Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
Guest Shot: The Semi-Auto Grip
Dave Spaulding gives us a written master class on gripping the handgun.
100 Days Out
Paul Martin discusses preparedness in advance of the upcoming election.
If we are talking about being prepared, it seems like a good time to mention that we may soon be encountering one of our periodic ammunition droughts. Please don’t get caught unprepared.
AR-15 Precision Long Range Shooting Basics
Really good long range AR-15 advice.
Yay or Nay? Automatic Knife for Everyday Carry
I’ve had a few questions about automatic knives lately. I generally don’t recommend automatic knives for self protection. In order to carry them safely, you must use the safety. Getting the safety off and pushing the button under stress is often slower than opening a manual folder.
The one time I would recommend an auto opener is if you only have the use of one hand. I’ve had students who had strokes or cerebral palsy, leaving one hand and arm very weak. Those folks benefit from automatic knives.
If you want a fast knife, get a fixed blade. I like the Ka-Bar TDI knife as a great place to start but any short bladed folder carried forward of the hips is a true game changer in a close range fight.
AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER
Tom’s monthly newsletter is a must-read in the industry. This edition contains a special article on saps from my friend Mark Luell. Check it out.
Jefferson Davis Milton
An old west gunfighter you’ve probably never heard of. For some more history read Col. Rex Applegate: Influence on Modern Handgun Techniques and Wild Bill’s Revolvers.
Drywall Ballistics: Testing Modern Ammo Performance
Lots of people are interested in how well defensive ammunition performs through drywall. Most of those folks are thinking of shooting in their own homes and want a load that doesn’t penetrate deeply in drywall. That is a very misguided approach to self defense. I can penetrate several layers of drywall with my fist without hurting myself. If a bullet doesn’t go through a significant amount of drywall it isn’t likely to penetrate deeply enough to incapacitate your attacker.
How To Make and Use A Garrote
One of the few articles about garrote use on the internet.
Have No Fear, You Have Your FEAR Bag With You
Kevin’s thoughts on the “Get Home Bag.”
Med School Researchers Conclude Gun Control Has No Impact on Homicide Rates
“Gun control laws have no impact on homicide rates.”
When Your CCW Will Fail You (and How To Fix It)
Critical skills you may not be practicing.
Is This What Fear Looks Like?
An interesting perspective here. Do our minority citizens really fear the police? The author doesn’t think so.
On a similar topic, you may also like Don’t Blame Police Racism for America’s Violence Epidemic.
Vertical Grip: Benefits of the Boomstick Broomstick
Solid information on an accessory that seems to fade in and out of favor in approximate five year intervals.
Is the training industry lying? What training do you really need?
Mickey shares a refreshing perspective.
Tom Givens’ Casino Drill
An in-depth look at every possible variation of this useful shooting drill.
Cross-Eye Dominance: How It Affects Rifle-Shooting
Sensible advice about shooting with cross eye dominance. Everyone agrees that shooting with both eyes open is desirable in combat. But the bottom line is that some people can’t shoot cross eye dominant with both eyes open. They may have to close the eye that isn’t behind the sight. I’d rather have them hitting their target with one eye closed than missing with both eyes open.
If you are interested in the topic, you might also enjoy Shooting With One Eye or Two Eyes Open: Which is Correct?
Skillset Fight Club: The Art of Pistol-Whipping
I don’t often draw your attention to articles with spurious information, but this one is so bad I can’t help but comment. The two ways the article suggests to strike someone with a pistol are the two WORST possible ways to do so. Look at the photo above. Where do you think the muzzle of the gun will be pointing when the striker smashes the dude in the face with the pistol? Furthermore, striking with the butt of the gun will often shear off the magazine base plate and spray all your BBs out onto the ground. I hope your strike works because you won’t be able to shoot more than one round after that happens.
This is a fairly reputable publication. This article is absolute bullshit. Vet your information sources well.
Moats’ Notes: History, Hero-worship and the Yaqui Slide
One more potentially problematic article. A lot of old school gun guys like the Yaqui slide holster. I will postulate that those folks have never been in a ground fight with a holstered pistol. If the carriers of this holster goes to the ground and his attacker takes the mount position on top of the defender, the attacker’s knee regularly will strike the pistol muzzle, knocking it out of the holster. Not recommended.
The Creeper In The Woods — A Lesson In Situational Awareness
Eve talks us through handling the ubiquitous “creeper.”
All or nothing? Not in my world.
“The reality is that anything someone does to make themselves a little more prepared, a little safer, a little more resilient, is good. It doesn’t matter how small the step is, or what the topic is, only that they take the step.
It doesn’t matter that they’re not “fully committed”. One little step today will make anyone a little better off than they were yesterday. Another step tomorrow will make someone better than they are today. Each step, no matter how small, will better their life in a meaningful way. If they keep it up, in a month there will be real progress.”
A Guide to the Criminal’s Tactics to Seize Control
Unconventional information about recognizing criminal psychological manipulation. The author’s book is a must read for anyone interested in the topic. It was one of the late Dr. William Aprill’s favorite book recommendations.
Obvious travel advice
Pretty much exactly what the title suggests.
Umarex T4E – Ready For Force-On-Force
This might be a better option than airsoft for those of you doing force on force training. I’m going to buy a couple and try them out. I’ll report back here once I’ve used them in a few classes.
GUN KILLER INSTINCT. GUN SURVIVAL INSTINCT
Hock’s thoughts on “killer instinct.”
The Fred Flinstone Defense Saves The Day
An unconventional self defense solution. I disagree with John about this being a true deadly force situation. If the guy was throwing big rocks at people (and was close enough to hit them) I would say this could be a deadly force attack. I’m less confident about saying that if he’s throwing the rocks at random car and home windows. How would you have handled this one?
Understanding Squib Malfunctions
Ammunition quality control is horrible right now. You should know what a squib is and how to recognize it.
Trigger Tips
Talking triggers with Massad Ayoob.
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