I love my poncho liner. It's around 20 years old and still looks new, sitting in my truck. It's had a few cute girls on it over years, on the beach and in the woods. Truly a multi purpose tool. LOL
The fact that TH-cam hides these types of videos is literally a shame. Your advice could very well save lives! Thanks for the extremely helpful information John.
Super helpful! Just got my CCW this year and am trying to figure out what it takes to acquire and maintain a competent level of skill. The standards you've suggested are more clear and practical than any I've found so far. Appreciate your honesty! Keep e'm coming!
Very well done, John. I'm going to play this for my wife to hopefully convince her that the money I spend on ammo and training isn't an optional expense. According to your description, I'm a one-percenter, and the more I try to learn, the more I realize how much I need to train. Tosh, LtCol USAF (Ret)
Seeing people get robbed or get killed gets old. Even though it's almost always an education in martial arts and defensive arts, it still puts a bit of weight on the soul.
Matthew Brown You took the words out of my mouth. And yes John, it is a good thing. But certainly your normal ASP channel is very interesting AND useful. This added channel just helps further the cause of "covering ones ASP"!
Both channels are great, but yea. I went through a phase of watching people die and gore (reddit /r/watchpeopledie and /r/gore) and at this point in my life I don't really want to watch any more of those, but I still find myself watching John's regular ASP videos and these ones. To each their own, I suppose. There's value in his regular ASP videos too and I suppose they are censored when someone actually gets downed so there is that.
You nailed it, sir! A firearm is a tool of last resort, and you need to be not only proficient but comfortable and well trained in its use. For the past 3 months, I've been hitting the range for a minimum of an hour EVERY Saturday, to break bad habits and condition myself to use handguns better (i.e. build those neural pathways). As a good friend says all the time, "You don't practice until you get it right, you practice until you can't get it wrong."
Apharmd Battler "you practice until you can't get it wrong." I don't like that slogan... "until" means you stop practicing once the goal is met. and as john said, physical skills are perishable.
I highly suggest a camping trip with your buddies, somewhere you can discharge a weapon. bring 5000 rounds and spend a week shooting drills, and shooting dynamically. At the end you'll be pretty dialed in. it will be a great time also
@@deeheych1101 Nowadays who can afford to waste 5000 rounds in a week camp (cost roughly $3000) unless you are rich??? First of all you probably cant even find that much ammo to begin with since most places put a limit of 1 or 2 box.
Thanks for letting me know it's not just a warm & fuzzy, even if I feel that way after I've sent 150 9mm fmj down range. I've been paying close attention to the videos you've posted & the instruction you've been giving. I really appreciate the level of advice & the fact you are a brother in Christ. Thank you for explaining your reasons for becoming defensive carrier. I live just down the road from you in Tucson area. My motivation for getting a hand gun & training came when a stolen car was abandoned right in front of my home. That and a sudden increase in gang activity in my neighborhood. I don't have my CCW (yet), I've taken your lessons to the range to practice with. Thanks again for your work for defenders & our Lord.
USAF didn’t give us poncho liners (or ponchos) either, but when you are working in an air conditioned hole in the ground in Kansas, you aren’t exposed to a lot of rain. Thanks for another great video. I have gotten so much good information from you. Other gun channels are entertaining, but you stay focused on the reason that I have and carry a firearm. Keep them coming, please!
Not here in Honolulu, HI 100 rounds is $120. A case is going for $650 and that is cheap. I got 1000 rounds a few years ago for $277, man if only I got 5more and some 5.56/.223. 🤦🏻♂️
I have very recently been in a situation where I did not have $40 per month. Because of a sudden disability, I was homeless, living on an old schoolbus, and had no income at all. I had sold nearly all of my possessions but I still had my handgun. I was in this predicament for nearly 3 years, and I still carried every day. Having a disability made it nearly impossible to defend myself physically without a force multiplier. Sorry, long stupid story nobody cares about. My point is, if you truly don't have money to train, carry anyway if you can. I'd guess most people can scrape together enough cash to pay for it, and dry fire training costs nothing.
Your last sentence is key. Even if you're broke (and I am so sorry for what you had to endure there!), dry fire costs you nothing, and you can learn and apply elsewhere.
Wow.... Due to sudden impact (I like to tell people...bit by a shark, rather than a fight with an impala - a Chevy Impala but still...) I became disabled nearly 40 years ago. And I own a school bus that Ibam turning into a motor home. I lived quite a spell in the woods.... Because in my younger and healthy years, (I ran a farm alone and lived off the land-while attending high school) my adaptation to living on the woods was much more fun than work.) and I know where you are coming from...i hooe things aee better for you now.
firemanJeff911 You are wrong my friend, others DO care! I was taken out by a kid broadsiding me with his truck. I'm in my 60s now and certainly need a force multiplyer too. I don't have any real training, except for John's and other's videos. I know that's not the same but it's better than nothing. I do have range time and carry every day.
I'm glad you focused on training, not caliber. I would love for you to do more videos on training tips. When I am at the firing range, I am training different scenarios, one handed, sitting, lying down, weak handed, two handed, while holding something (sometimes you can't drop what is in your other hand), different weapons, etc. What I see at virtually every shooting range is people basically playing a firing game for points. One time I was shooting for the first time with a relative and we were shooting a "hostage" target. She claimed she won the game because she had more points. I didn't think I was playing a game. Her shots were all over the target, with two into the belly of the hostage, all shot at around 10 feet. My shots were within a coffee cup at 30 feet, all around the assailant's head, half of them in his head and the other half just an inch or so outside, all away from the hostage. In real life, there are no points, just dead people and alive people.
Just bought my first firearm in September(M&P9 2.0 4.25"). So far it's never been shot. This year has been a whirlwind of events. Got married in March, had a daughter in July, started a new job in August and got a new puppy in September. The days are short. Very short. I definitely need to get my training started. It's on the list.
So I assume you just have it locked up somewhere and not trying to carry it. Definitely you need to schedule some time for this. Even if its just an hour at the range after work or in the morning on a weekend. It would be worth your time. Good luck out there.
I don't know if you're being facetious or critical but not knowing if the firearm will function when needed isn't a risk I'll take. I've seen police officers do it, too. It doesn't take that much time and effort to shoot a newly purchased handgun.
I have been conceal carrying for roughly 2 1/2 years and just took my first real class about two weeks ago with Redhawk Firearms and it was absolutely incredible. Not only did I unlearn some bad habits and increase my marksmanship, but I found flaws in my gear as well. I learned in one day that I don't love my Springfield XDs nearly as much as I thought I did. I have corrected this and bought a much better pistol that allows me to train better and be much more proficient. Already excited for my next class, it really is good stuff. Excellent topic John.
OK. Mine is a woobie. Good allegory by the way. I did take a hunters safety course in 1961 (Globe Arizona). So I have had some training:). Still have the certificate to prove it.
I've taken a defensive pistol class twice in the 2 years I've carried in ILLINOIS. Burned through 250 rounds each time. I also go to an indoor range monthly and shoot 100 rounds each time. I need to add the drills John mentioned. I'd like to do the DP class monthly starting next spring.
When i first started carrying (in AZ) it was open carry (no CCW) in 1990, and I went to the range often, but no formal extra training. I was confident, but hindsight it was woobieish. I was fortunate to work for a small security Co, where the owner was a retired Pima Co. Sheriff and was appalled by their own standards. He paid for all ammo and trained us even up to advanced tactics (outdoor range law enforcement used) every Wednesday. After a few years of that I knew I was skilled enough to carry every day (CCW for over 10 yrs). That said, even though I dry fore practice at home daily (I'm disabled) I certainly do need to keep up on the training, and even hit the range more. Hard on disability income, but that's just an excuse I can figure a way around. Awesome information once again! I've never done the Dot challenge, can't wait to try it out!
Fantastic advice John! I have been inspired to do the dot torture, 5x5 and concealed carry standard tests. I'm sure it will be well worthwhile. Thanks!
THIS, This is why I subscribe to your channels! I hate to admit it because the stone cold truth is stinging me quite a bit right about now, but you make sense. I got training and learned how and how not to drive my truck, same thing for my boat. Yet after just a few hours on a range every couple of months I just gradually acquired an "I got this" way of thinking and went out and got my CCW and never gave carrying a second thought. I'm having those second, and third, thoughts now! Thank you for the wake up call John!
I appreciate your videos John. I'm not new to firearms, I've been hunting and shooting my entire life, but I AM new to handguns and concealed carry. Since I've been following your channel I have obtained my CCW and now carry every day, I shoot frequently and have achieved a certain degree of proficiency in shooting. I do plan on signing up for a handgun self defense class.
Do those statistics include dedicated range time? Because I think that going to the range and shooting correctly/working on marksmanship is one of the most economical and practical ways to improve. Also lots of dry fire practice (daily if possible).
