political posturing because
the only people to whom such signs apply are the most conscientious
and responsible gun owners. Criminals and the irresponsible simply
ignore the signs and do exactly what they would have done without the
signs, except with perhaps a greater sense of security knowing that
conscientious, law-abiding gun owners have disarmed or gone somewhere
else.

Gun owners and rights supporters who are not angered and offended by
these "We Don't Want Your Kind" signs posted on businesses they
frequent are being as thoughtless and insensitive as the businesses
themselves. These "No Guns" signs should elicit the same reaction
from gun owners and our friends that "Whites Only" signs did among
blacks and civil rights supporters in the 1960's. They are a personal
insult and an assault on our liberty and anyone who can't see that is
simply choosing not to. That appears to be the case with the
leadership of Virginia's 7th District Republicans. One must wonder
whether they would continue using the same facilities if the sign on
the door read "No Jews" rather than "No Guns."

Posting a "No Guns" sign is not a business decision about patron
safety nor is disarming just a minor inconvenience. Such signs are a
political statement and an insult and they should never go
unanswered. The Firearms Coalition offers Merchant Education Cards
which make it easy to let businesses know why they're losing our
business. They are available at http://www.FirearmsCoalition.org.

**************************************************
3. Editorial: Virginia and gun control
**************************************************

New York Times opines: "vast majority of Virginians want to plug the
gun-show loophole"

Another paper quoting the bogus survey paid for by the Virginian-Pilot.

If Virginians wanted to register the private sales of guns and do
damage to gun shows, they would have elected Creigh Deeds, who wanted
to pass such legislation to make the parents of the Virginia Tech
massacre victims "feel better:"

http://tinyurl.com/y97sj4x

http://www.nytimes.com

EDITORIAL
Virginia and Gun Control
Published: October 21, 2009

Lost in the public polling fine print of the Virginia governor's race
is a strikingly vital statistic: a vast majority of Virginians want to
plug the gun-show loophole that for years has fed the "Iron Pipeline"
of weapons flowing into states and cities with stricter gun controls.

The issue of gun control has traditionally been a third rail in
Virginia campaigning, and it still is. But a new poll for The
Virginian-Pilot by Christopher Newport University found that 8 out of
every 10 likely voters want to end the practice of allowing unlicensed
dealers at "sportsmen" shows to sell guns wholesale outside the laws
that mandate a background check of purchasers.

The loophole is no laughing matter, although the National Rifle
Association is using a fictitious Soprano-like "Noo Yawker" to bolster
Bob McDonnell, the Republican candidate for governor who favors
leaving the loophole unchanged. "Fuhgeddaboud your freedoms" if Mr.
McDonnell is not elected, the faux Mafioso warns Virginians in a TV
ad. It's payback for Mayor Michael Bloomberg's recent stings
documenting how Virginian dealers are a major conduit for crime guns
in New York City.

The record in Virginia of the Democratic candidate, Creigh Deeds,
closely parallels Mr. McDonnell's fierce politicking as a defender of
gun rights -- with the notable exception of the gun-show loophole. Mr.
Deeds felt obliged to honor the pleas from families whose loved ones
were among the 32 fatalities in the Virginia Tech gun massacre two
years ago. With that went the N.R.A. endorsement that the Democrat had
enjoyed in the past.

The loophole closure is far from the dominant issue in the
multifarious Virginia campaign, even if most voters realize the
Virginia Tech spree brings gun control closer to home. Closing the
loophole has been repeatedly set back by statehouse machinations, but
by fewer and fewer votes. Those latest newspaper poll results show the
people are speaking. Too bad politicians are not listening.

**************************************************
4. LTE: Loophole 'solution' shifts burden
**************************************************

http://tinyurl.com/yl5m7xc

http:www2.dailyprogress.com/

Loophole 'solution' shifts burden
Katelyn Sack
Published: October 27, 2009

Closing the Virginia gun show loophole ("Closing Virginia's gun show
loophole," The Daily Progress, Oct. 18) is a fine idea. [PVC:
Actually, there is no loophole to close, and VCDL does not support the
end-game gun registration scheme that would result from mandating
government oversight of private sales.] Problem is, none of the
change's proponents are addressing the other side's concerns about how
this will be done. The real fight here is about money, not safety or
lawful conduct.

