Knowing how to defend yourself is great, and it is something that everybody should learn how to do. Avoiding being attacked altogether, however, is even better, and of course, it is safer. When it comes to potential crime there is one essential rule -- refuse to be a victim. The fact is that if you look like a victim, you are more likely to become one. So, how can you avoid looking like and becoming a victim?
Many of us spend our spare moments looking at our tablets and smartphones, talking on the phone, or even relaxing with our MP3 players and headphones. While all of these devices are wonderful, they can distract us from what is happening around us. When you are out and about, your surroundings need your attention more, and if you have headphones on, you won't hear any "out of the ordinary" noises. Put off using these devices until you are in an area where you really are safe and can relax.
Changing a few habits, and doing without distractions can save your life! Awareness, avoidance, and confidence are a few of your best self-defense tools that you already have and won't cost you anything except time to adapt and let them become your second nature. Here are some additional tips to help you to avoid becoming a victim:
First, avoid places where an attack may occur without notice by others. This includes dark streets and alleys, abandoned parking lots, and other under-populated areas. If you must venture into such areas, make sure that you do not go alone.
Be aware of your surroundings, and listen to your gut instincts. Safety is not always convenient. Criminals don't like to be noticed, and if they realize that you are paying close attention to your surroundings, they are more likely to go away and look for another victim. If you must go out of your way to avoid putting yourself in danger -- do so! No appointment or destination is more important than your safety and your life.
Women: If there is a great deal of walking involved to reach your destination, wear shoes that you can run in, and carry those slingback heels in your bag. It's hard to get away from an attacker in high heels.
Avoid flashing things that may be of great interest to a thief. This includes electronic devices, purses, wallets, and jewelry. This doesn't mean that you can't carry these items; it just means that you should be discreet with them. You don't want these items to attract unwanted attention.
Look people in the eye and acknowledge them. Again, criminals don't want to be noticed. If you've looked them in the eye, they know that you can identify them, and they are most likely not going to attack. Furthermore, when you look someone in the eye, you have a better perception of what they are looking at themselves.
Always have a destination and a purpose in mind -- or at the very least, look like you do. Those who display self-confidence and purpose, instead of walking obliviously along and looking down at their shoes, are less likely to be attacked. Walk with your head held up -- not looking at the ground.
Always know your options. While you don't want to look like a victim, you can't ever really let your guard down. When you are walking along, always have an escape plan in mind.
Trust your instincts. If your instincts tell you that danger is near, it most likely is. Never ignore your gut instincts or assume that you are just being paranoid.
By changing a few habits and being more aware of your surroundings, you can avoid being a victim. Overall, use your common sense. If you feel like you are venturing into dangerous territory, turn around and go back. If you feel like you are being followed, get to a safe place as fast as you can. If you are being watched, call for help or change locations. Don't feel like you are being paranoid or foolish. You are simply trying to avoid being attacked!
As we recently observed Veterans Day in honor of those who served, the festivities often would have included various patriotic activities, one of which is rendering a 21-gun salute. But as this article from NRA-ILA entitled "Trading Freedom for Safety" points out, the very activity of rendering a 21-gun salute on Veterans Day had to be discontinued by the University of Virginia because of the disruption to classes and the "triggering" of students that this activity would cause. As stated in this article:
"The same kind of overriding need to shield the sensitivities of young adults from discomfort and fear, however occasioned or poorly justified, was behind a decision to abandon an established Veterans Day observance at another institution of higher learning. University of Virginia President Jim Ryan announced that the traditional 21-gun salute used to honor veterans would be discontinued this year due to the “disruption to classes” and “concerns related to firing weapons on the Grounds in light of gun violence that has happened across our nation.”"
The article itself is a short but interesting read and has links to other articles that further explain the issue. This excerpt from the article pretty accurately sums up the gist of the issue:
"The philosophy underlying these incidents is troubling on many levels. It suggests that it is acceptable (and necessary, even) to distort honest, accurate, fair and truthful journalism to insulate others from exposure to possibly disagreeable material. It implies that America’s youth are less able than ever before to cope with emotional discomfort or distress absent a “safe space.” It relegates honoring patriotism and our nation’s veterans to something between an inconvenient, noisy “disruption” and a potentially harmful “triggering” occurrence. Perhaps worst of all, it legitimizes the notion of an entitlement to a lifetime of freedom from fear, rather than a belief in the value of freedom itself. "
This Writer's Opinion: I am sick and tired of hearing about how everything "triggers" people today. It's bad enough that the youngsters on our college campuses are being indoctrinated into the "America is bad!" mantra. But they are also being taught to hate and fear the very things around which our American heritage was built, as well as hatred toward law-abiding people who just want to enjoy their liberty. Firearms are part of our heritage, but our society is being taught that even the sound of them ALWAYS means that something tragic is happening.
