self-defense

The 4 Basic Firearms Safety Rules

August 24, 2018 By Craig Campbell Leave a Comment

The necessity to be safe while “gun training” cannot be overemphasized …

There are rules. The rules must be followed or people could get hurt. Really, that’s how it is with all aspects of life from the job you have, to raising your children, to driving down the road.

Take, for example, the simple stop sign. If you choose to not follow the rule, or law, while driving and blow through the stop sign, you may have an accident. Of course, accidents aren’t guaranteed to happen, but the rules are put in place to prevent a collision from happening.

Another example, can be found when working on cars. I was a mechanic for a good part of my life. I knew that there was a rule in place that stated: If a car is up in the air, there must be jack stands underneath it to prevent it from falling.

You don’t understand its importance until a jack twists under the weight of a car. Once that happens, you realize why those rules are there. Thankfully, I wasn’t under the car when it came crashing down on the driveway below.

There are rules, or people get hurt. The wonderful world of self-defense is no different. And, in fact, the four rules of firearm safety may even be more important than all the others.

Guns can be used in self-defense, to kill animals for food, for target practice, and to fight wars. Guns can be used to kill.

Granted, this isn’t always the case. But, I can say that I carry a concealed firearm because I’d rather my attacker die than have my kids lose their daddy.

You’ve likely heard the saying that the firearm is the great equalizer of force. A tiny, old lady can successfully defend herself against a much bigger, younger opponent if equipped to do so.

Before we move on to the main point, let’s look at this in a bit more depth …

The gun by itself does not kill because it, alone, isn’t capable of taking any action. The person operating it is the sole deciding factor of whether or not these weapons will fire a round, whether done purposefully or “accidentally.”

Having said all of that, a firearm is nothing more than a tool, much in the same way a hammer or screwdriver is. In the wrong hands, a gun can be used to harm decent, hard-working people. Yet, so can a hammer, screwdriver, knife, car, truck or anything else you can think of.

On the flip side of the coin, in the right hands, a gun can be used in self-defense to save life much in the same way a hammer or screwdriver can.

As a side note, at some point in the near future, we’ll be starting an “opportunistic weapon” series, where we’ll look at how to use other household items in self-defense when a gun is not available to you. Moving on …

Any tool can be used as a weapon to ensure your survival when your life is placed on the line. The gun is nothing more than a tool that makes your job of living and making it home to your family, easier.

Because guns are tools, they are not inherently evil. Using a firearm to hunt is easier than using a speer. Just as it is easier to defend yourself with one, as opposed to a stick.

Because they are an object, they can be used properly, or improperly. They can be used for good, or for evil.

They can also be mismanaged by well-intentioned people. This is one of the reasons why there are rules, and why I’d like you to share this article with everyone you know.

What are the 4 basic rules for firearms safety?

It’s unfair to have an article about the basic rules of firearms safety without mentioning the man who championed them and made them what they are today.

Colonel Jeff Cooper played a huge role in developing much of the firearms training materials, like the 4 basic rules of firearms safety and the varying conditions of carried weapons (which will likely be covered in another article.)

One of the things drilled into me at basic training, and every time I went to the range after that in the Marines, were Jeff Cooper’s rules. I want to take a moment to discuss them with you now, and it is my sincere hope that you share this with all of your friends either as a refresher course, or to teach them for the first time.

It’s that important.

Rule #1)

Treat every gun like it is loaded:

Here’s the deal. If everyone always treated the gun they had in their hands like it had a live cartridge in the chamber, never assuming that it was unloaded, negligent discharges would drop dramatically.

Taking it a step further than that, whenever you do anything with your gun, you should always clear it to make sure it is unloaded. Several deaths happen each year because a firearm was negligently discharged when someone began to clean it, assuming it wasn’t loaded.

Never assume.

Taking it yet another step further, I always clear a gun before I hand it to someone else because I’m never sure how much gun training the other person has. Will they treat the weapon like it’s loaded?

A friend’s kid pointed a loaded .22 mag revolver at me once when he handed it to me and I about lost my mind.

I pulled the gun from his hands, emptied the cylinder, and gave him a lesson right there on the spot. The person you’re handing the gun to will likely be grateful that you are ensuring their safety by clearing it for them first.

In fact, whenever I hand someone a firearm, I do so with the action open, so they can have piece of mind that nothing is in there.

Rule #2)

Never point your gun at something you’re not willing to kill/destroy:

This is simple, but I see people violating it all the time. If I had a dollar for every time I’d been to a gun store and have been muzzled (someone pointed a gun at me, sighting it in), I’d have a lot of money.

Think about it like this. Guns make killing animals and self-defense easier, right? So, why would you ever want to point something designed to shoot metal projectiles at 1,000 feet per second at something you didn’t, in fact, want to shoot?

Let that sink in for just a moment, and then remember it next time you go “try on” a gun at your local shop …

Rule #3)

Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire:

Until your sights are on your intended target, and you want to shoot, your trigger finger (and all other fingers, for that matter) should be off the trigger.

This should be common sense, but it isn’t. Going a step further than the obviousness of this rule, keep EVERYTHING away from your trigger. There have been numerous “accidents” where clothing snagged a trigger, or where a damaged holster tugged on it just enough to send a round through the pipe.

Therefore, let me plug something that I do on a regular basis: check your gear for defects. If you begin to notice that your holster has a hole in it, or the leather is wearing a lot more than you’d like, get a new one.

Your life, or that of someone else, is a lot more important than the $50 you’d spend on a new holster.

Rule #4)

Know your target and what’s around it:

I’ve heard it worded like this once, and it really hits the point home — once that bullet leaves the barrel, you own it. This means that if you let a stray shot out and it hits someone else, that person could get injured and hold you responsible.

Of course, that’s only one aspect. You could also kill someone you didn’t intend to hurt, and that will stay with you the rest of your life.

Taking this a step further, bullets can and often do travel through things like walls, and even other people. You need to know what your target’s surroundings are before you pull the trigger.

Here is an example of a shooting competition where the shooter thought the range was clear, and wasn’t:

Guns are tools designed to make a job easier. Whether it is self-defense, hunting, target practice, or anything else you use your gun for, following the basic firearms safety rules will ensure everyone remains safe.

Did I leave anything out? Do you have anything to add? If so, make sure you leave a comment below, to share with everyone. Have you caught up on our SHOT Show coverage yet? If not, you can find all of our videos on the YouTube channel.

JM4 Tactical Holster Review: Quick Click and Carry

August 15, 2018 By Josh Leave a Comment

Concealed Carry Holster Review, JM4 QCC

Generally speaking, I won’t do a holster evaluation unless it’s something really different that you just don’t see everyday.

For example, I don’t usually do Kydex holster reviews because everyone and their uncle can get some equipment, make one, and, sadly, many of them are nearly identical to each other.

This, of course, isn’t always the case. There are some that stand out.

What I always try to do, however, is find the best concealed carry holsters that just also happen to be different from the others out there, and bring them to you for a review.

JM4 Tactical concealed carry holster — I can walk in my front door, and literally stick my gun upside down (or right side up) on my steel door. It stays put.

This next one is actually something I saw in a Facebook ad one time, thought it was a great concept, and reached out to the dude in charge, Chad.

I first got my hands on the JM4 Tactical leather holster in about October of last year. I like to put holsters through a rugged test to make sure they hold up, so I used and abused it, and can say that I’m happy with what I’ve found.

JM4 QCC Holster — Inside view after a few months of drawing and re-holstering.

The main thing that makes this holster different, is that it utilizes a couple of dual-purpose magnets in its design. When I say dual-purpose, I mean that they are meant to do a couple of things.

Concealed Carry holster — The round spots are the uber strong magnets. Careful, if they catch each other with your finger in the way, it smarts!

First, the magnets are placed in a manner so that they’re attracted to each other, and that’s what keeps your holster from moving out of place. Second, the magnets are used in the retention of the gun, making sure it doesn’t fall out.

Let’s break it down even more, shall we?

The internet is filled with people showing videos on drawing and re-holstering their concealed carry gun with this JM4 Tactical QCC (Quick Click and Carry) concealed carry holster. Instead, I’ll include one of those videos at the bottom, while I show you things about it that some other people skip. Mainly, how it works … in detail.

Position:

First, let’s discuss how the magnets work to keep the gun in your pants.