Freelance gun sellers -- private citizens or small business owners
whose primary business is not the sale of firearms -- will be required
to run background checks on everyone they sell to. Currently, they are
required to run such checks only if they are licensed.

Freelance sellers will also be required to pay for those background
checks, which probably means paying a larger gun seller to run the
National Instant Criminal Background Check System check for them
because the relevant databases (containing oodles of personal
information) are not public record.

Big business will swallow neighborhood enterprise, and some sales
conducted exactly as before will simply be criminalized. Suddenly,
there will be a new crime wave taxpayers have to pay for the
government to address, although the public safety picture will not
have changed a pixel.

If the government wants to require an extra bureaucratic dance from
everyone at the disco, it ought to foot the bill. Otherwise, closing
the loophole will only create more crime -- by criminalizing the sale
of firearms between small sellers and bargain-shoppers who can't
afford to pay for the government to do its job.

Make the criminal background check available to freelance sellers free
of charge at a booth staffed by a public servant, and the Virginia gun
show loophole will close itself.

Katelyn Sack
Charlottesville

**************************************************
5. TEXT: ODU campus safety alert [10/30/09]
**************************************************

Old Dominion University campus safety suggestion: hope violent
criminals leave you alone.

Aaron Smith emailed me this:

--

Who needs a gun around Old Dominion University's campus?

What always irks me about these campus wide emails that they send out,
is they never make any mention of effective self defense.

-Aaron Smith


From: Falck, Michelle M.


Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 8:45 AM


Subject: ODU Campus Safety Alert
10/30/09


The Norfolk Police Department has made us aware of two
incidents involving students that occurred last night in the
area concurrent to campus.

At the 7-Eleven store on 52nd Street and Colley Avenue, a
black male with a handgun exited a blue minivan and
approached a student standing outside the store at
approximately 10:45 p.m., robbing him of a knapsack and
money.

On Hampton Boulevard near Larchmont Elementary School,
two black males approached a student at approximately 1 a.m.
and asked to use his cellular phone. When the student
refused, one of the suspects displayed a handgun and robbed
him of his wallet.

Neither student was harmed in the incidents.

The police department would like to remind the campus
community that an increase in the incidents of larceny is
typical as the holiday season approaches and that extra care
and precautions should be taken.

Here are recommendations on how to keep yourself and
your friends safe:

Familiarize yourself with the locations of emergency
phones and call boxes in the buildings and around the campus
routes you normally visit and walk. All campus buildings
have red telephones that link directly to campus police.
Additionally, there are blue
emergency call boxes located around campus that also call
directly to campus police. Walk on well-lit paths
and streets and walk with others, especially at night.
Use the campus escort service. It is available 5:30
p.m. to 12:30 a.m. weekdays and 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on
weekends by calling 683-3477 or using one of the emergency
telephones or blue light call boxes. Police officers are
available to escort you after-hours.
Keep doors locked, including the doors to your
dorm room, off-campus residence and car. Do not prop open
any doors to the residence halls. Do not invite
strangers into your dorm room or off-campus house. While
that person you just met at a party may seem really nice, he
or she could have bad intentions. Limit your
drinking. Too much alcohol impairs your judgment and makes
you less aware of your surroundings. Do not leave
your bicycle, laptop, iPod or other valuables unsecured and
do not leave valuables in view in your vehicle. Do not leave
holiday gift purchases in your car.Report
suspicious activity and situations to campus police. If you
are a victim of crime, report it to police
immediately.

The Police Department can be reached 24 hours a day,
every day, by calling 757-683-4000 (3-4000 from a campus
phone).

