The Blog Has Hit A New Record!

Some time in the Early Morning hours of 4-26-24 The Blog achieved 200,000 Pageviews.

 

To all you people who come here for information, and entertainment, I say thank you!

Some Humor For Thursday

 

Traveling With Firearms By Air - Know The Rules

 The following article is from the Lucky Gunner website, written by the owner of the RevolverGuy Blog. 

 https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/take-skies-flying-firearms/

Today David James Asks "Have You Ever Seen a Flashy Technique That Looks Too Good To Be True"?

 And explains how that's because it is. Don't get pulled in by flashy so-called "self defense" techniques that don't work as advertised unless you're using them on a compliant training partner in the dojo.

 So, as always.....Pay Attention!!

 

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Some Classic Carl Cestari Footage

You'll Need To Click On The 'Watch On Youtube' Icon to view the Video

 

Not Quite Wheelgun Wednesday - Lets Take a look At......

 ....Some Lever Actions.

Just like Revolvers, they're Old School, but still viable for many people. Especially if you live somewhere that takes a dim view of the locals owning a Semi-Auto carbine. It should be noted that I am not a fan of some of the "Franken-Lever" designs that are currently out on the market, nor do I appreciate many of the accessories that various companies feel are "must haves" on the venerable Lever Gun. Putting a couple of pounds of high-tech extras on a Lever kind of defeats the low profile look and and the light weight/good handling aspects of a time tested design.

But they still have a place in the self defense arena. Read on and make up your own mind. 

https://www.offgridweb.com/preparation/pushing-the-boundaries-of-the-tactical-lever-gun/

 

 

Blackthorn's Advice On Preparing For Real World Emergencies

This is my advice for people who want to prepare for realistic violence, financial upheaval, and various and sundry natural disasters. Consider it my response to having recently checked out some various Forums and Websites and seen the wallet draining bullshit that passes for "must have" knowledge to survive the in the 21st century.

1) Don’t do stupid things, hang out with stupid people, or go to stupid places.

2) Pay attention to what's going on around you, and learn to talk, walk, or run your way out of a bad situation before it escalates into a really bad situation.

3) Get some good OC spray and see how your particular unit works. Get a training unit at the same time and practice some drills with a friend or friends.

4) Get yourself to a practical self defense class and learn hand striking, kicking and even some standup and ground grappling. Lose weight, gain muscle, gain confidence, work some limited Force on Force drills on resistant opponents.

5) Get a 5 shot revolver, a used Makarov, a brand new Glock or whatever you can realistically afford. Practice with it semi regularly, carry it whenever possible. Get a pump shotgun for the house for heavy artillery. If you live in some rathole that doesn't allow this, then move as soon as you have accomplished Item 6 below.

6) Un-fuck your finances. Come up with do-able debt reduction and savings plans that you can manage to stick to.

7) Get 3-plus months worth of food, emergency cash and supplies stored up. The world might not come to an end, but your job sure might.

8) See your doctor and dentist regularly

9) Carry a flashlight and a knife or multitool. You'll be amazed at how you ever got along without them if you never did before.

10) Get your house/apartment as secure as is feasible. If there are blind spots, fix them, if the locks suck, replace them. As long as you’re not allergic to animal dander, a dog is one of the cheapest alarms you can install.

11) Take some Red Cross CPR and First Aid classes. Go for EMT if you have the time/money, or find a class teaching wound trauma management that covers tourniquets, occlusive wound bandaging, and wound packing. Carry a small, realistic first aid/trauma kit in your car or on you if you carry shoulder bag, backpack or attache case for work.

12) Take a defensive driving or accident avoidance course.

13) Learn something useful. Welding, computers, a new language, etc.

I'd rate all of those higher than running around with a $2,000 rifle, however much fun that can be. Also much more practical than taking a ‘Civilian Counter-Terrorist Course from your local self proclaimed “High Speed, Low Drag” instructor, and far better than worrying about zombie hordes. It will make you that much more of a self sufficient individual should such circumstances arise.
 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Three Reasons To Avoid Road Rage

The Low Ready Position From Jim Wilson At Shooting Illustrated

 

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/the-low-ready-position/

Fitness Matters!!

 You'll always find those instructors and other assorted Self Defense types that'll tell you that you don't need to be in good shape to defend yourself. Whether they tell you that all you need are the techniques that they are selling/teaching, or that they'll just use their gun, knife, taser, whatever, to beat off their assailant.

And they're all full of shit! 

You don't have to turn yourself into a Tier 1 Operator, or spend 5 nights a week in the gym. But you do need to have a regular fitness program if you're going to expect to fight off an attacker. 

Not to mention that it will help to stave off sarcopenia (look it up), arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, pulmonary disease and all the other issues that come with age.  

So Pay Attention!!

Sunday With Blackthorn - When Someone Is In Your Face

 Today's Video is a sort of follow-up to yesterdays offering from David James. The two essentially go hand-in-hand. How to shut things down when someone is trying to intimidate you just before an assault.

And as always........Pay Attention!! 

 

 Note:  Apparently David James Youtube channel has been taking flak from Youtube and getting flagged for some of his content.  It explains why over the last couple of weeks 2 or 3 of his videos which I had linked to here at the Blog just "disappeared". 

I wish I could say I was surprised by this turn of events, but unfortunately, I can't.

David James On Why You Never Back Up In A Fight

 So, As Usual......Pay Attention!