JM4 Tactical holster — Stick the holster in your pants, with the one side of the magnet-flap lifted out. Once in the position you want, close the flap, until it reaches your pants.

You stick the holster down your trousers, and then flip the flappy magnet part over your belt. You can adjust it for cant and height, and, even though it can move, it’s slight enough that you don’t really notice.

JM4 QCC — Here I have the magnets wrapped around a standard 1-subject notebook and flipped it upside down to show it won’t move.

Oh, and just so you’re aware, every single time I flipped this gun/holster combo upside down, it was with a full mag inserted.

full magazine — Full magazine for this demonstration. Well, I took a round out to show someone what I carry.

Retention:

There are a few things that a holster needs to be able to do, in order for it to be considered “good” in the eyes of most concealed gun carriers. Keeping your gun positioned in your waistline is one of them. The other, is keeping your gun secured in the holster itself.

I ran each of the above tests, again, but this time I removed the gun more than half way.

Remember above when I said that the magnets were used to keep the gun in place? Let me show you what I mean.

The following picture shows the full-size Springfield Armory XD9 pulled halfway out, on purpose by me. It stayed put and did not move. Again, the magnets are strong.

JM4 concealed carry holster — Here is the loaded gun hanging on the 1 subject notebook again. This time, I pulled the gun out more than halfway and let it sit there.

This time, I figured I’d stick it on a piece of paper. Same result until the paper ripped:

JM4 QCC concealed carry holster — Gun purposely removed halfway out of the holster. It did not fall out.

Some folks like to keep a gun by the door for easy access. We won’t discuss if that’s a good tactic or not right now, but you can’t get any closer to your front door than on it, like in the below picture.

concealed carry holster dock — Here it is upside down on my front door again, only pulled halfway out.

Construction:

Now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, how does this holster hold up under pressure?

The leather is of high quality, and is thick. It seems as though a lot of use would be required to wear a hole in it, which is great.

As you likely know, negligent discharges tend to happen in worn out holsters, and, as a side note, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly and regularly check your gear out for damage. A damaged holster is not something to mess around with.

The primary concern for me, because I’ve had issues with other holsters of this type from other manufacturers, is the stitching. However, this holster stood up to all my tests, and the only thing I don’t like is that I struggle to get a combat grip on the gun from the draw (more on this in a bit).

Here is another shot, up close. A portion of it is double stitched, which gives extra peace of mind that it won’t fall apart.

JM4 Tactical — Here is another up close shot of the holster, and its logo.

A word about the magnet’s leather.

The leather that covers the magnets itself may end up being an issue at some point, simply because it is so thin. I can see the need to have thin material here, because it could hurt the effectiveness of the magnets, and thus, the retention of the holster itself.

Here is the other magnet, up close:

concealed carry magnet — Up close shot of the flap magnet.

Ease Of Use:

A few paragraphs ago I mentioned that I have a hard time getting a full-combat grip on the draw. This is huge for effective self-defense with a handgun.

Without a solid grip, the shooter could end up inadvertently causing an operator malfunction with a limp-wrist or loose grip. Just so we’re clear, a full combat grip is one that has the web of your hand as high up on the grip as possible.

The work around for this, is to simply practice drawing from it more. And, from what I can tell, most people don’t have this problem, and may be unique to me and my gorilla-sized hands.

Comfort:

I can say that, as far as a holster meant to be worn in the appendix position, which is usually uncomfortable for me, it is fairly comfortable. In fact, I’m wearing it right now in the 1 o’clock position with a full-size pistol as I sit in my office typing this up.

Conclusion:

It’s my opinion that the JM4 Tactical QCC is the best concealed carry holster of this type, and one of the top concealed carry holsters available on the market right now. I’m not usually a fan of non gun-specific gun holsters, but this one does its job well.

Overall, this one has my stamp of approval. It is competitively priced starting in the $70.00 range and going up from there depending on the color and type of leather you choose.

I also want to give a word of caution to any of you who may wear pacemakers or other devices keeping you alive that could be hurt by a strong magnet. These magnets are very strong, so keep that in mind.

A few minutes ago I said that I first saw this on a Facebook ad. I also told you that I’d show you a video. Here is the original video I saw on Facebook that got me to look into this holster for you:

Have you tried one of these before? If you have, please let me know what you thought about it in the comments below. If not, check this concealed carry holster out, here.

Last Minute Ideas: Build Dad a Range Bag for Father’s Day

June 15, 2018 By Travis Pike Leave a Comment

With Father’s Day right around the corner, you may be wondering what to get dad. This is where I toss out my generic list of sponsored items right and in a Top 5 gifts for dad. Unfortunately, I don’t have sponsors, so instead my idea for your Dad and Dad’s everywhere who shoot is build them a range bag.

What goes in a range bag you may ask? Well, I’ve picked out a few items I own and love in my range bag and present them to you. They may not be perfect for your dad, but hopefully, they get the creative juices for gift giving flowing.

The Range Bag

Well, of course, we have to start with a Range Bag. There are lots of options out there, but I’m going to throw a more affordable model at you. The Blackhawk Sportster. It’s no Vertx or Grey Ghost gear, but it’s a big, reliable, and well-made bag. I’ve had mine going on 4 years now and it shows no signs of wear. Since I’ve gotten it I’ve used it countless times to carry and store just about everything I’d ever need for shooting.

It features one massive front pocket, and two side pockets, plus a few super small pockets for the little things in life. It’s well suited for the gear needed for handguns, shotguns, and rifles. It can easily hold over a thousand rounds of rifle or pistol ammo, and still have room for guns, cleaning kits, magazines and more.

The Ear Pro

The new Peltor 500s have quickly become my favorite set of hearing protection. This ear muff style ear pro is incredibly comfortable and I’ve been using extensively for months now without any comfort issues. They are electronic of course and even have Bluetooth capability. It makes blasting a little WuTang Clan while shooting possible.

Of course, you can use it to make phone calls if you’re the practical type. They provide great sound balance and make conversations, instruction, and education possible with guns going off behind you.

The Targets

Ditch the old Bull’s eye targets, they’re boring and there are so many better options out there. For self-defense training, I’ve become a big fan of the Modern Warrior T1 targets from MyReadyRoom.com. These anatomy targets feature a life-size male armed with a handgun. There are X-Ray sections that display the target’s pelvic bones, heart, and brain.

These targets aid in learning and making proper shot placement a habit. They are high-quality targets printed on nice thick paper. The contrasting colors make spotting hits easy, and the targets are thick enough to be used with pasters for repeated use.

Multi-Tool

Every range bag needs a multi-tool. Some form of multi-tool complete with at least a knife, pliers, and flat head screwdriver. I’ve become a big fan of the SOG Batons. These ultra small and lightweight tools are perfect for the range bag. The Q3 baton being my go to. That being said any quality model of multi-tool will work.

Companies like Gerber and Leatherman even produce purpose built firearms multi-tools that might work well. I don’t have much personal experience with these tools, but they were becoming popular with the Marines I served with near the end of my enlistment.

Magazine Loaders

If your dad is a high volume shooter consider giving the gift of a magazine loader. Models from companies like Uplula are some of my all-time favorites. They make loading and unloading rifle and pistol magazines a breeze. If I didn’t have these, I would barely ever load my Colt SMG magazines.

Even easy to load magazines get tiresome after several hundred rounds. If your fingers are fatigued from loading magazines, you’ll likely see a performance degradation on the range. So be a good kid and pick up a mag loader or two for his favorite guns.

General Range Bag Must Haves

So we covered the sexier stuff, let’s take a look at a few other must-haves for the range bag that aren’t so specific.

Target Stapler – A light duty hand stapler is perfect.
Ammo – It’s high on the list, but hard to be specific for. Know your dad and know his calibers
Cleaning Kit – Like ammo its a must have, but hard to be specific for. Get a nice, purpose-built kit from Otis or even Hoppes.
Mini Flashlight – Something mall, simple and affordable. Any of the hundreds of mini Cree LED flashlights on Amazon will work or for major points snag a Fenix headlamp.
Lens Cloth – For wiping those filthy optics down.

So that wraps up what I like in a range bag, and hopefully, you have an idea of what your Dad will love. If you’re still lost on what to get dad, then the best gift to give is time. If he’s a gun nut, maybe buy him some range time and go with him. Learn a thing or two about dad and his hobby, and you’ll be better prepared for next Father’s Day.

