
Bear Country Safety
These are the opinions and observations of a guy who’s spent a lifetime outdoors and a great deal of it in bear country. There is no right or wrong way of dealing with a bear encounter. There are some excellent rules of thumb to know, some common-sense lessons to learn, and a fair collection of experiences to draw on. After all, your survival could result from your knowledge of bear country safety. [Read more…] about Bear Country Safety
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Fighting Back: Don’t be a Carjacking Victim
There are many aspects of crime that we must train to fight back against, to stop, and hopefully to avoid. I often state with the weight of experience that most victims meet their adversary halfway. What the adversary is doing is wrong, both morally and legally. There is no excuse. Just the same, being aware of them is the first step in adopting the vigilant attitude called self-awareness. [Read more…] about Fighting Back: Don’t be a Carjacking Victim
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Will Turning Off Your Laser Save the Batteries?
Crimson Trace has a new video series that dispels some of the myths surrounding firearm-mounted lasers. It is not uncommon to pick up a pistol with laser grips and find the switch in the off position. When you ask “Why?” the most common response is to save the batteries. Crimson Trace offers free batteries for life, so that mitigates part of the argument, but you still don’t want to pick up your firearm in an emergency only to discover a dead battery, so Crimson Trace addressed the issue in a video. [Read more…] about Will Turning Off Your Laser Save the Batteries?
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Art of Defense: Improving Your Draw
In Art of Defense Episode 3, Beau Doboszenski of Defensive Mindset Training goes over three things you need to stop doing in order to achieve a faster draw. Get a solid, more accurate draw when it counts. [Read more…] about Art of Defense: Improving Your Draw

Mil-Dot and Mils: Understanding Minute of Angle
Several readers have asked for explanations of minute of angle and the measurement term “milliradian” (mil) and how to use a mil-dot scope to measure the distance to the target, at the range and in the field. In the accompanying two videos, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Ryan Cleckner explains both concepts and how to put them to best use. [Read more…] about Mil-Dot and Mils: Understanding Minute of Angle

Crimson Trace: Laser Beams in a Gunfight
In this video, presented by Crimson Trace, Jim Staley and Brian from TacGas discuss and demonstrate one of the most prevalent myths when it comes to laser sights and why it’s important to utilize proper laser discipline. That lesson is supported by footage from a combat course that was held in an underground cave with zero natural light to show the use and effectiveness of combat lights and lasers. [Read more…] about Crimson Trace: Laser Beams in a Gunfight

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

The Skill of Rifle Marksmanship
The primary goal of marksmanship is being able to hit what we are aiming at. Your purpose may be simple target shooting, hunting, or personal defense. Whatever the goal, a great deal of practice is needed. For most of American history, rifle marksmanship has been an essential skill, and it remains so today. [Read more…] about The Skill of Rifle Marksmanship

Cover and Concealment: Win the Fight
The difference between cover and concealment isn’t always properly understood. Concealment is a sheet on the clothesline or a bush. A truck or concrete abutment is cover. Rifle cartridges are powerful enough to cut through cover that would stop the most powerful handguns so the difference in rifle and handgun power is also a consideration. Those who find cover may live, whether or not they are able to shoot their assailant. [Read more…] about Cover and Concealment: Win the Fight