Due to a variety of reasons, vacations, etc., the new leadership of the Alamogordo Women With Weapons group has been unable to get together to plan the May meeting agenda. It has been decided to cancel the meeting.

The next meeting will be Tuesday June 12 at 6:30 pm at the Cuba Avenue Church of Christ.

The field of self defense is changing and evolving and you need to keep current with new techniques, changes in the law and new ways to deal with a variety of situations.

Books, magazines and Internet web sites and forums are just four of the many ways to increase your academic knowledge. A note of caution… always check the accuracy and validity of any information before you act on it.

Mother’s Day Concealed Carry Class… May 12 & 13… Looking for something different and exciting to do for Mother’s Day? Give your mother, spouse or girlfriend the gift of the ability to defend herself…and you are welcome to take the class with her as well! Completion of this class meets the training requirement for a New Mexico Concealed Handgun License and enables you to apply for that license. If you have any questions, or would like to sign up for the class, contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Advanced Defensive Handgun Class… Thursday May 17… The Advanced Defensive Handgun Class is for individuals with basic handgun handling skills who wish to improve their defensive shooting capabilities. It is not for beginners. Basic and advanced shooting and gun handling techniques will be drilled extensively. A variety of scenarios will be presented to give you a realistic perspective of the defensive use of a handgun. In addition, we will do some force-on-force training using Airsoft pistols (which will be provided) to give you some realistic experience in dealing with gun and knife wielding adversaries. If you have any questions, or would like to sign up for the class, contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Night Class… June 8…If you are ever forced to use your handgun in self defense, it will very likely be at night or in low light conditions. This class will familiarize you with a variety of flashlight techniques as well as provide you the opportunity to shoot at night with a flashlight as well as without the benefit of a flashlight. If you have any questions, or would like to sign up for the class, contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Private or Individualized Training… More people have been scheduling individual or small group classes to meet their specific training needs. If your particular training needs are not being met by our regular classes, or you desire some on-on-one instruction to improve your shooting skills, please let me know. I’m willing to travel to your locale if we can work out the logistics.

Refresher Class… Wednesday May 16…We’ll meet at the range at 9:30 for the Refresher. Afterwards anyone interested is welcome to go to lunch. If you are interested please contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040. If May 16 doesn’t fit into your schedule let me know and we’ll make other arrangements. Don’t forget to check the expiration date on your license to see if you need to take a Refresher (2 years after the issue date of your license) or a Renewal (2 months prior to the expiration date on your license).

Alamogordo Ladies Concealed Carry Group…The next meeting of the Alamogordo Ladies Concealed Carry Group will be May 8, 2012, at the Cuba Ave Church of Christ beginning at 6:30. If you know someone interested in concealed carry, whether they carry or not, invite them to the join us.

Basic Firearms Training Classes… If you are interested in learning the basics of the handgun, rifle or shotgun, then these introductory classes will get you started and will open you to the exciting world of recreational or defensive shooting. These classes are taught on request, so if you are interested please contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Specialty Classes… We now offer a variety of specialty classes, including…

• Women’s Advanced Defensive Handgun Class…advanced defensive handgun shooting techniques oriented towards women’s unique situations
• Night Classes…learn to shoot at night…this is when most defensive situations occur and shooting at night is much different than shooting in the daylight
• Defensive Shotgun…learn to use your shotgun in a close quarters self defense situation
• Defensive Carbine…learn to use your AR, AK, 10/22 or lever action rifle in a close quarters self defense situation
• Advanced Defensive Handgun Class…advanced defensive handgun shooting techniques
• Shooting from the Ground…learn to shoot effectively from the ground in the event that you end up on the ground in a defensive situation
• Concealed Carry Drills Class…a review of the various drills from the Riclin Concealed Carry Class.

If you are interested in taking one of these classes, please contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040 and we can discuss putting a class together. My teaching schedule is very flexible and can certainly accommodate the training and scheduling needs of you or your group.

Going Out To Eat… When you are heading out to eat, go to the following web site to determine if the restaurant you are going to has a Restaurant license which allows them to sell only beer and wine http://164.64.87.25/MyLicenseVerification/Search.aspx?facility=Y.

Supporters… Thank you to all our supporters (and my apologies to any I have forgotten).