 

Mother Nature Messes With NYC As A 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits

So I'm sitting here minding my business, sipping my morning coffee, and all of a sudden, a rumbling goes through the floor under my feet, and I'm like WTF?

I go over to the stairs to the basement, because the door was open and I knew my wife went downstairs do some laundry, to ask her what that was. She's sees me and says "did you feel that too?" She comes upstairs, and we already have the news on and they interrupt what they're reporting on, and they start talking about a 4.8 magnitude earthquake!!! A few minutes later the phone rings, and it's my wife's niece all amped up and asking if she felt that.

And now the news is reporting that there may be aftershocks.

Welcome to Friday morning everybody!

 

 www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/earthquake-hits-us-east-coast-shaking-buildings-from-philadelphia-to-boston/ar-BB1l8ncN

 

 www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/earthquake-reported-outside-new-york-city-tremors-felt-in-multiple-states/ar-BB1l8gYP

Thursday Political Humor At The Blog

 

Wheel gun Wednesday - The Pros and Cons Of Speed-Strip Loaders For Your Revolver

From TFBTV, an article about the advantages and disadvantages of Speed-Strips as compared to loose rounds, or Speed-Loaders.

 

 https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/07/06/pros-cons-speed-strips-revolvers/

To See The Future, Look To The Past

A brief article about lessons to be learned from the Decline of The Ottoman Empire.

 https://forwardobserver.com/what-the-ottoman-crisis-can-teach-us-about-u-s-decline/?_hsmi=300656923&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9HfGLbEQzx8_Ymi0IIHk3v2JjghouhV96gGfDUmXsc8lQaHe-L6gLgT69nDIu693wq3sCJ8UpawthcKRsuUmJtooHg3g

Sunday With Blackthorn - Learn To Master Your Emotions

 Because if you don't, you could end up broke from a civil lawsuit, a criminal trial,in jail, or even dead. 

How To Defend Yourself During A Bear Attack In The Woods

 

Monday Morning Motivational Talk From David James

 So, ahem, ...... Pay Attention!!

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today Chris Baker Discusses The True Distances That Gunfights Happen At

Anybody For A Vacation Down In Haiti?

 No? I didn't think so.....

 

  Machete-wielding militias battle gangs in  Port-au-Prince as Haiti’s elites vie for power

By Caitlin Stephen Hu, David Culver and Evelio Contreras
CNN Mon March 18, 2024 Port-au-Prince, Haiti CNN


The wide road that passes in front of Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport has a post-apocalyptic stillness these days. Where cars and crowds of people once massed, only tendrils of smoke rise from smoldering piles of trash, sending a bitter taste into the air.

An armored police vehicle hulks nearby; the few police officers on watch cover their faces with balaclavas. This street looks nearly abandoned, as if in the wake of a disaster – an experience that people in Port-au-Prince know better than most. But leaving the city isn’t an option this time; the airport, under siege by gangs, has been forced to close.

Since the start of the month, criminal groups have been attacking with unprecedented coordination the last remnants of the Haitian state – the airport, police stations, government buildings, the National Penitentiary. The culmination of years of growing gang control and popular unrest, their joint assault forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign last week, a stunning capitulation that has nevertheless proven futile in restoring calm.

For the rest of the article go to the link below:

https://www.wfft.com/news/national/vigilantes-battle-gangs-in-port-au-prince-as-haiti-s-elites-vie-for-power/article_faffd1f4-cca1-5671-aac9-9724b2915ad0.html

David James On Avoiding The Sucker Punch

 One thing first guys. Apologies for yesterdays Wheelgun Wed Post. It wasn't until this morning that I realized I repeated the same Post from 2 weeks ago. I'll try not to do that again, but at my age, I can't guarantee anything!

And now, as usual per David James "Pay Attention!"

 

 

An Interview With Paul Harrell

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Discuss 'Guns For The Older Shooters'

 Steve Forester is back to opine on the subject of Handguns for Self Defense for older/aging citizens. That will then be followed by a video on a particular caliber from the Lucky Gunner Youtube channel.

 ************

Self Defense Handguns For Older/Aging Citizens

 Berretta Tomcat 30X .32 ACP

First of all, let me say I like the Tomcat. A lot!

However, I can't say I prefer it to the Kel Tec P-32. The P-32 is a LOT of gun for what it is.

www.keltecweapons.com/firearm/pistols/p32/

The best thing I like about the Tomcat is the tip-up bbl. If someone just cannot manipulate the slide, then I would say go to the Tomcat - no questions asked.
However, The Tomcat is thicker. Better for recoil control maybe, but my Tomcat sticks in my pocket on the draw while the P-32 does not.

And, these are ALL definitely pocket guns.

The Beretta model 95 in .25 ACP is another choice for the infirm. Smaller even than the P-32, and in .25 ACP, with even lighter recoil, and featuring the tip-up bbl, this might be the last stop for the elderly who just can't handle anything else.

Of consideration in this category is also the Ruger LCP II in .22LR. It has the EZ Rack slide and the .22LR is the lightest recoiling round. However, it is bigger than all the above which might help with "shoot-ability", but, for some reason, ALL Ruger LCP's I have tend to come out holster and all in the pocket draw.

Of all these "pocket guns": Beretta Tomcat, Beretta 95, Kel Tec P-32, and Ruger LCP .22, I have to say - hands down - the little Kel Tec P-32 comes in first place. Hands down. They are ALL nice little guns and can't go wrong with any of them, but the Kel Tec P-32 is what resides in my pocket today.