Doing away with a 21-gun salute on campus because the sound of guns shooting a salute "frightens" and "triggers" people? There are a number of the things that the school could have done besides banning the 21-gun salute. Maybe announcing that the event would take place ahead of time and that the sound of gunshots at this time would most likely NOT be an active shooter situation. Or how about taking a few minutes during class to explain why the 21-gun salute is rendered and what it means to honor the veterans who protect their freedoms.
The senseless tragedies on our campuses have gone a long way toward making people feel unsafe. I get it. But people are being taught to be afraid of and hate the wrong things. People need to realize that the world is now a very dangerous place and our right to have access to the tools of self-defense is now as important as it ever has been. And these are just tools. Instead of hating tools, maybe we should be going after a solution to the evil that exists in our world. Turning our hearts to God is one way. Speaking up to our legislators and judges to admonish them to enforce the laws already on the books and deliver justice to the criminals instead of punishing the innocent is another.
I can only offer this video as an example of what is going on in America now and where we are going if we don't pay attention. I'll let the "comrades" explain it to you themselves...
Benjamin Franklin summed it up perfectly when he said:
"Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
And in Other News...
Banning Everything:
Another recent tragedy. And once again, the usual actors are charging ahead with the call to ban - everything. More lectures on what types of firearms can and cannot be possessed by normal, law-abiding citizens. Criminals and evil people won't obey these bans. The same people who are surrounded by armed bodyguards are telling us what we can and cannot do to protect ourselves. Followed by lectures about firearms by people who know nothing or at least very little about them. In my opinion, as well as the opinion of very noted constitutional scholars, the Second Amendment was all about guaranteeing the right to self-defense granted to us by the Creator. And the tools used to protect that right are not specific only to certain kinds of firearms or their appearances. Possession of firearms in common use was the intent of our founding fathers. But many of our firearms in common use are the targets of the bans and severe restrictions we are seeing coming out of these same people - who, again, are surrounded by armed protection and who possess these common use tools also.
William makes a good point in this video: we all need to make sure to speak up for our rights, get active in state and local elections. Go to a City Council meeting. Write letters. Voice your opinion and let these people know that we want our rights protected. Protecting our rights is the government's job, not deciding which rights we can have or not.
You can stay up on Second Amendment news and get some great gear reviews by subscribing to The Daily Shooter Channel.
Training
Your Car is Your Limo:
Another great "Sunday Sentinel Sermon" from Pat Mac. Awareness is key, especially while driving. Maintaining a ready vehicle is of utmost importance. I personally practice these habits, especially keeping the car with no less than 3/4 of a tank full, having supplies in my vehicle, and keeping my CERT gear with me in case I roll up on an accident or other emergencies. We are in charge of our own safety, but we have a responsibility to our fellow citizens to render assistance when needed. That can be anything from helping someone jump-start their car, to airing up or changing a flat tire for them.
I will add one thing: Exiting your vehicle as Pat illustrates in the video is something that should be practiced! Undoing the seatbelt and exiting in this manner requires muscle memory. Even a step further, if you roll into a dangerous situation and your only choice is to exit the vehicle armed, that requires even further in-depth practice and training. Take a formal course in advanced gunfighting that teaches this, and then practice using your dry-fire system at home. This can be easily set up and programmed into the LASR App software as well.
Visit Pat Mac's channel for all of his excellent "Sunday Sentinel" and "Basic Dude Stuff" videos.
And "make it habitual!"
Shameless Commercial Plug:
For more information about the LASR App Training System that you can use to set up this type of training in a dry fire environment, see my LASR App page and receive a discount when using my discount code.
To receive a 10% discount on Live Fire Drill Cards, a shooter's training log and some great training ideas visit Burnett LFDC!
One of the more confusing, and quite frankly dangerous aspects of gun ownership in many states is running afoul of the widely scattered and different federal, state, city, and local laws regarding guns, gun configurations, and gun accessories. What is legal in the state as a whole may not be legal in a certain city in that state. What is legal in a neighboring state may not be legal in your state. And if something is legal in your town, but you travel to a neighboring town with a certain type of weapon or accessory in your possession, you may be fined or even arrested.
As mention below, these laws created by local communities create "...a confusing patchwork of laws..." and "...places citizens in the position of not knowing when they may be violating local laws..."
Preemption laws are supposed to be one way to remedy all that confusion and protect citizens. In an effort to prevent cities and townships from being too far-reaching in their firearms laws, preemption laws are supposed to protect citizens against the confusing web of local laws by making state and federal law the guiding principle in their own laws.
