The 300 Reduex 2016

About a dozen or so years ago, I read an article in one of the gun rags by Clint Smith.  It was titled “The 300”.  In his usual kind and generous manner, Clint stated in the article that in the period of the upcoming year, there would be 300 new training schools that would pop up.  He stated how much that would be a good thing.  And he was right as usual.

But there has been a downside to it.  One that I am sure has been around to some extent ever since the first weapons and tactics school opened to teach proper use of the rock and stick.  That is the schools that teach some really questionable stuff.  In recent years, we’ve seen everything from serious safety violations (instructors shooting themselves, instructors shooting students, instructors having students stand by targets while other students shoot at the targets in the name of “realism”, etc) to really whacky techniques and tactics.

One such technique that I have been hearing about is a student or instructor standing next to a target frame while another student shoots at the target.  I find that to be absolutely insane for just about any type of live fire training, let alone an open class with students with mixed skill levels.

I think a lot of the really insane, unsafe stuff that gets put out there in the name of “realism” is due to the desire to satisfy the “tactical tourist”.  There are seemingly folks out there, much like fantasy football camps, who take a class to be “Tier One” for a couple of days. That is all well and fine, I have no problem how people spend their own money.  The important part is that they go, have fun, and be safe.  But, when you start seeing the “commando mind with a potato peelers ass” type safety violations, enough is enough.  You’ll hear those that defend this type of behavior quote “Big Boy Rules” as if somehow that negates the unsafe behavior that goes on.  They’ll boast that anyone who has a problem with what they do as “panty wetting” and other crap bravado to camouflage how silly what they are doing is.

In 2016, there are far more schools out there from good, solid sources than 300.  It is easy to do a little research and pick one that teaches a solid product, without all of the safety shenanigans.

GEORGIA V. THREE GUYS AND A TRUCK (PART 3 – THE AAR)

How to Get Out of Solitary — One Step at a Time | The Marshall Project

I thought seating a jury would be an extraordinary task and would take longer than the actual trial. It played out pretty much that way. I thought none of the defendants would testify. I was wrong about that. The shotgun-wielding defendant’s testimony wasn’t bad, but he needed to hit a grand slam on demand. He didn’t, on his own, and the video evidence didn’t allow for it. (I have said this to several clients – “If you don’t testify, you will likely be convicted. If you testify and are not perfect, you will be convicted.”). I was fairly sure none of the defendants would leave the courtroom exonerated at the conclusion of the trial. That also happened. They were summarily remanded to custody by the judge. As convicted murderers.

I watched the entire trial daily. The State of Georgia’s “evidence” didn’t see overwhelming to me, and its legal arguments on several counts struck me as rather novel and overbearing. As I predicted however, there was little to support the factual or legal basis to assert “citizen’s arrest.” And with that, there went their weak defense. The lead prosecutor was often unintelligible and condescending. Sure, there are several appeal worthy issues. On Georgia law, the jury instructions, and overarching Constitutional principles. Even with some counts reversed, or a new trial, the defendants’ fates are pretty much sealed.  As is sadly, that of Ahmaud Arbery. No matter what he was doing on their street that sunny Sunday. Of note: There remains a federal indictment the defendants must face in 2022.

Takeaways: Knowing the MAY beforehand, not after a defensive use of force or in the middle of a trial, is critical. Whether you are a gun-toting citizen, police, prosecutor, defense attorney, or judge. Never push the envelope, and never forget the SHOULD. The McMichael family will likely never again see two of their loved ones alive and outside prison walls. A simple-minded guy making a video (who had good reason to think he would be a state’s witness) left the courtroom in shock, to a holding cell. Likely to spend decades in prison. Because he gave ill-advised interviews to law enforcement. Also of note: If you think use of force “expert” testimony will be admitted and exonerate your use of deadly force, there is significant precedent in many states that says otherwise.

Kudos to the defense attorneys. Their devotion to their clients and the noble process was the only feel-good thing of the entire case.

IT WAS SELF-DEFENCE, EH?

The National Flag of Canada

It’s an interesting, albeit very long read. Recommended for the truly serious students and instructors of all “things” legal and tactical relevant to justified use of deadly force. It’s a Judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada rendered recently, a few days after their Thanksgiving. The case is R. v. Khill. It’s online HERE.

I was reminded that Queen Elizabeth II is actually still the Queen of Canada. I already knew that the Crown can appeal a not guilty criminal verdict, and that the shotgun is rather decisive in defensive use of force incidents. I learned the modern progression of statutory self-defense law in Canada. A 2013 overhaul (the “Citizen’s Arrest and Self-defence Act”) fundamentally changed the Canadian analysis. It was intended to incorporate case law and simplify analysis under the statutory law on self-defense. Their government’s explanation of the law is HERE.