Now, I did not address the .38 snub for pocket carry. This has a LOT of advantages for the elderly. Don't have to rack a slide to load and can leave loaded indefinitely with no maintenance and will still function perfectly.

Plus, I love these things!

However, They are substantially larger than any of the above. In the typical pair of jeans, the top of the gun can be seen and could lead to problems if someone standing beside you spots it.

Also, the .38 Special is this small package is a handful. Especially in the air weight models. OK, if shoving the gun in someone's gut and letting go with 5 rounds, but at any kind of distance it is the hardest to manage.

So there you go! Any of these will "fill the bill". It just depends on you and your particular needs.
For me, the little Kel Tec P-32 is the perfect comprise.

That is just me, though.

 

And now, the Lucky Gunner  Video on the pros and cons of the .32 ACP

 

 

The Government Really Is Spying On You....

 ....And it's apparently legal.

 The freakout moment that set journalist Byron Tau on a five-year quest to expose the sprawling U.S. data surveillance state occurred over a “wine-soaked dinner” back in 2018 with a source he cannot name.

The tipster told Tau the government was buying up reams of consumer data — information scraped from cellphones, social media profiles, internet ad exchanges and other open sources — and deploying it for often-clandestine purposes like law enforcement and national security in the U.S. and abroad. The places you go, the websites you visit, the opinions you post — all collected and legally sold to federal agencies.

 For the rest of the article, click on the link below;

 https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/02/28/government-buying-your-data-00143742

 

 

How The Metropolitan Police Operate In Modern Day England

This link comes from a UK Police website. The ridiculousness of this is unbelievable.

 https://news.npcc.police.uk/editorial/limiting-supply-is-crucial-to-tackling-knife-crime

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today Some Geopolitical News

 First up we look at the escalating tactics by the Cartels in Mexico. Following that, we have an article on how war between Ukraine and Russia has become a petrie dish lab experiment in modern warfare.

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/soldiers-and-civilians-are-dying-as-mexican-cartels-embrace-a-terrifying-new-weapon-land-mines/ar-BB1jBezJ

 

https://time.com/6691662/ai-ukraine-war-palantir/

Short Combination Close In Strikes From Lee Morrison

 A lot of people don't like By-Rote combinations feeling that any physical confrontation can be chaotic. I'm not an actual fan myself once you get past more than 3 sequential movements. However, for training purposes everyone needs to start somewhere, and then over time find which strikes and which combinations come more naturally to any given individual. 

Additionally, I like that  when Morrison presents ways of training the techniques/combos using what he calls Solo-Pads for persons without training partners.  Hitting a Heavy Bag or a BoB dummy is good, particularly for developing power. But using the smaller pads allows for more movement, specifically what Carl Cestari used to refer to as Aggressive Forward Drive.

 

Don't Be Fooled! David James Tells the Truth That So Many People Won't Admit To Themselves

 

Wheelgun Wednesday - Sheriff Jim Wilson On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Snubnose Revolver

 

 https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/keep-that-wheelgun-turning/

Lee Marvin - Actor, USMC WW2 Sniper, and Real Life Tough Guy

The Movies nowadays are full of "Hollywood Tough Guys" playing a role.  Lee Marvin was never one of those guys. 

 

 

Another Common Sense Video From David James

 So Pay Attention people!!

 

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Have A Two For One Blog Post. Featuring Both Ed Lovette And Dave Spaulding

 First up, an article by Ed Lovette about carrying a small Pocket Pistol. Secondly, a link to a book Written By Ed Lovette and Dave Spaulding entitle 'Defensive Living'.  

And yes, the book is in PDF Format, Downloadable, and absolutely free. So no whining from you Cheap Bastids'!

 

 https://gundigest.com/author/ed-lovette

 

 https://archive.org/details/Defensive_Living/mode/2up

An Interview With Robert Escobar. Author Of Saps, Blackjacks and Slungshots

 I bought the book several years ago when it first came out. I was not disappointed.

 

A Commentary On The Last Blog Post

This is from our fellow Blog member Steve Forester. It's his thoughts on how your concept of Personal Protection needs to change as you get older.

 

I think the videos from yesterdays Blog post brings up some very interesting points.

First, is what is self defense?

Today, that is equal to MMA. Meaning "fighting".

Think about that. Everyone is all ready to "get in someone's one face" today. To talk trash and put someone down. Be a "bad ass".

Well, no. That is NOT my definition of self defense.,

My definition is to simply to protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

A BIG difference and for those who can't see the distinction, well need to work on that some more.

One of the biggest things I have learned over the last seven years of studying this stuff full time is "self defense" is NOT about winning - it is just about NOT LOSING. A huge difference!

Today everything is is all about WINNING. I think the popularity of MMA and the UFC is based on this. Everyone wants to the the winner. The absolute bad ass who can kick anyone ass.

Well, Good luck with that. As John Benner said 20 years ago: "It is hard to wear that big  "S" (Superman) on your chest".

To me, a more realistic approach is to accept reality.

What if you are sick? You got the flu. Sick as a dog. Can we call time out and say we are sick?

How about injured? I've had injuries and in the back of my mind I thought I get a pass because I am injured. Surely the bad guys can't expect me to defend myself when injured.

Well, reality shock, predators attack the old, the weak, and the sick.

Real life has no rules. If sick, or a shoulder injury, that just means you are easier prey.