SIG Ammo: A Reliable Choice For Range, Match, And Self-Defense

June 7, 2018 By Terry Nelson Leave a Comment

SIG Match Grade ammo in 308 — **SIG Match Grade ammunition in .308**

Sig Sauer is probably best known for its exceptional line of handguns and rifles. You may have even heard of the Sig Sauer Academy having been around now since the late 1980s.

However, some folks may not know that Sig has been in the ammunition business since 2013. Since its start in Kentucky the ammo part of Sig has now moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas. The ammo division now offers a full line of practice, defensive match, and hunting ammunition along with brass for the reloading enthusiasts.

Although I have yet to try all the offerings of SIG ammo, I have been testing some of their better known ammunition categories.

Practice

The Practice category was my first chance to try out SIG ammo and it did not disappoint. There were zero feeding or reliability issues. Offerings in the Practice ammo line include, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 380 Auto, 38 Super, 9mm, 10mm, 357 Sig, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, and even .308 FMJ.

SIG provides another choice for the shooter when it comes to reliable training ammunition. The company describes this line as “manufactured to SIG’s exacting standards with durable copper jacketed bullets, solid brass cases, and dependable primers.”

Defensive

Defensive ammo from SIG, also known as V-Crown, is offered in the following; 38 Special +P, 380 Auto, 38 Super + P, 9mm, 10mm, 357 Sig, 357 Magnum, 40 S&W, 44 Magnum, 44 Special, 45 Auto and 45 Colt. New in 2018 is 365 Sig 9mm ammo, developed specifically for the also new SIG P365 pistol, a great combination for concealed carry. As SIG puts it when talking about their defensive line: “From bullet to brass to propellant, SIG V-Crown ammunition establishes a new standard in jacketed hollow point centerfire pistol cartridges.”

Match

SIG manufactures match grade ammo in the following calibers; 223 Rem, 300 Blackout, 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Win. According to SIG “Our subsonic match rounds deliver increased downrange terminal performance and low noise for suppressed AR rifles, while supersonic rounds offer superior accuracy and minimal dispersion when suppressed.”

I have personally tested their match ammo in 308 Win and can say that it is both accurate and reliable.

All SIG ammo is characterized as Elite Performance — **All SIG ammunition is characterized as Elite Performance.**

Hunting

The hunting line of ammo offered by SIG is one I have not tried as of this writing. It’s available in the following calibers; 22-250 Rem, 223 Rem, 243 Rem, 300 Blackout, 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Win. Obviously, it’s a good selection.

SIG states that their “HT superior hunting rounds yield consistent 1.8X diameter expansion using an all-copper projectile with optimized nosed geometry and premium nickel-plated shell casings, delivering consistently reliable accuracy for taking down game.” My intent is to try SIG hunting ammo afield, soon.

While I will continue use of other brands of ammunition that I have employed over many years of hunting, training, competition, and other special purposes, I have no doubt that the SIG lineup of ammo will have a place in my options for ammo use now and into the future.

Check out our in depth handgun ballistics chart.

The Best EDC Flashlights, And How To Use Them [2018]

May 29, 2018 By Terry Nelson Leave a Comment

edc carry — **My EDC light and handgun.**

Do you carry a handgun for self-defense? If so, you may also want to carry a good flashlight. The statistics indicate approximately 60% of all confrontations occur in dim light conditions. That does not necessarily mean complete darkness, but rather diminished lighting to the point where your ability to identify the threat is jeopardized. You are responsible for making sure of your target and every round that leaves the muzzle.

Just like a good blade, there are many other reasons defensive minded folks may want to carry a good light. Defensive strikes, a disorienting strobe or blinding an assailant, navigation, and signaling all come to mind aside from threat identification. High quality pocket carry lights with variable brightness and strobe features are widely available today. No reason not to carry one.

For most, the thought of holding a light and shooting is a daunting task. Yes, there are weapon mounted lights and lasers (lasers do not allow for identification), but there are some distinct advantages of a handheld EDC Flashlight. One is that you can use a handheld light to search and identify without having to muzzle everyone. This would not be the case with a weapon mounted light system. Weapon mounted lights have their place, but carry a handheld as well.

So, what are my picks for the best EDC flashlights? The best EDC flashlights, to me, are as follows, and pictured below:

Streamlight ProTac 2L
Fenix TK15
Surefire

Keeping the above in mind, let’s examine some common methods for using a handheld light and shooting a pistol at the same time.

My top two picks for hand held flashlight techniques are as follows–

1. Neck Index
This technique requires you to shoot one handed and utilize the light separately. One benefit is that you can use the light to search and identify without muzzling unintentional targets, keeping your handgun in a low ready position. There are several variations of this method: jaw index, ear index, and cheek index. Use a rear pressure switch light in the support hand and utilize the neck, jaw line etc., to lightly rest and aim the light.

2. Harries Technique

Probably one of the better known techniques and used for years by police. The shooter holds a light with a rear or side pressure switch in the support hand, which moves under the gun hand as the weapon is aimed. Back of hands are then pressed together, creating “back of hand to back of hand” isometric tension. This creates a stable platform for shooting.

A potential downside to this technique is that the EDC flashlight is essentially attached to the gun, similar to a weapon mounted light. Thus, the shooter must be cognizant of muzzling anything they’re not willing to destroy while searching with light and gun together.

Three other options for utilizing a light and handgun together;

1. Chapman Technique
A flashlight with a side-mounted pressure switch is most appropriate here. In the support hand, the shooter will hold the light with the thumb already positioned on the pressure switch. The light is then positioned against and parallel to the support side of the pistol. The shooter’s middle, ring, and pinky fingers give nearly full support to the shooting hand. In essence, you can obtain almost a full grip while still utilizing the flashlight. Once again, you must be aware of potential muzzling of unintended targets.

2. Rogers Technique
This method utilizes a rear pressure switch light having a raised ridge or ring around the tubular housing. The light is held in the support hand between the index and middle fingers, akin to holding a cigar. The shooter pulls the light rearward, pressing the switch into the meaty portion of the palm/base of thumb, thereby activating the pressure switch. A full two handed grip on the pistol can be obtained with the proper light and some practice. There are specific lights made for this technique. The best EDC flashlight with a rear-mounted pressure switch that works well with the Rogers method is the Surefire model G2ZX.

3. FBI Technique
The FBI method involves holding the light in the support hand, away from the body. This allows you to keep the light away from your center in case an assailant shoots into the light. It provides mobility of the support hand and arm to use the light for searching the threat area. This is another one handed shooting technique that will require some practice to feel comfortable with.

best edc flashlights — **Just a few of many flashlight choices**

As with any defensive firearm training method, I recommend the student obtain professional instruction from a credible instructor. Remember that a majority of self-defense encounters occur in dark or at least reduced light conditions. If you choose to be armed, you owe it to yourself and others to become proficient in defensive methods to include shooting with a hand held light.

What do you consider to be the best EDC flashlight? Let us know in the comments below.

JM4 Tactical RELIC Holster Review

May 21, 2018 By Josh 1 Comment

It’s not every day a company thinks so far outside the box so as to completely revolutionize an industry. JM4 Tactical has done it now, twice. First, with the release of their Hermann Oak Leather Magnetic Quick, Click, and Carry holster.

And now, with their RELIC Polymer holster that sews said leather to the inside of Boltaron polymer, creating a near-silent draw that also protects your gun’s finish.

Disclosure —

Before I move on, let me state right now that I’m friends with the owners of JM4 Tactical, and even wrote the press release they sent out for this announcement. I’m not an employee, but do help them out from time to time.

This in no way hinders my ability to write an honest review, because, even though this holster is of excellent quality, I’ve never seen holster that is perfect–as I’ll show you in a little bit.

JM4 Tactical Tuckable RELIC and it’s single clip.

But, in the name of transparency and wanting to to be as honest as possible, I needed to get that off my chest early on. My duty has always been, and will continue to be, to you the consumer. My goal as a product reviewer has always been to show product deficiencies, and nobody owns my opinion.

JM4 Tactical RELIC —

Each holster is molded to fit your specific gun, and I can say after having one for about two months for my Sig Sauer P938, that the fit is fantastic. The gun does not move around inside the holster, at all.

Which, after getting a holster in the mail from another relatively new holster manufacturer with a gun that swims around in the shell, that is a nice touch.

