Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Preventing Scope Bite

With the year winding down, and fewer and fewer blog posts from this author, it seemed appropriate to tell the kind readers of this blog about some of the derp The Rifleman has seen this year. There was plenty of it. 

Today's entry is a near instant classic. 

The Rifleman was in a class. It was a certification class. Teaching the participants to be teachers. One of the exercises was that each of the participants was picked to teach a session. The Rifleman was selected to teach "bench rest shooting." For just under 5 minutes, I described getting into a position, how to take aim, and how to gently squeeze the trigger. The position described resembled this entry from "Box O Truth" - 




As with all of the sample sessions, critique was offered after the session. The instructor (former Army MP, and NRA Instructor, among other credentials), and a fellow participant (former USMC Scout Sniper) both suggested holding the fore-end, preferably with a hand over the top, to reduce felt recoil. This image displays what they suggested (just imagine the rifle is on a bench, and not held from standing):




I was confused at first, as I have never heard of this (a later Google search yielded one whole article suggesting it). I thought they meant this variation:




After they demonstrated what they meant, I asked why - and they reiterated recoil management. My immediate question was why not the cross armed method demonstrated, and the instructor said he had seen too many people get scope bite. I offered that the shooter might be better served pushing the shoulder into the rifle, maintaining correct eye relief, and adopting the near-universal cross arm position. 



There was much push back by the instructor. At that point, I decided I needed the certificate more than I wanted to show that certified instructor how he was dead wrong. I shut up. I got my certificate. And I out-shot both of them at the range on qualifications day. It wasn't even close. 

Oh, and just in case you are wondering, when you Google "USMC Scout Sniper," this article by the Marine Corps Times appears. And the first image is a Marine using cross arm method:



I verified with another Scout Sniper, whose DD214 I have seen, and he had never heard of holding over the barrel from bench or prone. Except when I teach a variation to use with AR15 rifles when resting the mag on the ground, as demonstrated here (9:35 minute-mark) by Aaron Cowan of Sage Dynamics


So, I am sure these folks will keep teaching what they want. And I will keep teaching what I want. And we will each get the results our teaching methods warrant. My new long range students tend to hover around 2 MOA groups at 500 yards on Day 1. That is more than good enough for what we are doing. And none of them has ever had scope bite using this grip. 

Monday, December 28, 2020

On The Michigan Home Guard

A friend shared this video with me and wanted some thoughts.  Here are some.

Meal Team 6.  There's (at least) one in every group. 

Their room entry was terrible. Dynamic entry should have died with the dinosaur. Beyond that, the point man kept going down the straight wall on a corner fed door.  And he kept getting sucked into his zone.  Once it is verified clear, cover another sector. 

They were right - the Civil War is imminent (or has already started).

Whitmer did bring all of this on herself. 

The reporter said they were "right wing" - but we do not know if that was true. 

The reporter on voice over likened them to the "Alt-Right." There was no proof.  To draw such a correlation is irresponsible.

The editing and splicing of statements made by Mary McCord and the reporter around the 3-minute mark are combinations of truth and absolute falsehood.
- Militias cannot act as police. This is true. 
- Militias cannot attack legitimate government.  This is true. 
- It was spliced to make it appear as if militias cannot congregate or train.  This is false. 
- The key here is intent. 

Other than that, these people look just fine to me.  Would like to meet them and train with them one day. 


Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Once In A Lifetime

Copied from Social Media -

It’s impossible to get away with rigging an election. If this election was rigged by way of rigging 3-4 key swing state cities, as Republicans claim, then this election would’ve produced a ton of data anomalies and irregularities. We would expect to see things like:

• bellwether counties would suddenly stop being bellwether counties despite decades of near 100% consistency

• the rigged cities would produce implausibly high urban turnout but demographically identical cities in neighboring battleground states would have normal urban turnout

• you would have an implausibly high number of Biden-only ballots (no down ballot selections) but the same phenomenon would not be seen with Trump ballots

• a forensic audit of the voting machines used in these rigged cities would produce unexplainably high error rates and the edit logs would be nowhere to be found. They would often be wiped by partisan officials before any audits could be in conducted, also.

• You would expect to see weird things like Trump winning key bellwether battleground states like Ohio and Florida and win them easily but would lose just enough battleground states (where the rigged cities are located) to put him under 270

• you would expect to see suspicious activity going on in these “rigged” cities... such as; blocking poll watchers... stopping the count late on election night with Trump in the lead but then resume counting hours later with huge statistically impossible spikes for Biden

• If Trump really did win in a landslide but due to vote flipping & corrupted machines ended up losing, you would expect to see a red wave, such as Rs flipping 12 seats & winning all 27 toss ups, while Ds have a dismal election night performance despite Biden shattering records

So obviously, since none of the above was observed in this election, there is no reason to suspect fraud. No reason to suspect that Biden isn’t the legitimate winner of 80 million votes and thus the most inspiring politician of our time. A once in a century politician.


Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Video Review - The True Christian History of America

This will be a review of the documentary video, The True Christian History of America

ABSTRACT
A number of years ago, I was teaching a jiu-jitsu class. Two students had a conversation that eventually led to a discussion of the founding of America. One participant suggested that virtually all of the Founding Fathers were Christian. The other student said that most were not. Of course, they each gave their rationale, and eventually the conversation was steered (by me) back to the topics of martial arts. 

Naturally I researched the argument, as I had always been under the impression that the majority of the Founding Fathers were Christian. And certainly that is the case. A few were "Deists" - which the one student called "Agnostic." Certainly, the men of the day were familiar with deism, as well as most of them being Christian. Not entirely different than people today. 

DISCLOSURE
For posterity and full disclosure, I received a free copy of the DVD from the writer and producer, Christian Pinto. Mr. Pinto was a (fully paid) participant in the American Rifleman class I taught this past July, 2020. I requested  and received permission to blog my review - without any prescreening of my opinions or comments by Mr. Pinto. He felt that my penchant for American History - particularly that of the US Revolutionary War - would make me a prime candidate to review the documentary. 

REVIEW
This video is shot documentary style. The production quality is outstanding and is easily on par with a documentary one might view on the History channel or similar. The narration is clear, and the images and accompanying video is pertinent to the discussion at hand. Indeed, I had to remind myself several times that I was watching a video, and not an actual channel. Particularly when it was time for a commercial break, and I needed to go to the restroom. 

This leads to my only criticism - and it is not a real criticism. A way to purchase the video directly online (digital copy) would be great. 

This video is long, and that is not a criticism. It is advertised to be 150 minutes long. I didn't put a stopwatch on it, but that is a reasonable approximation. Many people will not sit still that long for anything that doesn't have the word "Avengers" in it. However, it would honestly be impossible to adequately cover the material in less time. The documentary has chapters and one can make use of those if viewing will require multiple sessions. 

Just like proper marksmanship takes a bit of time, so does a thorough understanding of history. 

Without letting the proverbial "cat out of the bag," this film shows where the concepts of the Republic came from. Going back to the Magna Carta and even before that. Indeed, the documentary points out that freedom, and fighting tyranny, are Christian principles. I went to a Christian school, and most of the ties of liberty with Christianity were previously unbeknownst to me. Probably because few school systems like to teach of liberty... and fewer still like to teach of Christianity. 

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."
- Jesus Christ, Matthew 10:34, KJV

SUMMARY
Overall, I must give this documentary 4.9 stars out of 5. I like documentaries, and this is one of the better ones I've had the pleasure to view. It would be $24.95 well spent. 