And, as Carl said, even if you are the "King Hell Stud Muffin" today, doesn't mean you will be tomorrow. I have seen this. Guys that were almost indestructible brought to their knees by that grim reaper: Old Age and/or disease.

I know I guy in his 30's that was King Of The Gym. At age 50, he got cancer and was a shell of his former self.

Young guys that think this will never happen to them - well good luck. I never thought it would happen to me either.

What does work?

Here is what I believe.

If your self defense doesn't work when old, injured, or sick, then it is not really self-defense. Because that is precisely when you will be attacked.

The video outlines what we need to do in these situations:

1. Try to avoid situations whenever possible. You may think it is your God given right to use that poorly lit ATM at 2am, but you are putting yourself in harms way.

2. Use self defense weapons to make up for the physical difference.

One thing I carry is pepper spray. I think this is one of the most underrated products on the market. A distance weapon that is legal everywhere and is a distraction device at a minimum.

Yeah, it might not bring the person to their knees begging for mercy. But we don't need that. We just need to break contact and escape. Or transition to a better weapon.

Never underestimate the male ego. I have trained with some of the best in the business who can't get beyond their ego. Who think they are total bad asses at age 60 or 70.

We are not. Just get over it, accept your limitations, and change your game plan to suit your abilities.

Simple as that!   

 

 

Today's Blog Consists Of Some advice (And Humor) For The Older Followers Of This Blog

 First, The Practical Advice.

Part 1

Part 2

 

And Now For The Humor 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today David James Continues With Strikes To Vital Targets

Continuing with yesterdays post about how to deliver your strikes to an assailants vital targets, David James shows how to Get to the Eyes.

So Pay Attention!! 

David James Says......PAY ATTENTION!

 We all know about hitting vital targets on an attacker. Eyes, neck, solar plexus, etc. It's a good strategy, especially if you're physically smaller or weaker than the person trying to hurt you. But most of the time it's a concept that's easier said than done. Today, David James of Vee Arnis Jitsu shows you how to open up one of those target areas in order to get to it.

So, Pay Attention! 

 

Another Carl Cestari Classic - Judo Nagewaza For Self Defense

 “ Judo Nagewaza (Throwing Technique) in the Street. ”

by Carl Cestari

How practical are throwing techniques (nagewaza) for self-defense or street-fighting?

NOT VERY!

The Japanese themselves have a saying, "One year for newaza (ground technique),
TEN YEARS for nagewaza (Throwing technique)". It takes ten times as long to
become proficient at throwing than it does at ground fighting.

Trying to throw a fully resisting, fighting adversary and pulling off a "clean" throw
is VERY, VERY DIFFICULT.

People will INSTINCTIVELY grab, seize, claw and otherwise do all sorts of "spoiling"
maneuvers when one attempts to execute a "throw".

In all of the fights I have seen, I can recall ONLY three instances where one guy was able
to pull off a clean solid throw. And this person was practicing Judo on an almost DAILY
basis.

I've seen throws used in other situations but quite honestly they got the person into
MORE TROUBLE than it was worth.

I will cite three classic examples of what it takes to become "skilled" enough to even
attempt Nagewaza in a real street fight.

1. Masahiko ’Judo" Kimura TRAINED upwards of NINE hours a DAY!

He did thousands of repetitions of Uchikomi (fitting in) to develop just a COUPLE of
reliable Nagewaza (Seoi Nage (Should throw) & O Soto Gari (Big leg reap)). Reading
Kimura's biography you will note that in his street fights and "vale tudo" matches as well,
when he faced skilled boxers his reliance on Nage was still an "iffy" proposition.

Make no mistake..

KIMURA WAS AN ANIMAL!

2. Famed Judo legend Yamashita (explained at his recent seminar that it took
THOUSANDS of repetitions of uchikomi AND the brutal three man drills to BEGIN to
develop the skill to effectively employ throwing techniques.

3. And last but certainly not least is Yonezuka who ADVOCATES the use of
ASHIBARAI (foot sweep) without GRABBING as the BEST overall and SAFEST (for
you) method of slamming someone on their ass.

The other thing that pisses me off is the idea that JUJUTSU throws are somehow
BETTER than JUDO throws for real combat. BULLSHIT. The only REAL difference
between Judo and Jujutsu nagewaza is generally the manner of seizing the opponent.
HOWEVER, a judoka can do this just as EASILY. But moreover, JUDO nage are
PROVEN to be effective in REAL ADVERSARIAL COMPETITIONS. Sure you can
talk about the old Jujutsu styles employing joint locks and strangleholds in conjunction
with throwing BUT again, JUDO methods have been evolving in a far MORE real arena.

I have NEVER seen a Jujutsuka "pull off' any NAGEWAZA against even neophyte
JUDOKAS or WRESTLERS! EVER.

And in a REAL street fight some of the NONSENSE that these people banter on about
concerning the "COMBAT" application of these throws will get you FUCKING
KILLED!

The nonsense they preach on about SOUNDS "cool" but will FAIL in the REAL
unscripted world.

Almost ANY attempt at REALLY slamming someone will invariably find BOTH of you
on the ground. Hopefully, but CERTAINLY NOT ALWAYS, with you on top, then the
light goes ON. Against more than ONE opponent you HAVE BIG PROBLEMS!

Also consider the TACTICAL problems with KNOWINGLY turning your BACK into an
ENEMY! And ANY one-legged type throw, i.e., Hane-goshi (Hip spring throw)/Harai-
goshi (Loin throw)/0 guruma (Big Outer Wheel) /Uchimata (Inner Thigh Throw) will
INSURE that you BOTH hit the DECK.

