10-41

07/07/2024

https://youtu.be/yIJejiWnqn4?si=qI1RqmCC0BBI2JeV

This is one of our favorite drills for a tactics class. Baer Standards is one of the best overall sources for solid skills drills

https://baersolutionsllc.com/page3/My goto shot timerhttps://amzn.to/2s97CFfEar Pro (Good but cheap)https://amzn.to/2LwErE7Simple Target Standhttps://amzn.to...

30/06/2024

For those about to shoot!
I salute you!

22/04/2024

In our self-defense training we talk about awareness and how being prepared changes your body language, reducing your potential to be selected as a victim. This article helps flesh those thoughts out

Body Language and Personal Defense
The best time to spot a potential threat is beforehand.
by SHERIFF JIM WILSON posted on April 20, 2024
NEWS, TIPS, SHERIFF JIM WILSON

The greatest defensive tool at our disposal is awareness. Having a heightened awareness of what is going on around us gives us more time to simply avoid a problem or, failing that, to prepare to deal with it. Having a good understanding of body language helps immensely in increasing defensive awareness.

Most crooks can’t explain body language, but believe me, they certainly understand it. They will spot a person as a potential victim because that person seems uncomfortable, fails to make eye contact with those nearby, has their head down, shoulders sagging and takes timid steps. They can also easily spot most off-duty police officers and combat veterans, because they move with an air of confidence, head up and on a swivel, continually checking out those around them. Whether we intend it or not, we continually give off body language that speaks to our degree of confidence and awareness.

I once interviewed an armed robber who showed me one convenience store he had no intention of robbing. He said that the evening clerk, a middle-age man, was the kind who would fight an armed robber; the kind who kept a gun handy. He went on to say that this clerk would look you in the eye and greet you when you entered the store. Furthermore, he was continually watching the various customers while they shopped.

My prisoner was exactly right. The evening clerk was a former Soldier who had seen combat in Korea, and he kept a handgun under the counter—a C**t New Service chambered in .45 ACP, if it matters. A likable man, just one who was not going to put up with such foolishness as armed robberies.

So, when we are out in public, we need to be looking at the crooks, because they are certainly looking at us. You might notice someone staring at you and then quickly looking elsewhere when they see you’ve spotted them. Instead of looking away, too, it’s a good idea to take a moment to really look this person over so you can describe them later, if necessary. At this point, you should be in Condition Orange (potential threat), and it would be a very good idea to keep an eye on them as long as they are in the area. You don’t want to act aggressively just yet, but simply give off the appearance of someone who is alert and will probably not be an easy target.

Right in line with body language is what we call a gut feeling or hunch. This is the case when someone suddenly feels uncomfortable with their surroundings and the people nearby. This often occurs because our subconscious has picked up warning signals from something we’ve just seen or heard, and it generally occurs when we are not as aware as we should be. The gut feeling should not be ignored, but it also doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to leave the area. Just get your head up and your eyes open—look for the cause of your discomfort. You must identify it before you can determine what to do about it.

One other area where a knowledge of body language is important is in arguments with people you know, where criminal activity is not yet involved. Sometimes, such arguments can turn into violent encounters before we really understand the potential. However, the other person’s body language will give clues as to what is about to happen.

It is a bad sign when the other person quits talking and just starts staring at you or through you. He or she may also start breathing heavily. In addition, they may have closed, or partially closed, their fists. You may also notice that they have adopted a more balanced stance. This is all part of the fight-or-flight preparedness that our body unconsciously goes through. And, a person who exhibits some—or all—of these characteristics is not getting ready to flee; they are getting ready to fight. At this point, to try to de-escalate the confrontation, create distance or both.

Since the body language we give off is often unconscious, it reinforces the importance of good defensive training. Defensive training builds confidence, and we generally give off that air of confidence whether we consciously intend to or not. We tend to walk about with our heads erect, looking at what is going on around us and seemingly lacking in fear. Trust me, crooks can see this and may well determine that you are more than they want to take a chance on. If they don’t, you’re still ahead, because you have a much better chance of seeing the problem while you still have several options in how to deal with it.