My shooting experience until recently has been 99% rifle and shotgun, with 1% pistol time. Holding a Master Classification in NRA HighPower Rifle I have come to understand sight alignment, trigger control, safety, etc, with a rifle. Even though I own several pistol and shoot them from time to time, I never felt comfortable conceal carrying or even defending myself if the need arose. Several months ago I decided to start working towards concealed carry. Since then I have taken 4 full days of pistol training from a very reputable (but not well known) group. What was taught in those classes was amazing, we learned basic marksmanship skills, how to properly draw a firearm, covered multiple shooting positions, shooting from cover/concealment, different types of reloads, shooting while walking, engaging multiple targets, clearing different types of jams, using strong hand only, using support hand only, multiple drills, I shot through car windshields, held the slide closed and pressed the trigger, and most important learned how to be a thinker and a shooter and to be AGGRESSIVE once you are in a gunfight. After this I ran over 2500 rounds through my pistol, went to concealed carry class, still practice (Dry fire and live fire) often, shoot USPSA type matches, and finally feel I could defend myself if needed. Your mileage my vary, but for me good training and practicing good techniques is priceless.
Boy I tell you what... The FIRST thing I wanted to do after I got my CPL was take a 'real' class. The CPL 'training' is bullshit. They tell you about general gun laws, when you're allowed to use the gun, etc... it has NOTHING to do with practical use or training. I was so shocked to know I was 'qualified' to have a CPL when it was over. I still didn't carry it for months until I had taken classes and made plenty of trips to the range.
500-600 rounds may be a couple hundred dollars but what is your family's life worth to you? John, your simple easy to understand advice really bring it home. People carry a gun but seldom follow up with training. And shooting your carry gun and practice [dry fire] that build muscle memory. Great video. And the way you break down the costs showing people that it is just a couple of StarBucks a month. Good job, Sir
hey john, how many people that you've shown on your other channel have little to no training, and still successfully defended themselves and stop the bad guy? just out of curiosity. I've been to a few different training classes myself and most of what i've learned from them is how to find my mistakes and then correct them. Valuable information sure, but not worth several hundred bucks per class.
Nathan Harrington I agree with you. My brother who is a Leo in Az basically said to buy a gun and start carrying. You never have to use it. It just gives you options. You can still run away, hide, piss your pants, or just sit there and get shot. Training to me is basically what kind of options do you want? Do you want to be comfortable doing the 3 yd shot, from the car, multiple attackers, plink the attacker's head from behind the hostage at 15 yards, or the "close to engage" Leo wannabes? I've done training with him, but no courses because az is constitutional carry. I focus on drawing, dry fire, some laser training, and whenever I can get out to shoot.
I've been shooting literally since I was 3 years old with my Red Rider BB gun. From there I went to a pump air rifle from Daisy that fired pellets and BBs. I bring this up because even though I was just a little bitty kid, I had lots of good teachers. My family on both sides were full of military men who fought all the way in ww2 to Korea, Vietnam, and of course Desert Storm and other smaller venues. I learned as much as I could from them as well as other family members who were more hunters and just enjoyed practicing to get better. They would take me with them because by the age of 15 I could already shoot more accurately and at least on par with some of them. I was lucky that I could go out to the ranch and there was my favorite place in the world. I would by a box of Federal 750 rounds for around $9 and by the end of the weekend it was all used up, so I started buying two boxes, my brother as well. We had good safety skills which we practiced and I only got better and better. My point is that I shot so much, I was a true marksman at such a young age. By the time I got to the military, I clearly remember Drill Sergeant Harris come up to me screaming when we were on the range seeing where we qualified. So he comes up to me and screams in my face, "Vigil, where the he'll did you learn to shoot so good like this?" I responded from endless shooting and hunting since I was a kid. He singled me out and made me prove it as he said, but under stress. I began the course and he started yelling in my ear things I ain't ever heard before and haven't heard since. Regardless my shooting ability put me at the top of my class in that department. Anyway what I am saying is yes practice all you can and as much as you can. I am lucky because of the rural area I live I have a shooting range on the side of my home. I fire a few rounds everyday through my various firearms. Practice as much as you can, I realize the difficulty for you guys who live in the city is you have to make range time. I have the luxury to shoot out my front door if I choose so what a great advantage. You have to make time though to hone in on your skills. After doing something for so long it does become muscle memory and what not, but I am of the mind that there is always room for improvement. Even the most minute things can come back to haughnt you especially once stress is introduced into the equation and bullets are coming your way all the time and practice you invested will probably make the odds in your favor. Keep working on basic fundamentals and stay focused sharp and well if a situation arises you should be okay. Always pay attention to what's going on around you. Today people have no clue as they have there face burried into their phones and laptops and of course they got the drop on you, what else can go wrong from here can go to them just robbing you all the way to them killing you. Train and be ready for whatever. Great video!
These educational training videos John puts on here is a real public service. I know good and honest people who live below the poverty line and cannot afford to shoot often. I explain to some folks about ASP to visually see what happens in shootings and how fast they can happen. Viewing the slow motion and commentary points out where mistakes are made and how to improve. Sadly, we live in a world, and in our own country, where there is evil. There are those who prey on children and elderly and will not hesitate to harm or kill for .25 cents. You can equate this to buying a new car and not knowing how to drive. Where I live, there are two deputies who are firearm instructors and will teach people the basics of safety and usage of a firearm for free. You just have to supply your own ammunition and firearm. Like any professional, you need good knowledge of your trade and the proper tools which work best for you. The Woobie gun can be a detriment if you do not practice and learn from people who are experts and can point out your mistakes before you make them in real life.
I had a Ruger LCP in a pocket holster for many years. During my 6th year of concealed carry a man threatened to kill me and I had to use it. Shot once, missed, he had the good sense to turn around and walk away. But it could have gotten me killed. Since then I've had many professional training sessions. Learned a LOT about guns and holsters and now I have a Glock 42 on my hip. Training courses are worth the money. Articles and videos are time well spent. Solo practice sessions are nice to, provided you reinforce good habits and dont start any bad habits.
Thanks for the video! I was fortunate to have a really great CCW instructor who made the same point. As a result, I keep a training journal and log every class, every live fire session, every USPSA match and every dry fire session. I have also put together a video file with some of my training sessions and a few matches. Just as I hope to never need to dry my pistol defensively, I hope to never need to defend my choice (or abilities) in court. FWIW, this week it was 1.68 seconds from concealment to target (10 yard A zone hit)......
BOOM! solid video! I am going to do these. speed is the only thing I am worried about. I am just a slow person. cold tar running up a hill. But I will give it everything I got to do it! Video proof coming soooooon!
I for one get tired of being browbeaten by firearms instructors and their friends in the business about paying for their training. I stopped listening to Tom Gresham because of this. This video isn't really any different--lots of thinly vailed insults aimed at the 99% of us who aren't buying the product. I've seen a thousand TH-cam videos with varying skills and techniques and theories about carrying and defensive firearm use. I take that information and go to the range on my own schedule and all of my cash going toward ammo for me to practice what I've learned. John---you're great and I like what you do--But you, too, have failed to convince me that I owe a stranger a few hundred dollars and 8 hours of my time and attention for what I can get for free.... I know in-person training would fun and interesting, and I may go for it someday, but all the info and the different theories are out there for free.
Glock029 Totally agree. I think if there was a way to look at the data from all the times regular people had to defend themselves, we would probably see that, more often than not, the majority of them had no training. Just like a car salesman is going to tell you that you need a new car to be cool, a firearms instructor is going to tell you that you are completely and totally inadequate to defend yourself unless you buy their training. I used to be subscribed to this channel. Not anymore; this guy's starting to get too big for his britches. Just listen to all the new buzzwords he uses.
you can watch a million how to fight videos but that will not make you a good fighter. I also believe knowledge from multiple sources is always good. A good instructor can give you hands on and personalized lesson that the internet cant. Keep up the good work!
I feel the same way. I've been driving for over 30 years, but I'm not actually able to use my car effectively if I don't take defensive and offensive tactical driving every year to stay brushed up, lol. No problem telling people to train or improve, but don't browbeat me for not feeling the need to be a tier one operator. I haven't been to the range in months, but I always carry. It's not a woobie, it;s a fucking pistol. Grey
You are the first person to shine light on this..i thought i was the only one..if instructors werent so money hungry and shared the knowledge they have for a resonable price. I would be "tier 1". $200 from each person in a class is pure capitolism. We already have to bring our own gun and ammo... I got my common sense, 4 fundamentals, and weekly personal range time. Im good
John, this video exceeds all expectations and should be a required watch for all conceal carriers! The $ numbers you break down at the end is fantastic on what to expect to pay to stay sharp and the drill you’ve provided are great drills to have mastered. Thank you so much for what you do and God bless you and your ministries sir!
I either take a 90 minute tactical defensive class once a month and/or hit the outdoor range for follow up practice for previously learned skills. Thanks for the reminder and something to share with others I care about. The tactical class they put on at my local range is put on by local LEO pros - only costs $25 ($15 for range members) - but sadly only has about a dozen students each month - this in a county with over 8,000 CCW permitees. But at the last CCW qualifications test about 4 people couldn't pass at 5 yards - sad situation. Great advice about testing from EDC concealment - I always do range time from my EDC location with my EDC.
Right now, mine's a woobite, but that's why I've decided not to carry it until it isn't anymore. I shoot it a lot more often once every couple months but I haven't taken any courses yet.
First Person Safety in Oconee County, GA: facebook.com/FirstPersonSafety/ run by a HIGHLY qualified teacher named Lee Weems, who is also the Deputy Sheriff of Oconee County.