The RELIC, which stands for Reliable, Easy, Light, Individual, Carry, revolutionizes concealed carry in that it does something that has never before been successfully done, which is sew high-quality leather to the inside of the holster creating a near-quiet draw.

Kydex VS Boltaron:

Now, I say that it’s never been “successfully” done before, even though there is a company who makes similar holsters … but they’re not sewn in place and the glue holding it together does eventually deteriorate. This, in turn, causes the leather to come off the Kydex. I know this because I’ve seen it first hand.

Speaking of Kydex, that’s not the polymer this is. While Kydex polymer sheeting has set the standard for holster manufacturers across the country, JM4 Tactical actually used a polymer known as Boltaron that seems to set a new standard.

While you may have never heard of it before, I can almost guarantee that if you’ve ever handled one of the shells from Alien Gear’s Cloak Tuck 3.0 and earlier, you’ve held Boltaron before, unknowingly.

Why Boltaron instead of Kydex? Well, Boltaron is stronger and resists extreme cold and heat much better than Kydex. And, it’s strong out of the box, whereas unless you know for certain that you’re getting brand new American-made Kydex, you may be getting recycled Chinese Kydex. When preparing for the press release I asked Chad about why he chose it:

We have determined 3 major issues with traditional plastic holsters: deformation and cracking due to extreme temperatures, damage to the firearm due to the hard plastic, and they are just rather loud when holstering and unholstering the firearm. The RELIC Holster solves all of these problems.

JM4 Tactical RELIC Tuckable:

JM4 Tactical has 4 different styles of the RELIC Holster, and the one they sent me this time around is the Tuckable version that can be worn anywhere inside the waistband from appendix all the way to small of back. I’ve been wearing the one they sent me for about two months at about 4 o’clock, and am pleased with it, so far.

I have to admit that I was hopeful that I was finally going to be able to find an appendix holster I could use with my enormity. I was getting ready to start making my own appendix holster that works for dudes with bigger-than-average beer bellies. But, because this thing is fully adjustable, I put that project on hold.

And that, my friends, is sadly where the main problem is for this holster.

Even with it being fully adjustable for ride height and cant, I was still unable to find a spot on the front of my body where I could be both comfortable and draw the gun out of the holster. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m so oddly shaped at 6’4″ and 290 pounds, or what, but the search for a proper appendix holster that I can use continues.

Who knows, maybe I will make one that does the job one day.

There are currently four models available, the Tuckable I have, an appendix, a hybrid, and a paddle holster. Again, I only have the fully adjustable Tuckable, but have seen the others, too, at the NRAAM last month. They all look like sturdy holsters.

Fit and Draw:

My P938 fits inside the holster like a hand in a glove (though, not one of OJ Simpson’s gloves), and I can attest that the draw is nearly as silent as it would be with any leather holster. You’ll be happy to find out that retention is adjustable and the gun has no movement once inside.

The leather on the inside feels soft, and is holding up nicely even though I’ve conducted hundreds of draws with the gun both strapped to my waist, and not. Re-holstering is also a breeze because the hard-molded polymer keeps its shape well, once the gun is removed–a feature missing on most leather holsters, to include JM4 Tactical’s Quick, Click, and Carry.

While most Kydex holsters give a little when pressed on because they seem flexible due to thinner material, the RELIC doesn’t give and just feels strong all around. And, while certainly not the most uncomfortable holster I’ve ever tried out, it’s not the comfiest, either. I think the main reason why this is, is because the material is so thick.

Comfort is a personal issue though, and remember that my body isn’t shaped like most people. If I had to rate comfort on a scale of 1-10, I’d give the RELIC a 7 or 8 because I’ve been able to wear this holster without issue 16 hours per day for this test and I like it enough that the JM4 Tactical RELIC will stay as a regular in my concealed carry regimen, whenever my 938 is on the menu for the day.

Also, while I have not tried the JM4 Tactical Hybrid Holster just yet, that padded suede looks cozy, even for the biggest of guns.

Each one of the four models being offered are made available with either black Boltaron Polymer or tan. Each holster comes with brown stitching, which really makes the holster pop, and you can only get the RELIC with the polymer and leather sewn together.

Another issue I’ve had, that isn’t the biggest deal and something I cannot explain, is that my gun left black serration marks on the leather and they won’t come off. It’s almost as if I holstered it one day with 3 dirty slide serrations, and the oil or dirt won’t come off.

Not the easiest to see, but those 3 lines at the corner are what I’m talking about.

I’m not sure how to clean it off, but so far my attempts have been unsuccessful. While this is certainly a negative if you care how your holster looks, it has no bearing on the function of the holster, itself.

Furthermore, there is no reason that this was some sort of operator error on my part. I don’t usually holster nasty firearms, but anything is possible.

Protection:

The RELIC offers up total trigger protection, which is, to me, essential for safe gun carry. But, protection doesn’t just stop there … your gun’s finish is also protected because it only ever touches treated leather. And, I’ve conducted hundreds of draws and re-holsters and the firearm’s finish is no worse.

Polymer, by itself, and even some cloth, will eventually wear marks into your gun’s finish. That’s just the name of the game. I know many people don’t really care that their finish gets marred up (like this person), but there are plenty who do. I, personally, can get behind this benefit because I own guns that got some scratches on them from practicing the draw, and it pisses me off.

But, it’s like my dad always said … better to be pissed off than pissed on.

But I digress.

Availability:

Perhaps one of the best things about this holster is the great support for strange guns that most people would never want to carry. Sure, they’ve got your Glock 19, S&W Shield, and XD, but they also have CZ75, Beretta 92, and Canik TP9 SFX. If you carry, or want to carry, an oddball gun, they may have a holster for you.

Conclusion:

The JM4 Tactical RELIC is sturdy and hasn’t given me any real issues so far. It’s only been a couple months, so I’ll be sure to write a follow up to this review. As of right now, I’ll continue wearing this $95 holster a few times each week, and do so with the assurance that the tool I protect my family with rests in something worthy.

Now on to answer the big question: Do I recommend this concealed carry IWB Holster for YOU to wear? Yes, I do. It’s a solid option for concealed carry and they only use the highest quality products they can find, hence the price tag. If you can afford it, you can’t go wrong with this holster.

Rock Island 22 TCM Pistol Review (Convertible 9mm 1911)

April 19, 2018 By Josh Leave a Comment

Rock Island 22 TCM / 9mm 1911 Pistol

I’m not what you’d call a 1911 super-fan. Nor am I what you’d call a Glock fan. If I had to put a finger on where I stand, it’d be somewhere in the middle. Though, I admittedly don’t own a Glock at the moment. There’s no special reason that is, and a G26 is on my buy list once the funds come into play.

I do own a few 1911s, though, so there is that. When the opportunity came about to do a Rock Island Armory 1911 review on the 22 TCM and 9mm combo, I said yes, please.

In all actuality, I’ve never shot one before, even though I’ve seen them at SHOT Show.

I’m obviously not new to guns, nor the 1911/2011 platform. What was new to me, however, is the fantastic muzzle blast that accompanied the .22 Tuason Craig Micro-magnum. It’ll forever be burned into my brain housing group. After all, this was the day I brought my nine year old girl to the range for the first time, as well.

It was a sunny day, and my little girl had just finished up shooting her little .22 Henry Repeater for the very first time. She did great, and built up some great confidence with her ability to hit her target and the not-so-loud .22 long rifle cartridges she easily cycled.

Sadly, that all went away once I stepped up to the bench with the 22 TCM Rock Island 1911. From the corner of my eye I saw her nearly hit the ceiling of the overhead roof on the first press of the trigger.

The blast and associated fireball was way more than she was expecting from such a little gun (in her mind as she compared it to her “much bigger” lever action rifle). Because of this, I pulled her rifle back out and sat her back down at the bench, to re-build that confidence I had nearly shattered.

About The .22 TCM Cartridge, AKA Tuason Craig Magnum

There is quite a bit of obscurity regarding the .22 TCM cartridge, when it came out, what you can use it for, what are the ballistics of an Armscor .22 TCM, etc. It is a relatively new cartridge being only a few years old and is Armscor’s answer to FN’s 5.7X28. About one month ago, I was sent a Rock Island Armory 1911 combo, capable of shooting both .22 TCM and 9mm with nothing more than the swap of a barrel and spring.

