News From Center Target Sports, Inc.

2010 Best Shooting Range in USA

Awarded by SHOT Business Magazine

2010 Best Indoor Range in USA

Awarded by Glock (GSSF) Inc.

Post Falls 2013 Business of the Year

A Few Thoughts from Ed:

Hockey season is almost over as the Spokane Chiefs have only 4 more games left before they start the playoffs. Chiefs games are Peggy and my winter sport as many of you know. But the end of the season is a reminder to me of just how fast time passes. Seems like only yesterday when I was waiting to turn 16 (so I could drive) and the time passed so slowly.

Thinking of time passing and getting older provides a sense of just how fragile life really is. We need to make the most of our life in so many ways. Here at CTS we are very focused on taking an active role in protecting our families and ourselves. Personal safety and self defense are what we are all about.

Every day we continue to read about the increase in crime and the overall attack on our way of life. It is critical we take a proactive role in protecting ourselves and our way of life. Our law enforcement assets are being overwhelmed with calls for service and challenged like never before on both the National and local levels. These men and woman need our support like never before. However, as the world around us changes with respect to our everyday safety we need to take more responsibility as well.

This responsibility comes in many forms. From being active politically to ensure the people we elect are stewards of the constitution and stand for a united and strong government of the people and for the people. We need to also take responsibility for our safety and the safety of our families. Let us not forget what Sir Edmond Burke said in 1797: "Good people must stand against evil or else evil wins".

One needs only look at the increase in CCW holders across the country to see that at the grass roots level this is happening. I am so proud of the fact that we are filling every CCW class we offer despite the fact that these classes max out at 20 students and we are offering four and five classes per month. This trend is also reported by colleagues across the country.

CCW class participation of this magnitude is phenomenal but we need to be aware that all classes are not created equal. I continue to encounter CCW holders who do not have a realistic understanding of the law and in some cases even basic firearm safety. The responsibility for our own safety I spoke of earlier also includes surviving the aftermath of a lethal encounter. Criminal evaluation and possible litigation criminally and/or civilly are all part of the total survival mind set.

I encourage you to spread the word to your family and friends across the country. Advise them to check out any training course they are considering enrolling in. Look at the facilities, the instructor experience, and the course content. These factors are more critical than we might think. I was recently contacted by an attorney from the Midwest who had a client involved in a shooting. The firearms instructor in that case had to be tracked down by a private investigator and subpoenaed in order to appear in court to assist in the case.

Obviously this is an extreme example, but they do exist more often than they should.

Another thought concerning the CCW training issue. We need to realize a CCW course should be just that...a CCW course. Even the most comprehensive one or two day CCW courses can't adequately teach you how to fight with your firearm. The weapon skills, situational considerations, weapon manipulations, personal behavior, ballistic capability, trauma, and so much more are beyond the scope of such a class. Defensive skill oriented classes are needed to give you the best possible opportunity to win a lethal encounter if required or even better yet these type of classes should help you avoid such a situation.

In summary, I guess I am trying to say that before you undertake any type of serious training, do your due diligence. Be sure your training expectations will be met before you lay down your hard earned money. I'll get off my soap box now....BE SAFE ....

Be Safe...ed

Notes from Peggy:

We will be CLOSED on Easter Sunday...Please check the calendar for IDPA dates.

Happy Easter to all of you!

ALL students signing up for Def HG 1 or 2 must now complete a qualifications test. This takes about 3-5 minutes and is done in the Basic Pistol class or Def HG 1 or Def HG 1 retakes only class. If you wish to skip those classes, or took the class before this requirement was in place, please call the range to set an appt for the qualification. 208-773-2331.

If a class you're interested in is not on the schedule, please let us know by going to the website and clicking on the class and sending us an "interested in" email. It's because of the number of emails we receive that classes are placed on the calendar.

****Our computers were attacked with a virus this week and we had to wipe our systems and virtually start over...soooooo....if you've sent us a class inquiry this past month, would you please send it again! No information was stolen from us, just wiped out! Thanks to all our customers this week for your patience as we ran our store the "old fashioned" way!

If our monthly newsletter is not enough for you....Like us on Facebook and receive more current updates.

Reminder that we short the website spots in every class so we don't overbook

our classes. Call to make sure the class you want is truly full. Also, you must call the range to sign up to retake a scheduled class...we don't check emails for re-take status, only newly paid customers.

A reminder that if you no-show as a retake...you lose that status and will have to pay to take the class again

Thank you to all of you that continue to support our women's shelter in Post Falls by bringing in toiletries and used phones. We and they really appreciate it!

Be Safe....