I thought I was an okay gun user; regular range visits with my EDC, etc. Yesterday I did my first proper training course, and learned how much I suck. My gun didn't malfunction once, but I did. In South Africa, a realistic scenario involves FIVE armed men assaulting your home late at night in a robbery. Or being present at a highway gas station when 13 armed men arrive for a cash heist. With my skills before yesterday, I was not prepared for that level of intensity. I went from 'I would probably die', to 'I will probably survive'. TRAINING IS IMPERATIVE! After yesterday, I added a tactical pen to my EDC, and placed an order for a knife and spare magazine pouch. I also have a level 2 sun burn on my neck now.
I never heard it called anything BUT a poncho liner until about 2 years ago AND I don't remember it being all that big a deal. It did make a good sleeping bag liner though
I have two guns that I carry regularly, and a third that gets carried occasionally. Once a week I go to the range and shoot 100 rounds through each gun. I shoot some strong hand, some off hand, and the rest Weaver. The range where I’m a member doesn’t allow any kind of speed drills, so I practice drawing and firing with snap caps at home. It’s the only option I have right now. I’ve been doing this since 1993 when I started carrying a concealed weapon. At that time it was a SIG Sauer P220. I now carry a Dan Wesson Classic and Glock 36 regularly. Occasionally I will carry a Nighthawk Custom Talon with the Glock 36 instead of the Dan Wesson.
To preface, I am an instructor. I think training is good. I think training is fun. I think being trained may become very important, if society keeps heading down the tubes. That being said, the "how much is your life worth" sales pitch set forth by some instructors annoys me. From what I have read and heard, in the vast majority of CCW violent encounters in the USA, the good guy wins. The bad guy runs away, gets shot or gives up. This makes sense when you consider the OODA loop and the element of surprise. The bad guy does not expect the good guy to have a gun. If he did, he would pick another target. Further most bad guys are not skilled with a weapon. Further, the FBI(I think) did a study and 70% of shootings are 3 shots or less in 3 seconds or less from 3 yards or less. If true, marksmanship and tactical pistol skills are not really required to survive. However, you have done a lot of research on violent encounters, does your research show that there are a significant number of encounters in the USA where the good guy needed fighting pistol skills to survive? Again, I am not suggesting anyone not to train. However, in reality, it probably isn't necessary for Joe 6 pack or Sally soccer mom. Especially, if you consider the rarity that the average law abiding American will face a lethal force threat.
Citing reality and rarity. Clearly (as a former instructor/competitor/military) I would not want to be the Joe 6 pack or Sally soccer mom who bought into your argument IF they wind up in the rarity category. Over the years, 2 of my students were in the rarity category (non LE/MIL) who encountered rare reality in the USA. They were both injured (awareness failure in one case, unaware friend who was driving the car in the second) yet won through with justified lethal force and cited their training for it. One of those students self-defense scenario's started with him arriving home from work, closing the car door, wondering why his dog was barking like crazy in the back yard, then getting hit in the head with a baseball bat. He was momentarily unconscious, came to, tried pulling his pistol from a fanny pack while on the ground getting hit, he ND'd his glock in the pack with the round striking his driveway. He had to do a very high stress clearance while the opponent was doing his best to beat him to death. But even if you don't believe this and I don't care if you do, higher levels of training means they are more safe with firearms, especially when families are involved.
I don't discourage training. In my CCW class, students shoot from the ground, while moving, etc. We show them how to handle different types of attacks, and do add a little combatives. However, I do not use scare tactics to sell training. People have limited resources including time and money. They need to make decisions of the best way to use them. That involves making decisions that are uncertain. How much training is enough? It is a valid question. Each person will have a different answer depending on their analysis of the threats they face, the skills they have, the resources they have, etc. I am glad you students prevailed. You trained them well.
I have to agree with your view on "scare tactics" to a certain extent. But how often do people close the barn door after the animals escape? I also have to agree, to a certain extent, with the frustration that many instructors experience when trying to get people motivated to further their ability. What you call "scare tactics" I see primarily as exasperation with the seemingly unwinnable struggle to get people involved lol. I only work with those now who are very highly motivated. I stopped wasting time trying to inculcate mind-set to those who are not willing to cultivate it. Good talk, great vid! o/
And you got that sooo right about fire arm training. NRA classes are okay for basic, basic training. Real training includes not shooting stationary targets and getting training in combat skills, quick draw and accurate shots on target, at 100 degrees noon in August in John's area and at -10 degrees midnight in deep dark December, dry fire exercises, research and reading on firefight stress, learn how to chip the edge, shoot around corners, practice gun control from awkward positions to include fast draw, peripheral eyesight and awareness training, learn about attitudes that address the use of deadly force and how to apply it, and absolutely never stop training sight picture, alignment, trigger control and pull ... it's a total commitment to the responsible use and attitude awareness and maintanence regarding the intelligent and committed use, or not, of deadly force. Thanks again, JC; 'you the man'.
Hi, John! I'm a toddler mom and new gun owner. I love your videos! They are full of wisdom. What would you recommend when I only have 500 rounds and can't get any more? 200 are jhp, the rest are training rounds. We purchased three handguns last October and weren't able to find any ammo until January so none of them have been shot. 😬 I will look here for videos on dry fire exercises. What do you think about obtaining a ccw considering the anti-gun push from the current administration? Our state has constitutional carry so I'm wondering if staying off a list would be best for now. There is so much information to process. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Those stats are woeful.. the DOT test sounds intense, but I have yet to get my CCW or EDC. Went to the range recently and learning as much as possible, and will lookup training beyond too. Thx John.
I shoot mine as often as my job permits, I dry fire train almost every day. My defensive training started in 1971 when I initially enlisted in the Air Force and has continued ever since. My current carry is either 1 of 2 revolvers either a S&W M-58 I've owned since shortly after i turned 21, and the other is also a Smith a 637 airweight, the M-58 is usually loaded with 170 Corbons the 637 with Federal 110's. Being an old Country boy I've been shooting since the gun was longer than I was tall, my Dad a classically trained Army rifleman taught me I like shooting Tennis balls rolling along the ground or hanging from a Target frame
My gun is a freaking death ray defensive tool. ready for action. And I got to say, there is a lot of comfort in knowing your own skill and knowing you can hit well and fast enough with a handgun. It doesn't take as much practice as people think.
I took scenario based training with Dallas SWAT trainers, and it was highly effective. Assessing situations and learning/knowing when and where to draw and/or fire to stop a threat. Train, train, train.
Thank you for speaking the truth John, it is much needed for my ears. I learned so much from this video, for starters the word "woobie" XD... Ps I love your close up "here's-the-deal" shots. They really help to drive your points. Wish I could be under your tutelage more than just as a viewer.
John, I just finished all of the "Call of Duty" games on my PS4, now I am ready for anything.... Seriously, you are correct and I believe we should pay for professional training. I was shocked to hear most CCW holders shot less than five times a year, I generally shot about five times in a six week period, not including dry firing. I recommend people buy at least one box of FMJ ammo every payday for practice. Your topics and videos enable the viewers to consider the various possibilities of engaging a criminal with harmful intentions in a home, car, transitional space, etc. Thanks!
It is interesting what a training course will do. I wasn’t sure if I really learned that much from my training course until I started getting light primer strikes with both my revolvers. It was really hard to diagnose because it didn’t happen at the indoor range, but when practical shooting, I was getting at least one light primer strike/cylinder. I figured out that I am shooting faster now and the old springs can’t keep up. I had to buy new springs.
Would like to hear your opinion on the pros and cons of pocket carry. I've found after a lot of trial and error with various iwb carry positions and holsters that front pocket carry is what works best for me. Open carry is illegal in Florida so that's not an option. I'm mostly wearing tactical shorts with enough room to carry an m and p shield with a +2 magguts kit giving me 9+1. I carry in a desantis nemesis holster. No concerns with printing. If I'm wearing jeans or pants that can't accomodate my shield I'll either pocket carry my m and p bodyguard with magguts +1 for 7+1 or I can iwb the shield at 4 o'clock in the same nemesis holster, it's grippy texture holds the gun firmly in place. One pro for pocket carry for me is that if I feel I'm in a sketchy situation I can keep my hand on my gun in my pocket, and be able to get it on target faster than carrying iwb. One con is that it's harder to get my gun out in a seated position. When I drive I keep my gun iwb then will put it in my pocket before I exit my car. I value your thoughts on this. Thanks.
I carried a shield for ages before I sold it for financial reasons. I found that when carrying in cargo pockets, it actually worked out well from drawing In a seated position. A few things to keep in mind is the shape of the holster and the size of the pocket. Kydex pocket rigs work out well for smaller front pockets, or if you're short on real estate. Neoprene rigs like the nemesis you're talking about works out really good for cargo pockets, the extra width helps balance out the gun in the pocket, but pay attention if you like the bigger bdu style pockets, they can be big enough to cause the gun to flop forward.
I dont even carry because I haven't taken a class and I want to take multiple classes before I carry. I bought an M&P 9mm compact for this purpose. I shoot at least 10,000 rounds a year between all my firearms, many of which are 22. I was just gonna carry and figure stuff out as I go, until I started watching your channel. Then I realized how stupid I was. I've only had my 9mm for 3 weeks and have already put 1000 rounds through it. I had to stop eating out and brown bag my lunch every day while people are eating bacon cheeseburgers and fries from the above average cafeteria at work but if the balloon goes up, I'd rather have the skills to eat a cheeseburger another day. Your channel has changed my day to day life. I can't really say that about any form of entertainment or education. Thanks John. I intend to do everything I can to not carry a woobie
My philosophy is that 90% of it is being mentally willing and having the right personality to carry and use a weapon and 10% is training with reliable equipment. I practice with my pistol frequently and handle my pistol daily and dry fire before live fire. I shoot about once a month and maybe go through two magazines of ammunition. Some people don’t like it, but I appendix carry with a IWB holster and it works great for me. Id like to have more time and money to train like John Wick. Working on it. Anymore advice sir?
