I am not a lawyer. I don’t even play one on TV. Heck, I didn’t stay in a Holiday Inn last night.
The content in blogs on this site does not constitute legal advice. It is my opinion based upon my research.
Philip Vancil
Freedom First Self Defense LLC
I just came back from a fun day at the range. Taking the time to clean my firearms isn’t necessarily at the top of my favorite things-to-do list. Putting it off until tomorrow would be so easy. But cleaning should be done, and it needs to be done right. Here is some information that should be useful.
When we return from the range, we must ask ourselves how soon we will use our firearm again. A quick wipe-down may suffice if the answer is the next day or so. However, we need to clean and lubricate our firearms as soon after we use them as possible if they are going to be stored and put away. In addition, we need to clean firearms that are in storage regularly.
Our defensive firearms have their own cleaning regiment. Your defensive firearms (and everyday carry guns) should follow a strict cleaning regiment. This regiment includes cleaning them immediately after hitting the range, storing them clean, and checking them about once a month for any build-up or problems.
Now that we have covered when to clean your firearm let’s look at what you should know about your firearm. Every firearm model has a slightly different cleaning process. First, you’ll need to review your owner’s manual. Be sure to understand your pistol and the tools required for disassembly and reassembly, and look for instructions and tips on how and where to clean and lube your gun. They’re all a little different. And a little planning and knowledge beforehand can help you avoid causing damage to the firearm or yourself. Then, too, you want to ensure critical sections are unlubricated. Finally, keep track of tools and parts. Launching a spring into the unknown can ruin your day.
It seems logical enough. And thankfully, cleaning your handgun is usually a lot easier than tackling that messy garage.
As stated earlier, every forearm model cleans slightly differently. However, there are some common steps.
Optional: apply a light coat of oil to the gun to protect the finish
I hope this short post is helpful to new shooters.
Often in a class, I will get a common question. It comes in two forms. One form is it necessary to carry a semi-automatic pistol with a round in the chamber. The second form is it safe to carry a semi-automatic pistol with a round in the chamber. We have to remember the defensive firearm is a reactive tool. Because of this, the simple answer to the first form is yes if you want to be fully prepared to survive a defensive situation. To answer the second question, let’s look deeper into its roots. This deep dive will let us understand this technique’s strengths and weaknesses.
Empty chamber and the Drop-Safe semi-automatic pistol go back to the early days of firearm technology. We have to go back to the late 1940s when a mishmash of guns could have come from any country. Unfortunately, these early sim-automatic firearms had no dedicated passive firing pin safety. As a result, these firearms could discharge when dropped from any height. In this environment, what was needed was one technique that would work with every one of those disparate different firearms.
Israelis developed an empty chamber draw and rack slide technique. The foundation of this new technique assumes your strong hand will always be able to complete the pistol presentation, and the weak hand is free to work the slide. As a result, this technique dramatically reduces the risk of an unintentional discharge while carrying.
The Israeli technique was a good idea, but there were drawbacks.
Then there is the human factor. People get into trouble when
they don’t have time to rack the slide. What happens if they are in a compromised position under stress? The hands are shaking. The strong hand grips the firearm. The weak hand is trembling as it tries to rack the slide. This action can create a little stutter effect that will end up jamming the pistol. In these cases, the outcome is never good for the individual trying to defend themselves.
The possibility that your firearm will be knocked to the ground or accidentally dropped exceeds the likelihood that you’ll need to draw and immediately fire in self-defense on that particular day. So why don’t we still advocate the empty chamber carry technique? Luckily, time and technology have changed the firearm environment. For example, for many years, we have had drop-safe handguns. You can drop these firearms. Sure, you may ding them up, but they won’t discharge. This evolution means these firearms are safe to carry with a round in the chamber.
Today those serious Israelis carry Glocks with live rounds in the chambers. Today’s firearm is drop-safe, and those Israelis are ready to draw and fire reactively.
What about long guns used for self-defense? These firearms include the AR-15, the 870 shotgun, and almost everything else. Sadly, those guns may not be drop-safe. Because of this issue, the shotgun in the patrol car is normally carried in Cruiser-ready mode. There is a full magazine in this mode, but the chamber is empty. If your home defense gun is a shotgun, it should be in the same condition. The magazine is filled, but the chamber is empty. The round is chambered when you anticipate immediate contact
If you’re an AR-15 owner, the next time you’ve been shooting
remove your magazine and clear the live round out of the chamber. Now check the prime. You may notice a little tiny dimple on the primer. This dimple happened when the round was chambered. When the bolt comes forward, the firing pin bounces forward and strikes the primer because there is nothing to block the firing pin. Usually, this is not an issue. The force is not enough to cause the round to fire.
