Primary & Secondary

Qualified Immunity Explained: Law, Limits, and Misconceptions

February 6, 2026

Qualified Immunity is a concept that is greatly misunderstood. Qualified Immunity is not a free pass for murder, law-breaking, or misconduct, despite what many people believe and share. A foundational case I’ve referenced often over the past couple of weeks is Graham v. Connor, which establishes the Fourth Amendment framework for evaluating use of force… read more »

Police Use of Force and the 4th Amendment

February 4, 2026

There are some common concerns expressed about the Pretti shooting, one being that it was an “execution.” Additional concerns include officers having no justification in shooting because there is a belief Pretti was completely unarmed and harmless, and he being shot in the back is exceptionally egregious. Let’s review the standard and then delve into… read more »

Is Web Gear Still Relevant?

February 2, 2026

Do you really need a plate carrier? Are there times when older load bearing equipment like web gear can be superior? Web gear of sorts has been in use since the Oliver Pattern Equipment from the Boer War. The first webbing that most would recognize to be, at least, the distant cousin of British 1908… read more »

Understanding LE Use of Sprays

January 30, 2026

If you have had some form of training with the use of defensive sprays, you know there are tactics used with them as well as specific distances for the products to be effective as well as ranges where they become potentially dangerous. Within these guidelines are minimum safe distances. Using the products too close to… read more »

Assessing the Pretti Incident

January 27, 2026

Before I get into the post, let’s establish the standard of lawful use of deadly force. Deadly force is lawful when one perceives an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury to oneself or another. This determination is reviewed judicially as in the moment, without the benefit of hindsight, and within the scope of… read more »

Understanding Bird Shot Is Not For Defense

December 30, 2025

Comparing the FBI ballistic standards and the idea of birdshot being an effective defensive tool shows the profound ignorance of people pushing for the birdshot. The FBI standards establish reliable penetration of 12-18″ in verified ballistic gel from reasonable ranges beyond contact distance. Birdshot can (can- not will) create lethality at contact distance, but diminishes… read more »

The Nuance of Defensive Firearms

August 1, 2025

When we discuss the nuance of defensive firearms for the individual we can get into the weeds and 8 dimensions of considerations to weigh. Conversely, it is even easier to fall into the trap of one size fits all if that option is proven on a large scale. So let’s limit this to a singular… read more »

Recognizing A Multi-faceted Approach

July 21, 2025

An effective defense does not end in the purchase of a firearm. It is a continual process which requires focus, study, and investment. Many buy a firearm and think they are prepared. Their firearm collects dust while put away or collects lint while carried- but rarely trained with. Closed minded people who don’t understand the… read more »

Optimizing What is Available

July 14, 2025

Ruger 1022 22LR, S&W M36 38 Special, Colt 1911 45acp, Stoeger Coach Gun 12ga. Just let your wheels turn and think about this realistic problem. A family member/friend/neighbor approaches you for help. They are concerned with riots/home invasions/horse thieves/whatever. They need your help with home defense. One or any combination of similar may be the… read more »

Arming the Neighbors

July 13, 2025

This is kind of a thinking out loud post. The rifles featured in the picture above are what I could consider user friendly and would require less effort to help someone become proficient with them. We have a couple calibers- 5.56×45, 5.45×39, and 7.62×39. We have a couple sizes – 16″ barrels down to 8.5″…. read more »

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