Not to mention the complete lack of recoil. Only got to shoot an MP5SD once, at the end of an armorer’s course. Ever let the bolt go home on a belt fed with no ammo? How it feels like it pulls the whole gun forward slightly? That’s what it felt like, and it was so quiet I thought I had a misfire. I looked at the line coach and said, What happened? He looked at me like I had a dick growing out of my forehead and said, You just shot the gun. Sweet little piece, ze Germans definitely knew what they were doing when they put that thing together.
‘Instinctively knowing’…yeah, that sums it up perfectly. Probably not hitting tight groups, but at house range against a man sized target - not real worried about it.
What part? Lifelong Hoosier here. I grew up on the West Side of Indy in the 80s, but with the same values: Stepping up and protecting someone being bullied or victimized is just what you do.
I’m from the outskirts of The Region. NW Indiana. Blessed with a slow rural life and proximity to Chicago and Lake Michigan.
I was just talking to my kid about taking a road trip yesterday, and going through Indiana was on our chart. He’s only been there once, and that was close to 10 years ago now. The highlights were my cousin’s wedding and reception at The Indianapolis Hotel and Ballroom, which remains the best private party I’ve ever attended. We also hit Turkey Run trail 3 and a bit of Covered Bridge Festival before making sure everyone got to try White Castle on the way home, which they hated.
"If you disrespect our flag, then you disrespect every man and woman who died defending your freedom"
To the ones who served before me, to the ones who never came home and the ones who came home broken from war: Thank you.
To the ones who are serving now, you are the strong line between our country and our enemies :Thank you.
To the ones who choose to serve in the future. We need you now more than ever. During this internal strife, our enemies are watching, growing emboldened by the signs of our weakness. They never went anywhere, have never stopped planning for ways to harm or destroy us. I know you will be there for our country: Thank you.
I read this several times and believe it has solid merit for the Tactical Life. My first thought was the current pandemic and how the crisis firmly pointed out the United States lack of medical preparedness. Our PPE, medications, ect, were dependent on being supplied by other countries. Hospitals were poorly prepared and lacked administrative leadership. Our government seemed incapable of providing any cohesive planning. Chaos arrived and we did not have the structures in place.
Does anyone believe the United States is prepared for a biological attack?
The same can be said about your training. When your chaos arrives, will you be able to undergo a severe and brutal audit? Everyday life can explode into dangerous situations, from drunk dipshits to an armed encounter. Have you been doing the training to give you the best possible means of survival? I certainly agree that anything left unprepared becomes a complex problem and any weaknesses you have will be exposed.
It comes down to this: Are you trained and fit enough to save your own life? Do everything you can so “weakness” will not show up in your time of need.
“Owning a handgun doesn’t make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician.” Jeff Cooper
“I like to feel like I can call someone to protect me when I need it,” he explained, “but now that we’re having people on the national stage talking about defunding the police, well, at that point the only thing left I can do is rely on myself to go and get a firearm to protect myself, because I’m not sure there’s going to be police on the other end of the line or to be able to arrive when I need them.”
Probably, a lot of people are having these thoughts now. But, " going and getting a firearm to protect myself" is just a thought, buying a firearm is a serious decision. You must commit yourself to training with that firearm, becoming trained in all phases. If you are thinking along these lines, do your research, try to find an indoor range where you can rent different models of handguns, check which fits your grip best, don’t just run out and buy what is on sale. Carrying a handgun or any firearm is serious decision. Act wisely.
I know that a few of you on here have Ruger 10-22 take downs. Thought you would be interested in this:
Discreetly traveling with a long gun can present a challenge. For example, you don’t want to carry a rifle case through a hotel lobby before heading out to dinner. Separating the upper and lower on an AR or using a takedown gun like the Ruger PC Carbine can help, but you still need a good case or bag that doesn’t scream “gun.” Copper Basin’s low-profile backpack was designed for these weapons and deserves your attention. Now in its third generation of evolution, the Takedown Firearm Backpack looks like a trendy sports pack and offers circumspect transport of your takedown or compact gun.
Copper Basin uses materials and colors that avoid the clichéd law enforcement or military look. For example, you can get the Takedown Firearm Backpack in vintage green waxed canvas or in a blue and orange pattern that gives it a snowboarder look. To enhance the low-profile nature of the bag, the company elected to use an exterior bungee cord and multiple zippered compartments to eliminate the need for MOLLE and loop panels. Structural foam helps the pack maintain its shape and not give away the nature of the contents.
The Takedown Firearm Backpack completely opens and lays flat to allow for complete access to all of the interior gear. There are interior pockets for the gun’s receiver and barrel assemblies, magazines, ammunition and more. Copper Basin reinforced each of the pockets for improved durability and long life. For comfort, Copper Basin uses a mesh backing with a lumbar support pad. For more info on this gun bag, please visit copperbasingear.com.
