Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
How I reclaimed the largest homeless encampment in Oregon
The reality of homelessness and some things most of us don’t think about.
WiFi jammers and school security tech
We know that higher end burglary/robbery gangs are already using these to defeat alarms. Are they going to be the active killer’s next tactical advance?
Pairs and Spares
Massad Ayoob explains a very solid gun ownership strategy. If you need a little more Mas, I recommend this 20-year old article he recently re-shared. The info in that piece has aged better than a lot of the gun world’s current “content.”
Bowling with a Pistol? A Guide to Pin Shooting
Bowling pin shoots were the most common type of police shooting contests I entered as a young cop. It’s a cool shooting exercise. If you ever get the opportunity to shoot a bowling pin match, do so. It’s some of the most fun a person can have with a gun in hand.
William Aprill Tribute Page
A look back in history. Instructor crew at the first Paul-E-Palooza training conference in 2012. I’m getting groped by William. Check out how young we all look.
This week marked the five-year anniversary of my friend Dr. William Aprill’s untimely death.
I taught with Dr. Aprill half a dozen times and was one of the first trainers to partner with him for his “Unthinkable” concept.
William and I were diagnosed with cancer the same week in 2020. Neither of us had gone public with the diagnosis. Neither of us knew about the other’s cancer.
Rob Pincus called me and wanted me to film a video for him. I told Rob that all my stuff was on hold until I got my cancer figured out. He blurted out: “Cancer? You too?”
It seems that William had called Rob the day before, explained his cancer diagnosis and wanted to film his material with Rob before dying.
Rob had accidentally spilled the beans about Williams’s diagnosis, so I called William and we talked about our respective cancers. It was the last time I spoke to William about cancer and our shortened futures.
I was fortunate to have the less serious cancer between the two of us. Now as my diagnosis worsens, I wish I would have spoken more with William about the disease process as well as a whole bunch of other topics.
Check out the link. Rob is hosting the collection of all Dr. Aprill’s internet appearances for posterity.
Langdon and Rehn: A Reasonable Discussion
This is a very informative discussion about the relative advantages and disadvantages of the traditional double action auto. I started my police career with a S&W 4506 TDA. My off duty guns were either a S&W 3913 or (later) a 4013 TSW. I have no problems shooting the TDA guns. With that said, I wear XXL gloves and started shooting double action revolvers at age seven. Not everyone has my skillset or physical abilities.
This week delivered some amazing podcasts. In addition to the link above, check out these below as well.
Amanda Ripley updates her research on who survives disasters
Body Language Expert: How To Overcome Awkwardness | Vanessa Van Edwards
What I’m reading…
Matt Haught, Resident Shotgun Expert (Symtac Training)
It’s time for some high quality shotgun content featuring Matt Haught. Start with this video and then watch the videos below:
Patterning Four Different Shotgun Rounds (Through Two Different Guns) with Matt Haught
Testing Different Shotgun Ammo In Ballistics Gel
Ballistics Gel vs Shooting at Groceries
Evaluation and Management of Suspected Pelvis Fractures
A review of best treatment practices for this injury. Staying on the medical topic, some of you might want to read Herbal and Alternative Antibiotics.
Be the Bull of the Herd: A Better Warrior Metaphor
Required reading for anyone who self identifies as a “sheepdog.”
Ultimate Car Holster Test | THE TRUTH!
This is a tremendously well -done video. If you have ever even once considered a car holster, you owe it to yourself to pay attention here.
Barrel Length 101
Looking at how barrel length affects muzzle velocity and mils at long range.
A Quick History Of Modern Pistol Stances
If you are a handgun instructor who doesn’t know the names and the relative advantages/disadvantages of the primary handgun shooting stances you are doing your students a disservice.
AK Safety PSA
I have to admit that I’ve spent quite a bit of time around AK rifles and I had no idea that was possible.
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical 12ga Autoloading Shotgun
John Farnam identifies and discusses an issue that is particular to the Mossberg 940. It’s a nice feature to be able to administratively unload a tube-fed shotgun without cycling rounds through the chamber.
AR-15 Ownership – A Basic Guide of Do’s and Don’ts
The pandemic/election results/supply chain shortages of years past made lots of folks buy their first AR-15 rifle. Some still haven’t even outfitted those guns (or even shot them). If that describes you, this article will help get you on track. This article about AR-15 sights may also be valuable. Finally, check out Defensive AR-15 Setup 2: Everything Else.
Crowd Crush (Stampede): What to Know
Surprisingly good info considering the source.
I Walked Out of Class, Here’s Why ⋆ Primer Peak
Anyone who takes or teaches commercial gun instruction should read this one.
Pocket Pistol Primer: Mastering Small Self-Defense Guns
A lot of you carry pocket pistols. If you do, please consider these suggestions to help you use it most effectively.
The Combat Shotgun – Worth the Squeeze?
“Does the combat shotgun still matter in modern warfare? Does it have a place amongst the infantry or with civilian minutemen? Has the combat shotgun been replaced with the light and maneuverable 5.56 carbine? It would certainly seem so. As a very biased source, I do think the combat shotgun is still a capable weapon that excels in a few niche roles.”
On the shotgun theme, some of you might also like Weird Shotguns of South Africa.
LPVO vs. Magnifiers: What Works Best?
A useful thought exercise comparing the two.
sobering
“Think of your death right now…it is at arm’s length. It may tap you at any moment, so you really don’t have time for crappy thoughts and moods. None of us have time for that.”- Carlos Castenada
It’s not always easy to do, but I think cultivating this attitude is probably one of the best ways to become happy with our chaotic existences.
August 10th KeepFiringLLC Texas License to carry course 6 hours
My friend Aaron is doing a Texas LTC class this coming Sunday just north of Austin. I’ve taken this class and it is excellent. If you need your Texas gun license, here is a great place to go.
Project: Get Starlink on Your Phone Without A Starlink Account
Paul has a great tip to improve your emergency communications. While you are on the site, check out the rest of his excellent articles and buy his book.
Strike! You’re Out!
Answer the questions the author asks here to better assess the holes in your defensive strategy. On a similar theme, you may also like Situational Awareness: Practical Habits for Daily Vigilance.
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