Also related to preemption laws, is something that we have here in Colorado referred to as a "Peaceable Journey" law (CRS 18-12-105.6). Both Denver and Boulder, for example, ban certain types of firearms and open carry. But what if I have to drive through either of those cities while in possession of the type of firearm banned in those cities? If I am pulled over, and the police officer discovers that I am carrying the type of weapon banned in that municipality, they are not supposed to be allowed to confiscate my firearm or even arrest me due to the Colorado state preemption and peaceable journey laws that are in effect.
The Colorado "Peaceable Journey" Law (CRS 18-12-105.6) includes the following:
(1) The general assembly hereby finds that:
(a) A person carrying a weapon in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance for hunting or for lawful protection of such person's or another's person or property, as permitted in sections 18-12-105 (2)(b) and 18-12-105.5 (3)(c), may tend to travel within a county, city and county, or municipal jurisdiction or in or through different county, city and county, and municipal jurisdictions, en route to the person's destination;
(b) Inconsistent laws exist in local jurisdictions with regard to the circumstances under which weapons may be carried in automobiles and other private means of conveyance;
(c) This inconsistency creates a confusing patchwork of laws that unfairly subjects a person who lawfully travels with a weapon to criminal penalties because he or she travels within a jurisdiction or into or through another jurisdiction;
(d) This inconsistency places citizens in the position of not knowing when they may be violating local laws while traveling within a jurisdiction or in, through, or between different jurisdictions, and therefore being unable to avoid committing a crime.
This Writer's Opinion: Why are we even forced to deal with this hogwash?! The Second Amendment is clear that the citizens have the RIGHT to self-defense, and to possess the necessary arms with which to be able to defend themselves, their communities, and their families. The answer is simple: The objectives of these communities include restricting or even banning firearms to make firearms ownership and possession so confusing and expensive, that people will give them up just to avoid being arrested and/or taxed, fined, and regulated into the poor-house. What other rights as enumerated and are supposed to be protected in the U.S. Constitution cause the citizens to go through this level of gymnastics in order to comply with the law and enjoy the right? Firearms owners continue to be hated and scorned by certain segments of our community and the lawmakers themselves.
As if draconian state gun control isn't enough, these local city and community laws are an arbitrary and capricious means towards adding a confusing additional layer of gun control. They are, at the very least, knee-jerk reactions in the wake of tragedies for these city councils to politicize an issue and "grandstand" their efforts to make their citizens think that they are actually doing something meaningful to prevent these tragedies in their communities.
This is why city and county elections matter. Get active and make sure that you are supporting City Council, Mayor, County Supervisor/Commissioner, and especially County Sheriff candidates who will uphold the U.S. Constitution and protect your rights. If you have the ability in your locality to vote on judge retention, make sure that you are voting to get rid of activist judges who try to uphold these unconstitutional city laws when they are rightfully challenged. Attend your City Council and County Commission meetings regularly. Speak up at these meetings and let these people know your objections to their overreach. Bring a friend!
Taxing our rights is nothing new for sure. This video directly ties in with the importance of preemption laws, as mentioned in the opening above. If a municipality can't ban certain (or ALL) firearms, they will try to make firearms and ammunition impossible to obtain, create red-flag laws to make everyone prohibited to possess firearms, and in the case of the video below, impose taxes to make firearms and ammunition too expensive to obtain. Besides being an unconstitutional means of backdoor gun control, in my opinion, laws that place exorbitant taxes on firearms and ammunition unfairly prohibit the poor by keeping them from being able to afford even the basic means of self-defense that is supposed to be protected for everyone.
You can stay up to date on this issue and other Second Amendment news and get some great gear reviews by subscribing to The Guns and Gadgets Channel.
Training
Proper Shooting Stance:
In last week's training video, former Navy SEAL Chris Sajnog discussed properly gripping the pistol. He emphasizes concentrating on proper grip and then letting the trigger finger find its proper position. This week's video is a good follow up to grip, which talks about proper stance. Something that I see practiced all too infrequently is finding a natural point of aim (NPOA) and then using stance, not arms, to adjust so that your NPOA is always consistent and repeatable, and accurately puts the correct point of impact on the target.
This practice can be done using the LASR App software as well so that you can practice finding your NPOA and then see how the various adjustments to your stance can affect the actual point of impact on the target. In fact, using the LASR App system (do NOT do this in live-fire), you can use Chris's practice for finding your NPOA with your eyes closed, then fire the shot with your SIRT pistol or other laser training device before you open your eyes. The LASR App will record the shot and give you instant feedback to allow you to adjust your stance to align your NPOA with an accurate point of impact. Then when you think you have found a good and repeatable stance that gives you your properly aligned NPOA, go to the range and practice under live fire to confirm.
And again - practice the "eyes closed" method above ONLY when in a safe dry-fire condition using the LASR App software. When performing live fire, always keep your eyes open and aimed at your target, know your target and what is behind the target, and between you and the target!
Shameless Commercial Plug:
For more information about the LASR App Training System that you can use to set up this drill in a dry fire environment, see my LASR App page and receive a discount when using my discount code.