• Mac at Mesquite Firearms (575.437.4867)
• David at the Postal Annex in Ruidoso (575.973.1049)
• Kerry at Western Auto (575.437.0660)
• James at Basin Firearms (575.430.0541)
• Wyatt at the Gun Rack (575.443.1528)
• Larry at Fire Power Gun and Pawn of Ruidoso (575.257.3943)
• Robert at the Wal Mart (575.434.5870) Sporting Good Department
• Concealcarrychat.com… http://www.concealcarrychat.com
• Cressie at Mountain Magic in Cloudcroft (575.682.2348)

Please patronize these fine businesses that cater to and support shooters.

Tip of the Month… While you are training with your handgun, don’t neglect continuing your academic education in concealed carry as well. The field of self defense is changing and evolving and you need to keep current with new techniques, changes in the law and new ways to deal with a variety of situations. Books, magazines and Internet web sites and forums are just four of the many ways to increase your academic knowledge. A note of caution…always check the accuracy and validity of any information before you act on it.

In closing… I don’t know what the long term result of the reciprocity changes will be or how they will impact New Mexico Concealed Handgun License holders. I will make every effort to keep you posted as things evolve. Please keep me posted as you learn things as well.

Richard Barbaras
Owner/Instructor

“I’ve talked to guys who survived shooting weak-hand who would have been killed otherwise because their strong hand was out of commission, and I can’t help but notice that in some 40 years of NYPD gunfights, 38 percent or more have been 1-handed shooting events.”

This article reinforced to me that fact that you need to be ambidextrous in your shooting.

After giving it some serious thought, I think it is time for me to step down as the “leader” of the group. After all, this is a ladies group. As such, I think the leadership needs to come from the ladies, not from me. The group has been going for 15 months now and has accomplished a great deal, but now I think it is time for you all to take charge. I will be happy to continue to provide support for the group and assist in any way I can.

We will be discussing this during this April meeting. Please be thinking about ideas on how you would like to see the group evolve from here and whether or not you would be interested in taking a leadership role to help the group grow and expand and become even more of a support and social network for women who carry guns to protect themselves.

If you know someone else who may also be interested in concealed carry, whether they carry or not, invite them to the join us.

Private or Individualized Training… More people have been scheduling individual or small group classes to meet their specific training needs. If your particular training needs are not being met by our regular classes, or you desire some on-on-one instruction to improve your shooting skills, please let me know. I’m willing to travel to your locale if we can work out the logistics.

April Concealed Carry Class… April 14 & 15…this is our regular monthly concealed carry class. Completion of this class meets the training requirement for a New Mexico Concealed Handgun License and enables you to apply for that license. If you have any questions, or would like to sign up for the class, contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Refresher Class… Don’t forget to check the expiration date on your license to see if you need to take a Refresher (2 years after the issue date of your license) or a Renewal (2 months prior to the expiration date on your license). I have been doing these classes on demand, so when you need the class contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Alamogordo Ladies Concealed Carry Group… The next meeting of the Alamogordo Ladies Concealed Carry Group will be April 10, 2012, at the Cuba Ave Church of Christ beginning at 6:30. If you know someone interested in concealed carry, whether they carry or not, invite them to the join us.

Interesting Numbers… from the Concealed Carry Unit in Albuquerque…as of March 9, there are 23,461 concealed carry licenses in New Mexico. In Otero County there are 1019 licenses, in Dona Ana County there are 1886 and in Lincoln County there are 459.

Basic Firearms Training Classes… If you are interested in learning the basics of the handgun, rifle or shotgun, then these introductory classes will get you started and will open you to the exciting world of recreational or defensive shooting. These classes are taught on request, so if you are interested please contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Specialty Classes… We now offer a variety of specialty classes, including…

• Women’s Advanced Defensive Handgun Class…advanced defensive handgun shooting techniques oriented towards women’s unique situations
• Night Classes…learn to shoot at night…this is when most defensive situations occur and shooting at night is much different than shooting in the daylight
• Defensive Shotgun…learn to use your shotgun in a close quarters self defense situation
• Defensive Carbine…learn to use your AR, AK, 10/22 or lever action rifle in a close quarters self defense situation
• Advanced Defensive Handgun Class…advanced defensive handgun shooting techniques
• Shooting from the Ground…learn to shoot effectively from the ground in the event that you end up on the ground in a defensive situation
• Concealed Carry Drills Class…a review of the various drills from the Riclin Concealed Carry Class.

