Lastly, after many requests, we’ve finally got the new subdued car decal in.  These are for anyone who has attended one of our defensive firearm classes (BDH, BDS, BDC, ADC, UBC, etc.):

One free per qualifying student as a way of saying thanks for showing the Paladin colors.  More than one:  $1 each.

I trust you will find the newsletter useful.  Please forward it to anyone that might be interested.

The class included four females.  What a joy it was to see them on the firing line!  They did everything the guys did, no matter how far outside their comfort zone it might have taken them.  In the spirit of not giving special treatment, I hate to single them out, but I need to make this point:

Husbands, boyfriends, fathers — If you imagine a future where your survival may depend on your skill with a rifle, unfortunately that future will also demand that your spouse and children have the same skills.  BCO can lay the right foundation.

Because it is vital to develop marksmanship skills prior to fighting skills, BCO is a prerequisite for all other carbine fighting classes.  Good tactics are built on the ability to get hits.  Really, nothing else matters.

CHECK THIS OUT

Warning:  Shameless self-promotion alert

Learn more about the magazine and writers here: Weaponcraft

If you decide to purchase, subscribers to this newsletter qualify for a 50% discount off the regular price of $10.  Use this code at checkout:  Q3APQNI

 

A few weeks back a local CWP student emailed me that he had been the intended victim of an armed robbery.

The Details

While standing in line to pay for his purchases at a convenience store on Pine Needles Road in Florence County, our student (‘GG’) noticed a young black male loitering just outside the entrance to the store.  The two made eye contact and GG said the fellow began staring intently at him and in such way that the hair on the back of his neck stood up.  GG went, in his words, to ‘full alert’.

After paying for his stuff, but before exiting the store, GG slipped his hand into the pocket where his pistol slept inside a pocket holster.  With his hand still in his pocket but now gripping the pistol, GG exited the store.  The young man he had seen earlier (now, ‘BG’) approached him and, acting like he had a weapon, announced, ‘This is a robbery.’

GG presented his pistol and BG’s empty hands immediately flew into the air to the surrender position.

GG held BG at gunpoint and called 911.  Two deputies arrived, drew their weapons and told GG to put his gun on the ground.  He complied, of course.  Once the deputies had control of the they asked GG what had happened.  He told them and the deputies placed the BG under arrest.  BG turned out to be 15 years old and unarmed.  The deputies told him he was lucky to be alive.

They also told GG they probably would have shot BG had they been in his shoes.   End of story.

I could tell from the tone of his e-mail that GG was engaging in some second-guessing, maybe wondering, in light of the deputy’s comments, if he’d taken an unnecessary risk in NOT shooting BG.  He also expressed concern regarding how it might have played in the media had yet another white CWP holder shot yet another ‘unarmed’ young black man.

My Thoughts

The above scenario provides a textbook case for a discussion of an essential self-defense tool, Jeff Cooper’s color code of Awareness.  For the most concise explanation of the Gunsite Color Code that I’m aware of, visit friend John Schaeffer’s site here:  Jeff Cooper

The following is taken from John’s website:

The Color Code as taught by Jeff Cooper

White

– Relaxed, unaware, and unprepared.  If attacked in this state the only thing that may save you is the inadequacy and ineptitude of your attacker.  When confronted by something nasty your reaction will probably be, “This can’t be happening to me.”

Yellow

– Relaxed alertness.  No specific threat situation.  Your mindset is that “today could be the day I may have to defend myself.”  There is no specific threat but you are aware that the world is an unfriendly place and that you are prepared to do something if necessary.  You use your eyes and ears, and your carriage says “I am alert.”   You don’t have to be armed in this state but if you are armed you must be in Yellow.  When confronted by something nasty your reaction will probably be, “I thought this might happen some day.”  You can live in this state indefinitely.

Orange

– Specific alert.  Something not quite right has gotten your attention and you shift your primary focus to that thing.  Something is “wrong” with a person or object.  Something may happen.  Your mindset is that “I may have to shoot

that person.”  Your pistol is usually holstered in this state.  You can maintain this state for several hours with ease, or a day or so with effort.

Red

– Fight trigger.  This is your mental trigger.  “If that person does “x” I will shoot them.”  Your pistol may, but not necessarily, be in your hand [end].