To receive a 10% discount on Live Fire Drill Cards, a shooter's training log and some great training ideas visit Burnett LFDC!
First and foremost, today is Veterans Day, and I want to take this opportunity to personally thank all of my fellow veterans, our law enforcement, and our first responders for your service. You are the reason that we are all safe and free!
It's been a while since Alex Kincaid has posted a video, so I wanted to share this one with you. For those of you that don't know, Alex is an attorney who practices, among other things, protecting Second Amendment issues and gun rights. Please check out her channel sometime. She has a lot of excellent Second Amendment information in her videos and explains the legal aspects of gun ownership, especially legislative issues very well.
In this video, Alex explains laws that several states have put in place to provide "warnings" about the dangers of firearms. Firearms are deadly. No kidding? Sometimes a deadly weapon is the only thing that stands between an innocent victim and a deadly attacker. As she mentions in the video, the purpose of all this is not to enhance firearms safety, but to instead spread misinformation. Incorrect or even outright dishonest information about firearms is often used to promote fear in the minds of gun buyers and even gun sellers to try to deter people from even legally purchasing firearms. By treating everyone as idiots instead of educating them about firearms, we are not only denying their ability to learn and make good decisions but also needlessly instilling in them fear about a tool that should be respected and handled properly. A tool that all by itself does not hurt or kill people, but in the proper hands could be a tool that saves a life someday.
As Alex reads the statistics used by the anti-gun legislators who put these laws into place, please be sure to also read the actual statistics that are shown. I have heard several anti-gun legislators and anti-gun groups try to use statistics from the Violence Policy Center, for example, who are notorious for spinning the numbers to suit their agenda. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of laws like the ones discussed in this video are simply ineffective, as illustrated by the actual statistics from the FBI and others, but at least allow the lawmakers to say that they're "doing something."
This Writer's Opinion: Gun control comes in many shapes and forms from banning certain types of firearms to making firearms ownership so expensive that the average citizen can't afford it, to inciting fear in the public and making them hate firearms. Spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) is yet another gun control tactic, and appears to be a great way to make people hate inanimate objects and even hate the law-abiding people who legally practice a Constitutional right. One of my professors in my Master's Degree program used to say that "Figures don't lie, but liars sure do figure." When I see a lot of these anti-gun groups try to use statistics, especially statistics that aren't even true, I get very concerned.
The key to preventing tragedies such as those involving so-called "accidental" (they are negligent, not accidental) shootings is through education and awareness. Teach your kids about firearms. For that matter, invite your anti-gun neighbors to the range and introduce them to the extremely high level of safety practices that we use around firearms. Open their eyes with education, not with fear.
And in Other News...
Suppressors and Hearing Protection:
In this article (click on the image below) from the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), they cite that the National Hearing Conservation Association has published a paper recognizing the importance of suppressors in hearing protection. As a person who suffers from a world-class case of tinnitus from years of working on jet aircraft and participating in shooting sports, I can tell you that anything that will help prevent or even lessen tinnitus is extremely valuable in efforts to enhance the quality of life, especially in later years. Hearing loss and tinnitus issues for gun owners can be prevented by simply allowing law-abiding citizens to use the normal firearms purchasing processes access to an accessory that can be a big part of hearing conservation programs for hunters and in fact all gun owners. I personally also see this as a very valuable tool in the home defense firearm arena.
To be honest, I have no idea how a firearms accessory such as suppressors even made it as an object that people felt needed to be so strictly regulated through the NFA. Well, yes I do: people have been watching too many James Bond movies. They somehow got the idea that if suppressors were available using the same background check system used to purchase firearms, that we would all run around like a bunch of little James Bond assassins. The thought is that suppressors somehow hinder law enforcement's ability to see muzzle flash and hear gunshots, and will hinder the ability of urban shot detection devices to work properly.
Look, if I'm in my home and a violent intruder crashes through the door and I have no choice but to use deadly force to stop the attack, wouldn't it be reasonable to think that a device that would help prevent my family and me from having our eardrums blown out would be of enormous value? The police are going to be called anyway, and they will be able to investigate. Having a suppressor on a home defense weapon is not going to hinder their ability to do that. Nor is having a suppressor on a hunting rifle going to hinder anything. As for the actual assassins (gang members) running around killing people - hindering law-abiding citizens is not going to help that situation. Those people don't acquire their firearms through normal lawful channels.
In last week's news update, I posted a training video about how to use trigger finger isolation techniques to find the good trigger finger positioning for YOU in order to improve marksmanship. I have seen many instructors who insist that everyone should be using the same trigger finger placement, which in my opinion is simply not true. Everyone has different hands.
