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SURE SHOTS MAG | ISSUE 21 | july 2017
16 FEATURE
GUNS IN ART Carrin Welch explores how firearms are a popular theme in the art world.
20 FEATURE
Victim of circumstance Becca Thompson explains how to even the odds and protect yourself, no matter what your particular circumstances may be. TRAINING 06 don’t let your trigger be a jerk 08 not your average 17-year-old: Anniston Baluyot 15
one to watch: DAKOTA OVERLAND
Feature pictorial by DUSTIN MEYER 24 california girl Shauna Stewart brings 1970s palm springs vibes (with a dangerous twist)
LIFESTYLE 32 summer range essentials 34 STYLE ME TACTICAL: backpacks 37 Women in the Industry: Lorelei fey 39 GOTTA GET: sandals to die for
Photo by Carrin Welch.
40 Game on: Franchi’s wild boar Mini Burgers
REVIEWS 43 5.11 Wyldcats 44 talon grips 46 Tactical Baby Gear diaper bag
Kimber Sapphire Ultra II courtesy of Red’s Indoor Range
FROM THE EDITOR
E
ach summer, I try hard to slow down, but inevitably the calendar fills up with event after event, and the season’s gone in a flash. For this issue’s theme, we wanted to evoke a retro summer vibe from a time when people weren’t so overbooked and life seemed a lot more chill. Our friend Jeremy had the perfect location: a gorgeous new indoor/outdoor lounge in East Austin called Kitty Cohen’s, complete with a patio pool and an aesthetic that makes you feel like you stepped right into 1970s Palm Springs. Kitty Cohen’s is just one of Jeremy’s collection of jaw-droppingly beautiful locations—he also owns Proof and Cooper, which we used for Issue 17’s “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” theme, and the Blackheart, which we used for Issue 10’s moody film noir theme. Lucky for us, Jeremy just keeps opening bars and venues, so we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Fashion takes a front seat in this issue, with a feature on Alzúarr’s covet-worthy gun shoes, a review of 5.11’s supercool Wyldcat pants, a badass collection of backpacks from Style Me Tactical, and some gorgeous designer vintage dresses in our feature pictorial from Archive Vintage. As usual, we’ve got so many great things in store for future issues, it’s almost impossible not to spill the beans, but until then, we hope you’re having the most excellent summer ever!
Shoot straight, -Niki
Definitely one of the coolest bars in Austin! Nothing like a little pop of color when putting together a photoshoot; luckily Red’s Indoor Range was happy to lend us this Sig P226 X5.
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This 1970s Malcolm Starr dress from Archive Vintage was perfection next to Kitty Cohen’s pink flamingo wallpaper.
Niki Jones photo by Annie Ray. Kitty Cohen’s photo courtesy of Kitty Cohen’s. Dress photo courtesy of Archive Vintage.
We’ve known our covergirl Shauna Stewart (Shauna Lasky, when we met her years ago) for a long time, as her family’s company, Froglube, was one of the very first to step up and support our ladies’ gun club, Austin Sure Shots, from the very beginning. We’ve been holding off using Shauna as our covergirl for the perfect theme, and we think this issue’s “Bungalow Bombshell” fits her perfectly.
Founder and editor-in-chief
Niki Jones associate editor and webmaster
Carrin Welch
Copy Editor
Jenna Johnson
Content DIRECTOR
Nicole Maddocks
contributors
Rondre Baluyot Ashley Hargrove Donna Hayworth Kyleigh Hayworth Dustin Meyer Todd Overland Annie Ray Tanya Stewart Becca Thompson Emily Valentine
Sure Shots Magazine is a free publication. For submission requirements, email sureshotsmagazine@gmail.com. All content Š2017 Sure Shots Magazine. No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. Visit us online at sureshotsmag.com. For ad sales contact SureShotsMagAds@gmail.com.
100-yard indoor range | redsguns.com
DON’T LET YOUR
TRIGGER BE A
JERK
Jerking the trigger/anticipating the shot is a very common problem shooters have. I typically notice it happening to me when I start to get tired. A couple of mags in or towards the end of a long stage, the gun will get heavy, and I will just rush everything. What I should be doing is smoothly pulling the trigger all the way back and then coming forward just enough to hear the click as the trigger resets. Always make sure your trigger pull is smooth and one constant, swift motion. This simple task can make a huge difference in how you hit the target. One of the best things to practice at the range, or even with dry fire, is transitions. This is a simple skill that every shooter should know. A great way to work on developing this is to set one or two targets close together and another one a few feet away. Try moving from the two close together targets to the one far away without over or under driving the gun. Start off slow but gradually speed up. Practicing transitions is great for not only focusing on the change in target position but your front sight as well. Speaking of front sights, they are one of the most crucial parts to successfully shooting a pistol. If your sight is not properly aligned, you will not hit your target. About four or five years ago, one of my coaches told me something that I still use to this day. She said to always focus on nothing but the front sight, and that you’ll still see the target in the background, it will just be a little blurry. A lot of times when I am missing, people will shout “front sight” to me. When they do this, I will slow down and remember what Coach Niki told me. Breathing. If you read my last article about long range shooting, you will recall I mentioned breathing in it, too. The reason I bring this up again is that, after your front sight, this is probably the most important thing to focus on. It’s also the second most common thing people remind me to do. It seems like you wouldn’t have to remind people to breathe, but you would be surprised how many people just hold it in until they’re done shooting. This is a super easy skill that can be practiced with dry fire, or just anytime you’re at the range. Take a deep breath and slowly release it as you’re pulling the trigger. So, next time you’re stuck on a target, take a quick pause and breathe. It could be the reason you’re missing. While pistol may not be my favorite or my strongest, it’s something to which I try to dedicate my training. If you can conquer the basics, it can translate to any type of shooting situation with any gun.
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Photo by Tanya Stewart.
BY KYLEIGH HAYWORTH
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Photo by Niki Jones.
