Jesse Mathewson

by Jesse Mathewson

As I get older I am less likely to follow trends and popularity contests than ever before. This is definitely the case with firearms. Having learned that quality in firearms can be had from many manufacturers and with many designs, owning a firearm just because Tom, Dick or Mary down the street do, lost its appeal years back.

The Ruger 10/22 is a solid firearm and while my experiences may be abnormal, they should not detract from its value.

Ruger as a company has a difficult recent history, while they have been innovators in firearms since 1949. Bill Ruger designed the first 22lr handgun based on the Japanese Nambu, German Luger, and the Colt Woodsman. This design became known as the Ruger standard, its progeny becoming the MkII and MkIII. The 10/22 was put into production in 1964 and has remained in production since that time.

The first rifle I shot was a 10/22 built-in 1965 or 1966. My first memories of shooting were having my father assisting me in holding his venerable 10/22 as we shot at a truck tire with a piece of cardboard in it that had been rolled across the barnyard, I was 3 or maybe 4 years old at the time. This 10/22 had a fully wooden stock, stock sights, and action.

There was no internet at the time and mail order gun parts simply did not exist. If a firearm did not work well, you fixed it yourself or if you were fortunate enough to have a gunsmith that knew how to work on these new fangled guns, you took it too them.

My first 10/22 was purchased when I turned 22, the internet had started to become a real thing to use and extra bits and pieces were becoming more available. Like my fathers 10/22, the magazines and rifle were extremely picky with ammunition types.

Unlike my fathers using CCI stingers did not fix my issues. In fact, after 2 or 3 years with this particular rifle, I decided to sell it and move on. It was a decade later that I ended up purchasing another version.

Ruger 10/22 Top 5 jams and stovepipe causes and fixes

While this particular rifle was much better, on the whole, the magazines it came with were dismal failures. After spending almost $60 replacing two magazines at the time, I finally had a decently running 22lr. When I say decent I mean decent, accounting for ammunition failures with inexpensive 22lr the rifle itself had several springs replaced and a new firing pin installed before it became reliable enough to use in a local rimfire match.

Ruger 10/22 comes stock in several configurations these days, however, for many years it came with the following only.

• Gold bead front sight (not easy to use except in paper punching)
• Adjustable rear leaf sight
• Solid wood full-length single piece stock
• 10 round rotary box magazine
• Blowback action
• 18” barrel with a 1:16 RH twist (non-threaded)
• Weight 5lbs, overall length 37”

Accuracy is something that I value, and a rifle should be more accurate than a pistol, my MkII handgun was very accurate from 0-50 yards and the 10/22 (all 3 I have used or owned) were also very accurate with even sub-par ammunition. 50 yard 10 round groups saw 1.5” groupings as a normal day.

This aspect is one I have never been able to complain about. When it worked, the 10/22 my versions, were more than accurate enough for squirrels, rabbits, and feral dogs. I personally took hundreds of these small game animals over the years and after moving to the Southwest border, a few dozen feral dogs, cats, and even javelina, all with the 10/22 and CCI stingers.

These days there are several dozen brands of 22lr, at the time I began using it you were limited to whichever brands were available from the local hardware store or farm and supply store. In small town, Illinois pre-1986 this meant CCI, Remington and Winchester ammunition in 50 count boxes. These were the days before big box stores reduced the quality along with the price.

Admittedly 22lr as a rimfire loading will never be quite as reliable as good centerfire ammunition. I can say that Eley, CCI, and Aguila have always been as reliable as low to mid ranged center fire loadings for myself. As of 2008, I had been using Aguila and Eley almost exclusively for my 22lr firearms. When you match the ammunition to the firearm, choosing reliability and accuracy as benchmarks, you will quickly find your firearm to be your favorite regardless brand name.

Reliability in my experience has been a mixed bag with the Ruger 10/22. Until the mid to late 90s magazines were factory 10 round magazines. Butler Creek made some less expensive versions, my first experience with these was around 1994 or so. They did not work well, in comparison today’s KCI Glock magazines have a better success rate than the early Butler Creek 10/22 magazines. Currently, the most reliable “extra-capacity” magazines for the Ruger 10/22 are the Ruger BX Series Magazine.

