Mystery Solved!

 I have several children.  I know that I’ve mentioned that before, but I guess I’m trying to convince you that I have an idea about bringing up children.  I think that I do but after this article you may think different.

I’ve been a gun guy for a long time.  When I was first married, I wasn’t so concerned about storing my guns. I was young and stupid.  But as my kids got older, I ensured that the mystery of guns was no longer a mystery.  My kids can tell you of random times when I threw a gun on a bed and said to them, “Make it safe.”  They would roll their eyes and proceed to make the gun safe.  It could be a handgun, a rifle, or a shotgun.  When one of my daughters was first married, she and her husband were at a friend’s house.  The conversation somehow turned to guns, and they brought her a handgun to look at.  As she was handed the gun, she dropped the magazine and pulled back the slide and stuck her pinky finger in the chamber while pointing the gun in a safe direction.  She did it pretty fast and this impressed her friends and her husband.  They all looked at her and she explained “It’s like muscle memory.  My Dad is an instructor, and he pounded safety into our heads.”  She hadn’t touched a gun in years.

In our home everyone, boys or girls, were introduced to safe gun handling and shooting at the age of 8.  We started with them shooting .22 rifles and as the years went by larger caliber and handguns.  This was something my wife let me handle from the beginning.  At first, they loved it.  Then as they became teen-agers the novelty of a gun, and the mystery of them, was gone.  They no longer wanted to look at guns.  If they ever did, they would ask and every time I would bring them out.  It got to a point where only a few of them wanted to go with me to the range.  I told them I wanted them to go about every other month.  But I only had my oldest sons who wanted to go every time.  The reason I picked the age of 8 was that was when the boys had become Cub Scouts.  In the Cub program they were exposed to shooting air rifles.  I figured if they could shoot air rifles safely then that’s not a stretch to shooting .22 rifles safely. You should decide what you feel your kids can handle.  I think an 8-year-old can handle learning about guns.  You may feel you want to wait until 10 or 12.  I would encourage the younger the better.  When they get that training that young it tends to stay with them longer.  We started off light with a training gun for safety training.  Then as they got older, we moved to real guns.  As far as shooting we didn’t “graduate” to higher caliber than .22 until they were proved safe and competent. 

In Arkansas laws have been enacted to develop a curriculum for gun safety for elementary and secondary education students starting in 2026.  Even politicians have learned that education is important for everyone.

Although the NRA takes safety rules a little further with 7 rules, I’ve always taught the 4 rules.

1.      All guns are always loaded.  Some will teach this as treat all guns as if they are loaded.  I don’t like that.  I prefer the definitive all guns and always loaded.  It takes the guess work out of it.

2.      Don’t let the muzzle cover anything you don’t want to destroy.  In other words, don’t point the gun at anything you don’t want to shoot.

3.      Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.   Guns don’t discharge until the trigger is pulled regardless of what Alec Baldwin says.

4.      Know your target and what is beyond your target.  By knowing your target, you should know how your target will react to bullets.  You also need to be aware of what’s behind your target in case the bullet goes through your target.

These are the rules I taught my kids and what I teach my students.

Kids are very smart.  They can learn things at a fast rate at an early age.  Just think if you taught your children gun safety and how to shoot how experienced and knowledgeable they would be at 18 with 9 years under their belt!  By demystifying the gun, you can control the curiosity that surrounds guns.  I did not lock up my guns when I was younger.  I must have felt their knowledge was enough.  I think that was foolish and would never teach that or do that now.  Nothing ever happened but what a chance I took.  I did not ever store loaded guns, and the ammo was inaccessible but there’s a big risk.  How many people have been shot with an “unloaded” gun?

There are so many safes and lock boxes out there you don’t have an excuse for not locking up your guns.  Even a cheap Harbor Freight safe will keep guns safe from kids.

Remember a few things about teaching kids about gun safety.

More exposure can remove the mystery of guns.  But make sure that kids know the dangers that involved with guns.  No child (or adult, for that matter) should touch a firearm that is not there’s. I would not dream of touching someone else’s gun that was sitting on a shooting bench at a range without permission.  Kids should not touch guns either unless given permission by an adult.  If kids come across an unattended gun, they should not touch it and tell an adult.  Guns are tools, not toys.  Kids can learn and understand that.

Teaching gun safety is never a one-time thing with kids or adults.  It is an ongoing thing that reviews over and over until it is second nature.  By teaching the rules, why we have them, and how they support one another you create a culture of safety.  As kids become adults this training will carry over into adult training, competing, and gun ownership.

Solve the mystery, train your kids!

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Alternate Fuel For Preparation

 I am a little paranoid when it comes to fuel/power.  I’m not sure why.  Maybe it’s because we’ve had to use alternatives so many times.  Alternate fuel/power is good for:

Cooking (WARNING: always remember if using fire to cook that you have proper ventilation)

Heating (WARNING: always remember if using fire to heat that you have proper ventilation)

Light (WARNING: always remember if using fire for light that you have proper ventilation)

Power for electronics

Cooking and heating are important.  So, we have prepared for this with redundancy.  I would suggest the same for you and your family.