Friday, November 13, 2020

Aftermath II

The election is over. 

The Press is proclaiming Joe Biden as the winner. 

But, there is a problem. 

Widespread and well-substantiated allegations of fraudulent ballots and incorrect counts are to be had. All in key battleground states. Court battles are afoot. How will it end? Time will tell. 

Still, I stand by my statement that Trump won or Biden cheated. 
Trump legitimately garnered 73 million votes. That's 10 million more than he earned in his election in 2016. For comparison, Obama secured 4 million fewer votes when he was re-elected than when he was first elected. Speaking of which, if you really believe Joe Biden secured 77 million legitimate votes - more than anyone in history - I've got some oceanfront property here in Tennessee to sell you. 

Speaking of improbable numbers - check out this link. It is an in-depth investigation into the improbability of the numbers we are getting fed. Most notably - 1 million votes in PA for Trump being "lost." Also, numbers in tight states being switched at a predictable rate to cause an apparent Trump loss. 

In the end, if the entire Deep State wins the court battles, and they may, then you know we have lost our Republic. Their claims to want to let "democracy" determine things is but another lie. 

If Trump loses, then one of two things will be true:
1. We will never elect another Republican president in my lifetime (and the Republic will fall into full-blown socialism and collapse). 
OR
2. Republicans will have to resort to similar cheating tactics to "win." At this point, the Republic is equally lost. The nature of which will just be slightly different. 

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Aftermath

 For those living in a cave, the US Presidential election was held last night. 

Summary: I *think* Trump won. He was ahead in 5 key states where, in an unprecedented series of events, officials have stopped counting votes. Mostly, in those states, Trump was ahead by a margin that suggested it would take a miracle for Biden to win. That "miracle," I believe, may come in the form of Democrat shenanigans. 

It would have been better if Trump had secured the 320 electoral votes I thought he might. However, as I was once reminded by my friend, "Lefty," this nation does not value freedom. The majority vote for a living while myself and others in the minority work for a living. 

That it is/was this close, despite the overwhelming onslaught by the #FakeNews for the past 4 years, phony impeachment, lies, distortions, and censorship, is still telling. There is a glimmer of hope. And our propagandist "news" outlets and public education system will likely destroy what is left of the majority (if it even still exists) of freedom loving patriots, should we prevail. 

Scrolling through social media, I saw the following statement:
"We have to bring this Country back together, solidify our rights, and continue to fight the socialists."

The person who wrote this statement probably missed the duplicity in their statement, and for that, I do not fault them. "Bringing the country back together" and "fight the socialists" are mutually exclusive concepts. We cannot do both. We have too many people in this country that love their socialism: that is why we cannot be brought back together. 

Today, on the 2nd anniversary of my father's passing, I am saddened. Of course, I miss my dad, and I am sad for that. I also am sad for the loss of our once great Constitutional Republic. Whether the loss is solidified in the next few day or not, it will most certainly happen in four more years. And there will be no way to vote ourselves out of that. 

Thursday, October 15, 2020

More On Masks Do Not Work

Face masks could increase risk of infection, medical chief warns.

I've suggested since Day-1 that if wearing masks worked, the Kung-Flu would never have made it out of China.  Those people wear masks when there aren't phony pandemics afoot.


Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Masks Do Not Work

According to the CDC,  wearing masks is linked to a higher likelihood of contracting COVID.

70% of COVID patients "always" wear masks.
14% of COVID patients "often" wear masks.

Fewer than 4% of COVID cases were contracted when the person "never" wears a mask.

Masks not only do not work, they do more harm than good. 


Tuesday, October 13, 2020

#ScamDemic2020

CDC Quietly Reports 6% Actually Died from COVID 

Yes, the link is a month old at the time of this article.  And it answers the question that has been demanding an answer since March.

6% of the people who die with COVID actually die from COVID.

It is important to know the difference.  This is no pandemic.  This is a cold.  I had it.  I call it a #SpicyCold .


Tuesday, October 6, 2020

He Beats Every Challenge




President Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19 over the weekend for roughly three days. Since his return to the White House, the Left has been absolutely apoplectic. 

The #FakeNews would have you believe this #SpicyCold is death on wheels. It is not, and our President proved it. These #LibNuts actually believe all of the media fiction and are calling it a "hoax."

The Left said that Trump was putting Secret Service Agents in peril when he made his appearances to the crowds. There are a few problems with this:
1. These are the same people who just a week ago would say "All Cops Are Bastards" (ACAB) and want to defund law enforcement. Why would they suddenly care about the President's law enforcement officers? 
2. If masks work, then the Secret Service Agents were in no peril. If masks do not work, then why the mandates?

The Left is unhinged. They have been for years. They do not use logic or reasoning on any subject. Why anyone would vote for them is beyond me. 

Thursday, October 1, 2020

A Clarification

In the Tuesday night Presidential Debate - you know, the one where Trump debated "Moderator" Chris Wallace and opponent Joe Biden - Wallace made several false statements. Not coincidentally, all of Wallace's false statements were aimed at President Trump. Of note, Wallace said that Trump has failed multiple times to "denounce white supremacy and militia groups."

There are two main glaring problems with that statement. 

First - Trump has repeatedly denounced white supremacy.

Second - the terms "white supremacy" and "militia groups" are not synonymous.

For the record, I am part of one of these "militia groups." For the record, we are a 3% prepping and training group, but I also realize that the #FakeNews media wishes to lump us all in together.  We have persons of every race in the group. One of the particular things we vet for is to make sure candidates are not racially bigoted.  And if one slipped through the cracks, they would be removed very quickly. 


Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Debate 1 Recap

Debate 1 is in the books. Some thoughts -


WINNER - TRUMP
Scanning through social media, the only people who think that Trump lost are alpha widows and very weak men.  This is the case for people on both sides. The very weak men are just that period.  The alpha widows are women who have been sexually promiscuous their entire lives, and have slept with many alphas, but can't seem to nail one down in marriage.


2ND PLACE - CHRIS WALLACE
Although it is not part of the written duties of a debate moderator to jump into the debate himself, Chris Wallace most certainly did. Every time Trump would hand Biden a couple of heavy verbal blows, Wallace would insert himself and stop Trump.


3RD PLACE - JOE BIDEN
Joe Biden came in 3rd in a two-man debate. Read that again. He read off a few scripted liberal talking points, and wound up losing his cool against his opponent, resorting to name calling: "This Guy," "Clown," "Racist." Remember when liberals use the word "racist," it means they have lost.


SUMMARY
My friend, Lefty, points out that it is cruel and unusual of Joe Biden's family to trot him out on stage at these events, given the shape  he is in.  Never has that been more evident.

Matt Walsh tweeted:
Biden wasn't great but didn't have a major dementia moment. Trump was Trump. Wallace was annoying. Nobody has any idea what anyone said. No arguments were made. Everyone thinks their guy won. Nobody will remember any of this by Saturday. Nothing matters. That's my recap.

That sums it up well. 


Friday, September 11, 2020

Life Changes 3

How to fix my problem?

90% diet. 10% exercise. 




I stopped running 6 years ago due to knee injury. I will resume walking when cleared. 




Diet - 90% carnivore. And I must stick to it. And I shall. 

To be sure, several close family members feel this is an error. They may even feel that it was meat that got me into this situation. There is simply no objective proof of that. The "studies" were based on surveys of people trying to remember what they ate - not actual controlled studies with closely managed variables (types and amounts of food given). 

