Trident Concepts https://tridentconcepts.com/ Where Concepts Meet Reality Tue, 31 Dec 2024 23:18:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://i0.wp.com/tridentconcepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cropped-TRICON_HEARLDY-2.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Trident Concepts https://tridentconcepts.com/ 32 32 52928776 Maximum Effective Range of a Pistol & Training https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/12/31/maximum-effective-range-of-a-pistol-training/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/12/31/maximum-effective-range-of-a-pistol-training/#respond Tue, 31 Dec 2024 23:30:57 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=18061 Recently I was asked about active shooter preparation and specifically how to deal with long shots one might encounter. A quick study of active shooter incidences and we can see [Read More]

The post Maximum Effective Range of a Pistol & Training appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
Recently I was asked about active shooter preparation and specifically how to deal with long shots one might encounter. A quick study of active shooter incidences and we can see many of them happen in “gun free” zones such as malls, schools and big box stores. In these environments, distance is an alley. But, if there is a responsibility to move towards the sound of gunfire to stop an attack is that doable. How proficient is one shooting at the maximum effective range of a pistol.

A man holding a gun in front of a target.
2 inch group at 25 yards

Defining the Long Shot

Let’s all agree we are not talking about personal attacks that typically occur at close range if not extreme close range. We are talking about a gunfight at 35, 50 or 75 yards; maybe even further or the maximum effective range. Many are already bemoaning the need to take a shot at these ranges and they are not be wrong. Again, if what if the mission is the safety and security of these locations. What if the mission was to engage the bad guy at these extreme ranges in an effort to shift their mindset to survival mode. Many in law enforcement can find themselves in this situation as school resource officers or if they are the first responding officers on the scene of an active shooter. While first responders may have access to a rifle, school resources officers must deal with the attack from a “come as you are” war mindset. Meaning the rifle is secured in an office space away from the attack site and of little value.

An Origin Story

I’ve been in situations where distance was common, whether it was intentional such as an approach to a target or unintentional, being caught in bad situation and needing to beat feet. As a result, years ago we created and taught a class called Pistol Distance Shooting to address the issue of maximum effective range to units and organizations with a similar skill set requirement. It was the genesis of being in some tight spots and needing to push beyond the normal pistol shooting ranges. In the one day class we shot pistols out to 25, 35 & 50 yards standing. Then 75, 100 & 200 from prone. It was a great class on truly understanding marksmanship principles. Some argue it is not realistic and again they would be right. Unless there is an attack while in a mall, school or store with terrain greater than your normal training distances. What training and standards exist for this mission. To be honest, there really are none. It could be reckless, maybe even irresponsible to not at least practice to better understand the challenges of these extreme ranges.

Understanding the Distance Challenges

What is the secret to shooting at these extreme ranges? There are two buckets, gear and skill. To do this well will require the right gear. Back then, I ran those classes with a high-end full size 1911 with adjustable sights. My zero was 35 yards and it allowed me to hit out to 100 yards relatively easily. That’s where the fun ended. Beyond that and it is extremely difficult. But, what about in today’s environment with red dot sights (RDS) on pistols? I’m not saying it is easy, but it is more likely to be achievable for shooters with less than advanced skills. This is where gear has narrowed the playing field. Each year I shot out to 100 yards with my pistol more as a reminder of humility than preparedness. In the process it has greatly improved many other facets of my skill set. Match ammunition is an option, but to be honest I doubt it will help without the use of a RDS. A match grade pistol is also not entirely necessary. I have some really high end match pistols that I love, but my annual humbling is with my carry pistol. That is sometimes my P365 xl or xMacro, both with short barrels.

It’s All About Technique

Taking a stand falls in the realm of skill and capability. Here, I break it up into two smaller buckets; freestyle and supported. Freestyle being standing and supported being prone or some other supported position. Both will require a higher than average attention to detail. The RDS really shines in this regard. At these extreme distances I’m doing less thinking about sights and more thinking about trigger control. Really understanding the sear wall is a huge benefit. The next skill to develop is using holds. To get a good hit on a target at 50, 75 or 100 requires adjusting the point of aim. There are too many variables to list, but suffice it to say aim higher. This is where practice provides the insight and skill to be effective. For those wondering, a sub 2 inch group at 25 yards will generally produce a 6 inch group at 50 yards and 10 inch group at the 100 yard. I’ve attacked this problem from several different angles, but this seems to be a good rule of thumb. All bets are off if holding a decent group at 25 yards is not possible. Even with no true mission requirement for this skill set, I still encourage all decent shooters to play with the 50 yard line as their maximum effective range. The first time I put a decent group at the 50 yard line was a true watershed moment for my capabilities.