However, what happens when the firearm dropped hard on the muzzle or struck hard on the butt. This action can cause the firing pin to bounce inside the firing pinch channel. There might be enough energy to drive the firearm to discharge. This issue is why those guns are stored with the chamber empty.
If you only have an old gun or a cheap one that is not drop-safe. I suggest you carry it with an empty chamber. This method would be the only smart way to carry.
If you are new to concealed carry, you may only be comfortable carrying with an empty chamber. However, just like the training wheels on your first bike, you need to move on as soon as possible.
In a recent CCL class, one student related a story about his friend being robbed. The student drew his firearm, and the robber ran away. He and his friend were so mad they chased the robber.
Sometimes we have to be reminded as gun owners: “Will my action put my life at severe risk, and is it worth it?”
In this post from the great people at USCCA, the author will break down a real incident in a quiet neighborhood where nothing ever happens. A victim chases their robber and gets shot.
Americans are frightened for their safety. There have been a historic number of firearms and ammunition sales in the past year.
However, many people can not bring themself to use deadly force to respond to a threat. This may be because of religious reasons or the fear of the results. Many admit they don’t know if they could shoot someone or take a human life.
We should applaud those people for knowing their limitations.
The good news is that they don’t need to be defenseless. There are other self-defense weapons as viable options.
To meet these people self-defense needs weapons should successfully do two things:
Here are some examples of less-lethal self-defense weapons that meet those criteria.
PepperBall’s motto is “Protect Life Without Taking a Life.”
Designed to be used sooner and safer than other force options, PepperBall® is the most versatile and powerful non-lethal technology on the market. It’s trusted by the U.S. Army and Marines overseas and police officers walking the streets of the Midwest.
As the only non-lethal solution with no judgments, deaths, or severe injuries in over 20 years of use, PepperBall is a system that meets your agency’s and the community’s needs.
The PepperBall system is proven effective from distances up to 150 feet, giving you more range and time to make a critical decision. The combination of powerful, accurate launchers and versatile, effective projectiles allows you to accomplish your mission safely, even without a clear line of sight. Situations that require action are never as easy as point-and-shoot. PepperBall was designed to work in those challenging situations where other tools can’t get the job done.
The Tactical Compact Pistol, is a low profile and lightweight PepperBall launcher. It offers the ability to carry a multi-shot, less lethal product on a belt. Use the TCP™ with regular-round and long-range VXR™ projectiles for safe distance.
It is the size of a large pistol and weighs 1.7 pounds. It comes with two six-round magazines. Additional original round or long-range VXR projectiles must be purchased separately. The refill packs contain practice and live projectiles. Practicing with inert rounds is a must.
The PepperBall TCP is simple to operate. There are no moving parts other than the trigger, magazine release and index-finger-activated crossbolt safety.
The easiest way to load the magazine is by pulling the follower spring down and locking it in place. Next, drop in six round PepperBalls and gently release the follower.
Load a CO2 cartridge in the space at the rear of the magazine and turn the key-shaped screw handle until it holds the cartridge in place. (If you are not going to use the TCP right away — within 24 hours — don’t tighten it to the point the cartridge is punctured.) You can then insert the magazine, which automatically positions the PepperBall in the chamber.
A polymer open-top holster is available for belt carry or safer storage. If you travel or live in low-risk areas, you can keeping the TCP with the magazine loaded and the CO2 cartridge not activated (punctured). All it takes is a couple of quick clockwise twists to puncture the cylinder. Once the CO2 cartridge has been punctured, take the safety off and pull the trigger to fire.
The TCP delivers a solid impact effect combined with a cloud of powerful PAVA pepper. In self-defense scenarios, target the mid-point of the body to deliver a gut punch combined with a cloud of pepper.
The TCP would have made a great supplement to the Taser when working as an officer and is currently my top non-firearm self-defense weapon pick. MSRP is $399.99.
I have a fellow instructor that has been a Taser instructor since 2013. He has had a lot of experience deploying the Taser on volunteer subjects. It is an effective defensive tool. Like PepperBall, Taser has really upgraded its line of civilian self-defense weapons.
Many of the Tasers used by law enforcement are also available for citizen purchase, including the latest two-shot models. And the civilian micro-compact single-shot Taser Pulse ($399.99) is also still available.
TASER Pulse is an effective, less-lethal defense tool that can immobilize attackers for up to 30 seconds. Packing the same knock-down punch trusted by law enforcement, it was built with civilian self-protection in mind. Weighing in at just 8 ounces, this high-tech, intuitively designed device is revolutionizing the self-defense market.