Back to the details of the fight, it’s easy to see the stages of mental readiness that GG went thru.  First, he was observing his surroundings for anything ‘wrong’ (Yellow).  He saw somebody that, for whatever reason, fit that description and so qualified for a little more study (Orange).  The subject of his study then acted in such as way as to make GG identify him as someone that might need shooting (Red).  I think GG’s use of the term ‘full alert’ to describe his status at that instant perfectly meshes with Red.

A Warning

It’s tempting to tie a particular condition of awareness to a particular physical response or behavior, but the important thing to remember about using the Color Code as a tool is that it’s about MENTAL READINESS.

Conclusion

Because he was in the right state of mind, GG won that fight before he walked thru the door.   Good job!  No criticism from me.

Other issues

Does it make a difference legally or practically that the BG turned out to be 15 years old?  No.  A 15 year old can press a trigger and kill you as easily as a 50 year old.  In many instances, younger criminals are more dangerous.  Will it look bad in the news?  Of course.  The age or race of the BG should be the last thing on your mind when confronting the Threat.  You’ve got a problem and you need to solve it.  Focus on that.  Right now, your problem is NOT what people are going to say or think about what you do in the next few seconds.

Did GG take an unnecessary risk in not shooting BG?  I don’t think so.  My understanding is that BG surrendered immediately upon the presentation of the pistol.  What I hear in the details is that GG drew his pistol to shoot the armed robber but, before he could line up the sights and press the trigger, it became unnecessary to use deadly force.  The situation changed.

Please note, there’s been no mention of gun make, caliber or brand of ammunition, no discussion of holster material, etc.  Obviously having a gun made all the difference, but the fight starts and ends in the mind.

Lastly: The Fundamentals of Situational Awareness

1. Know who is around you and what they’re doing.
2. Maintain your ability to see and maneuver.
3. Know where you would go and what you would do.
4. Honor your instincts!

Basic Defensive Handgun class scheduled for 22 & 23 March.  In light of the recent home invasions, we’ll be adding a block of instruction on defense of the home.  Last BDH we added a car scenario to the curriculum.  The car scenario will be even better this time with the new ‘ATTACK! Target’ from MGM in use.

We have room in the class!

Leupold VX-6 rifle scope, matte black finish w/ lighted ‘FireDot’ reticle.

• 1 – 6 x 24mm / 30mm tube
• PN 112319
• Very slightly used, appears and functions ANIB:  $750

If you’re interested, contact me.

If you qualify, don’t forget to get your subdued car decal.  These are for anyone who has completed one of our defensive firearm classes (BDH, BDS, BDC, ADC, UBC, etc.):

One free per qualifying student as a way of saying thanks for showing the Paladin colors.  More than one:  $1 each.

I trust you will find the newsletter useful.  Please forward it to anyone that might be interested.

Streamlight’s ‘The Siege’

The year started slowly due to understandable concerns about ammunition resupply.  Those who didn’t have it couldn’t get it.  Those who had it wanted to hold on to it.  Perfectly understandable.  Hopefully this teaching point got home:  You can never have too much ammunition.  Buy it while you can.

I’m sure our enemies will be going after it again in 2014 as a way to achieve their goal of a disarmed and helpless citizenry.  It’s simply Lexington and Concord via subtle means.  Never for a moment believe the lie that the issue is public safety.  It’s about power and control.

We introduced three new classes in 2013. Basic Carbine Operator is designed to more thoroughly develop the fundamentals of marksmanship than is possible in our Basic Defensive Carbine class.  We’ve seen such an improvement in both hit ability and general gun handling skills of students that we’ve made BCO a prerequisite for BDC.  It’s also a low-stress fun class.

The Handgun Accuracy Clinic has a similar goal as BCO.  After HAC the student is in a much better position to benefit from the Basic Defensive Handgun class.

Finally, we’re now certified by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification to teach the Utah CWP course.  As you probably already know, the benefit of taking that class is that a UT non-resident CWP gives you the right to carry concealed in GA and AL.

We plan to do a UTCWP in January 2014.

I trust you will find the newsletter useful.  Please forward it to anyone that might be interested.

And, I hope you and your family have a happy and safe New Year.

“Being a retainer is nothing other than being a supporter of your lord, trusting him as to what is good and what is evil, and renouncing self-interest.

Men of high position, low position, deep wisdom and artfulness all feel that they are the ones who are working righteously, but when it comes to the point of throwing away one’s life for his lord, all get weak in the knees.  This is rather disgraceful.  The fact that a useless person often becomes a matchless warrior at such times is because he has already given up his life and has become one with his lord.