Ed & Peggy Santos
208-773-2331

Consignment Corner

Welcome to the consignment corner. Rather than list specific guns we have in our consignment section I want to explain the accessories aspect to some consignment guns.

We are unable to display or list many of the accessories that are often included with our consignment guns. Items such as extra magazine (sometime 7 or 8 extra mags) holsters, tools, storage containers, ammunition, etc.

All of these extras add up to the overall value of the sale. Imagine buying a $500.00 handgun that also has with it six $60.00 mags, that's quite a savings all for $500.00.

ASK THE STAFF ABOUT EXTRAS

We have developed such a great reputation with respect to our consignment firearms that many of you come in and ask about our stock every week.

If you're interested, don't wait!

Too Many To List...

Over 55 Consignment Guns in Stock

Buy Any In Stock AR Style Rifle

and receive a 150 Rd. box of

Bulk Ammo FREE

More about our Prerequisite Tests

The prerequisite skills test are alive and well. Thank you for your support and assistance in getting this process off the ground. Our ultimate goal is to balance the student experience and make the classes as comprehensive as possible.

We have received a number of questions about taking the test without being in a class. Of course it is our intent to offer the test for the next higher level class during the lower level or prerequisite class. It is important for you to know that you can (with prior coordination) take the prerequisite skills test. Please be aware that you can call the range and set up an appointment with an instructor to take the skills test outside of class hours.

If you pass the test your records will be noted and you will be clear to enroll in the next level class.

Hope this helps everyone understand the process.

Draw From Holster and Rapid Fire Opportunity

The next sessions are March 19th, April 2 & 16 from 9am to 11am. We are going to commit two Monday mornings a month and bring in a dedicated staff member (RSO) to start. If the demand grows we will extend the opportunities.

So this is how it is going to work. The time allotted will be between 0900 and 1100. Because we are bringing in a staff person during non operational hours the doors will open at 0850 and will be locked at 0900. No one will be admitted after 0900.The shooting will be FREE to members and non-members will be charged $5.00 cash only as the registers will not be open.

If you've taken Def HG 2 or higher here at Center Target Sports and are interested in

an open shooting session to practice those skills this is the perfect opportunity to participate in this fun activity. Shooters are reminded that CTS will not be providing any instruction during this activity and this is why all participants must be vetted by their completion of Def HG II.


Member FUN Shoot 5-6:30pm April 23	9AM - 1PM Every 3rd Saturday M arch 17 New series April 21 May 19 June 16	The Woman Of Caliber Shooting Club 2nd Tuesday of every month 4:45-7pm $10 March 13 April 10

Bullseye League meets every Thursday at 5 and 5:45 pm. Everyone's welcome no matter what your skill level. Newcomers always welcome. $7

IDPA meets the 1st and 2nd Sunday of every month from 7:30-11am. Everyone's welcome. Come watch and learn or participate. Newcomers always welcome. $10

****Please note that we are CLOSED for Easter Sunday and IDPA will be the 2nd and 3rd Sundays in April.

GSSF Glock Matches: Shoot in 2 of 3 matches in a series and be eligible to win a Glock pistol. Yes, Center Target Sports gives away a Glock every 3 months! Call the range for more details.

WOMAN of CALIBER:

Our "Women of Caliber" group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month 4:45-7pm.

Please bring eye and ear protection as well as photo ID. Dummy rounds for your specific caliber is also recommended along with 2-3 magazines if using your own firearm. If needed, CTS will loan you a handgun free of charge with purchase of their ammo.

Everyone is welcome to attend the educational portion of the meeting from 5-6, however due to the growing number of ladies attending, we do not have enough mentors to work with new shooters. A basic pistol course is required to attend the shooting portion. Exceptions need to be discussed with Darla.

f you want more information about the meetings or would like to be placed on our our mailing list please contact Darla at [email protected]

Mar Topic: The Basics of Pepper Spray

April Topic: Personal Protection "Hands On practice"

Basic Carbine - March 18 pws woodland

Basic carbine is the class that teaches the proper manipulation and function of the carbine for defense. This is an 6 hour course limited to 10 students. This course is designed to introduce students to the rifle and develop safe essential rifle skills. You will learn the short and medium range applications which are encountered by Law Enforcement/Military personnel in an urban/rural environment.

This course covers: ammunition selection, ballistics, loading, unloading and malfunctions, positions and aiming, marksmanship fundamentals, cover and concealment.

(If you're not familiar with your Carbine, there's an Intro to Carbine Class scheduled Feb 24th)

Basic Carbine

Intro to Carbine

Wilderness 1st Aid - March 13th

It's time again for Wilderness First Aid. If you cut firewood, ride ATV's, Snowmobiles, hunt, fish or recreate in the wilderness this is the class for you. In this class we will discuss wilderness survival and critical first aid techniques.