Charcoal.

This can be used in a few ways.  It can be used as it was designed, in a barbeque grill.  It can also be used in a campfire.  Grills come in a variety of sizes so even if you live in an apartment, you can use a Hibachi. Charcoal can also be used with a Dutch oven. In some instances, you could heat with it. (See above warnings)

Coal

We use coal in our wood stove to burn slow and keep the stove hot longer.  Coal can be used in conjunction with wood. (See above warnings)

Wood

Wood is more plentiful than just about any fuel in most areas.  You can use it in wood stoves, campfires, and barbeques. (See above warnings)

Solar generator/panels

A solar system for your home can be a great asset to your home.  Be careful of some solar power companies out there that promise things their systems can not deliver.  Research and learn about solar power and find the system that works for your needs.  I would suggest building your own system, but I realize this isn’t always possible.  But there are some companies out there that will install an inferior system that will be ok, but not really adequate for your needs.  Beware and educate yourself. 

A solar generator is a great way to be prepared for electricity back up.  They can be expensive and heavy, but I think they are well worth the peace of mind.  There are several good brands out there.  Do some research.

Gas Generator

Gas generators are common tools for standby or emergency power.  There are many brands at almost every price point.  Make sure you get one that has the capacity for your needs.  We have two, one for the house (light, fridge, freezer, recharging) and one for our well. 

Generators can be wired or plugged into your house system but ensure you have a “lock out” switch to keep your electricity from being pushed onto the grid.  This is very dangerous to workers trying to restore commercial power.  It could kill someone.

Generators can be run from gasoline, diesel, or a hybrid including natural or propane gas.

Storing power

Storing gasoline or diesel is tricky because of the shelf-life or these two products.  There is also an explosion and fire hazard involved.  Makes sure of the safety considerations and laws for storing fuel. Storing a small amount of kerosene could be considered.  Even rancid or fresh cooking oil can be used for light and a small source of heat.

Storing propane is safe and practical if you have the room.  It should be stored in a well-ventilated area and at least semi-sheltered.  Camping Propane canisters for cook stoves and heaters also store well and can be refilled.

Storing firewood is a common practice.  I would suggest away from your home and not stacked against a building.  Keeping the wood dry is also a consideration.    

Storing matches, wicks, and lighters is also a good idea.

Fire starters come from many manufacturers.  Or you can make your own.  Fire sticks and even primitive fire starting that with practice can be a real asset in an emergency

Alternate fuel can be elaborate or basic.  Both are a good idea in helping to keep you and your family better prepared for what ever may come your way in the future.  Always better to prepare and not need it rather than need it and not be prepared.

 

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

 

 

 

 

Keeping Track of Everything: Inventories

 

My wife thinks I’m nuts!  See if you agree?  I will only clean my guns watching John Wayne’s movie “The Green Berets”.  Now that’s not weird is it?  Some of you younger readers will know who John Wayne is vaguely but not have ever actually seen the movie.  I understand, your parents are neglectful.  But you can change all that.  The Green Berets is on the internet and you can see one of the only positive movies I’ve ever witnessed on the Viet Nam war.  I think he did a good job.  I don’t think he glorifies war but is about some positive things that got our country through a devastating time in history.  The reason I bring this up is I want to talk about inventorying your guns.  Now some of you may say “Burn, how many guns do you actually have?”  You can then join my wife’s club.  She asks that of me when I want to buy another gun.  I have enough for my needs.  And some for my wants…

What I’m talking about is if you only have 3 guns this will be a short exercise for you.  I have a few more than 3 that I didn’t lose in that boating accident.

One of the things I want to do is keep track of my guns.  Which safe are they in, what gun case, etc.  First I record the make, model, and serial number of my guns.  I include caliber and whether the rifle has optics (scope or sights) and sometimes other information I want to keep handy.  But the serial number is important because if they are ever stolen or lost in a fire, you’ll have a way to identify them.  Some guns are quite valuable and a big investment.  Others not as much.  I also would suggest a picture of the gun.  Especially for insurance reasons.

If you keep this information separate from your guns then you will have record to use if needed.  I also have several rifles that I don’t shoot very often.  I don’t hunt anymore so there’s no need to sight them in every year.  Of course I like to anyway but that’s my sickness!  I like to keep receipts of guns I’ve bought in gun stores but I also have a receipt that I have downloaded from the internet that I fill out in personal transactions.  One reason would be security for you.  If you sold a shotgun to someone you do not know how do you know it will never end up being used in a crime?  If you have a receipt from the buyer or seller then there is a chain of custody paper trail.  If I sold that shotgun and I have record of the date on the receipt then I can prove who I sold the gun to and when.  On the receipt I found and used there is a spot for a social security number or drivers license number.  When I sold a handgun once the guy, whom I did not know, scoffed at my receipt.  I said I would not sell the gun without it.  He really wanted the gun so he gave in.  The same goes for when I buy from a private party.  I keep the paper copy but also make a digital copy.  I do this with training certificates too.  Digital copies are easier to store. 