Other issues that have been seen in numerous 10/22 rifles, feeding was and remains ammunition dependent. Standard velocity rounds in the older models had a relatively high rate of failure, double feeds, cycling issues and more. With today’s offerings, you have enough non-Ruger components on the market to make an entire “10/22” without even using Ruger parts on the gun. This has led to even more failures, unfortunately.

Ruger 10/22 Disassembly Assembly Including Barrel

Most of the issues I saw personally were magazine related, secondary only too ammunition related failures. Again, if you match good quality 22lr ammunition to the rifle and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Swapping out stocks, barrels and more will begin causing issues and should be avoided unless you have a specific goal you are headed for and the gunsmithing abilities to do the swaps properly. Like working on a car, virtually anyone can change the oil, some of us can change brakes, very few of us can do these things quickly and right.

I have never seen a 10/22 in any configuration (minus the very expensive Volquartsen configuration professionally installed and tuned) that could keep pace with a CZ 455 22lr or similar. This being noted, I have personally cut playing cards at 25 feet or so with a stock 10/22 with stock sights. There is a definable point at which accuracy requirements become more expensive than you will ever use.

Most of us shoot paper behind our house, for this purpose and for hunting all manner of small game the stock 10/22 is very well suited. Certainly, I have found and own or use far more reliable, more accurate firearms. This specific firearm is, however, well made and when matched to good ammunition with solid magazines can be more than reliable enough for trap lines, prepping and more.

If you read many of the firearms reviews I have written you will quickly see that I am not a fan of most aftermarket add-ons applied today. For this rifle, there are just 3 items you can and should replace to make it a solid training, plinking, and small game hunting rifle.

Ruger 10/22 Accessories

• Solid two point sling
• Tech-Sights are a must (follow this link to Amazom.com, I use these on several rifles currently owned.)
• Spare magazines

For 22lr firearms I have not seen a need for expensive scopes and bi-pods, even though you can take game past 100 yards with a 22lr, the reality is, the round is best for game under 50 yards. Unless you have a firm rest for your firearm or know how to use a sling wrap appropriate for sitting, standing or laying down; a scope can be detrimental.

If you decide to add a red dot at some point, this option has become more viable in recent years’ thanks to vastly improved metallurgy, construction practices optics and battery life. It is not necessary for the 10/22 in most cases.

If you decide to purchase one of these rifles make sure you clean it well and lubricate properly before taking it to the range. To do this you need to safety check the firearm, ensuring it is completely unloaded and safe to work on. For added safety remove all ammunition from the room. Visually and digitally check the action.

Rotate the rifle so that the bottom is facing upwards. Using solid gunsmithing tools/screwdriver remove the screws from in front of the trigger guard. Loosen the screw holding the band on front of the stock, your model may not have this band. Remove the band carefully and the stock will come off rather easily. Once you do this you can access the important parts for a solid cleaning session.

Ruger 10/22 Rifle Cleaning

Breaking it down further than this is at best difficult without 4 hands or a true gunsmithing set up. Once you clean this firearm you will want to lubricate it. Again I suggest using Ballistol or Hoppes oil for this firearm. Wipe the pieces down with a clean cotton cloth that has a small amount of lubricant on it. Put the rifle back together.

Cycle the action back and anchor it open. Rotate the gun until the ejection port is facing upwards. Drop 3 drops of oil into the receiver. Using the cloth from earlier you can wipe the interior down again. Let the bolt fall closed and work the bolt several times to help the lubricant get into all the areas necessary for proper function. This is a very basic approach that will allow solid function of the firearm.

As with all the articles, please comment and let me know if or what I missed while putting this together. Being a human I regularly make mistakes and if you find one rest assured, it will not be the last.

by Jesse Mathewson

It is no secret that I enjoy firearms as well as knives. Having spent much of my life using tools in the projectile and bladed category this enjoyment is well founded. My first memories of shooting were having my father assisting me in holding his venerable 10/22 as we shot at a truck tire with a piece of cardboard in it that had been rolled across the barnyard, I was 3 or maybe 4 years old at the time.