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average 17-YEAR-OLD
NOT YOUR Anniston Baluyot is not your typical high school senior; she runs-and-guns across the country while simultaneously applying to colleges. BY NICOLE MADDOCKS
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nniston Baluyot (pronounced “blue-yacht”) was inspired to start shooting competitively just a few years ago. She attended a fundraising event for the University of Florida Pistol Team, and while watching the match, she realized it was something she’d love to learn to do. Anniston’s doting dad, Rondre, a dentist in the Air Force Reserves and professor at UF’s College of Dentistry, set his daughter up with lessons at Gainesville Target Range to learn the fundamentals. Shortly thereafter, she started shooting in USPSA and various other competitions, and she hasn’t looked back. She now competes in Three-Gun competitions, which involve pistol, rifle, and shotgun all in one match. Anniston strives to get better and better at her sport; she practices speed and accuracy regularly with her coach. I asked her what I think most of us are wondering: What do her classmates think of her extracurricular hobby? She replied, “Most of my classmates think it’s really cool that I shoot and I’m as good as I am. What really takes them back is that I don’t do ‘traditional’ trap and skeet or air rifle shooting, but I shoot 3-gun which is more action shooting. My friends are extremely supportive and always check in to see how I’m doing and what things I have coming up next.” Thoroughly impressed with this high school senior’s maturity, I inquired about whether or not she thinks shooting has had an impact on her character. She told me that she used to be a very shy person, but competition has taught her to step out of her comfort zone and try new things, which has led to the development of her self-confidence. Anniston added that she has also learned to be “extremely humble and not take anything for granted because shooting a stage will quickly show you all the things you need to improve and work on;” such wise words at such an early age. In some ways, Anniston is your typical teenager. She loves hanging out with her friends, going to the gym, and would be keen on taking Justin Bieber out to the range. She’s working hard in school; maintaining an excellent GPA while taking AP courses. She told me that she looks up to her mom the most, despite the usual mother-daughter tiffs, because she’s always been there for Anniston with unconditional love, she’s incredibly gorgeous, and she’s strong
“
Anniston is a fast-rising star in the shooting world! Not only is she fun to be around on the range, but her dedication has the future of our shooting sports and 2A rights looking very bright. —Janna Reeves
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”
in her faith. Her mother’s support means a great deal to Anniston. One of her proudest moments as a shooter (so far) has been when her home range, Shoot GTR, put on a pro-style championship shoot-off where shooters go head-to-head, and winners advance to the next round. It was the first match her mom attended, and she ended up winning the ladies division. She was really proud of her daughter, and Anniston was very glad to have her be there to witness her success. We then discussed equipment. Anniston is currently sponsored by STI, Shoot GTR, Armalite, and many others. Her dream gun is the STI DVC Classic, but Rondre isn’t thrilled at the idea of having to outfit his daughter with all new gear, and she’d also have to learn a new way to stage plan. I asked her what her most useful accessory at the range is and she responded, “One of the most useful things I have that I use at the range is probably ProGrip. It is a type of paste that dries out your hands so you can get a better grip or grab on whatever it may be.” Thanks for the tip, Anniston! An aspiring flight surgeon for the US Air Force, Anniston has been looking at colleges to attend in the fall. Her most important considerations when choosing a university are whether or not she’ll be able to shoot competitively for the school (and if it would be feasible while studying), how far it is from her home in Florida, and—something that not many kids consider these days—the cost of tuition. I’m confident she will exceed everyone’s expectations on her next endeavor. I asked Anniston for some advice for other girls/women who are interested in competitive shooting but have not given it a shot (pun intended) yet. Her response was, “The advice I have for women who haven’t gotten out shooting yet is just to do it. It can be scary and intimidating, but the most important thing is that you go out there and have fun and are safe. If you’re embarrassed that you may not be as good as some others out there shooting, it doesn’t matter. Over time, the speed and smoothness will get there, but go out and hammer down the fundamentals, be safe and have fun.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Go get ‘em, ladies!!
ANNISTON’S TOP 3 NON-SHOOTING ACTIVITIES [3] Hanging out with friends [2] Working at the range [1] Going to the beach or springs
Photo by Niki Jones.
A
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Photos by Rondre Baluyot.
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“
If you’re embarrassed that you may not be as good as some others out there shooting, it doesn’t matter. Over time, the speed and smoothness will get there, but go out and hammer down the fundamentals, be safe and have fun.
”
Photo by Rondre Balyout.
—Anniston Baluyot
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ONE TO WATCH
DAKOTA
OVERLAND Wyoming, MINNESOTA Age: 14 | Grade: 8th Age started shooting: 3 1/2 (competition, age 12) Competes in: USPSA, 3-Gun, Trap, 5-Stand Competition guns: Pistol: Hayes Custom Guns 2011 9mm on an STI frame; Rifle: JP Enterprises .223; Shotgun: Beretta 1301 12ga Favorite gun and why: “I personally don’t have a favorite because of how different they are. I like the way a shotgun shoots and the wide spread pattern, I like the speed you can get with a pistol and that you can shoot at steel that is fairly close, and I like the speed you can get when shooting rifle and the accuracy required at several hundred yards.” Future goals for shooting: “I want to gain speed and proficiency when shooting/loading my shotgun as well as my rifle. I want to be able to be proficient enough in the basics to be able to improve and work on harder/more advanced/complicated skills with all of my firearms in different disciplines.”
Photo courtesy of Overland Photography.
