Archives for July 2019

By Garrett Cooper

My shooting journey started when I was thirteen years old. My dad introduced me to 4-H shooting sports, and I had no idea what it was and had not even heard of it. In the summer of 2014 my dad took me to a junior high-powered shooting clinic and the next day I shot my first high-powered competition.  After that match I continued to shoot at the monthly high-powered matches at which point the LSA loaned me shooting equipment such as a rifle and everything needed to start shooting. Much like the 4-H shooting sports, many people in the LSA were willing to give their time to help coach and improve my shooting skills which was a tremendous help considering I was a beginner and always looking for pointers.

The following year, when I was fourteen, I continued to shoot high-powered matches while shooting as a senior shooter for 4-H in air rifle. I was fortunate enough to be on the four-person team representing Louisiana in Nebraska at the 4-H National Competition. Our team finished 11^th overall that year.  Since I could only go to the National Championships once in each discipline I started shooting smallbore in an effort to go again. I really focused that summer on practicing, in turn earning a spot to return to the National Championships for a second year. Our team worked for countless hours and won the National Championship in smallbore. I finished second overall as an individual at the age of fifteen.

After returning from Nebraska I started to shoot precision air rifle (60 shots standing at 10m). That year I qualified to go to the Junior Olympics, something I couldn’t have dreamt of years before. In 2017 I was fortunate enough to attend not only the Junior Olympics but USA Nationals in Fort Benning, Georgia and Winter Airgun in Colorado Springs. For the past couple of years I have been going to these three matches and continuously competing against myself and other like-minded shooters with the goal of always growing in the sport.

Besides shooting I have served the community as a 4-H Ambassador helping with smallbore rifle practices. I helped to teach beginner shooters and prepare them for their competitions, I worked with other Ambassadors to schedule competitions, put together fundraisers, and help at the NRA banquet.  I’m so grateful for the many coaches and volunteers who have spent countless hours helping me. The LSA has supported me covering many of my expenses with traveling around the country, helping me to continue to grow in shooting sports.

While attending USA shooting matches I have been blessed to meet many college coaches. It had always been a goal of mine to shoot on a NCAA D1 rifle team. This past year, after having a successful year, I was recruited by The University of Akron in Ohio, to shoot on their team. If it wasn’t for my dad, the LSA, and the many people cheering me on throughout my shooting career, I would not have had the opportunity to go to my dream school and find a sport I truly love. 

By Jay D. Hunt, Ph.D.

If you’re like most members of the LSA, you probably obtained your Louisiana Concealed Handgun Permit shortly after the law was changed and we became a “shall issue” state. Before our law was changed for someone who was hurt in a truck accident on the highway, any of us had permits issued by other states, most notably Florida. And, like most of our members, you probably walked around carrying that concealed handgun without any real consideration of what might happen if, God forbid, you ever had to use that handgun to protect your life or the lives of those around you. I know I did. If you wish to learn how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer, you can check it out from here! 

However, something changed for me recently. Someone I know (we’ll call him Bob) used his concealed handgun after a road rage incident caused another driver to stop his vehicle in front of Bob’s vehicle. The other person got out of his vehicle and smashed his fist into the hood of Bob’s truck. Bob wounded the other person with his handgun. Someone called 911, and the local police arrived…and arrested Bob. The wounded man was transported to the hospital and was arrested later. Bob has been arraigned and charged with aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a firearm and will face felony charges. The other guy was charged with disturbing the peace, criminal damage and obstruction of the public passage. Bob is retired and is not wealthy so he may be facing financial ruin and, if convicted of a felony, loss of his right to own firearms. Get an experienced attorney in Ft Lauderdale area filing for bankruptcy in case of financial trouble.

What kind of financial burden is associated with defending oneself from felony charges? The Death Penalty Information Center (1701 K St NW, Suite 205, Washington, DC 20006) has published the following information:

For a Non-Capital Case (no murder charges), the average cost to the defendant is $217,400.
For a Capital Case, the average cost to the defendant is $459,600.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of money to toss away on defending myself from charges related to the use of my firearm! So, if you’re planning to purchase Custom Rifles and 9mm ammo, make sure that you also get the necessary permit or license.

I decided that I needed to make sure that I did not put my family in a financial crisis if I use my concealed handgun. As an officer of the LSA, I used my position to research concealed carry insurance options and negotiated a deal with US LawShield to the advantage of both our members and the LSA. I urge you to do your own research and consider the following.

ZEALOUS LEGAL REPRESENTATION:US LawShield Independent Program Attorneys (view more) will represent you in any legal proceeding–criminal or civil–should you ever need to use a firearm or other legal weapon to protect yourself, your life, or your property. Legal defense will be provided for all police investigations, pretrial proceedings, and both criminal and civil trials. There is no limit on the number of hours devoted to your defense.

24/7/365 ATTORNEY-ANSWERED EMERGENCY HOTLINE: The 24/7/365 Attorney-Answered Emergency Hotline is available exclusively to Members of US LawShield. The hotline will always be answered by a US LawShield Independent Program Attorney. Your conversations on fighting against car jacking charge are always fully confidential. Members will receive their Member ID Card with the Emergency Hotline Number printed right on the back, so you’re always able to reach them.

NON-EMERGENCY ACCESS TO INDEPENDENT PROGRAM ATTORNEYS: For non-emergency legal questions, call the non-emergency Member Services number and they will get you connected with a local Independent Program Attorney during normal business hours.

COVERAGE OPTIONS: Even if you don’t have a state-issued handgun carry permit, their Program covers you everywhere in your membership state where you can legally possess a firearm without a license; however, in most cases at least some gun safety classes will be required. The program also covers the use of all other legal weapons. Multi-State coverage is available as an add-on so US LawShield can protect you wherever you go.

WHAT’S NOT COVERED: While their services are extensive, the program does not cover expert witness fees, governmental fees of any type, identity theft, stolen firearms, investigator fees, or bail bonds. In Texas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, however, members do have the option to purchase Bail Bond and Expert Witness add-on coverage.

            If you’re interested in obtaining carry insurance, check out US LawShield. Coverage for an adult is $131.40 per year (or $10.95 per month). The cost for two adults is $240.00 per year (or $21.90 per month). If you use the code LSAGUN when you sign up, you’ll receive two months of free coverage!