Jamie Jackson

Please don't be discouraged by the replies in any way. What you want to accomplish is certainly within the realm of possibilities, if you are willing to put in the work. And put up with the intermittent frustrations. It all depends on what you are willing to do. Good luck with your decisions.

Welcome to TGO and soon to TN. By "SquidBilly" I assume you're current or former Navy. At least "Squid" was always the term of endearment I received from my Marine brethren I had the honor of serving with. As David cautioned, please embrace and assimilate, respect and hold close our God Given Constitutionally Protected Rights and you'll do well. I have a good friend that just relocated to San Diego and he's, shall we say, struggling...May God Bless and help him... I hope you relocation is uneventful and you guys prosper.

OK friends. I need some book recommendations! I'm recovering from surgery and will be homebound for several weeks... I just finished books 1-3 of the "New Homefront" series by Steven Bird. They were decent and set locally here in East TN. +1 to that. https://www.amazon.com/Last-Layover-New-Homefront/dp/1507808577/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=39X2YXC6RWNV1A9VPBK5 I also read book 1 of the "Day by Day Armageddon" Series by J.L.Bourne. I particularly enjoyed the style and content of this book and will probably pick up book 2. The format is written as a journal entry and is remarkably well executed. But, unfortunately the Amazon reviews pretty much all state the series finishes poorly... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439176671/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Currently I am re-reading a book I pulled off my shelf that I haven't read in probably 15 years. While not a SHTF book I highly recommend it to my gunny brothers & sisters here. It's "Tactical Reality: An Uncommon Look at Common Sense Firearms Training and Tactics" by the late great Louis Awerbuck. from 1999. I have subscribed to SWAT Magazine for a few decades now, and I have always read Louis Awerbuck's section first. I regret I never took the opportunity to train with him. My loss! https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Reality-Uncommon-Common-Sense-Firearms/dp/1581600518/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473679670&sr=1-4&keywords=louis+awerbuck So help a brother out and recommend some quality reading material for me! Please...

I can appreciate conceptually what walthermitty is proposing. I think Dave nailed the primary obstacle, and that is fear of litigation & liability. Another obstacle is commitment of the group members. Although, from prior experiences, a person making a financial commitment is more likely to follow though than one not making the financial commitment. My experience has shown people value more what they pay for than what they "get for free". It's human nature I guess. I am not disparaging gleaning knowledge from friends and associates that want to share their talents. By all means please take advantage of that and appreciate the gift that it is. I was very fortunate some years back to be a member of a truly dedicated core training group that Gomez ran back in Baton Rouge. We met every Monday evening to train for a couple of years. (It was a 220 mile round trip for me and worth every minute of the time). But it wasn't until Paul started charging, a very nominal fee of $10.00, that we saw folks start taking ownership of their commitment and consistently show up for the classes...$10.00! Like I said, human nature is strange...we value what we value... And speaking of value...Professional training, while the cost may seem like a lot of money for a set time frame, quality professional training is truly an invaluable commodity imho. That quality professional training imparts correct methodology and concepts for you to work and improve on your on. It merely opens the door for "learning". You still have to do the work. But can more readily, and correctly, insure you are doing the acts correctly. Our perceptions of what we do vs what we actually do aren't always in alignment... Video yourself working drills or dry fire and watch honestly. It can be humbling. Coordinating members schedules can and will be a challenge. But it's worth the effort. We have some very knowledgeable members here at TGO that have a lot to offer from their various backgrounds and experiences. If I was in the area I would make every effort I could to hook up with Dave and take advantage of his kind offer. That pretty darn awesome Dave! Videos, CD, DVD's or whatever they call it nowadays can be very beneficial...but caveat emptor...some are quality, some are just marketing hype...View them together as a group with a critical and questing eye. Ask: What are my goals? Does this material apply to me and the realistic scenarios that apply to my life and situations? Is the material reproducible under stress and under pressure? Be critical...beware... Just one more thought on professional training. Once you've experienced quality professional training I think you'll realize just what a true value it is. Ammo is expense. Training time is valuable. Quality professional training will truly gain you the most bang for your buck. I am not a trainer, but I am eternally a student. I humbly appreciate those that have shared their knowledge with me and will always try and pay that forward.

You're thinking RefferMac! You are far ahead of the pack brother! Reholstering any handgun should always be a deliberate and purposeful act. There is no such critter as "speed reholstering". I've carried daily for at least 26 years and I am always cautious when reinserting the gun back into the holster..external safety of not. I predominately carry a G 19 appendix IWB. There is nothing wrong with "looking the gun" into the holster, with the "tilt" of the base of the holster out as you mentioned. It will become more intuitive over time..but one should never become complacent with any aspect of gun handling. IMHO the majority of self inflicted gunshot wounds come from complacency and inattention. Dolo of course is right. Dry Fire practice is essential for improvement. Practice with dummy rounds or simply an empty gun will gain you a lot in the long run. I'm not familiar with the holster you cited, but as long as it's secure and doesn't shift I'm sure it'll serve you well. I second shotgunshooter's recommendation for professional training, especially with Randy (Cruel Hand Luke). But he's a friend, so I am biased. Ingraining skills under a watchful professional eye such as with Randy can help prevent training scars which take a good bit of effort to "unlearn".

Yep they still make 'em Dolo. While I was never a fan of trigger shoes, a few guys I used to shoot with back in Kansas City were fans of them. That was in the '80's though and revolvers were the rule of the day. I've bicycle inner tubes for more than a few things. Very useful piece of gear to have around.

You wouldn't think that firing into a safe backstop would require having a genius on hand... We (gunowners) can be our own worse enemies at times.