My review of the Colt LE6920  M4 carbine (and others) is a result of the love and respect instilled in me by my father.

Colt LE6920  M4 carbine History

Colt began as a company in 1855, Samuel Colt, arguably one of the most influential firearms manufacturers and designers at the time already had several firearms designs under his belt. He is best known for the Dragoon, Ring Lever Rifle and the most famous old west handgun, the Colt Walker 6 gun. Obviously I am leaving out many valuable additions, however, this is a review of the more modern AR15 variant the Colt LE6920 M4 carbine.

It should be noted that one of the chief benefits of the firearms he originally manufactured were the parts interchangeability and the production line approach to manufacturing. Henry Ford was not really the first, though he was the most famous in this regards.

For anti-gun naysayers, there is a truly amazing history to be found, and many advances that were made in manufacturing, parts interchangeability, and metallurgy that directly impact all life in a positive way that came from firearms manufacturing.

When I first got the Colt LE6920 M4 carbine I was underwhelmed, after all, I had just plunked down almost $1000 for a non-precision, non-hunting, defensive firearm. This is not small change for someone making under $25,000 annually. My opinion of the firearm was quickly changed by the reality/facts of the firearm itself. This is a very well-built firearm.

While not as accurate as an LWRC or Daniel Defense premium model, it is very much capable, with good ammunition, of seeing 1-2 inch groups at 100 yards while benched and using only a sling rest I have easily put 30 rounds into a 3” circle with it.

Specifications of The Colt 6920

• gas operated
• 223 rem/ 556 NATO
• 16.1” chrome lined 4150 (industry standard steel) barrel
• A2 flash hider (still my favorite non-suppressor muzzle device)
• flat top, Magpul rear sight
• 1:7 twist (I have and use twists from 1:7 through 1:12 and prefer 1: 7 for most applications)
• 32 to 35 inches in length
• M-16 or full auto BCG (fully staked etc.,)

Lower and upper are made of 7075 aluminum and forged by Cerro (mine was, some may not be!) it is a low shelf lower.

As we can see it is really just an AR-15 with the capability of being a bit more. It was designed for Law Enforcement and military use and the version we can buy as civilians is literally identical to what is sold to LE (minus the potential for burst/full auto which many LE agencies avoid for standard patrol people anyhow.)

It allows mounting of optics easily with the standard 1913 rail on the top of the receiver. Though the handguard is a standard patrol/ milspec approach, it can be swapped easily for a Magpul MOE for-end for added versatility.

Colt LE 6920 M4 Carbine Accuracy

Accuracy was a mixed bag, this is the reality for most firearms. Even with modern machining and computerized approaches accuracy is flexible at best and depends on ammunition type, bullet weight, and even the sun, wind and whether the moon was full or not.

Seriously, I have two very expensive firearms that shoot best on new moon months, (I am obviously joking folks). I found my LE6920 did best with MEN 56 grain NATO spec and Fiocchi 69 grain 223 rem. Both groups of 5 rounds with these loads were under 2 inches off of a sandbag at 100 yards, it was a clear day with a small breeze and it was hot. Standard Arizona shooting weather includes breezes, heat and a clear sky.

My worst groupings with this firearm were with Federal big box 55grn and Wolf standard 55grn, both were over 4” with the Wolf loadings coming in slightly under the Federal. I should mention that I do not use bi-metal bullets in my firearms anymore. It is not because they are not reliable or accurate, which with some is an issue.

It is simply because when you calculate the heat of the round and steel on steel wear, the life of a barrel does, in fact, go down enough to make it difficult for me to justify even at 2-4 cents difference per round. I have worn out several barrels over the years, and simply do not enjoy replacing barrels before what I believe the lifespan should be.

Colt LE 6920 M4 Carbine Reliability

Reliability was very good, again this is sometimes an ammunition based metric. Of the AR-15s I use, this is among the most reliable one I have owned. Every single new gun I buy gets stripped down and cleaned before shooting. No factory lubrication on AR15s can make up for sitting on a shelf collecting dust while waiting to be sold.

