
Amanda Collins had a permit to carry a concealed firearm on the night she was brutally raped on the University of Nevada's Reno campus in October of 2007.
She had just left a 10:00 pm class and was headed to her car on the ground floor of a parking garage—not 100 feet from the campus police building. She was careful to check around as she approached her car when she was grabbed by a 6’2” 200 pound man. He held her down and told her not to open her eyes. He held a gun to her temple, and she heard him click off the safety.
But even though Amanda had a CCW permit that night, she wasn't carrying a firearm because the university is a “gun free zone.” Gun free, that is, for those who respect the law. It was not so for the attacker, who turned out to be a serial rapist and murderer and who now occupies a place on death row.
A week after the attack on Amanda, another woman was raped on campus. Then came the abduction of Brianna Denison, who was raped and murdered. Her body was found in a field days after the attack.
Amanda is confident she could have defended herself that night. “I would have at some point during my rape been able to stop James Biela,” she said. “I know, having been the first victim, that Brianna Dennison would still be alive, had I been able to defend myself that night.” Read more
Source: Gun Owners of America
Recommended gun books for concealed carry:
The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry
The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery
Effective Handgun Defense, A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry
Find more resources at gundigeststore.com/tactical
Why You Can Trust Gun Digest
Since 1944, Gun Digest has been a trusted authority on firearms, shooting and shooting gear, delivering expert firearms reviews backed by nearly a century of experience. We go beyond standard reviews, combining hands-on independent gun testing, in-depth research, and expert insights from industry professionals and manufacturers.
Our reviewers are the bedrock of our testing and come from a comprehensive cross section of the shooting world. Their diverse backgrounds include law enforcement professionals, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and life-long firearms enthusiasts. In addition to being firearm experts, we are also thorough journalists adhering to the strictest standards of the profession.
For our readers, this means objective, unbiased reviews, free from outside influence. Our priority is to provide the information you need to make informed decisions—whether a firearm or piece of gear is a must-have investment or one to pass on.
Find out more about our Editorial Standards and Evaluation Process