There are interesting articles about body language on the internet, especially at ShootingIllustrated.com. Studying them will certainly enhance—and strengthen—your personal-defense plan

Shooting Illustrated brings you the latest from the firearm industry, specializing in home and personal defense, concealed carry, long-range shooting and tactical fi****ms and gear.

11/04/2024

The advantages of “low ready” when confronting a threat. Less danger of accidental discharge if startled & you can see hands vs your view being obstructed by your own arms.

The Low Ready Position

A few moments to assess what's going on can make a big difference.

by SHERIFF JIM WILSON posted on April 6, 2024
NEWS, TIPS, SHERIFF JIM WILSON

Sheriff Jim Wilson
Imagine the situation where you have encountered a potential threat and the circumstances are such that you are justified in drawing your defensive handgun. So, you do what you have always done in range practice: You draw and aim to the vital zone and, because your sights are on the target, your finger goes to the trigger. The potential for firing an unintended shot may be greater that you realize. You might stumble or a sudden move on the part of the suspect might cause you to perform a trigger press; any number of things might cause the unintended response. And, in the course, of all of this the biggest problem is that you can’t see his hands to know if he is deploying a weapon because your own arms, hands and firearm are in a position that keeps you from seeing his hands and what might be in them.

Under such circumstances, the best move might be to draw to the low ready position. In this situation, we are visually focused on the potential threat. We see his hands clearly or we note that they are in his pockets. Either way, we are alert for the possibility that he will deploy a weapon. We make a complete, two-handed pistol presentation with our arms extended, but our trigger finger is straight because our sights are not on target. The gun is pointed low, low enough that we can have an unobstructed view of his hands. Should he produce a weapon, it is a quick a simple move to raise the gun to the vital zone and take care of business simply because we have an unobstructed view of his hands. And, just as important, the potential for an unintended shot has been greatly reduced.

By the way, should his hands be in his pockets, or otherwise out of sight, I am not going to give a command like “Put your hands up!” or “Let me see your hands!” To do so is commanding him to move and now, when he does move, I have to determine if he is going for a weapon or simply following my instructions. I much prefer the command, “Don’t move!” Once he complies, I may give other commands, keeping in mind that my duty as an armed citizen is not to search him, disarm him or even detain him.

Unless faced with an obvious threat, the armed citizen may be well advised to draw to the low ready, instead of going on target. Searching one’s own home or property might be another good example. We need to be able to see clearly, without our own arms, hands, and firearm blocking our view. And we certainly don’t need to be moving about with our finger on the trigger.

Dry practice is a good time to practice drawing to the low ready and then transitioning to the vital zone shot as if the threat has suddenly become real. We should think about what we are actually trying to accomplish and work out the best, safest way to get that done. The low ready position, give that some thought and practice

06/04/2024

We had a great time as a family at First Coast IDPA today.

04/04/2024

This is a great article on how to improve your ability to see a red dot sight. “Fishtailing” ie looking for the dot, happens to everyone. Good tips here to train with.

NRA Shooting Illustrated
When You Can't See The Red Dot

Whether it’s equipment failure, poor technique or both, here’s how to fix your MRDS problems.

by JEFF GONZALES posted on March 29, 2024

There are many dangers we face in many different forms. The self-defense world has changed dramatically throughout the last 10 years, with those changes leading to huge advancements in equipment. One of the most notable is the miniaturizing of pistol-mounted optics, or micro-red-dot sights (MRDS). Their popularity is growing and shows no signs of slowing down. While there is tremendous fanfare for them, I remind students that aiming is one of the easiest of shooting skills. When you transition from iron sights or start off using a MRDS, there will be some growing pains. One of the biggest complaints with the MRDS is what happens when you can’t see the dot. Here are three tips to help you in this situation: corrective strategies, backup iron sights and down optic.

