RECCE ROOM

 So you are going to take a gun class. You want some pro tips from someone who teaches gun classes and has attended many dozens of them. Here are some pro tips.  1. Read the course descriptions, requirements, and pre-requisites.  Read them twice.  Bring the items needed.  Bring your glasses / contacts.  Bring water, food, etc.  Bring sunscreen, bug spray, etc.  Bring spares, if you have them.  Bring more ammo and more magazines than the course description states.  Bring cleaning materials for your gun(s) Bring lubricant! 2. Get good rest the night before.  Don't drink that night before.  Don't take drugs the night before.  Eat well, but not too much.  3. Drink water during the class.  A gallon per day is usually about enough.  4. Take notes.  You have spent $500 to hear what they have to say, write it down! 5. Stick to the course material. Don't talk about what you think you know or who else you've trai...

This question was posed recently:  "Why would a martial artist need an AR15?" Answer: You're right. A marital Artist doesn't "need" an AR15.  A martial artist can magically defeat any attacker - regardless of size or gender.  A martial artist can defeat multiple attackers.  A martial artist can defend a friend or family member from a distance.  A martial artist can single-handedly thwart a tyrannical government.  That black belt is a magic talisman. It causes things to happen that cannot happen otherwise. It imbues a person with mystical powers.  More realistically - this is all satire and the above is laced with sarcasm. You decide. 

I received a text several days ago stating my Regions bank account had been compromised, and that they had locked the account after multiple failed login attempts.  The text went on to say that in order to reset my login, I needed to follow the link they sent.  I don't have a Regions bank account.  The only question was whether to sent a witty reply. Eventually, I decided against that. But had some in store - "Did you get both nickels, or just one?" "Link doesn't work. Try this." (And send a link to my website so they can buy a gun class.) "NO! You were supposed to send this to John! I'm the one helping you scam him!"

Not one person regrets not getting the "vaxx." Of course, the #LibNuts would say, "the ones who *would* regret it are dead." To which, the logical counter is that the ones who died, would regret not having access to proper treatment early.  Like IVM and HCQ.

From a reader: " Great stuff this week. What do you suggest for a rifle these days?" AR15 platform... hands down.  Free-floated barrel.  16" / 18" / 20" barrel.  Backup sights Sling - Vickers style or Magpul MS1, or similar.  55 grain ammo - all of the same make and model.  10 Magpul PMAGs.  Red dot or Low Power Variable Optic. The LPVO should be a 1-4x, 1-6x, 1-8x, or similar.  Keep it dialed to "1." Get some good training with the rifle - marksmanship as well as tactical.  Get some good training with the handgun, as well.  Get some medical training and carry medical equipment. 

From a reader: "I enjoyed this article . Thank you for the suggestions. What would you suggest for EDC (every day carry)?" GLOCK 19 Sig P320  Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Each of these is 15+1. Each of these is well proven, very reliable, and more accurate than most shooters. This author has one of each and does not hesitate to take a class with them, or loan them to students in classes. They simply work.  Also, for those that want a smaller gun: GLOCK 43 Sig P365  Smith & Wesson Shield.  Avoid: Avoid .380 and "mouse gun" calibers (.22LR, .25 ACP, .32 ACP).  Avoid the S&W "Shield E-Z" - it is NOT "EZ."  Avoid 1911 models for self defense carry. Avoid arming women with revolvers - they are neither more reliable, nor easier to shoot. Avoid falling into the 9mm vs .40 vs .45 debate. They are all pistol calibers. 

From a reader:  "I saw a video recently from a training company that likes RATS tourniquets. At your classes, the medical instructor recommends the CAT tourniquet or the SAM-XT. How do you come to that conclusion? Or do you disagree with your medical instructor?" The Patriot Training head medical instructor works for one of the largest EMS departments in the southeast. As of this writing, he used just shy of 10 tourniquets just last week to save lives. He has taught Stop the Bleed on many occasions, and several of those students have gone on to save lives with those skills. He has been in EMS for a decade. Even if I disagreed with him (and I don't), I would not have a leg to stand on.  Understand first that there are no solutions in life - only trade offs.  Patriot Training only recommends CoTCCC recommended  tourniquets. The RATS tourniquet is not CoTCCC recommended.  In practice, self-aid with a RATS TQ is nigh impossible for many women, most children, ...

This past Friday, September 2, the Tactical Response YouTube channel had a video wherein it was announced that firearms training icon James Yeager had passed away from ALS. In the video, James' daughter and friends pointed out that James' wish was not that people would make sad posts, but rather, tell funny and happy stories. So here is my story, and later, some thoughts on some of what has been posted online.  January of 2016, the training coordinator and leader of Middle Tennessee 3%ers contacted me and asked if I could teach a marksmanship class to the group three months later in April 2016. I agreed and immediately started putting together a curriculum. Partway through, I started having doubts. I was, in my mind, a "lowly civilian," and not worthy to teach guns because I never served in the military. But I saw a YouTube video by James Yeager detailing how his critics said that about him. He read off his resume. Impressive. He told the haters they could go "F...