Good stuff! I have one month to go before I turn 21, so right now I'm finalizing my plans for deciding on the carry gun I want and where I'm gong to take my first training course. Thank you for your admonition! I definitely want to get trained and stay sharp.
I made the decision this year to make it a year of training. I've always been a shooter, typically shooting (on average) a few thousand rounds a year for at least the last decade, for sure the last 5 years. But I've never had formal training. So far this year I've done a 2 day pistol class, 2 day rifle class, as well as the meager LTC class. As well as doing countless hours of dry practice. And I will say I'm hooked and plan on doing a lot more training. So as a Texan I definitely fall in that 1% and believe my pistol is much more than a woobie. Hopefully others will take it on themselves to do the same. Good video.
Sweet I'm finally the 1%. And I also carry a P30 just like you. Traded my VP9 in for it. I just like the single action pull better on the P30 well that's after fixing the reset distance. I also feel safer carrying it since it has a safety. And I shot 500 rounds through my P30 this month alone. It's the only thing keeping me sane during these times
Excellent info was just telling a friend this will have to share. But now very hard to get ammo so no way those prices work now. Gun shop I purchased my 1st gun limited you to 1 box $$35 FMJ on there range. It’s all they can sell as demand so high. If I didn’t work I could go to big store 6am to get in line and if they happen to get ammo when they open at 9 can get only 3 boxes they will sell it all out in 1st hour.
Awesome advice as usual. And by the way, the McRib isn’t that bad. It was my first handgun also so I’m always a little partial. She still performs great. I have about 4000 rounds through it. Not 14,000, but she’s done good so far. I’ve upgraded to a P229 Enhanced Elite since.
Working on your draw and placing shots at close range 0-3yds seems like the most common situation one can prepare for. I think most are going to wait too long to engage and have to stay cool and wait their turn. Mind set!! Making sure you can hit a threat quickly out to 25yds is next on my list. Can I smoke a shitbag from across the room. Other than that playing gun games are fine but paying soo much for a training class isn’t on my short list. A spot of land public or private setup to shoot safely and getting out and running your guns is in my opinion all you need. Found that my 590 had a feed problem after 300rds, had I not takin it out for some fun I could’ve been screwed with a breech loading single shot instead of a pump hd shotty. Just found the point my 42 will malfunction with good practice ammo last weekend (1000rds straight out of the box). As a note I’ve made, when your 42 stops cycling completely, dropping the mag and briskly racking the slide will get it running enough to shoot the ammo you should have on you. Not to be relied on but worked. My woobie is clean now and ready, always no more than 3’ away. Rule #2 Have more than one gun at hand!
I take it one step further. I use three 6 inch paper plates and shoot 2 rounds into each to simulate multiple attackers. Once your accuracy is acceptable you can try to increase speed. And a shot timer is a good investment. You can set the beep to delay from 1 to 9 seconds so you cant just shoot when you're ready. You shoot when the timer goes off. It will time your shot to 1/100 of a second.
I dont know... maybe I fall into the category of people that haven't took an actual class. But I have done extensive research via TH-cam and the web. I have put in many hours at the range with my gun of choice. I own only one firearm, and it is the one I carry daily. Through my own research, I have developed some great firearm skills. I am more than comfortable if I had to defend myself or someone else. I practice basic dryfire and draw practice in a safe environment. I am not perfect, or quickest, or the most skilled....but I feel I am above average. I am constantly trying to better my draw, and my accuracy. Would you say that I still fall into that category of people who have not trained?
I'm not a trained firefighter but I still have a fire extinguisher in my kitchen. That said, I agree 100% about the importance of doing it right and doing it often. Train and practice.
Might be a dumb question... but when vetting a magazine, say I want to fire 1,000 rounds through a clip to vet it. Should I load the magazine to capacity? I have just been doing 10 rounds even though I can hold 17 + 1. It's less effort to do the 10 rounds but it might not vet it completely because it isn't testing the lower portion of the clip/spring?
About 200 to 300 rounds a week at the range and practice my draw and dry fire at home weekly. Try to get that muscle memory on that draw and especially clearing your clothing to get that firearm out and on target. And always watch Active Self Protection videos daily 😎!
6:00 was this story after your navy days or before you joined the navy? Thanks for all the videos you upload. Taking a pistol class this month from field craft survival. Heard they were good for training
@@ASPextra wow so even after navy days you took classes for self defense? I’d imagine they’d teach you that kind of stuff in the navy too no? Thank you so much for everything you’ve done on your channels. From videos explaining what to do and to the videos explaining how to carry, how to shoot, reload and even those discussions with the lawyers regarding gun laws. Thanks 🙏
Question: "vetting your carry gun" 500 rounds down the pipe. is their any cleaning that can or should be done within that 500 rounds or is it all done without a field clean? does the ammo all have to be brass vs steal? How many rounds with your carry ammo would you say is good enough? if you do vet the gun and down the line when you are practicing it has a malfunction or 3 must you then re vet the gun? Last is there a time frame that you general aim for when vetting a new pistol? thanks, I gain a lot from both your channels
Hi Jefferson! Clean as often as you'd like. I lube a gun before shooting with it, and then it shouldn't really NEED to be cleaned in that 500 rounds as long as it's lubed. But if you want to clean it that won't hurt it. For target ammo I don't care what I run through a gun, though varying what's being run is a good thing IMO. I run 100 of the round I intend to carry as my defensive gun. If the gun malfunctions later (not ammo or operator; something wrong that can be traced to the gun) I only allow 1 malfunction in 1000 rounds. More than that, and something's not right.
OMG this is me right now exactly! At 5:40 minutes into this video you explain where I am right now. It makes me feel like I have some safety but I wonder if I could actually use it if needed. I know how to use it, I know basic standards, but have no defensive training YET.
John ... how do you feel about shooting on a private range. Watching videos and taking those ideas to the range several times a month...I go thru around 1000 to 2000 rounds a month...
"400 rounds of ammunition, that's another $80..."
I miss those days
June 2022, 400 rds retail is $160
@@Sourpusscandy shiz
Just picked up 1000 9mm rounds for $260. Not terrible.
Videos like this which refer to “$100 for 500 rounds” sure do seem out of date right about now...
Like damn. I can't believe it used to be that cheap
I love my poncho liner. It's around 20 years old and still looks new, sitting in my truck. It's had a few cute girls on it over years, on the beach and in the woods. Truly a multi purpose tool. LOL
Ayyyyyyy
Same actually
The fact that TH-cam hides these types of videos is literally a shame. Your advice could very well save lives! Thanks for the extremely helpful information John.
Glad it was helpful!
Super helpful! Just got my CCW this year and am trying to figure out what it takes to acquire and maintain a competent level of skill. The standards you've suggested are more clear and practical than any I've found so far. Appreciate your honesty! Keep e'm coming!
Very well done, John. I'm going to play this for my wife to hopefully convince her that the money I spend on ammo and training isn't an optional expense. According to your description, I'm a one-percenter, and the more I try to learn, the more I realize how much I need to train. Tosh, LtCol USAF (Ret)
I find myself enjoying these more than the regular ASP channel lately.
I am not sure if that's a good thing or not. :)
Seeing people get robbed or get killed gets old. Even though it's almost always an education in martial arts and defensive arts, it still puts a bit of weight on the soul.
Matthew Brown You took the words out of my mouth. And yes John, it is a good thing. But certainly your normal ASP channel is very interesting AND useful. This added channel just helps further the cause of "covering ones ASP"!
Both channels are great, but yea. I went through a phase of watching people die and gore (reddit /r/watchpeopledie and /r/gore) and at this point in my life I don't really want to watch any more of those, but I still find myself watching John's regular ASP videos and these ones. To each their own, I suppose. There's value in his regular ASP videos too and I suppose they are censored when someone actually gets downed so there is that.
I really like the tongue-in-cheek humor you bring to these videos. Good stuff.
You nailed it, sir! A firearm is a tool of last resort, and you need to be not only proficient but comfortable and well trained in its use. For the past 3 months, I've been hitting the range for a minimum of an hour EVERY Saturday, to break bad habits and condition myself to use handguns better (i.e. build those neural pathways). As a good friend says all the time, "You don't practice until you get it right, you practice until you can't get it wrong."
Apharmd Battler
"you practice until you can't get it wrong." I don't like that slogan... "until" means you stop practicing once the goal is met. and as john said, physical skills are perishable.
I highly suggest a camping trip with your buddies, somewhere you can discharge a weapon. bring 5000 rounds and spend a week shooting drills, and shooting dynamically. At the end you'll be pretty dialed in. it will be a great time also
@@deeheych1101
Nowadays who can afford to waste 5000 rounds in a week camp (cost roughly $3000)
unless you are rich???
First of all you probably cant even find that much ammo to begin with since most places put a limit of 1 or 2 box.
