Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
Tactical Entertainment: When High-Volume Shooting Masquerades as Advanced Training
“True “advanced” work is usually exhausting because of the mental focus required, not the quantity of empty casings left lying on the ground.”
Detecting the Covert Accomplice
In all the force on force training I’ve conducted over the years, I find students have the most difficult time detecting the second bad guy. Read my article Look Out for Lookouts for more information.
Straw Man Arguments Against the Defensive Shotgun
Excellent shotgun information.
Wherefore Art Thou, Red Dot
Great red dot advice from Erick.
The Golden Second – Ten Lessons in Crime-Fighting from a Counter Mugger Expert
While I don’t totally agree with everything the author advises, this is a great article by a man who’s truly been there…he was a cop assigned as a decoy and was mugged 256 times!
The Preemptive Draw and Preemptive Grip in the Cash-in-Transit Sector. Part 1.
Interesting history from the armored car industry. I will also note that there was some research completed about 20 years ago that showed most police officers were actually slower using the “gun in hand” (as opposed to gun in holster) ready position because they seldom trained for shooting from that position at the range.
Ayoob: The 1911 at War – The Armory Life
Mas Ayoob discusses the 1911 in two world wars and beyond. While we are on the topic of military history, you might also like this article about Feeding Frenzy: Charting the History of AR Magazines.
Need some more 1911 content? Read Ayoob: Is the 1911 Wrong for CCW?
Why the 1911?
One more article for you 1911 fans.
Gun Mistakes in Fiction Writing: Handgun Edition
Good advice for my writer friends who don’t know guns. You should also read Justin’s latest piece titled Don’t Do It: Birdshot for Defensive Use.
Conceal Carrying After C-Section [2026] ⋆ Primer Peak
While I’ll never have a C-section, I think it’s important to be prepared for concealed carry after any type of surgery. I wrote about this originally after an abdominal surgery in 2016. I also had a surgery last week where my incision site was irritated by my appendix carried firearm. I had to switch up carry guns for a few days, but I was prepared to do so.
Overrated & Unneeded: Back-Up Iron Sights
Trending Data Among Women First-Time Gun Owners – 2025 Update
Valuable data about female shooters.
The Razor’s Edge: How to Choose a Defensive Blade for Every Day Carry
Good advice for choosing an every day carry defensive blade.
Defender Executes PICTURE PERFECT Disarm | Active Self Protection
Do you have the skill set to do this? If not, check out one of my close quarters gunfighting classes.
Myths About Pepper Spray That Many People Believe
Common pepper spray mythology.
Calm in Chaos: A Modern Parent’s Guide to School Emergencies (and staying sane)
What I’m reading….
The Singular Fitz Specials
Learning about the origins of the “Fitz Special.”
Firearms Instructor, 5 Key Factors For Choosing » Trident Concepts
Is a .22 LR Snub Nose Revolver Viable for Self Defense? This Ammo is a Game Changer! – Federal Punch
Federal Punch is the defensive load I carry in my .22 handguns.
Rangemaster July Newsletter
Some good information in this month’s newsletter.
Expert Advice: Should You Carry a Weapon Mounted Light?
Four experts. Four different opinions. It’s almost like the argument is nuanced. For what it’s worth, I carried a WML on my police duty pistol. I have a WML on my bedside home defense pistol. I DO NOT carry a WML on my CCW gun.
Why your rifle won’t hold zero — and what to check first
Things to check when your zeroes begin to wander.
4 Helpful Online Tools to Track Ammunition Prices
As ammo prices increase, these sites might be useful.
The Kit Gun
My first handgun was a Smith and Wesson model 51 .22 magnum kit gun. I carried it around the woods as a kid for hunting small game and plinking. I still have that revolver and have been fond of Smith’s kit guns since then.
Happy Birthday America Sale 2026: Up to 25% Off Sitewide
My friends at ConcealedCarry.com are running a great Independence Day sale.
Quote to Ponder:
Some of the above links are affiliate links. I earn a small percentage of the sale price from qualifying purchases.