Future non-shooting goals: “Currently I am fluent in Spanish, and am on my way to becoming fluent in French. I hope to continue to learn more languages. I also really enjoy traveling to foreign countries and exploring different cultures so I hope to explore more outside of the U.S. and be able to meet even more new people. This fall I am lucky enough to be able to study abroad in Spain for six weeks and [I] can’t wait.” Other hobbies: “My family owns a small, pure Maple Syrup business, so during the spring I help my dad make Maple Syrup. I enjoy horseback riding, specifically English-style jumping. I really enjoy hunting, and my dad and I hunt many different type of game, such as waterfowl, small game, big game, turkey, etc. Even though I do a lot of hunting, I also love animals and have many different kinds of pets, such as dogs, cats, and also reptiles. Sponsors: Federal Premium Ammunition; JP Enterprises; Vortex Optics; Arnzen Arms; The D.C. Project; Generation III Inc.; 2A Heritage Junior Camp; MN 3-GUN Group; Muddy Foot Prints Maple Syrup; Mom and Dad
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Drawing
Guns By CARRIN WELCH
Firearms are undeniably a part of American culture. Many artists use the platform of art as a way to make statements about weapons or to open a discussion about gun violence. That was probably never truer than in 1971 with performance artist Chris Burden, who gathered a group of friends to watch him get shot in the arm with a .22 rifle. The piece is simply called “Shoot” and is a two-minute, grainy, black-and-white video that shows two men against a white background about 15 feet apart from each other. The artist stands while the shooter preps his rifle, takes aim, and fires the shot that hits Burden in the left arm. It’s startling but tame by today’s standards. Burden’s work was often more about getting the audience to think about their responsibility when viewing something as shocking as someone being shot.
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Sometimes the style of the art is what pushes boundaries more than the subject. Pop art celebrated pop culture through the ironic use of everyday images, often intentionally critical of traditional art at a time when the art world was experiencing big changes, and artists were deliberately pushing people to experience art in a different way. One of the most famous Pop artists was Andy Warhol, who started as a commercial illustrator in advertising, making the shift to artist and eccentric personality in the late 60s. Warhol’s famous screen print series Death and Disaster features many models of revolver; there are a few famous prints from the series (most of them are titled “Gun”). My favorite shows a crisp, photographic double image of a revolver printed in both black and red. While this image isn’t shocking today, and it certainly wasn’t the first of its kind at the time, it was unusual and caused people to speculate about motive in his message. Was Warhol making a statement about guns? No source can confirm this, but it did come after he had been shot in the chest in 1968 and almost died, many critics speculate that dark period after the shooting influenced the work. It’s not surprising that firearms often appear in graphic design, digital, and illustrative work; their clean, practical and utilitarian design lends itself well to that world.
Collage by Carrin Welch
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Artists in collage on previous pages: Peter Gronquist | petergronquist.com Scott Hove | cakefangs.com Kitfox Design Group | kitfoxdesigngroup.com Charles Krafft | charleskrafft.com Andy Warhol | warhol.org Ravi Zupa | ravizupa.com
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Michael Murphy, Identity Crisis
Ravi Zupa, Opposable Thumbs “Tiger”
Michael Murphy photos courtesy of Michael Murphy, perceptualart.com. Ravi Amor Zupa photos courtesy of Ravi Zupa, ravizupa.com.
You see weapons of all kinds in comic books and graphic novels, even in a coloring book! Kitfox Design recently released a killer—pun intended—coloring book full of detailed diagrams of real guns, and some major names in the firearms industry showed their support and promoted it. Sara Beth Westman of Kitfox Design is a notable graphic designer of late, especially in the firearms industry. Her series A Modern Day Annie Oakley is an illustrative take on EDC (every day carry) and started as project to promote concealed carry methods for women. She even participated in a humorous video highlighting some practical SHOT Show etiquette by We Like Shooting. Sculptural art takes advantage of all angles of the gun and often can evoke a more startling reaction in the viewer. Michael Murphy, an artist in Brooklyn, isn’t limited to one style or medium, but his installation Identity Crisis caught my attention quickly. It is comprised of many realistic plastic guns hanging from a ceiling. When looking from one direction it appears to be in the shape of a semi-auto pistol resembling a Glock, but as the viewer moves around the suspended collection of guns, it changes into the shape of the United States. His work is often about shifting perception, both physically and mentally. Several artists have used firearms in modern sculpture. Peter Gronquist has a series that blends taxidermy, gold, and guns in a dark but playful way. He has had a number of shows at Shooting Gallery in San Francisco, which in a way feels a little whimsical. Porcelain War Museum is an ongoing project by Charles Krafft where he combines detailed porcelain gun sculptures, known as “Disasterware,” painted in the Delft Blue style (blue and white porcelain often associated with the Netherlands). The treatment of the gun as porcelain makes them feel precious and delicate, not what one usually associates with guns, knives, or brass knuckles. It does seem like firearms are more popular than ever before with artists, but I attribute that partially to the accessibility of images of art thanks to the internet and social media. These platforms give artists the ability to move beyond the traditional gallery world and help them expand their audience base. Scott Hove has a loyal following on social media who love his over-the-top, deliciously tantalizing cake-like creations, which include pistols, rifles, and even an Uzi. His colorful cake-style art extends beyond guns—his biggest piece, “Cakeland,” is a full-scale installation where the viewer is engulfed in a fully frosted living space. The titles of his cake gun pieces seem to make it clear that he is taking a dig at the world of weapons, but the art is so playful it’s hard to see the gravity. Ravi Zupa constructs sculptures out of antique typewriters and other components, making distinctive firearm shapes in his series called Mightier Than. They are beautiful and intricate, sometimes resembling a gun so closely it’s hard to tell it isn’t one upon first view. This abstract artist’s collage and print work often include guns in absurd settings, with bird soldiers and exotic deities brandishing AKs.
Photos courtesy of Al Farrow, alfarrow.com.