The BEST methods I have seen and practiced for actually USING throwing techniques in
self-protection came from Bruce Tegner. His concept of seizing the upper arms or
shoulders with both hands and then GOING TO WORK on the opponents legs with a
BARRAGE of LOW HARD KICKS and THEN executing a throw is the ONLY
approach that seems to have validity and is viable. AND that approach is what REAL
kuzushi is all about.

Another topic loaded with BULLSHIT. KUZUSHI is NOT a subtle maneuvering to
"break balance" in THE REAL WORLD nor is it evident in almost ANY real Randori or
Shiai. MORE esoteric fantasy crap. If I want to "break your balance" I'll do it by
KNOCKING THE SHIT out of you!

Lastly, DON'T believe the BULLSHIT about Judo throws "being SAFE" for the
opponent. HORSESHIT! With SUFFICIENT practice you can "land" a guy on his
HEAD, NECK or shoulder.

What makes Judo throws SEEM safe is the practice of UKEMI, the use of TATAMI mats and the LACK of intent in FUCKING up your training partner.

Check out Koizumi's book on throws. He explains very well how a Dojo "safe" throw can
be executed on the STREET with devastating results by a simple change in the direction
of the "pull" done by the hands and wrists.

Instead of "heaving" your man over and directing him INTO a breakfall, you JUST pull
STRAIGHT down and DRIVE him head first into the ground.

The DOERS KNOW the difference between real and chickenshit. The pontificators
present ONLY a "shell" that has NO REAL SUBSTANCE, just "warrior fantasy appeal".
They are blinded by their own BULLSHIT.

Wheelgun Wednesday At The Blog - Today We Have An Article About The Finer Points of The K and L frame Smith & Wesson Revolvers

 

When it comes to Concealed Carry Snubnose revolvers, the Ubiquitous J Frames get all the attention. Today Greg Ellifritz, of Active Response Training, gives us a look athe pros and cons of their big brothers.

 

 https://www.activeresponsetraining.net/k-and-l-frame-snub-revolvers

 

Blackthorn Blog News Update

The situation in the Red Sea has just gotten worse.

 https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-787813

 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryhilb11na

Monday Morning Humor

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today David James Explains The Difference Bewtween 'Self Defense' And 'Self Offense"

 He uses a knife assault as the example, but the concept/mindset is applicable to any close combat type attack. 

And, as always.....

 Pay Attention!!

 

Wheelgun Wednesday At The Blog - How To Reload Your Wheelgun

This article compares two methods of reloading your revolver. Both pros and cons are discussed. Link found by another one of our Blog followers. 

 https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/the-revolver-reload-shooting-on-the-clock/

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today David James Disusses Headlock Defenses - Plus Today Blackthorn Explains The Meaning Of Life To You

 Some of which I've seen demonstrated by my former Instructors Carl , Ralph, and Clint. And I know some of you have seen them as well. However the stats show that the majority of people who look at this blog have never met let alone trained with them, so for them I present this video from David James.

 

 

Life Explained 

Wheelgun Wednesday At The Blog - Today We have 2 Items That Any Snubnose Owner Will Appreciate

 The first is an article form Massad Ayoob. The second is a link to a book every Snub owner should have.

 

 https://www.backwoodshome.com/blogs/MassadAyoob/how-to-shoot-great-with-a-snub-nose-38/

 

The Snubby Revolver

Another One From David James About Two Of Your Best Infighting Tools

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today David James Discusses The PHD You Need For Surviving Street Violence

 I'm sure a lot of guys don't who David James is.  The short version is that he was the No. 1 Student mentored by Florendo Visitacion. Otherwise known as Prof. Vee. FGor quick look at his history, go here; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florendo_M._Visitacion

After Prof. Vee died, his system was carried on by David James. Mr. James was born and raised in Brooklyn NY, and has a no bullshit understanding of what can happen to good people when they run into bad people in the real world.

My old instructor Carl Cestari liked James's material, especially the mindset he had. So as Mr. James Says: PAY ATTENTION!!

 

Things To Ponder On A Rainy Friday...

 Well, it's raining by me anyway.

 

  So now cocaine is legal in Oregon, but straws aren’t.  That must be frustrating....
 
Still trying to get my head around the fact that ‘Take Out’ can mean food, dating, or murder.
 
Threw out my back sleeping and tweaked my neck sneezing so I’m probably just one strong fart away from complete paralysis.
 
The older I get, the more I understand why roosters scream to start their day.
 
Being popular on Facebook is like sitting at the ‘cool table’ in the cafeteria of a mental hospital.
 
You know you’re over 50 when you have ‘upstairs ibuprofen’ and ‘downstairs ibuprofen’.
 
How did doctors come to the conclusion that exercise prolongs life, when… the rabbit is always jumping but only lives for around two years, and… the turtle that doesn’t exercise at all lives over  200 years.
 
If only vegetables smelled as good as bacon.
 
The biggest joke on mankind is that computers have begun asking humans to prove they aren’t a robot.
 
When a kid says “Daddy, I want mommy” that’s the kid version of “I’d like to speak to your supervisor”.
 
It’s weird being the same age as old people.
 
Just once, I want a username and password prompt to respond CLOSE ENOUGH.
 
If Adam and Eve were Cajuns they would have eaten the snake instead of the apple and saved us all a lot of trouble.
 
We celebrated last night with a couple of adult beverages …… Metamucil and Ensure.
 