Getting to the 100 Yard Range

How to train at these extreme distances requires a little preparation. Without knowing the bullet’s flight path, use a flyer sheet. This is the sheet of paper used to collect the data on a missed shot. To do this, I invert one of our TCT Mk4 targets so the head is at the bottom. Then affix it to the hanging target with glue to give me 36 inches of vertical drop. If my point of aim is off the primary target, the flyer sheet will catch it and I can make an adjustment. The flyer sheet is really not needed until maybe 75, but 100 and further for sure. My biggest complaint is not having convenient access to more than 100 yards for pistol work. Most of the time, if I’m going to a 100 plus yard facility, I’m working on my rifle. The last pro tip to fast track learning is to collect data. So, create a DOPE log or Data On Previous Engagement. For me, what I do is take a picture of the target with the point of aim along with the point of impact. This allows me to start my newest session without repeating some of the past mistakes. I don’t spend too much time here, maybe a total of 50 rounds from 35-100 yards. I will admit it is challenging, but also very rewarding.

To those who must defend our national treasures, I hope there is the means to improve the gear and skill.

The post Maximum Effective Range of a Pistol & Training appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/12/31/maximum-effective-range-of-a-pistol-training/feed/ 0 18061
Short Barrel Rifle Joy https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/12/30/short-barrel-rifle-joy/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/12/30/short-barrel-rifle-joy/#respond Mon, 30 Dec 2024 18:29:00 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=18025 The beauty of a Short Barrel Rifle or SBR is the compact and lightweight nature they offer. When I look at a home defense rifle, it will be an SBR [Read More]

The post Short Barrel Rifle Joy appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
The beauty of a Short Barrel Rifle or SBR is the compact and lightweight nature they offer. When I look at a home defense rifle, it will be an SBR by default. Here are is some strong rationale why they fit that role perfectly.

Compactness

I love running through shoot houses or practicing CQB. Truthfully, it is the battleground my strengths shine. In all the years of being responsible for this mission and then training others for the same mission I’m convinced it is the superior platform. You get the same configuration, only shorter. Meaning, chambered in 5.56mm, 30-round standard magazine, a flat-top and various mounting options for mission critical gear. Running with a short barrel rifle being 4-6 inches shorter really makes a difference. Plus, it allows me to run suppressed; which when indoors is almost necessary. In the tight spaces of an internal structure I have blind spots and danger zones I’m always prosecuting so the shorter overall length gives me a tactical advantage to exploit.

Lightweight

Cutting 4-6 inches off the barrel length not only cuts weight of the barrel, but the fore-end as well. This reduces the overall weight; which is always a good thing. The magic number is 8 pounds or less, but there is a catch. That’s equipped with a suppressor. You see, the real advantage of having the shorter barrel is being able to run with a suppressor and still keep it to about 14.5 inches overall. Running this short barrel rifle configuration indoors is HUGE. All it takes is for you to run through a concrete shoot house with all the sound abatement and you realize the disruptive nature from over-pressurization. Yes, ear safe conditions are nice, but it is the over-pressurization that is the real problem. Every time that rifle goes off, whether your’s or a team member the shockwave is similar to the blast wave propagation from an explosion…albeit a much smaller one. It’s the cumulative effect that produces long term medical issues.

Running Suppressed

From a home defense rifle condition, having a compact and lightweight rifle equipped with a suppressor is the ideal setup. If you are responding to a home invasion, chances you will grab hearing protection are virtually zero. But, grabbing your suppressed SBR and now we have a party. Aside from being ear safe for you, the rest of your family benefits from this condition. The flash reduction will also aide in night time conditions and I’ve found the larger surface area of a suppressor produces an improved response from a weapon strike for those are skilled in that department.

Travel & Discretion

Any short barrel rifle must come with permission from the government. A real pain and hopefully something for repeal consideration. SBR’s are cost prohibitive for many, not to mention the tax stamp for Uncle Sam. Since the purchase of any firearm by a prohibited possessor is well…prohibited it seems an unnecessary infringement. That’s my opinion. I feel there is plenty of room to debate this subject and look forward to making that opportunity. In the meantime, traveling with an SBR comes with additional headache. First, they are not legal in every state. Make sure to do your own research in advance of any travel outside the state the SBR is registered. Second, there is more paperwork necessary to legally travel outside the registered state. Once, you’ve obtained the paperwork then traveling is pretty straightforward. The big advantage is I can shove them into smaller, more discrete bags other than the traditional rifle cases. Moving in an out of hotels or other public spaces is less of an attention getter when there is little to draw someone’s attention. For porting once at my travel destination I use smaller, less obvious bags. I’ve even used a messenger bag where I dissembled the upper from lower receiver.

The Downside

There is no free lunch and in this case, the shorter barrel means we need to ensure we are running at peak reliability. There are three things to consider here. The gas port size, buffer weight and maintenance interval. Running a shorter barrel length will typically mean you need to have a larger or more forgiving gas port. Most rifle manufactures already favor the oversized gas port due to the wide variety of ammunition available. This will allow enough gas to cycle the action when most of the gas is exiting the barrel. Then, because of the shorter overall action the bolt cycling needs to be slowed down a bit with a heavier buffer and buffer spring. The heavier buffer & buffer spring will slow the bolt’s cycling so it doesn’t out run the magazine spring when feeding. If you run it suppressed the amount of carbon built up is a lot more and this can strain the reliability at the higher round counts. I’ve run this setup hard with thousands of rounds suppressed as well as seeing hundreds of students doing the same. But, we pay a heavy price when it comes to cleaning. Keeping the rifle adequately lubricated durning training and after will help eliminate stoppages due to fouling.

