Guides

153 posts

This is where I dump all the hard-earned, no-BS lessons I’ve picked up in the woods, on the range, and while carrying every day. Whether you’re trying to figure out the best chest rig that won’t flop like a dead fish, how to zero a red dot without wasting a box of ammo, or what budget gear actually survives a rainy deer season, I’ve got you covered. Real-world tests, zero sponsorship fluff—just straight talk from a guy who’s broken, soaked, and shot the stuff so you don’t have to learn the hard way. Dive in and level up.

  • DefendGuide

    The Pros and Cons of Using Optics on Handguns

    Red dots on handguns aren’t magic and they sure as hell aren’t a free lunch. The real advantage is target focus—if you’re willing to train.

    6 min
  • Heckler & Koch VP9 and Staccato C2 2011 pistols with red dot sights – #5 and #1 best concealed carry pistols 2025
    DefendGuide

    Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2025: My Top 5 Picks

    You asked for it — my battle-tested Top 5 concealed-carry pistols for 2025. One costs less than date night. One more than a used bike. All five I’d trust my life with — and one rides my hip every day.

    5 min
  • FundamentalsDrill

    Central Texas Standards: A Classic IPSC Benchmark Drill

    Central Texas Standards – Chip McCormick & Ronin Colman’s nearly forgotten 125-round monster. Weak-hand, reloads, 50-yard shots, even prone. This 1980s beast still demands Master-class skill to clean in 2025.

    6 min
  • FundamentalsGuide

    Using the Manual Thumb Safety… Uhm… Well… Safely

    Proper manual safety use is critical for safe shooting. Follow Col. Cooper’s binary rule—on target, safety off; off target, safety on—to build strong safety discipline and prevent mishaps with your pistol.

    5 min
  • DefendDrill

    Ken Hackathorn’s The Wizard Drill

    Ken Hackathorn’s The Wizard doesn’t mess around—it’s a raw competency test for concealed carriers. You either have the skills to nail it, or you don’t. So, how tough is it? Let’s break it down.

    6 min
  • DefendGuide

    Building an EDC Medical Kit You’ll Actually Carry

    Emergency medical gear might not be sexy, but it’s vital—especially for everyday carry (EDC). Building a kit isn’t rocket science, but creating one that’s compact, organized, and practical enough to carry daily? That can be a challenge.

    4 min
  • HuntGuide

    Zeroing Optics for Supersonic and Subsonic Ammo

    Should you re-zero when switching between supersonic and subsonic loads? Short answer: yes, it optimizes accuracy for each load. But re-zeroing isn’t always practical. Let’s explore some zeroing and reticle options.

    6 min
  • Guide

    Let’s Meet For Tacos

    The four core gun safety rules are essential lifestyle principles crafted to prevent unintentional tragedies. A mnemonic can make them easier to recall, so you can live them every day. Let’s meet for tacos.

    4 min
  • FundamentalsDrill

    Jim Shanahan’s Helluva Little Drill

    Jim’s Helluva Little Drill is deceptively challenging. When executed correctly, it sharpens your ability to stay process-focused while running a gun, all while honing often-overlooked marksmanship skills. Let’s explore it.

    5 min
  • FundamentalsDrill

    1-2-3-4-5 Drill

    The 1-2-3-4-5 Drill is an easy but sneaky challenge. Clean it at 5 yards, then chase 15 Xs or push the distance. Ready to test your skills? Dive into the breakdown and give it a whirl!

    4 min
  • FundamentalsGuide

    Which Shot Timer Should You Buy?

    Need a shot timer to up your game? Don’t sweat range yahoos and knuckleheads—I’ve got you covered with pro picks and alternatives for dry fire, matches, and coaching. Let’s make matchmaking magic!

    9 min
  • FundamentalsGuide

    NRA Basic Pistol Qualification

    Been slacking on drill posts—oops. Time to get back on the horse with the NRA Basic Pistol qual. 5 yards, 5 shots, 4-inch circle, no clock. Cakewalk? Maybe. I broke it down to see if it’s worth your time—read on…

    4 min