**************************************************
6. Gun show slur in VA election
**************************************************

State Delegate Stephen Shannon smears VA attorney general candidate
Ken Cuccinelli over his support for unregulated private guns sales

http://tinyurl.com/y9vzbhd

http://www.washingtontimes.com

Gun-Show Slur in Virginia Election: With just days to go before the
election, Virginia Democrats are getting desperate. In the race to
become the commonwealth's next attorney general, state Delegate
Stephen Shannon is trying to tar his opponent, state Sen. Ken
Cuccinelli, for purportedly giving guns to convicted felons. Mr.
Shannon is sending around literature with a scary picture of a violent
criminal claiming: "FACT: Ken Cuccinelli, candidate for attorney
general, voted to allow violent felons to purchase guns in Virginia."
We hate to break it to Mr. Shannon but this isn't going to be his
Willie Horton ad. Mr. Shannon's convoluted logic goes this way: Since
Mr. Cuccinelli voted against regulating the private sale of guns at
gun shows, that means he supports felons having guns. Never mind that
it is still illegal for felons to have guns and the senator supports
that ban...


**************************************************
7. Lynchburg "Gun Surrender Program" being used to "reduce crime"
**************************************************

Scott Byer emailed me this:

--

Mr. Van Cleave,

My father, Gene Byer, is a member of your organization. I have
followed you for some time now. Thank you for your support of our
Second Amendment rights!

To the point of this email, I stumbled upon a campaign in Lynchburg,
VA today. Please follow this link to the 'Gun-Surrender Program' news
report on the local NBC affiliate WSLS 10.

As far as I am concerned, this is absurd! What's next?

Scott Byer

http://tinyurl.com/yle95wz

Lynchburg homicide-free in 2009, gun surrender program helping
By CANDICE NELSON | WSLS10 Reporter
Published: October 6, 2009
Updated: October 7, 2009

A gun surrender program in Lynchburg wants criminals with guns to turn
them over without the fear of getting in trouble. A team effort
between Churches United for Service and the Lynchburg Police
Department kicked off the gun surrender program in 2008. So far,
they've collected 10 guns.

On Tuesday, another gun surrender event was held at Providence Place
in Lynchburg. The gun surrender program is also for people who want to
get rid of a firearm in their home. For example, Rev. Charles Lewis
was there to turn over a gun his grandson used to commit suicide two
years ago.

"If I kept it, I would always be remembering my grandson, you know,"
said Lewis.

Dr. James Coleman is with Providence Ministries International, and
said he's talked with the people who have turned in their guns.
"They're excited to turn them in. Some of them are glad to get rid of
them. They're scared they might be used in a negative way again," he
said.

Those who turn in the guns also have a chance to win a 2000 Chevrolet
Impala which has been decorated with flames for trim and has been
painted orange and white. The car was a former police cruiser that has
now been converted into a decorated, or "tricked out," car.

Lynchburg Police pointed out the city hasn't seen any homicides this
year. Police Chief, Parks Snead, says it's been "very effective
because you have to start somewhere."

Chief Snead said Lynchburg had four homicides in 2008. Although there
hasn't been any this year, Dr. Coleman says the gun surrender program
cannot take full credit.

There haven't been any deaths but in the last 12 months, guns have
been involved in more than 250 cases.

"Crime in Lynchburg is always a fluctuating topic- in any community.
We have violent crime in Lynchburg; we have property crime. Levels by
my recollection are stabilizing somewhat," Chief Snead said.

Before Rev. Lewis left, he said, "If we get guns out of criminals
hands, our cities and everything will be a whole lot safer."

People won't get in trouble for turning in a gun at a gun surrender
event. The next event will be on November 5th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at
the corner of 17th and Monroe Streets.

**************************************************
8. Dangerous weapon assaults in D.C.
**************************************************

Crime stats raise question of whether D.C. should ban fists, barstools
next

Deborah Jane Anderson emailed me this:

--

Philip,

Below are the two "Assault with Dangerous Weapon" reports I mentioned
to you yesterday evening at Fuddruckers. These occurred within the
2nd District MPD's jurisdiction.

Hmmm -- if DC Government officials take their ridiculous arguments
against guns and applies them to other objects, then in light of these
violent incidents, maybe DC Government should seek to ban people from
making a fist or having/owning/possessing a wooden step stool! ;>)

Blessings,

Deborah Jane Anderson

http://tinyurl.com/yjld8sa

Watch Commander's Crime Report
Posted by: "Neal, Ralph (MPD)" Ralph.Neal@dc.gov neal224
Mon Oct 26, 2009 4:06 am (PDT)


On Saturday, October 24, 2009, the following crimes were reported:

Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Fist/ 207

The event occurred at Connecticut Avenue and N St. NW, at 1:20 AM.