Closing

If you are asking me, I believe every American should at the very least know how to safely use a rifle if not own one personally. The more rifles in the hands of competent armed citizens, the safer our country. Plus, owning a rifle is a reminder of our freedoms. Our forefathers fought for our freedoms with rifles. In today’s evolving world, threats to our well being and safety abound. Defending one’s home is complex problem to solve. One of the solutions is a short-barreled rifle. The short barrel rifle gives us a compact, maneuverable shoulder fired firearm. Easy to carry, shoulder and shoot. Due to their smaller size, they are lighter. Being lighter has a direct relationship with being more accurate. The shorter nature of the rifle allows me to run suppressed with a much smaller footprint. Granted, I’m extended the length and weight, but because I’ve cut down the barrel it has a balancing feel. Travel can be a pain, but with planning and preparation it makes for a discrete option while on the road. Reliability is one of the bigger downsides. Some simple steps can greatly increase the reliability and ensure the rifle runs and runs hard. If you are in the market for a new rifle in the New Year, maybe consider adding an SBR to your inventory.

 

The post Short Barrel Rifle Joy appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/12/30/short-barrel-rifle-joy/feed/ 0 18025
Trained Versus Untrained…Does It Matter https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/10/12/trained-versus-untrained-does-it-matter/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/10/12/trained-versus-untrained-does-it-matter/#respond Sat, 12 Oct 2024 16:11:44 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=17980 There is a saying, “you never rise to the occasion, you default to your level of training.” These words are so true, particularly in self-defense situations. But here is another [Read More]

The post Trained Versus Untrained…Does It Matter appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
There is a saying, “you never rise to the occasion, you default to your level of training.” These words are so true, particularly in self-defense situations. But here is another important consideration. When it comes to self-defense techniques, would you prefer they come from trained versus untrained individuals? How relevant is an outcome from an untrained individual when putting in effort to train, prepare and be equipped to deal with a violent, deadly force encounter. I’m not saying there is no value, but how much value is the question. I’m far more interested in an outcome from someone similarly trained and equipped since it more applicable. As such, I believe there is a significant difference between trained and untrained individuals, not just in skill but in mindset, awareness, and response. Let’s break down the key distinctions between trained and untrained people in self-defense situations.

Combat-Ready Mindset

The most fundamental difference between trained and untrained individuals in self-defense situations is the mindset. Trained people develop a combat-ready mindset through repeated drills and exercises that prepare them to respond effectively under stress. Training is designed to conditioned them to be calm and focused when danger arises. Through this form of inoculation the individual becomes somewhat desensitized allowing for an improved response. Untrained individuals, on the other hand, often experience heightened stress, fear, or panic, which can lead to poor decision-making. They are more likely to freeze, hesitate, or react impulsively without thinking through their actions. Take for instance an immediate action drill, commonly performed when a stoppage occurs. The trained individual will perform a conditioned response to remedy the issue in the most efficient and expeditious manner possible. The untrained individual will likely rely on luck to solve the problem. Which is better?

Situational Awareness

A major benefit of training is improved situational awareness. Trained individuals know to observe their surroundings, identify potential threats early, and assess exits or escape routes. This heightened awareness can help them avoid dangerous situations before they even begin. Untrained individuals are often unaware of what’s happening around them and may miss crucial warning signs, increasing the likelihood of being caught off guard. When a stoppage occurs with a firearm, there are two directions one could travel; diagnostic or non-diagnostic. The trained individual is more likely to go non-diagnostically relying on their training. An untrained individual more than likely will be diagnostic, not knowing what’s happening and requiring more information or by pass crucial information. In this case, the stoppage. What caused it? The trained individual is less concerned and will perform a series of actions designed to accommodate as many contingencies as possible to quickly return to the fight. An optimal response.

Controlled Response vs. Reactive Panic

Training is designed to instill control over emotions and actions. When faced with a threat, a trained person’s response is deliberate and measured. They’ve practiced scenarios where they have to decide whether to engage or disengage, how to act effectively, and to de-escalate if possible. What actions to perform and when. Conversely, untrained people often react based on instinct or fear, which can result in wild, ineffective responses. This reactive panic might cause them to miss opportunities to flee or defend themselves in a meaningful way. Video analysis is all the rage these days and before one goes too far down the rabbit hole ask yourself is the individual trained or untrained. I’ve observed enough videos of untrained or better, poorly trained individuals that during a deadly force encounter experience a stoppage. As they draw their handgun to deal with an immediate threat, they fire one shot and attempt to fire more when they realize the firearm is not firing. The cause, the magazine either fell from the gun during presentation or was not fully seated. This is not new, nor is it earth shattering news. It happens more often. During the conduct of thousands of hours of tactical training I’ve seen it plenty of times on the firing line. The immediate action is to tap the magazine, cycle the action and return to the fight. I’ve moved away from calling it “tap, rack, bang” but many know it as this.