.22 TCM’s lineage:

This quick little 22 handgun cartridge is essentially a shortened down .223 case. How short? Well, it’s about as tall as a .45 ACP with similar casing dimensions as a 9mm parabellum. Those similar casing dimensions allow for the .22 TCM cartridge and the 9mm Luger to use the same magazines when feeding your hungry 1911.

I do want to say here, that while they both use the same mags, the barrel and spring are totally different, for hopefully obvious reasons. You don’t want to confuse the two.

Many folks falsely assume that this cartridge is a necked down 9X19. While the dimensions are similar, it’s actually a shortened, necked down .223 Remington cartridge. As you can see from a below photo, the 9mm and the .22 TCM are about the same height with the 22 cal ammo edging it out just slightly.

What does TCM mean?

Glad you asked. So this guy named Fred Craig (the “C” in TCM) decided that he wanted to design a new pistol cartridge. So, he put his brain to work and came up with this shortened, necked down .22 cal ammo that’s similar in case-size to many handgun rounds. Armscor got wind of what he was doing, wanted in, and that’s where the “T” comes from: The Armscor company president, Mr. Tuason.

That just leaves us with the “M” in the name. This should be obvious, but in case it isn’t, it stands for micro-magnum. This little sucker is cruising at speeds in the neighborhood of 2,000 FPS at the muzzle. For reference, the average 9mm parabellum travels between 1,100 and 1,200 FPS at the muzzle.

How does it shoot:

This was the surprising part for me the first time I shot one, because I wasn’t expecting the result. While felt recoil was minimal, the muzzle blast was effing atrocious for a 22 handgun. To say it was loud is an understatement. But as far as having a range toy is concerned, having the ability to shoot balls of flame from your 22 cal pistol just makes things more interesting from my own point of view.

That being said, if you can get used to the muzzle blast, and I assume you’re here because this stuff excites you, it is quite pleasant to shoot, considering the felt-recoil is minimal allowing for quick target re-acquisition. Overall, besides the Coonan Classic chambered in .357 Magnum, this is some of the most fun I’ve had in a 1911 style gun.

And I have to admit that I am a 1911 fan. I can’t wait to bring this .22 handgun back to the range again, and plan on smiling with it the whole time.

What is the .22 TCM good for?

This is potentially the most interesting part of this article because I’m sure I’m about to confuse some of you. For certain people, the Rock Island .22 TCM guns will be a decent self-defense tool. Before you lose it on me for suggesting a 22 handgun for SD, hear me out.

There is a relatively large population of folks who are unable to pull the slide back on guns with a stouter recoil spring. Because the Second Amendment also applies to them, they, too, have the right to self-defense.

Once these poor people learn that they cannot pull a slide properly to the rear, they scour the WEB or the local gun-store for advice. What are they told? To get a revolver with a long, heavy DAO trigger that gets rid of the slide, altogether. Is that the best advice for someone who has hands that are so weak that they can’t pull back the slide on a semi-auto?

Is it likely that their hands are also weak enough that they cannot correctly (and accurately) pull a long, heavy double action only trigger? I’d say the chances are good that they cannot. Especially when you consider that many of these revolvers kick like a mule with their small frame.

Now, I would personally not use 22 cal pistols in self-defense, but if I had weaker hands that were unable to pull back the slide on a semi-automatic pistol or if I was tremendously recoil resistant, I would feel comfortable enough using a gun chambered in .22 TCM (or 22 magnum) for self-defense. Being that the .22 TCM doesn’t recoil that hard, its spring is lighter and easier to manipulate.

On that Rock Island .22 TCM 1911, I can pull back the slide with one finger. That’s how easy it is. Of course, I can only do it with one finger when the hammer is cocked, but that still shows how light of a spring that 22 TCM pistol uses.

Therefore, because it’s so light, I call this a great self-defense option for some people. After all, the gun you’ve got on you is better than the one you’ve got in your sock drawer.

Would it be my first choice since I am quite capable of handling recoil and can certainly pull back a slide with the man-mitts I call hands? No, not likely. However, this cartridge moves at 2,000 feet per second out of the Rock Island Armory 1911 and transfers about 350 lb.ft of energy to your target.

I don’t have any testing data on it, but this lady does a great job showing off some 22 TCM ballistics gel testing, and the first half of the wound channel is fearsome:

If you’ve got a Rock Island Armory 1911 or one of those rifles in .22 TCM, I want to hear what you think about it. What are your ammo woes? Can you find any where you live or do you need to special order from these guys? Let me know in the comments below.

Now on to the 22 TCM 1911 Pistol Review …

The skelotonized trigger on this Rock Island 1911 is exactly what I’ve come to expect from modern day interpretations of John Moses Browning’s timeless (and dare I say brilliant?) design. It is light and crisp with a short break and reset. The gun handles well, the finish and fit are flawless, and the controls are exactly what you’d expect on this gun. No surprises there.

Here is the right side of the Rock Island Armory .22 TCM 1911

This is one of my favorite guns to shoot right now. Reason being, it has minimal felt recoil when set up to shoot .22 TCM. This is one of, if not the, lowest recoiling 1911s I’ve ever fired. There are, of course, a few different reasons for this. First, it’s a heavy gun. Physics dictates (though I’m far from a professor) that a heavier (something/anything) will absorb more impact than a lighter thing will of the same size.

In the world of guns this means that a heavier gun will reduce the amount of recoil that is actually felt.

This, coupled with the fact that you’re basically shooting a light projectile and a few other things I’m not going to cover, equals a much lighter perceived recoil. Overall, this gun is a blast to shoot and is great for plinking, target practice, and all around just having fun at the range.

The controls were exactly where they were supposed to be, and I’m sure the ambi safety will come in handy for you southpaws. Take down is as easy as any other 1911 on the market, and barrel swaps to make it a 9mm 1911 are a breeze.

22 TCM Ammo Options:

From left to right: 9mm, .22 TCM, .223 Rem

.22 TCM Ammo options are pretty much limited to what you can get from Armscor, the parent of Rock Island Armory. There isn’t even much support for re-loaders, as far as my research has brought me to conclude. I’m admittedly not a re-loader yet though, due to space limitations in my abode. Therefore, don’t take my word on this one, and if you have any recommendations on re-loading .22 TCM ammo, I’m all ears.

Anyway, one of the great things about this particular gun, is that it comes standard from Rock Island with two barrels and two recoil springs. One for .22 TCM and one for 9mm. This helps make this nasty little bugger more than just a novelty, as you can run as much 9X19 through this 1911 as your little heart desires.

Here’s the 9mm barrel, making this gun a great addition to any collection

Another thing to keep in mind, is that the .22 TCM ammo isn’t exactly an abundantly found round. What I mean, is that most gun stores don’t stock it because most people have never even heard of it. Therefore, it can be expensive to shoot. I can say, however, that as expensive as it is, it’s also really fun to shoot.

I am able to find it at my local Cabela’s (about 45 minutes away) and there are plenty of online ammo suppliers who carry it, as well as buying from a link on their website.

My target on a cold February Day at 10 yards. I zoomed in on it, below.

Self-Defense:

Yes you read that right, I do feel as though this gun can be used for self-defense. Besides the fact that there are plenty of people out there who use 9mm Parabellum for self-defense on a regular basis, I also believe that there are some folks who could benefit from the .22 TCM cartridge for self-defense applications, too.

Think about it like this, this little sucker is moving at just under 2,000 FPS at the muzzle, delivering over 300 pounds of energy. Granted, it’s a much smaller projectile than you’d like, but the gun is also easier to rack than many others are, and recoil is very light. Is it better to have a gun that a person can handle and manipulate or one that has a bigger projectile where he/she cannot?

In the world where this saying: carry the biggest gun in the biggest caliber you can, is decent advice, the .22 TCM is good enough to plug a bad guy full of lead. And, being that you can carry 17+ one in the pipe, in 9mm or 22 TCM, I’d say it’s more than sufficient for self-defense in either caliber.

Complaint:

Nothing is perfect. No gun is ever perfect. This gun is not mine, it is a loaner from Rock Island that I sadly had to send back when finished with my review. If I could afford it, I’d buy it.

The finish on the gun, while flawless when taken out of the box, has not held up quite as well as I’d hoped it would. The finish outside the ejection port is showing much more wear than I thought possible after only having 600 rounds of ammo through it. Not the biggest thing, and certainly not a deal breaker by any means.