You know you are getting old when friends with benefits means knowing someone who can drive at night.
 
Weight loss goal: To be able to clip my toenails and breathe at the same time.
 
After watching how some people wore their masks, I understand why contraception fails.
 
Some of my friends exercise every day. Meanwhile I am watching a show I don’t like because the remote fell on the floor.
 
For those of you that don’t want Alexa or Siri listening in on your conversation, they are making a male version…. it doesn’t listen to anything.
 
I just got a present labeled, ‘From Mom and Dad,’ and I know damn well that Dad has no idea what’s inside.
 
Now that Covid has everyone washing their hands correctly…next week…Turn Signals.
 
Someone said, “Nothing rhymes with orange.”  I said, “No, it doesn’t.”
 
The pessimist complains about the wind.  The optimist expects it to change.  The realist adjusts his sails.
 
There’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator. Only a fraction of people will find this funny.
 
I have many hidden talents. I just wish I could remember where I hid them.
 
My idea of a Super Bowl is a toilet that cleans itself.
 
Exercise helps you with decision-making. It’s true. I went for a run this morning and decided I’m never going again.
 

John Correia Of ASP Lecture On Debunking "The Presence Of My Gun Will Scare The Bad Guy Off"

 

Smith And Wesson Moves into The Lever Action Buisness

 And it's not a Frankenlever!!

 

 

Anybody Been To The Dry Cleaners Lately?

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Have 3 Videos From Paul Harrell

 As you guys my remember from a previous Blog Post, Paul was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer a few months back. Well the first Video of the three below has Paul introducing his brother Roy. The purpose being to let us know that Roy will be taking over the Youtube channel when Paul is no longer physically able to handle it, as Paul's condition has worsened.

The next two videos are Paul's take on two old standby drills for shooters.  The El Presidente, and The Mozambique. While both have fallen out of favor with modern combat shooters, he still believes they have value when looked at objectively.

Anyway, in the last video, at the end Paul talks about how it may be the last video he will ever be seen in. I personally will miss his dry wit, cynical sense of humor, and practical real world expertise.

 

Wheelgun Wednesday - Pocket Holsters & Pocket Carry

 From the RevolverGuy Blog, everything you ever wanted to know about Pocket Pistol Carry!

 

https://revolverguy.com/pocket-holsters-pocket-carry/

Monday Humor With Blackthorn

 The married guys will appreciate this one the most.

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Have A Carl Cestari Classic

Regular or De-escalated
By Carl Cestari

We always stress that NOTHING occurs in a vacuum. There always exists stepping
stones or a progression of events that lead up to a "situation". Whether YOU are
AWARE of them or not is not the issue(it should be, but as they say "shit
happens").

Regardless whether you saw it "coming" or BAM it just kicks you in the ass there
were any number of factors that occurred PRIOR to the "trouble" you are now
facing. Some of those "factors" were quite literally YEARS in the making.

The idea of developing "de-escalation" skills is generally understood as a way to
defuse or lower the level of aggressive intent and minimize the possibility of serious
hands on physical violence. This is done thru verbal and physical actions that are
designed to calm the stormy seas.

Sometimes it will work and sometimes it won't. I for one would RARELY place a
bet on the general altruistic, logical, compassionate and thoughtful "nature" of
humankind. So I would ALWAYS opt for the "mindset" that NO MATTER what I
do, it most probably WON'T WORK. Somebody is GOING to get a severe
asskicking or worse NO MATTER what is done to quell the "potential" violence. So
it ONLY makes sense to hedge EVERY bet and do your UTMOST to insure YOU
are the asskicker and NOT the asskickee.

Consider YOURSELF very fortunate that you even have the OPPORTUNITY to
attempt a run at "de-escalation". That MEANS that you haven't just been KILLED
or rendered hors d'combat OUTRIGHT. SO USE THIS "GIFT" TO YOUR FULL
ADVANTAGE!

DE-ESCALTION, both verbal and physical should be a TACTICAL tool that at it's
ESSENCE has NOTHING to do with your "perceived" intent BUT EVERYTHING
to do with SETTING UP YOUR MOST ADVANTAGEOUS STRATEGY FOR
ATTACK OR SURVIVAL!

I don't BELIEVE for a SECOND that Joey Dirtbag is GOING TO BUY INTO the
idea of any "peaceable negotiation" ANYMORE THAN I WOULD! A grift is a grift
and a "front" is a "front". I KNOW the GAME and so does HE! AT BEST we're
"dancing the dance".

MY JOB is be MORE believable and SMARTER than the other guy. 'Cause we
are BOTH RUNNING THE GAME. The best I can hope for is that my opposition
wonders if I really am THAT STUPID to believe that my attempts at "backing it
down" will really sway his intent to DO what he SET OUT TO DO!

So while I'm acting like my whole demeanor is screaming "HEY, BROTHER
DEAREST, CAN'T WE ALL JUST GETTING ALONG". What I'm really doing is
setting HIM UP for the inevitable crash landing.

He's thinking LOOK at THIS sappy, pussy-assed schmuck. I'M gonna PLAY him right into the boneyard. I'M using ARTIFICE and guile to maneuver HIM for MY BENEFIT.

Dance the dance of the biggest galactic wussy appeaser that was ever BORN. And
while YOUR doing that bit of street level "pys-ops" maneuver him into YOUR
TRAP.