If you are interested in taking one of these classes, please contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040 and we can discuss putting a class together. My teaching schedule is very flexible and can certainly accommodate the training and scheduling needs of you or your group.

Going Out To Eat… When you are heading out to eat, go to the following web site to determine if the restaurant you are going to has a Restaurant license which allows them to sell only beer and wine http://164.64.87.25/MyLicenseVerification/Search.aspx?facility=Y.

Supporters… Thank you to all our supporters (and my apologies to any I have forgotten).

• Mac at Mesquite Firearms (575.437.4867)
• David at the Postal Annex in Ruidoso (575.973.1049)
• Kerry at Western Auto (575.437.0660)
• James at Basin Firearms (575.430.0541)
• Wyatt at the Gun Rack (575.443.1528)
• Larry at Fire Power Gun and Pawn of Ruidoso (575.257.3943)
• Robert at the Wal Mart (575.434.5870) Sporting Good Department
• Concealcarrychat.com… http://www.concealcarrychat.com
• Cressie at Mountain Magic in Cloudcroft (575.682.2348)

Please patronize these fine businesses that cater to and support shooters.

Tip of the Month…  Shoot one handed often, with your weak hand only as well as with your strong hand only! I know I have probably said this before, but in reading the March 2012 issue of Guns magazine I found an article by Massad Ayoob who states “I’ve talked to guys who survived shooting weak-hand who would have been killed otherwise because their strong hand was out of commission, and I can’t help but notice that in some 40 years of NYPD gunfights, 38 percent or more have been 1-handed shooting events.” This article reinforced to me that fact that you need to be ambidextrous in your shooting.

In closing… Keep Training and practicing. Defensive shooting skills, especially with the handgun, are perishable and you need to practice to maintain your skills. Let me know if I can help.

Richard Barbaras
Owner/Instructor

”Sometimes in life you have to stand your ground. It’s a hard lesson to learn and even most adults don’t get it, but in the end, only I can be responsible for my life. If faced with any type of adversity, only I can overcome it. Waiting for someone else to take responsibility is a long fruitless wait.”

There is a lot of truth in this statement from the Defensive Carry forum (www.defensivecarry.com/forum). Think about it…

Always have an “out”… your own personal escape plan per say. Be aware of everyone around you at all times not just in big crowds. Especially in the places you feel the safest… your home, your business, even your place of worship. Share your plan with your loved ones, making sure they know what to do and when to do it.

Tactical Response Newsletter
February 2012

”In fact, after Colorado’s 2003 concealed carry law was enacted, Colorado State University decided to allow concealed carry, while the University of Colorado prohibited firearms. The former observed a rapid decline in reported crimes, while the latter, under the gun ban they claimed was for safety, observed a rapid increase in crime. Crime at the University of Colorado has risen 35 percent since 2004, while crime at Colorado State University has dropped 60 percent in the same time frame”.

From Tough Target
When Criminals Face Armed Resistance from Citizens

Download entire CATO Institute report, which is interesting reading:

Private or Individualized Training… More people have been scheduling individual or small group classes to meet their specific training needs. If your particular training needs are not being met by our regular classes, or you desire some on-on-one instruction to improve your shooting skills, please let me know. I’m willing to travel to your locale if we can work out the logistics.

March Concealed Carry Class… March 10 & 11 This is our regular monthly concealed carry class. Completion of this class meets the training requirement for a New Mexico Concealed Handgun License and enables you to apply for that license. If you have any questions, or would like to sign up for the class, contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Defensive Shotgun Class… Thursday March 8. This class will teach the basics of using your shotgun in defensive situations. For more information, or to sign up for the class, contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040. Note: this is not a beginner’s class. If you are not comfortable shooting your shotgun, contact me about a basic shotgun class.

Ladies Concealed Carry Retreat… There still a few slots left for the First Annual Ladies Concealed Carry Retreat on March 24 & 25, 2012 at the beautiful Sacramento Assembly, south of Cloudcroft. Sponsored jointly by Riclin Firearms Training, LLC and SAFE, LLC. This will be a 2 day retreat with 4 shooting sessions and some other fun and interesting activities designed to improve your defensive shooting skills as well as to assist you in applying those skills in defensive situations. Meals and lodging are included. There are 12 slots available for this first retreat. This retreat is not intended for beginners. Participants must have a New Mexico concealed carry license or equivalent training.