C-1 reported that he was assaulted by S-1 and S-2 after they punched
him.

MPD members responded to the scene and arrested them.


Assault with a Dangerous Weapon Stepstool/ 203

The event occurred in the 4400 block of 35th Street, NW, at 11:40 AM.

C-1 reported that S-1 picked up a wooden stepstool and struck her in the

right hand. MPD members responded to the scene and arrested S-1 for
Domestic Violence.

**************************************************
9. Another home invasion claiming to be law enforcement
**************************************************

Robbers in Sterling Park home invasion brandished guns and claimed to
be law enforcement

http://tinyurl.com/y964zq4

http://www.loudouni.com

Home Invasion Robbery Reported in Sterling Park
Friday, 30 October 2009

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is investigating a home invasion-
style robbery that occurred early Friday morning in Sterling Park.

According to authorities, at 3:37 a.m. on Oct. 30, two unknown masked
men forced their way into a home on the 1200 block of East Lee Road
near Sully Elementary School. Both of the men brandished firearms and
claimed to be law enforcement. They then removed a safe and took cash
from the homeowners. The residents were not injured.

The suspects were described as black males wearing all-dark clothing.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call
Investigator S. Coderre of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Criminal Investigations Division at 703-777-0475. Callers wishing to
remain anonymous can call Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919. If
the information provided to Loudoun Crime Solvers leads to an arrest
and indictment, the caller could be eligible for a cash reward of up
to $1,000.

**************************************************
10. Williamsburg man accused of home invasion arrested
**************************************************

Suspect arrested in Lackey home invasion in which one person was shot
this summer

http://tinyurl.com/yf83s3a

http://www.dailypress.com/

Arrest made in York County home invasion
By Jon Cawley
October 30, 2009

YORK - A Williamsburg man was arrested Thursday and charged with 11
felonies connected to a Lackey home invasion this summer in which a
man was shot.

IBN Bilal, 25, of the 100 block of Albermarle Drive, was arrested at a
residence in James City County Thursday afternoon.

The charges stem from a June 11 home invasion at a residence in the
700 block of Baptist Road, said Sgt. Dennis Ivey, Jr., an investigator
with the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office.

Bilal is charged with malicious wounding, four counts of abduction by
force/intimidation, five counts of using a firearm in the commission
of a felony and possessing a stolen firearm, according to the Virginia
Case Information system.

A jailer at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail said Bilal was being
held without bond. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 15
in York-Poquoson General District Court.

Ivey said the investigation is ongoing and the identity of the actual
triggerman in the home invasion is unclear at this point.

In June, Ivey said two males and two females reported being at the
Lackey residence about 10:30 p.m. when two of them were confronted
while outside and forced back into the house at gunpoint. Once inside,
one suspect tried to rob the other two victims in a back bedroom and a
fight ensued.

During the struggle, one of the victims was shot in the stomach with a
semi-automatic handgun fired by another assailant in the living room.

Ivey said Thursday that the man recovered fully from the shooting.

At the time of the incident, two males were being sought.

One suspect was described in a sheriff's office statement as being
"very young looking" while the other had stubby fingers and eyebrows
that pointed upward "like he had an evil expression."

**************************************************
11. James City police to offer free firearm-safety classes
**************************************************

http://tinyurl.com/yfpbeq8

http://www.dailypress.com

James City police to offer free firearm-safety classes
--------------------

By Dan Parsons
October 28 2009

JAMES CITY Beginning next month, the James City County Police
Department will offer a series of firearm safety classes to adults and
youth.

**************************************************
12. Loudon County Sheriff investigates Stabbing Near School
**************************************************

Chris Borneman emailed me this:

--

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Loudoun Sheriff
To: RSAN
Sent: Mon, October 26, 2009 9:34:44 AM
Subject: LCSO Investigating Reported Attempted Robbery/ Stabbing
Sunday Night Near Sugarland Run Elementary School

Loudoun County, VA: The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is
investigating an attempted robbery and malicious wounding that
occurred Sunday, October 25th in the parking lot of an elementary
school.

