Tom had teethed on revolvers; there were five notches on the butt of Billys Colt.
The youths disliked each other.
A shooting match ensued.
What is the USCCA? The USCCA is the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, a private organization that supports responsible self-defense.
When the aces of a card deck lost their centers, bullets split cards sideways.
Airborne bottles hadnt a chance.
Then Billy suggested they finish behind a local livery.
More than 10,000 firearms instructors have been certified through the USCCA.
There he stuck 12 matches on a rail.
You go first, he said.
Perceptive beyond his 15 years, Tom walked to the rail and removed two matches.
Tim Schmidt, shown above, was integral to the founding and current operations of the USCCA.
Well shoot five, he declared.
When Im done, nobodys empty.
As credible as this preamble was the result: From 30 feet, Tom lit two matches.
Tonnie Schmidt is the co-founder of the USCCA. While in college, a friend of hers was attacked and subsequently died, driving her to learn more about self-defense.
Billy lit one and clipped two more.
Legend has treated these miscreants kindly.
They would find the law less forgiving.
Membership in the USCCA allows you access to liability insurance that can help you in the aftermath of a defensive use of force incident.
But in this episode of their short lives, both knew how to survive a gunfight.
Characteristically, Billy the Kid sought the upper hand; Tom Horn avoided such fireworks.
Avoiding a gunfight almost always turns out better for you than engaging in one.
While the USCCA is based in South Carolina, all operations are handled through Delta Defense, which is located in West Bend, Wisconsin.
He adds that every gun owner is smart to prepare for both options.
Its a big part of the reason Tonnie and I started USCCA in 2004.
More than half a million firearms owners first-timers and shooters of long experience have since joined USCCA.
In addition to defensive firearms training, a magazine subscription and access to liability insurance, the USCCA provides an annual Concealed Carry and Home Defense Expo for members.
Also, with A Girl and A Gun.
We work in the legislative arena with groups like the DC Project and the Second Amendment Foundation.
To inform members about the countrys widely varying state firearms laws, USCCA provides a reciprocity map.
You dont need a concealed-carry permit, or even a firearm to join.
More than 10,000 instructors have been certified.
The skills taught will help anyone become a more capable shooter and aware of threats before they become imminent.
Because mental preparation for self-defense matters as much as handgun skills, its part of the package.
A New Direction
Like Tim, Tonnie didnt grow up in a firearms family.
She recalls that her brother wasnt permitted to play cops and robbers or even make a finger gun!
But when I was 10, an uncle took me to a local range.
I thought firing a gun would be easy, as on TV.
Hitting the target was much more difficult than shed imagined.
But learning to handle a firearm instilled a sense of confidence.
Then, while in college, Tonnie lost a friend.
She was raped, then died as she tried to reach the campus police.
From that day forward, I knew I was responsible for my own safety.
So, when Tim suggested startingConcealed Carry Magazine, I supported him.
There was less information available for families and people with limited exposure to firearms.
Backing You Up
Another reason people join USCCA is to get self-defense liability insurance.
Forced to fire in self-defense, a victim can face unforeseen pressures, even prosecution.
All USCCA Members are insured by the self-defense liability insurance issued to the association, Tim explains.
Members at all levels have the exact same insurance coverage and limits.
Unlike plans that later reimburse clients, this insurance pays upfront, so you dont have to.
You also get to choose your own attorney.
Details on USCCAs are on its website, linked at the bottom of this post.
Spouses can be added at half price.
USCCA memberships are currentlynotpermitted by or in the states of New York, New Jersey and Washington.
Alerts and maps keep you up to date on states concealed carry rules.
Platinum and Elite members get new lessons and training exercises monthly.
Then theres the Delta Defense hotline, active all day every day.
Explains Tim: It can help you navigate the post-shooting chaos.
Our mission, distilled, says Tim, is to stop crime and save lives.
You might say USCCA gives peace of mind to responsible gun owners!
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