Loyalty is said to be important in the pledge between lord and retainer.  Though it may seem unobtainable, it is right before your eyes.  If you once set yourself to it, you will become a superb retainer at that very moment.”

~From the Hagakure, Book 1

Comment:  While the words above were originally directed at young Samurai in feudal Japan, you can substitute ‘Christian’ for ‘retainer’, capitalize ‘Lord’ and the point would be equally correct.

I hope to see you at the Florence gun show 11 – 12 JAN.

Fund Raising Appeal: Update

We can still use help toward our goal of getting our own LED projector.  That will greatly aid the flow of information in the classroom.

Paladin Training recently received a new i-Pad Air as a donation.  Now, with the Coach’s Eye app, we can video a student performing a technique for playback, play multiple videos side by side for a student to compare before and after, highlight angles and movements, etc.   It’s going to be a great analytical tool and I’m looking forward to putting it to use.  Thank you!

Here’s a short video of the ATTACK TARGET being set up and used:

Paladin Training has been designated a public charity under IRS Section 501(c)(3).  All donations are tax-exempt and the benefit is local.  Please consider us when making your end of year donations.  There’s still time.

You can make a donation via personal check to:

Paladin Training

POB 12752

Florence, SC 29504

You can also use the PayPal DONATE button here: DONATE

If you have any questions, contact me.

A student at the last UBC was wearing a holster by a manufacturer I was not familiar with, Old Faithful.  It’s a hybrid IWB and very similar to Cross Breed.

Old Faithful IWB

Looks comfortable.

Be aware that those of us with a little too much mass around the middle might have trouble with a leather sweat tab.  Unless you have a flat waistline, a flexible sweat tab can get pushed over and make holstering just a little more complicated.  If ‘flat waistline’ doesn’t describe you, you might be better served with a rigid backed holster.

Take a look here:  Old Faithful

Leupold VX-6 rifle scope, matte black finish w/ lighted ‘FireDot’ reticle.

• 1 – 6 x 24mm / 30mm tube
• PN 112319
• Very slightly used, appears and functions ANIB:  $750

Burris MTAC rifle scope, matte black finish w/ lighted ballistic CQ 5.56 / 7.62 reticle.

• 1 – 4 x 24mm / 30mm tube
• PN 200437
• NIB:  $300

If you’re interested, contact me.

The training schedule for 1QTR2014 is up.  It should also be on the calendar tomorrow.  The calendar will include a way to link to details on the specific classes.

Still in the works – a UTAH CWP for sometime in January.

CHRISTMAS IS HERE!

Don’t forget you can purchase a gift certificate for any of our classes using the PayPal DONATE button here: Gift Certificate

From now until 24 DEC, when purchasing a Gift Certificate,take $10 off CWP tuition and $25 off any two day defensive firearm class.  If you use the link above, simply enter the amount where it asks.

When you make the donation, I need this information in the comments section:

• The recipient’s name
• Which class you’re purchasing the seat for
• The address you would like the certificate mailed

Gift certificates are good for one year.

If you have any questions,  contact me.

FUND RAISING APPEAL

We are starting a campaign to raise $2000 to purchase two pieces of equipment that will help us do a better job providing quality tactical training to law enforcement officers and private citizens; MGM Targets’ ATTACK Target and an LCD projector.

The LCD projector will greatly improve information flow during all classes and crime prevention seminars.  Sometimes you just need pictures.

Court decisions have mandated that, to be effective and reduce exposure to liability, tactical training for LEO’s should include low-light training, shoot / no-shoot scenarios and moving targets.  We do a good job on the first two, but have never been able to provide a moving target during live-fire.  The MGM ATTACK Target will allow us to meet that need.

It will be used in LE and civilian classes to reinforce the idea of getting off the ‘X’ and demonstrating the need for a fast presentation.  Another application:  Last issue the newsletter included a photo of a student engaging a static target from inside a vehicle during a BDH class.  Now imagine that same drill being run with the target running at you!

Here’s a short video of the ATTACK TARGET being set up and used:

Paladin Training has been designated a public charity under IRS Section 501(c)(3).  All donations are tax-exempt and the benefit is local.  Please consider us when making your end of year donations.

You can make a donation via personal check to:

Paladin Training

POB 12752

Florence, SC 29504

You can also use the PayPal DONATE button here: DONATE

If you have any questions,  contact me.

