Wheelgun Wednesday - Today We Discuss The Colt Navy Model 1851The Handgun That "Created" The First Gunfighters

 

 https://americanhandgunner.com/handguns/revolvers/the-first-gunfighters-sixgun/

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today Steve Tarani Discusses your "Go-To" Move

Your Go-To Move

When “go time” comes, there are many defensive options worthy of your consideration.

by Steve Tarani

  Original Link and copyright @ https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/your-go-to-move/ 

 

When it comes to a self-defense situation, most shooters think “Well, I’ll just shoot him!” Others may consider their personal “go-to” move to be a martial arts technique such as a finger strike to the eyes, bare-knuckle punch to the throat or kick to the groin. Regardless of what you believe you may pull off in a self-defense scenario, what is the reality of such reactive measures applied in a real-world, violent, physical altercation?

In today’s hyper-litigious society, your primary objective should be to avoid any violent physical encounters. Even if you act lawfully in self-defense, although found criminally justified you may be pursued in civil court for damages, incurring exorbitant legal fees. To avoid any or all of this, the consummate situational-awareness practitioner tries to stay ahead of the proverbial action/reaction power curve by applying proactive measures and remaining on the lookout for the earliest warning signs of a potential or active threat.

However, if you don’t hear it, see it, and/or smell it coming and you find yourself standing in harm’s way, then you no longer have an opportunity to apply proactive measures and are relegated only to reactive measures in response to a violent physical altercation.

The most common response option is to dial 911 and hope that your call is answered in a timely manner. 

If you are unable to dial 911, then you are relegated to one of only three reactive measures—take flight, submit to your assailant(s) or fight your way out of the situation. 

Take flight—that is, get out of there—means to create as much physical space between yourself and the threat as possible and in a timely manner. The advantages of taking flight are that you are not engaged in physical combat which (mostly) guarantees you will not be injured. More space buys you less injury potential, more time and more opportunity to solve the problem.

Surrendering or freezing in place means that there’s no way out, no possibility of fighting your way out and it’s your best possible response option given your situation. Case in point is a protection detail we were on in South America some years ago. The persons we were protecting had hired us to run a security evaluation on their residence because of an incident that had occurred prior. Following is a brief event synopsis:

A vehicle with our client, his wife and kids inside was forced to the side of the road by another car, then a second car pulled up in front of them and a third behind them in such a configuration that the family was boxed in, eliminating their flight options. Five assailants from each of the three vehicles all dismounted their respective cars armed with rifles and pointed their muzzles directly at the driver and his family, eliminating their fight option. The only remaining—and the healthiest—response option was to freeze in place. Luckily for the family, it was only a robbery and although relieved of valuables, no one was physically injured in the process.

Fighting your way out of the situation means that, with regard to response options, you have made the tactical decision to fight your way out as opposed to take flight or surrender. 

Making this choice means you plan on using either your highly developed hand-to-hand combative skills or you have at least one weapon at your disposal and the proficiency to use it. Your decision to engage in extreme physical violence by deploying your hand-to-hand skills or weapon(s) such as a firearm or knife, even if you are completely successful, infers that you fully accept the personal risk (physical injury ranging from minor bruising to broken bones, to an unrecoverable injury, to loss of life,) and the criminal, civil and financial liabilities associated with such actions. 

It’s a serious decision, so it must be a serious situation. If it’s that serious a situation, then you’re probably going to need a failsafe response option with which you could entrust your life and the lives of those who may be with you. A common term for such a response option is your “go-to move.” 

Your go-to move options can range from non-lethal to lethal force. The most common non-lethal force options include empty hand (defensive tactics or martial arts), pepper spray, stun gun and the like.

Empty hand response refers to any physical technique where you use only your body while holding nothing in your hands in self-defense against one or more opponents. In the realm of empty hand response there are three sources from which technique may be drawn. The first, and most traditional, is the martial arts or martial sciences. 

As an example, you may hear common cultural references such as Chinese Martial Arts, Japanese Martial Arts, Korean Martial arts, Muay Thai (Thailand), Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ) and the like. Another contemporary term most folks are familiar with is “mixed martial arts” (MMA) comprising excerpts from multiple martial-arts systems hailing from multiple origins combined to form a random study volume.

