I recently assistant-instructed a course for brand new, many first time, shooters. I did the same in the fall of last year. We do these classes with an instructor working with three or four students at a time. Such classes need a high instructor-to-student ratio. These were my first experiences working with complete novice practitioners... Continue Reading →
We have all heard the advice to “carry as much gun as you can,” or “carry the biggest gun you can,” and the like. There is obvious merit to this sentiment, as generally larger pistols are more capable and more shootable. However, there are variables and there is nuance. For example, most modern shooters can... Continue Reading →
Of Note: I wrote this article before war broke out, which now consists of heightened terror threat in the homeland. That rather illustrates my point concerning complacency, does it not? The homicide rate significantly fell in 2025. This is likely due to a combination of enhanced policy crackdowns with illegal immigration, as well as the... Continue Reading →
Years ago, I was convinced that any man who wore sweatpants, or draw-string shorts, or any garment other than pants with a proper belt, was deficient in defensive tools, as well as character. Yes, a rather critical opinion. I even said as much in an article I wrote for Concealed Nation back then, lambasting the... Continue Reading →
In my youth the defensive firearms community still lived in the shadow of WWII and the 1911, in which, according to lore, the 45 ACP cartridge, fired from the mighty 1911, killed German soldiers with aplomb, whereas the 9mm fired at American GIs from German Lugers all but bounced off. We also lived in the... Continue Reading →
For years, the cool kids all had WMLs on their carry pistols. Unless you had a Glock 19 with a Surefire light on it (and had sleeve tats) who were you to say anything about being tactical? Even now, many keep WMLs on their carry pistols, though I think many realize that it works as... Continue Reading →
Gone are the days where the only concern for the armed citizen was a crackhead in a dark ally with a switch blade. The J Frame proved ideal for such an adversary. While that threat certainly still exists, it is hardly all to be concerned with. We now live in the time of heightened, hyper-violence. ... Continue Reading →
Many experienced concealed carriers settle on a two-gun system: a primary carry gun that is more capable, ranging from micro 9mm autos up to full-size service pistols, as well as something smaller, favoring snub revolvers or the very tiny pocket pistols chambered in 380acp. I believe you need to have both options to stay armed... Continue Reading →
Like much in life, handgun size is a compromise. There are some people who do carry full-size service pistols, typified by the Glock 17 and the Smith and Wesson M&P. realistically, this is difficult for most people to do if they want to truly conceal the gun. The ubiquitous Glock 19 has been so well-received... Continue Reading →
I admit, I have not carried a gun on strong side while out in public in, literally, years. I find AIWB carry superior for a variety of reasons. And, I would say that a majority of squared-away guys now carry AIWB, the concealment and speed benefits begin obvious. So, carrying on the side of your... Continue Reading →
Reflex Handgun 