There is no diet that can guarantee human longevity. 
However, there is a diet that can guarantee a shorter life - the standard American diet. 
- Dr. Ken Berry. 

At the time this was written, 9 days without a processed carbohydrate. Only a handful of green vegetables consumed. 16 pounds lost. Blood Glucose returning to normal levels. 

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Life Changes 2

Tuesday, September 1 at noon, I was wheeled into an operating room. I was prepped and given anesthetic. 

The objective was to insert a tube up my arm via the artery in my wrist. This procedure used to go in at the groin, but new advances have made it possible to perform via the wrist. The groin area was prepped, just in case. 

The exploration revealed a blockage in one of the vessels on the heart, and a near blockage in another. Two stents were put in - one in each vessel. 

Halfway through the procedure, I awake, pop my head up, and say, "hey, guys, how is it going?" This understandably caused a bit of commotion. They asked if I was in pain - I wasn't. My wrist burned, and otherwise, I was fine. Except my left hand and both feet hurt from laying on the hard surface for so long. The next time I awoke, they were wheeling me to my room. The procedure was a success. 

The doctor put me on a chemical cocktail of meds - mostly blood thinners and blood pressure meds. This to protect the new stints. Although my blood pressure is and was normal, the meds also help with a protective action for my heart and organs. 

The cause was diabetes. A1C of 10.5. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels. For an extended period of time. Triglycerides were over 700. HDL (good) cholesterol was 17 (should be over 70). These are opposite of what is good for a person. This was caused by high blood glucose levels. 

I know how to control my blood sugar, I simply didn't. I ate carbs and grains for the better part of the last 5 years. I have paid for it. 

The fix is to be detailed next. Continued... 

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Life Changes 1

Monday evening, August 31, I came home after my son's football game. I sat down to dinner, and a few bites in, I became uncomfortable. There was a tightening in my chest. My upper back also became tight, as did my upper left arm. After finishing the food, I laid down, and tried to get comfortable. No luck. Not even with changing of positions or having more water. I texted my wife to come into the room for a minute. 

I think I'm having a heart attack. 

10 minutes later, we are in the emergency room. She had driven. A neighbor stayed with my kids. A man was speaking with the receptionist, trying to find a friend or relative. I tried to wait for him to finish... but the discomfort had grown unbearable and was not stopping. I interrupted:

Miss, I think I'm having a heart attack. 

Within moments, I was in a bed in the emergency room, being attended to by a male RN whose name I remember, but will not disclose on here because I'm not certain he wants it shared. He gave me a nitroglycerin tab to dissolve under my tongue. Also, I was administered several chewable aspirin tablets. Blood Pressure was 179/105 - HIGH. 

Five minutes passed, and blood pressure was down, but not good - 153 / 99. Another nitroglycerin tab. Another aspirin. Within moments - RELIEF! Blood Pressure down to 117/75 - GOOD! That is closer to my normal. My chest was no longer under severe pressure. 

An EKG was performed and it was inconclusive. My troponin (heart attack enzyme) levels at that moment were mathematically indistinguishable from zero. Something had happened. 

The next morning, I spoke with the doctor. The blood draws at various times throughout the night and morning had indicated sharply rising troponin levels. Heart attack confirmed. The doctor recommended and I consented to a cath scope and repair if necessary. 

Continued...

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Rifle Misconceptions

Recent conversations relayed to the author:


Q - What distance will we be shooting at this tactical carbine class?
A - From 3 - 300 yards. 
"Great! I'll bring my Savage 110 bolt action rifle!"


Participant in a recent class did not hit as often at 300 as he wanted to. Participant changed ammo types twice in class (losing zero each time) and became understandably frustrated. Friend of participant says about his AR15 carbine equipped with a red dot:
"Your instructor should have advised you that you were ill-equipped for the task at hand."


Prospective participant asks about bringing multiple rifles to a carbine class:
"Can I bring my bolt action with a scope for the long range portions?" 
(the "long range" portions are 100, 200, and 300 yards.)


Both of these statements proceed from a point of absolute ignorance. Sadly, this ignorance is widespread in and among the gun community. Mention shooting past 50 yards, and people start assuming one needs a bolt action rifle with a 14x scope. 

YOUR STOCK AR15 IS CAPABLE OF CONSISTENTLY HITTING 
AT AND BEYOND 300 YARDS WITH BULK AMMO AND NO SCOPE!!!

The US Army has soldiers shoot to 300 yards - usually with a red dot sight - in Basic Rifle Marksmanship. The US Marines used to (up until just a few years ago) shoot to 500 yards with iron sights - now they use a 4x scope. 

In every class this author teaches where targets are engaged at or beyond 300 yards, never has a single participant failed to hit the target at 300 yards with their chosen rifle or carbine (always by lunch). Do they all hit as often as they want? Of course not... being precise on a rifle is not a skill that can be learned and honed in a single day. Like any other worthwhile endeavor: it takes time and practice. 

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Similar Situation

This meme was shared on social media, and it reminded me about something from childhood.


For the record, one platform of social media has a whole section dedicated to "insane parents." My mom had all of them beat.  That will be important to know here. 

When this happened, I was about 12. We were gathered around, all looking at something (I forgot what). My mom shifted position, I was bumped, and I fell backwards. I landed on the edge of a milk crate that was being used to hold homeschool books. 

The crate looked like this:





When I landed on it, I yelled out in pain.  My mom fussed at me for being so "dramatic." I ran around a bit in a haze of pain, clenching my injured left buttock with my hand.  When I pulled my hand away, there was blood. A fair amount of blood.

I showed my mom, and she examined the wound and called my dad to come home to take me to the hospital. 

Side note: my dad's place of employment was very close to the hospital in downtown Chattanooga. He had to drive all of the way home, just to get me and drive all of the way back to the hospital.  Why she couldn't take me, I still do not know. 

I eventually got to the hospital and received a number of stitches to close the wound.  I healed just fine, thankfully. This event was what the meme reminded me of. 


Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Nine Reasons Not To Date A Single Mom


Normally, just one reason should suffice, so pick from the nine reasons below why you should not date a single mom. This article inspired by an article online that tries to make the opposite points - why one should date a single mom. Of note, this author observes that among the thousands of single moms encountered, only one was a single mom due to husband's death (in the military - and he is thanked for  his service). The rest of the single moms encountered were so by their own design.

The nine points and this blog's counter-points:

1. Weak men can’t handle us or our kids
(Notice the shaming tactic and the psychological projection) The complaint is centered around a hypothetical toddler having an outburst and a man "unable to handle it." The reality so often is a 10-year-old having the same type of an outburst and the man she wishes to trap date is unwilling to tolerate it. 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They refuse to parent their children. 


2. We don’t need to be saved
This point has more shaming and psychological projection - and yes, that will be a running theme in this article. The single mom is jealous that a good man (who doesn't want them) can be man of the household and she cannot. 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They think they can be the dad. This means she does not know natural male and female roles, and that is a big disqualifying red flag. 


3. Games, Games, Games
This point has more shaming and psychological projection. These single moms get played easily by 
"players." Also, they are playing a game themselves (and it actually is with their kids) - they are trying to play the game of trapping the man in marriage or other financial obligation (child support). 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They have already made their mistake and many are trying to make the next guy pay for it.