GEAR:  HOLSTER RECOMMENDATION

I just received from Todd Matthews a new kydex OWB holster and dual mag carrier for my EDC gun, a Colt Lightweight Commander in .45 ACP .

I’ve been carrying this gun in a Blade Tech IWB for many years.  While it’s very concealable, I’ve never found it particularly comfortable.  Well, I’m paying the price for ignoring that discomfort all this time:  Recently, I started experiencing sciatica in my right leg.  I’m pretty certain it’s related to the IWB holster… which brings to mind that saying:  If you’re going to act dumb, you better be tough.

Raven Concealment (LEFT) vs Matthews (RT) Body side

Raven Concealment (LEFT) vs Matthews (RT) Out side

If you’re looking for a good custom kydex concealment holster, try Todd out.  He’s local, his prices are reasonable and turnaround time is much shorter than you’d normally get from one of the big name manufacturers.

Todd Matthews can be reached at fyrmedic114@gmail.com or 843-687-2994.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  BRASS POLICY

We police the Lake Darpo range of fired cases after each class.  Either the students do it immediately after the range session or, when time is short, I go another day.

Brass on the ground belongs to the shooter who shot it.  Common courtesy dictates we obtain permission from the owner before we take brass we didn’t fire.  Not everyone reloads, and if you don’t want your brass, feel free to ‘bequeath’ it to anyone that wants it.  It’s yours to do with as you please.

But…

Please consider donating your brass to Paladin Training.  We sort it according to caliber and turn it in to Georgia Arms for credit towards the purchase of ammunition.

Sometimes this is the ammunition we provide to the  student that either didn’t bring enough, brought the wrong caliber or has had to change guns mid-class.

This is also where we get the ammunition we furnish, on a case by case basis, to individual law enforcement officers sent by their department to train with us.  Last month Paladin furnished two days of training and 400 rounds of 5.56 ammunition so a Deputy Sheriff could attend a Basic Defensive Carbine class.

Beginning in 2014, if you donate your brass to Paladin Training, we’ll issue you a receipt for it so you can claim the deduction at tax time.  I’m not sure yet if the form will have a dollar amount listed or will simply show the number of cases the class calls for.

BASIC CARBINE OPERATOR CURRICULUM CHANGE

I’ve decided to drop the old Carbine Cleaning & Maintenance Class (CCM) and incorporate a compressed version of that class into our introductory carbine class, Basic Carbine Operator (BCO).

We have a few seats available in the SC-CWP class this weekend.  Let me know if you’re interested.

The 13 – 14 DEC SC-CWP is now at 50% capacity.

We also have a few openings still in the 23 – 24 NOV BDC and a couple in the 27 – 29 DEC UBC.

Feel free to pass this on.

Basic Defensive Handgun Curriculum Change

We now include a block of instruction on working from a car.  In the past, this subject was covered in ADH, but we all spend so much time in a vehicle, we thought it best to include this training in the Basic curriculum.

Some Good News & A Firm Push

Prices on AR-15’s and 5.56 / .223 ammo are back down close to (if not below, in some cases) pre-Newtown panic levels.  If you’ve been considering an AR, DON’T PUT IT OFF.  We’re just one headline away from non-availability / non-affordability again.

A recommendation

Palmetto State Armory (PSA) in Columbia buys components from the Fabrique Nationale (FN) plant there for their AR’s.  FN supplies M4’s and other weapons to the DOD.  This week PSA has complete upper receivers on sale for $500.  Blemished complete lower receivers are on sale for $180, a great price!  The only thing you’d have to add is a rear sight and you would have a first-class basic mil-spec fighting AR-15 for less than $800.

I would definitely consider one of their guns.   I’ll put it this way:  The only brands I’d put over PSA are Colt, Bravo Company Bravo! and ‘designer’ guns like Daniel Defense, LMT, etc., and then only for the potential resale advantage.  Since I don’t intend to sell any, it’s a moot point.  From an operator’s view, there’s no advantage, in my opinion, to buy above PSA.  It’s a solid starting point.

Another plus 

Theoretically, a PSA gun also MAY one day have a legal advantage over other manufacturers in that it has ‘Columbia, SC’ stamped on the receiver and thus should be exempted from any future Federal gun registration / confiscation scheme.   Depends on how firm SC wants to stand for the Constitution.

Ammo and mags?