Take your gun apart and clean it well, then lubricate it per the accepted approach. I use 2-4 drops of Ballistol inside the channel where the bolt carrier group will ride, cycle the bolt several times to get the oil spread about well and add a couple drops to the side of the BCG you see through the ejection port. Cycle the bolt a few times again and go shooting.

After around 50 rounds of initial use, remove the BCG and wipe it down, replace the BCG and put 2 drops or so on it. Then run it through the next 450 or so rounds. My standard initial testing is 500 rounds for reliability. This includes 3-4 magazines or 120 rounds as fast as you can pull the trigger, without a cool down in between.

This stage is essential as fast, high rates of fire will raise the temperature substantially and will quickly show problems if they exist. While I have never found a perfect firearm as far as reliability is concerned, this one is very close to that. In fact, I did not have any issues until I was over 1000 rounds in with it.

It had begun cycling sluggishly and failed to eject a round, and I quickly remedied this and have not had any non-ammunition related issues since.

Shooting The Colt LE 6920 M4 Carbine

Shooting this firearm is not difficult, though the trigger leaves a bit to be desired. It is a milspec trigger, nothing special and allows function well. The premium trigger from Palmetto State Armory is a much better feeling, though, the Colt trigger works very well. It is very easy to polish the trigger, or just shoot it a few hundred times and it will polish itself.

As with most well made defensive firearms, I do not suggest adding things to it, this approach leads to more failures than any other. If you want a sporter AR-15 with a 2lb or less trigger and sub moa groups, build one from scratch. This particular gun is designed for use as a defensive tool and excels at the role!

Negatives are quite a few in actuality. From the factory, there is no ability to mount a light, something I really need on my defensive tools. Additionally, it is very expensive for what amounts to being a standard, well made, but a still standard milspec firearm. If you have the money, or if you are not looking to collect multiples of this type firearm and just need one good performer, this is the tool for you.

However, if you are outfitting more than yourself and like myself make substantially less than Bill Gates, there are other choices that will function perfectly well and do the job for substantially less.

My only other real complaint is that for the money you spend there is no reason that Colt does not manufacture all parts in-house, they do outsource many of the major parts for this and other firearms they sell. None of the “issues” are really a problem, except for people who nitpick, like myself.

Overall this is a firearm that with a little care from you, can be passed down to your children. It is well made, durable and on the higher end of cost, but not exorbitantly so. I can recommend the Colt LE6920 M4 carbine with two thumbs up and would not feel under armed using one for personal defense or for patrol as a combat person. There are other versions of the 6920 available and right now is really a buyers market for firearms of all types.

Be sure to comment below if you have had any experiences with a Colt LE6920 and let us know. As I have only used this one carbine, I cannot speak to the overall ability of the 6920 series. Again, comment below and let me know how yours run.

Free the mind and the body will follow…

BY JESSE MATHEWSON

What Does Don’t Tread on Me and the Gadsen Flag Mean Today? Of the many slogans that have been socially adopted by some as a banner, and others as the new evil to kill, the line, “Don’t tread on me” is easily among the top ten over the past few years. To find out what the Don’t Tread on Me Flags Meaning today we need first take a look at where it came from, and why.

The idea promoted with the Gadsen Flag and the Don’t Tread on Me phrase is simple, “leave me alone to live in peace, to do what I do best, and as long as my actions do not cause physical harm to others there is no need for your intervention. It is about free will, personal choice, and freedom without rulers or government overloads. It has nothing to do with race or religion and everything to to with maximum freedom and limited government. 

Rattlesnakes, in this case, the eastern diamondback and the timber rattlesnake, were both abundant in North America, and something not found in Great Britain. Benjamin Franklin made many references to rattlesnakes in his commentaries, published from 1751 onward.

In 1754 he published the woodcut of a snake cut into 8 sections with the message, “JOIN or DIE”. Fast forward 21 years and we were on the cusp of a civil war with England.

