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.
Search and browse the complete Primary & Secondary article archive. Filters update automatically as new material is published.
P&S ModCast 403 — Gun Nerds 20: The Special Purpose Rifle
P&S ModCast 403: a technical discussion of the Special Purpose Rifle with Alex Hartmann, Duane Liptak, Clay Martin, Eric Zurface, Fred Lucas, and Matt Landfair.
Read articleP&S ModCast 404 — Defense Against Wild Animals
P&S ModCast 404: Matt Landfair, Darryl Bolke, Steve Fisher, and Fred Lucas discuss practical considerations for defense against wild animals.
Read articleP&S ModCast 400 — The Return of DocGKR
P&S ModCast 400 reunites Dr. Gary Roberts, Chuck Haggard, Fred Lucas, and Matt Landfair for a long-form discussion of pistol terminal ballistics.
Read articleP&S ModCast 125 — Terminal Ballistics
A long-form P&S ModCast discussion of terminal ballistics, ammunition testing, penetration, projectile behavior, and the context behind defensive ammunition selection.
Read articleCredit Where Credit Is Due.
The Extended P&S Network is an active Primary & Secondary resource created to recognize the people who have positively influenced, supported, contributed to, or helped shape P&S over…
Read articleRefining Your Compass
We are bombarded with information at every level in every direction. We are surrounded by every topic, within our interests and outside of them. Our personal imperfect map…
Read articleExpertise Explains; Insecurity Repeats Phrases
How many genuinely knowledgeable people rely on catchphrases? Most explain concepts instead. That is precisely what makes them valuable sources of information. Is there a time for a…
Read articleMinimum Standards vs Professional Development
Training is both a guide and a shortcut to skill development. It accelerates the path to higher proficiency. When individuals are left to figure out their own way…
Read articleMuzzle Discipline and Judgment in Modern Policing
There is a troubling mindset issue in law enforcement regarding muzzle orientation during room clearing and encounters with unknowns. Officers point guns at people far too often. Pointing…
Read articleInformal Leadership
One of my favorite topics is leadership, more specifically, informal leadership. It can be a powerful means of strengthening an organization, and it might be more common than…
Read articleMoral Strength but Tactical Disadvantage
I read an astute observation concerning the conflict between the liberal and conservative sides that made me think about the concept for a while. “The side that follows…
Read articleQualified Immunity Explained: Law, Limits, and Misconceptions
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.…
Read articlePolice Use of Force and the 4th Amendment
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…
Read articleIs Web Gear Still Relevant?
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…
Read articleUnderstanding LE Use of Sprays
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…
Read articleAssessing the Pretti Incident
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…
Read articleUnderstanding Bird Shot Is Not For Defense
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…
Read articleThe Nuance of Defensive Firearms
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…
Read articleRecognizing A Multi-faceted Approach
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…
Read articleOptimizing What is Available
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…
Read articleArming the Neighbors
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…
Read articleRecognizing Life’s Flowchart
Life is a series of choices. We can map out our days in a series of flow charts at decision points and the actual decisions. The more skill…
Read articleApplication of the Firearms Rules
I don’t understand how the idea of the four firearms rules being universal for all environments and situations is so misunderstood. Those rules aren’t restricted to the sterile,…
Read articleMission Drives Whose Gear?
The concept of mission drives the gear has been beaten to death but for some reason there are aspects of it that are still ignored. The phrase might…
Read article