Selecting a Compact Breaching Tool for Police Work
Practical considerations for selecting a compact police breaching tool, including material, construction, grip, head geometry, carriage, retention, authorization, and training.
The Gun Elitist Debate
There are some who will argue pure price point in both the excessively cheap and unnecessarily high extremes when it comes to guns and gear. Some are brand oriented and brand loyal – for whatever reason. My XXX Brand has never had a failure (because it gets a magazine shot through it once maybe twice … Read more
Buying Night Vision and Thermal Equipment Safely
Questions to ask about sellers, builders, component identity, specifications, documentation, warranties, returns, provenance, and independent inspection before buying night vision.
Ballistic Helmets, Construction, Testing, and Ratings
So, after one of my gear reviews, I received so much feedback, I decided to clarify/expound. It seems most end users are merely consumers. They want to give you their want as they see it, and they expect you to point their nose at an easily affordable product without any real regard to their needs. … Read more
Choosing a Protection Level for Rifle Plates
Armor 101… I tell customers that armor is one of the most confusing commodities in the defensive industry. Understanding the rating systems, the materials, and the capabilities associated with each is a must for one to make an educated armor choice. When selecting armor, start with the most likely threat that you may face (be … Read more
Materials Used in Hard Armor
*Editor’s note: NiJ ratings do not consider 5.56 in classifications. If something is rated level III it will stop .308 but not necessarily 5.56/.223. Currently there are four common options for Level III plates: 5-6 mm steel (AR500/R50c/AR46100) plates: Level III steel plates offer a very thin profile, but are a bit heavier (6.5-7.5 lbs … Read more
Instructor Background, Teaching Ability, and Student Value
Credentials and operational experience matter only in context. Students should also evaluate an instructor’s evidence, communication, diagnosis, safety, humility, and results.
Citizens Defense Research’s The Armed Parent/Guardian AAR
So my friend John Johnston of Ballistic Radio called me out on a recent Primary and Secondary modcast to check out his class Contextual Handgun: The Armed Parent/Guardian. Since the class was only about 90 minutes away and hosted by the Sentinel of Freedom John Murphy at FPF Training, in Culpeper, Virginia, how could I resist? Later … Read more
Critical Firearm Equipment: Reliability Before Accessories
A framework for identifying and maintaining critical firearm equipment through inspection, testing, confirmed zero, service intervals, replacement parts, and measurable training.
AARs for Scenario-Based Training: How and Why
A practical method for conducting scenario-training AARs using chronological review, guided questions, video evidence, and feedback matched to the learner.