We’ve had this conversation before, but I have been thinking about it again, especially in light of recent/current events. What are your thoughts on a ‘truck gun’, either ‘pistol’ with a brace or full SBR (tax stamp and everything), along with a smallish plate carrier? What I like to call an ‘active shooter kit’? I have been going back and forth on it for some time now without pulling the trigger, as I keep thinking it is a bit of an over-paranoid move. Would love to hear your thoughts on this, Idaho. Also, as a LEO, maybe you can throw in some insight on how a LEO in the field would react to someone keeping that kit in their vehicle. Assume kit is in low-pro type backpack, and kept either out of sight while in vehicle or secured in trunk and/or lockbox if I am away from the vehicle in public.
good timing. I upgraded my active shooter kit yesterday for my truck. IMO, it is not an over paranoid move, since, any preparations you make now can only help you in the future.
I carry several guns for my truck gun, depending on where I am going: city and suburban environments: Springfield Saint, Remington 870 with 18.5 inch barrel. A few times when venturing into a rural area, I will add a Ruger Scout rifle with peep sights. I always have both a level 3 ballistic vest and a plate carrier with me. I carry everything in a old tactical bag from my SWAT days. Now, don’t laugh too hard, but, occasionally, I will run up to my truck, open the doors and see how fast I can put those vests on. Not fast.
I have started carrying my vest and plate carrier behind the drivers seat, this way, I can open the back door, pull them out and put them on. Since, I am always armed with my EDC, thinking getting some ballistic protection first is the most important. I can always get the Saint off the drivers seat.
As far as the saint, I place the sling over the arm rest , place barrel on the floorboard, then raise up the rest, which locks it in place for anything but a massive collision. To acces the gun, just slam the rest down and it is free to use. Now, for you second laugh of the morning. I cover my saint with a Donald Duck baby blanket. Anyone who sees a baby blanket never looks for a weapon. In fact, yesterday, I was loading some groceries in the truck and woman pulled into the slot next to me, got out, and saw the blanket. She said, “how cute”, I haven’t seen one of those in years". LoL.
Speaking for myself and every LEO I have ever known, I don’t think you will ever have a problem, especially, since you are keeping it low key. Contrary to what most people believe, LEO’s respect legal, armed citizens.
The main problem with truck weapons is security. As you stated lock boxes either in back or a small one in the truck are all most mandatory. However, trunk lock boxes are targets for tool thieves, so, its a trade off. However, I will risk that compared to being caught in a violent situation without the proper weapons and equipment.
To this point, when I lived in New Jersey, I went to the police station to get the paperwork to apply for my weapons permit. My plans were quickly cancelled when a detective explained to me how it worked and added that it would be almost impossible to get a carry permit. He said he didn’t think it was right and that he was NRA for life.
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.”
If you are a new handgun owner out there, going to be discussing several issues this week.
Pistols are designed for close quarters. Inherent with all close quarter fights is the possibility of hand to hand combat. Although you don’t need to be a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, striking and grappling should still frame your approach with marksmanship exercises.
If we train to specifically focus on draw stroke speed—against cardboard—we become susceptible to shooting techniques that are not designed for retention during physical contact. Worse, we might condition ourselves to always introduce a pistol into a fight, only to find ourselves disarmed and vulnerable.
Instead of solely focusing on your draw speed from retention, identify a posture that allows for creating space, pistol retention, and recovery if you are overpowered.
Never forget, if decide to carry a handgun, someone can take if from you. Learn to fight close, shoot close, do what it takes to survive.
From Dave Spaudling one of the best in the business. Just substitute your name every time he mentions “officer”.
I agree. From what I have read and several “weapons historians” I have spoken with, agree the tactics developed by the Romans for fighting with their “short swords” was the"beginning" of close quarter combat. Probably, a recorded version anyway. I am sure other cultures killed each just fine prior to the Romans.
The greatest lie sold to students of any sport is that buying gear always correlates with improving performance. Whether golf clubs or carbines, routinely individuals will “upgrade” a piece of hardware that already functions without issues. Although it’s natural to want to tinker with firearms, and certain modifications do actually afford certain advantages, no war was ever lost because a soldier had the wrong rifle sling.
In his memoirs, Special Forces legend John L. Plaster remarks:
“Firearms are tools, and the more exotic the tool, the more limited its usefulness.”
In keeping with today’s thought, It you are considering buying your first defensive handgun, please take the time to read this article from Recoil Magazine. It is a good article on several of the 9mm’s on the market. I own Glocks, Sig’s , and a FN, so, I know the author is not slinging bullshit.