Thanks for letting me know it's not just a warm & fuzzy, even if I feel that way after I've sent 150 9mm fmj down range. I've been paying close attention to the videos you've posted & the instruction you've been giving. I really appreciate the level of advice & the fact you are a brother in Christ. Thank you for explaining your reasons for becoming defensive carrier. I live just down the road from you in Tucson area. My motivation for getting a hand gun & training came when a stolen car was abandoned right in front of my home. That and a sudden increase in gang activity in my neighborhood. I don't have my CCW (yet), I've taken your lessons to the range to practice with. Thanks again for your work for defenders & our Lord.
Glad to help! Stay safe!
USAF didn’t give us poncho liners (or ponchos) either, but when you are working in an air conditioned hole in the ground in Kansas, you aren’t exposed to a lot of rain. Thanks for another great video. I have gotten so much good information from you. Other gun channels are entertaining, but you stay focused on the reason that I have and carry a firearm. Keep them coming, please!
"NAH FAM THAT AIN'T HAPPENING TO ME" LOLOLOLOLOL
Another great video, thanks john.
Ps. Dry erase board would have been a cool for this type of video.
The hood in him came out for that split second and then right back 2 speaking professionally lol
Hello from 2021 when $100 might get you about 100rnds. I laughed so hard when he said that you could get 500rnds for 100 bucks.
Not here in Honolulu, HI 100 rounds is $120. A case is going for $650 and that is cheap. I got 1000 rounds a few years ago for $277, man if only I got 5more and some 5.56/.223. 🤦🏻♂️
I have very recently been in a situation where I did not have $40 per month. Because of a sudden disability, I was homeless, living on an old schoolbus, and had no income at all. I had sold nearly all of my possessions but I still had my handgun. I was in this predicament for nearly 3 years, and I still carried every day. Having a disability made it nearly impossible to defend myself physically without a force multiplier. Sorry, long stupid story nobody cares about. My point is, if you truly don't have money to train, carry anyway if you can. I'd guess most people can scrape together enough cash to pay for it, and dry fire training costs nothing.
Your last sentence is key. Even if you're broke (and I am so sorry for what you had to endure there!), dry fire costs you nothing, and you can learn and apply elsewhere.
Wow.... Due to sudden impact (I like to tell people...bit by a shark, rather than a fight with an impala - a Chevy Impala but still...) I became disabled nearly 40 years ago. And I own a school bus that Ibam turning into a motor home. I lived quite a spell in the woods.... Because in my younger and healthy years, (I ran a farm alone and lived off the land-while attending high school) my adaptation to living on the woods was much more fun than work.) and I know where you are coming from...i hooe things aee better for you now.
firemanJeff911 You are wrong my friend, others DO care! I was taken out by a kid broadsiding me with his truck. I'm in my 60s now and certainly need a force multiplyer too. I don't have any real training, except for John's and other's videos. I know that's not the same but it's better than nothing. I do have range time and carry every day.
People care, hope you are doing better and still have internet access.
Sorry for your disability hope you get well soon.
I'm glad you focused on training, not caliber. I would love for you to do more videos on training tips. When I am at the firing range, I am training different scenarios, one handed, sitting, lying down, weak handed, two handed, while holding something (sometimes you can't drop what is in your other hand), different weapons, etc. What I see at virtually every shooting range is people basically playing a firing game for points. One time I was shooting for the first time with a relative and we were shooting a "hostage" target. She claimed she won the game because she had more points. I didn't think I was playing a game. Her shots were all over the target, with two into the belly of the hostage, all shot at around 10 feet. My shots were within a coffee cup at 30 feet, all around the assailant's head, half of them in his head and the other half just an inch or so outside, all away from the hostage. In real life, there are no points, just dead people and alive people.
Just bought my first firearm in September(M&P9 2.0 4.25"). So far it's never been shot. This year has been a whirlwind of events. Got married in March, had a daughter in July, started a new job in August and got a new puppy in September.
The days are short. Very short. I definitely need to get my training started. It's on the list.
So I assume you just have it locked up somewhere and not trying to carry it. Definitely you need to schedule some time for this. Even if its just an hour at the range after work or in the morning on a weekend. It would be worth your time. Good luck out there.
Don't carry a firearm you've never shot.
Lee D and be out here naked?
I don't know if you're being facetious or critical but not knowing if the firearm will function when needed isn't a risk I'll take. I've seen police officers do it, too. It doesn't take that much time and effort to shoot a newly purchased handgun.
Lee D it functions. No worries bro
I love this guy. So genuine, so honest and so generous. He really does do gods work
I sure try! :) Thanks for the encouragement.
I loved my XD40, still have a nice fancy competition model.
I have been conceal carrying for roughly 2 1/2 years and just took my first real class about two weeks ago with Redhawk Firearms and it was absolutely incredible. Not only did I unlearn some bad habits and increase my marksmanship, but I found flaws in my gear as well. I learned in one day that I don't love my Springfield XDs nearly as much as I thought I did. I have corrected this and bought a much better pistol that allows me to train better and be much more proficient. Already excited for my next class, it really is good stuff.
Excellent topic John.
OK. Mine is a woobie. Good allegory by the way. I did take a hunters safety course in 1961 (Globe Arizona). So I have had some training:). Still have the certificate to prove it.
elk hunter did they ask you who lives at the north pole
Yeah, and I got it right. Same guy that gave me my first rifle at age 7.
I've taken a defensive pistol class twice in the 2 years I've carried in ILLINOIS. Burned through 250 rounds each time. I also go to an indoor range monthly and shoot 100 rounds each time. I need to add the drills John mentioned. I'd like to do the DP class monthly starting next spring.
I get attacked by Ninjas on a daily basis ,people call them elderly customers ...I call em Ninjas...
No Income No Job or Assets? NINJAs
When i first started carrying (in AZ) it was open carry (no CCW) in 1990, and I went to the range often, but no formal extra training. I was confident, but hindsight it was woobieish. I was fortunate to work for a small security Co, where the owner was a retired Pima Co. Sheriff and was appalled by their own standards. He paid for all ammo and trained us even up to advanced tactics (outdoor range law enforcement used) every Wednesday. After a few years of that I knew I was skilled enough to carry every day (CCW for over 10 yrs).
That said, even though I dry fore practice at home daily (I'm disabled) I certainly do need to keep up on the training, and even hit the range more. Hard on disability income, but that's just an excuse I can figure a way around.
Awesome information once again! I've never done the Dot challenge, can't wait to try it out!
It's a humbling drill; let us know how you do!
Fantastic advice John! I have been inspired to do the dot torture, 5x5 and concealed carry standard tests. I'm sure it will be well worthwhile. Thanks!
Let us know how you did!
I just did the Concealed Carry Standard Test...got 1 shot in vitals at 5 yds in 0.99 but averaged 1.20 over 5 shot string.
THIS, This is why I subscribe to your channels! I hate to admit it because the stone cold truth is stinging me quite a bit right about now, but you make sense. I got training and learned how and how not to drive my truck, same thing for my boat. Yet after just a few hours on a range every couple of months I just gradually acquired an "I got this" way of thinking and went out and got my CCW and never gave carrying a second thought. I'm having those second, and third, thoughts now! Thank you for the wake up call John!
“Listen, Ace. You and I have to have a man to man talk about your woobie...”
One of my favorite movies.
th-cam.com/video/vSVCQ-NmTac/w-d-xo.html
Yes!! Classic.
You gotta lotta guts Kenny.
😁😅🤙
I appreciate your videos John. I'm not new to firearms, I've been hunting and shooting my entire life, but I AM new to handguns and concealed carry. Since I've been following your channel I have obtained my CCW and now carry every day, I shoot frequently and have achieved a certain degree of proficiency in shooting. I do plan on signing up for a handgun self defense class.
Way to go, Daniel!
dot torture made me realize i needed glasses. the realities of turning 50 LMAO
Do those statistics include dedicated range time? Because I think that going to the range and shooting correctly/working on marksmanship is one of the most economical and practical ways to improve. Also lots of dry fire practice (daily if possible).
In the context of doing it CORRECTLY, yes. Very few do.
Butthurt inducing truths 😂😂 cracks me up every time
My shooting experience until recently has been 99% rifle and shotgun, with 1% pistol time. Holding a Master Classification in NRA HighPower Rifle I have come to understand sight alignment, trigger control, safety, etc, with a rifle. Even though I own several pistol and shoot them from time to time, I never felt comfortable conceal carrying or even defending myself if the need arose. Several months ago I decided to start working towards concealed carry. Since then I have taken 4 full days of pistol training from a very reputable (but not well known) group. What was taught in those classes was amazing, we learned basic marksmanship skills, how to properly draw a firearm, covered multiple shooting positions, shooting from cover/concealment, different types of reloads, shooting while walking, engaging multiple targets, clearing different types of jams, using strong hand only, using support hand only, multiple drills, I shot through car windshields, held the slide closed and pressed the trigger, and most important learned how to be a thinker and a shooter and to be AGGRESSIVE once you are in a gunfight. After this I ran over 2500 rounds through my pistol, went to concealed carry class, still practice (Dry fire and live fire) often, shoot USPSA type matches, and finally feel I could defend myself if needed. Your mileage my vary, but for me good training and practicing good techniques is priceless.
Great work Mike!
Boy I tell you what... The FIRST thing I wanted to do after I got my CPL was take a 'real' class. The CPL 'training' is bullshit. They tell you about general gun laws, when you're allowed to use the gun, etc... it has NOTHING to do with practical use or training. I was so shocked to know I was 'qualified' to have a CPL when it was over. I still didn't carry it for months until I had taken classes and made plenty of trips to the range.