Registration will be on a first come, first served basis. For further information contact me at 575.430.3040 or riclin@tularosa.net or Coralie Carrier at 575.644.1692 or safeinlc@aol.com.

Advanced Defensive Handgun Class… We will be teaching an Advanced Defensive Handgun Class on April 1 (and no, you are not an April Fool if you attend). This class will build on the defensive shooting skills you learned in your basic concealed carry class. You will be astonished what you will be able to do with your handgun after this class.  For further information or to sign up for the class contact me at 575.430.3040 or riclin@tularosa.net

Refresher Class… Don’t forget to check the expiration date on your license to see if you need to take a Refresher (2 years after the issue date of your license) or a Renewal (2 months prior to the expiration date on your license).

Alamogordo Ladies Concealed Carry Group… The next meeting of the Alamogordo Ladies Concealed Carry Group will be March 13, 2012, at the Cuba Ave Church of Christ beginning at 6:00. If you know someone interested in concealed carry, whether they carry or not, invite them to the join us.

Cloudcroft Ladies Concealed Carry Group… The next meeting of the Cloudcroft Ladies Concealed Carry Group will be on March 27 at 5:30 in the Village Council Chambers. If you know someone interested in concealed carry but hasn’t made a final decision, invite them to the join us as well.

Basic Firearms Training Classes… If you are interested in learning the basics of the handgun, rifle or shotgun, then these introductory classes will get you started and will open you to the exciting world of recreational or defensive shooting. These classes are taught on request, so if you are interested please contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040.

Specialty Classes… We now offer a variety of specialty classes, including…
•    Women’s Advanced Defensive Handgun Class… advanced defensive handgun shooting techniques oriented towards women’s unique situations
•    Night Classes…learn to shoot at night… this is when most defensive situations occur and shooting at night is much different than shooting in the daylight
•    Defensive Shotgun… learn to use your shotgun in a close quarters self defense situation
•    Defensive Carbine… learn to use your AR, AK, 10/22 or lever action rifle in a close quarters self defense situation
•    Advanced Defensive Handgun Class… advanced defensive handgun shooting techniques
•    Shooting from the Ground… learn to shoot effectively from the ground in the event that you end up on the ground in a defensive situation
•    Concealed Carry Drills Class… a review of the various drills from the Riclin Concealed Carry Class.

If you are interested in taking one of these classes, please contact me at riclin@tularosa.net or by phone at 575.430.3040 and we can discuss putting a class together. My teaching schedule is very flexible and can certainly accommodate the training and scheduling needs of you or your group.

Going Out To Eat… When you are heading out to eat, go to the following web site to determine if the restaurant you are going to has a Restaurant license which allows them to sell only beer and wine http://164.64.87.25/MyLicenseVerification/Search.aspx?facility=Y.

Supporters… Thank you to all our supporters (and my apologies to any I have forgotten).
•    Mac at Mesquite Firearms (575.437.4867)
•    David at the Postal Annex in Ruidoso (575.973.1049)
•    Kerry at Western Auto (575.437.0660)
•    James at Basin Firearms (575.430.0541)
•    Wyatt at the Gun Rack (575.443.1528)
•    Larry at Fire Power Gun and Pawn of Ruidoso (575.257.3943)
•    Robert at the Wal Mart (575.434.5870) Sporting Good Department
•    Concealcarrychat.com… http://www.concealcarrychat.com
•    Cressie at Mountain Magic in Cloudcroft (575.682.2348)

Please patronize these fine businesses that cater to and support shooters.

Tip of the Month… from the February Tactical Response Newsletter. Always have an “out” – your own personal escape plan per say. Be aware of everyone around you at all times not just in big crowds. Especially in the places you feel the safest – your home, your business, even your place of worship. Share your plan with your loved ones, making sure they know what to do and when to do it.

In closing… Spring is coming and summer isn’t far behind. Think about the training you would like to do as the weather gets nicer and let me know. I look forward to working with you on your training needs!

Richard Barbaras
Owner/Instructor