This video from former Navy SEAL Chris Sajnog also discusses trigger finger placement but wraps it into the whole technique of properly gripping the pistol. He emphasizes concentrating on proper grip and then letting the trigger finger find its proper position.
This grip and trigger finger placement practice can be easily and effectively done using the LASR App software. Practice proper grip, but also practice with different trigger finger placements as well so that you can see how your grip and the various trigger finger placements affect the actual point of impact on the target. Then when you think you have found your proper grip and trigger finger placement, go to the range and practice under live fire to confirm and build up good muscle memory.
Shameless Commercial Plugs:
For more information about the LASR App Training System that you can use to set up this type of practice in a dry fire environment, see my LASR App page and receive a discount when using my discount code.
To receive a 10% discount on Live Fire Drill Cards, a shooter's training log and some great training ideas visit Burnett LFDC!
From time to time, I like to highlight what "the other side" is saying about the Second Amendment and gun ownership rights. And this CNN video is about as "other side" as it gets when it comes to gun rights and the attitudes expressed by those who are ignorant about the reason for gun rights or just hate guns that much.
Although this video is from almost 7 years ago, it highlights what gun owners are up against when it comes to the interpretation of the right to keep and bear arms. Leave it to CNN to inject their own interpretation into the wording and interpretation of the 2008 Supreme Court DC versus Heller ruling and even the wording of the Second Amendment itself. It always seems that those who don't understand the Second Amendment or who have a blatant agenda to severely limit or even do away with gun ownership in this country, twist words and meaning to suit that agenda.
This Writer's Opinion: The Founding Fathers made it clear in their language when they wrote the Second Amendment that the citizenry had an absolutely individual right (and responsibility) to keep and bear arms. The "militia" clause simply meant that all able-bodied citizens make up the militia, and "well regulated" simply means that these same citizens should be well trained in the use of firearms. And according to several constitutional and second amendment scholars and lawyers, the founders agreed to this very opinion. The Second Amendment has nothing to do with hunting, as many today will often claim. The Second Amendment is all about an individual right to self-defense, whether that defense is from a criminal or a tyrannical government entity.
The same opinions expressed by CNN in this video are still being expressed today. It is important for all of us to be sure that we are aware of what is being said by both sides of the argument, and then being able to articulate facts and truth. Stay active in Second Amendment issues. Attend rallies, gun rights events, city council meetings, and town hall events with your representatives. Don't be afraid to question them on their stances and express your opinions. But most important of all, VOTE! Supporting and electing good Second Amendment friendly candidates is crucial to our ability to maintain our rights and our heritage.
And in Other News...
SCOTUS Contemplating Case Regarding Unconstitutional Bans...:
I always get excitedly optimistic but at the same time a little worried when the Supreme Court decides to take up a gun rights case. Given the current makeup of the Supreme Court, I lean more on the optimistic side in hopes that SCOTUS will again maintain the opinion that not only is the Second Amendment an individual right but also rule that it is a right that protects firearms and firearm accessories in common use, as the framers intended. But these rulings can go either way, which will influence the way that states and municipalities make or modify their laws. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that SCOTUS rules correctly on this matter.
You can find out more information about the Worman versus Healey case that is discussed in this video. Click on the various "Main Document" links there to read the Amicus (friend of the court) briefs filed by the various organizations for this case. You can also stay up on Second Amendment news and get some great gear reviews by subscribing to The Guns and Gadgets Channel.
Training
Trigger Finger Isolation Drill:
This week's drill is another good one from The Tactical Rifleman Channel. Trigger finger placement has a huge influence on where the shots land. Too far across the trigger, or too shallow, and your trigger finger could possibly throw your point-of-aim/point-of-impact relationship off and your shots will not go where they were intended. As they show in the video, this drill is done very close to the target into a 1-inch by 1-inch square. As you can see in the video, a slight error at this distance will be greatly magnified at farther distances.
This drill can be done in a dry fire environment using the LASR App software, but then should be done in the range under live fire to get a feel for actual recoil and trigger press from the pistol that you are carrying with or shooting in competition. My competition pistol and my daily carry pistol are two different guns, so I practice this drill with both. Practice putting your trigger finger at different positions to find the best spot. Once you have found the ideal trigger finger placement, practice over and over until you build up good muscle memory.
The link for the target used in this drill is here: https://instructorzee.com/targets-%26-stuff. This target can be programmed into the LASR App software as well so that you can see how the various trigger finger placements affect the actual point of impact on the target. Then when you think you have found your proper trigger finger placement, go to the range and practice under live fire to confirm.
Shameless Commercial Plug:
For more information about the LASR App Training System that you can use to set up this drill in a dry fire environment, see my LASR App page and receive a discount when using my discount code.
To receive a 10% discount on Live Fire Drill Cards, a shooter's training log and some great training ideas visit Burnett LFDC!