All of this is a bit of work if you have more than 2 guns after the boating accident.  Initially it is but once it’s done all that is needed is an update every 6 months.  Usually the changes I have is the location of the gun, I don’t buy or sell a lot of guns.  But knowing where they are and other details can save you a lot of time and aggravation in the future.  If you have many divers calibers it can save you money knowing whether that ammo sale is a good move for you.  Who am I kidding?  Every ammo sale is good!

This idea is a good idea for ammo too but that’s another article.

Get organized and do the work.  You’ll be glad you did!   

If you want more info see the Dec 10, 2018 post “Gun Inventory: A Man Has To Know His Limitations” 

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Another Stroll Down Church Policy Lane

 My research about gun-free zones and gun violence is actually frustrating.  The studies I’ve read are skewed by a manipulation of data.  So, the conclusions are biased.  This goes both pro and anti-gun.  I’ve thrown in portions of studies I’ve felt are most credible.   

 

“Alternatively, if the presence or potential presence of armed civilians deters violence, gun-free zones could serve as more-attractive targets to violent criminals or mass shooters because perpetrators will be less likely to encounter armed resistance in these areas. There is debate over the extent to which perpetrators target gun-free zones. One analysis of 133 mass shooting events between 2009 and 2016 found that 10 percent of incidents occurred in designated gun-free zones (Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, 2017b). However, another analysis focused on mass public shootings between 1998 and 2018 and reported that 97.8 percent of incidents took place in gun-free zones (Crime Prevention Research Center, 2018a). While the discrepancy in these estimates is partially due to differences in how mass shootings are defined—the latter study restricts analysis to mass public shootings—there also appears to be some disagreement about how gun-free zones are classified.”

 www.rand.org/research/gun-policy/analysis/gun-free-zones

 

“California has strict firearms laws but also has the highest number of school shooting-related incidents. On the contrary, Texas has a similar population size, relaxed firearms laws, and nearly as many school shooting incidents.

 Despite mounting gun control laws on the Federal and state level, school-related shootings continue to rise (2023 being the highest year yet, with 388 school shootings in only six months). Regardless of political affiliation or thoughts on well-regulated militias and the right to bear arms, one thing is clear; what we’ve been doing for the past forty years isn’t working.

• There have been 2,646 school shooting incidents in the U.S. since 1966. Of those, 2,205 (94%) occurred after the 1990 School Zone Safety Act (Amended in 1995). (Source)
• There are 1,325 total State Gun Laws per this 2022 report. (Source)
• The Federal government has been enacting Federal Firearm regulations since 1934.
• The correlation between population density and school shootings is more profound in population density than in firearm legislation.
• There is no standard “School shooting” definition in the U.S. The Secret Service defines targeted attacks, while most data includes incidents when a firearm is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property.
• There were 238 school shooting incidents during the National Assault Weapons ban, 293 in the decade before, and 347 in the decade after.
• 62% of school shootings (as defined) occurred during non-school hours (1970-2022).
• Firearms were used in 61% of targeted school attacks, and 39% used knives between 2008 & 2017.”

www.legalreader.com/gun-free-school-zones-shootings-statistics-2024

“The purpose of this study was to explore citizens’ perceptions about gun control policies, specifically about using gun-free zones, who resided in the five states with the highest rates of gun violence per capita¾in descending order, these included Virginia, Florida, Texas, Nevada, and Connecticut. Moreover, these five states were the locations of the top five deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history to date. The researcher also discovered how residents felt about pro-gun areas, where responsible citizens could legally carry firearms, as well as determine whether gun-free zones influenced their likelihood of visiting a prescribed location. Finally, the study sought to understand residents’ perceptions regarding using gun-free zones pertaining to their impact on reducing incidents of mass shootings. The researcher filled the gap in the literature regarding knowledge pertaining to citizens’ perceptions about using specific gun control measures, such as gun-free zones, and the influence that the historical evidence had on their perceptions.

The answer to RQ1 (do residents associate using gun-free zones with feelings of safety or feelings of concern?) was that participants were twice as likely to associate using gun-free zones with feelings of concern rather than feelings of safety. The answer to the first part of RQ2 (whether participants believed that gun-free zones reduced gun-related violence) was no, based on a 2-to-1 ratio. Responses to the impact of gun control measures on reducing gun violence were closely matched to perceptions of the role of gun-free zones in reducing gun violence. The answer to the second part of RQ2 (do residents believe that gun-free zones lower the occurrences of mass shooting incidents?) was no, again based on a 2-to-1 ratio. The answer to the third and final part of RQ2 (whether participants’ perceptions correlated to the historical/empirical evidence of the location of mass shootings as primarily inside of or outside of gun-free zones) was yes for participants from Florida, Texas, Nevada, and Connecticut and no for participants from Virginia.”

nsuworks.nova.edu/cahss_jhs_etd/13/

I did research trying to see if there is any advantage to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prohibiting lethal weapons on their property.  First my problem with the vague and arbitrary words “lethal weapons”.  Thousands of people die from vehicles every year, is that a lethal weapon?  I played Church sponsored softball for years, were the bats lethal weapons?  Every kitchen in the Church has butcher knives, are those lethal weapons?  I find it hard to believe this passed the Church legal departments scrutiny, but there it is sitting in the Church handbook like a gym sock on a shower rod.