Good idea.
500-600 rounds may be a couple hundred dollars but what is your family's life worth to you?
John, your simple easy to understand advice really bring it home. People carry a gun but seldom follow up with training. And shooting your carry gun and practice [dry fire] that build muscle memory.
Great video. And the way you break down the costs showing people that it is just a couple of StarBucks a month. Good job, Sir
This is probably one of my favorite videos that you've done touches on some sore subjects with most people
I agree. This is the most important video for people who want to concealed carry.
This is a very good reminder. I am guilty of not training enough because busy work schedule. Thank you
hey john, how many people that you've shown on your other channel have little to no training, and still successfully defended themselves and stop the bad guy? just out of curiosity. I've been to a few different training classes myself and most of what i've learned from them is how to find my mistakes and then correct them. Valuable information sure, but not worth several hundred bucks per class.
I really have no way of knowing. In the US, most who carry outside the home have at least a modicum of training.
Nathan Harrington I agree with you. My brother who is a Leo in Az basically said to buy a gun and start carrying. You never have to use it. It just gives you options. You can still run away, hide, piss your pants, or just sit there and get shot. Training to me is basically what kind of options do you want? Do you want to be comfortable doing the 3 yd shot, from the car, multiple attackers, plink the attacker's head from behind the hostage at 15 yards, or the "close to engage" Leo wannabes? I've done training with him, but no courses because az is constitutional carry. I focus on drawing, dry fire, some laser training, and whenever I can get out to shoot.
It’s the “nah fam 👋🏻” that killed me 😂😂😂
I've been shooting literally since I was 3 years old with my Red Rider BB gun. From there I went to a pump air rifle from Daisy that fired pellets and BBs. I bring this up because even though I was just a little bitty kid, I had lots of good teachers. My family on both sides were full of military men who fought all the way in ww2 to Korea, Vietnam, and of course Desert Storm and other smaller venues. I learned as much as I could from them as well as other family members who were more hunters and just enjoyed practicing to get better. They would take me with them because by the age of 15 I could already shoot more accurately and at least on par with some of them. I was lucky that I could go out to the ranch and there was my favorite place in the world. I would by a box of Federal 750 rounds for around $9 and by the end of the weekend it was all used up, so I started buying two boxes, my brother as well. We had good safety skills which we practiced and I only got better and better. My point is that I shot so much, I was a true marksman at such a young age. By the time I got to the military, I clearly remember Drill Sergeant Harris come up to me screaming when we were on the range seeing where we qualified. So he comes up to me and screams in my face, "Vigil, where the he'll did you learn to shoot so good like this?" I responded from endless shooting and hunting since I was a kid. He singled me out and made me prove it as he said, but under stress. I began the course and he started yelling in my ear things I ain't ever heard before and haven't heard since. Regardless my shooting ability put me at the top of my class in that department.
Anyway what I am saying is yes practice all you can and as much as you can. I am lucky because of the rural area I live I have a shooting range on the side of my home. I fire a few rounds everyday through my various firearms. Practice as much as you can, I realize the difficulty for you guys who live in the city is you have to make range time. I have the luxury to shoot out my front door if I choose so what a great advantage. You have to make time though to hone in on your skills. After doing something for so long it does become muscle memory and what not, but I am of the mind that there is always room for improvement. Even the most minute things can come back to haughnt you especially once stress is introduced into the equation and bullets are coming your way all the time and practice you invested will probably make the odds in your favor. Keep working on basic fundamentals and stay focused sharp and well if a situation arises you should be okay. Always pay attention to what's going on around you. Today people have no clue as they have there face burried into their phones and laptops and of course they got the drop on you, what else can go wrong from here can go to them just robbing you all the way to them killing you. Train and be ready for whatever. Great video!
These educational training videos John puts on here is a real public service. I know good and honest people who live below the poverty line and cannot afford to shoot often. I explain to some folks about ASP to visually see what happens in shootings and how fast they can happen. Viewing the slow motion and commentary points out where mistakes are made and how to improve. Sadly, we live in a world, and in our own country, where there is evil. There are those who prey on children and elderly and will not hesitate to harm or kill for .25 cents. You can equate this to buying a new car and not knowing how to drive. Where I live, there are two deputies who are firearm instructors and will teach people the basics of safety and usage of a firearm for free. You just have to supply your own ammunition and firearm. Like any professional, you need good knowledge of your trade and the proper tools which work best for you. The Woobie gun can be a detriment if you do not practice and learn from people who are experts and can point out your mistakes before you make them in real life.
I had a Ruger LCP in a pocket holster for many years. During my 6th year of concealed carry a man threatened to kill me and I had to use it. Shot once, missed, he had the good sense to turn around and walk away. But it could have gotten me killed. Since then I've had many professional training sessions. Learned a LOT about guns and holsters and now I have a Glock 42 on my hip. Training courses are worth the money. Articles and videos are time well spent. Solo practice sessions are nice to, provided you reinforce good habits and dont start any bad habits.
Hey, that XD comment was uncalled for!
Thanks for the video! I was fortunate to have a really great CCW instructor who made the same point. As a result, I keep a training journal and log every class, every live fire session, every USPSA match and every dry fire session. I have also put together a video file with some of my training sessions and a few matches. Just as I hope to never need to dry my pistol defensively, I hope to never need to defend my choice (or abilities) in court. FWIW, this week it was 1.68 seconds from concealment to target (10 yard A zone hit)......
BOOM! solid video! I am going to do these. speed is the only thing I am worried about. I am just a slow person. cold tar running up a hill. But I will give it everything I got to do it! Video proof coming soooooon!
I for one get tired of being browbeaten by firearms instructors and their friends in the business about paying for their training. I stopped listening to Tom Gresham because of this. This video isn't really any different--lots of thinly vailed insults aimed at the 99% of us who aren't buying the product. I've seen a thousand TH-cam videos with varying skills and techniques and theories about carrying and defensive firearm use. I take that information and go to the range on my own schedule and all of my cash going toward ammo for me to practice what I've learned. John---you're great and I like what you do--But you, too, have failed to convince me that I owe a stranger a few hundred dollars and 8 hours of my time and attention for what I can get for free.... I know in-person training would fun and interesting, and I may go for it someday, but all the info and the different theories are out there for free.
Glock029
Totally agree. I think if there was a way to look at the data from all the times regular people had to defend themselves, we would probably see that, more often than not, the majority of them had no training.
Just like a car salesman is going to tell you that you need a new car to be cool, a firearms instructor is going to tell you that you are completely and totally inadequate to defend yourself unless you buy their training.
I used to be subscribed to this channel. Not anymore; this guy's starting to get too big for his britches. Just listen to all the new buzzwords he uses.
you can watch a million how to fight videos but that will not make you a good fighter. I also believe knowledge from multiple sources is always good. A good instructor can give you hands on and personalized lesson that the internet cant. Keep up the good work!
I feel the same way. I've been driving for over 30 years, but I'm not actually able to use my car effectively if I don't take defensive and offensive tactical driving every year to stay brushed up, lol. No problem telling people to train or improve, but don't browbeat me for not feeling the need to be a tier one operator. I haven't been to the range in months, but I always carry. It's not a woobie, it;s a fucking pistol.
Grey
Grey Beard best answer yet
You are the first person to shine light on this..i thought i was the only one..if instructors werent so money hungry and shared the knowledge they have for a resonable price. I would be "tier 1". $200 from each person in a class is pure capitolism. We already have to bring our own gun and ammo... I got my common sense, 4 fundamentals, and weekly personal range time. Im good
John, this video exceeds all expectations and should be a required watch for all conceal carriers! The $ numbers you break down at the end is fantastic on what to expect to pay to stay sharp and the drill you’ve provided are great drills to have mastered. Thank you so much for what you do and God bless you and your ministries sir!
Thanks!
why can't it be both :/
I either take a 90 minute tactical defensive class once a month and/or hit the outdoor range for follow up practice for previously learned skills. Thanks for the reminder and something to share with others I care about. The tactical class they put on at my local range is put on by local LEO pros - only costs $25 ($15 for range members) - but sadly only has about a dozen students each month - this in a county with over 8,000 CCW permitees. But at the last CCW qualifications test about 4 people couldn't pass at 5 yards - sad situation. Great advice about testing from EDC concealment - I always do range time from my EDC location with my EDC.
Right now, mine's a woobite, but that's why I've decided not to carry it until it isn't anymore. I shoot it a lot more often once every couple months but I haven't taken any courses yet.
Glad you're getting to class with it! :)
rjtumble warriorpoetsociety.us
Thanks, looking for something north Georgia, east Tennessee area.
rjtumble he is all over that area, check out his upcoming classes!
First Person Safety in Oconee County, GA: facebook.com/FirstPersonSafety/ run by a HIGHLY qualified teacher named Lee Weems, who is also the Deputy Sheriff of Oconee County.
I thought I was an okay gun user; regular range visits with my EDC, etc.
Yesterday I did my first proper training course, and learned how much I suck. My gun didn't malfunction once, but I did.
In South Africa, a realistic scenario involves FIVE armed men assaulting your home late at night in a robbery. Or being present at a highway gas station when 13 armed men arrive for a cash heist. With my skills before yesterday, I was not prepared for that level of intensity.