Confidence and Posture

Training breeds confidence. A person who knows they have the skills and tools to defend themselves will carry themselves differently. Their posture, eye contact, and demeanor may deter potential violent criminal actors (VCA) from attacking them in the first place. Untrained individuals often exhibit nervousness, unsure body language, or timid behavior, which can make them more appealing to a VCA. The beauty of being non-diagnostic is I don’t need to know what caused the stoppage. Because I have the confidence to know my immediate action drill will solve the problem. I also don’t want to confuse untrained, luck or ignorance for a sound tactic to employ. Just because an untrained individual performed a series of actions with a favorable outcome doesn’t mean it erases thousands of trained favorable outcomes. It is also difficult to analyze all events that occurred without the benefit of video analysis. Just because they were not recorded or reviewed doesn’t mean they are any less valuable.

The gap between trained and untrained individuals in self-defense is stark. Training not only equips people with the physical skills to defend themselves but also instills the mental toughness and situational awareness needed to make quick, effective decisions under pressure. Should training techniques be updated and validated. Absolutely, but are we willing to allow an untrained individual dictate the outcome. Around the 1950’s CPR was codified to include rescue breathing to help provide oxygen to the lungs which is critical to the brain and other vital organs to keep them functioning. But, in 2008 rescue breathing was removed from the protocol. Not because it wasn’t effective, but for two reasons. To overcome concerns of mouth-to-mouth contact and to encourage more people to take action. Again, not because rescue breathing is not effective.

 

The post Trained Versus Untrained…Does It Matter appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/10/12/trained-versus-untrained-does-it-matter/feed/ 0 17980
Five Rifle Marksmanship Principles https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/09/14/five-rifle-marksmanship-principles/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/09/14/five-rifle-marksmanship-principles/#respond Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:11:11 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=17946 The more I teach, the more I see the importance of the basics. Without the basics the best you can hope for is luck. Those serious about rifle shooting, will [Read More]

The post Five Rifle Marksmanship Principles appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
The more I teach, the more I see the importance of the basics. Without the basics the best you can hope for is luck. Those serious about rifle shooting, will make mastering these five marksmanship principles a top priority. It doesn’t matter about that one time at band camp. How you do something is how you do everything. Consistency is nothing more than accuracy and accuracy is nothing more than consistency. Combat accuracy relies not only on marksmanship knowledge, but its practical application. The more a student understands the five rifle marksmanship principles the more accurate their movements leading to hitting the target on demand.

Stability and Position

The first principle of rifle marksmanship is establishing a stable shooting position. I sometimes reference a “shooting platform” going all the way back to my Navy days. The position must provide a stable foundation to manage the rifle’s recoil and maintain sight alignment. Stability comes from using bone support as oppossed to muscles, which tire quickly and introduce inconsistencies. Learn to use the natural point of aim at all times in all the positions. The three primary shooting positions to master are:

  • Prone: The most stable, as the body is closest to the ground.
  • Kneeling: Offers some stability with quick mobility.
  • Standing: Least stable but essential for moving targets or tactical situations.

The goal for each position is to comfortably stabilize the rifle while absorbing recoil. The purpose behind each position is irrelevant, mastering the positions and letting the situation dictate is the objective.

Grip and Control

A proper grip on the rifle is necessary for control, making good hits on target. With a rifle there are a total of four points of contact; the weak hand, strong hand, shoulder pocket and cheek weld. The weak hand stabilizes the rifle’s weight by gripping the fore-end firmly and pulling into the shoulder pocket for a solid connection. The strong hand grips the rifle with equal tension to avoid imbalances with access to all appropriate controls.  Too much pressure or uneven gripping can pull shots off target. The shoulder pocket positions the buttstock of the rifle high and slightly inboard of the shoulder joint. The more connection with the buttstock, the better the recoil control. The cheek weld is the connection with the top surface of the buttstock. The cheekbone will literally rest on top the buttstock. When gripping the rifle, remember:

  • Use the weak hand to stabilize the rifle, controlling it firmly.
  • Maintain a relaxed but controlled grip with the strong hand.
  • Place the buttstock in the shoulder pocket low and slightly inboard.
  • Rest the cheek bone on the buttstock in the same position.

Consistent and equal grip pressure along with more connection will help stabilize the rifle and manage recoil. The more connected to the rifle, the more opportunity for consistency. The better the connection, the more stable the rifle.

Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

A rifle with a scope and accessories on a table.The use of red dot sights (RDS) and low powered variable optics (LPVO) has revolutionized the rifle shooting world. For RDS ensure both eyes are open, focused on the target. Use enough intensity so the dot is crisp, not fuzzy on the edges. For LPVO’s that can be run like an RDS apply the same technique. When magnification is utilized, use the dominant eye only and focus on the proper reference in the reticle. LPVO’s with tactical reticles pose an additional challenge of ensuring the correct reference, whether the crosshairs or stadia lines to hit targets at various distances. The default setting for LPVO’s should be the lowest magnification, cranking up when necessary. This provides the user RDS capability for immediate threats. When aiming following these guidelines:

  • For RDS, keep both eyes open, focused on the target
  • Use the lowest magnification to maintain the widest field of view
  • For back up sights or LPVO with magniciation, focus on the front sight post or reticle.
  • Keep the rear sight or scope slightly blurred.
  • Ensure the front sight or crosshair is centered on the target.

