There is evil in this world. I’ve seen it. I’ve fought against it. I’ve felt it and can tell you that it has a way to let you know it’s there. It exists not only in the Middle East, West Africa, South East Asia, Afghanistan, but its also here in the United States. Evil comes in many forms and you may think I’m talking about terrorism, but I’m not. I’m talking about school shootings.
The solution to stopping these horrible violent acts is simple, and to me obvious. Rather than arguing about guns, mental health, the role of psychiatric drugs and violence in movies and video games we should be focusing on protecting our children. Schools are soft targets that need to be hardened. We did it swiftly and unanimously with airports and aircraft after the terror attacks of 9/11. Why isn’t this being done with our schools?
On September 11, 2001 we as a country were attacked and the method and weapon that was used was airplanes. The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all commercial flights and did not resume until September 14, 2001. Over the next several weeks and months airports and airplanes underwent a complete security overhaul and the way America travelled via the airline industry changed forever.
The solution the federal government enacted over those few months after 9/11 resulted in the following changes. Shoes and hats had to be taken off when going through security. Liquids such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner were limited to 3.4 ounces when stored in carry on luggage. Body scanners started to be used and random screenings began to take place. The door to the cockpit of an aircraft is now permanently locked during flights and passengers have no access. The biggest change, the creation of the department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration and a dramatic increase in the number of Air Marshall’s.
Similar policies and security changes should be implemented in our schools. Access to schools should be limited to one access point with armed personnel and metal detectors. In the interest of fire safety all other doors should be fire doors opening from the internal side only and alarmed. Security personnel should patrol the hallways and the grounds actively as a deterrent to potential threats. Finally all authorized students, teachers, staff and parents should be issued identification allowing access to the building. No ID. No entrance.
President Trump and his administration have floated the idea of arming teachers in schools to protect our kids. Although I do agree that teachers should be allowed to carry firearms in schools, I do not agree that they should be the first line of defense for our kids. Our children deserve better than a 60 year old English teacher with no firearms training. Our kids deserve good men or women capable of doing violent things without hesitation. Men and women trained to protect and defend our most precious of things, our children. Frankly, men like me.
The problem lies with political will. For 9/11 we had it and it changed the way we as a country flew commercially. For school shootings we have not found it and our children are dying as a result. There is evil in this world and it always finds a way to rear its ugly head. It’s up to good men and women to defend the innocent and those who can’t defend themselves. This includes our politicians. They are failing us by not hardening our schools. They are failing us because they use the deaths of the innocent for political gain.
Bobby
Applying for your Connecticut Pistol Permit can be a daunting and confusing process. Many people come to us and have no idea how to go about it. So, here is the State of Connecticut Pistol Permit process, step by step:
-
- Everyone applying for a Connecticut Pistol Permit must take a state approved safety course. The course must include Live Fire range time.
- Go to your local police department and pick up the application. Make sure you go at the specified time and days that your local police department sets. We suggest you physically go and get the application and don’t download it from the internet. You may not get the right version or your local police department may have other specific requirements you may not get from downloading it online.
- Fill out the application, honestly. It is a felony to lie on this form. Disclose any and all information asked for on this form. They will find out if you had a DUI 10 years ago and, if you’re honest it may not prevent them from issuing a permit, but if you lie you will be denied. The form must be notarized.
- Go back to your local police department to hand in the application. Bring with you your processing payments, forms of ID, Firearms Safety Course certificate and any other documents required by your local police department.
- Wait. By law your local police department has 8 weeks to either approve or deny your application. To be clear, nearly all police departments do not follow this. Your permit could take up to 20+ weeks to be approved!
- Upon approval, you will receive a 60 Day Temporary Pistol Permit. Before you can purchase or carry you must take that temporary permit and payment to one of three DESPP locations. State Police Barracks G in Bridgeport, CT, State Police Barracks E in Montville, CT or DESPP Headquarters in Middletown, CT. At that time you will be issued the laminated permit and your process is over.
Congratulations you have received your Connecticut Pistol Permit and have survived the bureaucracy that is state government.
There is one more thing to cover before I close and that is, what if I was denied? By law the State of Connecticut has created the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners (BFPE). The BFPE has 7 members appointed by the Governor and they listen to all appeals regarding denials and revocations. Denials or revocations must be appealed within 90 days.
I hope that helps and answers some questions. Ready to move forward with Step 1?
Register for our CT Pistol Permit Course
One of the many projects Blue Cord Firearms has been working on, over the time I haven’t been blogging, is a class to teach you the legal use of firearms in a self-defense situation. Specifically for the State of Connecticut. Essentially, what is the legal way to use a deadly weapon in the defense of a person or a third person in Connecticut. We launched our CT Use of Force Law class in April of this year.
Very recently there has been a case involving this exact subject here in Norwalk. On Monday July 2, 2018 Jeffrey Sumpter, 21, of Bridgeport was convicted of 1st Degree Assault, a felony, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Mr. Sumpter had stabbed one of the THREE men who had attacked and were beating him at a Norwalk Dunkin Donuts.
