Sig Sauer PVD Finish Coming Off of Legion Series Pistols

Video Credit: Guns & Gadgets https://www.youtube.com/jyanis

The Nightstand Revolver: An American Tradition Makes a Triumphant Return (In Polymer)

By Berkley R. Bruce 

      
       Keeping a weapon in one's sleeping quarters to dispatch marauders goes back to the very beginnings of man. Once firearms were invented, they primarily became this weapon for those with access to them. 

A "Bump In The Night Gun" by the bedside is certainly a tradition that goes back to the beginnings of America. 

In the early years, when most people lived in rural areas, long guns (Rifles and Shotguns) served that purpose most of the time. Even now, in such places this is still often the case. 

As time went on and more people moved out of the open spaces of rural areas and into the closer quarters of urban and suburban dwellings, the bump in the night gun changed as well. 

Granddad's ole double barrel gave way to the handgun, more often than not, a revolver. Commonly known as "Wheel Guns" or "Six Shooters" revolvers can have more or less than six chambers. These "Nightstand Guns" where simple, reliable and effective for the task at hand.

Over time in most urban areas Gun Control outlawed firearms for almost everyone but dangerous criminals. During this time the nightstand gun appeared to fall out of favor. Notice...... I said appeared. Wisely, many still secretly kept those ole "Lemon Squeezers" and Saturday Night Specials handy. 

Most of us had a Dad, Grandpa, Uncle or someone who kept the ever popular .38 snub nose or bigger to protect home and family. The smaller calibers like .22 and .32 were usually more popular with the Moms, Grandmas and Aunties. 

I am aware that some shit-for-brains is going to send me hate mail about the people who kept their guns being criminals. To that, I say that Gun Control itself is Unconstitutional....So, there's that. Many of those people wouldn't have been alive if they hadn't kept their guns, they would've taken out by real criminals.

With Gun Control still being ineffective for anything beyond denying citizens their Rights, many are now demanding that their Second Amendment Rights be recognized, no matter where they live. 

Fortunately, here in America, we have access to many different types of quality firearms. A nightstand gun, can be as fancy or as simple as the owner chooses. This piece however, is dedicated to the fans of the revolver.

Several firearm manufacturers have recognized that these fans exist, by creating updated versions of the classic wheel gun. Like their semi-auto counterparts, they are composed of modern materials and usually marketed for concealed carry. These firearms could just as easily fulfill the role of nightstand duty. 

In no particular order, here are a few to consider.

RUGER LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver)

The lightweight comes from the polymer grip and fire control housing and aluminum frame on the .22 and .38 Special models. Only the barrel and cylinder are stainless steel on these models. The frame on the 9mm, .327 Fed and .357 Mag models are stainless steel.

Specs.

Calibers and Capacity: .22LR (8), .22WMR (6), .38 Special +P Rated (6), 9mm Luger (5) comes with three moon clips, .327 Federal Magnum (6), .357 Magnum (5). *NOTE The .327 Federal Magnum, is the latest addition to this line.

Weight: 13.5-17.5 Caliber and option dependent. Options available include Hogue Tamer MonoGrip and Crimson Trace Lasergrips

Barrel Length: 1.875" Some models available with 3" barrel.

Action Type: Double Action Only (DAO) *LCRx Models feature External Hammer and are DA/SA 

Price (MSRP): $545.00-$899.00 Caliber and option dependent.


TAURUS POLY PROTECTOR 

The polymer version of the Taurus 605 Protector Revolver. Lightweight polymer with a stainless steel cylinder, barrel and inner skeleton. All the same features of the steel 605, including the Taurus Security System (TSS) in a lighter weight package. 

Specs.

Calibers and Capacity: .38 Special +P Rated (5), .357 Magnum (5)

Weight: 19.75

Barrel Length: 2"

Action Type: DA/SA 

Price (MSRP): $356.06-$371.21 Caliber and finish dependent.


TAURUS PUBLIC DEFENDER POLYMER

A smaller version of the popular Taurus Judge. This one has a lightweight polymer frame with stainless steel cylinder and barrel. Capable of firing the same combo of ammunition and having the same features as the original, including the Taurus Security System (TSS).

Specs.

Calibers and Capacity: .45LC/.410GA (Shot Shell) (5)

Weight: 27.0

Barrel Length: 2"

Action Type: DA/SA 

Price (MSRP): $514.17-$653.32 Options and finish dependent.