I've worn a Tyler grip adapter along with a set of Barami Hip Grips on my S&W 640 since the early '90's. My father carried a 3" J frame in the same setup. The slip on rubber grip sleeve is for a PPK and adds no bulk as far as concealment goes, but makes a big difference in regards to control-ability imho. With the above setup I have the option for belt carry or pocket carry...options are Good! http://www.baramihipgrip.com/

Congrats Mark and Thanks for sharing this. My friend, while you may have reduced some physical items you have so much more... Knowledge, skill, and determination. And now land. I applaud you Sir. You are Blessed.

I could only address this from the civilian hospital worker side my friend. But we had an excellent (albeit no gun class) put on by Oak Ridge PD back in May. Brandon Sharp is the DT instructor for the Department and a dialed in gentleman. iirc Brandon said their program stemmed from one put in place by Knox County. I don't have direct contact info, but if you reach out to ORPD they should be able to help. Jeremy (Sgt. but I can't recall his last name at the moment) or Brandon...both good guys. Hopefully Randy will have some additional info or suggestions for you. Good on you for doing this Craftypoppa!

Excellent and informative post by btq96r! I have an EoTech 512 and an Aimpoint PRO and each serve their place very well. I've had the EoTech since 2003 and therefore have more triggertime behind it. I also have a Primary Arms Microdot and have no complaints whatsoever about it. While it wouldn't be my first choice on a serious use rifle in a battlefield scenario (not likely at my age LOL), I've run it through a class and several range sessions on an AK without any problems. I currently have it mounted on my 10/22 and it's quite happy there. I need another one...

I too agree that the video was insightful and well thought out. I do think the use of the robot with an explosive charge is a very slippery slope to venture down. Did the killer need to be stopped? Of course. But once the precedence is set it's not a far stretch to see the use of armed drones considered in domestic scenarios. I have no doubt that it was a tough call to make and I am thankful no more officers lost their lives. I am thankful for, and appreciate, the risks they take each and every time they put on the uniform. My thoughts and prayers are with the slain officers friends and families and obviously for the downed officers. From conversations with a few LEO's I know, I'm not so sure the Baton Rouge case is as much a "black/white" issue as it is, as you mentioned a "thug culture" issue. I've heard and read several officers say or post that the amount of resistance to uniformed officers by all races (Black, White, Asian, Hispanic) embracing the "thug culture" gains them "street cred" among their peers. I know the overwhelming majority of thugs I must deal with working in my ER are white. While it may simply reflect the demographic in the area of the sate where I work, this is what I personally see. It was obviously more diverse racially the 2 decades I worked in New Orleans...again, demographics. Always back to the old Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times"...well, these are certainly "interesting times". Thank you the vid.

Awesome! Thank you! Poor dog...

Good Lord willing I'll be there! This looks to be good. Thank you and GTG for providing this opportunity for us.

Looking Great peejman! Canning is every bit as addictive as guns, shooting, and handloading. But I think it's too late to warn you at this point.

I had a Taurus PT-92 9mm I purchased back around 1990. The locking lug sheared off twice...Taurus replaced the barrel both times. I sold it and purchased a Beretta...which I should have purchased the first go around...Live & Learn.

Love my 550. Dillon did a rebuild for mine a couple of years back...practically brand new and it's from 1988. Excellent customer service. I must admit, I've never seen that particular failure...Damn!

Liberalism is definitely a mental disorder. Logic and common sense need not apply...

Good article with some common sense recommendations. I'm pleasantly surprised considering the source.

Is violet close enough? https://www.amazon.com/ASP-55151-Key-Defender-Violet/dp/B001EDL1WI

Good to hear chance R. Thank you. I will forward the info and look into it myself. Appreciate it.

Have you considered an ASP Defender OC unit for her? and yourself as well? I've had one for about 15 years and have run through several of the inert trainers in various training exercises. They serve the Kuboton role readily, make a decent striking tool, and are a darn good OC unit imho. https://www.asp-usa.com/store/defenders-oc/category/61-street-defender https://www.midwayusa.com/product/789389/asp-street-defender-pepper-spray-13-gram-aerosol-aerospace-aluminum-body-includes-key-ring-10-pct-oc-black

Thank you gary_boom. Much obliged.

LOL. I know what you mean peejman. I have carried an ASP in the past without issues in SW MS and SE LA. But once I received this certification I started carrying a flat sap (AKA fixed length baton.) That was about 10 years ago. I do keep a copy of the linked law in my wallet...but the sap would probably be taken if I did something illegal anyway... So..I'm an honest, law abiding citizen that simply wants to have options available to me. My choice and my risk. No issues so far. Monadnock makes an Ayoob inspired D-Jammer that's even sold at Midway USA...might be an option if you are thinking about a kubotan. I see the kuboton as a very niche tool, but I honestly most items covered by this law are. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/640194/monadnock-d-jammer-baton-6-aluminum-with-swivel-key-chain-silver

I know this has been discussed here before. I speaking about Baton Training for certification in order to lawfully be able to carry an impact tool in accordance with TN law. As far as that particular law: TN Law 39-17-1308 subsection/paragraph #9. http://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2010/title-39/chapter-17/part-13/39-17-1308 I know it's generally a challenge to coordinate such a class (I did some years back and that particular instructor as since retired). Has anyone here had any experience with training at Tac2? I have a friend or two interested in such training and Tac 2 is offering the class at a reasonable rate. They appear to be located about 1/2 way between Knoxville and Johnson City, so that may well serve the needs as far as location goes. since they live in the Knoxville area. I am hesitant to recommend someone for instruction/training that I don't have knowledge of. The class link is below. Anyone with any first hand experience? Even 2nd hand? http://www.tac2.com/index.php?template=calendar.item.view&recno=115