I hear this statement with some regularity from some of my students and the folks who comment on the articles I post in the context of apprehending a criminal suspect. Have you ever actually tried to hold someone on the ground when they don’t want to be held? It’s not as easy as you […]
Upcoming Classes- August and September 2024
Here’s what I have scheduled for August and September this year. My next open enrollment classes will be held at the amazing Blackwing Shooting Center in Delaware (near Columbus), Ohio. August 17, 2024- Tactical First Aid and System Collapse Medicine at Blackwing Shooting Center in Delaware, Ohio. Registration details here.. This version […]
Weekend Knowledge Dump- July 26, 2024
Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend. New York Reload: Does It Work? I’d encourage you to put yourself on the shot timer and try drills like this. It isn’t always a clear cut answer and it really depends on where […]
Free Books- Part 301
Amazon has a tremendous number of FREE ebooks on their website. You can find thousands of free kindle books on Amazon’s site every day. These books can be downloaded to a Kindle reader or a free App on your phone or personal computer. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download a free […]
LE Weapon Handling During the Assassination Attempt
If your social media feed looks anything like mine, you’ve been deluged with photos, videos, memes, and speculation regarding the failed assassination attempt against former president Trump. Among my friend group (a lot of cops and firearms instructors) the primary shared discussion has been about the poor weapon handling displayed by a certain female agent […]
The Cat is Out of the Bag
This is a guest article from Dr. Lauren Pugliese, a DVM and board-certified veterinary surgeon. Readers contacted Lauren after her previous articles and requested a similar article about treating injuries in cats. I cover lots of trauma medical techniques (for people) on the blog. Here is some knowledge about our furry friends. -Greg […]
Weekend Knowledge Dump- July 19, 2024
Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend. Beware! I’m starting this week’s dump with some sage advice from John Farnam. I believe your tribal identity statements are more likely to get you killed between now and the upcoming presidential inauguration than […]
Prime Day Deals 2024- Part Two
Today and tomorrow are this year’s “Prime Days” on Amazon.com. For members of their excellent “prime” service, they are discounting thousands of items site wide. It’s kind of like the sales you would see on “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday.” Some really good bargains are available. You have to be an Amazon Prime member […]
Weekend Knowledge Dump- July 12, 2024
Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend. Full Recordings of Free Public Webinar on Ten Essential Observations on Guns in America Dr. Yamane is placing recordings of his “Sociology of Guns” classes online for free. I had the opportunity to watch […]
Free Books- Part 300
Amazon has a tremendous number of FREE ebooks on their website. You can find thousands of free kindle books on Amazon’s site every day. These books can be downloaded to a Kindle reader or a free App on your phone or personal computer. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download a free […]
Defenders USA Video Podcast
A couple weeks ago I recorded a fast paced and wide ranging podcast with Defenders USA. They just posted it on their YouTube channel tonight. It was a fun show covering everything from police training to life with metastatic cancer to how to stay safe during foreign travel. I really enjoyed this interview and […]
Cops: The Young versus The Old
In my last year as a police officer, I worked with a very young crew of cops. I usually worked the street with four other officers and a sergeant. It wasn’t unusual to have the combined years of service of those five guys adding up to a number significantly less than the 25 years […]
Weekend Knowledge Dump- July 5, 2024
Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend. Bringing The Right Gun to Your Training Class Good information. The right gun depends on your skill set, goals, and the class you are taking. You might also like Essential Gear for Firearms Courses. […]
Protecting Your Outdoor Gathering
Last week I published an article on the difference between “mass shootings” and active killer events. Yesterday, I was scanning my news feed and came across the article linked below. Missouri groom shot in robbery during his backyard wedding In last week’s article, I mentioned how most of the reported recent “mass […]
“Peace Officers” vs. “Law Enforcement Officers”
Written by: Greg Ellifritz Last week, I became involved in a discussion about the term “law enforcement officer.” That’s what many cops are calling themselves these days. The words sound almost professional. The problem isn’t really with the term itself; it’s when officers embrace the idea that their sole occupational mission is to find […]
Weekend Knowledge Dump- June 28, 2024
Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend. Skeeter Skelton on Point Shooting (1968) Skeeter was my favorite gun writer when I was growing up. Thanks to Karl and his crew for digging up this older article. Concealed Carry Clothing […]
Free Books- Part 299
Amazon has a tremendous number of FREE ebooks on their website. You can find thousands of free kindle books on Amazon’s site every day. These books can be downloaded to a Kindle reader or a free App on your phone or personal computer. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download a free […]
“Mass Shootings” versus Active Killer Attacks
I spent last weekend in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio going to a couple of concerts and visiting with friends. While I was there, the local news reported a “mass shooting” late Saturday night just a few miles away from where I had been out with friends. 10 people shot in the Short North; […]
Words of Wisdom from Louis Awerbuck
Ten years ago today, one of the world’s truly great firearms instructors passed away. Louis Awerbuck served in the South African Defense force before moving to the USA to teach at Gunsite. He was chief range master at Gunsite until 1987 when he formed his own company, Yavapai Firearms Academy. He wrote […]
Weekend Knowledge Dump- June 21, 2024
Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend. The Value of Mirror Image Shooting I agree with Mas here. I think a lot of instructors would get an incredible benefit out of taking a basic handgun class “mirror image” with the non-dominant […]