And, who knows, maybe with the proper cleaning solvent the marring would wipe away. But, with what I’ve been using, it won’t come clean.

Had I the proper funds, I’d buy this pistol from RIA in an instant.

Zoomed in on my 10 yard targets, I’d say that’s a pretty dead paper plate

And, I feel as though this is a good spot to mention the overall cost of the ammo and it’s limited availability for shooters. .22 TCM ammo, until it catches on, will remain a novelty item, even if it is a fun novelty. But remember, this is also a 9mm 1911 (2011), so there’s also that. If you’re looking for a double stack, 17 round handgun, this may fit the bill.

Stats:

Caliber – 22 TCM / 9mm
Length – 8 inch
Height – 5.5 inch
Capacity – 17 + 1 Rounds
Front Sight – Fixed Mounted on Dovetail Cut
Rear Sight – LPA MPS1-Type Adjustable Rear Sight
Unloaded Weight – 2.5 lbs
Grips – G10
Finish – Parkerized
Barrel Length – 4.25 inch
Trigger Pul – l4 – 6 lbs / 181
MSRP As Tested – $960

Conclusion:

This is a great gun that, in my opinion, should be added to anyone’s collection who is serious about 1911/2011 ownership. Rock Island Armory makes a great gun, and the .22 TCM is some of the most fun you can have at the range. Team that up with a double stack 9mm barrel and recoil spring, and you’ve got a recipe for self-defense that is also a head turner on the range. Do I recommend this gun for fun and self-defense?

I do.

Check out this Rock Island 22 TCM 1911 pistol on their website, here. These guys also have several models in stock for pretty good prices.

Five Decisions That Will Help You Win a Self-Defense Encounter

March 23, 2018 By Terry Nelson Leave a Comment

Gear choices such as holster are critical

When training new shooters, especially those new to concealed carry or rookie law enforcement officers, I always provide a solid foundation of basic marksmanship.

There is, however, another critical element of preparedness and training for those relying on a firearm for defensive purposes. When I started out many years ago in a law enforcement career, my training sergeant left me with a quote I will never forget: “Don’t let your equipment defeat you.” I find myself constantly using that doctrine still today, for both myself and students. It applies today more than ever due to the constant new choices and technology for all firearms-related gear.

So what exactly am I referring to? Simply put, do not allow your selection of equipment be a hurdle to success in defending yourself. Tools must be deployed effectively and quickly when your life or the lives of others are at risk. If the gear you utilize for concealed carry impedes your ability to respond and deploy accurate fire…then that gear may in fact defeat you.

The following are areas where I regularly see students struggling with their concealed carry gear.

1. The handgun itself:

Does your handgun and holster choice work together

How may your handgun defeat you? Not a good fit for your hand. Too many added features that interfere with reliable operation. Safety and de-cocker mechanisms that the shooter cannot manipulate well, especially under stress. Sights that are barely visible. A magazine release that won’t allow for mags to drop free and clear when an emergency reload s needed.

The choices are endless. Caliber, make and model, single or double stack magazines to name a few. Not to mention the add-ons…night sights, red dot sights, laser, extended mag or slide release, etc. To me, the simpler and more reliable the better! Don’t get me wrong, I like some added features such as night sights….but I can live without most.

Bottom line: Does the handgun go “bang” every time you need it to? Does it have reasonable accuracy? Does it function well with all brands and types of ammo? Are the sights easily visible and highly functional? Is it easy to operate without lots of unnecessary manipulation? Can I shoot the gun well and do I have confidence in it and my ability and training?

Check out this list of great 9mm guns to get you on the right track.

2. Magazines:

How may your magazines defeat you? Not feeding ammunition properly, not allowing the slide to lock back, and possibly interfering with ejection/extraction. Again, to mention but a few!

I like to address the magazine separately because it is critical to proper functioning. My suggestion, use good factory made magazines for your defensive pistol, and test them! There are some excellent aftermarket mags for certain handgun platforms. But day in and day out, I use original factory mags for everyday carry.

After hard use in training you may want to consider having a second set of mags for every day carry. Inspect your mags and never hesitate to replace if needed. Also consider carrying a spare magazine for your carry pistol. Something I rarely see CC folks do.

Revolver carriers must make sure that their speed loaders and/or speed strips match the revolver they carry.

3. Ammunition:

How may ammunition defeat you? There are two ways–not cycling in your handgun of choice, or not firing when you pull the trigger. There are a variety of causes, most commonly old ammo, hard primers, poorly made reloads, etc.

Another cause is human-induced and may seem obvious, but I have seen it often enough to mention, including among experienced shooters. Inattention or misunderstanding of the caliber of ammunition your handgun requires. This can of course lead to injury to both shooter and gun.

Most folks train with ball/FMJ ammo, as do I. However, I never fail to test the ammunition I carry every day in my sidearm. This is to determine if the ammo will feed and cycle without fail in my carry gun. All who have been shooting a semiauto handgun have probably experienced some failures to feed with certain types of ammo. Some handgun platforms and models are more prone to this than others. Bottom line, shoot a magazine or cylinder full of that costly defensive ammo, just to make sure.

4. Belt and holster system:

How may your carry system defeat you? Not allowing you to access your firearm quickly, wearing your gun in a way that others can access it, having too many retention devices to defeat in order to get the gun into play, forcing you to draw in ways you’re not accustomed to. These are but a few of the issues that can occur.

Your holster or carry system must secure the handgun properly. That means retaining the gun in a way that prevents unintentional loss to gravity or another person, while giving you easy, rapid access. The shortest path to such a system is a sturdy belt and holster for waistline carry or a designated compartment for off-body carry (purse, pack, brief case, etc.). You must train with the holster system that you intend to use on a daily basis.

5. Failure to train:

Your decision to train cannot be minimized. In fact it may well be the most critical factor. You cannot and most likely will not prevail in a defensive encounter if you have not drawn your carry pistol from its holster under stress. Or have not fired some rounds down range in the last year. Or you’re using magazines with ammo that you’ve not tested together. Can you clear a handgun malfunction quickly if need be?

Have you induced any stress into your training regimen? Realize your shooting efficiency will most likely drop off considerably during a high stress event…unless you have taken your training time seriously.

My final thoughts…keep your gear simple, know it’s reliable, and have confidence in it gained through much good training.

Taurus Spectrum Review (Yeah, I Bought One)

March 14, 2018 By Josh 6 Comments

Taurus Spectrum Review

What follows is my Taurus Spectrum Review. I’ve been following this gun for over a year now, first released back in SHOT Show, 2017, then sort of re-announced a couple months ago at the same show, this year. And then, I got a phone call from my buddy at Xtreme Gun Worx, in Emmaus PA that he just managed to get two of these little pocket 380 guns in, and offered to sell me one.

Here is where you can buy a Taurus Spectrum. They were in stock, last I checked at a much better price than I paid.

I brought it to the range, and fired 300 rounds of three different kinds of ammo through. So far I’ve had two stovepipes, a few light strikes, and a few instances where I do what I call “short-stroke” the trigger.

Positives:

Taurus Spectrum Reliability:

One of the main things I want to get across in my Taurus Spectrum Review, is that it was more reliable than I thought it would be.

I want to say that, those light strikes occurred when I was shooting steel cased TulAmmo, and the stovepipes only occurred after the firearm was nasty with residue from the Tul and Winchester White Box ammo I ran through it.

Also, this pistol is capable of just pulling the trigger again on a lightstrike until it goes bang.

And, the little Taurus Spectrum handled the Federal Ammunition I was using like a dream. I have to admit that I went into the shooting session concerned, at best, but came out of it pleasantly surprised. Because, again, it was more reliable than I thought it would be.

But, this little pocket 380 isn’t perfect. Considering that this is a gun I bought for $250, was I really expecting it to be? No. In fact, I was expecting it to be much, much worse. I thought for sure I’d have more than the two malfunctions I did have. Let’s start with the positives of the .380 Taurus Spectrum

More often than not, it went bang when I wanted it to. I burned up 300 rounds of ammo in quick fashion. I got it hot and sticky, and it was raining and wet outside. The inside of this little pocket gun looked like it ran a tough mudder, and for the most part, it still worked with the better ammo.