I went from 'I would probably die', to 'I will probably survive'. TRAINING IS IMPERATIVE!
After yesterday, I added a tactical pen to my EDC, and placed an order for a knife and spare magazine pouch.
I also have a level 2 sun burn on my neck now.
This is perhaps one of the greatest benefits of training, to show us our weak areas!
We called them a poncho liner :)
Luis Castillo no one ever called it that
Marines called them that.
onelifetolive927 we called them both. Love thy woobie.
Back in the 1960s, no Marine ever called their poncho liner a "woobie", LOL
Semper Fi, TreeTop Sgt, USMC 1968-71
I never heard it called anything BUT a poncho liner until about 2 years ago AND I don't remember it being all that big a deal. It did make a good sleeping bag liner though
This video makes me feel better about my level of training compared to the average gun owner. It also inspires me to train more.
Same and I thought I was slacking.
"Nah fam, this ain't happening" EPIC
I have two guns that I carry regularly, and a third that gets carried occasionally. Once a week I go to the range and shoot 100 rounds through each gun. I shoot some strong hand, some off hand, and the rest Weaver.
The range where I’m a member doesn’t allow any kind of speed drills, so I practice drawing and firing with snap caps at home. It’s the only option I have right now.
I’ve been doing this since 1993 when I started carrying a concealed weapon. At that time it was a SIG Sauer P220. I now carry a Dan Wesson Classic and Glock 36 regularly. Occasionally I will carry a Nighthawk Custom Talon with the Glock 36 instead of the Dan Wesson.
To preface, I am an instructor. I think training is good. I think training is fun. I think being trained may become very important, if society keeps heading down the tubes. That being said, the "how much is your life worth" sales pitch set forth by some instructors annoys me.
From what I have read and heard, in the vast majority of CCW violent encounters in the USA, the good guy wins. The bad guy runs away, gets shot or gives up. This makes sense when you consider the OODA loop and the element of surprise. The bad guy does not expect the good guy to have a gun. If he did, he would pick another target. Further most bad guys are not skilled with a weapon. Further, the FBI(I think) did a study and 70% of shootings are 3 shots or less in 3 seconds or less from 3 yards or less. If true, marksmanship and tactical pistol skills are not really required to survive.
However, you have done a lot of research on violent encounters, does your research show that there are a significant number of encounters in the USA where the good guy needed fighting pistol skills to survive?
Again, I am not suggesting anyone not to train. However, in reality, it probably isn't necessary for Joe 6 pack or Sally soccer mom. Especially, if you consider the rarity that the average law abiding American will face a lethal force threat.
It's a competition. Sometimes the guy fighting against you sucks. But about 1/3 of the encounters I narrate end up as negative outcomes.
Most of your videos are not in the USA. Does the 1/3 hold for the states?
Citing reality and rarity. Clearly (as a former instructor/competitor/military) I would not want to be the Joe 6 pack or Sally soccer mom who bought into your argument IF they wind up in the rarity category. Over the years, 2 of my students were in the rarity category (non LE/MIL) who encountered rare reality in the USA. They were both injured (awareness failure in one case, unaware friend who was driving the car in the second) yet won through with justified lethal force and cited their training for it.
One of those students self-defense scenario's started with him arriving home from work, closing the car door, wondering why his dog was barking like crazy in the back yard, then getting hit in the head with a baseball bat. He was momentarily unconscious, came to, tried pulling his pistol from a fanny pack while on the ground getting hit, he ND'd his glock in the pack with the round striking his driveway. He had to do a very high stress clearance while the opponent was doing his best to beat him to death.
But even if you don't believe this and I don't care if you do, higher levels of training means they are more safe with firearms, especially when families are involved.
I don't discourage training. In my CCW class, students shoot from the ground, while moving, etc. We show them how to handle different types of attacks, and do add a little combatives.
However, I do not use scare tactics to sell training. People have limited resources including time and money. They need to make decisions of the best way to use them. That involves making decisions that are uncertain. How much training is enough? It is a valid question. Each person will have a different answer depending on their analysis of the threats they face, the skills they have, the resources they have, etc.
I am glad you students prevailed. You trained them well.
I have to agree with your view on "scare tactics" to a certain extent. But how often do people close the barn door after the animals escape?
I also have to agree, to a certain extent, with the frustration that many instructors experience when trying to get people motivated to further their ability. What you call "scare tactics" I see primarily as exasperation with the seemingly unwinnable struggle to get people involved lol.
I only work with those now who are very highly motivated. I stopped wasting time trying to inculcate mind-set to those who are not willing to cultivate it.
Good talk, great vid! o/
Very, very good info and instruction John. Good stuff to pass along to my friends who shoot or train infrequently.
Glad to help!
More pretentious than informative. Good intent... poor delivery.
I'm not seeing it...
Listening to you list ammo prices breaks my heart.
Yeah...
And you got that sooo right about fire arm training. NRA classes are okay for basic, basic training. Real training includes not shooting stationary targets and getting training in combat skills, quick draw and accurate shots on target, at 100 degrees noon in August in John's area and at -10 degrees midnight in deep dark December, dry fire exercises, research and reading on firefight stress, learn how to chip the edge, shoot around corners, practice gun control from awkward positions to include fast draw, peripheral eyesight and awareness training, learn about attitudes that address the use of deadly force and how to apply it, and absolutely never stop training sight picture, alignment, trigger control and pull ... it's a total commitment to the responsible use and attitude awareness and maintanence regarding the intelligent and committed use, or not, of deadly force. Thanks again, JC; 'you the man'.
Hi, John! I'm a toddler mom and new gun owner. I love your videos! They are full of wisdom. What would you recommend when I only have 500 rounds and can't get any more? 200 are jhp, the rest are training rounds. We purchased three handguns last October and weren't able to find any ammo until January so none of them have been shot. 😬
I will look here for videos on dry fire exercises.
What do you think about obtaining a ccw considering the anti-gun push from the current administration? Our state has constitutional carry so I'm wondering if staying off a list would be best for now. There is so much information to process. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
You're already on a list. :) I live in AZ and still have my CCW and recommend it!
Those stats are woeful.. the DOT test sounds intense, but I have yet to get my CCW or EDC. Went to the range recently and learning as much as possible, and will lookup training beyond too. Thx John.
Great path to walk!
I shoot mine as often as my job permits, I dry fire train almost every day. My defensive training started in 1971 when I initially enlisted in the Air Force and has continued ever since. My current carry is either 1 of 2 revolvers either a S&W M-58 I've owned since shortly after i turned 21, and the other is also a Smith a 637 airweight, the M-58 is usually loaded with 170 Corbons the 637 with Federal 110's. Being an old Country boy I've been shooting since the gun was longer than I was tall, my Dad a classically trained Army rifleman taught me I like shooting Tennis balls rolling along the ground or hanging from a Target frame
My gun is a freaking death ray defensive tool. ready for action. And I got to say, there is a lot of comfort in knowing your own skill and knowing you can hit well and fast enough with a handgun. It doesn't take as much practice as people think.
I took scenario based training with Dallas SWAT trainers, and it was highly effective. Assessing situations and learning/knowing when and where to draw and/or fire to stop a threat. Train, train, train.
Thank you for speaking the truth John, it is much needed for my ears. I learned so much from this video, for starters the word "woobie" XD...
Ps I love your close up "here's-the-deal" shots. They really help to drive your points. Wish I could be under your tutelage more than just as a viewer.
John, I just finished all of the "Call of Duty" games on my PS4, now I am ready for anything.... Seriously, you are correct and I believe we should pay for professional training. I was shocked to hear most CCW holders shot less than five times a year, I generally shot about five times in a six week period, not including dry firing. I recommend people buy at least one box of FMJ ammo every payday for practice. Your topics and videos enable the viewers to consider the various possibilities of engaging a criminal with harmful intentions in a home, car, transitional space, etc.
Thanks!
It is interesting what a training course will do. I wasn’t sure if I really learned that much from my training course until I started getting light primer strikes with both my revolvers. It was really hard to diagnose because it didn’t happen at the indoor range, but when practical shooting, I was getting at least one light primer strike/cylinder. I figured out that I am shooting faster now and the old springs can’t keep up. I had to buy new springs.
That's a good bit of information to have!!
Only two shooting competitions last yr with my carry gun- HK VP9 and about 4 other times at the range
I’m new to this world. Taking CPL next month. Thanks for all the great info brother 🤓
I had an xd .40. I loved that gun.
Gonna take my LTC class next month in Texas. Getting my range time every couple weeks. Trying to grow confidence with my gun.
Glad you're getting to class!
I thought my family was the only one that called it a woobie. You're great!
These BITs episodes from ASP are the B.E.S.T! Regards from Brazil, learing to cover my asp!
Would like to hear your opinion on the pros and cons of pocket carry. I've found after a lot of trial and error with various iwb carry positions and holsters that front pocket carry is what works best for me. Open carry is illegal in Florida so that's not an option. I'm mostly wearing tactical shorts with enough room to carry an m and p shield with a +2 magguts kit giving me 9+1. I carry in a desantis nemesis holster. No concerns with printing. If I'm wearing jeans or pants that can't accomodate my shield I'll either pocket carry my m and p bodyguard with magguts +1 for 7+1 or I can iwb the shield at 4 o'clock in the same nemesis holster, it's grippy texture holds the gun firmly in place. One pro for pocket carry for me is that if I feel I'm in a sketchy situation I can keep my hand on my gun in my pocket, and be able to get it on target faster than carrying iwb. One con is that it's harder to get my gun out in a seated position. When I drive I keep my gun iwb then will put it in my pocket before I exit my car. I value your thoughts on this. Thanks.
