I put little stock in instructor certifications when it comes to firearms training. As in, zero. Thinking of all the people who I have trained with in the past, never once did I ask, care, or even wonder about, what certifications they have. Rather, I care very much how good they are at the craft,... Continue Reading →
AAR: First Responder Pistol with Hardwired Tactical
This past weekend I attended one of the best training experiences I have ever been privy too. John Murphy has hosted Hardwired Tactical for the two-day First Responder Pistol class for the past several years. I have long wanted to attend this course but it never worked out previously. So, I registered for it early... Continue Reading →
Reflex Handgun Shooting Standards
You might notice that there is a new “Standards” tab now on Reflex Handgun, so I will explain the reasoning for this: Over the past several years it has become common for well-known firearms instructors to have some form of tiered standards, the performance of which at the highest level in class usually earns a... Continue Reading →
Valuable Training or Screwing Around?
There is a whole lot of screwing around in the world of firearms training, and in the broader field of self-defense and fighting in general. How can we determine the difference between training and screwing around? Well, here is one way: Ask yourself, is what I am doing actually applicable to my life, or not? ... Continue Reading →
The Revolver – Enduring Love but Waning Expertise
The amount of revolvers sold each year pales in comparison to the amount of auto loaders sold, and this has been the case for decades. However, the revolver still remains a mainstay in concealed carry, especially the small-frame light weight variants as they prove ideal for certain roles. The reality is, the love for the... Continue Reading →
Three Top Drills for Your Pistol Skills
Recently I shot live ammo for the first time in three months, and that brings me to only about 1,000 rounds of live fire for the entire year. With pandemic shutdowns and other challenges, I have simply not frequented the range and I have access to a family private range only every several months. However,... Continue Reading →
Reflections on Six Months of Only Dry Fire
This is probably the longest single period of my adult life in which I have not fired a single round. It has been almost six months. Due to Covid, the shutting of ranges, and my own wish to avoid exposure in public places, I have not had the opportunity to shoot. Therefore, my only handgun... Continue Reading →
Training Advice for the Ammo Drought
Well, we are there again. For those of you who were shooters in 2013, you may recall the great run on guns, and the great ammo drought of 2013. The ammunition market did not come back strong for a couple of years. We are there again, perhaps worse. The reality is, if you can get... Continue Reading →
Self-Defense Training: Fantasy Band Camp versus Useful Endeavor
When it comes to self-defense training, there are many gimmicks out there, a lot of idiots with naive followers, and, of course, a lot of excellent teachers and thought leaders as well. Sifting through the entire mashup can be the foremost challenge for many just getting into preparedness and self-defense. However, even for those who... Continue Reading →
Physical Fitness at Home
Fitness is the foundation of physical health, longevity, fighting ability, and mental health as well. Now, during the Covid 19 lockdown, staying fit may be a challenge for many, yet maintaining an exercise program is more vital than ever. I certainly miss the gym, and I am not sure how soon I will be back... Continue Reading →