The class is appropriate for all ages and experience levels. We will also discuss first aid kits and the differences between first aid in your back yard vs. first aid in remote areas.

Wilderness 1st Aid

Cane Defense - April 10 5:30PM

It is time again for another Cane defense class. This is a great class for anyone who wants to learn about the many benefits of a cane for personal defense. This medical device has many feature that can come in handy even in traditional non-permissive environments.

This class is appropriate to all ages , genders and physical capabilities. This is not a martial arts class. This is a class that offers techniques and

skill sets that can be quickly learned and applied.

Cane Defense

Less than Lethal Practice Session

April 4th 5:30-7pm

For All Former
OC, Cane and Kubotan
Students

If interested, please call to sign up. 208-773-2331

March 12th FREE Clinic

Idahoans Carrying Concealed in other States

If you have questions about CCW Reciprocity or how to carry in a non-permitted state, don't miss this FREE Clinic. I will discuss the verious concerns relating to CCW and how the laws vary from State to State.

Please call to reserve your free seat so we know how many chairs to set up....208-773-2331.

April free clinic topic to be determined. Date April 9

Do you have a suggestion for a Free Clinic topic? email it to [email protected]

Product Highlights

Pocket Pro shot timer clock

The Pocket Pro timer is an easy to use instrument for measuring shot time intervals and is well suited for personal practice or scoring matches. You can review up to 50 shots, forward or reverse. It offers a direct review of shots, split times and shot number.

The switch can be set for instant or random delayed start. It also has a separate shot sensor and buzzer for best performance and it displays time to 199.99 seconds. The ergonomic design allows both right and left handed operation without covering the buzzer or sensor. The display is LCD with half inch tall numbers. The device saves batteries with automatic power turn down after 10 minutes of inactivity. It requires a 9 volt battery that is not included. Low battery indicator.

The New Springfield 380 is in stock

When the police are minutes away and the threat is seconds away...9-1-1... When you have to be your own first responder.

Springfield Armory's 911 .380 is the perfect pistol for your EVERY day carry. The lightweight 7075 T6 aluminum frame and black Nitride or stainless 416 steel slide measure 5.5 inches long and less then 4 inches high, with a snag-free profile that's undetectable under clothing. Springfield's Octo-Grip™ front strap texturing ensures a secure grip and is complimented by a G10 Octo-Grip™ textured mainspring housing.

G10 Thin-line grips and a short reset, crisp 5-pound G10 trigger shoe by Hogue® come together to give the feel of shooting a full-sized firearm. Designed for life-saving defensive use at close range, the 911 features an ambidextrous safety and is perfectly matched with an Ameriglo® Pro-Glo™ green tritium front sight inside a yellow luminescent circle, and a tactical rack rear sight with green tritium inside of white luminescent circles.

Approved for the most advanced and modern .380 defensive ammunition, the 911 comes with a flush 6-round and 7-round extended magazine. The Springfield Armory 911 is also offered with integrated green Viridian® grip laser, making target acquisition all but effortless.

Aliens Are Here!

That's right, we are now stocking Alien Gear holsters. We have always been known for the most comprehensive holster selection in the inland NW...But we just got better. If you are having trouble finding that perfect holster come in and work with one of our team members to find the perfect fit.

With the addition of the Alien Gear holsters we are even better prepared to help you through the selection process.

THE VERTX HERITAGE

Created by world-class designers to uniquely combine a low visual profile with the superior functionality of a battle garment. Vertx tactical clothing is now trusted by the nation's top operators for high performance, fit, comfort and durability.

From the original pant designed for a federal agency, the line has expanded to include comfortable, durable and functional pants, shirts and outerwear.

Whether it's a day on the range or an evening downrange, Vertx has you covered.

Vertx is the tactical brand of Fechheimer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc and makers of Flying Cross military and law enforcement uniforms.

Since 1842, Fechheimer has been crafting great uniforms for America's military and public safety professionals. Over 170 years of product innovation are part of the Vertx Heritage.

U pcoming Class Schedule

ID Enhanced CCW - March 11, 17, 25, April 7, 15, 21, 23

Handgun Familiarity - April 14

Youth Firearms Safety- April 14

Basic Pistol - March 14, 20, 24, 27, April 3, 8, 17, 25, 29

Basic Pistol 2 - March 22, April 19, 28

Defensive Handgun 1- April 22

Defensive Handgun 1 (re-takes only) - April 22

Intro to Carbine - April 28

Basic Carbine - March 18

Home Defense Shotgun - March 25

Kubotan - March 15

Refuse to be a Victim - April 18

Wilderness 1st Aid - March 13

Cane Defense - April 10

We offer HR 218 by appointment only. Contact Dennis or Ken.

