Category: home and family

A Woman’s First Purchase – A Painful Experience

Recently while on an out-of-town trip, I had a rather painful experience.

While traveling out of town, I had some spare time before my appointment so I took the opportunity to visit a gun shop in the area.

The shop being occupied by only a handful of firearm enthusiasts, it was easy to move about and browse the inventory.  Also, it was a rather small shop, so it was not difficult to overhear the conversations of others.

One of the shoppers was an older woman, some might describe her as elderly, interested in purchasing her first handgun. It was her conversation with the salesperson, on the other side of the gun counter, I found a bit uncomfortable.

As the woman asked her questions, the salesperson courteously responded to her inquiries and showed her one handgun after another. 

What quickly became evident, the woman had no clue as to what she was doing or knowledge of what she was shopping for. All the woman knew was she wanted a gun that would fit in her hand, was not too heavy, had a safety and would fit into her small pocketbook.

She was overheard saying her friend had one that “looks like that”.

As the salesperson handed her one gun after another, she manipulated them, pointing out their shortcomings and why they would not work for her.

Her attention was directed toward the semi-autos.  That is what her friend had.

Her concern was she had arthritis and did not have the strength to pull “that thing” back.  Of course, the gun had to have a safety and she wanted one that would not jam.  She was not concerned about how to load it.  She would have someone do that for her.  Maybe her friend.

After sometime and well into the shopping experience, a well-intentioned, nearby, fellow shopper suggested she consider a revolver. 

Her response:  “Oh no.  Those are old-fashioned.  I want one with a safety.  My friend has one like these,” as she pointed at the semi-autos.

The woman must have looked at least 20 handguns and handled a dozen of them.  Becoming obviously more and more dissatisfied with her inability to find the one gun that fulfilled all her needs, she left the store frustrated and empty-handed.

THE TAKE AWAY FROM THE EXPERIENCE

Before purchasing your first firearm:

First and foremost, determine what the gun is to be used for:

Concealed carry/self-defense

Home defense

Target or sport shooting

Competition

Hunting

No one gun is good for all purposes.

Second, set a budget.  What is the most you are willing to spend.  Guaranteed, what you want, a gun that will fit your needs, is going to be more expensive than what you initially considered.  Also, you get what you pay for.  Go cheap and you will get a cheap gun.  When purchasing a tool to defend your life and the lives of your loved ones, it is no time to go cheap.  If you ever have to use the gun to defend your life, you will only be given one chance.  There are no do-overs.

3rd – Do your research.  Yes, ask friends.  Ask other gun owners.  But do not rely solely on their opinions.  You know what is said about opinions.  Everyone has different physical characteristics, hand size, hand and arm strength, firearm knowledge, skills and experience.  Remember, this is your first handgun.  A cardinal rule:  Keep it simple.  The simpler your first gun is to operate, having the fewest buttons, levers and gadgets on it the better.  At 2 o’clock in the morning, when you hear glass break and you do not own a cat, it no time to have to think:  Is this the gun with the safety up or the safety down?  Do I have to pull the slide back?  Read bona fide articles, but avoid YouTube videos.  Many videos are misleading.

4th – Before purchasing your first handgun, take a firearm training class.  Learn the differences, the pros and cons of the different handguns, from an unbiased, certified firearms instructor.  The few bucks you will spend on a handgun training class can save you hundreds when purchasing your first gun.

Following the above suggestions will save the first-time handgun buyer a lot of aggravation and likely prevent him or her from making a $450 – $600 mistake.

Contact us for official NRA firearms training. We will educate you in how to purchase your first firearm and train you in using it safely.

Central Florida Women Team Up To Save Elderly Woman From Vicious Dog Attack – Brandon, Florida

According to Hillsborough County Animal Control, the victim sustained multiple lacerations and deep puncture wounds to both her right and left upper and lower legs, lower right arm, wrist and hand.

Two Pit Bull Terriers had the woman on the ground viciously attacking her.  One with its teeth locked onto the woman’s leg, the other biting and pulling her arm.  Grabbing their pistols, they ran to the elderly woman’s aid.

