Primary & Secondary Article Library
Explore the Primary & Secondary Article Library: practical writing on firearms, defensive training, law enforcement, equipment, tactics, mindset, and the people who contribute to the professional training community. Articles are organized to help readers find durable information, professional perspectives, and useful resources by subject.
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How to Check Feed Lip Width on Standard-Issue Magazines
As we mentioned in last week’s Force Mod/Fossil Friday post, there is a new Magazine Feed Lip Wear tool available for the standard-issue magazines for the M4A1. However,…
Read article‘Calling the Shot’ with the Pistol as a Part of the Functional Element of Control
For Manual Monday, we are continuing our discussion on control and the pistol. Specifically, we will be addressing How to call the shot for the pistol. Learning…
Read articleHow to Assume the Low-Prone Unsupported Position
For Tactics, Techniques and Procedures Thursday, we’re going to be continuing our discussion about how to set up your standard-issue sling to provide more support. Many Paratroopers do…
Read articleHow Zeroing Errors Stack at Distance
Small aiming, grouping, measurement, adjustment, and equipment errors can combine into major misses at distance. A disciplined zero removes avoidable uncertainty.
Read articleFollow-Through as a Part of the Functional Element of Control
For Manual Monday, we are continuing our discussion on control and the pistol. Specifically, we will begin to address what follow through means for the pistol. Learning all…
Read articleWhy 25 meter “qualifications” need to go the way of the Dodo…
For Fossil Friday, we are going to be discussing an idea that needs to go away: the reliance on the Alternate Course, C (ALT-C) table of fire for…
Read articleHow to Configure a Standard-Issue Sling for Optimal use With the M4A1
For Tactics, Techniques and Procedures Thursday, we’re going to be talking about how to set up your standard-issue sling to provide more support. Many Paratroopers do not know…
Read articleForged 4: Scott Wolf on Why the Mind Is the Weapon
Matt Landfair speaks with Scott Wolf about the idea that the mind is the primary weapon and about common misunderstandings surrounding the use of light. The discussion emphasizes…
Read articleWhat is our Standard for Zeroing?
For Training Tuesday, we are discussing the topic ‘how many rounds should I use to zero?’ Reference for this discussion is Appendix, E, TC 3-22.9, change 2, dated…
Read articleWhat does ‘Calling the Shot’ with a Pistol Mean?
For Manual Monday, we are continuing our discussion on control and the pistol. Specifically, we will be addressing what calling the shot means for the pistol. Learning all…
Read articleWill Resting My Magazine on the Ground Induce a Malfunction?
For Fossil Friday, we are going to be dispelling a myth about the prone unsupported: that resting your magazine on the ground induces malfunctions. The reference for this…
Read articleCapability Gap: How do we Zero Large Groups of Soldiers at True Distance?
For Force Mod Friday, we are going to be discussing a current capability gap: zeroing at true distance as required by TC 3-22.9, change 2, dated August 2017.…
Read articleHow to Choose and Use a Rifle Sling
A practical guide to rifle sling roles, single-, two-, and three-point designs, adjustment, weapon retention, shoulder transitions, positional support, and equipment integration.
Read articleWhy Structured Dry Practice Works—and Where It Does Not
Why dry practice can improve weapon handling and visual-motor consistency, what it cannot reproduce, and how to connect safe repetitions with live-fire validation.
Read articleHow to Diagnose Rifle Groups Without Guessing
A coaching framework for interpreting rifle groups by combining target evidence with direct observation, shooter feedback, equipment checks, and controlled retesting.
Read articleTalon Defense Low-Light Handgun Class AAR
A firsthand after-action review of Talon Defense low-light handgun training, including equipment, handheld- and weapon-light techniques, drills, and practical lessons.
Read articleM4A1 Boresighting and Zeroing: Understanding the Geometry
Understand sight height, line of sight, bore axis, trajectory, and why prescribed short-distance offsets can put an M4A1 on target before live-fire confirmation.
Read articlePistol Workspace Management for Efficient Manipulation
How a consistent pistol workspace supports visual control, reloads, stoppage reduction, equipment inspection, and efficient return to an accountable firing position.
Read articleHow Military Units Can Identify and Address Capability Gaps
A practical process for turning a field problem into useful evidence, a clearly defined requirement, and a solution that leaders and acquisition organizations can evaluate.
Read articleThe M4A1 Zeroing Process: A Practical Coaching Guide
A practical overview of M4A1 zeroing: establish mechanical settings, boresight where authorized, fire consistent groups, adjust from group center, and confirm at distance.
Read articlePistol Control: Arc of Movement and Trigger Press
Understand normal sight movement, acceptable stability, and how a consistent trigger press allows accurate pistol shots without trying to hold the sights perfectly still.
Read articleHow to Read and Mark an M4A1 Zero Target
A practical coaching method for marking shot groups, finding mean point of impact, measuring dispersion, and making evidence-based sight corrections on an M4A1 zero target.
Read articleModern Samurai Project Red-Dot Fundamentals Workshop AAR
A firsthand after-action review of Scott Jedlinski’s one-day Modern Samurai Project red-dot pistol workshop, including equipment, drills, technique, and lessons learned.
Read articleRob Haught Shotgun Class AAR (2017)
A detailed after-action review of Rob Haught’s December 2017 shotgun course in Arizona, covering recoil management, mounting, loading, manipulation, patterning, and instructional method.
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