4. We can’t be swept off our feet
More hate for players here. Because they fall for it and they know it. The point goes on to say that single moms want someone to "be real with them." And this is true - because so many single moms have ulterior motives. 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They know they are not worth much effort. 


5. Our kids will always come first
The first point that is not an outright lie. Well, except it is a lie. The children will come before the man she dates - and that is the honest part. But she will put herself ahead of the children - and that;s the part that makes the statement a lie. 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They want you to pay for everything and do everything, and all without anything worthwhile in return. 


6. We aren’t looking for a daddy
Except that is exactly what they want. The psychological projection here is that she herself doesn't want to have to be the mom (be responsible). 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They don't want to bring anything to the deal, and will expect and demand you do everything. 


7. Our tolerance for bullshit is extinct
This is only a slight rewording of the actual truth. They want quality men, but quality men have discernment and see through the single mom's BS, and leave because of it. The single mom's tolerance for men who cannot provide is extinct. And that is the only kind of man they can attract. 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They want you to tolerate everything. 


8. We don’t put out
Except, they do. And there is proof. They didn't become a mom via immaculate conception. If they really do not put out for you, then they are telling you up front they will never meet your sexual needs, and will still drain you of your resources. 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They will take it all and/or not give anything at all.


9. Last but not least. Our children are NOT baggage
Except, the children are baggage. Very few species have examples where surrogate fathers raise young that are not their own. 
Counter Point - Don't date single moms. They will never accept your role as leader. 


Tuesday, August 11, 2020

A Decade Later

Not too long ago, I was having a conversation with an Appleseed Red Hat Instructor. The subject matter of that conversation made me think. I was reminded of that conversation more recently, when I was speaking with a student from one of my recent rifle classes.

The Appleseed instructor mentioned that they are the first training class for so many people. The conversation with my student emphasize the fact that this was the student's first training class, as well. Additionally,  The Appleseed instructor with whom I recently spoke had a total of 40 live-fire classes under his belt, 13 of those as an assistant. My most recent class was my 61st as primary instructor.

If you read many of my old entries on this blog, you will see that I was critical of Appleseed at the time. Those criticisms still stand, however, they were meant as constructive criticism then, and that still stands today. Appleseed has changed a little bit, as well they should. However, my opinion is that they probably should not change much more.

While my criticisms were accurate, the spirit in which they were delivered needed adjustment. Looking back as a more seasoned instructor now, I see this so many people who attend an Appleseed are attending their first training class. In my last class, more than half of the students were participating in their first-ever training class. The difference between what my students got, and what Appleseed offers, is that my method is more direct to getting them to the point. I do not get hung up in the antiquated practice of sling shooting.

The arguments in which I participated online, were most likely with people who have never had any other form of training. I did not adequately explain that I came from a position of additional training, as well. These days, I can point that out. However, because I can point out that I have additional training and teaching under my belt, I stick to just broad generalizations - and most of these are positive.

I'm always amazed at how much time and experience will mellow a fellow.


Monday, August 10, 2020

It's Not The Politicians

A man was arrested in Nashville for not wearing a mask. Screen shots to preserve the report in case something else is claimed later. 

The officers enforcing this order need to be fired immediately and permanently banned from ever working in law enforcement again.


Friday, August 7, 2020

Excuses Not To Shoot

Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch explains why not to shoot. 

Here are some additions this author would add:


1. I don't have time. 
It is all about priorities. A person will make time for the things he thinks are important. So, a more honest statement would be: "I do not think this is a top priority."

2. Money (I don't have enough to train)
Again, this is a priority. What is funny is seeing people who vape or smoke, drink heavily on most weekends, then "don't have the money." Once, this author even saw that excuse, then the same person went to the beach the following weekend. 

3. Weather
If only all self defense situations were in perfect environments. Also, some of the best reviews come from classes held in the worst weather.

4. Safe Princesses
Why have a gun if you cannot shoot it? And if you collect some guns, why not pick up a few to train with? The good training guns are usually cheaper than collector guns. 

5. I already know how to shoot. 
If you say this, then you really don't know how to shoot. The true masters are always practicing, and they train regularly. Plus, tactics and techniques change with time. Improvements are made. And what's to say that the way you learned was correct? 

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Optic Recommendation

In the past, this blog has made recommendations on optics for your AR15 rifle. Specifically, the red dot, the Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO), and the low power fixed optics have been suggested for use on your rifle. 

Moving forward, the suggestion for a low power fixed optic will be removed. 

If you already have a low power fixed optic, train with it. In addition to marksmanship, work really hard on the up close material. Get used to using the Bindon Aiming Concept. Work hard on the up close - you will be at a disadvantage here, so over come it. 

And that is reason #1 why the low power fixed is no longer on the suggestions list - most people will not train on it nearly enough to fight with it at urban distances. 

Reason number 2 - the low power fixed optic does nothing that the LPVO cannot do. In many cases, the LPVO can have higher magnification. And the LPVO is vastly superior up close. 

So here are the suggestions:

1. RED DOT
You may want a flip to the side magnifier for this. 
Zero at 50/200. 
Learn your hold overs and unders. 
Keep the magnifier flipped to the side so you can engage up close immediately. 
Train to engage the magnifier with a long range target of opportunity. 

2. LOW POWER VARIABLE OPTIC (LPVO)
Zero at highest magnification per the instruction manual. 
Keep it on 1x. 
Learn to swing it over to max magnification to engage at longer range on targets of opportunity. 
Reset it to 1x after shooting. 

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Why You Need Training

The following three phrases were spoken to this author recently:

"My son needs the basic pistol training, but I probably don't."

"Some instructors get anal about pointing the gun at someone. I tell you this: if you're in a gun fight, you're gonna point the gun at everybody. Your buddy, your enemy, your wife; everybody."

"I'm telling you, you can't hit a target with a pistol past about 10 yards."


Some observations:
This guy needs training desperately.
Pointing a gun at something (or someone) you don't want to destroy is NOT EVER ok.
Every student at every pistol class I've taught has hit a target at 25 yards with a handgun.



Tuesday, August 4, 2020

By The Numbers

Saturday, July 25, 2020. 
Class: American Rifleman

25 paid participants. 22 came to class. 
1 audited the class (heat concerns with health).

Of the 22 participants: 5 ladies, 1 youth (age 10, male), 7 prior military (1 combat role - Army Cav Scout), 15 first rifle class, 15 first training class.

Drills performed - marksmanship, zero the rifle, steel at 100 / 200 / 300 yards, Fundamental Marksmanship Evaluation.

The Fundamental Marksmanship Evaluation is 10 shots on two 300 yard simulated targets (actual distance this day was 50 yards) performed in 90 seconds or less. "Expert Rifleman" is awarded for 9 or 10 hits. There is a mag change after 5 shots.  Given the distance and time, this evaluation is more difficult than the US Army marksmanship qualification.

Note: the US Army reports an average of 27% of soldiers qualify as "Expert Rifleman." Their Marksmanship training is 2 weeks in length. 
This class is a single day. 

15 of the 22 participants scored "Expert." The class shot for score twice, and the lower score was discarded.  As a matter of fact, two of the Expert Rifleman scores were repeats - both had earned the designation previously. 

Therefore, 13/20 participants scored Expert on their first try.  That is 65%.

Lifetime, over 50% of participants have scored Expert Rifleman in this class.  Over 100 patches have been awarded for the achievement.