Although, some of these revolvers are available in calibers ranging from .22LR to .357 Magnum. Personally, I'd skip the .22LR for anything beyond target shooting unless you have medical issues preventing you from comfortably shooting anything larger. I'd also skip any firearm chambered solely for .38 Special. You'd be better off getting a firearm chambered in .357 Magnum and loading it with .38 Special, there is no .38 Special ammunition made with enough +'s or P's behind it to even scuff a well made .357 Mag. Given the limited capacity of a revolver, go for the largest caliber you can handle. But I say that about any defensive firearm. 

Do your own research to see what will best meet your needs. Whatever you choose, be safe, keep it clean and well maintained. Training, practice and education are very important. 

Learn what your rights are and exercise them before someone else decides that you no longer need or want them.




Berkley R. Bruce  Founder of Dragon Shadow Training Group. Berkley R. Bruce, is a NRA Certified Firearms and Personal Protection Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, State Of Nevada Concealed Carry Instructor, USA Carry Registered Instructor and Martial Artist based in Las Vegas, NV. Email: berkbru@gmail.com   

Gun Violence Poll: Primary cause of gun violence in America?

"Which of the following do you think is the primary cause of gun violence in America?"
	The availability of guns
	The way parents raise their children
	The influences of popular culture such as movies, television and the Internet
	Other
	Unsure
pollcode.com free polls

G2 Research R.I.P.- Solid Copper 9mm 2.0?

By Berkley R. Bruce

G2 Research R.I.P. 9mm

There has always been a lot of trash talk about the 9mm round. With the "caliber wars" about 9mm Vs .40 S&W and 9mm Vs .45 ACP...etc. All these rounds have proven themselves more than enough times for me not to feel "under-gunned" with a premium brand of any of them. But there is a new 9mm round that has everyone talking. It's called the G2R R.I.P. (Radically Invasive Projectile) not sure if the pun was intended but it works. This thing is touted as being "The Last Round You'll Ever Need". The buzz about it began around the time of SHOT Show 2014. It's made by G2 Research, a company based here in the USA (GA). This round doesn't even look like anything currently on the market and from the tests it certainly outperforms the current solid copper offerings and many lead based projectiles. Here are the specs on it, according to G2 Research.

G2 Research R.I.P. 9mm

* 16" Penetration 

* Up to 6" diameter spread 

* 96 gr projectile 

* 2" grouping at 25 yrds 

* 1265 FPS / 490 Muzzle Energy 

* 9 Separate Wound Channels 

* Precision Machined 

* Solid Copper / Lead Free

* Defeats all known barriers such as sheet metal, sheet rock, windshields, plywood, heavy winter clothing 

Looking at the data on this round, it seems to break many of the established rules for defensive ammunition. 

Normally, fragmentation is not something you want in a defensive round but apparently G2R, inspired by the medical industry, have found a way to make it work. Also the light weight (96gr) usually reduces penetration, especially when fired from a shorter barrel. This ammo was designed to act like FMJ defeating barriers and act like a hollow point in soft tissue, not only expanding but fragmenting in a useful way. That being said the test videos certainly make for interesting viewing. Especially, the one with the twelve layers of denim. 

According to the company the other classic defensive calibers and shotgun slugs are in the works as well. It is very new and by the company's own admission will cost quite a bit more than what you probably carry now. So, for now I'm going to file it under ones to watch. Let's see how it does in independent testing and in the field. If it does well it may just be the new era in green/lead free ammo that actually works.

Check http://shop.tacticalshit.com often for availability.

Video Credit: G2 Research

The "It Could Never Happen To Me" Mentality.

By Berkley R. Bruce


I'm sure we all know someone who has no interest whatsoever in any kind of self-defense or personal protection training or anything related. They remain oblivious and unaffected by the headlines, TV news and sometimes even when things happen uncomfortably close to home. These people suffer from the "it could never happen to me" mentality. They live under the delusion that bad things only happen to other people or only to certain types of people. They call people who train and prepare themselves paranoid, trouble seekers or think they live in fear. For the majority of people who practice some form of the Warrior Arts, this couldn't be further from the truth. These people simply exist and think in the real World, where bad things do often happen to good people.

Those with the "it could never happen to me" mentality, would do well to develop a more open mind and broader vision. They may come to realize that many of the victims they read about and see on TV, once felt like them. They probably subliminally chanted the same internal mantra, "it could never happen to me". Until one day, it did.

If you are one who harbors this mentality, realize that you may very well be taking your baby steps toward becoming a statistic. Once you fall victim to this thought process, you can easily fall victim to almost anything else. The World is not always a friendly, happy place. That is not a reason to become paranoid. Just a reason to become more educated, aware and real.

