In the 21st Century, the prepared citizen carries emergency medical gear: in particular, gear to stop traumatic bleeding. A trauma kit is quite similar in role to a handgun: if you actually need it, then nothing else will do. If you are switched on enough to carry a firearm you need to be carrying a... Continue Reading →
While the lever action rifle has been an icon of American grit for the past 150 years, there seems to be an escalation in interest in this old design of late. I have also noticed an increase in interest in the bolt-action scout rifle concept in the past few years as well. Why are we... Continue Reading →
If you carry a gun you need to use a dedicated gun belt. A lot of people spend a lot of time trying to make due with a regular belt, only to finally buy a real gun belt, then realize how poor their life choices have been. A purpose-built gun belt is made to be... Continue Reading →
Force-on-force training is one of the most beneficial activities you can partake in if you are serious about self-defense. While taking good shooting classes and routinely practicing at the range is important, I always encourage concealed carriers to do at least a little bit of competitive shooting, and to take at least some force-on-force training. ... Continue Reading →
Having written well over two hundred articles in the past two years for this blog and elsewhere I looked back through this catalog recently in an effort to deduce what I consider “the best,” or at least what I would rank as my better contributions to the knowledge base of self-defense, firearms, and Second Amendment... Continue Reading →
One of the best books I have ever read on human conflict is Facing Violence: Preparing for the Unexpected by Rory Miller. I read this quite some years ago, actually, though this is the first time I am reviewing it. Rory Miller, a very experienced ex-corrections officer, offers an excellent overview of human predator types,... Continue Reading →
Tiger Tiger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry? …. Did he who made the Lamb make thee? -William Blake Human beings encompass much of nature’s behavior and certain individuals are far more lamb than tiger, and vice versa. I am of the... Continue Reading →
After now carrying this exact ASP Key Defender unit for over two years, I have some further thoughts on it and pepper spray in general. As you can see, this unit now has some city miles on it. Being attached to my keys, it takes constant abuse. It has been dropped numerous times on pavement. ... Continue Reading →
Several years ago I read Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life. The authors detail the Combat Hunter program approach to identifying threats in the environment. The idea behind the term “left of bang” is that this material focuses on what happens before the “bang.” The desired result... Continue Reading →
After spending some more time with the Marlin 1894c I have concluded that it is my favorite do-it-all long gun. It is the gun that I will put in the trunk for a road trip, a camping trip, or a weekend at a cabin on the lake. I am an AR lover at heart and... Continue Reading →
Reflex Handgun 