His sentence was mandated by law. In Connecticut it is illegal to use deadly force against another with out attempting to retreat from the situation. It may only be used after that retreat has been tried and has failed. Although the Judge stated that he believed Mr. Sumpter’s version of the story he was bound by law to convict him of 1st Degree Assault. Now Mr. Sumpter will spend the next 18 months in prison and 42 total months under the supervision of the state penal system.
If you carry a firearm in self defense in the State of Connecticut and do not know what the laws are then you could end up like Mr. Sumpter. Not knowing what is legal to do and what is not legal to do could end up with you in jail. There a lot of misconceptions out there on the legality of the use of deadly force. Knowledge is power. Take our Use of Force Laws Class for $75 and gain some knowledge. It may keep you out of prison.
Register for our CT Use of Force Law Class Today!
It’s been a long time since I’ve written a blog post. Almost 3 years and a lot has changed in that time. We’ve moved location from Fairfield to Norwalk. Blue Cord Firearms has expanded in many ways. The addition of several classes like Drawing from a Holster, Connecticut Use of Force Law and our Long Gun Training Course. We have our Federal Firearms License and sell and transfer firearms, as well as ammunition.
One of the biggest changes we have had here at Blue Cord Firearms is that I am now full time with the business. No more traveling all over the North East working as a construction foreman. I am now able to devote all of my time to BCF.
In the months and weeks ahead I will be writing more about guns, gun culture and gun politics. We may go off the rails at times and talk about unrelated topics. We are also going to be filming some videos, to include gun reviews, range etiquette tips, and shooting tips.
My hope is that this blog, along with the videos, will become our students go to place to learn and get questions answered. If we have worked with you in the past then we look forward to seeing you again. If not, we look forward to working with you soon.
Bobby
This is a question I get a lot. What is the best way to handle an interaction with a law enforcement officer while carrying a firearm? Should they be informed? Do you have a legal obligation to inform them? How should you act? For the purposes of this particular article we will keep the discussion focused on the State of Connecticut and its laws.
First let’s talk about the law and what you, as a private citizen, are obligated to do in the event you are carrying concealed and come into contact with law enforcement. There is no law in the State of Connecticut that requires a private armed citizen to inform a law enforcement officer of the fact that they are armed. Having said that, I believe that there is no reason to not inform the officer that you are armed.
Why would you inform them? First, the minute an officer runs your license plates or drivers license he or she knows that you have a concealed carry permit (CCP). Connecticut Pistol Permit information is directly tied to Connecticut residents DMV records. Obviously, they don’t know if you are armed or not but they know you could be. Second, a law enforcement officer has a right to safety and a feeling of safety. Finally, if your a law abiding gun owner there is no reason to not inform them. If you are doing the right thing and following the law then there will be no problem.
How should you inform them that you are carrying concealed? During a traffic stop, place both hands on the steering wheel and tell the officer where the firearm is located. If the interaction occurs outside of a vehicle keep your hands in plain view and make no sudden movements. Again, you should inform the officer where the firearm is located. In both cases, follow the officers commands and provide both your ID and CCP. You should also allow them to disarm you, if they so choose.
As I tell people constantly in my classes this is a personal decision that you must make on your own. Do you or do you not inform law enforcement that you are armed? I believe you should. But it’s on each person to make up their own mind on how to deal with this type of situation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2014
CONTACT
LAURIE CARR
203-923-2936
info@bluecordfirearms.com
BLUE CORD FIREARMS ANNOUNCES APPROVAL FOR FIREARMS INSTRUCTION IN CHENANGO COUNTY, NY
Concealed Carry Class will be added to course listing and Chenango County Residents may now register for our NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.
Blue Cord Firearms is pleased to announce that Chenango County Court Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr has added Robert Carr to their Approved Instructor List. Robert will begin hosting classes for Chenango County Residents in the coming weeks.
Robert is an Iraq War Combat Veteran. During his deployment to Baghdad, Iraq SGT Carr went on over 500 combat missions. In addition, Robert is a fully qualified U.S. Army Range Safety Officer and has been the Non Commissioned Officer In Charge of multiple military qualifying ranges, training countless soldiers in the use of various weapons systems. Robert is fully certified and insured.Years of experience and a gift for teaching others make Robert an ideal instructor for Firearms Training. We are pleased to be able to offer the Residents of Chenango County the opportunity to not only meet the requirements for obtaining a Restricted or Unrestricted Pistol Permit in Chenango County, but also learn from an incredible teacher who will make sure each student leaves feeling comfortable with the responsibility that goes along with Concealed Carry.
To sign up for a class in your area, please contact info@bluecordfirearms.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 7, 2015
CONTACT
LAURIE CARR
203-923-2936
info@bluecordfirearms.com
BLUE CORD FIREARMS ANNOUNCES BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU ACCREDITATION
Blue Cord Firearms is pleased to announce accreditation by the Better Business Bureau.
After a thorough review of Blue Cord Firearms, taking into consideration several factors, including customer feedback and length of time in business, the Better Business Bureau has awarded Blue Cord Firearms with an A- rating. The only thing standing between Blue Cord Firearms and an A+ rating, is length of time in business. Having just surpassed the one year mark, Blue Cord Firearms is considered is new business.