The term “Martial Science” refers to those martial-arts techniques utilized in practical application minus adorning traditional or “flowery” motion and pared down to their bare-basic “street level” or battlefield application. Examples of this would be those empty-hand systems adopted by the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army.

The focus of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) is the personal development of each Marine in a team framework using a standardized, trainable and sustainable close-combat fighting system. All techniques are integrated with equipment, physical challenges and tactics found on the modern battlefield. The MCMAP is designed to increase the warfighting capabilities of individual Marines and units, enhance Marines’ self-confidence and esprit de corps and foster the warrior ethos in all Marines.  

The United States Army developed the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP), which was designed to improve unit combat readiness by building soldiers’ personal courage, confidence and resiliency, as well as their situational responsiveness to close-quarters dangers in the operational environment. 

When it comes to law enforcement application of hand-to-hand combatives, the term “defensive tactics” is applied. Defensive tactics are those martial arts techniques which have been approved by a specific agency or department and further sanctioned by an accredited training entity such as a state Peace Officers Standards of Training. Such techniques have been signed off on by legal counsel and are mandatory per policy for use on duty. If you are a sworn peace officer and you employ something other than an approved agency or department issued defensive tactic while on duty, you could find yourself in hot water.

As a civilian considering use of a hand-to-hand technique, one must ask a few important questions: Have you completed the training in any one of these disciplines? If so, have you maintained your skills? All hand-to-hand skills are perishable and, like a second language or playing an instrument, must be periodically maintained. 

Have you ever trained to jam your fingers into someone’s eye socket? Or trained to punch someone in the throat with your bare knuckles? Have you experienced multiple repetitions kicking someone in the groin? Have you ever actually done it on either another human being, or even a training dummy or punching bag? If not, then you have no business designating that technique as your go-to move. Instead, get some training, apply that technique in training and maintain that skill with sustainment training. 

Another commonly accepted go-to-move is pepper spray. Sold in canisters of varying sizes, pepper sprays are derived from naturally occurring compound oleoresin capsicum (OC) found in peppers such as habanero and ghost peppers. If you plan to use pepper spray as your go-to, there are two important practical application aspects you should consider—legality and skill. 

Legally, you do need to check if you can own and operate it in your state or county. Skills-wise, have you completed the training necessary for rapid deployment, retention (not have it taken away from and/or used against you) and to not spray yourself? Even though you may be trained in fundamental usage, do you have the skills for safe handling, carry, access, rapid deployment and operation while under duress?

Stun guns are another non-lethal go-to option. If you research them, you will find a countless array of makes and models. The one used by most law enforcement is the Taser, because it can be applied at a distance starting at 15 feet, whereas a traditional stun gun requires direct contact with another human being, referred to as a “drive stun.” 

The Taser is available in versions for civilians. After checking for legality of ownership and use with your state and county laws, like any other tool, the stun gun requires both initial and sustainment training. 

The most common lethal-force options may include a firearm, edged or impact weapon baton) or a weapon of opportunity.

Most first-time gun owners think they can simply buy a gun and their shiny new firearm will ward off all evil just by the virtue of ownership. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s like buying a piano and with zero musical training or background and expecting to be a concert pianist. 

A firearm, like any other life-saving tool, requires extensive training. It is your responsibility to learn appropriate safety, storage and maintenance along with combat-effective gun-handling and marksmanship skills.

As with any weapon, it is incumbent upon the prospective owner to check with state and local laws referencing ownership and restrictions such as overall capacity.

Edged weapons, such as your folding- or fixed-blade knife in accordance with state and local laws, may be carried on your person and with appropriate training and practice, be utilized as a defensive weapon should you reasonably perceive a situation where you may be in fear for your life or limb. An edged weapon can be a formidable defensive tool in the hands of an experienced person, as most bad guys would rather be shot than flayed open with a razor-sharp knife blade.

Impact weapons like clubs, walking sticks, canes or expandable batons can all be used effectively for self-defense. A walking cane is considered a medical device and is legal to carry on an airplane and in any country where a gun and/or knife may not.