Ensure the optic is properly installed and use the best zero optimized for the mission. Then be familiar with how to exploit tactical reticles.

Trigger Control

Trigger control is often where shots are made or missed. Squeezing the trigger too quickly or with excessive force can throw off the shot. The goal is to apply steady pressure until the shot breaks, almost as a surprise. This ensures the rifle stays steady with minimal disruption to the aiming process. Key tips include:

  • Place enough of the index finger on the trigger to apply power, not force.
  • Ensure the tip of the index finger is at 90° to the face of the trigger.
  • Apply smooth, even pressure past the shot breaking.
  • Avoid jerking or slapping the trigger.

Follow-Through

Once the shot is fired, follow-through is crucial and often forgotten. Keeping the rifle steady and maintaining the sight picture ensures you’re not inadvertently moving the rifle after the shot, which can affect accuracy. Follow-through allows the observation of the shot’s impact when using RDS or LPVO’s. When necessary it allows for immediate aiming adjustments for subsequent shots. Being target focus and observing the shot’s impact becomes a huge tactical advantage.

The five rifle marksmanship principles require discipline and practice. Mastering the principles of position, grip, aiming, trigger control, and follow-through not only improves accuracy but builds confidence. These fundamentals lay the groundwork for consistently hitting the target, no matter the situation.

The post Five Rifle Marksmanship Principles appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/09/14/five-rifle-marksmanship-principles/feed/ 0 17946
Speed is Overrated, or Is It??? https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/08/27/thinking-fast/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/08/27/thinking-fast/#respond Tue, 27 Aug 2024 17:23:53 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=17928 No matter how many runs through a shoot-house there is always something to improve. What I discovered was the importance of recognition and how quickly I could react correctly by [Read More]

The post Speed is Overrated, or Is It??? appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
No matter how many runs through a shoot-house there is always something to improve. What I discovered was the importance of recognition and how quickly I could react correctly by thinking fast.

The Unknown, Unknowable Event

If you practice the art of gunfighting long enough you’ve heard arguments for and against speed a thousand times. The truth of the matter is they are both right and wrong. It’s more about context and the situation. Shooting fast has its place no doubt, but it is hard to quantify how fast is fast enough. The harsh reality is nobody knows. We are training for an unknown and unknowable event. Actually, that’s not entirely true. The only known will be the need to positively identify the target to ensure deadly force justification. Everything else is up in the air.

Fast is a By Product of the Situation

I’ve told the story several times about how I never had to worry about going “fast” when I was downrange. It was always a by product of the situation and good training. Things happen in real life quickly, thinking fast gives you an advantage. The best decisions were made when the operator was able to pick up on those cues well in advance, position themselves to be tactically advantageous then utilize the surgical violence to resolve our country’s problems. By that point speed was less of an issue at the micro level.

Being Purposeful

Thinking Fast for Accurate & Effective FireGranted, assaulting complex structures doesn’t apply too much to the armed citizen. Conducting too many runs to count a key take away was speed applied without conscious thought generally ended poorly. As the armed citizen another big difference is being reactionary as opposed to pro-actionary. We will be playing catch up most of the time. The ability to draw and deliver accurate and effective fire is the ever elusive goal. How many rounds will it take to stop the fight is the great unknown. How fast must you deliver the first shot is another great unknown. There is no known basis to support these uber fast draw times. The time it takes to recognize the stimulus to draw and fire is greater than the time it takes to draw and fire. There are a lot of variables in play that need to be considered.

Be Smooth

On top of that, we are going to be in a dynamic setting. Maybe the situation deescalate, accelerating decision making speed. Or maybe the situation was a surprise ambush with no warning. The latter is more common and about the only real justification for the super fast drawstroke. There was a complete unawareness of the looming threat. As a result there is an urgency to giddy-up. I find it far more valuable to have a smooth drawstroke that takes into consideration various scenarios. Such as drawing with the use of movement, from a seated or supine position, recovering to a kneeling position from our back and from behind cover. These to me represent a far more valuable perspective. Of course, I’d like each of these draw strokes to be fast, but precise or smooth is the key.

Critical Decision Making

As armed citizens we are responsible for the final resting place of every round we fire on top of deadly force justification. As we find ourselves in these different positions it strains our accuracy. Focusing our efforts in these conditions makes a lot more sense than any super fast drawstroke. The other consideration is the difference between a planned and unplanned event. When we conduct live fire training it is a planned event. Meaning, we are briefed at what distance under what conditions and the course of fire in advanced. This is a huge advantage. It literally removes the critical decision making from the equation. Critical decision making or thinking fast is one of the most overlooked skills in the gunfighting world. It is not something talked about because it is not sexy. The decision to go to guns versus to escape is a hard one for anyone to make, but if all we do is go to guns it makes it far more likely that will be the default setting. Completely removing the critical decision making and potentially putting ourselves in legal jeopardy. Also, if we are not trained to assess each round fired to determine if the attack stopped we again put ourselves in legal jeopardy. If the cue to stop firing completing a Bill drill or emptied the magazine it may be difficult to defend actions in court.