Contrary to what has been taught for decades in the United States, our war with England was, in fact, a rebellion. Christopher Gadsden designed the Gadsden flag in 1775, this is what we think of today when we hear the phrase, “Don’t tread on me”.

This was the year before the declaration of independence was signed. As a firm believer in the natural rights of man*, I choose to see the benefit of separating from the state of England.

In 1778 the United States Congress began using the War Office Seal, which was replaced in 1947 for the official document used by the Department of Army Emblem, pictured here. As you can see, the rattlesnake, like the bald eagle and the lone pine tree, features heavily in our history and documentation.

Current day versions of the Gadsden flag can be traced to the Tea Party movement, another maligned movement based in a misrepresented historical ideal.

One article from 2016 says, “The snake, it turns out, was something of a Colonial-era meme, evidently originated by Benjamin Franklin. In 1751, Franklin made the satirical suggestion that the colonies might repay the Crown for shipping convicts to America by distributing rattlesnakes around England, “particularly in the Gardens of the Prime Ministers, the Lords of Trade and Members of Parliament; for to them we are most particularly obliged.” (Walker, 2016) Modern “educated” writers who cannot be bothered to search further than Wikipedia are in fact the reason why, in our current day and age, any use of the Gadsden flag is seen as hateful by the left – or worse, as supportive of yet more government by the right.

These people use just enough verifiable information that no one questions the veracity of their stories, tweets, and posts.

England and more specifically the East India Trading Company-owned or controlled the original 13 colonies, as well as lands spanning what is currently Canada. The colonists had, for many years, dealing with everything from forced conscription in the English naval forces, to forced eviction from homes built and land farmed for years. In addition to these things, there were many instances of the quartering of English troops in colonial residences without any real recompense.

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All of this was done under the color of law and for the colonists’ “own good”. The reasoning was the same as what we are given today when taxes are raised, levies are sought, and new wars and conflicts entered into. “Your safety, the safety of (English) interests abroad and the furthering of (English) influence around the globe!”

For 258 years the East India Trading company literally ruled the world, and it was all done under English laws and rules. (Rittman, n.d.)

The use of symbols was especially important at a time when many people were not able to read and write effectively. By using figures such as rattlesnakes and bald eagles, these uniquely American animals, the colonial civilians could cling to something that was theirs, and that did not stem from the King or company controlling the leaders of the “civilized” world.

It should be noted that the idea of slavery as an institution and means of profit was originated by Spain, England, and the East India Trading Company. (Please note that while the East India Trading Company is also known as the British East India Trading Company, and the Dutch East India Trading Company, it was originated and founded in London in 1600) The symbol of the rattlesnake was specifically meant to offer a warning to England. A rattlesnake that is stepped on bites in every case.

This is obviously dangerous to the person doing the stepping, hence the term, “Don’t tread on me,” it was meant to convey this warning in terms that even the farmers and working man could understand.

So What Does Don’t Tread on Me Mean?

Over the past few years, we have seen extremes, more so than ever before. These extremes are a result of people being classified, labeled, and marginalized by mainstream media and politicians alike.

In our modern society, thanks to endless loops of 15-second sound-bytes and directed social media outbursts, we see even more people becoming disillusioned with the status quo.

On a personal note, the past few years have been difficult beyond any other years before in my life. The hatred is being stoked to further divide the population, much like what happened in France prior to their revolution, and here in the United States prior to ours.

This has led to people using old slogans and catchphrases to promote alternatives to the status quo. “Don’t tread on me” is just such a slogan. I embrace this slogan though I do not embrace all who use it. This is extremely important to understand.

Americans, and humans in general love to use others to validate their beliefs. There are those of us who realize that only the facts matter in the end. This means that in some respects we have to understand that the data is simply that, data.

There is a current phrase being used, “Big Data”. I see this phrase for what it is, the philosophical ramblings of Political Science majors who have no concept of facts outside of how they may prop up their positions.

Consider this, in recent decades, this country has been in a state of upheaval. Financial destruction, millions of hard-working Americans jobless, increasing inflation, and hundreds of new laws and protest organizations. Certainly, there is blame to go around, and it should be directed at each of us. We are to blame for our own life decisions and approaches.