Expandable batons, although legal in some states, are illegal in others. Again, you are advised to check with state and local laws to ensure legality of possession and use. 

Another lethal-force option is using a “weapon of opportunity,” a term applied to any technique not part of any system or formal program of instruction. Throwing a carpenter’s hammer, scalding-hot pot of coffee or a frying pan at someone to stop an active threat would be considered unconventional or usage of an “improvised weapon.”

Selecting your go-to move is such a critical, life-saving decision you want to make the right one. It doesn’t need to be just one, as some of the best practitioners in the industry recommend you have more than one. It is quite common for a trained expert to have the skills and tools ranging from bad-breath distance to all the way out beyond 200 yards. 

Purchasing gear, getting training and sustaining your skills requires time and commitment. The serious practitioner will train with their go-to moves anywhere from once a month to once a week. Those who use it for their job like the military and law enforcement are required to practice more often), as the probability of them using it on the job is considerably higher than that of a civilian. 

Regardless of your go-to move, check your local laws referencing gear purchase and usage, get some quality training, keep your performance skills up to par and utilize your situational awareness and other preventive measures so you may never need to use it.

Wednesday Workout - Using Improvised Tools Against An Edged Weapon Assault

 Note: While A short bat is used in the a large part of the demos, it is merely for representation purposes. It along with some short padded sticks are to take the place of a cane/walking stick, umbrellas (full sized or shorter, etc. ) 

 

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Review Chris Caracci's 'Shotgun CQB' For Home Defense Video

 Originally released in the Early 2000's, this video differed from most of the other 'Shotguns for Self Defense' videos at the time. Primarily because it does not include any material about handling, or maintaining your SG. It is strictly about proper use of a Shotgun for personal protection inside the home.

The reviewer was a member of Federal Law Enforcement that I knew through having attended numerous self defense seminars wit him. 'Mini Me 007' was the name he used at martial arts online forums.

While other self defense with a Shotgun videos have come out since the one this review covers, the Caracci video is still a relevant, well put together instructional program. 

Review Of Chris Caracci’s ‘Shotgun CQB’ Video
by Mini Me 007     Aug 25, 2007

Gents,
With the home firearms defense thread in the Firearms section approaching three pages, I decided to pull this video from the bookshelf and see what it has that can compliment what has already been mentioned.

The video, "Shotgun CQB," is a L.O.T.I Group Productions film, 1998, and features C.J. Caracci, U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six veteran.

I have viewed some of Caracci's other training videos, and hold him in high regard. This tape is approximately 90 minutes long. I have the VHS version (not sure if a DVD version is available). Production quality varies throughout - had some difficulty with video tracking, and the audio is fuzzy at times, but that does not prevent me from recommending this video.

This video is geared towards providing civilians with tactics and strategies for using defensive shotguns indoors, i.e., in your house, to protect yourself and your family.
Caracci recommends staying put in a safe room, such as your bedroom, and only leaving it if absolutely necessary, such as to retrieve your children. Caracci suggests that you keep a flashlight and cell phone in your bedroom for contingency against someone cutting power / phone lines. He also recommends a child intercom to communicate with your children. Caracci advocates something I've said here before regarding gunfights: Your number one priority is don't get hurt.

Thresholds
Caracci discusses transversing through thresholds [channelized areas intruders expect you to come through, such as hallways]. His advise here is to get through them as quickly as possible. He gives a very basic demo of cutting the pie, and recommends observing as much of a room as possible from outside it before entering it.

The video also discusses utilization of cover [something that stops projectiles] and concealment [things that you can hide behind]. In this section Caracci discusses shooting from behind barricades, both from the strong and weak sides. His demonstrations here are very good. While shooting weak side barricade, he advocates rotating the shotgun ninety degrees to its side, and sighting along the side of the barrel. This gives you minimum exposure to the bad guys

Use of lights. Caracci emphasizes that you must identify a threat before engaging, and this cannot be emphasized strongly enough. Caracci's preference here is a weapon mounted light that is mounted above the barrel, at a 45 degree angle on the shooting side.
He demonstrates how this compliments his roll-out barricade technique so as the light does not shine on the barricade, but shines out towards the threat area. Caracci also warns to move after shooting or illuminating an area.