Martial Arts: 10 Reasons Why Your Martial Arts/Self Defense Training Will Fail You On The Street.

By Berkley R. Bruce

 *The opinions and techniques discussed in this article are in no way meant to substitute for actual instruction.

     

  Every year thousands of people sign up for martial arts classes and self-defense seminars. They have the expectation of becoming the next Bruce Lee or at least being able to hold their own, only to have their hopes dashed by reality later. First, lets take a look at the difference between learning a martial art and learning self-defense. Learning an actual art takes years of training and practice. In a time not so long ago, the martial arts were oftentimes the only means one had of defending him/herself. Proper training in an art then and now should follow the formula of basic philosophy, conditioning/techniques, forms and applications. Next comes intermediate concepts, conditioning/techniques, forms and applications. Finally advanced concepts, conditioning/techniques, forms and applications. The way this training was done in ancient times and often times still is in the homeland of the given art, would be considered abuse by modern Western standards. Many training centers here in the West are regulated "black belt" mills and geared toward sport, this leads to many of the most brutal and effective parts of the arts being left out.

Self-defense techniques for the most part are simply the applications of the foundation art or arts taught separately. This is intended now as it was in the past, to give one a "fighting chance" faster. Unfortunately, once again many of the most effective and brutal parts are left out and brutal is what you need to survive. This is not to say that someone cannot learn to defend themselves effectively in a short period of time. But we must first look at what is necessary to accomplish this.

10 Reasons why your martial arts/self defense training will fail you on the street.

 1) Lack of basic physical fitness- In an actual physical altercation against someone with every intention of doing you harm, you will expend a lot of energy fast, trust me here. You may be able to knock out everyone you meet until you meet that one individual that makes you go the distance. Train for endurance, the longer you can move and generate power the better your chances. I understand that fitness is subjective and not everyone can attain the fitness level of a top athlete. You should however try to be as fit as "YOU" can be. It takes a certain level of fitness to run away, if you have the chance. It is also important to choose an art befitting your body type and fitness limitations.

2) Improper physical conditioning- This is another main ingredient often missing in most people's training. There is undeniably a difference between a punch from a well conditioned fist and one that is not. If your fists cannot at the very least handle push-ups on concrete, they will not serve you well for effective punching. Also, if you've never been hit for real it could shut you down instantly.

3) Improper mental conditioning or mindset- An imbalance of confidence will not serve you well. Over confidence or lack of confidence can get you hurt or worse. If you must commit yourself, do so fully and without hesitation. Often times, people are taught to do just enough to get away. Courses designed for women are notorious for this mentality. What happens if that is not a option? Learn to fight to the finish if you have to.

4) Improper spiritual conditioning- All arts have a spiritual element or philosophy. Exercise and balance your "chi" regularly through meditation. Always, remain a student no matter what color belt or sash you wear. Be willing to learn from every experience you have. See life and the Universe as one big school.

5) Lack of training on "real life" surfaces- If you've only trained on the level floors and mats of your dojo, dojang or kwoon, you will be in for a surprise. Do some training outside on some not so forgiving surfaces while wearing your street clothes and shoes . You will quickly find out what does and does not work on uneven ground, wet leaves, loose gravel, wet grass or wet pavement. 

6) Too much time spent on flashy, unrealistic techniques- I know a low kick to the shin or ankle joint isn't anything special, but it will work much better on the surfaces mentioned above. Lower kicks are faster, harder to stop and allow for better balance and faster follow up. Also, Whenever possible train with others from systems different from your own. Put some real pressure on eachother. Brush up on your anatomy.

7) Lack of ground fighting skills- Unless you practice a style like MMA or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, you will probably find yourself lacking in this area. As the old saying goes "In a real fight expect to go to the ground".

8) Lack of grappling skills- Again, unless you practice a style like MMA or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, you will probably find yourself lacking in this area. Often times skills like joint locks, pressure points and throws and taught as after thoughts and not in depth enough.

9) Not working out or practicing on your own time- Life is hectic and our days are often full. Make time for mini workouts whenever possible. When other animals awake from sleeping, they do a full body stretch to prepare them for the day. Not a bad idea. When you go for a walk in a traffic free area with a curb, walk along the curb and see how long you can stay on it. Come up with your own "micro workouts", get creative.

10) Lack of training in the weapons of the times- In ancient times soldiers, warrior monks and everyday citizens were skilled in the weapons and implements of the day. In our modern times these include firearms, knives and just about anything else you can get your hands on. As a martial artist anything you pick up is an extension of you and is therefore a martial arts weapon. For example, short staff techniques are easily adapted to a broomstick or cane. Shooting when practiced for defense or combat is a martial art.