Draw to the Ready

Staying in control at all times is the ultimate goal. It starts by taking in as much available information to make good and timely decisions, what I reference as thinking fast. It’s great to have the super fast drawstroke with the lightening fast split times, but not at the sacrifice of thinking fast. We also see very little emphasis on drawing to a ready position. Granted many defensive gun uses are self explanatory as far as our response. But, what about a smooth draw to a ready position with voice commands. How often is the subject covered of quickly drawing to the ready and issuing commands. There is a tendency to override programming by always drawing and firing.

We are a byproduct of our training. We will never rise to the occasion, we will default to our level of training. Which is why it is so important to consider a more realistic approach towards training where critical decision making is the emphasis, followed by marksmanship and then speed. Discussing the various stimulus to deadly force threats on a more regular basis gives the end user not only the information, but it primes their radar. It puts them in the driver’s seat. Hitting what we are aiming out is the responsibility we bear when we exercise our constitutional rights. The consequences for missing could be property damage at best, personal injury or death at worst. Then moving with control to perform the above is what dictates the speed.

There’s more to gunfighting than shooting fast, thinking fast should be the priority.

The post Speed is Overrated, or Is It??? appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/08/27/thinking-fast/feed/ 0 17928
About Violence | Ep. 13 Jeff Gonzales https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/07/29/about-violence-ep-13-jeff-gonzales/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/07/29/about-violence-ep-13-jeff-gonzales/#respond Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:33:40 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=17907 This week on the @about_violence Podcast, we are joined by Jeff Gonzales. (@jl_gonzales) US Navy SEAL Jeff L. Gonzales is a nationally recognized weapons and tactics instructor. He is the [Read More]

The post About Violence | Ep. 13 Jeff Gonzales appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>

This week on the @about_violence Podcast, we are joined by Jeff Gonzales. (@jl_gonzales)

US Navy SEAL Jeff L. Gonzales is a nationally recognized weapons and tactics instructor. He is the founder and CEO of Trident Concepts, LLC., former director of training for The Range at Austin and current podcast host for the BulletProof Workshop podcast.

Jeff’s background comes from Naval Special Warfare, where he served as a decorated and respected operator and instructor. Participating in numerous combat operations throughout the globe, his duties involved a wide variety of operational and instructional assignments on both the East and West coasts.

Through Trident Concepts, Jeff pioneered new advances in weapons and tactics instruction. His unique understanding of adult learning, detailed curriculum development and rigorous adherence to performance standards continue to set him apart from an increasingly crowded field.

In recent years, Jeff has increased his focus on concealed carry. Leveraging his experience operating in non-permissive environments all over the world, Jeff shares his unique knowledge with members of law enforcement, military, and responsibly armed citizens. In this process, he has created lasting relationships and friendships. As he is known for saying, his drug of choice is helping his students reach their true potential, inspiring them to push harder and further than they thought possible.

Follow us on Instagram: @about_violence

The post About Violence | Ep. 13 Jeff Gonzales appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/07/29/about-violence-ep-13-jeff-gonzales/feed/ 0 17907
Shooting Archetypes, Who Are You??? https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/07/20/shooting-archetypes-who-are-you/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/07/20/shooting-archetypes-who-are-you/#respond Sat, 20 Jul 2024 16:11:54 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=17888 Over the years I’ve collected a lot of information about the students who’ve attended our classes. One thing I’ve noticed is how most will fall into one, maybe two shooting [Read More]

The post Shooting Archetypes, Who Are You??? appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
Over the years I’ve collected a lot of information about the students who’ve attended our classes. One thing I’ve noticed is how most will fall into one, maybe two shooting archetypes I’ve defined.

How To Best Ensure Behavioral Change

The purpose behind training is behavioral change that leads to goal or performance standard achievement. I choose to define shooting archetypes as a pattern of behavior that guides or motivates a student. It is possible to have more than one archetype, but there usually will be a dominant one and others that can be subordinate. These warlike personality traits can help explain or define the student’s motivation, fears and goals. By themselves they are not bad, they are only bad if they prevent continued growth or goal attainment. Which is why I enjoy observing students while they are learning. I’m trying to better understand them, what makes them tick so I can get the very best out of them.

The Role of Time & Focus

I’ve also seen students change over the years. One of my greatest achievements is seeing returning students. I enjoy watching them grow as a shooter. I may see a student start out in one category, but as they develop they morph or flat out change into another. I’ve also seen an almost bi-polar condition where two archetypes are competing for dominance. The experience we undergo will help shape these archetypes. For instance, if your first exposure was more “Marksmen” related, you will typically have that as a dominant force. There is nothing to say these are permanent, in fact I feel they are more a state of flux. I can recall participating in different events when my focus might have drawn out more of a certain archetype. Different from my dominant role.

So here are the five shooting archetypes along with some details to help describe them better.

The Speedster

Usually a new student will start out as a speedster where they measure their performance by how fast they complete the task. The task may not meet the standard, but achievement is based on the time it takes and not the outcome.