The summer sure has come and gone quickly, and now we are racing toward winter, cold weather, and snow! In fact, we here in Northern Colorado have already had our first two snowstorms of the year, and it's not even Halloween yet! The USPSA style indoor matches have started back up for us here, and I have been busy practicing for those. Just getting ready for deep winter in general, spending time with family, and plowing through various work-related issues have been my routine these days as well.
Now is a good time to think about that routine preventive maintenance that needs to be done to keep your gear in shape and ready. Check all of your optics for proper operation, proper and secure mounting, and properly set zeroes. Check those tactical flashlights also. In fact, check all of your equipment that uses batteries. One thing I have found over the years is that batteries tend to leak and can possibly ruin your flashlights and other gear if you don't change them regularly. And finally, a general "once over" of all your firearms to check for proper lubrication,
I had to share this Liberty Doll video as a timely reminder of what we as gun owners are up against. We are continuously seeing a wide variety of myths about guns and gun owners, and probably will not stop seeing it until all the guns are banned and confiscated. The continual problem that we are facing is the extraordinary amount of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) that is thrust upon an unknowing public. People who know nothing about guns frequently lecture us about them, and know nothing really about the features that make them "scary."
And in Other News...
Blackhawk Holster Recall:
Some important information about a recall of a popular holster in the Guns and Gadgets Channelvideo below. The Blackhawk T Series L-2C holster. There are reported issues with moving the thumb safety while drawing the SIG firearm for which this holster was made. More information below.
For more information:
"The recall affects the Blackhawk T-Series L2C holster for the Sig Sauer P320/P250. The holster design can change the position of the safety switch on the firearm without the user knowing it. When this occurs, if the trigger is pulled the gun could fire unexpectedly, posing an injury hazard to the user and bystander. Consumer Contact: Blackhawk toll-free 888-343-7547 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at https://www.blackhawk.comand click on the Recall tab located at the top of the page for more information."
Training
Cold Start Drill:
Now that our indoor USPSA style matches have started up again, I found this to be a pretty interesting drill to help with dynamic shooting issues. This particular drill tests a lot of the various mechanics and muscle memory issues involved in shooting, including target acquisition, shoot/no-shoot discernment, reloading, and proper follow-up. Most of what you see in this drill can be done in a dry fire environment using the LASR shooting system, and then at a live range for follow-up fine-tuning and live-fire practice.
The link for the target used in this drill is here: https://instructorzee.com/targets-%26-stuff. This target can be programmed into the LASR App so that it calls the numbers out randomly, and you can also set the "reload!" command for random so that you are forced to reload at different round counts.
For more information about the LASR App Training System that you can use to set up this drill in a dry fire environment, see my LASR App page and receive a discount when using my discount code.
To receive a 10% discount on Live Fire Drill Cards, a shooter's training log and some great training ideas visit Burnett LFDC!
We should all be extremely concerned about this. Social media scouring to determine who to "Red Flag" - seriously?! Suppression of free speech is now taking the form of "Minority Report" types of behavior by the government. It's bad enough that social media is suppressing conservative speech. But stuff like this actually makes gun owners (who are most likely to be conservatives) afraid to even post anything on their social media accounts. Share a meme that they don't like? Red Flag. Even repost a news story that they don't like? Red Flag. Are you a YouTube firearms friendly channel? Red Flag. This is getting out of control, and we need to be as vocal as possible to our representation.
Special sessions for Red Flag Laws in the news. Next meeting of the House Judiciary Committee, September 4, 2019. Nadler and company plan on working on HR-1186 (Large Capacity Magazine Ban) and HR 1236 (Red Flag Laws) and many others. Please make sure that you are contacting your representation and oppose this dangerous legislation.
When I and my fellow computer hobbyist buddies (geeks) first got into building computers in the 1980s, we found the IBM platform to be an excellent computing platform on which to build. The reason being that it was a ubiquitous platform, and everybody and their brother made parts for them. The common term back then was the "IBM Clone" that went by many different brand names, and parts were so readily available that hobbyists could build complete computers from scratch cheaply and easily.
The AR-15 rifle platform has become a similarly ubiquitous platform for beginning and advanced rifle builders alike. Parts are available practically everywhere to build your rifle in your own unique configuration. You don't even have to be an advanced or experienced gunsmith to build a rifle in the AR platform, but you do at least have to know a bit about firearms components, how they function, and what parts will or will not be compatible with other rifle components.
I came across an excellent video this week from The Daily Shooter that breaks it all down and gives some great explanations of the AR rifle platform. William does an excellent job of breaking down the upper and lower receivers, bolt carrier group, and other components unique to the AR platform
I am a certified AR-15/M-16/M-4A1 Armorer, so if you have any questions or would like more information about rifle builds, please feel free to contact me. I also have an affiliate relationship with some excellent firearms parts and supplies vendors. Please visit them. You will be purchasing from some great companies, and you will be helping this blog.