I don’t expect the Church to embrace violence, but I do not think that if someone walks into a Sacrament meeting somewhere and starts shooting that “Run, Hide, Fight” will save anyone.  And while I’m complaining “Fight” with what?  Throw a Hymn book at the threat?  These are rhetorical questions at best.

Anyway, I was just trying to see if the Church’s choice to be a “gun free” zone is really making me safer or not.  From most of what I have read, bad guys, or in particular mass killers, have made it a point to pick gun free zones.  It has shown up in their writing.  The biggest beef I have with that thinking is it flies in the face of my training and experience. I also don’t care for the assumption that law enforcement are the only ones who can defend with a weapon.  I know many who can, but I’ve also trained some who could barely not shoot themselves!  Be that as it may, I’m charged with protecting my family from scripture.  Then my Church says I can’t have anything in the building that I could protect my family with. 

I’d like to think that someone in the Church office building could have given the Brethren good, competent, council on making Church a gun free zone.  I’d like to think that they would have listened.  But I know that there are several liberal thinking people that work for the Church.  I’m not saying they are bad but misguided.

I know at one time Church Security was aware of this blog.  So if there is Church Security reading this, I plead with you. If you have any influence on this misguided policy, please use this influence to get a change.  I will be the first to confess that I ignore this policy every Sunday why should I care?  It’s for those good people that would never dream of ignoring policy.  These are the responsible people that should have the tools to defend themselves.

In the meantime, Run!

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Practice, Brother, Practice!

 I’m going to the range today after work.  I usually go every Thursday.  When I mention this to other people, I usually get an incredulous look.  Sometimes a question.  “Why do you shoot so often?”  They don’t know that in my head I’m asking, “Why don’t you shoot more often?”  I shoot weekly (sometimes twice a week) and when I miss a week I don’t see much of a difference.  But I can tell you that when I miss a month or more, I see a definite difference.  Shooting is a perishable skill.  I have a friend who is a big bow hunter.  He is deadly with a bow.  Occasionally he will shoot a gun, and he will do well.  I think there is a connection between using a bow and using a gun.  But in just everyday life your gun shooting will suffer without practice. 

My son in law is a prosecuting lawyer.  He relies on evidence to prove his cases to a jury.  GSR or gunshot residue, consists of all the particles that are expelled from the muzzle of a gun following the discharge of a bullet. It is principally composed of burnt and unburnt particles from the explosive primer, the propellant (gunpowder), stabilizers and other additives. The act of firing a bullet incites a highly pressurized, explosive reaction that is contained within the barrel of the firearm, which expels the bullet. This can cause the bullet, the barrel, or the cartridge to become damaged, meaning gunshot residue may also include metallic particles from the cartridge casing, the bullet jacket, as well as any other dirt or residue contained within the barrel that could have become dislodged.

Law enforcement commonly use swabbing, adhesives and vacuums with very fine filters to collect GSR.

If they did a test on your hands for GSR would it show that you recently fired a weapon?  It should.  What I have noticed over the years of instructing is that most people, including law enforcement, seldom practice.  It seems you have to be a “gun person” to get the motivation to go to the range often.  I understand this situation, even though I go often.  To some it can become a chore, like exercising.  If you don’t enjoy exercising it can become the same sort of chore.  But like exercising we must prioritize our lives to include going to the range.  What I have found is gun owners will take a class, learn safety and how to shoot, but then it turns into recreational shooting.  That only happens 3 or 4 times a year.  I can’t tell you the number of law enforcement that have come to me with “I need to qualify next week, and I haven’t been to the range since I qualified last!”  They think I have a “magic bullet” they can use to replace 6 months of practice.  Qualifying at shooting is not a test you can cram for.  Make your training a priority.  Choose a time that can work for you.  It doesn’t have to be weekly, but it should be often enough that you can stay proficient.  For someone that may not be a gun guy (or girl) I would suggest once or twice a month as a minimum.  As a competitor I would shoot about 4 to 5 days a week.  But I don’t think that is necessary to stay proficient.  Once you have determined a time then put together a “workout” routine.  Find drills that will work on your weaknesses and try to keep variety in your training.  If you’re not sure what to do, contact a competent instructor.  They can usually watch you shoot for a few shots and tell you what you need to work on.  But if you take a class by the time you are finished, you should have a good idea of areas you need to work on and drills that will help you.  I try to teach classes that can help get the students to the next level.  My level 3 classes will help you to continue to maintain the high level you are but also tweak things to not find yourself stuck in a rut. 

