Here are a few links to articles and videos I found interesting this week. Some are intellectual. Some are informative. Some are just fun. If you have some free time, check them out this weekend.
Extreme Close Quarters
Chris Fry posts an excellent article detailing the unique problems one has to be prepared for when fighting at extremely close range.
Concealed Carry–No Elegant Solution
A thorough look at many of the issues involved with concealed carry.
Make Up Your Mind Monday: Slide Lock Reload Methods
The author looks at the relative advantages and disadvantages of racking the slide versus using the slide release lever. I have to admit that even though I currently teach students to rack the slide, using the lever is a viable option in many cases. When I carried a S&W 4506 (which has a very wide and easy-to-use slide release) I used the slide release exclusively and had no problems. I don’t use it on my Glock because it’s smaller and easier to slip off of (even the extended versions). If your instructor throws you arguments about not using the lever because of “degradation of fine motor skills in combat,” ask him how he expects you to pull the trigger or push the magazine release button (similar “fine motor skills.”)
Drawstrings can cause guns many law enforcement agencies use to fire
If you wear a jacket with internal drawstrings, cut them out. They will snag on your gun’s trigger while reholstering. I’ve seen this happen a couple of times. Don’t let it happen to you!
Chuck Haggard dispels some of the myths involving pepper spray.
12 Rules for Learning Foreign Languages in Record Time
A lot if great tips about language learning here. I’ll be picking up Benny’s new book.
WHY WE USE EXPANDING BULLETS FOR SELF-DEFENSE
The start of a series of articles from Massad Ayoob justifying the legal and tactical use of expanding bullets (hollowpoints.) Part two covers overpenetration. Part three covers ricochet potential. Part four covers stopping power. Part five is about how they are more humane to the people we shoot.
A Case for Backup Guns
Do you carry a second gun? It’s something to consider…
How To Do What You Love For A Living Instead Of Some Shit That Sucks
“Spending your days in a cubicle doing something you don’t enjoy is like putting your soul in a choke-hold.”
Gun Myths: “Start Her on a Snubby”
I love my snub revolvers, but the author is right. They aren’t the best guns for beginning shooters.
Getting the most out of your practice
You have to do the hard stuff…
.38 S&W (The Other .38)
A history lesson for today…
Did you know that there was a .38 metallic cartridge that actually predated the .38 special? It was called the .38 S&W and used a shorter case with less powder than the .38 special. A lot of the old break-top revolvers made around the turn of the 20th century were chambered in this interesting round. Be careful when shooting old guns. The .38 S&W and the .38 special are NOT the same cartridges! Michale Bane provides some additional information about this venerable cartridge in this article.
SOLO INTERVENTION OF THE LONE “ACTIVE KILLER” : FANTASY OR REALITY?
Some considerations for intervening against an active killer. His equipment list is good, but unlikely to be used. These events generally are finished in less than four minutes. Unless you are wearing your plates and kit everywhere in public, you aren’t likely to be able to get to them in time to stop the shooting.
Guest Editorial: Combative Movement
I agree with Dave. Movement must be purposeful in order to be effective.
Bye Bye 7N6
In case you missed the news, the cheapest 5.45mm surplus ammo has been banned from import to the USA.
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