April 29, 2024

Busy in her kitchen preparing dinner, Cierra Medina’s evening was shattered by screams for help coming from the street in front of her home.

Looking out her kitchen window, Cierra saw her 72-year-old neighbor on the ground being viciously attacked by two Pit Bull Terriers. Shouting to her husband to watch her 8-month-old daughter, Cierra rushed out the front door of her home, with her Taurus 9mm in hand.

Screaming at the dogs to ‘STOP‘ and running up to the victim, who had one dog attached to her left arm and another with its jaws firmly locked onto her right leg, Cierra fired a shot into the ground hoping to scare the dogs and stop the attack. Regrettably, that did not occur. The dog clenched onto the woman’s arm, released its bite and backed off, but did not flee. The second dog with its grip on the woman’s leg was not deterred.

Cierra was then joined by her aunt Kristy Parks, who lives across the street.

Hearing the victim’s screams from inside her house, Kristy grabbed her Ruger LCP .380 and rushed out to join Cierra and assist the woman on the ground being mauled by the two dogs.

Cierra attempted to fire a second round at the dog that would not release its grip on the victim’s leg, only to discover her gun had jammed. Kristy then fired one round from her Ruger LCP .380, loaded with jacketed hollow points, striking the dog in the frontal chest. The dog remained unfazed and continued to bite and pull at the victim’s leg. Kristy fired again, striking the dog the second time broadside in the chest, causing it to release its grip and retreat.

While Kristy kept the dogs at bay, holding them at gunpoint, prepared to fire again, Cierra assisted the victim in crawling on her hands, elbows and knees to the front door of her home and inside to safety, leaving a trail of blood on the driveway sidewalk and porch.

With Kristy holding her gun on the two growling and snapping dogs, Cierra helped the victim into the house. The victim covered with blood, bleeding profusely from both her right arm and both her right and left leg. Cierra quickly administered what aid she could, fashioning improvised tourniquets in an attempt to control the bleeding.

During the commotion and hearing the gunshots, other neighbors appeared on the scene and called 911, while Kristy and Cierra rendered aid to their injured neighbor. Upon the arrival of EMS and a quick initial examination, the victim was immediately transported to Tampa General Hospital Trauma Center for treatment.

According to a written report by the Hillsborough County Animal Control, the victim sustained multiple lacerations and deep puncture wounds to both her right and left upper and lower legs, lower right arm, wrist and hand, which included “significant” tendon and arterial damage.

The wounded dog was euthanized on the scene by Hillsborough County animal control officers, after having been tased several times in an attempt to control it. The other dog was taken into custody and transported to Hillsborough County animal control.

The WFLA News Channel 8 – Tampa, FL news broadcast can be viewed HERE.

Florida, Brandon, Hillsborough County, pit bull, dog attack, animal attack, gun, pistol, GLOCK, Taurus, Kristy Parks, Cierra Medina

Lessons To Be Learned:

  • Gun readily available
  • Reliable, good quality firearm
  • Sufficient caliber to neutralize threat
  • Putting shots on target
  • Situational awareness
  • Mental preparedness

Police Chief Calls for Gun Safety Training Following Child’s Death, 2nd In As Many Months – Davenport, Florida

Law enforcement is calling for tighter gun safety, as it’s the second such death in Polk County this year.

Free child safety gun locks available from In-Gauge of Polk County. Simply send an email request to: in-gauge@ingaugeofpolkcounty.com

A 4-year-old Davenport boy has died of a self-inflicted gunshot after finding a firearm in his family’s car Friday night. Law enforcement is calling for tighter gun safety, as it’s the second such death in Polk County this year.

Police Chief Steven Parker said Chosen’s death should serve as a “stark reminder” of best practices and gun safety for firearm owners.

The firearm in the Morris family’s vehicle was legally owned by Robert Morris, who Parker said told police he owned it for personal safety on his travel to and from work.

Robert Morris told detectives he usually takes the firearm out of the car on Thursday nights when he arrives home from work, and securely stores it in his bedroom.

“He forgot. He simply forgot,” the chief said. “He forgot Thursday, this happens Friday.”

Parker said gun owners need to know exactly where their firearms are at all times, and make sure they are secure when not in their immediate possession.