Curbs, poles, fire-hydrants, sharp edges and corners, brick facades, plate glass
windows, on rushing traffic, whatever

Get his back to the nastiest most damaging shit in your environment. Place
YOURSELF in the BEST attack line which is HIS worst DEFENSE line. Maneuver
yourself to the BEST position to ATTACK while SETTING UP YOUR BEST
AVENUE OF ESCAPE.

THAT is what the DANCE of "de-escalation" SHOULD BE PRIMARILY ABOUT!

AND if by some chance the gods of fortune smile upon you AND the misdirection or your "de-escalation" PLOY actually WORKS GREAT!

BUT ALWAYS,  ALWAYS PREPARE FOR THE WORST!

DE-ESCALATION is the ARTIFICE that SETS UP THE VEHEMENCE.

Besides I don't believe ANYTHING is ever going to work as "advertised".

Don't be a sucker.



 

Criminals Will Always Find A Way

 This article from the UK definitely proves that.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67895627 

Sunday With Blackthorn - James Reeves of TFB TV Reviews The Beretta 1301 Gen. 2 Shotgun

James Reeves previously reviewed the Beretta 1301 around a year or so ago. Since then, Beretta has made some upgrades. To a lot of people they may not seem major, but everybody has a different take on what they expect from a firearm. So give the video a look!

 

And some Humor for a Sunday Afternoon 

Some Common Sense Personal Protection Tips

 The problem these days is that Common Sense isn't all that common anymore. Tacticool bullshit seems to rule the roost, especially on the internet. I'll apologize in advance for the long winded commercial ads you have deal with that Youtube is sticking in everywhere they possibly can these days. Seems to be unavoidable I'm afraid.

 

 

Texas vs California

 This bit of Humor comes courtesy of my brother.

'The Coyote'

Helpful Life Hints From Blackthorn

Sunday With Blackthorn - James Reeves Of TFB TV Puts The Kel-Tec KSG Bullpup To the 500 Round Burndown Test

 And unfortunately, does not make it to the end. Once again proving that while the Engineers at Kel-Tec come up with very innovative ideas, the final execution in the manufacturing process just never quite comes out right.

 

 

The Simpler The Better!

 Once again we have another article from our occasional contributor, Steve Forester. This article is a bit longer than some of his previous ones, but is well worth every minute you put into reading it.  Too many times are people looking for "more advanced" ways of defending themselves. All the while allowing themselves to get further away from the basics of self defense. They become "Tool Collectors" looking for another, more complicated method to put in the 'Tool Box". The problem is that most real world self defense situations are over in seconds, which means that  a lot of the time you'll only have a fraction of a second to decide on the best way (or Tool to use) to protect yourself.

And by the time you've decided on the best method (or tool) to use, it's too late to use it.  

 Steve's article will put things in perspective, and make it clear that Self Defense is NOT Rocket Science, and that when it comes to Personal Protection........

 

 The Simpler The Better 

by Steve Forester

A lot you readers here at the Blog are already familiar with the concepts belo, but just throwing out a few things I've recently "discovered" that are mandatory for self defense, IMO.

I currently operate under 2 Basic Principles:

1). The more simple you make it, the better the product.

2). The simplest things are the hardest to understand.


Like all of you, I have been training in martial arts related activities most of my life. As a result, we can have an ingrained concept - that we might not even realize - that "complicated is better". Not so much here, but most guys outside our circle are looking for that secret sauce system that will allow them to overcome an attacker twice their size without ever being hit. We know that is pure fiction, but look at people you know and think about it. Everyone is looking for that edge over the other guy. The "Magic Finger" John Benner used to call it. It seems the more complicated you make it, the better people like it,

However, in a real self-defense situation what are we really going to be able to do? How many techniques can we make reflexive? How many techniques are necessary in a 3-5 second conflict to "break contact and escape"? More about technique in a moment.

And, #2, The Simplest Things Are The Hardest To Understand". I started thinking about Mr. Blackthorn’s  post from the other day with the video from David James of Vee Arnis Jitsu, and sort of had an epiphany. I started thinking about just using hammer fists - just those alone - how simple they are and how much damage they can do with the right body mechanics. More about that later also.  Now, add in elbows. Just these two techniques alone can comprise an entire fighting system. I like the EOH and CJ also, but I discovered these work better for me and my personal situation. Again, refer to Techniques below for more.

Now, I believe "self-defense" consists of three critical components: Mindset, Physical Conditioning, and Technique. Yeah, I know. Not exactly earth shattering news, but hear me out.

#1 is Mindset. Many elements that people lump into the Combat Mindset, but lets just take Mental Toughness. I have been working with Mike Gillette's, "Strength Psychology" and like how he articulates things that we maybe feel and have experienced, but not translated into words. I suppose anyone who has been in the military can readily relate, but anyone can absorb with a little effort.

One thing I like was when Mike stated: "Mental Toughness can make up for lack of natural ability". Wow! I could really relate to that. When I played football, I was one of the smaller players, but started every game. I learned that with some mental toughness, good body mechanics, and my inherent good reflexes, I could prevail over much larger individuals who had more athletic ability. The learning point is learn your natural abilities and extenuate those and negate any weaknesses.

Now, I know you might be thinking: "Here comes the sales pitch", but I am not going to do that. Instead I'm going to give you something FREE! . Go to the link below and scroll down to "5 Ways to Become Tough as Nails", and can download the PDF and the video for FREE!  BTW, you can also access more free stuff there.

https://www.criticalbench.com/free-stuff/

Tough As Nails explains the basics, but you'll get an opportunity to buy his "Strength Psychology" book and video.  Up to you, but I did and I think worth it. Goes into more depth on the concepts in the free report. If been in the military, this will be familiar, but also helps explain the military's logic of basic training which I didn't understand at the time.