“Americans, indeed, all free men, remember that in the final choice a soldier’s pack is not so heavy a burden as a prisoner’s chains.”
Just as important as learning basic firearms skills is training in handgun retention. If you are going carry a handgun, do yourself a favor and learn some basic retention drills. Being able to execute accurate speed drills means nothing if someone has taken your weapon. One of the reasons I was attracted to Krav Maga was their focus on practical retention drills. When I was working uniform, I lost my weapon twice, once due to a faulty holster design and once when a PCP freak actually ripped my duty holster from my belt. Nothing is more disconcerting than seeing your weapon in some perps hands during a fight.
For a civilian, this is a nightmare, since you will have no back up. You may be in a fight where your own weapon will be used to kill you. Learn some basic retention techniques. Based on my experience, most handguns lost during a fight or even a scuffle, are due to poor holster design or simply cheap ass holsters. Don’t invest in a quality weapon and skimp on the holster. A good holster will help you retain the weapon, either from gun grabs or when you have been knocked on your ass. You don’t need a class 3 police holster for civilian carry, but you do need one that “locks” the weapon into the holster and requires a good grip to draw. I use Kydex holsters due to the “lock” factor.
Whatever holster you decide to buy, make sure you conduct a few tests before wearing on the street. Two of my personal tests, regardless whether it is IWB or OWB, is first make the gun safe by removing the magazine and clearing the chamber. Holster the weapon and then moving to a padded area (grass, mats, folded blankets, Etc) Don’t do this over a hard surface, having you weapon fly out and fall on concrete or any other hard surface, is just asking for weapon damage. Do 15 or 20 fast jumping jacks and see if the gun flies out. If you have access to training mats and are physically able, complete a few break falls and tumbles. If you weapon flies out freely, you have choices to make. Always choose your holster like you are going to be knocked on your ass . Nothing is worse than seeing your handgun sliding across some surface toward your attacker.
Another view:
Weapon retention is arguably the most important factor in a close quarters fight. Losing control of your weapon is a worst case scenario because it limits your ability to defend yourself and adds the potential of your own weapon being used against you.*
The first thing we need to understand about Weapon Retention is that the best defense we have for countering a weapon grab is our brain. If we employ good mindset, awareness and sound tactics, weapon retention should never be an issue. In most instances where people have had to fight for their own weapon, they can point back to a mistake they themselves made that allowed it to happen. Whether it was because they were in condition white and allowed someone to get to close to them and attempt to remove their weapon from a holster or, when covering someone or searching for someone with weapon in hand, they employed poor tactics and gave someone an opportunity to grab for their weapon.
Having said all that, one might ask why we need to teach weapon retention methods. Well, we are human, and we all make mistakes and when we make those mistakes and find ourselves fighting for our lives, we want to have a plan. Did I mention that if someone tries to take your weapon you are fighting for your LIFE? Yes, if someone takes your weapon they are not going to put it down and say “Ok now we are even, Let’s settle this with fist’s”. If someone takes your weapon, they will KILL you and you are justified in using Deadly Force to defend that weapon.
Weapon Retention training for handguns comes in two forms. Retaining the weapon while in the holster and retaining the weapon while in hand. First I want to talk a little about equipment. When carrying a firearm you should always choose your equipment based on quality and not price and style. This is very important when choosing a belt and holster. You do not want to have the tactics you use to defend your weapon to fail because you chose a poor quality belt and Holster. Many times in training I have taken students guns and holsters off of their belts because they had poor quality equipment. I have even taken a belt or two, so choose wisely. Another factor to consider is mode of carry. If you are a civilian or an off duty LEO you should always make sure your firearm is concealed at ALL times. If nobody knows you have a firearm, then the less likely it is that you will have to fight for it while it is holstered. If you are a LEO and carrying on duty you should invest in a good quality retention holster if your department does not issue one to you. However, do not depend on the retention abilities of your holster alone. Learn sound tactics for defending you weapon. One other thing you should consider in the way of equipment is an edged weapon dedicated to defending your firearm from attack. I recommend a fixed blade knife carried on the weak side belt.
Check your laws here on carrying a blade. Your CCW doesn’t cover a knife.
Whether attacked from the front, back or side, if someone gets their hand on your weapon while it is holstered you need to act immediately. Using your strong hand, trap the weapon in the holster by applying as much downward pressure as necessary on the person’s hand and your weapon to keep it from being removed. Move! Do not stand still. Move rapidly in tight circles in either direction. You will find through training that depending on how and with what hand the person grabbed your weapon, turning rapidly in a certain direction while his/her hand is trapped will cause pain and injury that will motivate them to want to let go of your weapon. Moving rapidly also has the effect of resetting you attackers O.O.D.A. Loop and causing him/her to now have to respond to your actions instead of you to his. At the same time you should be using your weak hand to inflict pain and injury. This is not the school playground nor is it a time to be timid. This is a time to be crushing someone’s Larynx or shoving your thumb into his or her eye socket. Or, you could use that fixed blade knife I mentioned. Whatever you do, needs to be done immediately and with a fierce determination to maintain control of your weapon, for if you fail you are likely to die.