This is the second child, self-inflicted, accidental gunshot death in Polk County, Florida in as many months.

6-year-old Major Smith died of an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound January 9, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, by a gun he found in his parent’s car.

Major Smith died Tuesday at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, two days after he found a gun in a car outside his residence on West Crawford Street and accidentally shot himself, Lakeland police said.

In-Gauge of Polk County, a private, non-profit organization, Winter Haven, Florida, has FREE child safety gun locks to Polk County residents, available for the asking. Polk County residents need only send an email request to receive a free gun lock.

To receive a free gun lock by mail, simply send an email request to: in-gauge@ingaugeofpolkcounty.com

FREE Child Safety Gun Locks Available Through In-Gauge of Polk County

In-Gauge of Polk County, of Winter Haven, Florida is offering FREE child safety gun locks to Polk County residents who request them. To receive a FREE child safety gun lock, simply complete and submit the form below:

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Conditions:

  • Gun locks available to Polk County residents only
  • One gun lock per household (mailing address)
  • Gun locks will be shipped by US Mail

If you are looking for unequaled firearms training, for either personal development or to qualify for a Florida concealed carry weapons license, contact us.

For unequaled firearms training that suits your needs, visit our website at:  www.ingaugeofpolkcounty.com

NATIONAL CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY – Soon to become a reality

You must have a license (permit) to have reciprocity.
Avoid the rush. Do not be left on a waiting list, trying to get in a class, with inflated prices. Get your required training before the rush.

President-elect Donald Trump announces that he will sign a national concealed carry bill into law.

Official Florida recognized concealed carry license and firearms training classes conducted in Winter Haven weekly.

In-Gauge of Polk County is located in Winter Haven and licensed to conduct business in Polk County. We are not an out-of-town operation that visits Winter Haven to conduct classes at a local hotel.

Click on the button below to see our class schedule and to register for a class.

class schedule / register for a class

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NATIONAL CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY – Soon to become a reality

You must have a license (permit) to have reciprocity.
Avoid the rush. Do not be left on a waiting list, trying to get in a class, with inflated prices. Get your required training before the rush.

President-elect Donald Trump urges Congress to pass a national concealed carry reciprocity bill and announces that he will sign it into law.

Official Florida recognized concealed carry license and firearms training classes conducted in Winter Haven weekly.

In-Gauge of Polk County is located in Winter Haven and licensed to conduct business in Polk County. We are not an out-of-town operation that visits Winter Haven to conduct classes at a local hotel.

Click on the button below to see our class schedule and to register for a class.

class schedule / register for a class

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In-Gauge Conducts Youth Gun Safety Class at Liberty Link 360, Bartow, Florida

At the invitation of the Liberty Link Foundation 360, Bartow, Florida, In-Gauge of Polk County, a private, non-profit organization, chartered by the National Rifle Association, conducted a free youth gun safety class, for the participants of Liberty Link 360’s summer youth program. The class was conducted Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Liberty Link Foundation 360, facility in Bartow, Florida.

Recognizing the alarming rise of accidental child shootings, the Liberty Link Foundation 360 invited In-Gauge of Polk County to educate the teenage participants of its summer youth program on gun safety.

Using an audio visual presentation and physical props In-Gauge emphasized the importance of gun safety.

The overall message was: If you are not authorized and trained in the use of a gun, don’t touch it and always assume that every gun is loaded.

At the completion of the presentation, each participant was issued with a gun safety lock to accompany their certificate of training.

In-Gauge of Polk County routinely conducts gun safety training classes for the public and child gun safety seminars throughout the year, making available free gun locks to the public. The locks are provided through the generosity of local businesses that are concerned with child gun safety.

In 2023, In-Gauge of Polk County distributed over 500 gun locks, free to the public. In-Gauge of Polk County relies solely on the financial generosity of local businesses to fund its child gun safety program.

For information on how to donate to In-Gauge of Polk County’s child gun safety gun lock program, call 863-206-1996 or send an email inquiry to: robert_admin@ingaugepolkcounty.org

Winter Haven Group Recognizes Women for Their Quick and Decisive Action in Saving Elderly Woman from Vicious Multiple Dog Attack

Arming themselves, the 2 women rushed to the aid of an elderly woman being viciously mauled by two pit bull terriers.