Around 7 p.m. Sheriff's Deputies responded to the area of Sugarland
Run Elementary school where the victim of a stabbing had apparently
gone to several homes seeking help.

The victim, a 23-year-old Sterling, VA man, told authorities he was
riding his bike in the area when he was approached by an unknown
subject who demanded cash. The victim refused to give the suspect
money and was stabbed by the suspect.

The suspect was described as a tall Black male in his early twenties,
wearing a black t-shirt, a gray hooded sweatshirt and black pants. The
area was searched by multiple patrol units including a K-9 Unit. No
suspect matching this description was located. The victim was
airlifted to INOVA Fairfax Hospital where he is listed in stable
condition.

The incident was not related to any activities at the elementary
school and authorities do not believe there is any threat to the
students who attend the school.

Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to contact
Investigator M. McCaffrey of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Criminal Investigations Division at 703-777-0475. If the caller wishes
to remain anonymous they are asked to contact Loudoun Crime Solvers.
If the information provided leads to an arrest and indictment, the
caller could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.

Sent to Media Only, Serious Crimes - Sheriff (E-mail accounts, Pagers,
Cell phones) through Alert Loudoun

**************************************************
13. Tears flow from gun control advocates as the end of the National
Parks gun ban draws closer
**************************************************

Ban to be lifted on February 22, 2010 allows parks to be governed by
state gun laws

http://tinyurl.com/yknedp4

http://www.examiner.com

[SNIP]

Tears flow from gun control advocates as the end of the National Parks
gun ban draws closer
October 28
Cleveland Gun Rights Examiner
Daniel White

In late February, the new law goes into effect which lifts the gun ban
in our National Parks. An article in the Yellowstone Insider complains
that it won't be just concealed carry permit holders who will have the
right to armed self-defense restored.

Whether by design or accident, it removes concealed-carry provisions
from the mix and basically allows state gun laws to take precedence in
any National Park.

This is billed as an "unintended effect" by the Insider because as
their source material from the Jackson Hole News & Guide points out,
"when U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., attached a rider to a credit card
reform bill earlier this year, almost all reports indicated it applied
to concealed weapons only."

[SNIP}

**************************************************
14. A look at the danger of bullet set back
**************************************************

http://tinyurl.com/yfkftc8

This is an article and link sent by Stephen P. Wenger. Below it is an
exchange Stephen and I had regarding data in that article.

--

Bullet Setback versus Pressure: When the .357 SIG first hit the
market, my late friend and mentor Jim Andrews expressed concern about
the risk of excessive pressure if the short neck allowed the bullet to
be "set back" by the impact of the bullet hitting the feed ramp during
the chambering process. As a result, for many years I have counseled
against repeatedly chambering the same round (see the second item
under Miscellaneous Comments at http://tinyurl.com/ybs6hjz). Now we
have some actual data, coincidentally for the .357 SIG but still
generally applicable to other rounds. I was surprised to see that CCI/
Speer found that, past a certain point of setback, ignition was
affected in a manner, due to compression of the powder, that led to a
slight drop in chamber pressure but not back into the "specified"
range. I would not count on the latter occurring with all rounds as
the space occupied by the powder, as well as the choice of powder, can
vary greatly.

--

Philip Van Cleave wrote:
As always, a great selection of items, Stephen.

On the setback item below, looking at the graph, while pressure does
indeed increase with setback from about 39,000 to about 49,000 PSI,
it appears to be well below the proof pressure. Does that mean that
in reality it is not really dangerous to have setback?

Philip

--

Good question (I noticed the same thing).

My understanding is that proof pressure is intended for one-time
testing, not ongoing use. This is precisely why SAAMI sets upper
limits well below those for proofing loads. I'm sure that many modern
handguns will tolerate an occasional over-pressure load but that is
precisely the built-in safety factor for which they are proofed.
Further, while I'm not sure about the .357 SIG chambering, Glock
pistols do not adhere to SAAMI chamber dimensions, which is believed
by many to be a crucial factor in their association with catastrophic
case failures (kB!'s) in such pressure-disparate calibers as .45 ACP
and .40 S&W. Note that the .40 S&W and .357 SIG left the starting gate
pretty much loaded balls to the wall, hence no SAAMI +P standards in
these newer calibers. Thus, while a standard-pressure 9x19mm may only
get up into the +P or +P+ range, which may be okay for some modern
pistols in good condition, I will stand by my advice to exercise
caution about rounds making repeated trips up the feed ramp. Look, for
example, at the low-pressure 9x17mm (.380 ACP round). It is generally
fired in direct-blowback pistols where a pressure increase could
easily result in a catastrophic case failure. On the other hand, there
are a minority of models in this chambering that use a locking system
that would make them much more tolerant of an increase in chamber
pressure.

