RECCE ROOM

Had a conversation with a friend recently. This person is a firearms instructor, current LEO, and former military - and yes, all of these things are important. He had created a YouTube video in which he articulated his opinions on what kind of weapons should and should not be banned from civilian ownership. He drew the line at weapons that required more than one person to operate - crew served weapons, missiles, nukes, etc. He asked my opinion.  This is where the fun begins.  I complimented his video. Good videography, B-roll footage, presentation, music, sound, etc. Of course, I disagreed with his imaginary cutoff, but I'm a big boy and am fine with that. He asked why and that's when it became more interesting. As to why, let me give you my main two points: The 2nd Amendment is a restriction on Government, not people. We have a God-given right to any means to defend ourselves. He drew a line at "when that weapon could be used to enact tyranny." (his words, not mine) ...

In April, I ventured for a third time to Tactical Response. The purpose of this trip was to take Sniper Basics. Unlike Fighting Pistol, the class had no handout, so I shall follow the instructions from Fighting Pistol on making a review. Who - Who attended? I attended, no friends with me this time. There were four other shooters. Who taught? Instructors were Jay and Louis. Who could take this and benefit from it? Someone who has dabbled with marksmanship and owns a precision rifle. Who did I like and who did I want to punch? I liked all of the instructors and participants. Of note on this topic - the rear tire of my car went flat on Day 2 - while I was in class. Louis, the instructor, patched the tire for me. I dare you to get this at any other firearms school.  What - What class? Sniper Basics What did I do? All of the drills as guided by the instructors. What did I learn that I expected? Marksmanship and holdovers and wind holds. What did I see? A very well thought out curriculu...

In March, I again went to Tactical Response. This time, the purpose was to take Fighting Rifle. Unlike Fighting Pistol, the class had no handout, so I shall follow the instructions from Fighting Pistol on making a review. Who - Who attended? I attended, along with my friend, "Butler." Who taught? Instructors were Bryan and Jay. Who could take this and benefit from it? Most people. Have a little experience with your rifle, first.  Who did I like and who did I want to punch? I liked all of the instructors and participants.  One non-participant observer was just a tad annoying, and only a couple of times. Jay shut him down before he could make too much of an idiot of himself.  What - What class? Fighting Rifle What did I do? All of the drills as guided by the instructors. What did I learn that I expected? Virtually all aspects of fighting with a rifle in relatively close quarters. What did I see? A very well put-together syllabus executed for students of most skill levels. W...

Some time ago, at a church I previously attended, the decision was made to order medical gear for the safety / security team.  Before I could meet with the administrator who would actually do the ordering, someone on the team (whom I had not put on the team - read into that what you will) got to the administrator and made a list of items.  What we got was a disorganized mis-mash of items that had varying degrees of applicability.  Band aids, ointment, a strip or two of gauze, bug bite medicine, sutures, etc. Not one tourniquet. Not one hemostatic or wound packing gauze.  Not one proper pressure dressing. Not one chest seal.  I worked with the administrator on what items to keep for a good first aid kit, what items to return, and what items to order for proper emergency trauma bags.  When the items came and I put together the bags, the Safety Team memeber whom I had not selected complained that the suture kit was not there.  I explained that the circ...