The newest Taser for civilian use is the two-shot Taser 7CQ. The 7CQ (close quarters) uses a totally new probe system. The new system drives probes that deliver nearly twice the kinetic energy for better penetration of clothing. This is intended to eliminate the issue of “clothing disconnect,” which causes a failure to incapacitate.
The Taser CQ’s cartridge has a range of 12 feet, with an optimal probe spread for best energy delivery. Both the Taser X2 and 7CQ are significantly larger than the single-shot X26P. The Taser 7CQ is the most expensive Taser model at $1,799.99.
Additional live cartridges must be purchased for practice for the X2 and 7CQ. Training resources are available on the Taser site, and the company offers interest-free financing.
Pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum spray, OC spray, capsaicin spray, or capsicum spray is a inflammatory agent (a compound that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain, and temporary blindness) used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense.
OC sprays represent the best bargain in terms of less-lethal self-defense weapons.
Many include a pocket-sized canister as part of there everyday carry gear. This carried enough spray to deal with two to four aggressors.
With the upheaval from the past summer, they now keep crowd control OC systems in their cars. These can be very effective when dealing with large groups, with the ability to keep people up to 20 feet away.
One of the favorite companies for OC products is Fox Labs. This major law enforcement supplier also sells products to civilians. For home or vehicle defense against multiple opponents, I recommend the Fox Labs Fog Spray Tactical Unit. It is 12 ounces of 2 percent OC.
All the units in the ONE POINT FOUR® line start with our famous legacy formula using 5.3 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU) OC pepper – then we DOUBLE the pepper content which doubles the MC (Major Capsaicinoids) to almost blistering levels.
This is one of the only true police strength pepper sprays on the market, and the original legacy formula that is carried by police, correctional officers and the United States military. Now the ONE POINT FOUR has increased the heat, and this is becoming the most demanded product from Law Enforcement agencies nationwide.
It’s an oil based pepper spray (most pepper sprays are water) giving the spray greater distance and stronger effects on impact. The ONE POINT FOUR PEPPER SPRAY also includes invisible UV marking dye for suspect identification.
Specs for One Point Four®, 4% OC, 2oz., Stream Spray Pattern:
The ONE POINT FOUR® formula is an oil based pepper spray product.
All ONE POINT FOUR® pepper sprays start with our famous legacy formula using 5.3 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU) OC pepper – then we DOUBLE the pepper content which doubles the MC (Major Capsaicinoids) to almost blistering levels.
This is one of the only true police strength pepper sprays on the market, and the original legacy formula that is carried by police, correctional officers and the United States military. Now the ONE POINT FOUR has increased the heat, and this is becoming the most demanded product from Law Enforcement agencies nationwide.
It’s an oil based pepper spray (most pepper sprays are water) giving the spray greater distance and stronger effects on impact. The ONE POINT FOUR PEPPER SPRAY also includes invisible UV marking dye for suspect identification.
PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME STATES WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO ORDER A LARGE SIZE PEPPER SPRAY based on state laws. AR, CA, HI, MI, NJ, NC, WI – you can’t order this one! Look for 2 ounce sizes or smaller (AR and NC can order up to our 4 ounce cans).
Specs for One Point Four®, 4% OC, 16oz., Pistol Grip, Cone Fog Spray Pattern:
Less lethal self-defense weapons are not only crucial for those unwilling to use a firearm for self-defense. They should also be a must for those who own firearms. Not every situation can — or should — be solved by a firearm. Pick a self-defense weapon that best suits your needs. Check local laws to ensure such devices are legal in the jurisdictions in which you live or to which you are traveling.
I want to credit Scott W. Wagner with USCCA for the impersonation in writing this post.
There is a joke that goes; you select four individuals. One’s EDC is 9mm, one’s EDC is .40 cal, one’s EDC is 45 cal, and one’s EDC is 10 mm. You lock the four individuals in a room and tell them they have eight hours to select the best EDC round. You unlock the door at the end of eight hours to find bloody noises, black eyes, and a few missing teeth. However, each individual insists that their round is the best EDC round.
OK, what is the purpose of my telling this joke? We all have preconceptions of our EDC round. We are all sure that we have made the best choice.
I have had numerous discussions with supporters of the 10 mm round that use the 1986 FBI shootout in Miami as justification that the 10 mm is superior to the 9mm. I have had discussions with lovers of the 1911 that say the .45 cal makes a bigger hole; therefore, it is superior to the 9mm.
Lovers of the .40 cal tell me it is the best compromise between the heavy recoil of the 10 mm and the tiny hole of the 9mm.
To quote Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin.
The 9mm the FBI used in 1986 is not the same as the 9mm used today. There have been changes in loads and bullet weights. However, the biggest change has been the bullet design.