Monday, August 3, 2020

What is the Real Effect

There is much ado about nothing these days. The much ado is named Covid-19. The nothing is the effect it has had on people. The real deleterious effect has been the reaction of the governing officials, and impossibly fearful people in the populace.

This author not only contracted Covid-19, but survived it quite easily. Treatment consisted of normal "home remedy" treatments for the common cold, which is a strain of corona virus. It was, for all intents and purposes, a "spicy cold" - this term being used by the author's 15 year old son and his friends. Symptoms were slightly more severe than a common cold, but not as severe as the flu. Five weeks after the fact, the author was tested for antibodies and the test was positive.

So, for people under age 60, we know that Covid-19 is not as deadly as the typical flu. For people over age 60 and with comorbidity factors, it can be as deadly as some more severe flu strains.

In Tennessee, there were at least 2100 flu deaths last year at the start of the flu season. There have been just over 1000 Covid-19 deaths in the entire year of 2020 as of this writing, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

This begs the question - how deadly is Covid-19?

In order to answer the question, we must compare to deaths in prior years. And since many people get bogged down with numbers, and since many deaths due to Covid-19 have been over stated, let's look at how many more people have died than in previous years.

Dr. Damon Petty did just that in this presentation. And, he did not skew the data away from deaths due to Covid-19; instead, he skewed the data in favor of Covid-19 by adding influenza and pneumonia numbers with it. The results?

Given that "excess deaths will mean deaths over and above prior death rates. All influenza and pneumonia excess deaths in the US combine to be the 6th - behind Altzheimer's, hypertensive disease, Ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease. There were fewer than 3000 excess deaths in the entire US since February 1 due to influenza and pneumonia.





In Tennessee, only 35 excess deaths in 2020 due to all influenza and pneumonia cases combined.

This is not worth a shutdown of our economy, nor mandates of wearing ineffective facial coverings.

Friday, July 31, 2020

Use Of Hydroxychloroquine

It has been well-established, and this blog has been a reminder, that one must not only pay attention to what is said, but also pay attention to what is not said.

THE BAN
This week, the FDA revoked use of hydroxycholroquine as a treatment for certain (emphasis mine) Covid-19 patients. Among the reasons given in the article, "Additionally, in light of ongoing serious cardiac adverse events and other potential serious side effects, the known and potential benefits of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine no longer outweigh the known and potential risks for the authorized use."

The WHO cited the reason as "The Solidarity Trial's hydroxychloroquine arm is being stopped, on the basis of evidence showing it does not reduce mortality for hospitalised #COVID19 patients." (quoted Tweet)

And there is also this Tweet from the WHO: "Aside from #COVID19, hydroxychloroquine is still regarded as a generally safe drug for patients with autoimmune diseases or #malaria. It helps many people with difficult and chronic conditions live better lives."


THE QUESTION
WHY is it "associated" with cardiac adverse events for hospitalized Covid-19 patients facing mortality (death), BUT "generally safe" for patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria???

Answer: Read what is said. Also read what is not said.

The article by the FDA did not infer causation - merely association. In science, one must eliminate all variables except the one being tested, and FDA cannot do that in this instance. Why? Because we already know there are certain comorbidities that increase the likelihood of fatality: cancer, heart conditions (heart disease, heart failure, COPD, etc.), Type 2 diabetes, morbid obesity, kidney disease, and immunocompromised states (organ transplants, sickle cell, etc.).

In summary, people hospitalized with comorbidity factor(s) - and therefore at higher risk of dying due to Covid-19 or the comorbidity or comorbidities, or the combination thereof - do not often get saved by use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

Maybe the use of HCQ is not the cause of the cardiac adverse events. Maybe these comorbidities are the cause of the cardiac events.


THE REAL USE
From another Tweet by the WHO: "This evidence does not apply to the use of hydroxychloroquine for preventing #COVID19 infections or treating non-hospitalized patients, two areas where we still need more evidence on the drug's effectiveness against the #coronavirus."

This statement lines up with the other statement by the WHO, indicating HCQ is "generally safe" for people who need treatment for malaria and autoimmune diseases.


SUMMARY
HCQ is not a miracle drug. Some people are in such a dire state that it cannot help them.
Nevertheless, it is still useful in treatment.
This author would speculate that use of HCQ should continue to be indicated, as the FDA also failed to determine any increase in fatalities due to its use and not due to a comorbidity. If this author was on "death's doorstep" he would certainly want it to be used.

For the record, the author of this post has contracted and survived COVID-19, as evidenced by a positive antibody test. The treatment consisted of everything one normally hears for treating a cold. The symptoms were not as severe as the media claims. The whole thing was over in just a few days. His opinion on Covid-19: "Spicy cold - not as bad as the flu."

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Changing Their Tune - But Why?

It is a known fact that one must not only listen to what is said, but also to what is not said. Fact-finding depends on doing both well.

Earlier this year, an article came out stating that the wearing of masks does not offer protection from infection. From the article:
"We know that wearing a mask outside health care facilities offers little, if any, protection from infection. Public health authorities define a significant exposure to Covid-19 as face-to-face contact within 6 feet with a patient with symptomatic Covid-19 that is sustained for at least a few minutes (and some say more than 10 minutes or even 30 minutes). The chance of catching Covid-19 from a passing interaction in a public space is therefore minimal. In many cases, the desire for widespread masking is a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic."

Just recently, the three doctors tried to put a spin on their statements:
"TO THE EDITOR:

We understand that some people are citing our Perspective article (published on April 1 at NEJM.org)1 as support for discrediting widespread masking. In truth, the intent of our article was to push for more masking, not less. It is apparent that many people with SARS-CoV-2 infection are asymptomatic or presymptomatic yet highly contagious and that these people account for a substantial fraction of all transmissions. Universal masking helps to prevent such people from spreading virus-laden secretions, whether they recognize that they are infected or not."

Let's break this down.
From the first article:
"The extent of marginal benefit of universal masking over and above these foundational measures is debatable."

"There may be additional benefits to broad masking policies that extend beyond their technical contribution to reducing pathogen transmission. Masks are visible reminders of an otherwise invisible yet widely prevalent pathogen and may remind people of the importance of social distancing and other infection-control measures."

"It is also clear that masks serve symbolic roles. Masks are not only tools, they are also talismans that may help increase health care workers’ perceived sense of safety, well-being, and trust in their hospitals. Although such reactions may not be strictly logical, we are all subject to fear and anxiety, especially during times of crisis. One might argue that fear and anxiety are better countered with data and education than with a marginally beneficial mask, particularly in light of the worldwide mask shortage, but it is difficult to get clinicians to hear this message in the heat of the current crisis. Expanded masking protocols’ greatest contribution may be to reduce the transmission of anxiety, over and above whatever role they may play in reducing transmission of Covid-19. The potential value of universal masking in giving health care workers the confidence to absorb and implement the more foundational infection-prevention practices described above may be its greatest contribution."

Based on these statements. 
Based on the fact that the only studies cited in the second article were all performed in clinical environments (which is directly in contrast to the gist of the first article). 
Based on growing evidence that many doctors and nurses are being threatened with their licenses or being fired if they do not propagate The Narrative ©
Based on what was not said - namely, the Doctors who "recanted" did not mention in the second article the fact that they advocated for more mask use for the simple purpose of "symbolic roles" in the first article. 

That last part is the most damning. 