This being said, when you have a government that cannot listen to the people, or people who are more interested in emotional outbursts than facts, these slogans and their history become that much more important! I will not blame a single man or woman, but rather a mindset that infects and affects all of us.

This malaise and division are embraced and promoted by those in control as well as many who prop them up with financial and “moral” support.

The modern usage of this term was meant to generate a sense of patriotic furor and has been associated with the Tea Party movement, a more recent movement originally designed to protest extremely high taxes and government overreach, but which was co-opted and devolved into mainstream political infighting.

Between the mainstream media (all sides), and political finagling (on all sides), what could have been a positive thing was subverted, perverted, and eventually demonized by many Americans – simply due to ignorance being given platform over facts.

In looking at the history of the Gadsen flag in use we find that the first to use it was Commander Esek Hopkins, the first “admiral” of the newly formed naval forces. He was widely known to have not been enamored with Washington and other “leaders” of that time.

He was, however, an active privateer prior to, and during, the Revolutionary War. In his words, “the two new ships are Launched & will be soon ready if men could be had.” (Hopkins, 1776) He was speaking about the fact that Washington and Gates were requisitioning all the men and not leaving any to man the newly formed fleet.

Washington later sacked him, many believe this was a result of Hopkins inability to hold his tongue when someone was doing something he saw as stupid.

When using historical symbols, my personal approach is to learn as much as I can about them and to absorb the real history surrounding them. This is a reason I have not adopted the rather common “Molon Labe” phrase. In the case of the “Don’t tread on me” flag, it was brightly colored and easy to read.

Also, over the ocean in a sailing craft where it could take an entire day or longer for one ship to overtake another, this allowed for a sense of dread to build and to be felt by the crew of ships being overtaken.

Modern times have seen a resurgence in the use of this flag and phrase, and while many who fly it are a part of the failed Tea Party movement, many others, like myself, have and fly this flag as a symbol against tyranny.

Tyranny is quite simply, “oppressive power”, which can be applied to the approaches used by modern media, activists, and politicians alike. Thomas Jefferson once said, “for I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” (Jefferson, 1800) In my personal study of the founders** I embraced the writings of Jefferson, Paine, Henry, Mason, Lee, Yates, Singletary, Warren, Clinton, Smith, Fenner, Martin, Samuel Adams, and Monroe as well as others seen to be Anti-Federalists or from who the Anti-Federalists drew their inspiration.

How does this apply to the phrase, “Don’t tread on me”?

The idea promoted with this flag and phrase is simple, “leave me alone to live in peace, to do what I do best, and as long as my actions do not cause physical harm to others there is no need for your intervention.

Christopher Gadsden, the author of the phrase, made clear his intent to represent an idea to the British overlords at the time when he penned this phrase, attached as it was to a coiled rattlesnake.

It seems quite obvious that he believed very strongly in the real separation between England and the colonies, and that his loyalty was also very much in the colonies with his family, friends, and those who wished to see us free of the grip of the corporate overlords of the East India Trading Company and England.

Interestingly, there is not much known about this individual, and I have searched everywhere I have access to. Feel free to write a comment below with any links or books that may have additional information on him.

So there you have it, the modern use of “Don’t tread on me”, as well as its history – and my somewhat anemic commentary. If you have any added information or knowledge in this arena, comment below. I learn from what others share with me, and from what I study and research. While I feel confident that my knowledge in this arena is extensive, there is always more to learn.

Thank you for reading, and of course, commenting and sharing.

*When I use the term “man” I am referring to humankind as a whole, using the classic sense of the word.

**There were 3 sets of founders, first you have the Declaration authors than the drafters of the Articles of Confederation and lastly the Constitution drafters. These individuals are not the same though there is some minor crossover between them, many of the original Declaration signatories rebelled against the passage of the Constitution, and some of them were very vocal in their belief that this “document” would be a problem in the future.

