I sit here at my "puter" for what seems like the very first time and know this idea has been rattling around in my head
for several years now,... And now as I attempt to create something "witty and insightful", I find myself almost
speechless.
I have been told for years that I have a knack for the written word and have heard this from not only my mother (of
course...) but also from friends and acquaintances whom I respect and out of admiration typically will not argue the
point because I know they are more often than not...right.  I imagine these first attempts will be lackluster at best
and liken it to watching a new sitcom or show where there is almost always an awkward stage, where the characters
are new acquaintances (to you) and we really do not know them as yet or what to expect. Development of their
persona is barely past the pre-embryonic stage, and it's unknown territory.  The writers are trying to find their way
and develop the characters in a manner that will not only prompt you to want to know them, but also have you
"connect" with them and relate at some level on a regular basis. In the end the relationship is complete when
endurance (is that even a word?) and some level of subconscious trust has been achieved.   In effect, ....You want
to come back (hopefully).  That's what I want and that is what will happen (hopefully).

What I will write about is currently up in the air as I left this area as an open forum and conduit (a gutter if you will)
for my thoughts, insights, observations, frustrations and Oh yesssss,.....opinions.

Let me take this opportunity to provide an overview and preface the "authority aspect" of my qualifications with
some highlights in education and experience.  I have been a firearms aficionado and enthusiast since my early
teens where I was brought up by two very loving parents who in effect did not trust me near a gun much less
allowed me to handle one. This, in and of itself did not dissuade me or diminish the curiosity and "need to know",
and may upon reflection, MAY have actually worsened the condition (want a kid to do something, just tell him he
can't). There were firearms in the house (I knew that,,,) and was vaguely aware they were a mish-mash of mostly
antique-ish selections, mostly rifles and shotguns acquired through inheritance on my fathers side.  There was also
the quintessential home defense gun that my Dad had bought primarily for my mother back in the early 70's. A
single action .22 Ruger Bearcat (.22!!!) That had been inventoried in my brain as a future prospect (scarey hair
trigger, learned that later...). Quite honestly, the biggest mistake they made was letting me know they existed.  All of
this was solidified the day (for whatever reason...) they took me to a Gun Show (que angelic music and sense of
awe) and mine eyes were opened to the infinite world of firearms and all that goes with it.
My first purchased firearm may well have been very illegal as I'm pretty sure I was underage and had asked
someone "of age" to do the paperwork.  I have often pondered this supposed criminal act and believe in my heart
(at least on my end) that this was not a nefarious act, designed to circumvent the law, as at the time there was a
common belief that the paperwork was just a formality that had to be done by an adult and there was little
understanding by the common man and the dealer (too!!!) in those days were notoriously under educated at best
(that really did not start to change until about the mid 80's).
Anyway, I regret my ignorance but I was awash in that sea of commonality at the time and to this day still hear some
old timers argue the way it used to be done. ("MY CONSTIPATIONAL RIGHT TO KEEP AND ARM BEARS!!!" and all
that...)       I remember distinctly the day I turned 21, and where most would celebrate with partying and drinking, I
only had one mission at hand that day and that was to buy my own (and first) firearm myself.  The late 70's and 80's
in my opinion were some of the most innovative, unique and creative years in the firearms world as much (still) had
yet to be explored and  manufacturers of new calibers and designs were just starting to pick up some serious
momentum, and I came in (sadly) just a little late to that party but did my best to catch up.  My fascination back then
(and to this day) were the unconventional. I even had dealers at shows who knew that if they got that "oddball", to
call me as it was typically an easy sell.  My collection grew and with that my knowledge and understanding of the
firearms world and its related sub-categories (holsters, ammunition, reloading, ballistics) grew, and I guess what I'm
trying to say is  "Long before I was on this side of the gun counter, I was on your side of the gun counter".
You would think that with all this knowledge retail would be an obvious choice and was for 23 years (may still be if I
don't find something else to do...) But to be quite frank, I hate retail with a passion and the aspect of "serving"
someone has always left me a little dry.  Don't get me wrong I will help anyone who asks, but I have to feel as
though it is a courtesy given and not expected or mandated. To those who know me these facts are not secrets and
the only saving grace in all this for those 23 years is that I really knew what I was talking about in the context of the
firearms world and I was excited to spread the word to those who wanted to know and would listen.
As time went by I started to realize if you want someone to trust you, listen to you, and buy stuff from you, all you
have to do is be honest with them and stay within the lines of your expertise, and if you do not know, tell them you
do not know (few moments are as liberating to ones conscience as admitting ignorance, and the sooner the better).
I have carried these principles into the classroom (as well as my life in general) and they have held me in good
stead with those who have entrusted me with their education.  People respond to honesty in a world where that
quality is somewhat rare and is often well received even when it isn't (really) what they wanted to hear. It's all in how
you say things that typically get you into hot water. It's funny, as I muddled through this initial introduction I stumbled
upon at least a dozen subjects (and sub-subjects...)  that bear scrutiny so I will leave this one as it stands and with
at least the promise of much, more to come. Thank you.
                                                                    Dave    
The sky is falling!!!
LoneStar Civilian Defense Technologies
What are we doing here?...

