Archive for Paul Rackley

My Decision to Carry

I obtained my first CWP back in the mid ‘90s in Mississippi. This was during the early stage of the Brady Bill, so at the time I wanted the permit more for purchasing a firearm than carrying one, as Mississippi allowed CWP holders to forego NICS check. In fact, there were only a few occasions when I actually carried a handgun on my person that didn’t involve hunting or horseback riding.

December 15, 2011

Thompson/Center Fire Storm Muzzleloader

The Fire Storm combines traditional functionality with modern components and performance.

December 14, 2011

Be Extra Vigilant

In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, many of us forget to be as vigilant as we should. I am as guilty of this as anyone, and sometimes have to remind myself to scan my surroundings while trying to control a 15-month-old grabbing at everything within her reach. 

December 14, 2011

Close Encounters

Distance is a friend, especially in self-defense situations. The more distance between you and a bad guy, the more you control the outcome of the situation. Unfortunately, since the attacker usually picks the location, distance is not always under your control. For this reason, you should consider in-your-face situations during training.

December 07, 2011

Why Not Any Caliber

Quite often I’m asked my opinion on the best gun and caliber for self-defense. My standard answer is: “Whatever gun you have on you.” The person usually then asks if that if that means it is OK to carry a .22 LR.  To which I reply no, and I’m about to tell you why.

November 29, 2011

Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) Review

With unlimited eye relief and a two-dot m.o.a., the PRO keeps you focused on the target.

November 28, 2011

The Sergeant

If you are ever put in a life or death situation, your adrenalin will spike, causing parts of your body to decrease activity while other parts increase. Your heart will also start pumping harder to increase the oxygen to your brain and muscles. This is the body’s response to extreme stress.

November 21, 2011

To Shoot or Not to Shoot

According to a comment on my Power of Words blog, there seems to be a misconception among some that if you draw a gun in a self-defense situation, you have to fire it. This can’t be further from the truth.

November 10, 2011

The Adcor B.E.A.R.

The B.E.A.R. just might be the rifle that persuades gas-impingement fans to take another look at piston guns.

November 09, 2011

The Power of Words

Words have power that can be used both for good and evil. Encouraging words can build a person’s self esteem, while insulting words can hurt someone for years or even decades. And commanding words can save someone’s life.

November 04, 2011

California Lady Defends Home

Last week, a 66-year-old northern California woman defended herself in a dangerous situation and proved, once again, that firearms are a great equalizer against those who prey on the elderly. And while there are certain aspects that I thought she could have handled differently, this lady did many things right in a very stressful encounter.

October 25, 2011

Aim Center Mass

You always hear self-defense experts say that you should train to hit the center-of-mass so that it will be instinctive during a confrontation. I’ve said this myself many times, both written and verbally. But, what exactly is center-of-mass in a self-defense situation?

October 18, 2011

Absolutely Everywhere

I can’t believe number the times I’ve been accused of being paranoid because I carry a gun for self-defense, and train with that gun in case I’m every required to draw in defense of life. And I’m not talking about people who discover my career and have questions about firearms and self-defense. I’m talking family. In fact, I’m not even sure my father understands my reasoning.

October 13, 2011

Accuracy

So much emphasis is put on accuracy in the shooting world. We all want to put small, hole-touching groups in our targets when at the range. As a gunwriter, I spend hours at the range trying to wring out the best possible groups to learn the true accuracy of a firearm, whether rifle or handgun, by eliminating as many human factors as possible. However, tiny groups won’t save your life if you can’t do it with speed.

October 06, 2011

I Would Have Brought my Rifle

There is so much for which we have to compromise when carrying concealed. We have to compromise in clothing selection and where we carry while following laws, and even what we carry.

September 19, 2011