I hope this answers your question which, admittedly, requires a
certain amount of speculation. I don't know if you followed the link
to my own web page, where I also bring up the possibility that
loosening the neck tension could result in decreased pressure and
performance. I think that those who must routinely load and unload
their handguns are better served with revolvers unless they can afford
to shoot off their carry ammo after a few cycles of doing so.

Stay free and stay in touch!
--
Stephen P. Wenger

**************************************************
15. U.K.: Gun crime goes up by 89 percent in a decade (despite gun ban)
**************************************************

http://tinyurl.com/yk6joka

http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Culture of violence: Gun crime goes up by 89% in a decade
By JAMES SLACK
Last updated on 27th October 2009

Gun crime has almost doubled since Labour came to power as a culture of
extreme gang violence has taken hold.

The latest Government figures show that the total number of firearm
offences
in England and Wales has increased from 5,209 in 1998/99 to 9,865 last
year -
a rise of 89 per cent.

In some parts of the country, the number of offences has increased
more than
five-fold.

In eighteen police areas, gun crime at least doubled.

The statistic will fuel fears that the police are struggling to contain
gang-related violence, in which the carrying of a firearm has become
increasingly common place.

Last week, police in London revealed they had begun carrying out armed
patrols
on some streets.

The move means officers armed with sub-machine guns are engaged in
routine
policing for the first time.


Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Grayling, said last night: 'In areas
dominated by
gang culture, we're now seeing guns used to settle scores between
rivals as
well as turf wars between rival drug dealers.

'We need to redouble our efforts to deal with the challenge.'

He added: 'These figures are all the more alarming given that it is
only a
week since the Metropolitan Police said it was increasing regular armed
patrols in some areas of the capital'.

More...
a.. The raid that rocked the Met: Why gun and drugs op on 6,717 safety
deposit boxes could cost taxpayer a fortune
b.. Motorcycle police with machine guns to patrol violent gang hot spots

The gun crime figures, which were obtained by the Tories from official
Parliamentary answers, do not include air weapons.

But they provide the first regional breakdown of the increasing use of
firearms.

Lancashire suffered the single largest rise in gun crime, with recorded
offences increasing from 50 in 1998/99 to 349 in 2007/08, an increase
of 598
per cent.

Only four police forces - Cleveland-Humberside, Cambridgeshire and
Sussex -
recorded falls in gun crime.
The number of people injured or killed by guns, excluding air weapons,
has
increased from 864 in 1998/99 to a provisional figure of 1,760 in
2008/09, an
increase of 104 per cent .

The figures follow a warning by Mr Grayling that U.S.-style gang
culture has
reached some parts of the UK.

In August, he made a controversial speech warning that a collapse of
'civilised life' had allowed a brutal drug and gun crime culture -
like that
of the U.S. TV show The Wire - to flourish in Britain.

The hit TV series tracks the nightmare of gangs and organised crime in
inner
city West Baltimore and the futile efforts of police to deal with them.


The Met's decision to employ armed officers on the streets has attracted
criticism.

But the force, which has already begun the scheme, insists that the
unprecedented tactic is a proportionate and temporary response to
prevent
armed gangs from controlling estates.

Last month, police warned that teenage girls were now being dragged
into the
gun culture by hiding weapons for their boyfriends.

Police are targeting girls between 15 and 19 with an advertising blitz
warning
them that they can expect a five-year prison sentence if they are
caught.

The number of women charged with firearms offences in London has
increased
six-fold in the past year - 12 have been charged since January.

Seven of them were teenagers, including a 16-year-old arrested after a
9mm
Browning self-loading pistol was found in her bedroom.