If I had one thing I would want
to do to make a living it would
be to educate and train people
on the proper use of firearms
whether it be handgun, rifle,
shotgun, basic to advanced
techniques as well as delving
into what has always been my
passion and continue to learn
as much as I can, anywhere I
can....defense and tactics as
they are related to the use of
firearms. Alas, in this day and
age you need some serious
resources to make this dream
happen.
And I'm not there yet. To help
placate these "urges" I have  
dedicated this particular part of
my website to my "ramblings"
to hopefully relieve the
pressure in my head when the
mood hits me. Be forewarned
as I am under the belief that
everyone has an opinion and
those who espouse to only one
philosophy are generally not as
well informed as they might
think and dominate much of
there beliefs with ego, and in
the context of self defense
which by it's very nature is a
constantly changing, fluid,
rapidly evolving (or
devolving...) event and the
only thing that can be
depended on is its inherent  
unpredictability, leaves me
with a very broad perspective
on how I see this subject and
my subsequent solutions. I go
on record as saying that I do
not know everything (working
on it)  and only offer my views
as I see them, some are based
on my experiences, which on
this subject, I have a lot, and
some are based on a lifetime of
personal observations and
very realistic expectations
(believe me it is often what you
don't want to hear). I am
honestly not looking for debate
or criticism as that is not the
goal, if you enjoy or agree or
just seek another's point of
view or need some sense of
bearing I welcome you and
thanks for taking the time and
stopping by. I am constantly in
search of knowledge myself. If
you are looking for an
argument or disagree (to just
disagree), I imagine you are on
the wrong website. I'm done.
           Dave
In the Beginning....
If your gonna carry a gun....
Back in a time not all that long ago I
was blessed to work in an environment
where I was allowed (and trusted) to
carry a firearm on my person in plain
site every day and it was not unusual
that if you looked closely I was typically
in possession of not ony my firearm but
also at least one extra reload as well
as a high output light source and a
folding knife.
Countles times i was approached with
questions as I was typically the only
one in my group who came "well
balanced" and comments ranged from
plain curiosity to eludements of
paranoia, overdoing it, or "looking for a
fight".  On the contrary, in reality, just
the opposite, as I have no want, need,
or desire to harm anyone but if you are
on my site reading this you have taken
the first step toward responsibility for
your own safety as well as those who
may be close to you.
Lets face it, no sane man (or women)
wants to harm anyone but to those who
have stepped forward and got their
CHL (over 500,000 in Texas), they
have (for whatever reason..) "seen the
light" and have made friends with the
reality that we have little control over
what comes next.  I mean think about it,
how often do things go our way
(really...) then take an oppurtunity to
peruse the local newspaper or internet
for acts of random appearing violence
(murder, rape, car jacking, robbery,
burglery) then from there look at those
incidents where the violence may have
been directed elswhere, say....a
shopping center, restaurant, church or
other public venue, and then I want
you to think about all those who were
"satellites of fate", just happened to be
in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You know who these people are? You
and me, and somehow their path in life
collided with a moment of violence.  If I
had a nickel for everytime I heard
someone buffer these thoughts with
"Wellll, that more than likely would
never happen to me" or "The odds
are...".  The reality is that everyday we
move closer to "the moment" and if you
are here now, reading this...You have
the oppurtunity to change the outcome
and not just end up being a "deer in
the headlights".  I think most who
consider getting their CHL do not
realize the positives (and the
negatives...) until they take (lets just
say it) my class. It is a responsibility  
and a life change to carry and requires
making friends with a very harsh reality
and following through with a
commitment, from: the act of carrying
itself, to practiceing (Oh my God, don't
throw me into the briar patch!!!),
changing your approach to life at a
psychological level and embracing
things that are (for most people)
unpleasant and difficult to think about.  
I figure that the moment I need a "gun"
(hate that word...) the odds are it is
NOT gonna go as expected or the way
I want it to so I prepare for the worst
and hope for the best.
The break down is as follows: If an
encounter occurs, I probably wasn't
paying attention and things got way too
close QUICK!!! At that point getting to
a firearm may not be at the top of the
list and may require a hands on
approach (if I have hands thay more
than likely the "bad guy" has them as
well, and they will be, more than likely,
on ME!).  To redirect, deflect, push off
or take them to the ground. Throwing a
punch, elbow or knee takes priority to
break contact create distance, allow
time and access a weapon and
hopefully deprive them of what they
THOUGHT was an easy target.  My
firearm is a priority, not only from a tool
aspect but also maintaining control of it
(remember hands...). If I have to shoot
someone it is already a very bad day
and the attacker by their very nature
do not "play fair".  This one reality
dictates the rules and in that regard
there are none (CHEAT AND WIN!!!).  I
often have people come to me and ask
about escalation of force and when
they can shoot this is simple in that if
you feel your life is in fact REALLY in
danger (think about it) and you are not
the one who attacked who, you are in
your rights to protect your life. I
personally think that all of us have the
"survival instinct" and it tells us (quite
clearly) when we are close to death, we
just have to listen.
In responce to what and why I carry, I
figure in for a penny,in for a pound,
and options and embracing the reality
of the unknown (cause I really do not
know) is what I do know.
                            D.