Robert Carr, owner & instructor of BCF, had this to say “We are very proud to have earned the Better Business accreditation. Their stamp of approval is very much in line with the foundation of our business: hard work, integrity and top-notch customer service. We look forward to being in business long enough to change the A- to an A+.”
Robert is an Iraq War Combat Veteran. During his deployment to Baghdad, Iraq SGT Carr went on over 500 combat missions. In addition, Robert is a fully qualified U.S. Army Range Safety Officer and has been the Non Commissioned Officer In Charge of multiple military qualifying ranges, training countless soldiers in the use of various weapons systems. Robert is fully certified and insured.Years of experience and a gift for teaching others make Robert an ideal instructor for Firearms Training.
To sign up for a class in your area, please contact info@bluecordfirearms.com.
There are many reasons why people take the NRA Basic Pistol Safety Class. Ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, it is required, in many instances, to obtain the ability to purchase, keep, carry and own a pistol. These are the 5 reasons I came up with to take the class.
1). For many people, the state they live in requires the taking and passing of the NRA Basic Pistol Safety Class. It is part of the application process and is required in the same manner as the fingerprinting process and background check. The 8 hour class time as well as the required range time fulfills many states safety class requirements.
2). Taking this class teaches each student the proper manner in which to operate and handle a pistol. To someone who is new to pistols or firearms this can be invaluable information. Improperly operated or handled firearms can be extremely dangerous and this class helps to alleviate that altogether.
3). As I stated in the first reason, many states require the NRA Basic Pistol Class be taken prior to applying for a Pistol Permit. In order to protect yourself, others or your home you must first obtain the state required permit. Personal or Home Protection is a major reason to take the class. Not only does the class teach how to safely handle and operate a pistol but the range time teaches the beginnings of protection of self and home by teaching how to accurately shoot the gun.
4). The Second Amendment affords all eligible United States citizens and naturalized citizens the right to keep and bear arms. The NRA Basic Pistol Safety Class offers the foundation of knowledge and experience needed to begin to exercise your Second Amendment right.
5). Shooting as a recreational activity is fun! But without the basic fundamental knowledge of how to operate and handle a handgun that fun can turn dangerous. Taking this class can fulfill both the safety and legal aspects of owning a handgun. Allowing for a fun, safe and legal handgun ownership.
What should my eyes be focused on when shooting? I get this question all the time during class, even before the slide answering the question is displayed. The quick answer is the Front Sight Post.
But why? There are a couple of reasons, actually.
First, the human eye can’t focus on multiple objects along different distance plains. The front sight is the part of the gun that tells the shooter what he or she is aiming at. So it only makes sense to place the focus on that object, the front sight post. Focus on the target makes the rear sight and front sight blurry, thus making sight alignment difficult at best. Focus on the rear sight makes the target and front sight blurry, making proper sight picture difficult. The best answer is to focus on the front sight.
The second reason to focus on the front sight is speed. The fastest way and easiest way (as I explained in the paragraph above) to acquire a target is by focusing on the front sight and pointing it at the target. Doing this quickly, and well, allows for small sight picture and sight alignment corrections. Thus, getting accurate well placed rounds down range faster.
Owning and carrying a firearm is a big responsibility. These rules are meant to keep you and others safe. They are simple and straight forward and should always be followed regardless of the situation. Being a responsible firearms owner means following these four rules, always.
1. Always Treat The Gun As If it’s Loaded and Keep it Pointed In A Safe Direction
Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Never “take someone’s word for it” that a firearm is unloaded. Taking the time, and making the effort, to properly make sure the firearm is unloaded yourself should always be done. Also, NEVER trust a firearms safety mechanism. A safety is a mechanical device and all mechanical devices can fail. Finally, when handling a gun care should ALWAYS be taken to never point it at anyone and ALWAYS practice good muzzle awareness. This includes when performing such tasks as cleaning and storing the gun.
2. Always Use Proper Trigger Finger Discipline
Part of the practice of always treating a gun as if it’s loaded is by using proper trigger finger discipline. The trigger finger should only be placed on the trigger once a decision to fire has been made. When unloading, loading and cleaning always keep your finger in the proper position and never on the trigger. Even when you think the safety is engaged. You could be wrong and mechanical devices (such as safeties) can fail.
3. Know Your Target And What Is Beyond It
Always be aware of your surroundings. If there is the slightest possibility of someone or something beyond your target, Don’t Shoot! Also be aware of the possibility of ricochet. If there is a potential of ricochet, Don’t Shoot! Situational awareness can prevent accidents and hazardous situation.
4. Figure Out A Storage Plan
Guns should be stored safely and be inaccessible to untrained and ineligible people. This includes children, persons who have been adjudicated mentally defective, convicted felons and more. In Connecticut it is the law that these people not have access to your guns! Use a safe, trigger lock or the like and secure your firearms. Ammunition should be stored separately from your guns and also be inaccessible and secured. Come up with a plan that works for you and follow it through.