• Hopkins, E. (1776). Founders Online: To George Washington from Commodore Esek Hopkins, 22 May 1776. Retrieved from https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-04-02-0300
• Jefferson, T. (1800). Founders Online: From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, 23 September 1800. Retrieved from https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-32-02-0102
• Rittman, P. Rise and Fall of the British East India Company. Retrieved from http://paulrittman.com/EastIndiaCompany.pdf
• Walker, R. (2016). The Shifting Symbolism of the Gadsden Flag. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-shifting-symbolism-of-the-gadsden-flag

What is the national concealed carry qualification? 

In 2004 the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) was enacted in the United States. This law allows to classes of persons, the qualified Law Enforcement officer” and the “qualified retired or separated Law Enforcement officer” to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States or United States Territories, regardless of state or local laws with minor exceptions.

At this time this is the only national carry or national concealed carry law on the books. It should be noted that this article is not meant to offer legal advice merely to allow others to better understand LEOSA and national carry restrictions or allowances.

This article is meant to clarify what is legally allowed and not allowed for the qualified, or qualified separated or retired Law Enforcement that may be reading this article. Additionally, the article is meant to explain what it takes to maintain and keep as well as use the LEOSA permit.

Here is the law paraphrased, “Notwithstanding any other provision of the law of any State or any political subdivision thereof, an individual who is a qualified law enforcement officer and who is carrying the identification required by subsection (d) may carry a concealed firearm that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce…” (LII / Legal Information Institute, 2004)

So what is a qualified law enforcement person? In most states, commonwealths and territories have codified Law Enforcement training centers. These are known as P.O.S.T. or Peace Officer Standards and Training. While some locations within the United States have differing qualifications for firearms training, these differences are relatively minor.

A qualified Law Enforcement person is one that is active duty with no behavioral or legal restrictions or who has served 10 years or more as a federal, state or local POST certified or federally certified law enforcement officer.

If you search this term in your browser replacing your state with your states name, “(your state) LE POST” it will pull up information on your state’s qualifications. For non LE concealed carriers if you can train and pass a verified course of fire for your states LE POST qualifications this can be beneficial if you have to use deadly force in defense of self.

I suggest getting the target you passed on signed by a range master on duty who can verify you passed it and whichever instructor or other person attended, a minimum of two witnesses for legal reasons, sign, and date!

Legally this law has seemed some blowback, specifically in New York state, the District of Columbia and California. Thankfully, each case saw the defendants who were, in fact, Law Enforcement officers or agents cleared and has set precedents supporting the initial LEOSA law.

In 2006 Arthur Rodriguez a Pennsylvania Court Constable was found in a New York court ruling to qualify for protection under LEOSA. In 2012 Barbusin a special police officer of the District of Columbia Protective Services Police Department was found to have satisfied the LEOSA’s broad definition for qualified law enforcement.

In 2008 a Coast Guard reservist named Booth was found to be a law enforcement officer and his rights were upheld in a ruling in, surprise, surprise, New York again. The ruling stated that his job was to “prevent, detect and enforce federal law” as a coast guard serviceman. California arrested Jose Diaz in 2007 for having a loaded firearm in his vehicle in San Fernando.

The charges were dismissed and the subsequent lawsuit filed for violation of civil rights was settled outside of court by the city, the city redrafted the police training standards on LEOSA. (Baranowski, 2014)

Directly quoting the article – Does the LEOSA carry law apply to you, “On Jan. 2, 2013, LEOSA was amended to specifically allow for active and “retired” (as defined by LEOSA) military and DOD police and law enforcement officers with UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) apprehension authority to qualify for the statute; however, also hidden within the amendment was language mandating that all QLEOs now carry a photographic ID that “identifies the employee as a police or law enforcement officer of the agency,” and that QRLEOs carry a photographic ID “that identifies the person as having been employed as a police or law enforcement officer.” (Baranowski, 2014) If you go to the LEOSA website they offer the ability to easily sign up for a national carry identification card allowing ease of use and carry. Click here, LEOSA, and make sure to read it and ask them questions as needed.