Another sculptor, Al Farrow, creates elaborate religious structures and reliquaries (precious containers often holding religious relics) constructed and adorned most often with bullet casings, and sometimes even guns. The structures are beautiful, with the intricate detail of a miniature or a dollhouse, but they are also startling. A social activist, creating sacred symbols out of weapons, there’s no question Farrow’s work is political in intention. As I said in the beginning, firearms are undeniably a part of American culture. Election cycles foster discussions from both sides about gun rights and gun regulation. Television shows and movies bring them into our living rooms and onto our mobile devices; so often that it’s barely even noticed anymore. We don’t just see guns in cop shows and crime thrillers; now there are shows about shooting competitions and even gunsmiths. A vast number of video games give players realistic first-person shooting simulations, and some even use models of real guns that allow players to develop some gun familiarization. Firearm sales have soared in the last few years, creating a huge market for gear and accessories. It seems like there is a new gun store popping up every other month, at least in Texas, where open carry has become legal. Even shooting ranges are on the rise with new country-club-style luxury ranges becoming popular. Fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld have created gun-inspired shoes for Chanel that landed on red carpets, and Lady Gaga donned a gun bra on the cover of Rolling Stone. Gun owners sometimes display cherished or one-of-a-kind guns in display cases. Historical paintings and monuments show generals or aristocrats proudly brandishing their favorite weapons. Guns have been a regular theme in art for hundreds of years. It’s not just guns that inspire art; nearly any weapon you can think of has been glorified or demonized in art, from tiny Derringers to AK47s, tanks to grenades. Never before have guns been so available and marketed to so many different kinds of people. It’s impossible to deny that they’ve moved beyond collecting, hunting, or use for military and law enforcement to become intrinsically a part of our American culture—even pop culture. sureshotsmag.com | 19
Victim of
Circumstance
Coping with a situational vulnerability can be difficult for any street savvy, self-reliant woman. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to even the odds and protect yourself, no matter what your particular circumstance may be.
Photo by Fiona Walsh/Gumboots Photography.
By BECCA THOMPSON
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In August of last year, I broke my hand. My Saturday started innocently enough with a competitive pistol match, after which I traveled up to my monthly force-on-force knife fighting clinic. At the clinic, while working on a drill I had completed dozens of times, a wayward dummy knife caught my left little finger at just the right angle, wrenching it downwards and causing a spiral fracture of my left metacarpal. For the next six weeks, I was doomed to a big, bulky cast and very limited use of my left hand. Being a predominantly left handed shooter, I immediately recognized the vulnerable situation I was in (and I also recognized the irony that a self-defense class had put me in that position!). I began to stress out. After all, I was unable to carry my gun in the same way as before, and I certainly felt I looked helpless.
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Was I correct in assuming that everyone I saw on the street had me pegged as an easy target? Not necessarily. In fact, criminals use many different factors, both physiological and psychological, to assess the vulnerability of a potential victim. The notorious serial killer Ted Bundy famously asserted that he could tell a victim by “the tilt of her head as she walked.” Indeed, criminals are just as keen to more subtle cues as they are the obvious ones. Many studies have attempted to delve into the malevolent minds of rapists, serial killers, and common street muggers alike. These studies indicate that the way a criminal chooses a victim has as much to do with body language and perception of character as it does with the stature or physical ability of a person. For example, a Canadian study devised to determine how skilled psychopaths are at spotting a victim showed a video of women walking to a group of criminals. Out of the multiple women shown walking in the video, only one had previously been the victim of a violent crime. The study found it took only seconds for the criminals to weed out the victim, based solely on her ‘unusual gait.’1 Other studies have shown that the women most likely to be victims of random violent crime exhibit higher levels of empathy, emotionality, and kindness, along with lower self-esteem than their peers. So, when it comes to “looking like a victim,” it turns out there is much more to it than meets the eye. It is undeniable that a physical limitation can have a profound effect on how we perceive ourselves. This thought of being vulnerable or helpless can subconsciously lead us to doubt out abilities, and science shows that criminals can pick up on this perceived lack of self-confidence. There are many situations for women, both temporary and permanent, which may lead to feelings of vulnerability. Common examples of temporary situations women may face are visible physical injuries such as broken bones, pregnancy, or even walking with a small child in tow. A permanent situation may be a physical disability, small physical stature, or age. Whether a situation is temporary or permanent makes a big difference in how we are affected by it. For example, a broken bone may heal in a matter of weeks, leaving only a short period in which we suffer from a lack of confidence. On the other hand, a person with a permanent physical disability may have years or even a lifetime to cultivate feelings of helplessness. The bottom line is this: if you feel like a good victim, you probably look like a good victim, too. The good news is that you don’t have to feel or look like a victim. In fact, you have plenty of options to help even the odds against you, even in the direst of personal circumstances. Situational awareness. You’ve heard it time and time again, but it is worth repeating: Be aware of your surroundings. Your number one weapon against becoming a victim is avoidance. If you are aware of a potential threat before it is within arm’s reach of you, you have a much better chance of avoiding the situation altogether. This basic tenet of self-defense becomes even more important when you are in a compromised state. You may choose to go for a jog in a more populated area or avoid parking in empty lots late at night. With a broken hand, I was forced to come to terms with the fact that I was not at my most capable and plan accordingly. Confidence is key. Studies show that your body language matters as much as your physical appearance. So, how can 22 | sure shots mag | issue 21
you appear more confident? Some surefire tricks include walking with good posture, keeping your shoulders back and head up, and scanning your environment with your eyes. Making eye contact with a suspicious person as they approach and taking a mental snapshot of them is another tactic you can use to appear confident and capable. If you’re thinking, “fake it ‘til you make it,” you aren’t wrong perception is everything! Another critical way to gain confidence is by
Becca and her “improvised weapons”
Make them recalculate your vulnerability. If you’ve taken carrying a self-defense weapon and being well trained in its use. an introductory self-defense class, chances are you’ve heard Feel more badass, be more badass. It’s truly that simple! of the so-called “Value vs. Vulnerability” equation, which is a Get creative. Having a broken strong hand made me grateful calculation that criminals must perform in their heads prior to to have trained shooting and fighting equally on my right and left sides. I simply pulled a right-handed ITW holster out of my holster selecting a victim. They have to assess whether or not you are worth their time (value) and also how likely it is that they will drawer and life went on as usual. Then, shortly after breaking be injured or arrested as a result of selecting you (vulnerability). my hand, I became pregnant and my period of vulnerability was You can slant the results of this calculation in your favor simply instantly extended at least nine months. Around month 4, I made by appearing aware, confident, and in control. In the case of my the permanent switch to maternity pants and had to say goodbye broken hand, my goal was to change the opinion of a would-be to carrying my pistol on my belt. I tried several different carry criminal from tempted (she looks like an easy target), to wary options, none of which were a good fit for me. And since I knew (maybe she broke her hand on someone’s face!). If despite your better than to rely solely on a firearm carried in my purse, I had best efforts a criminal has chosen you as a to come up with another “equalizer” to add to potential victim, you can still force them to my arsenal. Luckily for me, all of the force“Situational awareness recalculate your vulnerability by stepping on-force knife defense lessons have granted becomes even more away, shouting, being aggressive, and if me a modest level of confidence in acquiring necessary, taking physical defensive actions. and fighting with my EDC folding knife. important when you are There will always be times in our lives Easy fix, I thought, that is until I realized my in a compromised state.” when we aren’t at our sharpest. Whether the maternity pants didn’t have real pockets! So, result of an injury or just a long day at the I got creative. I took out some scissors and a office, we all have days where we feel less adept at defending sewing kit and went to work, and made myself a pocket suitable ourselves should the need arise. Fortunately, there are plenty for holding my knife. In addition to giving me another option to of workarounds we can use to ensure our safety and prevent defend myself, being able to carry my favorite knife on my person ourselves from becoming victims, regardless of circumstance. increased my confidence level. No matter what your particular situation, there is always a creative way to regain control of your So pay attention, carry always, and exude that confidence for self-defense options and restore your confidence! the world to see!