Get some training.  Use that training to your advantage and capitalize on it by using what you learned to develop a training program.  Implement that training program by coming up with a schedule and a budget to practice and train.  The budget can be a real thing.  When I was training to compete, I would go through about 300 rounds a session.  I would have 4 to 5 sessions a week.  That was 900 rounds a week.  That got pricey.  Now I limit myself to 50 rounds a workout.  That’s not a lot of rounds so I make each shot count.  Occasionally I will supplement my training with .22 rounds.  But if I don’t limit myself to 50 rounds, I’ll blow off 200.  My problem is I love to shoot and will want to keep going.  I will also alternate between my primary 9mm round with a 38 special revolver round.  I have a rifle regime also that I will usually work into a session once a month.  I want to stay proficient with a rifle although I think it is unlikely I’ll ever get into a firefight with a rifle again.  I will do a shotgun run a few times a year too.

My argument is you decide you want a gun for protection.  You decide to carry concealed.  You go through the expense of buying the right gun and holster.  You get your concealed license.  You realize you need training, so you seek out a competent instructor and pay for classes.  You learn safety and how to shoot.  You buy a safe to house your defensive tool.  You invest in ammo.  You go through all this and then only shoot the gun 3 times a year?  If you’ve gone through the expense and time of all of this you should complete the task and practice, practice, practice!

Remember also that practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect!

Do what it takes and if you ever have the need, you will be well prepared.  And hopefully, you'll be found with GSR.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn

Breathing: It's Not Just For Living Anymore (repost from 9/19/18)

 One of my friends that I grew up with was describing a few days of firefighting that he experienced to his kids and they asked, “Weren’t you scared? How did you keep going?” The answer to this is “I was scared beyond belief! But I was able to do my job because of oxygen. Air. I kept breathing.” 

I learned through helping my wife through all of our children’s births a good way to stay calm and focused. But how can you control adrenaline? You might ask. Easy. It’s called tactical breathing.

Special Forces, law enforcement, and UFC fighters use tactical breathing to keep a calm head in situations where adrenaline kicks in and tries to obscure their clarity.
You can learn how to run through your own tactical breathing exercises so that when you are in stressful situations at work, home, on the street, you are able to operate effectively.
Tactical breathing is a way to control adrenaline, stress, and anxiety caused by situations out of the norm. It could be when someone is injured, when you are in a fight, when someone breaks bad news, or when you are just having a horrible day at work. This type of meditative breathing is a quick one-minute trick to regain control of yourself.
More specifically, this combat breathing technique is used to control an adrenaline dump actually. It is something you have probably experienced several times in your own life. It is when a large dose of adrenaline is released throughout the body as a response to a stressful event.
That stressful event might be a car accident, a physical altercation, or a personal emotional occurrence where your ‘fight or flight’ mode has been triggered. So how do you control that stress response? Simple, you run your body through a short series of breathing exercises designed to calm the body and clear the head.
US Army Ranger Lieutenant Colonel David Grossman developed what has come to be referred to as ‘square breathing’ in his book “On Combat.” Basically it works like this:
• Breath in through your nose filling up your lungs and stomach for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Repeat x 4
It is called box breathing in his book because that’s an easy way to visualize this breathing technique. You are essentially breathing in a box shape by figuring each of the four seconds as one side of the box. After each round, you should have completed one box breath.

When the body enters a stressful scenario, the body becomes chemically aroused to the point where it can cloud your judgment and often automatically control some of its functions. To diffuse this, we can use breathing exercises such as box breathing to keep a clear, logical, head.
For instance, in a gunman attack, once we realize that we are involved in what could be deemed to be a lone gunman incident or terrorist attack our body undergoes several reactions. Before you even realize it, your body has transformed into a heightened state of alertness. As soon as you see something like this, subconsciously you are under stress. Your body has just released a heap of stored sugars, fats and your adrenaline levels are through the roof. Your breathing has increased rapidly, your pupils have just dilated and your sense of smell and hearing has just picked up. On top of that, your muscles have tensed to prepare for action. Your blood clotting mechanisms are activated and you are in survival mode.
So now what? The next thing you do decides whether you are stunned with fear, start running for your life, or you stay and assist victims or move to attack an aggressor. This is the fight or flight response and a very mental element of survival.
For military, law enforcement and emergency medicine professionals, this is where their training and the use of tactical breathing exercises becomes important to diffuse their own stress indicators before being able to assist in an emergency.
To overcome that automatically induced stress, you can go through your own stress management systems. This includes understanding the situation and what is happening around you by using skills in situational awareness and by automatically running through the primary and most important, being tactical/box breathing.
For you to practice tactical breathing, it allows you to approach a stressful situation with clear judgment and a logical thinking pattern.
And it’s not just for when things go wrong or whenever you feel stress. Try this technique. You will be surprised how well it works as a form of meditation and a way to relax the body, mind and heart rate.
Not only is this a hard-stress reliever for military and law enforcement, it is also a strong meditation method and covers the basics of what most breathing meditation exercises consist of.
The guys from the SEALFIT team use that same box breathing exercise they were taught in Navy SEAL training in meditation aspects.
When you work on your breathing techniques with meditation and breathing exercises, it can also have a direct effect on:
• Performance in exercise and concentration
• Thinking more clearly and quicker
• Making better decisions while under duress
• Practice more control over body and mind
This is a little thing but can make a world of difference. It also works well for handling pain. That’s why it was taught in La Maze training for easier birthing techniques.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Stripper Clips For Reloading Magazines

