Cruel Hand Luke

Gordon Kahl and Posse Comitatus are names you don't hear much anymore.... for those wondering "who?".....   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Kahl

 Not in this one. I think you might be thinking about the North Hollywood bank robbery. 

Be careful about hunting things (or people) you don't really expect to find and not being truly prepared to find if you do find them..........   Some people are just tough hard to kill dudes and you may have to internally disassemble them to convince them to stop fighting.....Platte was shot 12 times.  FBI Agent Mireles nearly had his arm severed by a .223 round but continued to fight.    Not all former Rangers (Platt)  or Marines (Matix) are necessarily law abiding citizens....there are some well trained bad guys out there.....   Pistols suck at stopping people.   Pistols REALLY suck in a rifle fight.    The gun in your holster is more secure than under your leg if you end up in a car crash.....   If you are injured KEEP FIGHTING you may still win....(Mireles ended the fight after having his arm all but destroyed with a .223 round.)   Ambidexterity and/or 1 handed skill comes in handy sometimes....in this fight McNeill, Hanlon, Platt, Matix , and Mireles were all hit in the arm or hand.    Tactics and aggression make a difference. Platt's use of "Fire and maneuver" flipped the battlefield and came close to getting him and Matix out of there..........if it hadn't been for Mireles.    People that get shot in the face tend to be less combat effective than they were before they got shot in the face. McNeill shot Matix in the face early on and Matix was unable to return fire after that.        What are some things we got directly from this incident?    The government spent A LOT of money on ballistics research. All the ammo designs that we have today that expand AND still penetrate deep enough to hit vital organs from less than ideal angles are a result of the Ballistic Workshops in 87 and in the 90s.   The 40SW cartridge . Love it or hate it, the .40 is a direct result of the FBI blaming the bullet instead of the training/ tactics.    Patrol carbines beginning to be pondered and discussed by forward thinking trainers. The North Hollywood Bank Robbery in Feb 97 pretty much sealed the deal on this.   The push away from revolvers and toward everyone carrying  semi auto pistols in the FBI and the trickle down effect to agencies nationwide. 

So for those of us who study this type thing what do we/have we learned from this in the last 30 years?

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/04/11/fbi-marks-30th-anniversary-bloody-miami-shootout/   MIRAMAR (CBSMiami/AP) – Thirty years ago, FBI agents Ben Grogan and Jerry Dove died in a vicious gun battle with two heavily armed suspected bank robbers in Miami-Dade’s Suniland area, which is now part of Pinecrest. It’s described as the bloodiest shootout in FBI history. On a street corner in Pinecrest Monday , a wreath was laid to remember the heroes of the FBI who died in the Miami Shootout on April 11, 1986. Five agents were also wounded during the gun battle. “Ben Grogan and Jerry Dove sacrificed their lives to save mine,” said retired agents Edmundo Mireles. “It’s a wonderful gift getting an entire 30 years of life.” Mireles was seriously injured during the shootout, as was fellow agent John Hanlon. Grogan was 53 when he died. He was a two-decade veteran nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ and was one year shy of retirement. Dove was 30 and had joined the agency four years earlier. The so-called “Miami Shootout” involved two serial bank robbers at SW 82nd Avenue and 122nd Street. The suspects, William Matix and Michael Platt were also killed by one of the wounded FBI agents. More than 140 shots were fired. It all started when agents Dove and Grogan spotted the suspects’ vehicle. A high speed chase ensued when the agents tried to stop the vehicle. When agents in three FBI vehicles finally managed to stop the suspects’ car, Matix and Platt came out firing. The incident is infamous in FBI history and is well-studied in law enforcement circles. Despite outnumbering the suspects 4 to 1, the agents found themselves pinned down by heavy rifle fire and unable to respond effectively due to their much smaller service handguns. The suspects had a Ruger assault rifle, a shotgun and .357 caliber handguns. Although both Matix and Platt were hit multiple times during the firefight, Platt fought on and continued to injure and kill agents. This incident led to the introduction of more powerful handguns in many police departments around the country including more powerful semiautomatic weapons for all FBI agents. “Although it was 30 years ago, it is something that will remain for us because it changed us,” said FBI Director James Comey. “It changed our equipment. It changed our training. It changed how we do our work.” The 1988 movie “In the Line of Duty” re-created the blizzard of bullets in the “Miami Shootout.” Some of the weapons used in the shootout are now on display at the FBI building in Miramar as part of a memorial that brought the FBI’s top man from Washington. In 2001, the Village of Pinecrest honored the two agents by co-designating a portion of Southwest 82nd Avenue as Agent Benjamin Grogan Avenue and Agent Jerry Dove Avenue. Street signs and a historical marker commemorate the naming of the roadway in honor of the two agents. (TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