More is always better.  A sound, if somewhat arbitrary minimum figure, is 5000 rounds and 20 magazines per AR.   5000 rounds is enough that you should feel comfortable using some in training.  If you’re like me, that kind of purchase is out of reach in one step.  Start now.

MagPul P-mags can be found for less than $15 each.  If you’re old school like me, mil-spec aluminum mags are about the same price.  For perspective, during the height of the panic they were upwards of $50 each, if you could find them.

One case (1000 rds) of quality 5.56 / .223 is now between $400 and $450 as opposed to $750 plus during the panic.  Buy Federal or mil-spec Lake City ammunition and avoid like the plague anything with Wolf or Tula on it.  For why: Lucky Gunner

Social ammunition is not an area to save money.  Especially if we’re talking about a future where replacement AR’s or components may be problematic.  Protect the investment that you may one day be using to protect your family and property.

A good way to extend your training dollars is to invest in a S&W MP15-22.  It is a great training tool and a serious little .22.  Get a minimum of three mags for it. S&W MP15-22

Contact me if you’re considering an AR / AK but don’t know where to start.  Paladin Training conducts more carbine classes than any other type and we have learned a lot over the years about what works and what doesn’t.  A student once asked me how much I had invested in my AR15.  I gave him a rough estimate then added this: “If I included the cost of all the stuff I’d taken off to get here, it would be about double that amount.”   Let us save you money, time and frustration.

Seriously, don’t put this off.  Then come to us and learn how to operate it and fight with it.  You’ll thank me one day.

• 28 – 29 SEP BDH:  50%
• 12 – 13 OCT BCO:  50%
• 26 – 26 OCT CWP:  25%
• 23 – 24 NOV BDC:  50%
• 28 – 30 DEC UBC:  50%

If  you’re interested in attending one of the three carbine courses in the last quarter, get your 50% deposit in ASAP.  If that creates a problem at this time, call me at 843-618-1381 and we’ll see what we can do to help get you in the class.

Book Recommendation: The Law of Self Defense, 2nd Ed.

By Andrew Branca

If you’re interested in staying out of jail after an incident, I think you should read this book.  I hadn’t finished the introduction before I learned something that could be critical to winning the legal aftermath component of The Fight, something obvious but overlooked by me.     

The book is full of useful information and goes into much greater depth on the subject than we have time for in a CWP class.

Also very useful are the links and blog at www.lawofselfdefense.com.  Check them out.   Details on purchasing the book are here as well.

Newsletter Recommendation

For straight talk on tactics, training and more, I strongly encourage you to check out Paul Howe’s website: combatshootingandtactics.com.

Paul publishes a monthly newsletter that I always find worth the time.  He pulls no punches and spares no one he finds guilty of stupidity… or worse.  While I hardly ever finish a newsletter with a warm fuzzy feeling about the future, I always finish with a hardened resolve.  That’s a good thing.

Recalls

Springfield Armory has issued a recall notice for it’s 3.3″ barreled XDS in both 9 x 19 and .45 ACP.  Details here: www.springfieldrecall.com.

Caracal has issued a recall for all it’s Model C pistols.  Evidently the pistol has a design flaw that’s not correctable.  Send them your gun and they’ll send you money.

I warn people all the time about staying away from new and unproven platforms.  This is one reason why.  Details here:  www.caracal.ae

“not less than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court and have his permit revoked for five years”.

Both amendments were voted on and added to S.308 last night (Tuesday).

I don’t have a tremendous problem with #1, but I fail to see the necessity for #2.  This is a pretty harsh penalty for something that’s not an issue.

We’ve got today and tomorrow to get S.308 passed or we wait until the next session. 

Please contact your representative immediately and politely request he or she support reconsideration of the Pitts’ amendments with a roll call vote and then vote for S.308 w/o amendment.

Pitts has put us between a rock and a hard place:  Either we remain quiet and allow the amendments to stand and S.308 passes (maybe), or we fight the amendments, stirring up the water to the point S.308 doesn’t make it this session.  No guarantees either way.

If you’d like to give Rep. Pitts your input:
Office:  803-734-2830
Mobile:  864-923-2925
Work:  864-681-0238
Home:  864-575-2917

Be polite and professional and all the rest.

Whoever coined the phrase “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty” wasn’t kidding.

Here’s another, from Gideon J. Tucker (and made famous by Mark Twain):
“No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session”.