#2. is Physical Conditioning. #4 of Mike's "5 Ways To Become Tough As Nails", is Physical Toughness. As Mike says, mental toughness and physical toughness work together and can't have one without the other. The Yin and the Yang. Physical conditioning develops mental toughness, and mental toughness increases the ability to train harder. They both feed off each other.


#3 is Technique. I think a solid unarmed self defense method is the foundation of self defense and as much a component of our "Triad" as physical and mental toughness. It all works together. Hard to be mentally tough and have no idea of how to physically defend ourselves. All three work synergistically to produce a whole that is greater than the sum of it's parts.

I believe there is no "one size fits all" method. A lot depends on one's personal attributes: size, strength, athletic ability, etc. I am rather "short and (somewhat) stout", so what feels more natural to me is to cover, drop body weight, keep all strikes within my power zone (or frame as Jim West calls it). I don't like to reach out and get extended and off balance. I use footwork to maneuver in this "in-fighting range" where I have the advantage. Or, to use footwork to draw them in which was the point of much of the 2003 Keane Seminar.


As far as strikes, Joe's post inspired me to set up a system of just hammer fists. Horizontal and vertical hammer fists like David James was showing. I worked this out on BOB after viewing the video and liked. Hmmm! Then, I added close range elbow strikes. Elbows and hammer fists go together like peanut butter and jelly. These are my main stays. I also included some "specialty strikes" for use as the opportunity presents itself: Knees, uppercut punch to the groin, and head butt.

Targets? Lower: groin, solar plexus, liver shots. Maybe side of neck and collar bone. If the assailant is 6'5", that is what I can best reach while staying within my power zone.

Now, we got a pretty good unarmed combat system. Simple, but, again, how much are we realistically going to be able to execute under stress?

Now, we add weapons. Here is my current thinking on self-defense weapons: practice and train on what we will actually carry. Are we really going to carry a K-Bar knife, or a 36" stick around? Probably not. Here is a rule I came up with: The more something is a weapon, the more effective it will be, but the least likely to carry.

So, I first put a "paper weight" in my lead hand, and a "weighted book mark", in the rear. Now I repeated my hammer fist/elbow system. Wow! Especially when using good body mechanics, these add a wallop to the impact while using the same mechanical motions. Then, I tried experimenting with things I might actually carry such as a tactical flashlight, tactical pen, and even using the can of pepper spray as an impact weapon, and these worked well also. And, these are things one might actually legally carry from day to day.

Just as with our unarmed combat system, one's EDC weapons will depend on themselves and their lifestyle. I try to not have too many weapons to avoid confusion. Maybe 2-3 at most.

But then need to train those. When I train I don't change into "gym clothes and sneakers". I train in the same street clothes and shoes (boots) I normally wear. And I train fully kitted up except I substitute training weapons for the real ones. I carry the same things, the same way, every time I leave the house, so there are is no confusion in a real attack.

I see guys who, especially with firearms, carry first this and that handgun, in this or that location. Sometimes carry and sometimes not. Just fooling themselves, I think. In the shock and information overload of a real attack will likely never even remember they have a weapon.

These are very simple concepts, but effective and will not fail under stress. I have confidence in the methods and can use under stress.


The same way with firearms. I see guys going to class and paying a great deal of money to learn firearms when it is actually dirt simple. The Fairbairn method of handgun and carbine takes perhaps a few hours, easily taught in one day, or less. And you remember it months later instead of forgetting in 3 weeks that you learned in class. Yes, it is for close range but at what range are civilians attacked? No one yells "stick 'em up" for 15 yards away. And, as FFT says, why are you shooting at targets from than 5 yards away? Can you justify that as self-defense?

Going back to the two principles, I look at a lot of self defense methods out there and most offer a great deal of material which violates Principle #1 . Various packages that consists of multiple DVD's. I think to myself: "How could anyone make all that stuff reflexive"? Instinctive?  We know in the stress of the moment, unless trained into the sub-conscious, it will never even be remembered, much less utilized.

That leads me to principle #2: appreciating simplicity. It is not that it is hard to understand, but hard to believe. Hard to accept that "simple is better". Everyone wants complicated, flashy, sexy. They see something that is gold and they dismiss. Too simple, they say. They want that Magic Finger.

This is not a complete self defense plan. Need Avoidance, and Deterrence strategies as primary. And an Evade & Escape strategy. Escape is always the goal.

This stuff is a last resort when all that has failed. I like how Kelly McCann put it: "If we could have walked away (or run away), we already would have". Just by the fact that we are using means all those options have been exhausted.

And, although a good unarmed foundation is necessary, and should be learned first;  it is the last option. We always use self-defense weapons first if possible.

This are simple, common-sense concepts, but the hardest to understand. Carl Cestari said all this 20+ years ago, but it has taken me all that time to really understand on a deep and personal level.  

When our lives depend on what we do in the next 3-5 seconds, this is what it will come down to, I think.

It's Wheelgun Wed At The Blog - Let's Take A Look At The Iconic Colt Snubnose

 https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/handguns/revolvers/colt-snubbies/

And who better to impart the information on this subject  but the  one and only Clint Smith Himself. Read on gentlemen!

 

 

Thought For The New Year