Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
Setting up an AR15, end of 2016 edition
VERY good advice about kitting out your AR-15 rifle. I can’t say I disagree with any of these recommendations.
Get a Grip
Breach Bang Clear actually called my home stippling job “fugly.” Where’s the love? If you want to learn how to increase the traction on your pistol without creating an ugly gun like mine, check out the rest of the article.
Kidnapping for ransom works like a market. How it is organized is surprising.
A fascinating look at how the business of kidnapping works.
SKIPPING BUCKSHOT – FORGOTTEN SHOTGUN TACTIC
This is a very viable tactic to use against anyone hiding behind a car for cover. It works with pistol and rifle bullets as well. When I was training my police department, I would have the officers practice this every couple years. If you don’t want to tear up your concrete range pad, lay a steel target down on the ground. “Bounce” the bullets off the target instead of the concrete.
It’s also important to recognize the same phenomena happens in the vertical plane as well…a good reason to stay off your cover.
Shotgunned
What I’m reading…
Tells the true story of a cop who was shot in the head twice during a vehicle pursuit. The cop recovered and spent the next 11 years of his life tracking down the shooter.
Scoped Rifle Diagnostics
How about “Dot Torture” for scoped rifles?
Your Appliances Are On The Attack
Did you know that many new appliances are connected to the “Internet of Things” (IOT)? Here’s an article about how thieves can hack into your appliances and use the information these appliances have been collecting.
The #1 Way To Increase Your Personal Safety
I’ve long told students that a gym membership is more important than any class they take with me. Statistically, most folks are far more at risk of dying from a heart attack than in a close quarters gunfight. The time you spend in the gym is a better investment in your longevity than and shooting class you can take. When you factor in the information from this article it makes even more sense:
“Think about it from the crook’s perspective.
They can rob anyone. They don’t have to rob you….
What can you do to increase your personal safety?
The answer is so obvious, I feel stupid for not realizing it sooner.
It isn’t an issue of what gun you bought. It isn’t an issue of what cartridge you load your magazine with.
It’s as simple as not looking like a target.”
Backcountry Emergencies: Why You Should Learn How To Identify Spinal Injuries
Your companion slipped and fell while hiking. He may have a back injury. How do you decide whether it is safe for him to walk out or if you need to medically evacuate? This article gives some good suggestions for field level spinal clearances if help is far away.
The Broken Age
“Statistics like falling expectancy contain a world within them. Not just any world, but this one. They predict convulsions of rage and extremism and explosions of social anger, as people rebel against the broken institutions failing them. But not every rebellion is a hopeful and honest endeavour. The rebellions of this broken age are more likely to be grim and dark ones, pitting tribe against tribe.
So here is my story. We are seeing the beginnings of genuine rupture. Cities and states are likely to separate from nations who restrain their possibility. Nations are fracturing into tribes, and these tribes may go their separate ways.
The broken age. Broken institutions lead to broken polities lead to broken societies. And in the middle of all this? You and I. Out broken dreams, our broken lives, our broken hearts.
There is one thing left, then. Our spirits. They are not broken yet. And that is where the future always burns bright.”
Ugly Training, Poor Results
“I do not care what your profession or whether you wear a uniform or not, there is correct training and ugly training. Don’t settle, avoid ugly training and strive to excel.”
The Unusual Books That Shaped 50+ Billionaires, Mega-Bestselling Authors, and Other Prodigies
Fifty of the most successful people in the world answer the question: ““What book have you gifted most to others, and why?” I’m happy to say that I’ve read most of these valuable pieces of literature and will be picking up several more after seeing this article.
I’m looking forward to reading Tim’s new book Tools of Titans, where he details more information he has learned from these influential people.
Think; part two
Paul Sharp shares some valuable thoughts about crisis rehearsal and how to pre-plan your emergency response.
Make a Solar Powered Survival Water Filter Out of Two Water Bottles
An interesting take on the old fashioned solar still.
Attack at Airport Screening Caught on Camera
Here’s an odd attack. Have you prepared for this one? This one shows how poorly wasp spray works as a weapon and provides a real-life example of the “bag trick” for knife carry. Don’t dawdle at TSA checkpoints. Move through as quickly as the idiots ahead of you in line will allow.
Managing the Defensive Shotgun
Sensible advice about running a defensive shotgun.
Ammo Test: Remington’s Affordable HTP 185-grain Self-Defense .45 ACP Load
I’m generally not a huge fan of Remington’s defensive cartridges. With that said, this round looks pretty good. I’d prefer some sharper edges on the expanded hollowpoint, but this looks like a decent low budget option for those of you who carry a .45 acp.
Drugslab
Most Americans are woefully ill informed about illicit drugs, their effects, and their dangers. Simply telling people “don’t do drugs” is not an educational campaign. People need vital information, not scare tactics, in order to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of consuming such drugs.
Although I’m not much of a video watcher, I have to admit that this YouTube channel is both entertaining and informative. The hosts discuss a drug and then one of the hosts actually consumes the drug on camera. They document the drug’s effects and provide a quality educational resource that discusses both the positive and the negative aspects of each individual drug.
The hosts speak Dutch, but there are English subtitles on every video. If you are curious about a certain drug, try to look it up here. Another high quality reference site is Erowid. Check out the “experience vault” section for detailed descriptions of exactly how every drug works in the body.
These “SWAT-ing” incidents are increasing in frequency. People call 911 and report that someone is armed and being violent. Cops get there and act on the caller’s information, only to find that it is untrue.
Cop friends, you all know people lie to the police. Why do you believe every 911 caller? You must take the time to independently verify the information the caller has given you. many times it will be false. You don’t want to be in this officer’s shoes after he shot a senile old man who had a crucifix (not a gun) in his pocket.
How To Carry Tactical Medical Gear With You Everywhere You Go (Civilian TCCC pt 3)
Some good advice about the ways you can carry lifesaving emergency gear on your person all the time.
Merry Christmas, Bob
My all time favorite motivational article.
* Some of the above links (from Amazon.com) are affiliate links. If you purchase these items, I get a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