I do want to say that, as far as shooting and reliability is concerned, the Taurus Spectrum does prefer being clean, and the stovepipes did not happen until I gunked it up with Tul and White Box Winchester.

Ergonomics:

The gun also, surprisingly because it’s so tiny, feels good in my hands. It doesn’t exactly fit my hands well, but it feels good enough with the extended 7-round mag inserted. Speaking of the magazines, they’re “Made in Italy,” and while it’s too early to speculate what that means, I’m hopeful it means they’ve outsourced to a specific company.

With such large hands the 6-round magazine makes it very difficult to hold onto once the shooting starts, but I suspect Taurus’ primary market with this pistol, which isn’t my big 300 pound burly butt, will take to this gun well.

Takedown:

The Taurus Spectrum takedown and reassembly is very easy via a small screw on the side of the gun. One thing I’m never a fan of, though, is needing a tool to take a gun apart. A flat tipped screwdriver is recommended, but I found that a brass case works just fine. So, in theory, just as long as you’ve got a round of ammo, or some spent casings, you should be able to dis and reassemble this little gun with ease.

To put it back together is literally just lining up the rails on the slide and frame, pulling it back, and it locks automatically taking any guesswork out of it. Of course, I’d recommend doing a function check to see if it still works properly.

Pull the slide all the way to the rear, and it self-locks.

Accuracy:

This is a small, concealed carry pistol that is meant to be hidden on your person. It comes with snag-free, integrated, non-adjustable sights. But, I was able to utterly destroy my 9-inch paper plate out at 7 and 10 yards with rapid and slow fire rates.

Overall, the Taurus Spectrum is as accurate as the shooter is. Would I shoot competitions with it? Not likely, but that’s not what this little pocket pistol is for. It’s for self-defense, which happens at those yardages.

Totally unrelated: Here’s our list of the best 22 pistols out there.

Here’s the little lock. You can stick a flat head screwdriver or an empty 380 case, turn it, and the slide comes off. To reassemble, just line the rails up, and pull the slide all the way to the rear for it to auto-lock back in place.

Taurus Spectrum Negatives:

Now let’s move on to the negatives. This is an under $300 gun, and it feels like it. Other guns in this price range don’t always have a cheap feel, but the Taurus Spectrum does, at least it does to me. Maybe you’d disagree.

Trigger:

The main negative I’d want you to take away from my Taurus Spectrum Review is that the trigger leaves a lot to be desired. The first thing I noticed, as well as the guy at the gunshop, is that the trigger (feels) gritty (but actually isn’t). This is one of those things that cannot be easily explained, but needs to be felt. The trigger also stacks upon itself which I’m not a fan of. It’s not excessive, but it’s felt.

In true DAO (double action only) fashion, it’s got a very long, safe pull to the rear, and a very long reset. I have no issues with a long pull and a long reset, by itself, and most people won’t have an issue. But, my problem here with such big hands, is that I kept doing what I call short-stroking the trigger.

I don’t want to say that this is the gun’s fault as much as it is my genetic makeup. After some troubleshooting, I figured out that my larger than average trigger finger would hit the smaller than average trigger guard before it resets fully. I would make the mistake of pulling the trigger to the rear again on follow up shots, but hadn’t allowed the trigger to reset.

Me trying to show how small the trigger guard is. I’ll be uploading a video soon, to show this problem off a bit more.

After consciously pushing my finger to the front as far as it would go, I don’t have this issue any longer.

Slide-stop:

The ergonomics and controls of the gun are fine, for the most part, but I do have a few issues here as well. The main one being that the slide-stop is nearly non-existent. I know why it’s like this, when you take into consideration that the gun is rounded and designed for a snag-free draw, that’s the point. There is no slide-stop lever to snag.

Therefore, I can see some folks with less than calloused hands getting cut thumbs attempting to disengage it, even when the slide is pulled to the rear to release the tension.

Furthermore, while I’m not the biggest fan of hitting the slide-stop as a release to send a gun into battery, I believe it’s always beneficial to have that option should your support hand become damaged in a fight.

And, while the rounded edges and integrated, non-adjustable sights are great for a snag free draw, you can’t hook them onto anything to open the gun’s action if needed, in a one-handed battle. I know it’s a stretch, but I still feel like it’s important enough to point out.

Slide Serrations and Overmolding:

Finally, at the end of this review, we talk about the soft-touch slide serrations and grip overmolding. For the most part, it serves its purpose okay. The grip with the panels suited me fine and was a decent, comfortable slip-free surface. However, it was raining out when I tested this gun, and at one point, my hands got wet and the slide panels got a bit slippery.

I personally don’t have a hard time manipulating the action on any gun I’ve ever handled (with the exception of a .44 Auto Mag until I learned how to do it properly), but it was slippery. I can imagine some folks having a difficult time if their hands get slippery. It may not seem like a big deal, but in a fight for your life, with bloody or sweaty hands, is that a chance I’d take? Probably not.

In fact, I’m a firm believer of stacking as many pluses on my side as I possibly can. That way, I can go home to my family at night.

Also, on the topic of the rubber serration type things on the slide, it looks like one of them is loose. It’s not coming out yet, but it moves when I push on it, and I’m thinking that’s not supposed to be happening. We’ll see if it falls out with continued use, because my next go around when I update this Taurus Spectrum review, will show it using some common self-defense hollow points, and a few other brands of ammo.

This one moves a small bit, in and out. I hope it doesn’t fall out.

Conclusion:

Shooting +P ammo and the like with higher pressures is not recommended by Taurus for the Spectrum, so I will not be testing them out the next go round when I give another update on this little pocket .380 ACP gun. There will be a video to follow this written Taurus Spectrum review in the very near future. I just need to finalize some things.

Would I recommend the Taurus Spectrum as a primary self-defense weapon? Maybe, but I’m not going to, yet. I need to test it some more, with a few different types of ammo. So far, though, it goes bang nearly every time which says something about the engineering, even if it isn’t perfect. Would I carry the Taurus Spectrum as a backup gun? Yeah, I think so.

These guys have some in stock for under $240.

The rest of this page covers my first impresses of the Taurus Spectrum, and some of the issues that I think it had getting to where it’s at right now. What follows is not a part of the Taurus Spectrum Review, but may be worth your while to read —

The New Taurus Spectrum, First Impression

[Old Update]: I was able to get in front of a representative from Taurus at the NRA’s Annual Meetings on April 27th 2017, and they confirmed a ship date of mid to late June for the Taurus Spectrum.

Update Number 2: While I had to wait for a good amount of time to talk to a representative from Taurus, on the Spectrum, I had someone confirm a few things: First, I’m told that the Spectrum will be having a hard release this May. This person also told me that they are taking orders for the pistols, and some have started shipping.

When I asked him what was taking so long from its release last year to the time where they’re actually being shipped, all he said was ” we wanted to be happy with it.” In all honesty, while it is frustrating to have to wait for so very long, I do believe that it is better for everyone that they waited until everything was how they wanted it.

Whatever the problems were, though he didn’t confirm nor deny that there were any problems, hopefully they have everything worked out. I did find it strange, however, that they weren’t at the range this year for Industry Day at SHOT Show. I talk more about range day/industry day and why I thought they weren’t there last year even thought they announced this pistol that week, more in the original article which follows below.

In summary of this update, they’re apparently taking orders and will be shipping in May.

I’m not quite sure how I feel about Taurus’ new pocket pistol, just yet because I haven’t shot it. I’ll get to more on this in a minute.

Taurus never disappoints on ingenuity, but will it be a quality firearm? Only time will tell at this point, but I do have my red flag raised, thus far.

Why?

Well, for starters, this colorful new addition was released at SHOT Show 2017. However, Taurus did not have the Spectrum at the range for members of the media to test out. This can only mean one of two things. The first one, is that it tells me that there may be issues with it from the onset.

Or, they could just be ramping up excitement for their new, .380 pocket pistol.

Personally speaking, a gamble like that may not pay off for the struggling gun maker, with clear quality control issues on some guns. I’d wait to release a new gun until it runs flawlessly. That way, it doesn’t seem in the least bit fishy that you’re doing a soft-release on a gun during the same time when everyone else does hard releases on their own guns.

Another time of year for new gun releases is the NRAAM, which is right around the corner, at the end of next month and is also very heavily covered by the media. It may have been beneficial to just wait until the annual meeting for release.

