Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
Why A Holster?
Clint Smith’s thoughts on holsters.
Forensic psychologist largely dismisses common talking point that mass shootings are caused by individuals with mental disorders
A reader sent me this link and I think it contains very valuable information.
“The stages are as follows. The first one is a personal grievance. Secondly, there’s what’s called ideation or violent ideation. In other words, a person decides that violence is the only solution to this particular issue or problem, and they then make the decision to intend to be violent. Thirdly, they start to research how they could carry out an attack on what their targets might be. Fourthly, they begin to plan and prepare for the attack, and that typically tends to be much more of a tactical and specific focus because you’ve decided whom you’re going to attack and the means by which you’re going to attack. The next stage is typically a probing or breaching of the security surrounding the target. Lastly is carrying out the attack.”
You may also find What we know about mass shooters’ profiles, weapons and warning signs to be a valuable read.
A Rebuttal To Mas Ayoob’s Video On Carrying A Reload
Like John, I don’t care if (or how many) reloads you carry. Please make an informed decision. I generally carry a Glock 19. I feel comfortable in most situations with the 16 rounds in the gun. I also sometimes carry a spare mag.
Picking A Jiu-jitsu School
Scott provides excellent advice about what to consider when you are trying to decide on a new Jiu-Jitsu school (or any other martial arts program).
Two Is One – why officers need a backup gun
I never worked a single shift in my 25-year police career without carrying a backup gun. It puzzles me why the younger officers today don’t consider a second gun to be mandatory life insurance. New cops might also read Perishable Skills, Perishable People and learn to operate their co-workers guns and holsters as well.
Ersatz in the Confederacy: Shortages and Substitutes on the Southern Homefront
What I’m reading…
It appears that the USA is in a long term cycle of supply chain breakdowns. I don’t see this becoming better anytime soon. It might be useful to see how the people living in the south during the Civil War overcame Union blockades and dealt with the greatest supply chain breakdown this nation has ever experienced.
On the same subject matter, read The Mountain Guerilla’s piece called Do The Work.
Lights On Carry Guns?
I don’t think you always need a light on your concealed carry pistol. When one looks at the types of crimes that happen in public places, they seldom happen in complete darkness. The criminals need enough light to find and evaluate their prey. That amount of light is usually good enough to at least identify a target, even if it may not be enough light for a perfect sight picture.
I do not carry a light on my concealed pistol unless I am going to the movies (an artificially dark environment). In that case, I carry a G-17 with Surefire X-300 in a Bawidamann Gotham AIWB holster.
I did, however, carry a light on my police duty pistol (because I frequently had to search dark buildings for bad guys) and have I a light on my bedside pistol (because my bedroom is darker than a cave at night). Your mission and environment should dictate what equipment you carry. It’s great if you carry a weapon mounted light. but in reality, most of us don’t need a light on a carry pistol.
Comfortable Concealed Carry Explained
Everyone who carries concealed should watch this video.
Clawing and Wedging Your Way to Perfect Holster Fit
More on the science of concealment. In this article, Annette talks about some of the technology available to make your inside the waistband holster conceal a bit better. You should also watch the video Concealment Percentage Principle.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Issues Updated CCW Manual
Ohio CCW carriers should download and read the new handbook from the AG’s office.
Tactical Revolver Reloads: The Speed Strip
Grant Cunningham discusses optimal use of revolver speed strips.
Mini Shells For Home Defense: Just Say No
Mini shotshells are not the best choice for defensive applications.
Rangemaster July Newsletter
Tom’s monthly newsletter is always an informative read. This month’s edition is even better than usual. His article about how to become a firearms instructor is right on point. It takes a lot more than taking a weekend NRA class to be a real instructor. Opens to PDF.
Col. Cooper’s Color Code – You’re Doing it Wrong
A different take on Cooper’s color codes.
Hotel Safety & Security
Good travel safety advice. You’ll also want to read Annette’s article on using wasp spray for defensive purposes.
Common Blade Shapes and Their Uses
Understanding what different blade shapes are used for.
Course of Fire: The 5 Second Standard
Pat Mac shares a shooting drill that is very easy on paper, but far harder in real life.
Louis Awerbuck: Interview With a Madman
This week marks the eighth anniversary of Louis Awerbuck’s suicide. I regret never making time to train with him before he passed. If you don’t know about Louis, this article will give you a hint of his genius.
Ayoob: Is It Time to Retire the 1911?
Massad’s thoughts on the 1911.
Backcountry Emergencies: Managing Sprains, Strains and Breaks
Sprains and strains are some of the most common injuries you may encounter. Here is a useful review about how to treat them in the field. The Ottawa Ankle Rules should be committed to memory if you are a hiker.
Need more information? Here is another valuable article about diagnosis and treatment of ankle sprains.
Local Shop Owner Comes To The Fight Prepared
Developing a surreptitious draw is a vital skill set that isn’t often covered in many formal firearms training classes.
Shotgun Chokes — So Many Choices!
For anyone who doesn’t understand how shotgun chokes work.
After March and before Prolonged Field Care
If you’ve taken my medical class, you recognize the MARCH algorithm. But what do you do after that?
Revolver Proficiency Drill
Frank Groth shoots my snubby proficiency assessment. On this evaluation I’m looking for at least 90/100 points in under 20 seconds. Instructors should have the same accuracy standards and complete the drill in under 15 seconds. Link opens o Facebook video.
Lawyer Explains US Supreme Court 2A Decision! (Part 1)
Andrew Branca analyzes the recent firearms-related supreme court ruling.
FLYING WITH FIREARMS
I’m honored that Massad Ayoob endorsed my article on flying with guns on his blog. Thank you for the kind words, Mas!
Some of the above links (from Amazon.com and others) are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn a small percentage of the sale price from qualifying purchases.
If you would like to further support my work, head over to my Patreon page.