Earlier, I said aiming was the easiest shooting skill of the five marksmanship fundamentals. Once the student understands how to aim, we generally don’t have to revisit aiming. The most difficult of the five to learn and master is trigger control—once you understand proper trigger control cognitively, you work on developing the skill practically. It’s a fine motor skill to squeeze the trigger with minimal disruption to the sights. Aiming using a red dot will not cure poor trigger control. What it does is help see the error more prominently, thereby creating the opportunity to learn and correct. The student can literally see a smoother slope to their learning curve once they have mastered aiming with a red dot. However, if you cannot see the dot, you’ve got bigger problems to solve.

From time to time, you will mount the pistol and not immediately see the dot. This can happen with any skill level, but particularly with new shooters or anyone shooting under stress. They mount the pistol in preparation to fire a shot, only no dot shows up. They start moving their head, the pistol or both to bring the dot into view. At first, the movements may be subtle, but become more intense the longer it takes to find the dot. I jokingly call this fishtailing, and generally it is a result of a few shooting errors. It gets its name from the driving scenario where the vehicle fishtails in one direction. The driver’s steering input overcorrects and sends the vehicle fishtailing in the opposite direction. Then, in a panic they overcorrect even more, sometimes leading to a total loss of vehicle control. Our goal is to have a system or process to correct the reliability, and to minimize the occurrence in the first place.

hyper-aggressive stance
An incorrect, hyper-aggressive stance such as the one shown here can cause one’s neck to crane too far, obscuring the dot from view.

When we teach an MRDS training course, we begin by shooting-assessment drills. These drills allow us to see how prominent fishtailing is and where we need to begin. Regardless of skill level with a red dot, there is an advantage to having a system for when the dot is not immediately seen. For this, we use corrective strategies to provide a framework or roadmap for how to solve the problem and acquire the dot. It starts with the pistol’s position, your position and the firing grip. Correcting one of these actions generally leads to seeing the dot. In addition, it also helps reduce the situation from happening in the first place by reinforcing proper technique.

The pistol should come to rest in front of the shooter’s master eye. This would be the same side the shooter holds the pistol. When shooting with an MRDS, we basically must align and see through a small tube to see the dot. If you cannot immediately see it, check to make sure the optic is directly in front of your master eye. If not, move the optic. If you move the optic into correct position and still don’t see the dot, move the body position—specifically head position. In this case, we are talking about excessive shoulder shrugging that leads to craning your neck forward or tilting your head down. You can crane your neck forward without shrugging your shoulders, but they generally go together, a remnant from the old days where it looked tactical to be in this hyper-aggressive stance. Move your head to a more natural and upright position. If you move your head into the correct position and still see no dot, examine the firing grip. You want to ensure you are squeezing equally with both hands, but make sure you are squeezing your pinkies. Most mounting errors end with the dot being slightly high, outside your view. The moment you apply correct grip pressure, it brings the dot into your view.

As mentioned before, this system accomplishes two tasks: It allows you to correct the problem in a systematic process as well as reinforcing correct technique. You might be tempted to correct out of order. Resist that temptation. You will miss out on training correct technique and potentially still have the bad technique lurking around. Even with corrective strategies, you may still not see the dot: batteries die, sights can turn off or break or lighting conditions may be too bright to see the dot. There is also a difference between training to correct a problem and dealing with a problem in the real world. If you have updated your technique with these corrective strategies, it greatly reduces their occurrence. So, if you’re in a gunfight and don’t see the dot you should immediately transition to your backup iron sights (BUIS).

sighting graphic
Frequent practice of down-optic drills trains one to instinctively transition to iron sights, should the dot not be visible • The “guillotine” method is a quick and intuitive means to successfully engage close targets, should your optic’s window be obscured.