In-Gauge of Polk County, in Winter Haven, Florida recognized two women for their quick and decisive actions that saved the life of a 72-year-old woman, who was being viciously attacked by two pit bull terriers, at its monthly meeting, Tuesday, May 14th.

The incident occurred the evening of April 29th, in Brandon, Florida.  While in her kitchen, preparing dinner, Cierra Medina heard screaming coming from the street in front of her house.  Looking out the kitchen window, Cierra saw her 72-year-old neighbor on the ground being attacked by two pit bull terriers.  One dog biting and tugging at the woman’s left arm the other clamped on to the woman’s right leg, pulling in the opposite direction.

Retrieving her 9mm pistol, Cierra rushed out the front door of her house to the woman’s aid, firing one round into the ground, hoping to frighten the dogs into releasing their grip on the victim.  Regrettably, the dogs were undeterred and continued to attack the woman.  Attempting to fire another round, Cierra discovered her gun had jammed.

It was then Cierra was joined by Kristy Parks, who lives across the street and also responded to the screams for help.  Kristy, armed with a .380 took aim and fired one round, point-blank, into the larger, more aggressive dog’s frontal chest.  The dog was unaffected.  As the dog turned, pulling backward on the woman’s thigh, Kristy fired a second shot broadside into the dog’s chest.  Being struck a second time, the dog broke its grip and backed off.  Both dogs stood back growling at the two rescuers.

As Kristy held the dogs at gunpoint, prepared to fire again, Cierra assisted the victim inside a chain-link fence and gate.  With all three safely inside the closed gate, Cierra helped the victim into her home where Cierra administered first aid until law enforcement and EMS arrived.  The victim was transported to Tampa Regional Hospital Trauma Center for the treatment of her injuries.

Cierra and Kristy were each presented with Citizen Hero Awards, a STOP THE BLEED emergency blood loss control kit and a gift certificate from the Wild West Arms Gun Store, for the replacement of the two guns confiscated by law enforcement as evidence.

Cierra and Kristy received official STOP THE BLEED training and were certified during Tuesday evening’s meeting.

May is National STOP THE BLEED Month.  Being a licensed STOP THE BLEED training provider, In-Gauge of Polk County conducts free, open-to-the-public STOP THE BLEED training clinics throughout the year.

Up date: The victim has been released from Tampa Regional Hospital and will remain confined to a wheelchair and has lost mobility of her right arm, due to nerve damage sustained in the dog attack. The dog owner was issued a fine by Hillsborough County Animal Control, with other charges pending by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

* The victim’s name is kept anonymous under Florida’s Marsy’s Law.

Florida Women Team Up To Save Elderly Woman From Vicious Dog Attack – Brandon, Florida

According to Hillsborough County Animal Control, the victim sustained multiple lacerations and deep puncture wounds to both her right and left upper and lower legs, lower right arm, wrist and hand.

Two Pit Bull Terriers had the woman on the ground viciously attacking her.  One with its teeth locked onto the woman’s leg, the other biting and pulling her arm.  Grabbing their pistols, they ran to the elderly woman’s aid.

April 29, 2024

Busy in her kitchen preparing dinner, Cierra Medina’s evening was shattered by screams for help coming from the street in front of her home.

Looking out her kitchen window, Cierra saw her 72-year-old neighbor on the ground being viciously attacked by two Pit Bull Terriers. Shouting to her husband to watch her 8-month-old daughter, Cierra rushed out the front door of her home, with her Taurus 9mm in hand.

Screaming at the dogs to ‘STOP‘ and running up to the victim, who had one dog attached to her left arm and another with its jaws firmly locked onto her right leg, Cierra fired a shot into the ground hoping to scare the dogs and stop the attack. Regrettably, that did not occur. The dog clenched onto the woman’s arm, released its bite and backed off, but did not flee. The second dog with its grip on the woman’s leg was not deterred.

Cierra was then joined by her aunt Kristy Parks, who lives across the street.