Desire: To shoot as fast as possible
Goal: Achieve an arbitrary time standard that has limited application
Motto: Go fast or go home

The Marksman

Usually the student who takes their time learning and wants every shot to be a perfect shot. They often are flustered when forced to rush or perform their task quickly.

Desire: To hit the X-ring no matter the cost
Goal: Shoot the tightest groups at the furthest distances
Motto: Accuracy if final

The Metro

Usually the student who is interested in looking good at all costs. They want to have all the cool gear and toys first, then learn how to use them second.

Desire: To look like they know what they are doing
Goal: Be the first with the newest piece of gear
Motto: Everyone wants to be a gangster until

The Commando

Usually the student who is only interested in the outcome and doesn’t care so much about the tools. It is all about the mission and winning no matter the cost.

Desire: To meet the standard while using the least amount of effort
Goal: Mastery of everything so as not to be the weak link
Motto: Fuck it, we’ll do it live

The Gunfighter

Usually the student who is accurate and fast but competes for tactical realism, even when there is none to be had. They are burdened with statistics and knowledge in an effort to control an uncontrollable event.

Desire: To be tactically sound at everything
Goal: Act in the most statistically advantageous manner
Motto: This is the way

I love teaching and I love learning about how to reach students better. We talk about how important it is to know the different adult learning styles, but have we thought about the archetypes as well? Everyone processes and learns new information in different ways. There is no way to get around hard work or effort, you have to put in the time. Being somewhat more aware of these shooting archetypes might help reach a student who is struggling or provide a pathway towards improvement. There is always more than one way to skin a cat.

The post Shooting Archetypes, Who Are You??? appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/07/20/shooting-archetypes-who-are-you/feed/ 0 17888
Citizens Podcast | Jeff Gonzales | Episode 138 https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/06/05/citizens-podcast-jeff-gonzales-episode-138/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/06/05/citizens-podcast-jeff-gonzales-episode-138/#respond Wed, 05 Jun 2024 21:48:51 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=17854 Former US Navy SEAL Jeff L. Gonzales is a nationally recognized weapons and tactics instructor. He serves as president of Trident Concepts and is the host of the Bulletproof Workshop [Read More]

The post Citizens Podcast | Jeff Gonzales | Episode 138 appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>

Former US Navy SEAL Jeff L. Gonzales is a nationally recognized weapons and tactics instructor. He serves as president of Trident Concepts and is the host of the Bulletproof Workshop Podcast.

His book “Concealed Carry Manual” is available now. https://tridentconcepts.com/product/t…

The post Citizens Podcast | Jeff Gonzales | Episode 138 appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/06/05/citizens-podcast-jeff-gonzales-episode-138/feed/ 0 17854
The Importance of 4 Inches For Zeroing https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/05/25/the-importance-of-4-inches-for-zeroing/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/05/25/the-importance-of-4-inches-for-zeroing/#respond Sat, 25 May 2024 16:11:53 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=17828 Shooting rifles for as long as I have has taught me to appreciate the importance of precision. And it all starts with understanding 4 inches for zeroing. Minimum Level of [Read More]

The post The Importance of 4 Inches For Zeroing appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
Shooting rifles for as long as I have has taught me to appreciate the importance of precision. And it all starts with understanding 4 inches for zeroing.

Minimum Level of Accuracy

If you shoot long enough at some point the subject of “minute of angle” comes up. If you don’t have a good feeling about MOA then do yourself a favor and watch the video in the attached link. MOA is an angular unit of measure. In its simplest form it is expressed as 1MOA equals 1 inch at 100 yards. So, 4 inches would be 4MOA. That is the minimum level of accuracy necessary to correctly and accurately zero any optics or sights for rifles. Now, this can get really complicated really fast when you consider all the variables. But let’s zoom in and focus on pistols with red dot sights. Why is 4 inches important for zeroing.

The importance of 4 inches for zeroing
Preparation is a major key to properly zeroing any optic.

It’s All About Repeat Performance

As we see more and more shooters exploring red dot sights eventually they will have to install and zero them. We can talk about installing another time, right now we are going to focus on the finer details of zeroing. I wrote a pretty lengthly blog on the subject already, check it out to get caught up; Zeroing a Pistol Mounted Optic. One part I didn’t cover in too much depth was the reason we use 4 inches. It boils down to repeatability. To properly zero a red dot sight the group size must be precise. Firing a 4 inch group from a supported position will give you the ideal shot group to make corrections. The corrections made are based on the group’s location relevant to the point of aim.

Proper Procedures for Best Results

The general zeroing procedure is to take the center of the shot group and measure to the center of the point of aim. Then calculate the adjustments necessary to move the point of impact to the desired point of aim. Fire another group of 4 inches or better to confirm the adjustment. Repeat this process until satisfied with the zero. Using a 4 inch group increases the chances the shot group will be over the desired point of aim. The smaller the group size the greater the zero’s precision. With larger groups there is a chance the actual center of the shot group is not the true point of aim. The resulting bad shots are shooting errors and they are harder to distinguish since the group size is so large.