1
Book, Costello, and Camilleri. “Psychopathy and Victim Selection: The Use of Gait as a Cue to Vulnerability” Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
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Bungalow Bombshell Photos by DUSTIN MEYER
SHOT ON LOCATION AT KITTY COHEN’S, Austin, Texas Clothing COURTESY OF ARCHIVE VINTAGE
No one can evoke 1970s Palm Beach cool like the original California girl Shauna Stewart. Not just a pretty face, Shauna’s a wife, mom, and happens to be the COO of Froglube, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the family business. This Southern-California girl spent her childhood in the many places her dad’s military career took her family, she settled in San Diego for the remainder of her dad’s career and relocated to Texas in 2015. Besides occasionally shooting with her dad growing up, Shauna admits she had limited knowledge of firearms and had to fully immerse herself in the business—taking armorer classes and countless shooting courses—before joining Froglube. Shauna says she had no problem fully embracing the Texas way of life. She enjoys going to the range with her husband and one-year-old son, and has even begun hog hunting. Firearms featured in the photos: Lantac 14.5’’ Intermediate Raven™ Rifle courtesy of Lantac USA Sig Sauer P226 X5 Ruby Sig Sauer P238 Rainbow Micro-Compact Kimber Sapphire Ultra II Courtesy of Red’s Indoor Range
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SUMMER RANGE Training in the summer can be rough. Make it easier with these Sure Shots-tested products. BY NICOLE MADDOCKS
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, $28 Your hair needs protection from those harsh UV rays, too! Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is lightweight, waterresistant, and smells amazing. The UVA/UVB filters shield your locks, minimizing dryness and sun damage.
Mott50 UPF50 Short Sleeve Athletic Collared Shirt, $78 Mott50 is a fashion-forward clothing company that creates gorgeous sun protective apparel. UPF 50 means that only 1/50th of the sun’s harmful UV radiation can penetrate the fabric and reach the skin. Therefore, Mott50 is excellent for both anti-aging and health purposes.
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick, $8 Our Editor-In-Chief, Niki, swears by this clear rock that you moisten, then apply. It is free of harmful chemicals, aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium, parabens and phthalates. The magic is that this hypoallergenic crystal prevents odor naturally by creating an invisible protective barrier against odor-causing bacteria. Because of its natural components and lack of aluminum, it is recommended by dermatologists and cancer treatment centers, but Niki loves it because unlike traditional deodorants, there is no sticky residue.
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Rocket Pure’s Natural Foot and Shoe Deodorizer Spray, $15 We all know that nothing’s much worse than stinky, sweaty feet after a hot day at the range. Rocket Pure’s Foot and Shoe Deodorizer Spray freshens feet and keeps your shoes from reeking. This spritz is made in the US of natural ingredients including essential oils of Lemon, Sweet Orange Peel, and Lemongrass. Rocket Pure also guarantees your satisfaction with a 100% refund or replacement for the lifetime of the product, which is said to last for hundreds of applications.
ESSENTIALS Coola Mineral Liplux SPF 30, $18 Do you still want to look and feel pretty when you’re out running around in the dirt with guns? Coola makes a gorgeous line of lip tints with SPF 30 in an array of luscious colors. The combination of organic cupuacu butter and mongongo oil promotes a special softness and smoothness to boost your lips’ natural moisture and help improve the appearance of aging.
CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion, $11 A day should not go by without applying sunscreen to your face. It’s critical in the fight against aging. My all-time favorite is CeraVe’s SPF 50 face lotion. It’s super lightweight, oil free and water resistant (for up to 80 minutes). The InvisibleZinc technology found in this moisturizer uses a naturally sourced microfine zinc oxide to achieve its unique dry, clear finish for effective protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Kiehl’s Cactus Flower and Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Spray, $17 Kiehl’s Cactus Flower and Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist will be your go-to spritz for instant cooling and refreshing of your skin. On top of the moisturizing Cactus Flower and skin-cell-revitalizing Ginseng extracts, a blend of Lavender, Geranium, and Rosemary essential oils detoxify and protect skin from environmental aggressors.
Photo by Carrin Welch.