Practicing with backup iron sights is smart and part of a good training plan. I try to practice with my optic powered off for at least one magazine in my practice sessions. I work ready positions and draw stroke to cover the bases. I must fool myself into not seeing the dot. I mount the pistol as if the dot is on and look through the center of the window as usual. Then, I transition to my iron sights—specifically to my front sight. After a while it becomes hard not to look for my BUIS right out of the gate. One thing I’ve observed having done this for years is an unintended consequence of fine-tuning the mount. When I go straight to the irons, I obviously pick them up faster. When I go back to using the optic, the dot comes into view cleaner and more consistently. Don’t mistake this for meaning you should mount the pistol looking for the iron sights first. This is just an observation of when I practice not seeing the dot.

While all dot-failure causes are possible, they are not probable with a good maintenance plan such as replacing your battery regularly and keeping the optic window clean. Even then, you may run into one final problem to solve, which is when you cannot see through the optic’s window.

If you go to mount the pistol and you see a fogged, obstructed or cracked window, you need an immediate response, of which there are several, and I’ve tried them all. To be honest, it will depend on what is happening at that moment. If I’m in the middle of rapid-fire, high-round-count drill and I miss seeing the dot after recoil, I may center the optic’s body over the target and send it. This works decent at close range when you are already in the shooting sequence. If I can’t see through the window, I use a method that places the top of the optic level with the shoulders of the silhouette target, so the head sits above. It almost looks like you are chopping the head, off hence the name “guillotine.” I’m pretty accurate or accurate enough in extreme situations to about 7 yards. If I slow down, I can push this distance a little farther. The other method I like to use is when I take the corner of the optic’s housing and use it as an improvised bead sight. To do this, you rotate your hands slightly and yes, it feels a little weird. It does work, so it is something to practice for down-optic drills.

In the beginning, the biggest worry with the MRDS was how well they would hold up to hard use—whether they were durable enough to withstand the punishment of a reciprocating pistol slide. Over time, they have evolved and are more robust. That doesn’t mean you’ll always be able to see the dot, though. When training, use a process such as the aforementioned corrective strategies to methodically remedy and train. If you cannot see the dot because the battery died, or the optic is powered off, then transition to your iron sights. Practice makes the transition seamless over time. But, if you cannot see through the optic’s window because it is obstructed then either use the whole window as a ghost ring or chop the head off with the guillotine method.

Not seeing the dot when training is an inconvenience; not seeing in a real gunfight could be potentially catastrophic. Yet, practicing with a simple system will go a long way toward preventing the problem from happening and knowing how to deal with it when the chips are down

27/02/2024

This is from my own experience from last weekend.

In the first video you see an experienced hunter with some pistol experience coming into our session running a Sig P365 3.1” barrel but with an xl grip, shooting around cover. This is near the end of the session. She’s shooting from 40’ and having no issue effectively engaging the targets. The slightly snappier recoil from the smaller sig was offset by great hand fit. This was vs a custom 43x p, a Macro and a C**t Gold Cup Torphy set up to race uspsa in 9mm. I’m absolutely convinced that the only sure way to see what fits is to try it under live fire conditions!

27/02/2024

Interesting article on what works for small frame ladies.

Still cannot find what your are looking for? Visit the search page for American Rifleman, an Official Journal of the National Rifle Association.

24/02/2024

Absolutely

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21/02/2024

We are teaching NRA Basic Shotgun March 2 @ Saltwater’s Shooting Club in St Augustine followed by the instructor course on March 3.

Basic shotgun is one of the most fun courses in all of the NRA training. At the end of the course all the students shoot against each other on the five stand range at Saltwaters to see who can actually break a moving target.

Sign up here.

https://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseDetails.aspx?Courseid=811805

Message us with questions

Some states have passed legislation making it unlawful to communicate with those under 18 about broad categories of fi****ms, parts, and accessories.

03/02/2024

Private today focusing on pistol red dot carry guns and AR 15 for home defense. We prefer to run 22 LR conversions to introduce this platform to minimize blast and recoil

21/01/2024

Funalthough very cold morning quail hunting at Oak Hampton plantation. The ladies came and enjoyed the dogs and the walk in the woods, which made it even more special.

