Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
The Right Tools for the Job: A Personal Journey into Appendix Carry
A deep dive into some of the finer points of appendix carry.
Zeroing Your Dot
Great information for you dot shooters.
Surviving Flash Mobs
Mandatory reading from Michael bane and ACLDN.
After Action: Street Race Wreck
We all enjoy shooting guns and playing with blades, but you are far likely to encounter a car wreck than a shootout or knife fight in your daily life. Do you have the medical skills to solve this type of problem?
Aaron’s comment about training to direct bystanders milling about at such a scene is right on. I remember responding to a homicide scene a couple years before I retired. The victim was still alive when I arrived. I knew exactly what had to be done and I began providing him with the appropriate medical care. I was so focused on that action that when the second officer arrived on scene and asked me how he could help, I didn’t know what to tell him. As I was doing CPR on the stabbing victim, he asked “what can I do?” I actually replied “Nothing right now. I got this.” That was the wrong answer.
I knew exactly what MY priority was in that moment (saving the victim’s life), but I hadn’t thought ahead about what needs to be done NEXT. It was a homicide scene. Lots of things have to happen. Witnesses need to be identified, we need to get a suspect description and air it on the radio, the scene needs to be roped off, photos should be taken, investigators need to be called in. All of those actions needed to happen, but I was so focused on providing medical care, that I didn’t think ahead about how to direct the second act of the unfolding drama.
Thinking ahead and providing better direction to other responders is a skill that I personally need to work on as well.
Gas Station Robber Reminds Us Why Four Corners Is An Important Tool
Lots of people plan to comply when facing armed robbers. You may not get the chance to do so.
Heart Rates, Performance, and High-Fidelity Training
Too many people still believe Siddle’s faulty research from the 1990s. Heart rate increase due to physical activity do not generally negatively affect performance in self protection situations. heart rate spikes from adrenal stress are different.
The “long game” of self defense
“All that other stuff — the “tactical” or “in the moment” response — does have a place, because you can’t predict every outcome with certainty. You can still be surprised, you can be caught off guard by the possibility you didn’t consider. You still need to be able to protect yourself and your loved ones should even the best decision go horribly wrong.
But playing the long game is likely to significantly reduce the chances of your needing to. Remember: you win 100% of the fights you’re not in.
Go long.”
Deadly Ingenuity: A History of Unusual Weapons from Around the World and Across Time
What I’m reading…
DIY Revolver Modifications
Excellent information from the late Tiger McKee.
Situational Awareness
My friend Ed Lovette talks about situational awareness.
Breaking down PERF’s “Transforming Police Recruit Training: 40 Guiding Principles” report
“I strongly recommend every administrator, trainer, supervisor and field training officer read this report, which will help police academies chart a course for the future.”
Massive errors in FBI’s Active Shooting Reports from 2014-2022 regarding cases where civilians stop attacks
“Instead of 4.6%, the correct number is at least 35.7%. In 2022, it is at least 41.3%. Excluding gun-free zones, it averaged over 63.5%.”
Shotgun Loading Fallacies
Don’t “candy cane” your loads in your shotgun. You want to know for sure what you are sending every time you pull the trigger. My defensive shotguns are loaded with 00 Buck. I have slugs loaded on the side saddles or butt cuffs in the event I need more range or penetration.
Where Are They Taking My Gun? — Post-Shooting Forensics
Procedures for which you should be prepared after a defensive shooting.
Breaking Free from the Chaos Culture
“Those who dare to distance themselves from the endless stream of information are often disparaged as privileged, accused of turning a blind eye to the world’s pressing issues. In truth, these individuals may be pioneers in recognizing the urgent need for a mental detox from the government and corporate-sponsored chaos that masquerades as trustworthy 24/7 news.”
Surviving as a Hostage
Some thoughts about kidnapping and hostage survival.
Just Another Lousy Gunfight
“Calm down. It’s not an IRS audit— it’s just another lousy gunfight.”
Pro Tip: Beware of Gun-Related Deed Restrictions When Buying Property
Something folks looking to buy homes outside of city limits should consider.
Everything You Need to Know About Pistol Concealment
Massad Ayoob shares some excellent advice in this article.
Sneaky Draw
I think practicing a surreptitious draw is more important than practicing a lightning fast draw.
5 Way To Train More Efficiently
Filling magazines at home is the biggest time saving hack I could suggest to my students and folks shooting on a commercial range.
Precision Rifle Build on a Budget
I’m not a big fan of their recommendation of a fixed 10x scope, but the rest of the information might be useful for you folks who want to build an inexpensive precision rifle.
Pistol Caliber Carbines: The Best or Worst of Both Worlds?
The shooting world operates in predictable cycles. When I became a cop in 1995, everyone wanted to carry a 9mm MP-5. Then those kinds of weapons were vilified and everyone needed a .223 AR-15. Now the pistol calibers are cool again.
Don’t Use FMJ Ammo for Self-Defense
In general, I would agree with the advice in this article. I would also say that ammo selection probably doesn’t mater nearly as much as some people think it does.
Best AR-15 Rifle Twist Rate: Does It Really Matter?
Does rifle twist rate matter? In my experience, not as much as many people think.
The Comeback of the Lever-Action Rifle
I think I was born in the wrong century. I am a big fan of lever action rifles.
How Much Ammo Is Enough?
Articles like this make me wonder why cops in my father’s generation didn’t feel undergunned with a revolver and 12 spare cartridges.
5 Great Pistol Drills For New Shooters
Make your practice sessions more productive.
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