Coola Eco-Lux Sport SPF 50 Unscented Sunscreen Spray, $36 It’s common sense that you need sunscreen when you go outside, especially out on the range, but are all sunscreens created equally? Absolutely not. Let me introduce you to Coola Suncare. Made from over 70% certified organic ingredients, Coola’s sunscreen sprays are going to treat your skin with respect. and have been formulated for the rigorous demands of sports. The Sport sprays are available in Guava-Mango scent and unscented, while there are several other light, refreshing scents available in the SPF 30 formulas. They also make other sizes, including a travel-sized spray (3 oz., $20), so there’s no excuse not to have some in your range bag!
Hylunia Hydrating Neroli Mist After-Sun Spray, $34 Hylunia makes several different fantastic spray toners, but their Hydrating Neroli Mist is the best, in my opinion. Not only is it refreshing from the moment you spritz it on, but it contains botanical extracts to keep your skin looking younger, fresher, and glowing. The Neroli Floral Water refreshes and helps preserve skin’s natural moisture, while Aloe Vera Juice helps skin repair from daily life and reduces inflammation. They’ve also added Colloidal Silver, which helps destroy enzymes needed for growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Feel free to mist as needed to hydrate and revive your skin.
Coola SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray, $36 Coola has a solution for nearly all of your fun-inthe-sun needs! They have created the first ever SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray to keep you looking fabulous even when your makeup would typically melt off. This is a light mist with Cucumber and Aloe Vera Extracts to soothe and refresh skin while Hyaluronic Acid (my favorite, by the way), which is known to bind moisture, helps to soften, tone and rehydrate skin.
Sakara Beauty Water, $24 (for 4 bottles) After a long, hot day on the range, what’s a better way to rehydrate than with an antiinflammatory organic rosewater that has 72 ionic trace minerals that are required to catalyze hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body? Sakara claims this beauty water will hydrate cells, detoxify the body and support collagen for bright, smooth, youthful skin... it’s worth a try, right, ladies?
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Style Me Tactical
LEADER OF THE PACK The concept of the backpack is nothing new. However, carrying one as an adult might induce some cringeworthy flashbacks to your school days. Gone are the days where you may feel like you’re carrying a utilitarian, box-shaped bag on your back—the latest versions have been reimagined and redesigned to be a stylish accessory as well as a functional bag. Made with cool leathers, lightweight fabrics, and adorned with grommets and straps, today’s backpacks are chic, and no matter what you have planned, it’s easy to find one to fit your style. They’re a more comfortable option compared to a tote or crossbody bag. And with summer right around the corner, these refined classics can easily go from day to night. A backpack offers a practical and convenient hands-free option, which is an added bonus for us ladies that are self-reliant; should you need to draw your concealed carry weapon you’ll be able to do so. With a backpack, you don’t need to sacrifice your style in order to be able to defend yourself. —Emily Valentine
1. Herschel Supply Co. ‘Dawson’ backpack, $65, zappos.com 2. Phase 3 perforated faux-leather backpack, $79, nordstrom.com 3. T he Modern Snap backpack, $68, everlane.com ebecca Minkoff ‘Julian’ backpack, 4. R $245, shopbop.com 5. Sole Society braided faux-leather backpack, $60, nordstrom.com 6. U rban Originals faux-leather flap backpack, $88, nordstrom.com 7. L ongchamp ‘Le Pliage’ backpack, $125, nordstrom.com 8. Urban Originals Star Seeker backpack, $88, nordstrom.com 9. G ucci Marmont leather backpack, $1,790, gucci.com
Check out the Style Me Tactical blog: stylemetactical.com | Follow Style Me Tactical on Instagram: @ stylemetactical
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Compiled and laid out by Style Me Tactical. *Some items may no longer be available.
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WOMEN in the INDUSTRY
Owner/Founder, MISS CONCEALED
Lorelei FEY
Frustrated by the lack of concealed carry holster options for women, Lorelei Fay created Miss Concealed. She designs slim, elegant and comfortable waistband holsters in different styles and materials, plus other versatile products designed just for us ladies (she also has similar unisex and men’s holsters, so the guys in your life don’t feel left out). –Nicole Maddocks
Sure Shots Magazine: Tell us a little about your company. Lorelei Fey: Miss Concealed designs, manufactures and distributes the Hidden Heat line of gun holsters catering to both women and men. Currently, the Hidden Heat line is offered on Ebay, Amazon, Etsy and the missconcealed.com website and 35 retail gun stores across the nation. SSM: How long has Miss Concealed been in business? LF: Since January 2, 2014 SSM: Have you always been involved in the shooting/tactical/ firearms community? LF: No, I would only shoot on occasion but have had my CWP since 2001. Since opening my business I have become more of a regular shooter.
Photos courtesy of Lorelei Fey. Photo courtesy of Brownells.
SSM: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. LF: I am a single mom of two boys, ages 6 and 13, and they love to help with my business by doing various tasks and making a little bit of extra money. My boys are being taught and shown the significance of owning your own business and working hard. I come from a real estate background and continually have realtors placing orders for Hidden Heat holsters for their own safety. SSM: What made you decide to start Miss Concealed? LF: I had never planned on starting a business and somewhat fell into it. My mother taught me to sew at an early age and when I couldn’t find a holster that I liked, I decided to design and make my own. I put a few on Ebay and they sold right away so I knew there was a demand specifically from women for a more feminine style of gun holster that was not available to them. My sales took off right away and I knew I was onto to something, so I opened up my business.
right, you have to do it yourself” I let go of that motto because I had no choice with how busy I had become. I learned to put trust into the people I hired that they would do the job correctly as if it was their own company. SSM: If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor? LF: There are so many great people with excellent skills in the firearm industry its hard to choose just one. I have had the honor to have a private shooting afternoon lesson with Benghazi hero John Tiegen (from 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi), so I would choose him as my mentor. SSM: What is your primary weapon and why? LF: My EDC is a Sig Sauer P238 380 caliber. I love the smaller size of the P238 and that it is so easily concealable. SSM: What are some important lessons you have learned while running Miss Concealed? LF: Balancing family, career and social aspects of life have been a challenge. I have learned how to give each time and attention and focus on time management. SSM: What do our readers have to look forward to in the future from Miss Concealed? LF: I have several new designs for holsters that are currently in R&D and being tested by members of the firearms community. I always look for positive feedback but more importantly negative feedback so I can make necessary adjustments to provide a quality and functional gun holster. SSM: What is the best shooting advice you have been given that you feel might be important to share with our readers? LF: TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN! Your firearm is of no use for your protection if you don’t know how to use it safely.
