Why Minimum Standards Matter for Defensive Shooting When it comes to minimum pistol shooting standards for self-defense, the goal isn’t to become a competition-level shooter—it’s to build enough skill to survive and prevail under stress. Every defensive gun use (DGU) is different in context, timing, and execution. Variables such as distance, lighting, movement, and number [Read More]
Physical fitness has always been a cornerstone of Special Operations Forces (SOF)—and for good reason. There are several key factors that drive this: the need to remain mission-capable under any condition, the mental toughness that increases resilience, and the ability to adapt to sudden physical demands such as shooting under stress. But the one aspect [Read More]
Hitting the target is important not only for achieving a skill level but also for its legal implications. Accurate shooting can help avoid various serious issues, including legal consequences and potential fines or imprisonment. While speed has its place, accuracy is universally important for effective shooting. If we can’t agree on the importance of accuracy, [Read More]
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed teaching our intermediate-level classes. They are hands down the most attended classes we offer. But are they the best class to help you reach your potential or is training with more skilled shooters for faster skill development better? The Challenge of Advancing in Skill The harsh reality is that getting [Read More]
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 [Read More]
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, [Read More]
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 [Read More]
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 [Read More]
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. [Read More]
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. [Read More]