Of note: The discussion of behavioral and temporal framing in analyzing justification in a defensive force incident. What is determined to be relevant and admissible and how the jury is instructed bears heavily on the outcome. In Canada, the defendant’s “role in the incident” will be considered as one of the determining factors. To my knowledge, no use of force justification statute in the U.S. contains that precise language, but I’m thinking it might sound familiar to LEOs in our Western states. Continue reading

THE “CAN-MAY-SHOULD-MUST” – 2.0 ?

New and Improved? - Sean Heritage

With permission to use granted, Claude Werner, a/k/a The Tactical Professor, decided, when referring to my CAN-MAY-SHOULD-MUST paradigm (for the use of deadly force), to re-sequence it. His version:

CAN-MAY-MUST-SHOULD

From the professor: “This author re-sequenced them from Mr. Harris’ original sequence to Can-May-Must-Should because Can, May, and Must are essentially binary Yes/No decisions that would be decided the same way by similar persons in the same set of circumstances. Should, however, has numerous ambiguous inputs based on individual moral and sociological precepts. If the Can and May criteria are met but the Must (i.e., I do this to survive) is not, then the Should decision could be legitimately decided differently by persons in the same set of circumstances. For instance, in the case of defense of a third party, some persons might choose to intervene and others might not. Both decisions could be reasonable based on the personal beliefs of the individual who is making the decision.”

I got nothing. I like it. It hadn’t occurred to me when I first thought up my paradigm that my favored seriatim analysis was not the only appropriate presentation. From studying the professor’s body of work it occurred to me long ago that my CAN and SHOULD are the two elements over which the force user has nearly complete control, unlike the MAY and the MUST elements, which are dictated by someone else.

Hat tip: Claude Werner. Lesson learned: Never mess with an “OODA” expert.

SIRT Pistol 2016 Winter Sale

https://bo283.isrefer.com/go/WS2016M/modernserviceweapons/

Avid readers of this page know that we are big fans of the SIRT pistol for skills development and maintenance. Thanks to our friends at Next Level Training, SIRT pistols are discounted and you get some extra goodies in time for the holidays. The M&P version of the SIRT is typically not discounted, so this is a solid offer. Check it out by clicking the link above.

Traditional Double Action Experience – Beretta 92G

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    Beretta/Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical and Shootist Tactical OWB.

I have long since been intrigued by the Beretta 92 family of pistols. The Elite series was a significant step in the right direction for the 92 but just not enough to sway me from Combat Tupperware and wheelguns.  Last year’s release of the Beretta/Wilson Combat collaboration 92G Brigadier Tactical (Brig Tac) pushed me over the edge.

Now I’ve heard many people talk about traditional double action pistols but had very little experience shooting them.  The DA/SA transition is made out to be the Boogie Man.  It was time to learn how to run one of the most popular pistols of all time. Continue reading

The Old Fat Dog and the Curly Wolf

 

IMG_5285I often caution citizens not to expect their domestic pets to be effective guard dogs.  Folks usually don’t like heavring it, but that’s been my experience after a few decades in law enforcement.  Dogs are great alarm systems if properly programed, but are rarely capable of a full-blown attack against a dedicated assailant.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gained permission to enter a fenced-in yard to search for a suspect only to be told by the homeowner that no one could survive their killer canine’s zone of terror.  One gentlemen even told me, “if he’s back there, you’re on a recovery mission [rather than a rescue mission].”  Several of those times, not only did we find the suspect in Cujo’s Corner but one time (I kid you negative), the felon was actually hiding in the dog house.  Still, police work is consistent with anomalies. Continue reading

Gray Guns Sig Sauer P226 Competition Action Package

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Its hard to argue the fact that the Sig Sauer P-series pistols are some of the best combat pistols every produced. Putting the argument or preference aside of double action/single action versus current current striker fired pistols or single action only the reliability and accuracy is well known and respected around the world. With a vast majority of the pistol rounds I’ve sent downrange being out of a p226, I had to have one in the safe. The trigger and action on the sig are designed for reliability, not necessarily a light or crisp trigger pull so I decided to upgrade my personal gun a bit. I made the obvious decision and went to the first and really only serious name in Sig Sauer action work, Bruce Gray of Gray Guns. Continue reading

The Modern Firearms Instructor: Can We Do Better?

 

FIreams instructors have a golden opportunity when teaching concealed carry classes.

Firearms instructors have a golden opportunity when teaching concealed carry classes to encourage their students to seek further training.

It seems everyone is a firearms instructor these days, me included.  As the interest in firearms ownership and concealed carry grow, so must the instructor base.  We are law enforcement, military and private sector firearms enthusiasts who want to share our knowledge and help others.  Most firearms instructors only teach their state’s concealed carry course or other “basic” classes and I’m certain the majority of us do a respectable job with the short amount of time we are allotted.  Still, can we do better?  I believe there are two areas where many firearms instructors just plain fail.

