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.
Press Check? Maybe You Shouldn’t
Most knowledgeable shooters realize that repeatedly re-chambering the same round can push the bullet deeper into the case and cause excessive pressures. Did you know that press checking can do the same thing?
LSD Glows under Ultraviolet (UV) Light
This article may be interesting to my LSD- using friends (where it is legal to do so, of course) who want to avoid counterfeit substances. It may also be interesting for my cop friends looking for a quick way to identify the drug without using a field test kit. There are small UV microlights available for less than $10.
9mm 124 grain Federal HST
A nice series of tests with the same HST round through a variety of different barrel lengths. It’s tough to make a round that constantly performs well regardless of velocity, but Federal’s HST appears to do it.
As I’ve said before, stop worrying about finding a “super bullet.” In general, any of the HSTs, Winchester Rangers, or Speer Gold Dots will provide superior performance and be at the top of the list in every caliber. Find one of those rounds that functions well in your gun and spend the rest of your time improving your shooting and tactics rather than worrying about ballistic performance.
Buckshot effectiveness at 50 yard range.
Ballistic testing of several types of shotgun ammunition at a longer range (50 yards). The test results start at around 7:00 and the shooter’s conclusions from the test start around 9:00. Bottom line: shotgun pellets lose velocity FAST. Anything smaller than 00 Buck isn’t likely to achieve the FBI minimum of 12″ of penetration at 50 yards or greater. If you anticipate longer range encounters, use the larger buckshot (or a slug).
Simple But Effective Grip Strengthening Exercise
Grip strength is a limiting factor in many female (and some male) shooters’ performance. There are lots of effective exercises to enhance grip strength, but this one may be the easiest. If you are having problem controlling handgun recoil, give this a try for the next couple weeks. You will likely see improvement in your pistol shooting abilities.
8 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Gas Mask
Some things you should consider before buying a gas mask…
Use of Light: Part II
A decent article with good pictures and descriptions of most of the common flashlight shooting techniques. Try them all live fire at the range and see what you like the best. I generally prefer the one the author calls “the interview hold.” I use the Harries technique when I am rounding a right-handed corner. Better yet, get yourself a weapon mounted light (I use the Surefire). It doesn’t eliminate the need for a handheld light, but it does make your life much easier.
Reality Check: “All the Gear, No Idea”
One of the biggest problems in the firearms training business…
My students don’t like to hear it, but I often say that their money would be better spent buying a gym membership than it would at my training classes. I firmly believe that is true. I’d love to get your training dollars, but I’d rather have a lifelong customer who remains healthy and fit enough to survive whatever life throws at him.
From the article:
“One of the big problems for preppers, in particular wealthy preppers, is a mindset where gear can solve all your problems. It all becomes about gear and gadgets. Now, I love a good bit of gear myself, and I agree that having it can seriously increase your chances of survival, but there is a limit. You have to be able to survive with minimal gear; to make things work without that latest gadget. It is about what you know and your determination rather than having the latest widget.
This gear-centric attitude, together with an often lack of effective fitness, leads to this perfect storm. Granted, a lot of wealthy preppers are older, and thus not as fit, and that is a challenge. However, this attitude is really a form of denial – it’s an “I can fix it with gear” attitude, when what is really needed is more PT and a good dose of aggression and determination to kill any fucker that comes near your family posing a threat.”
Will Your Passion For Your Loved Ones Save Them?
Other than the part where she quotes some “Ellifritz” guy (who clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about), this is a great article. Will without skill probably won’t carry you through….
Gun Guys Have a Tactical Advantage
The narrative is a little dramatic, but the take home point is important. Do you know how to operate any gun you would likely encounter?
