Here are a few links to articles and videos I found interesting this week and want to share. Some are intellectual. Some are informative. Some are just fun. If you have some free time, check them out this weekend.
Hammer Or… “-Less?”
Massad Ayoob (and Grant Cunningham) write about the relative advantages of hammerless revolvers over revolvers with an external hammer. They are correct. Other than the ability to make a slightly more precise shot at long range by cocking the hammer (which probably shouldn’t be done in a defensive encounter), the hammerless revolver has all of the advantages. If you want to know more about running a revolver, I’d highly recommend Grant’s book.
Snub Training (2012) – Working with Rubber Stocks
More good revolver stuff here! Some excellent information about how you can make rubber revolver grips stop sticking to your cover garment. I’ve never heard this stuff before. I’m going to give it a try.
New “Surveillance-Proof” App To Secure Communications Has Governments Nervous
Very interesting new encryption technology. Even though I don’t use a cell phone very often, I think I’ll be getting this program. The folks who have the courage to make such things deserve your support!
To Bleed Or Not To Bleed…
Good review of the two best hemostatic (blood clotting) agents currently available. I use the Quick Clot Combat gauze, but it is fairly pricey. Remember, this is a SECOND LINE treatment. It is only to be used on uncontrollable bleeding where a tourniquet can’t be applied. The authors of this article wrote an excellent book that you should consider for your library if you are interested in survival medicine.
Hemostatics: Myths, Lies, Facts, & Applications
If you want even more information on hemostatic agents, I recommend this video. It’s long, but worth your time if you are interested in this technology. I taught with these guys at Paul-E-Palooza this year. They have really researched the issues involved and have some great information.
‘Squib Load’: Little word, lots of risk
Squib loads (cartridges that are underpowered, generally because the factory failed to add gunpowder before seating the bullet) are WAY more common than most people think. It’s been my experience that most shooters don’t really recognize them or know what to do when they occur. They sound different (less noise) and are generally smokier. DO NOT FIRE AGAIN! If the bullet is lodged in the barrel, you’ll likely blow up the gun. I’ve seen it happen a few times on my range. It’s ugly. No cartridge is immune. I’ve seen squibs in recent factory .223 (Hornady), .38 spl. (Winchester), and 9mm (Federal). They are VERY prevalent in older .38 Smith and Wesson (not special), .303 British surplus, and any 9mm ammo from Egypt. Be careful!
Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Training
Don’t be a hamster on those silly machines in the gym! Do you ever see the people on the elliptical machine for hours every day getting any leaner? Get outside and run some sprints!
The Issued Gun
Some very good advice about setting up a police duty gun policy. I wish all administrators were gun guys and could embrace the author’s ideas!