With all of the news about gun legislation, gun control efforts, and other threats to our Second Amendment liberties, I wanted to take a moment to post about some excellent resources for getting up to date news about new laws, gun control efforts, and even some good gear reviews. There are also some good training channels out there as well. In fact, the reason I am featuring some of my favorite channels below is that they have a good mixture of news, training, and gear reviews. Training and staying sharp is important these days, especially if you are trying to maintain your emergency preparedness and self-defense posture. I highly recommend visiting the channels for these folks, like their videos, and subscribing to their channels. The YouTube algorithms are such that liking and subscribing really helps these channels to stay visible and get traffic. Below are the links to their channels, as well as some recent videos to help get a sense of their video style.
Please also visit some of my affiliate links on this page and in this blog as well. These are good, patriotic vendors, and I would like to help them earn your business.
When I see a student struggling with defensive pistol handling and marksmanship techniques, it is most often due to not practicing the fundamentals of basic pistol handling. Either they don't know the fundamentals, or they are rushing through each of the phases of proper pistol handling to hastily get the gun up and on the target. But this rushed and "unpurposeful" attempt at pistol presentation is leading to wasted movements and poor marksmanship. Too many times, the student does not have the pistol presented in a good defensive posture, and then the shots tend to be scattered and not as effective as they could be.
The Pat McNamara video below is one of the best that I have found to illustrate the basics of pistol handling. He breaks down the fundamentals of pistol handling into its most basic components. Each of the pistol handling "phases" can be broken down into specific components, each of which is deliberate, has a proper form, and each of which has a very specific tactical purpose. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and fast is deadly. Hasty and hurried, especially in a gun-fight, will get you killed.
When watching this short video, all of the phases and techniques he describes are important, but specifically, I would like to draw attention to his comments on trigger finger placement. Trigger finger placement has a HUGE influence on proper marksmanship. I have tried this technique myself. It works. I too was a product of training where the pad of the finger (splitting the distal phalange, as Pat calls it) is the proper placement. But after watching Pat's videos, talking to other competitive shooters, and actually practicing it myself, I have found that actually syncing the finger all the way in, usually until the finger joint is on the trigger, provides a great deal of advantage when it comes to making sure that there is no undue influence on the trigger that would cause shots to be off.
Pistol grip, trigger finger placement, pistol presentation, and firing the shot are all indeed a matter of physics and proper tool usage. Using physics and mechanical principles over wasted and forced movements will win for you every time.
So what can you do? Practice, practice, practice! And not all practice has to be done at the range. Dry-fire practice is an excellent way to practice those movements, such as drawing from a holster, pistol presentation, trigger finger placement, and a smooth steady trigger squeeze. Remember, slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and fast is deadly. Performing that slow repetition, over and over again, will help you with what is referred to as "deep training" to help build muscle memory. Then you can go to the range and put that deep training and practice into play, and then concentrate on marksmanship.
For more on "Deep Training" techniques, by the way, read Tim Larkin's book, "When Violence is the Answer." I have found the methods and techniques discussed in this book to be an anexceptional resource for all types of training, whether it is hand to hand, non-lethal tools employment, or basic firearms handling.
I will be posting some videos soon that will show how I have set up my own dry fire practice area, and how I get the most out of my practice time using slow and deliberate techniques to build up to that smooth and quick defensive pistol delivery. So stay tuned!
To purchase the LASR App that I use in my own dry-fire practice, plus a lot of good dry fire training gear, visit Shooter Technology Group and use my discount code GONZO58.
To Receive a 10% discount on Live Fire Drill Cards, a shooter's training log and some great training ideas visit Burnett LFDC!
Wanted to share a 5-part video series on defensive awareness and other related strategies for staying safe. Pat McNamara, who is a former Army Special Forces Delta Operator, did this video series. He is a former Tier 1 operator and instructor – the best of the best, and now owns his own training and fitness company called TMACS (Tactics-Marksmanship-Adventure-Concepts-Security).
What struck me most about this video series, besides the excellent tips for staying safe, is that he repeats three key phrases over and over that should resonate with anyone who is concerned about their own safety and that of their loved ones:
“As the Agent in Charge of your own executive protection detail…”
YOU are the one in charge of your own safety. Not the police. The United States Supreme Court has ruled in a number of cases that the police have no duty whatsoever to protect you as an individual. The job of the police is to enforce laws and investigate crimes. In other words, they show up to draw the chalk line around the dead body. So is the dead body going to be you and/or a loved one? Or, is it going to be that of the violent criminal who came to do you harm? You decide.
And if you have little ones placed in your charge, then you better have the attitude that they deserve the top level of executive protection. YOU are the agent in charge of that executive protection detail. No one else is responsible for your safety or that of your loved ones. And those little ones are counting on you to put foot to ass on their behalf if someone tries to harm them.