The majority of new shooters or at least new students only attend their first class because their respective states require it to attain a handgun carry license.  I would dare say many of them are certain that this rudimentary training is more than adequate.  That’s not their fault.  That’s our fault as instructors.  An eight-hour, state-mandated safety class is in no way sufficient and that is a point where I feel many instructors fail.  We should be encouraging our students to seek further training on their own after completion of that class.  Granted, it can be difficult for your average person to overcome their fears and finances to attend even a basic eight-hour class.  How do we convince those folks to attend intermediate and advanced training?  It all starts with that concealed carry class. Continue reading

My Glock Shoots Left (?)

glockfbi

This particular Glock has sights mechanically centered in the slide, but many Glocks do shoot slightly left. This is my target from a while back after shooting the FBI Bullseye Course, which is shot at 15 and 25 yards.

I’d like to start by apologizing for the slow rate of articles as of late. Many real life events are conspiring to keep some of our authors and me from the keyboard.

This latest topic was born from a recent email I received from a couple readers asking about whether or not Glocks shoot left, and if it is something about which he should be concerned. While I would not describe myself as a Glock guru, though it is currently my preferred sidearm for work and play, I have seen a few of them on the range over the years, and have spoken with some knowledgeable individuals. Here is my take on the issue, for whatever it is worth.

Continue reading

Your Next Weapon Mod: FITNESS

I’ll bet you don’t see this at your next carbine course.

An observation of mine in recent months looking at pictures of people online attending competitions, shooting courses, training events etc is the there is a huge variety of fitness levels represented in our sport. I use the word “sport” lightly as obviously that means something different to different people. This would seem as an obvious observation but then again lets take a few steps back. I grew up playing traditional sports such as baseball and football, where fitness is a direct contributor to you ability on the field. I then carried on into college and again to play sports we had strength coaches and trainers focused on keeping us conditioned enough to compete at a high level. I have no experience with professional sports but I would take an educated guess to say that it only becomes more important at that level as well. Continue reading

Robar to the Glock Rescue

Robar grip work, 10-8 sights and mag base pad, slide work done by Mars Armament. Axe is an RMJ Shrike

It would be safe to say that the Glock as a pistol is almost, or dare I say as big an “icon” as the 1911. Glocks are being used by law enforcement and military personnel all over the world as well as being one of the best selling pistol manufacturers in the US. A good majority of gun owners, especially those who frequent shooting courses or instruction, all seem to own at least one Glock. With its popularity comes an exploding aftermarket with an endless list of companies making parts or modifying/machining the guns themselves. Some are worthy of mention and many are hacks with a hot piece of metal deforming the frames almost to the point of failure on unsuspecting owners looking to emulate the professionals for a fraction of the cost. I personally had a Glock stippled by a friend, and while not a hack job by any means I found the texture too aggressive and didn’t quite know how remedy it without just buying another frame. This is the point where Robar comes in. Continue reading

1980’s Television

1980’s television taught us so much.  The Bren Ten was controllable for controlled “triple taps”.  A Ruger Mini-14, when fired with the stock folded, was guaranteed to only hit the dirt beside a moving car, and if it did hit the car, it was only a tire.  The car would then flip over 96 times, and then it would show both of the occupants getting out and merely dusting themselves off.  A Smith and Wesson Model 29 (and oddly enough the SPAS-12, and HK P9) would blow the hood open on a car as it traveled towards you.  That bad guys could be armed with the same weaponry as the good guys, but always lacked in marksmanship skills.  And those that are serious carry a M1911 in their waistband with no holster. Continue reading

LOUIS AWERBUCK REMEMBERED

1948-2014
Warrior, Artist, Philosopher

  Who wouldn’t want to be remembered with words like these:

Stubborn, single-minded, articulate, knowledgeable, independent, moral, inquisitive, interesting and accomplished .   .  .

That’s what Robbie Barrkman wrote of Louis Awerbuck (his friend of 35 years) on his Robar Guns website, after Awerbuck’s death in June 2014.  (The entirety of the heartfelt tribute is HERE).   Awerbuck’s Yavapai Firearms Academy, with a summary of his resume, is HERE.  A 2008 interview of Awerbuck, where he answers well-posed questions on life, death, and equipment, is HERE.  Another one, rather well-known, “Interview With A Madman,” is HERE.  An interesting commentary on his death, evidencing Awerbuck’s appreciation for warrior history and philosophy, “Requiem For A Soldier,” is HERE.  It is said that he was fearless, but carried a high capacity 1911 as a primary, and a Glock 19 as backup. Continue reading

The SHOT Show Primer

Going to SHOT Show?  What is that?  SHOT stands for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade show that now has become synonymous   with “that cool, tactical (tacti-cool) show”.  In all seriousness, it’s where all the gun and gear companies come together with buyers (?) to show off their new products for the upcoming year.  It’s Mecca for the shooting industry no matter which side (competition or tactical) you are on. Continue reading