**************************************************
16. N.J. Court Says Americans Have No Right To Buy Handguns
**************************************************

http://tinyurl.com/ygcfkjh

http://www.cbsnews.com

October 28, 2009
N.J. Court Says Americans Have No Right To Buy Handguns
Posted by Declan McCullagh

A New Jersey appeals court has concluded that Americans have no Second
Amendment right to buy a handgun.

In a case decided last week, the superior court upheld a state law
saying that nobody may possess "any handgun" without obtaining law
enforcement approval and permission in advance.

That outcome might seem like something of a surprise, especially after
the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year in the D.C. v. Heller case that
the Second Amendment guarantees "the individual right to possess and
carry weapons in case of confrontation."

But New Jersey Appellate Division Judge Stephen Skillman wrote on
behalf of a unanimous three-judge panel that Heller "has no impact
upon the constitutionality of" the state law.

That's because, Skillman said, the Supreme Court did not strike down
the District of Columbia's de facto handgun ban but instead simply
ordered the city to issue a permit. In other words, while Americans
may have the right in general to possess arms, the exact contours of
that right have not been mapped, especially as the Second Amendment
applies to state laws. (The court's majority opinion last year said:
"We therefore assume that petitioners' issuance of a license will
satisfy respondent's prayer for relief and do not address the
licensing requirement.")

Look for the Supreme Court to revisit this question in a few months
when it hears a case called McDonald v. Chicago. It's a constitutional
challenge to Chicago's restrictive gun laws, which prohibit anyone
from possessing firearms -- even in their homes -- "unless such person
is the holder of a valid registration certificate for such firearm."

New Jersey's laws are similar. They say: "No person shall sell, give,
transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of, nor receive, purchase, or
otherwise acquire a handgun unless the purchaser, assignee, donee,
receiver or holder... has first secured a permit to purchase a handgun
as provided by this section."

Another section dealing with licensing says: "No person of good
character and good repute in the community in which he lives, and who
is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in this section or
other sections of this chapter, shall be denied a permit to purchase a
handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card, except as
hereinafter set forth." Some of the exceptions involve criminal
records, for instance.

What prompted the current lawsuit was a request for a handgun purchase
permit that Anthony Dubov submitted to the East Windsor Chief of
Police. The police chief denied Dubov's request without giving any
reason, in what the appeals court later ruled was a violation of state
law. The current East Windsor police chief is William Spain.

Oddly, the trial judge upheld that denial, without asking the police
chief to testify to explain himself (another violation of state law)
and after taking the unusual step of contacting Dubov's previous
employers to ask about his background.

Dubov's attorney, Michael Nieschmidt, argued that the state licensing
scheme was unconstitutionally vague and therefore violated the Second
Amendment.

Skillman concluded that while the Second Amendment doesn't apply,
state law and precedent nevertheless required that Dubov receive more
due process than he did. The appeals court wrote: "Accordingly, the
trial court's affirmance of the police chief's denial of appellant's
application for a firearms purchase permit is reversed, and the case
is remanded for an evidentiary hearing in conformity with this opinion."

**************************************************
17. Armed off-duty security officer saves doctor
**************************************************

Off-duty guard shoots patient who stabbed therapist

http://tinyurl.com/ybnleo6

http://policelink.monster.com

Special Officer Hailed as Hero After Saving Psychiatrist
Boston Herald via YellowBrix
October 29, 2009
PROVINCETOWN, MA -- The hero special officer who came to the rescue of
a psychiatrist under attack by a rampaging madman is a former seasonal
Provincetown cop and champion boxer who is on the list to be
considered as a Boston cop.

Paul M. Langone, 33, of Reading was described as an academy-trained,
licensed special officer who was armed while off duty when he
encountered a horrific scene: a patient brutally stabbing Dr. Astrid
Desrosiers at the Massachusetts General Hospital Bipolar Clinical and
Research Program on Tuesday afternoon.

Officer InvolvedRecords indicate Langone was on a list of eligible
Boston police candidates as of January.

The doctor's son had a heartfelt message for Langone yesterday: "I
would just like to thank you - you saved my mother's life."

The college-aged son indicated Desrosiers - a celebrated Haitian
community leader - has a long rehab ahead. "We all have prayers for
her and hope she fully recovers," he said.

