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Box Drills: Working the Square Range

Most of us have limited time and resources for training, but going to the range and firing at a man-sized target that is squared to us accomplishes little beyond basic skills. We need relatively challenging drills that polish our skills in a meaningful way. A combination of two hand, one hand, weak hand, and fast shooting at typical combat ranges is needed. If you are up for the challenge, box drills can be your next step to upgrading your combat shooting skills. [Read more…] about Box Drills: Working the Square Range

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Ammunition Testing: Taking Up The Task

A few years ago, a friend at a facility I worked with was given the task of working up a test protocol for bulletproof vests. His combination of skills was well suited to the job. However, on a personal level, his passionate excitement, combined with painstaking scientific method, proved to be a winning combination. His assignment coincided with the failures of several vests in police service, and he was determined to produce the best ammunition possible. [Read more…] about Ammunition Testing: Taking Up The Task

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Lasers: The Crimson Trace Advantage

The primary requisite to hitting the target is being able to identify the target, acquire the target with the sights, and hit the target after getting a good sight picture and properly pressing the trigger. It is simple, but it isn’t easy. Crimson Trace Lasergrips go a long way toward closing the accuracy gap. [Read more…] about Lasers: The Crimson Trace Advantage

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Hits Count — Stabilize Your Rifle

When it comes to rifle shooting, fast hits are what counts in hunting and personal defense scenarios. When sighting in the rifle from the benchrest, we have all of the time in the world. Recently, I sighted my personal M1A1 with Leatherwood scope in from the rest and enjoyed 1 MOA groups with Federal MSR Fusion ammunition. However, I cannot expect a fraction of this accuracy when firing off hand at the 100-yard line, because you do not have the same opportunity to stabilize your rifle—or do you? [Read more…] about Hits Count — Stabilize Your Rifle

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Caring For Leather Holsters

More than 20 years ago, my first book was published. Thirteen books later, Holsters for Concealed Carry and Combat is dated. Some of the makers mentioned in the book are retired or deceased, including the late great Lou Alessi. However, there are interesting new makers with real talent. Regardless the maker, leather holsters need care. [Read more…] about Caring For Leather Holsters

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The Importance of One-Hand Shooting Training

It is interesting how handgun training has so many variables. As an example, most modern shooters regard two-hand fire as the default skill, so they practice two-hand fire less. In the past it was one-hand fire, and two-hand fire was used only at extreme range. There is no question that two-hand fire is the most accurate, but one-hand fire is the faster. The balance of speed and accuracy must be maintained. One-hand shooting will be used at short range and when speed is needed but accuracy cannot be sacrificed. Two-hand fire is used at the range at which you need more accuracy. [Read more…] about The Importance of One-Hand Shooting Training

Review: Regent R100 an Affordable GI 1911

Despite the popularity of the modern, custom-grade, factory 1911 handgun with good sights, a crisp trigger, and good features, the GI-type .45 remains popular. GI-type 1911 handguns are simple handguns with small sights modest sight controls and fitting that is looser than most modern 1911 handguns. After all, the original design is famous for working reliably even when invaded by mud and sand, The Regent R100 is no exception. [Read more…] about Review: Regent R100 an Affordable GI 1911

Cocked and Locked: Reality Therapy

On my first night as a peace officer, the training officer I was assigned to asked, if I was prepared for a war. I was carrying a cocked and locked, hammer to the rear, safety on, Colt Combat Commander .45 in a Safariland holster. Two spare magazines were on the left front. I may have been a little ahead of the times. [Read more…] about Cocked and Locked: Reality Therapy

Range Review: SIG P365 — The Smashing Little 9mm

I don’t mind carrying a small handgun that is efficient for its size. Some handguns are a wonder of downsizing. However, small 9mm handguns have a set of problems that isn’t easily addressed. This includes lower magazine capacity and lower hit probability. A short sight radius doesn’t make for good accuracy, but the SIG P365… [Read more…] about Range Review: SIG P365 — The Smashing Little 9mm

Gun Test: Rex Zero 9mm Compact

Recently, I was able to obtain, test, and evaluate the Arex Rex Zero 9mm compact. The results were good, as the pistol has proven reliable with every load, more accurate than expected, and ergonomically pleasing. The pistol is in some ways based on proven operating principles and the SIG P series handguns, but in other ways offers a fresh pistol from a proven manufacturing base. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Rex Zero 9mm Compact

Are Portable Drone Guns the Must-Carry of the Future?

We’ve all seen them soaring in the skies, whether it be for surveillance or just pure recreational fun… Drones! Ever looked up and saw a drone and wondered how could you stop it without having to discharge physical ammunition at it? A Virginia-based company may have the solution for you.

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3 Things You Should Know About Close Quarters Battle

All skills are an amalgamation of basic skills and things we have learned. The problem is that many folks do not study, and if they do, they study things that are of no utility in personal defense. Most shooters engage in superficial dabbling. They may try the inside the waistband holster and the appendix draw briefly, and sometimes try the crossdraw, but not thoroughly examine any of them, which means they have failed to prepare for a close quarters battle (CQB). [Read more…] about 3 Things You Should Know About Close Quarters Battle