I think they were right in their initial assessment. I think they are trying to "recant" so as to maintain their jobs or licensing. And I think the entire second article is bunk, and they don't believe it - because it contradicts the first article. A true scientist would say something along the lines of "when this article was written, it drew certain conclusions based on evidence available at the time. Now, with the introduction of new evidence, the former conclusion must be revisited." 

It's almost as if I have written scientific articles, quoting reviewed source articles. (I have)
And it's almost as if I have a degree in science and experience seeing these things. (I have)

Friday, July 10, 2020

Counter Evidence

#Scamdemic
#Plannedemic
#KungFlu

Since one side of this debate insists that masks be mandated, and they say there is no science behind the contrary, here are some links.

The death count is inflated. Crowder sources his work, as usual. The Cases count is also inflated.

Masks don't work. Seriously, they don't... and if they did, you wouldn't need mandates to make people wear them.

Bloomberg even admits many deaths attributed to COVID-19 without being tested at all.

There are many, many more. But people are stiff-necked and won't even accept these, much less the others. No reason to do extra work for no extra reward.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Mandated Masks



If wearing a mask were so essential, then it would not need to be mandated.

If you presume to think it needs to be mandated, then you are presuming that you are more intelligent than one who refuses to wear one, and there is simply no evidence to support that assumption.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Don't Tread On My Thin Blue Line

Often, you will see someone display one of these two flags.  The Gadsden Flag ("don't tread on me") and the "Thin Blue Line" flag.  From time to time, you may see someone who displays both flags. 

That is just laughable - these two sentiments are diametrically opposed opposites. 

Don't tread on me, at its core, is a thought of individual freedom. The thin blue line is a thought of support of American Police.  There is nothing more the antithesis of personal freedom than the police. 

Folks who fly don't tread on me flags often mean that they are gun owners and they will not relinquish their firearms to government overreach.  Whom do they think will be performing the overreaching actions? Politicians will not be trying to pick up the guns - they will send the police. 

Although police are not outright seizing firearms at this time, it doesn't mean they aren't infringing rights.  Think about it - how often does a citizen come out ahead of an interaction with a police officer? At best, one can come out even.  Usually, one does not come out even. 

Indeed, usually a citizen comes away from a police encounter lighter in the wallet, or in handcuffs.  Doesn't sound like freedom to me. 

So, stop flying these things together.  They are opposites, you nitwit!


Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Not Going To Do IT

On social media, this post was to be found:

It is with a heavy heart I make this plea for help from my fellow (Patriots). As you may be aware the communists have been in Nashville burning down buildings and on the 4th the American legion was set afire by arsons. They have been in Johnson City beating up WHITE PEOPLE and passing out money to the communities encouraging them to buy guns and ammo for assaulting WHITE PEOPLE. After some tried to purchase firearms at a local pawn shop and were denied, they stood outside and harassed the shop owner for 8 hours trying to push their way in. When he pushed them back out they filed assault charges.
The communists target is historic Rogersville Tennessee this Saturday. Your fellow Tennesseans are asking for your help to protect the history and the residents. I will attempt to meet with the NEW BLACK PANTHER leaders and see if I can put out this fire on Saturday before they rage but I need security and bodies. I fear this won’t go well based on what we’ve been seeing. My best friend in East Tennessee and I both are looking for armor or gear that anyone can spare. I can’t let her go in alone or unprepared. Chest plates and carriers, head gear any defense gear we can borrow to protect ourselves with. There are other 3%, Militia, Bikers and Patriots coming and we have a base camp ready to accommodate campers from outta town not far from Rogersville.
I am also trying to make contact in advance with Homeland Security and Counter Terrorist agencies but so far no luck. Does anyone have a real contact with one of these agencies?


It is possible that the threat is real, I will not argue that point. 

But if you think I'm going to Rogersville, TN this weekend, you are sorely mistaken. And there are several good reasons why:

1. Arming up and going toward the possible violence is actually in violation of the law (for a civilian) - as well it should be. Even if it was not illegal...

2. The police will only arrest the good folks, not the violent rioters. We have seen this before. If you think the police are your ally, then you must be a violent rioter, or you are delusional. Even in this passage it tells of police arresting the shopkeeper, not those that were damaging the shop and assaulting him. 

3. I think it is a trap. Intentionally set. To either test the resolve and commitment of the patriots, or to "get them."



Also - the all-caps "beating up white people" is a turn off. I am very much for the advancement of the white race, but that does not promote me to action over the assault of any other race. If media gets wind of this, you know how they will paint it. 

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Judging From The Actions Of The Many

From the meme - "so why are they judging all cops for the actions of a few?"

Because it is not the action of a few.  It's most - and this is my strong attempt to be impartial and realistic.  The system is corrupt.  There is no going in and correcting it from the inside.   Comprehensive reform is needed now.  



Friday, June 19, 2020

The Traitor

Meghan McCain, in a since-deleted tweet, expressed that her dad is the only one that matters, and also that she is the only person who has ever lost a father.  

Since neither of these opinions are quite right, let's compare a less-famous dad - my Pops - to her infamous dad.  

My dad lived to see her dad croak.  That made his heart happy.  And mine. 

My dad never killed any of his fellow service members - via negligence discharge of missiles, or otherwise. 

My dad earned his rank in the Army... his father was not an Admiral who cleared the way. 

My dad was not #GlobalistScum .

My dad did not lose an election to the most beatable political candidate to ever be put forward by the Left. 

My dad did not vote with Obama more than half the time. 

My dad didn't stay anywhere long after his welcome was worn out. 

My dad actually raised his kids to be successful people without having to ride his coat tails.

My dad actually gave to his community.  He was not a taker. 

Happy Father's Day. 
I miss my dad very much, and I am so glad he wasn't John McCain, the traitor. 


Thursday, June 18, 2020

You Did That To Yourself

As this is written, several precincts of Police in Atlanta called in to work. They are upset because one of their former officers is charged with Murder and several other crimes.

A few days ago, a good friend suggested that myself and fellow patriots go and peaceably stand in front of police during protests for a show of solidarity. I politely declined. In my estimation, if police and antifa - two organizations that do not have my best interests in mind - want to kill each other, then that is a win-win situation.

This is not an anti-cop sentiment. It is an anti-bad cop sentiment. And they have brought it on themselves. And it applies to virtually every cop out there now. How?



If you have 1000 "good cops," and 10 bad cops; yet the 1000 do not arrest the 10, then you really have 1010 bad cops.

When you enforce unconstitutional laws, you are a bad cop.

When you falsify your report to the ADA, trying to make the youth seem older than they are - just so you can get an adult conviction and put another "feather in your cap," you are a bad cop.

When you cite or arrest churchgoers during the #Scamdemic but you don't lift a finger against rioters, you are a bad cop. And you are a sissy.

When you call CPS on a good hardworking family just to harass them further, you are a bad cop.

When you call in on your shift because your "brother" got arrested, you are a pussy and a bad cop.

When you enforce a corrupt system, you are, by default, corrupt.

When you put someone in jail for a victimless crime, you are a bad cop.

When you shoot someone's dog, and intentionally lie, saying you "feared for your life," you're a bad cop.

When you have any sort of "but" against the absolute right to keep and bear arms, you are a bad cop.

When you lie to get a confession or evidence, knowing that if the suspect lies it is a crime, then you are a bad cop and no better than a suspect who lies.

When you have to lie to conduct a majority of your interactions, you are a bad cop.