For those looking for a great place to learn the fundamental skills of defending yourself with a pistol this is for you. We cover everything from mindset and awareness and dealing with unknown contacts to disrupting your adversary's OODA loop, accessing your pistol and getting fight stopping hits, after action assessments, malfunction clearance, reloading both proactively and reactively, and many more topics.   A few reviews of this class....   http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?68549-DPS-with-Randy-Harris&highlight=   http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?94986-Defensive-Pistol-Skills-Jacksonville-Florida-Jan-14-15&highlight=jacksonville   http://www.warriortalk.com/showthread.php?102162-AAR-DPS-with-Randy-Harris 

DATE ON THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CHANGED TO JULY 30-31       RGF-2: RIFLE GUNFIGHTING II JULY 30-31, 2016 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE Price: $350 INSTRUCTOR: RANDY HARRIS Rifle confrontations worldwide rarely exceed 25 yards. Rather than a long range marksman's weapon, our research shows the rifle will most likely be used just outside the reach of more conventional weapons, as well as within these closer intervals of confrontation. This course will take the student quickly through the basics and impart the techniques necessary to deploy the Tactical Rifle, Civilian Carbine, or Submachine gun in a close interval emergency.This course is highly recommended for civilian defenders, military personnel, or police operators (we make no distinction in the material presented). CLASS AND RANGE DETAILS DURATION: 2 days   TIME: 9:00AM to 5:00PM (Central time)   AMMUNITION: Approximately 500 rounds (Minimum) and 50 rounds of pistol ammunition.   RANGE & GEAR REQUIREMENTS: Rifle (any action or caliber suitable for use within 50 yards), all weapons must be equipped with a sling, also bring a pistol with at least (2) magazines, a belt, holster, magazine pouches, rifle ammo pouches, and ear & eye protection (knee and elbow pads are strongly suggested). Also Helpful Bring spare clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Plan to bring lunch, snacks, and water (min 1 gallon per person) for the entire day unless driving to lunch is a viable option from the range location. Bring allergy medication (if needed), a chair (if you prefer), note taking supplies, and a boo boo kit (band aids, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment and tape). You may wish to bring pads such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves if the class lends itself to that. For more info and to register for this class..........http://www.suarezinternationalstore....x#.Vwk6wfkrKow

 THE DATE ON THIS HAS BEEN CHANGED TO JUNE 25-26 !!!!     CRG-1: PISTOL GUNFIGHTING JUNE 25-26, 2016 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE Price: $350 INSTRUCTOR: RANDY HARRIS All training must begin with fundamentals. This comprehensive fundamentals class is designed to prep you for the more advanced courses such as Close Range Gunfighting. Through a carefully designed and detailed curriculum we are able to bring you up to a level of skill in a short two day class that previously would take over 4 or 5 days to achieve at other schools. You will learn a complete presentation of the modern combative technique of the pistol which will put you in good standing for any defensive situations you may encounter in the real world. We will also be incorporating fundamental Point Shooting techniques which will prep you for the more advanced courses such as Close Range Gunfighting. You will learn the components of various point shooting methods and integrate them into your existing skill sets. This knowledge will put you in good standing for any defensive situations you may encounter in the real world. No experience or prior training is needed to attend this class and it is specially suitable for beginners, or as a tune-up for accomplished shooters. CLASS AND RANGE DETAILS DURATION: 2 days   TIME: 9:00AM to 5:00PM (Central Time)   AMMUNITION: Approximately 350 rounds (Minimum)   RANGE & GEAR REQUIREMENTS: Modern defensive pistol and a holster specifically made for that pistol and designed to be worn on the belt. Three (3) magazines and magazine pouch, a belt of the same width as the belt loops for the holster and magazine pouches, and range safety gear (eye protection, and ear protection). Also Helpful Bring spare clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Plan to bring lunch, snacks, and water (min 1 gallon per person) for the entire day unless driving to lunch is a viable option from the range location. Bring allergy medication (if needed), a chair (if you prefer), note taking supplies, and a boo boo kit (band aids, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment and tape). You may wish to bring pads such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves if the class lends itself to that. For more info and to register for this class......http://www.suarezinternationalstore....x#.Vwk5tfkrKow

TWO DAYS TO GO!!!! 

Welcome aboard from Ooltewah.

PM returned.

REMINDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   THIS ONE IS COMING UP THIS WEEKEND! 