It's a good topic for a video.
I carried a shield for ages before I sold it for financial reasons. I found that when carrying in cargo pockets, it actually worked out well from drawing In a seated position. A few things to keep in mind is the shape of the holster and the size of the pocket. Kydex pocket rigs work out well for smaller front pockets, or if you're short on real estate. Neoprene rigs like the nemesis you're talking about works out really good for cargo pockets, the extra width helps balance out the gun in the pocket, but pay attention if you like the bigger bdu style pockets, they can be big enough to cause the gun to flop forward.
I dont even carry because I haven't taken a class and I want to take multiple classes before I carry. I bought an M&P 9mm compact for this purpose. I shoot at least 10,000 rounds a year between all my firearms, many of which are 22. I was just gonna carry and figure stuff out as I go, until I started watching your channel. Then I realized how stupid I was. I've only had my 9mm for 3 weeks and have already put 1000 rounds through it. I had to stop eating out and brown bag my lunch every day while people are eating bacon cheeseburgers and fries from the above average cafeteria at work but if the balloon goes up, I'd rather have the skills to eat a cheeseburger another day. Your channel has changed my day to day life. I can't really say that about any form of entertainment or education. Thanks John. I intend to do everything I can to not carry a woobie
A good class is a good investment.
John I must say you have the best video!!!!! What can I do to support? The video have great information!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Brian! Head to activeselfprotection.com and consider becoming a channel sponsor if you would. I appreciate your encouragement!
My philosophy is that 90% of it is being mentally willing and having the right personality to carry and use a weapon and 10% is training with reliable equipment. I practice with my pistol frequently and handle my pistol daily and dry fire before live fire. I shoot about once a month and maybe go through two magazines of ammunition. Some people don’t like it, but I appendix carry with a IWB holster and it works great for me. Id like to have more time and money to train like John Wick. Working on it. Anymore advice sir?
I think you have it down!
Minimum standards to establish competence. No lying to self. What a concept!
Good stuff! I have one month to go before I turn 21, so right now I'm finalizing my plans for deciding on the carry gun I want and where I'm gong to take my first training course. Thank you for your admonition! I definitely want to get trained and stay sharp.
Sup bro, did you finally make your gun licence?
I made the decision this year to make it a year of training. I've always been a shooter, typically shooting (on average) a few thousand rounds a year for at least the last decade, for sure the last 5 years. But I've never had formal training. So far this year I've done a 2 day pistol class, 2 day rifle class, as well as the meager LTC class. As well as doing countless hours of dry practice. And I will say I'm hooked and plan on doing a lot more training. So as a Texan I definitely fall in that 1% and believe my pistol is much more than a woobie. Hopefully others will take it on themselves to do the same. Good video.
Sweet I'm finally the 1%. And I also carry a P30 just like you. Traded my VP9 in for it. I just like the single action pull better on the P30 well that's after fixing the reset distance. I also feel safer carrying it since it has a safety. And I shot 500 rounds through my P30 this month alone. It's the only thing keeping me sane during these times
I'm not in Texas, I'm in the 1% and plan to go to the range more than 5x's this year...
Excellent info was just telling a friend this will have to share. But now very hard to get ammo so no way those prices work now. Gun shop I purchased my 1st gun limited you to 1 box $$35 FMJ on there range. It’s all they can sell as demand so high. If I didn’t work I could go to big store 6am to get in line and if they happen to get ammo when they open at 9 can get only 3 boxes they will sell it all out in 1st hour.
Sweet I get to be a 1%er for this one. Took some Close Combat/Defensive Handgun classes this year to supplement my normal practice.
Awesome advice as usual. And by the way, the McRib isn’t that bad. It was my first handgun also so I’m always a little partial. She still performs great. I have about 4000 rounds through it. Not 14,000, but she’s done good so far. I’ve upgraded to a P229 Enhanced Elite since.
They can work okay. :)
Working on your draw and placing shots at close range 0-3yds seems like the most common situation one can prepare for.
I think most are going to wait too long to engage and have to stay cool and wait their turn.
Mind set!!
Making sure you can hit a threat quickly out to 25yds is next on my list.
Can I smoke a shitbag from across the room.
Other than that playing gun games are fine but paying soo much for a training class isn’t on my short list.
A spot of land public or private setup to shoot safely and getting out and running your guns is in my opinion all you need.
Found that my 590 had a feed problem after 300rds, had I not takin it out for some fun I could’ve been screwed with a breech loading single shot instead of a pump hd shotty.
Just found the point my 42 will malfunction with good practice ammo last weekend (1000rds straight out of the box).
As a note I’ve made, when your 42 stops cycling completely, dropping the mag and briskly racking the slide will get it running enough to shoot the ammo you should have on you.
Not to be relied on but worked.
My woobie is clean now and ready, always no more than 3’ away.
Rule #2
Have more than one gun at hand!
You can't teach yourself what you don't know. Take a class.
I need to take a course above the nra courses. I go out about once a month with 200-400 rounds to make sure the gun still functions.
Do my 40 hours of instruction 3 years ago not count? I still train and shoot, but haven’t taken any new courses yet.
I take it one step further. I use three 6 inch paper plates and shoot 2 rounds into each to simulate multiple attackers. Once your accuracy is acceptable you can try to increase speed. And a shot timer is a good investment. You can set the beep to
delay from 1 to 9 seconds so you cant just shoot when you're ready. You shoot when the timer goes off. It will time your shot to 1/100 of a second.
Good Info John! Loving the new channel!!!
Thanks!
I dont know... maybe I fall into the category of people that haven't took an actual class. But I have done extensive research via TH-cam and the web. I have put in many hours at the range with my gun of choice. I own only one firearm, and it is the one I carry daily. Through my own research, I have developed some great firearm skills. I am more than comfortable if I had to defend myself or someone else. I practice basic dryfire and draw practice in a safe environment. I am not perfect, or quickest, or the most skilled....but I feel I am above average. I am constantly trying to better my draw, and my accuracy. Would you say that I still fall into that category of people who have not trained?
Hard to say. There’s a lot you can learn with a coach under instruction.
I'm not a trained firefighter but I still have a fire extinguisher in my kitchen. That said, I agree 100% about the importance of doing it right and doing it often. Train and practice.
Might be a dumb question... but when vetting a magazine, say I want to fire 1,000 rounds through a clip to vet it. Should I load the magazine to capacity? I have just been doing 10 rounds even though I can hold 17 + 1. It's less effort to do the 10 rounds but it might not vet it completely because it isn't testing the lower portion of the clip/spring?
Waiting for one of your classes to be scheduled in the Northeast US! Signing up ASAP.
Also - which timer app do you recommend for iOS?
I use a freebie called "shot timer" for dry fire, but I have a dedicated shot timer as well.
About 200 to 300 rounds a week at the range and practice my draw and dry fire at home weekly. Try to get that muscle memory on that draw and especially clearing your clothing to get that firearm out and on target. And always watch Active Self Protection videos daily 😎!
6:00 was this story after your navy days or before you joined the navy? Thanks for all the videos you upload. Taking a pistol class this month from field craft survival. Heard they were good for training
After.
@@ASPextra wow so even after navy days you took classes for self defense? I’d imagine they’d teach you that kind of stuff in the navy too no?
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done on your channels. From videos explaining what to do and to the videos explaining how to carry, how to shoot, reload and even those discussions with the lawyers regarding gun laws. Thanks 🙏
Question: "vetting your carry gun" 500 rounds down the pipe. is their any cleaning that can or should be done within that 500 rounds or is it all done without a field clean? does the ammo all have to be brass vs steal? How many rounds with your carry ammo would you say is good enough? if you do vet the gun and down the line when you are practicing it has a malfunction or 3 must you then re vet the gun? Last is there a time frame that you general aim for when vetting a new pistol?
thanks, I gain a lot from both your channels
Hi Jefferson! Clean as often as you'd like. I lube a gun before shooting with it, and then it shouldn't really NEED to be cleaned in that 500 rounds as long as it's lubed. But if you want to clean it that won't hurt it.
For target ammo I don't care what I run through a gun, though varying what's being run is a good thing IMO. I run 100 of the round I intend to carry as my defensive gun. If the gun malfunctions later (not ammo or operator; something wrong that can be traced to the gun) I only allow 1 malfunction in 1000 rounds. More than that, and something's not right.
1% here....took a long range 1000m shooting course this year and a force of force class last year
I'm glad to hear even more great things about KR training, I need to get down there.
You should!
OMG this is me right now exactly! At 5:40 minutes into this video you explain where I am right now. It makes me feel like I have some safety but I wonder if I could actually use it if needed. I know how to use it, I know basic standards, but have no defensive training YET.
It's both bro. And new soldiers in my unit haven't been issued a woobie since they started getting issued OCP.
NO WOOBIES?!?!?!
@@ASPextra I'm not yanking your chain fam. I dont think the OCP pattern has been made yet.
John ... how do you feel about shooting on a private range. Watching videos and taking those ideas to the range several times a month...I go thru around 1000 to 2000 rounds a month...
I shoot on the channel all the time.