Hopefully, no matter what style or system you practice currently or are considering this has given you a few points to ponder. Take time to evaluate your fitness level, your techniques and your mindset. With a little effort you will easily see where the beautiful brutality was left out of your art.

Founder of Dragon Shadow Training Group. Berkley R. Bruce, is a NRA Certified Firearms and Personal Protection Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, State Of Nevada Concealed Carry Instructor, USA Carry Registered Instructor and Martial Artist based in Las Vegas, NV. Email: berkbru@gmail.com

Armed Defense/Concealed Carry: Myth Of The Untrained "Bad Guy"

By Berkley R. Bruce

Mindset of false security

   We live in a society that promotes a false since of security at almost every turn. People think that living in a gated community makes them safe from the rest of the World. They also tend to think that simply buying a gun and getting a carry permit makes them ready to take on zombies and anything else that may go bump in the night. Unfortunately, the skills necessary do not just magically come with your new gun or arrive in the mail with your permit. Many times even people who do seek further training, only get minimal training geared to allow them to win all the time in the training environment. This type of training will not prepare you for mutual combat.

People who buy firearms for home defense or concealed carry far too often imagine scenarios in which they emerge victorious against some dumb, unskilled criminal. They imagine themselves sending a home invader scurrying off into the night at the sound of a pump shotgun or the announcement of "I have a gun!" They see themselves valiantly defending themselves or loved ones and an assailant, who is frozen with fear and intimidation at their gun handling prowess. These are all possible endings, but don't expect it. Don't expect it especially if you bought a gun five years ago, got your carry permit and haven't racked the slide or unlatched the cylinder since. One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating the enemy, the second one is overestimating themselves. Don't expect to face only unskilled or untrained assailants.

The untrained bad guy myth dispelled

Apparently, criminals are not nearly as dumb, untrained or unskilled as most like to believe. In 2006, the DoJ released a five year long FBI study on felonious assaults on law enforcement officers. From a pool of more than 800 incidents, researchers selected 40, involving 43 offenders (13 of them admitted gangbangers-drug traffickers) and 50 officers, for in-depth exploration. Here are just some of their findings. Offenders, have more experience using deadly force in “street combat” than their intended victims, they practice with firearms more often and shoot more accurately, they have no hesitation whatsoever about pulling the trigger. “If you hesitate,” one told the study’s researchers, “you’re dead. You have the instinct or you don’t. If you don’t, you’re in trouble on the street….” Other findings include information on familiarity, weapon selection, concealment, shooting technique and mindset.

Familiarity

 Offenders began to carry weapons at the average age of 17, some started as young as 9. Nearly, 40% had some formal firearms training..i.e. military. Most practiced with their weapons on a regular basis in informal "ranges". Officers, in the study averaged about 14 hours of sidearm training and 2.5 qualifications per year.

Weapon selection

Mostly, illegally obtained handguns were used in the assaults. Usually obtained in street transactions or thefts. Sorry mainstream media, no firearms in the study were obtained from gun shows. None of the attackers interviewed were ever hindered by any law federal, state or local, that has ever been established to prevent gun ownership.

Concealment

Offenders carried concealed most of the time. If not on their person, their weapons were never far away.

 Shooting technique

 Most offenders were found to be instinctive or point shooters, not aligning the sights while firing. Their hit rate using this technique was much higher than the officers.

Mindset

Of the 50 officers in the study 36 of them had experienced hazardous situations where they had the legal authority to use deadly force “but chose not to shoot.” None of the officers were willing to use deadly force against an offender if other options were available.
Offenders were of a totally different mind-set entirely, they typically displayed no moral or ethical restraints in using firearms.

Conclusion

What does a study on "cop killers" have to do with you, the armed citizen? The guy who hasn't fired an entire box of ammo since you got your personal protection firearm? Answer, everything. The very same criminals that LEO's have to deal with are the very same type of people you're more likely to encounter as you go about your daily business. If you have to use your firearm or any other form of self defense, it will more than likely be against this type of person. Of course there are other types you must be on the look out for as well. There are terrorists foreign and domestic, insane rampage killers..etc. Does knowing just how skillful some of those "bad guys" are make you uncomfortable? Good. Sometimes, discomfort is the mother of inspiration.

*Research sources- Violent Encounters: A Study of Felonious Assaults on Our Nation's Law Enforcement Officers. Book available here 

And Force Science Institute.