Sunday June 5 in Knoxville I will be offering a 1 day class .    Dealing With Pests-Civilian Use of Force Continuum and Solutions. Date: Sunday June 5  Time : 9AM to 3PM Instructor: Randy Harris (http://www.suarezinternationalstore.com/instructor-randy-harris.aspx) Price : $150  ($50 Deposit required to hold spot in class balance due at class)  Location: 1818 Tarklin Valley Rd Knoxville Tn 37920   This class is a one day presentation of the civilian use of force continuum. It will focus on dealing with unknown contacts with voice and body language then transitioning  to preemptive empty hand skills along with reactive empty hand skills used to defend against both empty hand attacks and against contact weapons, and finally transitioning to and accessing your pistol while under attack and using it effectively in close quarters.    This is the class your CCW class SHOULD have been. This is not an "NRA safety class". This is not a "stand still and shoot little groups" marksmanship kind of class.  It is an interactive study in up close street violence and gives you tools to deal with the most likely types of attacks. I'll be offering this at a one time discounted rate at $150.  There will be a strict 12 person limit so as to keep the class small enough so that everyone gets plenty of reps and plenty of attention. It will be both interactive and live fire.    You will need.... Your carry pistol and at least 1 spare mag (or speed loader for revolver if you like to party like it is 1899) holster for pistol 100 rds of pistol ammo  Blue gun replica or airsoft gun replica of your carry gun if you have one.     List of things that never hurt to bring if you have them (but don't feel you need to buy them just for class)....... Airsoft mask training knife copy of your folding knife if you regularly carry a folding knife and ever plan to access it as a defensive weapon. We will have some available but not sure how many we will have.  mouthpiece (just in case of incidental contact) not at all mandatory but can be useful cup (just in case of incidental contact) not at all mandatory but can be useful      As of right now we have 6 spots still available......       PM me here for address to send the deposit. 

Hope to see you there Sir.    I have acquired more steel and that will give us more options in long range work. 

Reminder!   This is coming up in just a couple of weeks. We will be working on extending your range with the weapon you have with you more than any other...your pistol. So come on out and join us!

Honestly, proper technique (and not using 3" magnum hunting loads ), and a gun that actually fits you goes a long way toward making recoil more acceptable. Most factory stocks are just too long for most people unless they are 6'4" . A simple 1" shortening of the stock can make a huge difference in handling and in recoil management. 

DEFENSIVE SHOTGUN MAY 15, 2016 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE Price $200 INSTRUCTOR: RANDY HARRIS The shotgun is the top choice among Americans for limited role home defense. In its niche it is a devastating weapon. This one day class will teach you everything you need to know to employ this iconic American fighting tool to its best utility.   CLASS AND RANGE DETAILS   DURATION: 1 Day   TIME: 9:00AM to 5:00PM   AMMUNITION: Approximately 100 rounds of Birdshot, 50 rounds of Buckshot, 15 Slugs and 50 rounds of pistol ammunition.   RANGE & GEAR REQUIREMENTS: Shotgun (any caliber pump or semi-auto). All shotguns must be equipped with a sling and a stock. Pistol with at least two magazines, suitable belt, holster, and magazine pouches. A method of carrying extra shotgun ammo (for example: shoulder bag, ammo pouches, side saddle, or butt cuff). Ear & eye protection. Also Helpful Bring spare clothing appropriate for the weather, including a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Plan to bring lunch, snacks, and water (min 1 gallon per person) for the entire day unless driving to lunch is a viable option from the range location. Bring allergy medication (if needed), a chair (if you prefer), note taking supplies, and a boo boo kit (band aids, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment and tape). You may wish to bring pads such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves if the class lends itself to that.     For more info and to register......http://www.suarezinternationalstore....x#.VvRWROIrKow

Preach it Brother Prag....   Med skills are just as important as gun skills and honestly I have used med skills to solve more problems than I have solved with my gun. You might be using them at the scene of a wreck , wilderness injury , or even just a home or business accident. Being able to keep people from bleeding out is just as important as being able to cause them to bleed out.    In fact I feel it is so important I teach both Suarez International's Tac Med class and I also teach a one day med class geared specifically for CCW (with the able assistance of medical professional Prag). Training to plug holes is just as important as training to make holes. MOst gun carriers only ever envision the bad guys getting injured....not themselves or their families. Watching a loved one die for lack of a little medical skill would be a horrible thing to have to live with. 