“Make it Habitual!”
Yes – awareness and self-defense are a combination of creating good habits and breaking bad ones. Get training. Practice techniques. Build that muscle memory. Wargame possible threat scenarios that might happen when you are at church, out shopping, at the park, or even at home.
See my article on “The War-Gaming Sheepdog” for more information about this. Think of how you will avoid being a target when you can. And for the times when you have no way out, think of how you will destroy your attackers ahead of time, and then be ready to do it when the time comes. Stay aware, and stay safe.
“We are so connected that we are disconnected…”
Can’t argue that smartphones and computers have made us so unaware of our own surroundings that we have become sitting ducks to violent attacks. As Pat says in one of the videos, we humans cannot multi-task, even though we like to think that we can. We can task-stack or task-switch, but we can only do one thing well at a time.
As a firearms instructor, I am always on the lookout for ways to make my training dynamic and more realistic. Shooting at the regular static silhouette or bullseye paper targets tends to be one-dimensional and offers little ability to challenge my students. I need a way to give my students a wide variety of drills to help them think about changing threat scenarios and dynamic target acquisition requirements. I have found a solution to my training needs that helps me to give my students among the finest targets for shooting practice available that not only give them the ability to respond to dynamic scenarios, but also to help them visualize vital areas on a target.
I recently had a chance to review the RE Factor Sharpshooter Target Pack, which ended up being the absolute best set of targets for shooting practice that I have tried. This target pack more than meets my need to create a multitude of shooting drills and gives me a vast array of creative options to make defensive shooting training more realistic and much more fun.
First of all - these targets are of very high quality, and they are BIG, measuring at 23" by 35". This gives me a lot of target real estate with which to create meaningful drills and shooting exercises.
The variety of targets in this target pack is perfect for the instructor who wants to be able to change things up and make training dynamic, and quite frankly, a lot of fun! This pack comes with ten each of the following targets:
Essential Target: This is a black and white target that has numbered circles and squares of various sizes as well as a bullseye target. I have found this target to be an excellent warm-up target and a great way for students to "sight-in" their firearms to get an idea where their handguns are shooting, as well as make any necessary adjustments to carbine sights.
Kill Zone Target: The most important thing I teach my students is that "stopping the threat" is the primary idea in defensive shooting. This target gives a great way to visualize the relationship between where vital areas of the human body are located. The added bonus of this particular target is that the anatomical features are overlaid onto a USPSA style target template. Many of us here shoot in USPSA matches and this target reinforces how scoring accurately on a USPSA style target (areas A, B, C, D) actually relates to real-life defensive shooting scenarios.
IQ Pistol Target: This target is by far my favorite for making my students think and react quickly to shooting scenarios. The target has large rectangles, squares, and circles, each of a different color, and also with a different number. This allows me as the instructor to call out commands to shoot at specific shapes, specific colors, and specific numbers. And with the large size of these targets, my students are forced to have to move their point of aim and quickly acquire a new target multiple times per drill.
IQ Rifle Target: When I need a target to sharpen skills and improve accuracy, this is the target I use most. The IQ Rifle Target has a wide variety of rectangles, squares, and circles, each of a different color, and also with a different number, just like the IQ Pistol Target. However, they are small in size. This gives me great flexibility in two areas. If I am teaching a pistol class to my more advanced students, I can use this targets with its smaller targets to help my students build on their skills by making them shoot at smaller targets, forcing them to improve their accuracy. If I am teaching a defensive rifle class, I use this target with the smaller shapes because rifle shooting tends to require more accuracy as a primary weapon.
Overall, I have found these targets to be of the highest quality and giving me the most flexibility of any targets that I have tried. As a firearms instructor, I need to give my students the most dynamic, realistic, and challenging shooting scenarios and practice possible. The folks at RE Factor Tactical have developed targets that more than meet my needs, and of a quality that can't be matched.
Please visit RE Factor Tactical for a wide range of targets and shooting accessories.
"The Gonz" is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor and NRA Certified Range Safety Office in the Northern Colorado area offering one-on-one and individualized defensive firearms training.
Knowing how to defend yourself is great, and it is something that everybody should learn how to do. Avoiding being attacked altogether, however, is even better, and of course, it is safer. When it comes to potential crime there is one essential rule -- refuse to be a victim. The fact is that if you look like a victim, you are more likely to become one. So, how can you avoid looking like and becoming a victim?
Be aware of your surroundings, and listen to your gut instincts. Safety is not always convenient. Criminals don't like to be noticed, and if they realize that you are paying close attention to your surroundings, they are more likely to go away and look for another victim. If you must go out of your way to avoid putting yourself in danger -- do so! No appointment or destination is more important than your safety and your life.
