Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
A BUG From My Pocket
It’s tough to beat a J-frame or LCR carried in a pocket for some low-threat self protection scenarios.
Armed Lifestyle Magazine Issue 10
Some useful articles in this free online magazine.
Concealed Carry Corner: Concealed Carry In A Vehicle
Useful tips for vehicle carry. While you are on their site, read Concealed Carry Corner: Most Overlooked Problems With Carry Guns.
Handguns And Holsters For Concealed Carry
Speaking of CCW rigs, you should read Clint Smith’s thoughts on the topic.
Primer on Saps
The sap is my favorite impact weapon to carry. This video provides a good introduction to the sap and some simple striking techniques.
4 Defensive Shotgun Myths and Fables That Refuse to Die
As the AR-15 continues to gain in popularity as the long gun of choice for home defense, I’m noticing fewer and fewer people who really understand the shotgun. If that description applies to you, here’s a good article to get you sorted out. As the holidays are approaching, you might like the same site’s Holiday Season Crime Prevention.
Julia: A Retelling of George Orwell’s 1984
What I’m reading…
Thanks to Tamara Keel for the recommendation.
The Walking Wounded
“Whether it’s broken bones, muscle tears, a bad back or something that lands you in a wheelchair, don’t let it come between you and your desire to carry a concealed gun. If you get injured, you need to adjust your thinking — and hardware — to make do.”
Big Wheel Keep on Turnin’: Running the Revolver for Self-Defense
Useful revolver basics. You may also want to listen to Michael Bane’s podcast about the Gunsite Revolver Roundup. I had to miss teaching there this year because of a scheduling conflict, but I’m already set to go back next year. It’s the best revolver training you’ll find.
If you have more than a passing interest in revolvers, you will also want to join me in subscribing to the American Fighting Revolver Patreon page newly created by my friends Darryl Bolke and BrYan Eastridge. You get a lot of revolver content for $5.00 a month.
Trained vs. Taught
An important distinction.
Shooting Exercises VS Shooting Drills [2023]
I wish more gun owners practiced EITHER exercise or drills. Most of the shooters I see at the range are only practicing turning money into noise.
On the topic of shooting drills, you might also want to try the author’s Shotgun Diamond Drill.
Why A .22 LR Pocket Gun Should Not Be Underestimated
I get more questions about carrying .22s than any other subject. If you have the right skill set, you can do good work with a .22 pocket gun. You’ll also want to read about the myth that .22 cartridges are less reliable than their centerfire counterparts.
Steel Targets for Professional Firearms Training
Steel targets are fun to shoot, but can be dangerous if you don’t exercise basic safety procedures.
The Mickey Finn drink: How to Recognize the Symptoms if You Think Your Drink Was Spiked
Spiked drinks are not just an urban legend. I had a drink spiked (I think the bartender was trying to drug my girlfriend and got the wrong drink) in Jamaica. I stopped a kidnapping attempt when a guy spiked a traveling companion’s drink in Ecuador. In addition to these experiences, I also responded to half a dozen drugged drink rape cases in my cop career. If you notice any unusual physical effects after consuming a drink, get some help immediately.
I cover the topic in detail in my travel safety book (which would make an excellent holiday gift for the travelers in your life).
Personal-Protection Practices: Does It Work for You?
“It works for me” is only an accurate statement if you have truly done the work necessary to test your weapons choices under realistic fight conditions. For another perspective on this topic, check out Everyday Carry: Everybody’s Wrong.
A Rifleman’s War
An interesting analysis of some of the problems associated with military rifle training. Opens to PDF.
Los Angeles Citizen’s CCW Taken Away
Pay attention to Claude’s advice to avoid the “negative outcome” this self defender experienced.
Self Defender Prosecuted Twice for Protecting Himself After Being Pepper Sprayed
I spoke about “negative outcomes” in the link above. Here’s another one. I’ve written extensively about criminals using pepper spray. I’ve also written about why I personally don’t generally consider it to be a stand alone lethal force threat. You can disagree with me, but put yourself in the shoes of the defendant here. Would you want to go through this ordeal?
Officer Fatally Shoots Man On Highway After Man Pulls Taser During Struggle
I discussed a case where the criminal used pepper spray against his victim above. On a similar theme of criminals using less lethal weapons, here’s a case where the bad guy pulled a Taser on an officer. If you want to learn how to defeat a criminal Taser attack, read Fighting Against A Taser or Stun Gun.
Curiously, this officer missed his first shot even at contact distance. To be fair, that “miss” might have also been a negligent discharge. Regardless, it shows how fighting within arms reach requires a very different skill set than shooting at stationary targets 20 feet away. Why don’t you come to one of my close quarters shooting classes and learn how to do it better.
The Fall of Minneapolis
I don’t watch that many movies, but I found this one to be insightful. It’s free and posted online at the link above. It’s a must watch if you are a police officer. You officers should realize that your police administrators, city officials, and local prosecutors will throw you under the bus just like they did to the officers in this case if the optics of your use of force appear even somewhat questionable.
If you cops who watch this think “it can’t happen to me,” I’d postulate you probably shouldn’t have passed your agency psychological test. Your bosses will lie under oath just like these police administrators did. I’ve personally experienced the very same thing. Get out of the policing business right now if you have any other options. A pay cut isn’t nearly as bad as a prison sentence for doing what your department trained you to do.
Some of the above links are affiliate links. If you purchase these items, I get a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
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