Farewell Charlton Heston

Like most Americans I watched Charlton Heston on the big screen and recognized in him not only the power of his screen presence, but his dignity and honesty. That he was a champion for civil rights, standing with black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, well before it was popular with most Americans says volumes about his personal integrity. On the screen, Mr. Heston's performances often left us breathless with his powerful portrayals and deep, resonating voice. Off screen, he was something of a private man, always reading something either historical or informative. He lent his support to civil rights as well as saying that gays and lesbians had rights (but not more rights) too. Quite radical stuff for the times. As President of the National Rifle Association Mr. Heston's dignified persona and his firm belief in the Right to Keep and Bear Arms helped the NRA's public image at a time when it was being battered by the left. Of course, his famous speech at the 2000 NRA Annual Convention was seized upon by the anti-gun lobby. In this speech, Heston, in response to those who sought to ban gun, raised a musket over his head and said, I have five words for you, from my cold, dead hands! This twist on an old NRA bumper-sticker (you can take my guns from my cold, dead hands) resulted in a standing ovation from the NRA membership. Sadly, it is this one line that the left and anti-gun lobby focuses on to describe him. Charlton Heston was much more than that. He was a complex man, a thinker, a principled and disciplined man, and dignified. Heston, I think, would have been comfortable with men like Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and Madison. And that, my friends, is why we should celebrate his life and mourn his passing. As for me, I have another Smith & Wesson on the way to my collection, a simple Model 10, which Mr. Heston has helped guarantee I can still own. Thanks, Chuck. We'll miss you.

Heller v. D.C.

The Supreme court has heard the Heller case oral arguments and now we are waiting for the justices to render a decision. The latest issue of Pistols and Revolvers has a more in-depth discussion of the oral arguments. In summary, it looks as though a majority of the court believes the 2nd Amendment is an individual right and not some quasi-state militia power masquerading as a right. The real issues are the way the court evaluates gun-laws and how narrowly or broadly they interpret the right to keep and bear arms.

Beginner's Corner

For many shooters, tight groups and accuracy is the ultimate skill. Other shooters only care about being "good enough" to defend themselves. This month's Beginner's Corner discusses the use of the sights during a self-defense encounter. See what is important about using your sights when it comes time to defend yourself.

Next Month

I don't need to tell you that the price of ammunition has skyrocketed. It's getting absurd when even the cheap stuff approaches 30 cents per bang. So we're working on an article to help you cope with rising ammo prices. It should be in shape for next month's P&R. In the meantime, if you've found ways to cut your ammo budget without sacrificing quality, drop us a line at editor@handgunclub.com. We'd love to hear your tips and suggestions.