 Stripper-clips are a handy way of loading your magazines. Often people without stripper-clip experience will say they are a waste of time and to just load your magazines. I do keep magazines loaded, but what happens after those rounds are shot? A stripper-clip is very handy to re load those magazines quickly. When would you ever need this type of speed? Probably never. Although, once in combat I ran out of ammo.  I was in a fighting position and could get more but that horrible feeling  was there and I vowed it would never happen again. But preparation is not about “probably”, it’s about being ready. If you are under fire, you will find that your motor skills will suffer. Grabbing a stripper-clip with 10 rounds and slamming it into a mag is much easier than loading 10 rounds individually.

Pre-loaded magazines are fine, but pre-loaded stripper-clips will ensure that your mags stay fully loaded.
Magazines are expensive and stripper-clips are cheap. In the military all your 5.56 ammo comes in boxes loaded in stripper-clips and a bandolier. In the military we threw away thousands of these stripper-clips. This is why I have a large collection of them. They also came with a “spoon” which fits on the magazine and lets you load the stripper straight into the mag.
This is how you use it:
.223/5.56 stripper-clips hold 10 rounds. For instance, if you have 100 clips that would give you 1,000 rounds. With 5, 30 round magazines that would be reloading all your magazines 6 times with some left over.
You can put 10 rounds on a stripper-clip and if you have 100 stripper clips you can have 1,000 rounds readily accessible for when you go out shooting. If you have say 5, 30-round magazines, you can reload them 6 times with some left over.
Loading a stripper-clip is easy. On each end is a little tab. Bend one tab down and start sliding the rounds into the clip. When the clip is full of 10 rounds bend the tab up so that no rounds will slip off the clip and fall out.
Now take the spoon (or speed loader/charger) and slip the loaded clip into the skinny side of the spoon. The wide end of the spoon will fit right over the edge of the magazine.
Now take your thumb and push your rounds into the magazine. Some people use a table to push the rounds into the mag but if you’re in the field you might not have a table to use so I always practice with my thumb. Use however many stripper-clips you need depending on the size of your magazine.
I had someone in a handgun class whose whole gun experience was with the M4. He had only ever loaded 5.56 in magazines with stripper clips. When I was teaching how to load a 9mm magazine he said, “Where are the stripper-clips?” He thought all magazines were loaded that way!
There are other guns that have magazines that load with stripper clips. But most magazines are just loaded the old-fashioned way one at a time by hand.
Midway has 96 items alone that have to do with speed loading magazines. So, there are other speed loader options for more than just an AR or AK.
Speed loading is available for revolvers also.
There are two main brands currently available that have withstood the test of time: Safariland and HKS. Keep in mind that both these models got their baptism by fire via rough law enforcement service. In 40 years of time, I have never seen either brand break or malfunction. I can’t say the same of pistol magazines.
The Safariland charges the cylinders in one motion, and it is nearly impossible to unintentionally release the loaded rounds. All three types of Safariland loaders—Comp I, Comp II, and Comp III—utilize a coil spring locking mechanism to hold the rounds in place. To load the Safariland loaders, place the loose rounds in the loader, then place the noses of the bullets against a flat surface and push in while twisting the center knob clockwise until the loader clicks and locks the rounds in place. In the center of the loader is a plastic star that engages the ejector star on the revolver’s cylinder. To load the revolver, hold the loader by the cylindrical portion and align the rounds in the chamber holes and ease the rounds partially in until the loader stops. Pushing further engages the plastic star release, and all rounds will fall freely into the empty cylinder. The Safariland Comp I, II, and III have progressively larger knobs that allow you to grab them easier. The Comp III’s are best reserved for competitive revolver shooting as they are very long. Comp I loaders are the only ones made for five-shot revolvers. The downside of Safariland speed loaders is that caliber selection is limited to .357 Magnum/.38 Special and .44 Magnum/.44 Special.
HKS is probably the most popular cylinder loader and has been on the market for the longest time. It is a good loader, but not as fast as a Safariland loader, since two motions are needed to charge the chambers. Live rounds are held in the HKS loader by a ball/detent locking mechanism. To load an HKS speed loader, twist the silver knob to the right until it clicks, then insert the rounds. Once they are inserted, twist the silver knob to the left until it locks. To load the revolver, hold the loader by the black cylinder of the loader—NOT the silver knob—and ease the rounds into the chambers. If you hold the loader by the knob, the insertion won’t be as positive—plus there is a chance of prematurely releasing the rounds. The rounds should seat halfway into the chambers. Turn the silver knob to the right, and the rounds will drop in the chambers.
There are two advantages that HKS loaders have over Safariland loaders. First, they are the brand I most often see available at gun stores. Second, they are available in a much wider variety of calibers and handgun models. Calibers listed are .38/357, .22 LR, .22 Magnum, .44 Magnum/.44 Special, .45 Auto Rim, .45 Colt, .41 Magnum, 9mm, and .32 Magnum. Loaders are available for five-, six-, and six-plus capacity revolvers.
Speed Strips
Bianchi was the originator of the non-mechanical rubberized speed strip. The advantage of any speed strip is its flat profile, which allows a bulge free fit in a pants pocket. The downside is that only a maximum of two rounds can be loaded simultaneously. Bianchi’s speed strips are only available in six-shot configurations in .38/357 and .44 Special/.45 Colt calibers. If you have a five-shot revolver, you should download to only five rounds in the strip to avoid confusion during a reload.
TUFF Products Quick Strips are different. TUFF Products has embraced the speed strip concept, going way beyond what Bianchi envisioned. In fact, there are so many choices available, in five, six and more round count configurations, including 40mm grenade and 12-gauge shotgun strips, that they can’t be listed here.
To load a revolver cylinder with a Quick Strip, simply insert one or two cartridges in the chambers, and pull the loader up against the cartridges. The rounds will clear the rubber strip and slide into the chamber.
Ever see Jerry Miculek shoot? He reloads with what is called a moon clip. This is fast but the gun must be modified to use one. A speed loader can be used on all guns. Most revolver speed shooters use a moon clip. I think a regular speed loader is fine for my applications. If I was into quick draw or revolver shooting, I’d probably use a moon clip.
Speed loading is something that is handy to look into. It’s generally not expensive and it can really enhance your reloading in a time of need. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn

Reality Training For A Gunfight

 In the 80’s I was asked to write a curriculum for training military police in situational awareness.  I was asked to write it with a shooting buddy of mine.  We did this and I notice it is still part of their curriculum today.  Anyway, as we were writing and discussing situational awareness we talked about the mindset of shooting and defending yourself.  Combat is a little different than personal defense.  In combat sometimes the military just kills the enemy.  In personal defense it is less “kill ‘em all” and more stop the threat.  But putting yourself in a state of mind where you may have to use a weapon against another human being is important from the sense of dealing with the mental anguish that comes with such an act.  But most of all, surviving a defensive event is imperative.

Being able to practice this type of defense is not very easy.  Most of the civilian world does not use force-on-force training.  If it is available it is usually in a more advanced portion of training.  When I teach shooting, I teach it different from what I see as only focusing on safety and technical shooting.  Don’t get me wrong, safety is the top of training.  But a little more realistic training should follow.  Thinking and mindset should be next.  Technical gun handling and shooting is important because the more automatic from muscle memory your gun handling is, the more brain power can be used to do important things such as moving to cover or deciding if you need to shoot at all!

Sometimes I think that traditional training has been derived from competition or just plain technical shooting.  Being able to hit the target is important but being able to survive an attack or a gunfight is equally important or even more important.  You must be able to get around the fear, the tunnel vision, the anxiety, and the adrenalin rush, of a gunfight to be able to walk away from one.

In combat I had a few close quarter experiences.  What they taught me is that doing the right thing is survival.  Finding cover quickly, being able to reload and shoot while moving is something that is rarely taught.  In the military we learn Shoot, Move, Communicate.  This phrase describes the basic skills of a soldier in combat.  It means to engage the enemy with accurate fire, maneuver to a better position, and maintain contact with your guys.  As a civilian it can be adapted to imply the ability to defend yourself, get out of the situation, and call for help. 

In a firefight it is very advantageous to think ahead.  If you can consistently do this, you can win.  Don’t think of this as a competition, it is a fight, possibly to the death.  You need to be willing to do anything to win.  It should not be an even match; you should do all you can to get the advantage.  Sometimes a BIG advantage.  When it comes to life or death, I will cheat, fight dirty, or do something against my code of ethics, if it means I will survive.  Being the good guy will get you killed when confronted by evil.  Evil doesn’t care about you or your family.  Evil doesn’t care about laws.  Evil is evil and often can be avoided.  But occasionally evil attacks good.  Good should be very, very good.

If you watch body cam footage from police, you’ll occasionally see major shooters. But what we see most of the time is people that are barely surviving the confrontation primarily because they suck less than their opponents.

There’s nothing wrong with drills, they help with the fundamentals of shooting and building muscle memory.  But in a gunfight, very little of drills make a difference.  Obviously, if you can shoot and manipulate your weapon well without a lot of thought then that is good.  But to endlessly run drill after drill is a waste of time if that’s all you do.  You will have great skills of shooting but have no idea how to think with a gun in your hand.   The beginning of a shooting event does not start with an audible sound like shooting on a range.  It starts with a visual signal.  Being able to think with your gun is much more realistic. I’ve heard it described as problem solving at the speed of fight.  Adapting to reality and making decisions and choices is so very different than shooting a drill.