SSM: What is the best part of your job? LF: Being involved in the firearm community and meeting all the wonderful like-minded people.
SSM: Where do you see Miss Concealed in five years? LF: Continuing to provide comfortable, functional and affordable concealed carry gun holster options for women and men. Also, ending up in a big box store or two, hopefully in the near future.
SSM: Have there been any lessons your work life has taught you? LF: I had a hard time delegating work to other people because I have always believed in the motto “If you want something done
SSM: And for our final question… If you could be any character in a movie, who would it be and why? LF: Well, that one is easy…Wonder Woman! She is a badass babe that gets things done! sureshotsmag.com | 37
GOTTA
Photo by Annie Ray. Model: Ashley Hargrove.
GET
Gun girls everywhere have been absolutely swooning over the Gigi heels from Alzúarr. These buttery-leather strappy sandals feature a pistol front and center, plus a 5.25” heel and slight platform. Handmade in Italy, these shoes are truly special—and, believe it or not, very comfortable, making them quite the gun-girl-splurge-worthy item! The Alzúarr Gigi heels retail for $565* and are available at alzuarr.com. *approximately, after Euro to USD conversion
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GAME
ON Franchi has always been a name synonymous with top of the line shotguns; the Italian company has been making them since 1868. More than just a firearms company, Franchi has built itself into a major lifestyle brand, so it’s no surprise that they have a culinary division which specializes in—what else?—game dishes. Franchi Food Academy’s mission is to raise awareness of the perception of hunting and promoting food and wine tourism by exploring new hunting styles. Their gourmet twist on classic dishes are exciting, innovative and, of course, beautiful. If you have wild boar meat in your freezer, the recipe below is a delicious new take on a deconstructed burger... perfect for summer! —Niki Jones
WILD BOAR MINI BURGERS WITH ROASTED TOMATOES AND PEAS serves four Ingredients
Directions
1 lb. minced wild boar meat
1. Mix the wild boar meat with the egg and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper and extra virgin olive oil then, shape into square mini burgers. Coat them with the bread crumbs and cook in a nonstick frying pan over high heat, without oil.
1 egg 2 Tbs grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup bread crumbs 2 Roma tomatoes 1/2 cup fresh peas 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese wild fennel to taste sea salt to taste black pepper to taste extra virgin olive oil
2. Clean the tomatoes; wash them, divide them into halves and roast them in a non-stick frying pan. 3. Shell the peas, plunge them into boiling water, drain and let cool in ice water. 4. Season the tomatoes and the peas with salt, pepper and extra virgin olive oil. 5. Combine the mascarpone cheese with chopped wild fennel, salt and black pepper. 6. Arrange the tomatoes on a serving dish alternating with the peas and the mascarpone cheese. Add the mini burgers and drizzle extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Franchi Food Academy. 40 | sure shots mag | issue 21
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REVIEWED:
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Photo courtesy of 5.11 Tactical.
5.11 Wyldcat pants When 5.11 released their Raven pants (dubbed at the time “Tactical Yoga Pants”), gun girls everywhere lost their minds and had to have them. Finally, we felt there was a pair of range pants that were comfortable and flattering, and not unlike the athleisure pieces most of us wear on our free time. Then, at 2016’s SHOT Show, I noticed in 5.11’s booth a pair of pants so cool I really lost my mind! The Wyldcat is a hybrid street/tactical pant with a moto design. A zippered gusset at the bottom of the leg switches them instantly from skinny-jean-cut to boot-cut. While these pants look completely “street,” they have features that make them, in my opinion, 5.11’s best tactical pant yet. Constructed of a mid-weight stretch fabric with reinforced knees, these pants feel indestructible. Two utility pockets plus two standard “ jeans pockets” in the front make it easy to stash mags, tools, even my iPhone 6-Plus, comfortably. The back features two “AR mag pockets” plus standard jean patch pockets. All pockets are deep and stretchy enough to hold their contents tight. My favorite thing about the Wyldcats is that they come in both regular (28.75”) and longlength (31.75”) options and they run true-to-size. They’re available in three colors: Black, Khaki and Grenade (charcoal). I knew the Wyldcats were really something special when I’d spent an eight-hour day on the range in the Texas summer heat (see photo on page 32) and didn’t once feel uncomfortable in them, even with a full rig: belt, holster, gun, mags, pouches, spare mag, iPhone and knife. Even more, I was home at the end of the day and realized after a couple of hours that I hadn’t yet taken these pants off—that had never happened before! I wear my Wyldcats all the time; to the office, on security jobs (they’re perfect for these), and even out at social events. These pants are chameleons! The Wyldcat pant retails for $74.99 and is available at 511tactical.com. —Niki Jones
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TALON GRIPS FIVE REASONS TALON GRIPS ROCK 1. S uper easy to apply. It probably took me less than 10 minutes to apply to each gun. 2. G ives great traction to your grip on the gun without adding any bulk, and virtually no weight. 3. The product doesn’t permanently alter your gun. 4. Very reasonably priced 5. 100% made in America.
Talon Grips retail for $17.99 and are available at talongungrips.com. —Carrin Welch
Photos by Carrin Welch.
