I have written previously that an instructor should be able to give an introduction in no more than 90 seconds. This was in response to some (too) long instructor introductions that went into way too much detail. I have recently come to realize the opposite is true – it is possible to give way too little detail. This article is a guide to effective instructor introductions that give students everything they need and nothing they don’t.
Shooting Drill: I Failed the Old Air Marshals Qual (FAMS TPC)
The old Air Marshals Qual, aka the FAMS TPC (Federal Air Marshals Tactical Pistol Course) is reputed to be one of the most difficult qualification courses in law enforcement. In this installment, I demonstrate…and fail it.
NPE Carry: What is a Non-Permissive Environment (NPE)?
We have already gone through several articles in our NPE Carry series. We’ve talked about a gun, some holsters, and have at least a few more articles to go in the series. But we haven’t discussed what a non-permissive environment is. So let’s take a look at that.
Well-Rounded Shooting Drill: The BATFE Handgun Qual
Today we take a look at another shooting qualification, this one from the BATFE. In my opinion this is one of the most well-rounded shooting qualifications I’ve shot in a while. Close-range, SHO, WHO, 25-yards, malfunction stages – it seems to have a little bit of everything. The qual is the BATFE Handgun Qual and I found it John Daub’s excellent Drills, Qualifications, Standards, and Tests.
NPE Carry: Mika’s Pocket Holster Review
This review marks the next in our series of NPE carry holsters. Over the past several months I have worked with several Non-Permissive Environment carry holsters. This article is our Mika’s Pocket Holster review, a very cool pocket holster and viable NPE carry option.
Someone Trained in CPR Saved My Life
The title is not clickbait. On Saturday, January 6, 2024, someone who was trained in CPR saved my life. I’ve said in the past that CPR is at least as important the TCCC-style, tourniquet-based training, and I’m now even more adamant about it. Though no one performed CPR on me, someone trained in CPR saved my life.
Shooting Drill: The Hackathorn Standards
Today I bring you one of the most complex shooting standards out there: The Hackathorn Standards. Infamous for its difficulty and complexity, this one has been on my list to try for quite some time. It requires a fairly complicated range setup, but if you can shoot it, it will test your skill.
Before the Class: Student Gear Lists
I attend a lot of training and get to see a lot of student gear lists. I have some thoughts on these lists for all the instructors out there. The ideas here apply regardless of what you are teaching, from a close-quarters gunfighting course to a photography seminar to a sushi-rolling class. Short story: keep your student gear lists updated, simple, and clear.
VIDEO: 10-Round Skill Check – The Gunsite 250 Drill
The Gunsite 250 Drill is a difficult drill with demanding time standards. It only requires 10-rounds, though, and is a great, low-round-count drill that will quickly assess your skills.
NPE Carry: Desantis Super Fly Pocket Holster Review
This review is a continuation of our NPE carry series, and our first review of a deep-concealment holster. Over the past several months I have worked with a number of NPE carry holsters. This review will cover the infinitely popular and commonly recommended Desantis Super Fly pocket holster.