Another solid resource is found on PoliceOne under LEOSA. As a civilian who has trained and taught Law Enforcement and various military over the course of two decades I can say that PoliceOne authors are almost all slanted away from law-abiding civilian carry.

Given that law-abiding civilian carriers outnumber every other demographic that carries it may be a beneficial idea to work with us rather than join the loud cries against our carrying.

Obviously, not all civilians are trained well enough to carry in a trustworthy manner, however, during my training of law enforcement and military over the years it is no small wonder that friendly fire is a rather high statistic there as well.

Training is essential whenever deadly force is prepared for in any way. I would suggest that training be increased if you plan in carrying regularly. Never relax completely, never let your guard down to your own potential missteps and more importantly live in yellow, relaxed but aware.

It is not a negative and given statistical evidence that the largest percentage of incidents occur close to your home, this is a reason to be more aware of your actions when at home.

This leads into the current desire for law-abiding civilians who are wanting a national carry law to be enacted. Given the current political climate, a national carry law would be at best a two-edged sword with the handle of the sword also being a blade.

National carry would allow a much easier time collecting data on law-abiding carriers, currently, data is collated at a national level using the background checks performed at the time of purchase as well as the various state-issued permits.

Regardless of what is said, all of this data is collected. What is not done at this time is keeping it all in one database. Between social media, digital communication, and the various state and federal steps needed for law-abiding firearms ownership most of the firearms bought and sold over the past three or four decades can be quickly and easily traced through purchasers and even past that level if the firearm was sold to others.

National carry could be easily used to come down on law-abiding citizens who carry for self-defense if the political winds changed more than they already have. Currently, there are many very vocal people who disparage law-abiding carry, even though not a single law-abiding person has ever committed a crime using a firearm. After all, the very nature of the term precludes the commission of crimes.

In addition to the political issues, there are the media and social media pushed emotional views based on spurious lackadaisical “truths” which have been promoted as “facts.” Some of these are, gun owners are more likely to commit crimes, etc. et, al., promoted by any town and the Brady camp. The real facts are simple, criminals do not care if you are black, white, red, female, male, trans, gay, straight or a horse. If you have what they believe they should have, they will commit crimes against you.

Certainly depending on areas and demographics, some demographics are more likely to commit crimes. However, when you look at the facts you will quickly find that the myths behind mass murder and or mass shootings are just that.

Myths and the reality is every single one of the individuals who committed one of these crimes was bat shit crazy insane. And yes, mass murder occurs and has occurred more frequently with much higher body counts in many nations in Europe, Asia, and even Africa than in the United States.

What you will not find as often outside of the United States is the use of firearms to prevent mass violence, or to stop it. In fact, outside the United States and in fact in many states in the United States people have become the equivalent of sheep, they bleat and complain making an awful racket and have lost almost all ability to care for themselves in any real manner.

If you can carry legally, do so, regardless of your status as a privileged badge carrier or not. If you cannot carry legally, move. I have not found a single instance of voting or political action that does not negatively affect far more people than it helps. This is why I say move. I understand that many readers regardless of side they support will rabidly state their objections.

However, none can rationally argue that I am incorrect. As I am not insane, I choose to personally not repeat the same actions endlessly in a futile hope that it will somehow make life better. Rather, I have dedicated my life to raising my children, training and being prepared as best I can.

I hope you also consider investing as much time in your children as you may invest in your social media accounts. (It should be noted I do not have social media accounts, I do have social interactions in person with others as well as gardens, children, animals and the regular constant acquisition of more knowledge which I than put into practice, something so many walking dictionaries fail to do.)

If you enjoyed this article or have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below!

Free the mind and the body will follow…

• Baranowski, J. (2014). Does the LEOSA Carry Law Apply to You?. [online] NRA-ILA. Available at: https://www.nraila.org/articles/20140117/does-the-leosa-carry-law-apply-to-you [Accessed 25 Oct. 2018].
• LII / Legal Information Institute. (2004). 18 U.S. Code § 926B – Carrying of concealed firearms by qualified law enforcement officers. [online] Available at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/926B [Accessed 25 Oct. 2018].

Jesse Mathewson BSCJA et, al.,

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