Shooting Skill Dictates Zero Distance

It is precision that matters when zeroing. Without a high degree of precision, the accuracy may or may not be on target. Shooting repeatable groups is how to achieve the best zero. It is one thing wanting to zero at a specific distance, it’s another thing having the skill to zero at said distance. I believe to truly take advantage of the RDS you want to zero at the furthest distance in common use and that would be the 25 yard line. However, if you can’t repeatedly produce 4 inch groups from the 25 yard line then it is not a “good” zero distance. You could improve your marksmanship skills to tighten your shot group, but that will take work. So, what do you do in the meantime while improving your marksmanship skills? Move the target closer.

Close the Distance

Move the target to a distance where repeatable 4 inch groups are possible. That might be the 20 yard line, or maybe the 10 yard line. If 4 inches or better repeatable groups are not possible at the 10 yard line, the better choice is to invest in marksmanship training. Before investing in a red dot sight build the marksmanship skills up through formalize training. Working with a firearms coach or attending a weekend training course are great ways to develop marksmanship skills. Returning to the red dot sight with good marksmanship skills will ensure the most precise zero possible.

It’s all about knowing yourself and then exploiting your gear to your advantage. Use 4 inches as your guide to choosing your zero distance, then work to improve your marksmanship skills.

The post The Importance of 4 Inches For Zeroing appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/05/25/the-importance-of-4-inches-for-zeroing/feed/ 0 17828
Ported Slides for Concealed Carry https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/04/27/ported-slides-for-concealed-carry/ https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/04/27/ported-slides-for-concealed-carry/#respond Sat, 27 Apr 2024 16:11:29 +0000 https://tridentconcepts.com/?p=17797 I embrace new technology about the same way I embrace jumping cholla. With caution and from a distance. This is not to say I don’t appreciate new technology because I’m [Read More]

The post Ported Slides for Concealed Carry appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
I embrace new technology about the same way I embrace jumping cholla. With caution and from a distance. This is not to say I don’t appreciate new technology because I’m loving the new ported slides for concealed carry.

The Newest Era of Handguns

We really haven’t seen anything revolutionary in the last 20 years of handgun manufacturing. The new slim line gun offerings might be the closest. With the explosion of these micro-compact blasters over the last 5 years I’d say they are popular and we see them in many of our carry classes. In fact, I run a slim line for just about every handgun course we offer these days because of their capability and shootability. The last bit there is one a lot of people will voice concerns, how well they can shoot these smaller guns. They offer a few challenges regarding the available gripping surface and overall reduction in mass. You can overcome the gripping surface issue by adopting new grip techniques, but there’s not much you can do about the reduction in mass…until now.

Modern Use of Comps

Ports and compensators are not new. They’ve been around for decades, but mainly in the competitive arena. I loved my comped gun I ran back in the day. For serious duty guns you don’t see them for a couple of reasons, enlarged footprint and reliability. Most compensators were “add-on’s” that extended the overall length of the slide, thus making holster options limited. There were a few integrated into the slide, but they proved less effective. The real problem was many of these were screwed on or similar attachment concept requiring routine maintenance. The newer ported slide design is addressing both these issues and doing it well.

Ported Slides Design

Expansion chamber with integral ports
Expansion chamber with integral ports

A new design, such as what is seen on the Sig P365 xMacro Comp, combines the ported slide with a shortened barrel to create what is called an expansion chamber. Where the gas from the round is allowed to accumulate in the chamber before vented through two integrated ports in front of the sights. The beauty to this design is you get the best of both worlds. There is no additional length to the overall footprint and no add on’s or maintenance required. I’ve been running these ported slides on all my micro-compact pistols and the results speak for themselves. There really is no down side.

The Bad of Shooting Ported Slides

The two biggest concerns with ported slides are loss of muzzle velocity and close contact shots. I’ve found while there was a reduction in muzzle velocity it varied. At the high end I was getting 50fps difference to only about 15fps on the low end. That’s not the right question to be asking. The real question is what effect will this velocity loss have on terminal performance. While there is a corollary to lower terminal velocity and poor penetration and expansion, what is the threshold. As far as the danger for contact or near contact shots. It is possible while entangled with an opponent the ports could be facing you so the real question is how much injury could the gases produce and what would be the minimum safe distance from your eyes. Again, not sure on this one and probably not really worth the effort.

Ported Slide Benefits

Often overlooked are the real benefits. Ported slides allow a new shooter to immediately reap the benefits in their shooting technique. Some claims are as much as 30% reduction in perceived recoil. When I shoot strong hand only I can see a significant difference in how fast my sights return to the target. I find this point to be important, just because you have a ported slide doesn’t mean you have to shoot fast. It means your sights generally travel less and are quicker to pick up. Or, you have the ability to shooter faster. You still need to make good judgements even between shots being fired.

I’m a big fan of the ported slides for carry, there is little if any downside.

The post Ported Slides for Concealed Carry appeared first on Trident Concepts.

]]>
https://tridentconcepts.com/2024/04/27/ported-slides-for-concealed-carry/feed/ 0 17797