21/01/2024

I used to switch between carry guns just for the variety of it. Practicing on the range one day, I pulled the Smith & Wesson and I had been carrying and struggled to operate the safety that sweeps up versus sweeping down and learned this lesson. Thankfully, it was not an emergency situation, but on the range. Before I change now I practice extensively with what I will be carrying and generally stay within weapon systems that have the same manual of arms.

Switching Guns
Changing your carry gun should only happen under a few specific circumstances.
by SHERIFF JIM WILSON posted on January 20, 2024
NEWS, TIPS, SHERIFF JIM WILSON

I cringe when I hear some defensive shooters talk about their "carry rotation" and the different guns that they switch between on a regular basis. I remember my friend Sheriff Bill Cooksey, who was called out on his day off to check on a suspicious person. Instead of strapping on his .357 Mag, which he carried on his right hip, he chose to just stuff a semi-automatic pistol into his waistband on the left side, crossdraw style. That suspicious person pulled a gun on the sheriff and started shooting. Out of habit, the sheriff reached for his right hip instead of going for the gun stuck in his waistband on the left side. As he finally got the semi-auto out and was fumbling with the safety, my lawman friend was shot twice and very nearly died from it. We develop habits whether we realize it or not.

Still, there are times when a person needs to change guns or carry locations. We might be going from winter carry to summer carry and need a different gun and different carry method. Our primary defense gun might be in the shop, and we are making do with another gun. Or, we might just have found that we shoot a different type of gun better and are planning to start carrying it for personal defense. There are a number of legitimate reasons to switch guns other than just trying to be cool and impress others with our assortment of handguns. I would suggest, however, that there are some things that we might do, prior to making the change.

The first step would be to make sure that the replacement gun is in good working order. Take the time to field strip it, clean, and lubricate it. This would also be a good time to check the various safeties to make sure that they are functioning properly. Making sure that you have fresh ammunition for the gun and your load out would be a good idea, too.

Following the cleaning and inspection, it is a good idea to do some dry practice with the gun including a number of presentations from the holster. Having a supply of dummy rounds will also allow one to practice the speed loads and tactical loads. And, finally, some live fire sessions at the local range would be a great idea.

While all of this might seem like going to a lot of trouble just to switch guns, you have made sure that this replacement gun is serviceable and you have created habits in the handling of it. Since we are all different, some will have to spend more time in these practice sessions than will others. Just take whatever time you need and make sure that you have created the kind of habits that will serve you in a defensive situation

07/01/2024

https://youtube.com/shorts/yqyXz8yhAmQ?si=FUgDE_ygYeUFDzuA

Is combat marksmanship the only important aspect to survive a situation? Ken Hackathorn doesn't think so. Ken looks at having the right mindset and three t...

07/12/2023

Part of our training offering is to bring a selection of the best carry pistols AND sighting systems (red dots have changed everything) so that each client has the opportunity to experience what works for them.

Finding The Right Pistol For Your Hand Size

There's a lot more to choosing the right pistol than picking the one that's on sale.
by STEVE TARANI

Holding a pistol

If you’re shopping for a new pistol or recommending one to someone else, there are a few helpful guidelines that can assist with your selection.

The importance of finding a pistol that fits your hand cannot be overstated. A well-fitting pistol contributes to better overall gun handling, marksmanship and safety. So, what should you check for? How do you know if it’s a good fit? What determines which size and geometry is best for you?

The nuances of finding that perfect pistol fit, an aspect often overshadowed by caliber debates and brand preferences, is critical for novice and seasoned shooter alike.

When it comes to choosing a pistol, the first handshake happens with the grip. It should feel like an extension of your hand, not a foreign object. The grip is not just about how it feels when you hold it; it's about how your fingers naturally wrap around it, how well it seats in your palm and how well your hand works with external device access and control.

A grip too large can leave your fingers straining, leading to an unstable or unsound hold, while one too small can lead to a cramped, uncomfortable feeling with the shooter constantly readjusting their grip. Some pistols are sold with adjustable or interchangeable grip panels to better fit your hand size.