I’ve never been a fan of stippled grips; I just don’t like the feeling of any kind of aggressively-textured grip. With my Glock 34 and Sig P320, I like the stock grip. But living in Texas, where it’s usually hot and humid, I find that my grip on the gun gets compromised a bit when my hands sweat. I’ve tried a couple of rubber grips in the past and they felt great, but often added some size to the grip of the gun, which caused me to have to alter or adjust my grip. Talon Grips makes a simple yet effective product that solves this problem completely. Their adhesive grips are designed for polymer guns and go on like a sticker, but with a heavy-duty adhesive. They offer two textures: granulate (mildly aggressive, which feels like sandpaper or skate tape), or rubber (smooth, but with texture), and they have designs for a wide variety of firearms. I tried both—granulate on my G34 and rubber on my P320. I assumed that the rubber option would be what I preferred, but after shooting both side-by-side, I think both options are equally fantastic. The rougher granulate option seemed to provide the most secure grip under humid conditions with sweaty hands. The rubber version may be more comfortable for everyday carry if your gun is in contact with your skin (an inside-waistband appendix-carry, for example).
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HOW TO APPLY
1. Ensure gun is unloaded and gather all items needed: instructions, alcohol pad (included), and hair dryer.
2. I chose to field strip my gun before cleaning the grip with the alcohol pad.
3. Do a test fit of the grip on the gun with backing still on to get familiar with the fit. Remove the backing from product.
4. Lay the product on grip of gun, starting with the left side (be sure not to stretch it). This was very easy as there are markers to help line it up.
5. Talon recommends tucking the extra material (front side of grip) under the left side panel, but I chose to trim it instead.
6. H eat with a hair dryer, pressing firmly on the Talon grip to ensure that it adheres all over. sureshotsmag.com |  45
Tactical baby gear Deuce 2.0 Tactical Diaper BaG the idea of the sleek, modular, range-style bag. A few days later, it arrived. Jordan immediately loved the aesthetics of the bag, while I got busy perusing inside it to check out all the features. The bag is modular and made of heavy-duty, water-repellent material and resembles your standard range bag. The outer velcro and field pockets make the bag highly customizable. The bag also features a detachable, padded shoulder strap for easy carry. Our model of bag came with a matching changing mat/pad cleverly emblazoned with the words “Drop Zone… Stand Clear.” As the bag is modular and fully customizable, TBG also offers a wide array of add-on accessories including a “dump pouch” to store dirty diapers, carabiners for attaching easy-to-lose items such as pacifiers, a pouch specially designed for wipes, a bottle pouch, a cell phone case, and more. Loading the bag full of baby goodies couldn’t have been easier thanks to the many clever instructional videos available on the TBG website. The videos were full of great tips and tricks that made it
Photo courtesy of Tactical Baby Gear.
Almost as soon as my husband Jordan and I found out we were expecting, the shopping began. It started with registries, and pretty soon the flood of packages arriving at our doorstep every single day was becoming, quite frankly, alarming. Although I took the lead and made most of the decisions regarding the nursery and baby accessories, one item I wanted to make sure Jordan agreed on was the diaper bag. Choosing a bag for dad can be a touchy subject, considering that most men, by nature, will resist having to carry anything other than their wallet around with them on a regular basis. Eventually, after many shopping trips, I gave up and got a pretty feminine one for myself and then gave Jordan an ultimatum: choose one for yourself, or carry mine. One day while browsing around on the internet I came across an ad I’d seen many times before but always passed by. Now that I was expecting, it popped out at me with a big “Whoa!...” It was the Tactical Diaper Bag from Tactical Baby Gear (TBG). I showed the ad to Jordan, and he was immediately interested in
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easy for first-timers such as ourselves. In the main compartment we were able to fit 12 diapers (in case of a really bad day!), two blankets, two changes of clothing, two baby bottles, sunscreen, a teether, a rattle, a pacifier cleverly hooked onto the internal carabiner, and of course, snacks. A pack of wipes fit perfectly into the largest front compartment. Next to that, a smaller pocket was able to hold a small first aid kit and extra pacifiers. Finally, an easy-access pocket conveniently stored cell phones, wallets, and any other items we wanted within quick reach. On the other side of the bag, a zippered pocket stored the folded changing mat. We were fully loaded and ready to go in less than five minutes. One thing that sets this bag apart from the feminine one I got for myself is the abundance of pockets, both externally and inside the main compartment, which keeps all of the baby’s things neatly organized and easy to access. By far the most unique aspect of the Tactical Diaper Bag is its ability to be converted into a multi-purpose bag after the baby has outgrown the need for diapers. Where most diaper bags eventually outlive their usefulness and are thrust into the dark corners of our closets, the Tactical Diaper Bag was designed to remain your favorite bag for years to come. Durable enough to withstand the first
years with a baby, it also has many other potential functions such as a standard range bag (obviously), computer bag, tool kit, or medical pouch. The TBG website has instructional videos on how to convert the bag to serve each of these functions. Of course, we plan to use it as a range bag—the main compartment is large enough for more than one handgun along with plenty of ammo, the external pockets are ideal for ear and eye protection, and the field pockets are perfect for attaching extra gear. The changing mat can be used as a cleaning mat for your dirty guns, and the detachable dump pouch is a convenient spot to store those empty shell casings. I never thought I’d see the day when my husband was so excited over a bag, but now here we are, with our fully-loaded Tactical Diaper Bag sitting by the front door. This bag makes a truly outstanding gift for any dad (or soon-to-be dad) in your life. The standard “Deuce 2.0” bag doesn’t break the bank either, with a retail price of $80. The “Full Load Out” option includes a Tactical Teddy bear, changing mat and an array of accessories for $225. The Tactical Baby Gear Deuce 2.0 Tactical Diaper Bag retails for $80 and is available at tacticalbabygear.com.—Becca Thompson
Photos by Becca Thompson.
Above: We welcome new Sure Shot Laney Grace to the world! Right: Laney’s “Drop Zone” changing mat, $30, and Tactical Teddy Bear, $20, both available at tacticalbabygear.com.
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