Like Prag, I may not have been there when "Todd was born" but I was there soon after and saw him"take his first steps". In fact Todd is probably a pretty close approximation of Sebastian (Belisarius)  if you know anything about his background. And the concept has driven a lot of my own personal training.     The "Todd" concept is in large part a cautionary tale that no matter how bad you are (or think you are ...look up "Kruger-Dunning Effect") there is always someone out there that has scraped parts of badder people than you off his shoe.     And Todd is not a LIKELY opponent for most people (but then again no one would have guessed Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett would be jacking people in an alley at gunpoint  just a few years after scoring the winning touchdown in the National Championship game in 2003.....). But there are a lot of HARD dudes working for cartels just south of the border and they DO conduct business in the US. Think about some of the guys that make up the Zetas (former Mexican Special Forces trained at the School of the Americas by US Special Forces and now they run their own cartel).....they are NOT the typical crackhead out to score another rock.    The point is that assuming the guy who tries to victimize you will crumple and fold when you offer a little resistance is frankly dangerous. I expect them to be better trained, better armed, better skilled, stronger and faster than me....and I train for THAT....not for the lowest common denominator. So when I get the LCD criminal it is a cakewalk....and if I get "Todd" I'm not expecting "easy" and I'm at least as well prepared as my lifestyle will allow. 

    Yes. Come on down!   The Training Groups concept was intended as a way to give Suarez alumni a means of getting some organized practice sessions with the help and supervision of an SI instructor outside of a regular class. While it is geared toward Alumni, we do also allow folks who have not trained with us yet to come out and get a feel for what we do. And frankly, most who come out to a Training Day event end up signing up for a class eventually anyway. So I'm all for new folks coming out and joining us. Hope to see you in April. 

TN / GA / AL Training Group  On Sunday April 10 we will hold our 2nd meeting of the 2016 season for the TN/GA/AL Regional Suarez Int Training Group!  Instructor: Tier 1 Suarez Int Staff Instructor Randy Harris Location: The usual place- Phillips/Edwards Farm 763 County Rd 332 Pisgah AL 35765  Time: 9AM CENTRAL time - 3PM CENTRAL time Price: $60 - pay at class cash or check.  What you need to bring: Pistol, pistol magazines and at least 150 rounds of ammo. Revolvers are welcome if you want to party like it is 1899. Subject : Why did I leave my rifle at home?.....Precision pistol shooting at extended range.... We will be working on longer than usual distance pistol work. Not everything happens at arms length or inside 5 yards and sometimes there is need to take a shot at 15 yards (and farther). In the middle of the fight is not the time to find out how well you can shoot when targets are 25 yards across a parking lot or down an aisle at Walmart where bystanders may be down range or the background is not just a dirt berm or brick wall. Come out and develop your "Pistol sniping " skills. 

Class experiences have a way of weeding out gear that is...."sub-optimal".  Until you really experience the "Why" a particular gun or piece of gear is less than ideal you really don't have a grasp of why you need to upgrade. Until you see it fail it is still just "other people's opinions". When it refuses to shoot more than 3 rounds without malfunctioning, or until you experience how difficult it is to press the trigger , or work the slide (these are generalities not particular to any one particular gun ) then it becomes fact that you discovered...not just something someone told you.....   I tell students all the time that class is also an equipment lab for them to test their kit. I tell them to bring what you actually carry on a daily basis to pistol classes , or what you actually plan to use in case of home invasion, natural disaster, Indian uprising or zombie apocalypse for rifle and shotgun classes. Until you try to run your actual gear you actually  plan to use then you have no real idea how well (or not) it will perform.  Best to find that out in class and not on the two way range. 

The Army probably has 4 M16s for every soldier...but they don't carry 4. And when you narrow it down to those who ACTUALLY engage in combat activities it might be 50 to 1 M16s per person.  They will have x thousand that never get shot or handled that are simply in storage and they will have y thousand that are used for training. Same goes for the M9. Again....the only folks who REGULARLY carry handguns outside a combat zone are Military Police and the only ones IN combat zones regularly carrying pistols are MPs, officers or specialized units. The big green army just does not have a whole lot of folks running around using handguns on a daily basis.    That  is one reason that during WWII they were not keen on enlisted men picking up pistols as war trophies and carrying them....because of the likelihood of people who had virtually no pistol training carrying a loaded pistol and accidentally shooting themselves.   Who was it...Col David Hackworth I believe........ who commented that the 1911 was the 1 weapon in our arsenal that probably wounded more of our own people than the enemy (meaning through sloppy gunhandling and negligent discharges)   Sorry guys, contrary to popular belief not all GIs are Alvin York. 

That was 4 years ago.....   This is a little more current.....http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/02/19/marines-allow-operators-to-choose-glocks-over-marsoc-45.html

We are just a little over a month to go on this one! Anyone in middle Tennessee wanting to learn to run the AK from the "AK people" this is your chance. And remember if you do both the AK class AND the armorer class together there is a $50 discount!