Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
A Deep Dive into Cases Where Civilians Stopped Active Shooters
Very interesting data here.
Joining The One Percent
In what category do you reside? Any plans to change that?
Have Gun, Will Travel
Some tips for air travel with guns. If you want a deeper dive into the subject read my definitive guide about the topic. After 250+ flights with guns in the past four years, I’ve almost got the process figured out.
Odd But Good?
Some historical firearms technology that you’ve likely never seen before. Ready for another history lesson? This article from 1990 explains how the FBI ballistic gelatin testing protocols were developed. Throwback Thursday: The FBI Ammo Tests.
You might also like to read Elmer Keith’s historical thoughts in “Sixguns.”
The Modern Allure of the .32 ACP
I think the .32 acp is an underappreciated defensive caliber.
Weapons of War
John Farnam does a deep dive into the history of military machine guns.
POM Pepper Spray Original
You should be carrying OC spray. POM is a great choice.
Stray Bullet Death Statistics
I’m honestly surprised that more people aren’t killed by stray bullets.
C&R Trigger Pull Test
Trigger pull weight comparison on a whole bunch of older rifles.
Bullets Follow Walls – Explained
This is an important concept to understand if you ever plan on any type of structure clearing.
What I’m reading…
Revolver Fest 2025 with American Fighting Revolver
I’m excited to be teaching at this one. I’d love to see some of you there.
Knives for Personal Protection: Introducing Pikal (Reverse Grip Edge In)
Although I don’t think Pikal is the easiest methodology for a beginner to learn, one could make an argument for the superiority of this system for very close quarters knife work.
Citizen Defender Gets Shot By LAPD While Stopping Armed Robber
This is a stunning display of police ineptitude with lots of hard lessons to learn. I cover how to better intervene in a situation like this (“Partner Rescue” skills developed at TDI) in my two-day extreme close quarters gunfighting classes.
It’s sad that I have to mention this, but if you get involved in any type of self protection incident, the police will probably be coming. Your responding cop might act like this guy. That MUST be a consideration in your resistance/compliance/fleeing decision making process.
WISE ADVICE ON GUNPOINT
Handguns: Fully Charged Battery
“So, there’s the difference between a rotation and a battery of specialized and appropriate tools. In the former, you’re changing your carry gun at random to match your mood or your socks or whatever. While it’s a free country and you can do that if you want, it’s not a thing I’d advise.”
Lubricating the Kalashnikov
Tips for lubricating your AK rifle.
Hammer-wielding passenger smashes up airport AGAIN in bizarre repeat of earlier rampage
Think about what you might do if you were unarmed and witnessed this situation at an airport. I strongly advise that when you are traveling, you should get into the secured part of the airport as quickly as possible. You will have an exponentially smaller chance of being victimized in an attack like this one once you are past the security screening area.
Illuminating Tactics: Searching With A Weapon-Mounted Light
While these are essential techniques to learn, I would strongly suggest that you utilize them with your hand held flashlight rather than with a WML whenever possible.
“PLUG THE HOLE” IN YOUR SYSTEM. What’s missing in your trauma EDC, and what do you choose to fill it?
John is slaughtering some sacred cows here. I carry Quick Clot hemostatic gauze. I’ve used it both in training and in real life. It isn’t magic. It just stops bleeding a little quicker than regular gauze. If you are unfamiliar with wound packing, come take a medical class. Until then, this article may be helpful.
What If You’re in a Hostage Situation?
These two experts offer some valuable (if a bit paranoid) perspectives about how best to respond to a hostage taking scenario in a foreign country. They have some good ideas (I like the tactile “danger cue” you can give your spouse that doesn’t involve speech), but a lot of their recommendations seem somewhat extreme. Going to a conference at a five-star hotel in a friendly foreign country really doesn’t require a military battle plan. I doubt any traveler prepares as much as these guys suggest. It makes me wonder how widely they have traveled in their personal lives.
Read the article. You’ll probably pick up a few tricks you hadn’t considered. Don’t buy in to the abject paranoia.
Self-Defense: Understanding Castle Doctrine
“Importantly, Castle Doctrine is not a blanket justification for the use of force. Several notable exceptions limit its application. It does not apply if the defender was the initial aggressor or if the defender did not have a legal right to be in the home, such as violating a restraining order. Some states also require retreat if the attacker is a cohabitant, regardless of the defender’s right to be there.
These exceptions balance the right to self-defense with the need to prevent unnecessary violence, ensuring that Castle Doctrine is not misused. They also highlight the importance of understanding the doctrine’s limitations, as misapplication can lead to serious legal consequences.”
Best Pistol Shooting Drills For Beginners
Try a couple of these during your next range practice sessions. If they are too easy, try KR Training’s Top Ten Drills.
Ayoob: Were We Wrong About the “Tactical Turtle”?
I suppose I am a bit of a “tactical turtle” as well. I shoot with my chin tucked down most of the time. Something else that the author doesn’t mention is that tucking the chin activates the trapezius muscles behind the neck. Those muscles help reduce gun movement on recoil. I also don’t have red dots on my defensive pistols. Open sights are more forgiving of the forward head movement during presentation than red dots are.
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