Knowledge to make your life better. If you have some free time, check out some of these links this weekend.
When Showing Your Gun Goes Wrong: Key Lessons From CCW Safe’s Defensive Display Vs. Brandishing Training
I get lots of questions about this topic. Most CCW carriers have very little understanding of these issues. For more information check out the podcast interview I gave about a couple of “brandishing” incidents I responded to in my police career.
The Multi-Faceted Approach to Thwart a Kidnapping
Tips for avoiding or prevailing in abduction attempts.
Shooting 101: A Guide To Shotgun Competitions
Quick explanations covering the differences between the popular shotgun shooting sports.
5 Firearms instructor red flags
“If your instructor commits one of the 5 Firearms Instructor Red Flags, I would be concerned, especially if it’s the medical one. If they break 2 of them, I wouldn’t take another class from that person and wouldn’t recommend them to a friend. Three or more? There’s a 50% chance I’d leave the class period. Life’s too short to waste on bad training.”
If you like Caleb’s perspective, you might also like A Revolver for Concealed Carry?
The Evolution of Skills and Mindset: A Journey in Firearms Proficiency
How to become skilled with your firearm.
From Army Ranger to Undercover Counter Narcotics Agent | Ep. 272
The most informative podcast I’ve heard in a long while.
6 Common Pickpocket Tactics You’ll Want to Know Before Your Next Trip
Very useful information for any occasion where you are navigating large crowds of people.
BUILDING A BETTER MOUSETRAP | Handgun Sitting Positions
Unconventional handgun shooting positions.
Don’t Chase Wakefulness – Streetwatch: Notes of a Paramedic
Very important concepts for anyone who encounters patients suffering from an opioid overdose. On the topic of medicine, some of you might be interested in a study seeing how quickly prescription medicines degrade in very hot and humid weather.
When Firearm Safety Violations and the Law Collide – Part 1
Violating firearms safety rules may have some unanticipated consequences. Read Part Two as well.
HOW, WHY, AND WHEN
Speaking of legal consequences involved in firearms carry…
“Just because you are not required to meet any particular licensing requirement before you exercise your constitutional rights, it does not mean that you won’t be held accountable if you try to do so in an illegal fashion.”
While you are on the site, check out SUPPLEMENTS.
7.62x39mm Gel Test – 7 Loads Put to the Test
Very good accuracy, velocity, and gelatin penetration data on a variety of 7.62 x 39mm cartridges.
What Affects Shotgun Patterns?
The factors affecting shotgun pattern size and density. You shotgun folks may also be interested in SHOTGUN ADAPTER SETS
Getting More out of “Cold Performance” Assessments — Citizen-Defender
You are only as good as your “cold” on demand performance. You might also like Are You Living in the Margins?
Ayoob: The 1911’s Strengths (and Weaknesses)? – The Armory Life
Massad Ayoob talks about 1911 issues.
The Fine Art of Bribery
Excellent information, especially for those of you who travel to other countries.
January Rangemaster Newsletter
A couple very useful thought exercises in this edition.
The Ellipsis Manual: Analysis and Engineering of Human Behavior
What I’m reading…
While we are on the topic of books, check out Top Five Books for Gun Owners [2025]. I’ll be posting my favorite books from 2025 in an article next week.
IN EXTREMIS COMMUNICATION, PART 1
One of the biggest problems I have with my students is training them in the VERBAL aspects of self protection. This article provides phenomenal information from my friend Larry Lindenman on the topic. Pay special attention to the difference between “alpha” and “beta” commands. When you have finished this piece, read Part Two and Part Three as well.
When Your Gun Can’t Beat a Knife – The Armory Life
Steve Tarani dispels some common knife myths.
GALEFI Half Box Skills Check
A shooting drill to try on your next range trip.
Survival Skills for Kids
We all know that your kid is a whiz on his iPhone, but can he do any of these things?
The Colt “Fitz” Project
Making a modern “Fitz” revolver.
Cop Culture – Where We Fail
My cop readers will likely identify with this article.
Some of the above links are affiliate links. I earn a small percentage of the sale price from qualifying purchases.