When you say you are not going to recommend charges to the ADA, and then you turn around and recommend charges; you are a liar, a worthless POS, and a bad cop.

When your police force has to constantly do "community events" to increase the public perception of your department, it means your department is full of bad cops.

When your profession has the highest incidence of spousal abuse among any demographic, and you don't remove those abusers, then you are a bad cop.



Now, if it truly were just the occasional "bad apple," then why are we inundated with stories like these? And, as the old saying goes, "one bad apple spoils the bunch." This bunch is spoiled. The system is corrupt. We need drastic reform... YESTERDAY!

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Defund The Police


This meme has been floating around.
Sadly, as with most Leftist "memes," it is nowhere near accurate.
The Left truly wants to completely eliminate police funding.
This is not good.

That said...

We need to:

  • REDUCE SUBSTANTIALLY all police funding. We are over-policed. 
  • Eliminate quotas - particularly for traffic offenses and other victimless crimes. 
  • Demilitarize the police. They don't need machine guns, and they sure as hell don't need MRAPs.
  • Put people addicted to drugs & controlled substances into rehab - not jail. 
  • Decriminalize victimless crimes. 


  • Abolish police unions - they only preserve the bad cops. 
  • Incentivize the arrest of bad cops. 
  • National blacklist for Bad Cops. 
  • Abolish paid leave while under investigation.
  • Abolish "no-knock" raids. 
  • Abolish qualified immunity. 
  • Make police have to pay for their defense when prosecuted. 
  • Mandatory insurance to be purchased by the individual officers. 
  • Have citizens advisory boards to review all shootings. 
  • All police to have body cams. Incident happens with body cam off = immediate termination. 


  • Ban choke holds - possible only exception certified BJJ Purple belt or above. 
  • Use of Force doctrine to be rewritten and only acceptable in dangerous felonious situations. 
  • Rewrite use of force on animals - no more shooting dogs. 
  • Ban stops without reasonable suspicion. 
  • Make it legal for citizens to fight back with like force when rights are being violated.



Wednesday, June 10, 2020

What Is The Value Of Training

From the Tactical Professor, What is the Value of Training?

My favorite part:
  1. You don’t know what you don’t know.
  2. Much of what you know is wrong.
  3. It’s good to have some of the answers to the test before taking it.
You really should read the entire article! 

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

The Insanity

These days, one will frequently see on social media claims that while COVID-19 survival rates are over 99% - the real issue is the long term and permanent side effects. 

Folks, if we have only known about this strain for six months, how on earth could we possibly know about long term and permanent side effects? Logic dictates we cannot. 

Also - the actual survival rate is 99.975%.



Thursday, May 14, 2020

The Gun Kobayashi Maru

This was too long to post on the Facebook page, and it also needed a blog post.

In Star Trek fiction, the Kobayashi Maru test was the  no-win scenario. This same no-win scenario most certainly exist in the gun culture. Specifically, when people ask the credentials of an instructor. The no-win scenario comes in because there is no way to make everyone happy with the instructor's credential.

If the instructor was a Navy SEAL, then the person asking will say they wanted an Army Ranger.
If the instructor was an Army Ranger, then the person asking will say they wanted a Navy SEAL.
If the instructors were a Navy SEAL and an Army Ranger, then the person asking will say they wanted Marine Force Recon.
If the instructor was former military, then the person asking will say they wanted former law enforcement.
If the person was former law enforcement, then the person asking will say they wanted former military.

There's no way to win.

Furthermore, even if the instructor matches what the questioner wants, they never buy.  That's right, they are not buyers. 

So why even answer the question?

To complicate things a bit more, even if you try to answer the question; if they don't like the answer, then they leave a phony negative review.  So, for the Facebook page, I simply delete the question and ban them.  They aren't prospective clients, and they aren't going to win over any clients.  Their sole possibility is to scare off potential clients without having ever having been to a class for a real evaluation. 

One more issue is that they didn't even click the link to the Facebook page, where the question is answered fully:
"All Patriot Training live fire classes are designed to the specifications of combat veterans and are taught by certified instructors."
If someone is not intelligent enough to do that, then they certainly aren't intelligent enough to trust around firearms for a day. 

That said, anyone respectfully requesting further information on instructors will be gladly and promptly answered.  And no, that answer cannot possibly satisfy everyone - and that's ok.


Wednesday, May 13, 2020

How To Find Buyers

Recently, I asked several military veteran friends how they thought I might attract more former combat military to my classes. They were very gracious in their responses. The one subject line that kept coming up was ego - on the part of combat vets. The questions still remained though - how to get past that ego. I asked five different men: and I got five different answers (not surprisingly). I did not expect going in that any of them would have the answer to the question. I did expect they would provide insight from different points of view. I was not wrong in my expectations.

For the sake of clarity - vets who did not serve in combat roles and are honest about that will be lumped into the same group as most civilians - they have minimal training, and they have almost identical buying habits to civilians when it comes to gun classes.  The purpose of these questions was to attract combat vets. Based on the responses I got, here are the discoveries made:

Not all civilians advertised to are potential customers. Same is true of combat vets.
How to separate potential clients from those who have no intention of buying is the key with both civilians and combat vets.

I have and have had a very good framework from which to work to determine who are the buyers in the civilian world, but up until recently, the framework of how to attract the combat vets has eluded me. Not any more!

Benefits
It all boils down to what I have to offer: superior marksmanship instruction, superior instruction overall, and a new take on their new roles in civilian life, which will necessitate a change in the circumstances that dictate the missions they might undertake now. Of course that will be a potential stumbling block to their ego - and it can also be a tremendous motivator, as I can challenge the skills of most shooters. 

Buyers
Also, it is essential to distinguish quickly between the buyers and those who have no intent to buy. And in that part, one thing becomes painfully obvious: there are two types when it comes to combat vets. And here, to describe that difference, I'm going to borrow from a line in the movie, Full Metal Jacket:
- The Crazy Brave
- The Phony Tough

The Crazy Brave are up for a challenge. They aren't afraid to fail in training. They don't have any problem learning something new. These are all attributes of successful teachers, as well.

The Phony Tough are afraid. Afraid of being shown up. Afraid of not being able to hit their target. Afraid of the "what-ifs." Afraid a civilian might know something they don't.

The phony tough are not buyers, the crazy brave are. Just that simple. Now, how do I weed out one from the other? That's the secret you must pay for.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Own It

Several years back, I was able to play witness to a small number of US Military Veterans really give a civilian a hard time about gun and tactical training that was being taught. The irony was that the civilian was actually teaching at the behest of most of these individuals just a few months prior. There had been some drama, and the vets couldn't seem to drop it.

This was what really changed my mind as to whom can instruct firearms and tactics classes. Hence, this blog post - which was written shortly after the drama, edited over time, and was way back in the day set to post on the last business day of April this year. Over the years, my perspective matured and refined. Of course, during that time, I took multiple classes myself - and that helped mold my current opinion, as well.

When I take a class and take notes, some of the notes are of what the instructor does well. Some of the notes are about relevant material. And some of the notes are about presentation of the material. When people ask me who the best instructor I've had was, I clarify if they are talking about best instructor as a teacher, or best material, or best presentation. Different people hold the distinctions for each of those categories. And only one of those distinctions belongs to a military person (and no, it is probably not the category you think).

Since the military does not have the corner on the market for shooting, let's dig a little deeper on this topic. Here are the facts:
The military does not have the corner on the market when it comes to shooting.
The military does not have the corner on the market when it comes to tactics.
The military does not have the corner on the market when it comes to team movement.
Law enforcement doesn't either.