Hearing the victim’s screams from inside her house, Kristy grabbed her Ruger LCP .380 and rushed out to join Cierra and assist the woman on the ground being mauled by the two dogs.

Cierra attempted to fire a second round at the dog that would not release its grip on the victim’s leg, only to discover her gun had jammed. Kristy then fired one round from her Ruger LCP .380, loaded with jacketed hollow points, striking the dog in the frontal chest. The dog remained unfazed and continued to bite and pull at the victim’s leg. Kristy fired again, striking the dog the second time broadside in the chest, causing it to release its grip and retreat.

While Kristy kept the dogs at bay, holding them at gunpoint, prepared to fire again, Cierra assisted the victim in crawling on her hands, elbows and knees to the front door of her home and inside to safety, leaving a trail of blood on the driveway sidewalk and porch.

With Kristy holding her gun on the two growling and snapping dogs, Cierra helped the victim into the house. The victim covered with blood, bleeding profusely from both her right arm and both her right and left leg. Cierra quickly administered what aid she could, fashioning improvised tourniquets in an attempt to control the bleeding.

During the commotion and hearing the gunshots, other neighbors appeared on the scene and called 911, while Kristy and Cierra rendered aid to their injured neighbor. Upon the arrival of EMS and a quick initial examination, the victim was immediately transported to Tampa General Hospital Trauma Center for treatment.

According to a written report by the Hillsborough County Animal Control, the victim sustained multiple lacerations and deep puncture wounds to both her right and left upper and lower legs, lower right arm, wrist and hand, which included “significant” tendon and arterial damage.

The wounded dog was euthanized on the scene by Hillsborough County animal control officers, after having been tased several times in an attempt to control it. The other dog was taken into custody and transported to Hillsborough County animal control.

There will be a ceremony recognizing Kristy and Cierra for their selfless, heroic actions Tuesday evening, May 14th, at 3812 Cypress Gardens Road, Winter Haven, FL beginning at 6:30 PM. The public is invited. Seating is limited.

The WFLA News Channel 8 – Tampa, FL news broadcast can be viewed HERE.

Florida, Brandon, Hillsborough County, pit bull, dog attack, animal attack, gun, pistol, GLOCK, Taurus, Kristy Parks, Cierra Medina

Stop The Bleed Equipment – Now At Your Local WALMART STORE

National retailer installs emergency STOP THE BLEED equipment stations in stores.

STOP THE BLEED emergency blood loss control kits can now be found in the customer service area of Florida Walmart Stores.

Located in the customer service are of your local Walmart Store.

May is National Stop The Bleed Month. Locally and nationwide, free STOP THE BLEED emergency blood loss training classes will be conducted. To find a training class to near you, go to STOPTHEBLEED.org at: https://cms.bleedingcontrol.org/class/search

In-Gauge of Polk County will be conducting free STOP THE BLEED training clinics throughout the month of May. For clinic dates and times, use the link above or go to: In-Gauge STOP THE BLEED or

https://ingaugeofpolkcounty.com/register-for-a-class/stop-the-bleed-seminar/

FREE – Bleeding Control Training Clinic

This a free 1 to 1-1/2 hour hands-on training clinic on the control of traumatic blood loss due to work place or home accident, traffic accident, shooting or any other incident that results in injury with blood loss.

This is a nationally recognized program, developed by the American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma and provided by BleedingControl.org . A nationally recognized certificate of training is issued upon successful completion.

There is no cost for this training class. This training is provided free of charge, as a community service, by In-Gauge of Polk County.

Stop the Bleed training – In-Gauge of Polk County, Winter Haven, Florida

If you would like to have a FREE Stop The Bleed training clinic conducted at your place of business, church, civic group or community organization, go to CONTACT US on our website and we will be happy to conduct an on-location training clinic at your convenience.

To date, ours are the only free Stop The Bleed training clinics conducted south of Orlando and east of Tampa.

Next free training clinic: Tuesday, May 14th – 6:30 PM
Register at: Eventbrite
In-Gauge of Polk County, Winter Haven, FL
863-206-1996
info.ingauge@gmail.com