There is a good example in a tragic event that is used in training law enforcement. Deputy Kyle Dinkheller was murdered in Georgia. If you go back and look at the training on Dinkheller, his co-workers thought he was the best shot in the police department. If they had to pick one person to win a gunfight, they would have picked Kyle.  Watch the video and you will see that he did not handle that fight the way that he should have. We wanted the good guy to have won. So that would be a classic example that everybody is very familiar with. Somebody not being able to perform well the moment the balloon goes up.  The Dinkheller murder is shown as an example of what not to do in officer survival training.

Technical skill is important.  I don’t want to discount it.  We have only so much brain capacity.  We can only handle so much at once.  So, in a very stressful situation you must be able to do things correctly from experience, muscle memory, or you will run into problems that can get you killed.  A happy dose of both, the skill and the mindset, is the combination that you need.  But the right kind of skill.  Standing in a weaver stance, readjusting your grip, and then concentrating on your sight picture and trigger squeeze, is great on the range.  But in an actual firefight I can’t emphasize enough how that range experience does not apply.  What does apply is reloading, clearing a jam, and hitting your target.  Getting off the “X” or getting to cover should be at the forefront of your mind.  Thinking. The ONLY time you worry about stance and grip is on a range.  But being able to do some things, like reloading, without thinking or looking are skills that will save your life.  A high level of skill can free up the mind to think.

In another body-cam police video that shows the LEO in a gunfight.  He tries several times to reload his auto and keeps indexing the magazine backward!  Muscle memory and practice for him may have paid off.  If he’s struggling with reloading, how can he be trying to maneuver to cover or a better angle of fire. 

Evil is an interesting animal.  Often, they have a loose plan.  Basically, evil will do what has worked before.  Surprising the unsuspecting civilian who can’t believe this is happening to them.  Evil will have an OODA loop (observe, orient, decide, act) that they go through because it’s easy to just repeat.  If the defender can get in evils OODA loop it will mess with evils mind.

There is a concept called the normalcy bias. Normalcy bias is the tendency to underestimate the likelihood or impact of a negative event. Normalcy bias prevents us from understanding the possibility or the seriousness of a crisis or a natural disaster.  In other words, “I can’t believe this is happening to me.”  You must fight the normalcy bias with training.  Running scenarios in your mind or practicing them, will give your mind somewhere to go.  Instead of “I can’t believe this is happening to me,” your mind is saying “I thought this would happen to me one day and I’m prepared.”  Instead of denial of what is happening, you can be ready.

If your skill is strong, then that will help you to solve your shooting problem.  Getting over the shock of reality is a big part of that problem and once that is under control the rest is easier.

Your personality figures into this equation but you can make some small changes and adjust to compensate if your personality doesn’t fit. Controlling emotion is something that can be actively practiced.  If you panic and are fearful, things can be worse than they actually are.  If you can be more subjective and handle that kind of stress, you can experience this kind of event and win.  Win means stopping the threat or getting off the “X” and out of the situation, or help taking over.  Emotional control is a big bonus.  If your rational mind is in control, then it’s easier to control the problem. Your sub-conscious mind must have confidence in your rational mind.  That would mean you are confident in your skill.  There are several high-risk recreational activities that may help like racing, or sky diving.  People that do these kinds of recreational activities have a different definition of how bad things can be.  So, when the bad things come up, they are used to that kind of stimuli. 

When it comes down to it if you have trigger and sight control, that would be enough to keep you on track with the shooting part.  Pulling the trigger without effecting the sights is one of the most important skills to learn.  It is the basics because there are other aspects.

Force on force helps you with mind maps to solve your problem.  A quick draw is fine but if that draw is the only thing saving you there has been a lot missed before.  Force on force will help you with everything in between.

There is no training that will teach everything you need to know.  If you seek out diverse training, you may have to pick different parts of that training to come up with something realistic that will give you what you want and need.  Force on force I think is the best but there is virtue in almost all training.  Some say plinking doesn’t teach anything.  I don’t agree.  Even plinking teaches you the shot process that is needed in attaining skill.  The problem is that many believe if they can hit a bull’s eye at 20 feet that is enough.  It is not.  Especially when that training is 3 or 4 times a year.  Shooting is a perishing skill.  I’ve done it a long time, but I can tell when I haven’t been to the range in a few weeks.  It comes back fast but the more consistent your practice the more consistent the skill.  If it’s shooting matches, dry-fire practice, a structured training, plinking, force-on-force events, mindset classes, pro training, or simulators, each of these things can be very effective in keeping you prepared and sharp.

Being ready mentally, knowing how to think in a stressful situation, and having the skill can carry you through most encounters you may find in your non-law enforcement, non-military lives.  Most of you will never draw your weapon, but being ready should be your top priority.

Semper Paratus

Check 6

Burn