And if you ask an infantryman or combat vet, and if he is being honest with himself, he will agree. Why? Because of METT-TC. Another thing they will chalk it up to is "mission dictates."

METT-TC is a mnemonic used by the military to help commanders remember and prioritize what to analyze during the planning phase of any operation. It stands for mission, enemy, terrain, troops available, time, and civilian considerations. In other words - situation dictates.

Because situation dictates, and because civilian situations are almost universally substantially different than military (or law enforcement), skills must be at an all-time high and tactics must differ substantially.

All military operations are looked at with an "acceptable loss" in mind. Depending on the operation, there may be an acceptable loss rate of 60% casualties in some situations. Many situations allow for 33% or higher casualty rate. In civilian operations, there are few scenarios where a single casualty is acceptable. The tactics MUST be different.


Because of all of these facts and factors, I would suggest that not only is it wise to seek gun and tactic instruction from current/former military and also from current/former law enforcement, you also NEED to seek instruction from civilian instructors. 

Monday, May 11, 2020

COVID Craziness

I keep seeing this meme about why you should wear masks.  It attempts to make a simile to why we wear pants and don't urinate on one another. 

As usual, the Left and the Globalists can't meme, and this shows. 





 Cloth masks do not work unless you combine with hand washing and social distancing. 

Since the vast majority of people will not adhere to these strict guidelines, cloth masks are virtually useless. 

A better simile would be that even though we all wear pants (hopefully), we can still all smell the other person's flatulence, as well as our own. 


Thursday, April 30, 2020

Thugs Will Be Thugs

On a social media post about the Wisconsin officers that arrested a dog groomer for failing to follow quarantine "orders," one actor posted the above meme and added the statement -
"Before you criticize these officer try to borrow their shoe and walk in it."


Reply of the day was sent by someone else -
"No thanks, I'm not fond of beating women, killing unarmed people, and ruining someone's life over a traffic ticket."


Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Good Instructors

One more entry on this topic.

Shooting Illustrated recently published an article to the exact same effect. Some of the interesting tidbits from that article:

- In addition to differences in personality and physical attributes, there is the difference in mission objective between the cop, the Soldier and the civilian. The police officer’s duty is to conduct investigations and enforce the law. Though, technically they may not have a duty to intercede, in practice they almost always do, keeping the peace, diffusing dangerous situations and arresting serious criminals even when that requires those criminals first be physically subdued.

Combat soldiers have an even more demanding mission: locate and engage the enemy, and kill, drive or take as prisoners as many as possible.

Both are in complete contrast to the “duty” of the armed citizen. While he or she may defend his or herself or intercede on behalf of the innocent if a crime is being committed in their presence, they can’t go out seeking “evil doers” to vanquish. They’re not Batman. Their job is avoidance and survival.



- The cop and the Soldier will also have a raft of legal protections when it’s all over. The armed citizen, though, will have to defend every decision they made and action they performed or deal with the liability.


- Having a wealth of knowledge about a subject isn’t enough. You have to possess the ability to effectively convey that knowledge to your audience.



These are almost the exact same points I made - just slightly different wording. I would suggest you read the whole article. 

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Police Are Not Typically Good Shooters

In reference to this post, there was a comment delivered that 90% of police can only shoot marginally well. A reader writes in and challenges that.

"I think that is a mistake. Every cop I know can shoot way better than your regular joe."

OK. I'll take this bait.

Let's work from the presumption that this is true, and the reader really believes it, and has no reason to mislead. Let's also work from the presumption that this is not hyperbole.

For the sake of clarity, let's use the old "1 - 10" scale. 1 is someone who has never handled a firearm, and 10 is Jerry Miculek. 90% of police would be a "3." While this is much better than the 1's and 2's out there, it is nowhere near what that sort of statement makes them out to be. Some of these police know this. Some do not.

With a sole exception, every firearms instructor I've taken a class from was at least a 7 on this scale within his/her discipline. So, even if pistol is not their thing, they are still in that "5" range - and that is many times better than the typical police officer. In a state the size of Tennessee, there may not be a handful of police / LEO that are a 5 or better in pistol shooting.

From the other side of the fence, I recently became NRA Pistol Instructor Certified (more on that later). Of 10 participants, only 3 of us shot well enough on the instructor shooting evaluation to pass on the first try. One more passed on their second try. Aside from myself, one of the other two who passed on the first try was a friend who has been to several of my classes.

Prior to that class, he had a low opinion of his shooting ability. Now, it is much improved. Honestly, with a pistol, he is a solid 6 or 7. And for the record, everyone in the room had substantial personal experience shooting. However, few had trained in classes prior.

Monday, April 27, 2020

Ms. Busybody

A series of messages sent through Eventbrite to my training school in regards to a medical class and a knife defense class:

This group called global vision is charging for this event and another one for which the Wilson county School board is free. I believe they should both be cancelled with refunds. Not an essential activity. Wilson county Police will be notified

This event is a non-essential one. It needs to be cancelled. This is a Hands-On activity which should not be held at this point in time. I will contact the Mount Juliet Police and government officials regarding this event.

I believe these events put on by global vision Church should be cancelled. Total disregard 4 the rules that aren't being implemented sometimes? It's poor judgement and the police should be notified.

Please cancel this class. Pandemic! Inappropriate. Local officials will be informed.

This class needs to be cancelled. HANDS ON activity not allowed during Pandemic! Totally inappropriate and the organization should be held responsible. Local officials will be informed.




My reply:
Ms. Busybody,

Thank you for reaching out to us.
With regards to your collective five emails from two different accounts concerning our events, you will be happy to know the following information.

Stop The Bleed went on without a hitch, and in complete compliance with Tennessee Executive Orders 17, 21, 22, 23, and 27 - particularly Addendum A, sections 2, 9, 20, 29, and 30. No police presence was to be had, and all voluntary participants maintained correct social distancing guidelines. I'm not sure why you don't want people to know how to stop catastrophic bleeding and potentially save lives. This is most certainly essential!

Way of the Blade is scheduled to be held on May 2 - two days after the Executive Orders expire. Again, for the sake of clarity, the reference is to Tennessee Executive Orders 17, 21, 22, 23, and 27. This order will expire at midnight, April 30, 2020. Had the order not expired, the event would still have been permissible under Addendum A, sections 20, 29, and 30; however, since the order will expire, the permissibility is irrelevant. Additionally, it is quite interesting that you presume to somehow know so much about the curriculum. Are you a martial arts expert? If so, we need to speak about your credentials and how you teach knife defenses. Regardless, it is also puzzling that you do not wish for people to know how to defend themselves from knife attacks. Again, this can potentially save lives!

As for references to Global Vision Bible Church putting on these events, nothing could be further from the truth. The church and Pastor Locke have been most kind to host some of our events - but they do not "put on" the events in any way, shape, or form. Aside from providing some space for the events, the church is not involved in these events.

Normally, I would invite a person making an inquiry to come attend a class. However, Patriot Training values liberty, and that would clearly be a point of contention. Therefore, please do not contact Patriot Training for any reason in the future. You have been fired as a prospective customer - you are not welcome at any of our events.

For future reference, if you feel the overwhelming need to report another person's Constitutionally guaranteed activity, please reference the enclosed picture. It has the correct phone number which will ensure that the appropriate authorities are notified.