Jay Carciero, 37, also of Reading, was identified by Boston police as
the attacker. He died after being shot once in the head and twice in
the torso, authorities said.

Langone and Carciero did not know each other, officials said.

"I know he feels bad about doing it deep down, but he had to do it.
I'm sure it bothers him," said Denis Murphy, of Woburn, who coached
Langone to a 1998 Lowell Golden Gloves title in the 156-pound novice
division.

Murphy described the former pugilist as shy, tremendously athletic -
and one of the nicest kids he'd ever met.

**************************************************
18. Who needs a gun in a national park?
**************************************************

Coyotes kills woman on hike in Canadian park

http://tinyurl.com/yz4jpgh

http://news.yahoo.com

Coyotes kill woman on hike in Canadian park
By ROB GILLIES, Associated Press Writer - Thu Oct 29, 1:01 am ET
TORONTO - Two coyotes attacked a promising young musician as she was
hiking alone in a national park in eastern Canada, and authorities
said she died Wednesday of her injuries.
The victim was identified as Taylor Mitchell, 19, a singer-songwriter
from Toronto who was touring to promote her new album on the East Coast.
She was hiking solo on a trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
in Nova Scotia on Tuesday when the attack occurred. She was airlifted
to a Halifax hospital in critical condition and died Wednesday
morning, authorities said.
Coyotes, which also are known as prairie wolves, are found from
Central America to the United States and Canada.
Wildlife biologist Bob Bancroft said coyote attacks are extremely rare
because the animals are usually shy.
Bancroft, a retired biologist with Nova Scotia's Department of Natural
Resources, said it's possible the coyotes thought Mitchell was a deer
or other prey.
"It's very unusual and is not likely to be repeated," Bancroft said.
"We shouldn't assume that coyotes are suddenly going to become the big
bad wolf."
Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokeswoman Brigdit Leger said other
hikers heard Mitchell's screams for help on Tuesday and called
emergency police dispatchers.
Police who were in the area reached the scene quickly and shot one of
the animals, apparently wounding it. But the wounded animal and a
companion coyote managed to get away.
Paul Maynard of Emergency Health Services said Mitchell already was in
critical condition when paramedics arrived on the scene and had
multiple bite wounds over her entire body.
"She was losing a considerable amount of blood from the wounds," he
said.
An official with Parks Canada said they blocked the entrance to the
trail where Mitchell was attacked and were trying to find the animals
to determine what prompted such an unusual attack.
"There's been some reports of aggressive animals, so it's not
unknown," said Helene Robichaud, the park's superintendent. "But we
certainly never have had anything so dramatic and tragic."
Mitchell was an up-and-coming folk and country musician who was
nominated for a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award in the Young Performer
of the Year category.
"Words can't begin to express the sadness and tragedy of losing such a
sweet, compassionate, vibrant, and phenomenally talented young woman,"
Lisa Weitz, Mitchell's manager, said in an e-mail. "She just turned 19
two months ago, and was so excited about the future."

**************************************************
19. Who needs a gun in a restaurant?
**************************************************

Hooters shootout leaves one wounded

http://tinyurl.com/ylqlctm

http://www.dailypress.com

UPDATE: Police arrest suspect in Hooters shooting
BY MIKE HOLTZCLAW
October 26, 2009

HAMPTON - An employee of a Hooters restaurant in Hampton is recovering
after being shot during an altercation in the parking lot involving a
group of customers who had been asked to leave.

Police this morning arrested Shawn Ohiraki Lucas, a 23-year-old
Hampton resident, and charged him with maiming, use of a firearm in
the commission of a felony, carrying a concealed weapon and the
possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The 29-year-old shooting victim, who has not been identified to the
media, was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not
considered to be life-threatening.

Police spokeswoman Paula Ensley said that just before 11 p.m. on
Sunday, an altercation began inside the Hooters restaurant on West
Mercury Boulevard, and several people were asked to leave. The
employee was moving the customers outside when he was shot in the
parking lot.



***************************************************************************
VA-ALERT is a project of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc.
(VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization
dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to
Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right.

VCDL web page: http://www.vcdl.org [http://www.vcdl.org/]