For the entire calendar go to: Center Target Sports classes

Owner Orientation Classes:

Owner Orientation classes are the free one hour class you receive when you purchase a gun at Center Target Sports. Just bring your receipt and show up. If yo u want to take the class and didn't buy your gun from us, the class is $40 and everyone's welcome. All Owner Orientation classes at 3:30pm unless otherwise noted.

Ruger - April 11

Springfield - April 3

Shotgun - March 15, April 20

1911 - April 16

AR - March 22, April 18

Revolver - March 14, April 13

S&W semi-auto - April 5

Sig - April 6

Glock - March 21, April 26

"All Others"- Taurus, Bersa, Beretta, Kel-tec, Walther, Kahr, CZ, Lionheart -

March 16, 28, April 2, 24

This Month's Shooting/Safety Tip

I was using my shot timer to work through some drills this week when a student asked me how it helped me in my practice. So I thought I would explain a bit about how critical the shot timer can be to your training routine if used properly.

What Is an Electronic Shot Timer?

The basic function of a shot timer is to measure the exact time between the start signal and the final shot, with a whole lot of options in between. Although functions vary among different brands, most will display the following features:

Par Time allows a start and a stop beep to be set.

Start Delay options allow the start beep to sound a set time, or even a random interval, after the go button is pressed.

The Review function shows you all the information in the string of fire that you just shot.

How to Read a Shot Timer

When reading the shot timer as soon as I finish a drill, the number showing is the time the final shot was made. I can then press the review button, which shows me when each shot was fired and the amount of time between shots. For example, looking through the review I may see: 1.75, 2.10, 2.35. This means there were 3 shots fired. After the beep, my first shot was at 1.75 seconds, the second shot was a third of a second later, and the final shot was a quarter of a second after that. The time between each shot is the "split time."

Using Your Shot Timer to Train

I can break down the training in many ways. Let's begin by using the "Start Delay" feature. Since this allows me a few seconds before the start beep, I'm able to practice my draw from a relaxed position. When I review the times, I can see when my first shot went off. Now I have a number to work with. I am able to set a measurable goal of increasing the speed of my draw.

Also, using the review function, I can look at my split times. Am I able to shoot a cadence of fire? Is there a certain point where the time increases or decreases? Through training and practice, I work on decreasing the time between each shot. Again, I can measure my increase of speed by reviewing the decrease in split times, and am able to record the progress.

Everything until now would be live-fire practice, on the range. However, there are times I need to train and cannot get outside. That is when I practice my draw using the par time feature with dry fire. As always, when practicing dry fire, make sure your firearm is unloaded. I begin by setting the timer for 3 seconds. That allows me to practice smooth movements, making sure my form is solid. At the first beep, I draw my pistol, make the sight picture on my intended target and press the trigger. After a while I start decreasing my time, trying to increase my speed, so I am pressing the trigger before the second beep. Once I am confident of the time, I will then decrease another increment.

Whether live fire or dry fire, I can also use the par time feature for reloads. For dry fire, I start with 2 EMPTY magazines. One in my magazine pouch, and the other in my pistol, with the slide locked back. Upon the first beep, from the sighted-in position, I drop the empty magazine, retrieve the EMPTY mag from my mag pouch, and perform a reload. My goal is to be back on target, with the proper sight picture before the second beep. The live-fire equivalent would be to load 1 bullet into the chamber and have a magazine of 2. Either from the high ready or holster, I fire the first shot. Since the gun is now dry, I perform a reload and shoot the next 2 shots. Again, the goal being to have fired the third shot before the second beep.

When practicing with the timer, it is important to set goals. There are many variables involved in the timing of a shot. What size is the target? How close is it to the shooter? Are you using a security holster? Start out with times that you are comfortable with, and can perform flawlessly. Do not sacrifice form for speed. Find the point where you are making accurate hits, the fastest you can.

Bringing a notebook along when training is a great way to keep track of your progress. Note the speed at which you start each training session, and the speed you're at when you end. Try to make an improvement, no matter how small, at each session.

Remember....Be Safe...Ed

Just a Reminder

NEVER DO THIS PLEASE!

Please UNCASE and CASE Your Firearm in the Shooting Stall Only!

Buy one

T-Shirt and get a second one FREE

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

(In stock supplies only)

Offer Expires 03/31/2018.