As with holster retention, having to fight for your firearm while it is in hand can be avoided by using mindset and awareness as well as sound tactics. If you are covering someone with a firearm do not get too close and never allow him or her to approach close enough to attempt a weapon grab. If you are searching for someone with gun in hand, do not lead with your firearm when approaching doorways and corners. If however someone does get his or her hands on your firearm your response should be immediate and decisive. Jerk sharply while stepping back to regain control, If that fails, drop to one knee while attempting to direct the muzzle into their midsection and fire. Dropping to one knee serves the purpose of lowering your center of gravity and getting your opponent off balance. If after firing, your attacker has not let go of your firearm then fall on your back while dragging your opponent with you placing your foot into his mid section and using his momentum to flip him over you. Most attackers will let go once they start to get off balance. This sounds like a long drawn out process but in reality it should be done in one concerted movement (Jerk, Drop, Fire, Fall, Flip) and the key again is resetting your opponents O.O.D.A. Loop by requiring him to react to your actions. If you are using a revolver, your revolver may not be capable of firing if someone is holding it in such a way as to prevent rotation of the cylinder. If you are using a semi-automatic and your attacker maintained a good grip on the slide when you fired, then your weapon has an empty cartridge in the chamber and you need to recharge it immediately upon regaining control.
The defense against a weapon grab while carrying a long gun would be much the same as the defense for retaining a handgun while in hand with some notable exceptions. First, if you are carrying a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun you can fire the weapon numerous times as it is unlikely that a weapon grab will inhibit either of these types of firearm’s ability to function. Secondly, when using a long gun you should always use a Tac-Sling, as this will help you retain the weapon and allow you to use one or both of your hands for attacking or drawing a sidearm. Another option to consider when someone attempts to relieve you of a long gun (The one you did not have a Tac-Sling on) is to simply let him have the gun while drawing your sidearm and engaging the now armed bad guy.
Don’t agree with this. Give your opponent your carbine and then draw and fire, before he shoots you? You better be faster than Josy Wells and more accurate under pressure than John Wick.
Two thoughts about the St Louis couple that ‘guarded’ their mansion with firearms.
The couple showed zero handling skills - more or less just brandishing their weapons, no trigger discipline, pistol waved around like a traffic flagger - at crowd with finger on trigger, man appeared to have his rifle pointed at wife…
Just looked like neither had ever touched a firearm in their lives.
Second point - police have confiscated the rifle (unsure about pistol) with a search warrant, but no arrest or charge.
I wouldn’t pretend to tell anyone where their 2A right’s line in the sand is. Nor would l divulge my own, in any internet forum. IMO, a wide spread confiscation would begin as dropping in with a search warrant, not guns blazing.
But as a pratical matter, one should give this its due consideration in advance. Just like they would regarding by what means and how far they will go to defend themselves, their property, and loved ones.
Weighty subject,sorry.
I thought the same thing. I certainly don’t fault them for being prepared to use weapons to defend themselves, but they didn’t appear to know what the hell they were doing and they were lucky they didn’t shoot each other.
Their previous lawyer was in possession of the pistol and turned it in. Now here is what , I really don’t understand. I have served or been a part of serving many search and arrest warrants. You usually serve a search warrant based on probable cause to seize or secure evidence used in a crime. Ok, the weapon was seized, why was he not arrested? You usually never seize evidence and then wait for a grand jury to indict, when the offender is on the scene. That is the same as me serving a drug warrant, finding a kilo of meth, taking the drugs and leaving the dealer behind.
If the weapon he was in possession of was illegal, and with prior evidence or probable cause (plenty from the photos) taking the weapon and not him is not within the norm.
I would like to read the body of the warrant. Did the judge who signed off on the warrant know what the offense was? of course, or they could sue for false prosecution. strange.
I am not sure there is a Federal crime here, unless, the owner modified the AR to fully automatic and failed to obtain a Federal license and stamp. I do know that certain large cities have city ordinances that pertain to “pointing a gun at another” . So, I guess it comes down to who signed the warrant, Federal , state, or city judge.
Nothing to be sorry about, if you are a legal gun owner, this should send chills down your spine. As far as everything else, if you have not thought about the defense of yourself, your family, and your property, you are living in a fantasy vacuum.