In seating the gun, more palm surface contact produces greater control whereas open space and air pockets can introduce energy leaks which in turn impact overall performance.

The distance from grip to trigger (trigger reach) is another important measure. You should be able to easily reach the trigger without repositioning your hand. Your index finger should find its way to the trigger without any strain or effort.

Trigger reach is pivotal. If the distance is super short, you'll find yourself way too deep into the index finger joints to facilitate a precise trigger press. If it is too long, your trigger movement is wrought with unnecessary strain, affecting both your fire control and overall grip purchase on the pistol.

The overall weight and balance of a pistol, which are often overlooked, happen to be critical considerations. Too heavy a pistol can tire you quickly if you’re not accustomed to it, affecting your alignment stability over time, whereas a much lighter model may induce more pronounced recoil. This balance is subjective and varies from one shooter to another, influenced by individual shooter strength, skill and experience.

Then there's the matter of accessibility. The pistol's external safeties, decocker, slide release and magazine release button (or lever) are the touchpoints of functionality. If reaching for these controls feels like a chore or requires a significant shift in grip, then this could present operational problems for the shooter.

The quest for the perfect pistol fit is not a solitary journey. It involves trial and error, consultations with professionals, and often, a series of test firings. Firing a pistol gives you the clearest picture of how the gun sits and behaves in your hand. It’s where theory meets practice, and comfort meets control.

The perfect pistol fit is a personal affair. It's about how the gun feels in your hand, the level of control it affords you, how well you can operate it, and how it aligns with your shooting needs. It's a balance of ergonomics, functionality, and personal preference.

When embarking on this quest for the perfect fit, patience is your ally. The market is flooded with an array of models, each boasting unique features and superior ergonomics. It's tempting to be swayed by popular models or persuasive sales pitches, but remember, what works for one may not work for another. Your hand is unique, and so will be your perfect fit. One size does not fit all.

The process is not merely about physical comfort; it also involves an understanding of your shooting purpose and goals. Are you looking for a firearm for daily carry, one that fits your body snugly and unobtrusively? Or is your focus on competition, where open carry and rapid deployment take precedence? These use cases influence not only the size and weight of your ideal pistol but also aspects like caliber, holster and sight types.

For those new to shooting, this process might seem daunting. But, it's a journey well worth undertaking. Consulting with experienced shooters, visiting gun ranges, and getting hands-on experience with different fi****ms can provide invaluable insights. Moreover, many gun stores and ranges have knowledgeable staff who can guide you through this process, offering suggestions and sometimes even allowing you to test different models.

At the end of the day your key selection criteria should minimally include grip size and finger wrap, how well it seats, external device access and controllability, trigger distance, overall size (to include barrel length) and weight based on construction materials (steel, polymer or some combo thereof).

Finding the perfect pistol fit for your hand size is about blending comfort, functionality, and personal preference. It's a journey of discovery, one that requires patience, experimentation, and a keen understanding of your own needs, wants and capabilities.

07/11/2023

We went from “I’ve never shot and AR and can’t imagine shooting it accurately while I’m moving” to this in less than three hours. She’s practicing moving between cover and firing around cover, critical self defense skills

05/11/2023

We ran a great Basics of Pistol Shooting class yesterday as a pre-req for the instructor version next week. High level of experience and great guys that will continue to raise the bar as inspectors. Ended class with the instructor shooting qual.

BIT and the instructor class is next Friday-Sunday

21/10/2023

We were finally able to teach the Stop The Bleed Plus class today with excellent law-enforcement and exmilitary instructors. We learned how to use tourniquets, vented bandages for sucking chest wounds and how to pack a puncture wound with quick clot gauze. Super informative and useful in our current world situation and probably something you’ll need more likely than the pistols we carry (obviously have both).

It was great to have the proper training about how to use the gear we carry. It reinforces the old statement that it’s not the arrow It’s always the Indian that’s effective.