What I can say, positive, about the Taurus Spectrum so far, is that it did fit in my hand well enough that I feel like it could get the job done if I had to carry one (I have ginormous hands). Also, it looks to conceal well with a snag-free design.

And, from first glance, I did like the feel of the soft-touch panels, during the short time I saw it at the Great American Outdoor Show, in Harrisburg.

Having said all of that, more mixed emotions come about when I start to think about all the colors the Spectrum is available in. While some of the colors on this DAO, striker-fired .380 pistol are pleasing on the eye, I feel that most gun makers miss the mark when they produce such glamorific guns.

When it’s all said and done, most shooters (though certainly not all), both men and women, would prefer basic colors to the eye-popping ones that draw the attention of people who should not have guns. For those gun owners who don’t teach their children properly, a gun that looks like a toy could be an issue.

And, some of these color schemes do make it look like something a child would play with.

The price tag is nice, and, depending upon the options you choose, you can expect to pay just over (or under) the $300 mark. That’s a good price, set to compete with some other guns with a much more proven platform, like Ruger’s LCP II.

I can honestly say that I hope it does well. I hope it works, is reliable, and is fairly accurate at the close ranges it’s designed for. I’m one of those guys who would rather see every gun be reliable than poke fun at those that aren’t.

Because at some point, someone will depend on this gun to save their life, and the goal is to have a firearm that does the job. Therefore, I hope the Taurus Spectrum does well.

What do you think about this colorful little pocket pistol?

Have you seen my top 20 best 9mm pistol picks yet? If not, give it a read to see if you concealed carry gun made the cut.

What did you think about my Taurus Spectrum review? Let us know in the comments below.

Considerations For Armed Church Security Plan

January 5, 2018 By Terry Nelson Leave a Comment

Have a church security plan for your place of worship (or even your business).

Like it or not, Americans have to face the reality of today’s real-world threats right here on our own soil. Some of these threats come from abroad or are influenced by foreign fanaticism. Unfortunately, as witnessed in recent weeks, we must also face increasing threats from within our own communities.

Of course, the gun-grabbing side of the house including many media outlets, would suggest that we all be good victims and lay down to wait and be executed. I even read recently where one poor misguided soul suggested that the police investigation after a shooting that occurred in a suburban Denver Wal-Mart was impeded because several armed patrons drew their side arms in the midst of the attacker’s shooting and killing of three innocent patrons.

The inference was that police had to slow their investigation because so many folks pulled guns … I’ve got one word for that thought: TOUGH! This commentator went on to suggest that it is a rare event that a good armed citizen can or will stop an attack. What IS rare, is publicity that focuses on law abiding citizens exercising their right of self-defense. An exception is the armed citizen, Stephen Willeford, who’s been widely recognized for stopping the church attack in Texas as we all know.

Many churches and businesses have developed security teams and measures and I applaud these efforts. Police were on scene in the recent church massacre in Texas in four minutes. As I have long said, the police want to get there, they yearn to stop the carnage, but in reality, it just takes too long in most cases. Four minutes is an eternity when people are being methodically killed.

So, that leaves you, the determined and defiant citizen who will take action to stop the threat. This decision is not to be taken lightly. Since you are already carrying concealed or open, perhaps there are some considerations you haven’t thought of for your church security team.

I am a supporter of our 2nd Amendment, a past law enforcement officer, and currently a fulltime firearms and tactics trainer. Consequently, I believe in solid gun training. If you and your church members or business associates are developing a security program that includes a potential armed response, give some thought to the following.

A church security team undergoes formal training. Photo by J. Grubb

Avoidance or escape

If you can, always opt for avoiding an armed confrontation. If not, can you escape? Can you evacuate all innocent persons without compromising their safety? Any of these are a better option than engaging in a gun fight, but of course be prepared to take decisive and aggressive action if that’s what it takes to save lives. Your church security team needs to train to this level and be prepared if the need arises. Being constantly aware of the environment around your church, like anyone approaching, is critical as well. In other words, remain vigilant.

Concealment options

A security team for a church or business is probably best served by keeping sidearms concealed. Can you conceal your chosen handgun and then efficiently access it in an immediate threat event? This skill set needs to be practiced and refined continuously. All armed personnel selected for a church security team need to have passed a background check, having a concealed carry license will accomplish this element without having to conduct separate background checks.

Pre school and kid’s church separate from main building present a unique security challenge

De-escalate force when appropriate

You need to consider that not all confrontations are related to the immediate use of deadly force. Intermediate use of force options may be a consideration. Verbal skills are part of this. Have your team work with a good trainer who provides scenario based training. When done with proper planning and good safety measures, it’s an excellent way of training for reality based situations.

Marksmanship fundamentals and tactics

church security plan — How secure is your place of worship

If you intend to be part of an organized security team and intend on carrying, your shooting skills must be top notch. Practicing basic gun manipulations such as drawing from concealment, reloads under stress, shooting from cover, shooting with movement, dim light shooting (carry a flashlight!), precision shots, and clearing malfunctions are all critical skill sets that must be a part of your church security plan and regular training. What if you need to move from one part of your church to another in the case of an active shooter? Tactical movement and not running past blind corners may be important.

Emergency medicine

Perhaps some of your security team wants to focus on other areas of training. Not to exclude your armed team members from emergency medical, but others who choose not to be armed can get involved in this way. The Tactical Combat Causality Care model (TCCC) or last ditch medical as I like to call it is an excellent example. This program is based on stopping major blood loss (by tourniquet and quick clot use), dealing with penetrating chest wounds and airway issues. Add CPR and AED use, and you have the basics for preventing or minimizing deaths in the case of an active shooter or other emergencies. Remember, in a major event like an active shooter, the responding officers have to be concerned with stopping and or locating the threat first, not providing medical aid.

Legal system

All business locations should consider security protocols

Don’t leave out training that addresses your local laws and concerns with civil liability. Remember too that law enforcement and other emergency services are on the way. Their response may be immediate or it may seem to take forever based on your location or availability of emergency personnel. When they arrive, someone on your team needs to be ready to communicate calmly with them, and not with a gun in hand! Also understand when it’s in your best interest to remain silent.

Bottom line, it is not unreasonable to have a plan and practice it. Utilize any willing individuals in your church or business who already have a skill set in these areas.

Someone once said, “Only a fool confuses preparedness with paranoia.” I couldn’t agree more.

How do you prepare your church for an active shooter situation? Let us know, below. Like this article on considerations for a church security plan by Terry? Check out what he’s got to say about revolvers vs semi-auto pistols, next.

self-defense

<img class="size-large wp-image-44 aligncenter" src="//i1.wp.com/gunnersden.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/me-and-springfield.jpg?resize=625%2C417&#038;ssl=1" alt="basic firearms safety rules" width="625" height="417" data-recalc-dims="1">

What are the 4 basic rules for firearms safety?

<img class="size-large wp-image-601 aligncenter" src="//i2.wp.com/gunnersden.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/20170320_160939.jpg?resize=575%2C431&#038;ssl=1" alt="concealed carry holster" width="575" height="431" data-recalc-dims="1">

Concealed Carry Holster Review, JM4 QCC

Position:

Retention:

Construction:

A word about the magnet’s leather.

Ease Of Use:

Comfort:

Conclusion:

The Range Bag

The Ear Pro

The Targets

Multi-Tool

Magazine Loaders

General Range Bag Must Haves

Disclosure —

JM4 Tactical RELIC —

Kydex VS Boltaron:

JM4 Tactical RELIC Tuckable:

Fit and Draw:

Protection:

Availability:

Conclusion:

Rock Island 22 TCM / 9mm 1911 Pistol

.22 TCM’s lineage:

What does TCM mean?

How does it shoot:

What is the .22 TCM good for?

22 TCM Ammo Options:

Self-Defense:

Complaint:

Stats:

Conclusion:

1. The handgun itself:

2. Magazines:

3. Ammunition:

4. Belt and holster system:

5. Failure to train:

Taurus Spectrum Review

Positives:

Taurus Spectrum Reliability:

Ergonomics:

Takedown:

Accuracy:

Taurus Spectrum Negatives:

Trigger:

Slide-stop:

Slide Serrations and Overmolding:

Conclusion:

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The New Taurus Spectrum, First Impression

Avoidance or escape

Concealment options

De-escalate force when appropriate

Marksmanship fundamentals and tactics

Emergency medicine

Legal system

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