A huge priority for my 2023 training plan was to attend some wilderness survival training. Though I felt I had a pretty solid skillset via self-study and practice, there really is no substitute for formal, high-fidelity training. With that in mind I signed up for two classes. The first, Randall’s Adventure Training’s Field Survival was back in March. The second, and the subject of this after-action review, The Pathfinder School Basic Survival Course, was this past weekend.
AAR: Rangemaster Protective Pistolcraft IDC
This is an after-action review of the Rangemaster Protective Pistolcraft Instructor Development Course held in White Hall, Arkansas. This 5-day class was taught by Tom Givens. This is a rundown of the class, the equipment I used, and my thoughts on it. Hopefully this will give you some idea what to expect if you’re planning on attending some Rangemaster training, and encourage you to if you’re not!
GORUCK Tough 30th Anniversary Mogadishu Mile AAR
I recently completed a GORUCK Event, a “Tough”-level event. This was a phenomenal physical training opportunity and a self-inflicted gut-check. If you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself mentally and physically, a GORUCK event is a good way to do it. This post will talk about GORUCK Challenges, how to prepare your gear and yourself, and serve as a brief AAR to the GORUCK Tough Mogadishu Mile event I completed.
Handling Patient Firearms for EMS Professionals I: Pistols
Firearms are a fact of life for EMS professionals. Patients sometimes have guns on or around them. Usually it is up to law enforcement to secure firearms, but that’s just not always feasible. This article takes a look at some of these situations. More importantly, it offers a principle-based approach to handling patient firearms for EMS professionals. This article is also great information for firemen, cops, and just about anyone else.
The Civilian Battle Belt Setup
The civilian battle belt is a belt containing all the stuff you might need to defend your home. It is a pre-assembled, ready-to-go kit, allowing you to simply stand up, don, and go. It provides a lot more capability than a pistol, rifle, or shotgun alone. I’m not suggesting that having a good pistol or long gun is insufficient, but this is a step above and beyond. This article will primarily focus on battle belt setup, with mine as a point of reference.
Don’t Use FMJ Ammo for Self-Defense
Occasionally I’ll see someone using cheap, ball ammo for self defense. Sometimes this is borne out of simple frugality. More frequently it is the result of misunderstanding how modern, expanding, hollowpoint ammunition behaves. In this article I hope to convince you otherwise. Bottom line up front: don’t use FMJ ammo for self-defense if (and only if) you have better options available.
USCAN Deadbolt: The Best Residential Deadbolt
Finding a deadbolt that I am comfortable recommending, and that is somewhat affordable has been difficult. Thanks to a locksmith friend I have finally found one that I can recommend with confidence. It is the USCAN Grade II Deadbolt, quite possible the best residential deadbolt you can buy at such an affordable price. I have had these on my house for the past two months. Let’s talk about what makes them so great, and where to buy them.
Poisonous Plants of the Southern Appalachians – UPDATED!
Recently I published and article called Wild Edibles of the Southern Appalachians. While putting that article together I did a lot of research. I wanted to put out the best and safest information possible. In doing so I learned just how many poisonous plants there are out there. Here are just a few of the most dangerous poisonous plants of the Southern Appalachians.
Upcoming Training: Blackside Operator’s Course 01-24
Coming in Early 2024… A collaboration between Across The Peak co-hosts Rich Brown and Justin Carroll. This immersive, live-aboard, 5-day course is unlike any other “gun class” you’ve ever attended. Designed to give the student the ability to survive and thrive in the urban, “blackside” environment, Blackside Operator’s Course (BSOC) will make you comfortable in any situation. From fancy dinner party to prevailing in a gritty street fight, you’ll be ready. This is a gentleman’s course and business/business casual attire will be expected for throughout the class.
Carry 1911 Review: RIA TAC Ultra CS 9mm
Pistols of the 1911 persuasion are not generally at their best when forced into the budget category. Notoriously finicky eaters by nature, their reliability is usually directly proportional to their cost, and cheap 1911s usually suffer in the “fit and finish” department, as well. Usually. Rock Island Armory has a strong reputation as an affordable 1911 that is still a solid shooter. I decided to test out the RIA TAC Ultra CS 9mm 1911, and here’s how it did.