I don’t claim to be an expert. I don’t think that in this simple post, I am going to change your mind. Just take a few minutes to review the following video. Maybe it will stimulate some thoughts.
I would like to thank Classic Firearm for this great video. Checkout there website more videos and firearm deals,
Checkout out our training page.
We are increasingly mounting red dot sights to our pistols and long guns. Sometimes it is because we need quick accuracy for completion. In my case, it is because my eyesight makes using iron sights almost impossible.
Many of us make sighting in overly complicated. We drag out our targets with a one-inch grid. We even go in search of out sandbags to steady the firearm. Sure these many needed to sight in at 100 yards, but are they needed for your self-defense firearm?
This short video gives you a simple way to sight in your red dot with an accuracy that will meet your self-defense needs.
I want to credit Classic Firearm for the information provided in this video.
We all have heard it.
But what is the science behind making this happen?
This video by Jon with Mantis explores the science behind a proper trigger pull.
I always knew there was science behind the best grip to control recoil. I have even done a little research on my own. But, I never realized just how much I knew.
I often get the above question from a student. And yes, I could show them my suggested grip.
However, knowing the anatomy and physiology behind the proper grip is essential. Then understanding the physics behind reoil helps understand why one grip is better than another.
Don’t choose a grip style because someone tells you their grip is the best, no matter how much experience they have. Check out the video and make an educated choice.
I am an RSO at a local range. Recently I had a conversation with an older gentleman. I am 72, so that gives you some idea of how old he was.
In this conversation, he said his grandson had just switched from 9mm to 10 10mm. He said that was the only round you should carry daily because it ensured a 0ne-shot, one-kill.
My counter was that this assumed a one-shot, one-hit. Many people cannot obtain that level of accuracy in a stressful situation. Accuracy is the key point, and even the .380 ACP had plenty of stopping, a.k.a knockdown, power.
This video sheds some light on how lethal the .380 ACP is when you compare it to the FIB standards.
I am not a lawyer. I don’t even play on TV. I cannot give you legal advice on castle doctrine florida.
The legal information provided in this post is based upon information provided by Ryan Katz of Katz and Phillips. PA, in his ‘Are You Protected by the Castle Doctrine Outside on Your Property?” post.
Let’s look at a possible scenario.
You are watching TV in your family room. There is a noise at your front door.
Approaching the door, you see a suspicious person at your front door. Before you can challenge the man, he walks away.
The man walked to the back of the home, where he entered the screened back patio and got in the pool.
You tell your spouse to call 911. With your home defense firearm in hand, you confront the suspect through the closed door. Laughing at you, the suspect tries to force open the doors to the home.
Before the suspect could gain entry, the police arrived and placed the intruder under arrest.
What were the homeowner’s rights in this situation? What kind of force could he have used? Would he have benefitted from the Castle Doctrine?
Under Florida Statute § 776.031, “a person is justified in using or threatening to use force, except deadly force” to terminate a trespass on their real property other than a dwelling or personal property.
In the scenario above, the intruder clearly attempted to get into the homeowner’s dwelling.
Before he reached the front door, the intruder would have just been in the front yard. At this point, assuming the front yard is not fully fenced in, the homeowner would have had the right to remove the trespasser using non-deadly force ONLY.
The Florida statute above states that deadly force may not be used to terminate a trespass on property. However, the use of deadly force changes once an intruder has broken into the dwelling.
According to Florida’s Castle Doctrine Statute (Florida Statute 776.013), a dwelling is “a building or conveyance of any kind, including any attached porch, whether the building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it, including a tent, and is designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at night.”
In our scenario, the screened in patio would certainly qualify as a dwelling under this statute. This means that the homeowner had the right to use of threaten to use deadly force against the intruder.
It is even more apparent that the homeowner could use or threaten deadly force when the intruder attempted to get into the home through the back door.
Florida case law suggests that a fenced in yard may be protected by the Castle Doctrine. See State v. Vino, State v. Vino, 100 So. 3d 716 (Fla. 3d DCA 2012).
This means that a person may be entitled to use deadly force in situations where a trespasser has climbed over or forcibly broken a fence to gain access to a person’s yard.
However, these cases were not decided on this exact issue, which means there is no official ruling as to whether or not a fenced in yard triggers the Castle Doctrine.
For now, we can only say that there is a strong argument that the Castle Doctrine applies. It would require a judge to rule on the issue as a matter of law to provide a definitive answer.
One other time a person may use deadly force is when they are seeking to prevent a forcible felony. One such felony is burglary.
As indicated in the legal disclaimer, I am not a lawyer. For detailed information on this and many others, check out the blogs on thefirearmfirm.com.