As far as movement goes, Caracci instructs you to move from the waist down. This enables you to keep your weapon on target. Caracci says that you know the layout of your home better than anyone, and that you should take full advantage of this.

Shooting positions
Caracci demonstrates kneeling, prone, and reverse prone techniques. Reverse prone - you are on your back, with the shotgun pointing beyond your feet. His demonstration shows how you have more maneuverability to track an intruder moving laterally to you than when in conventional prone. He also demonstrates his "Immediate Danger Position," basically hip shooting position with strong hand against waist, below pectoral area.

Caracci demonstrates high barrel mount [looking for bad guys with barrel up, muzzle/front sight in view of dominant eye] and low barrel mount [muzzle near weak side shin]. Carracci effectively demonstrates how his Immediate Danger Position keeps the muzzle trained at the threat area, allowing you to shoot from the hip as soon as a threat is identified, even if you don't have time to bring the shotgun up to conventional shoulder position. He recommends keeping your elbow in for the conventional shoulder shooting position so that it does not extend beyond the barricade.

Caracci also recommends securing your firearms from unauthorized people such as children. He also discusses slings and ammunition pouches. His personal preference is to keep ammo on his body, as opposed to using slings with built in bandoliers, or receiver mounted side saddles, since these weigh down the weapon. He also instructs that by downloading the magazine tube by one round, you can insert another type of shotshell into the tube for use next, e.g. 00 buck in the tube, bad guy goes behind barricade, insert slug in magazine tube, work action, and shoot through barricade.

The final section of the video discusses an often overlooked topic....patterning your shotgun. This needs to be done with the shotgun you will use for home defense AND the ammunition you will use. While at the range, shoot at targets that are of the same distance you would potentially engage an intruder at. This will show you the spread pattern at typical engagement distances. You could then evaluated the targets and see how wide spread patterns would typically be, and whether the pattern is too wide too allow you to shoot.

Mini Me 007

Blackthorn Brings You The USAID Follies of 2025

 Here are a just few examples of more than just the frivolous waste of our tax dollars.

 https://saraacarter.com/so-much-for-foreign-aid-usaid-awarded-27-million-to-groups-helping-anti-police-anti-israel-protesters-avoid-jail-in-u-s/

 

 https://saraacarter.com/usaid-funded-palestinian-terror-supporting-organizations/

 

 https://saraacarter.com/report-usaid-package-found-at-hezbollah-location/

Workout Wednesday - Jim West On Down And Dirty Personal Protection

 I actually trained with Jim West Once about 10 years ago (Damn, does the time go... ) For anyone who doesn't know who he is, he is career military combat veteran and served with the 7th Special Forges Group for most of his time. 

And just so you know, the video covers more than just take-downs.  Also, only about the first 2:30 minutes of the video is of Jim West. The rest is a bunch of other guys showing their material. Feel, free to skip it.

 

Wisdom For Monday

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Check Out Some McSweeney Point Shooting

The guy in this video is named Greg, and his Youtube channel is called Lionquest. In this video he demonstrates the John McSweeney style of Point shooting. Now to be clear, W.E. Fairbairn had his version of Point Shooting, Rex Applegate had his slightly different take on it, and John McSweeney also had his style. The basic premise is the same for all of them, but the three men I just mentioned all had some slightly different nuances. 

I watched this video, liked it, and figured it would be a good to offer up the McSweeney version today. Also, after watching this guy I took a liking to his style. To be specific he describes himself as 'I'm not some Expert Martial Artist or Gun handler. I'm just an older guy trying to keep his edge as time passes by"

Sounds like my kind of guy.

From The Urban Combatives Netherlands Branch

 

Wheelgun Wednesday - Who Says Revolvers Suck?

 Once again, the detractors of Revolvers get their Comeuppance. And deservedly so!

Modern Firearms Tech vs Post WW2 Tech

 Youtube is being uncooperative today, so click on the link

https://youtube.com/shorts/PG2cpkuDVus?si=rp4IRBxM2UHldxYu

Sunday With Balckthorn - Pros And Cons Of The Hammer Fist From Urban Combatives

 Lee Morrison On the Hammer Fist strike.