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Gear To Get You Started

With over a dozen years of experience writing about the guns and the gun industry, I’ve learned what works, and what doesn’t work. Here’s some recommendations of stuff that I’ve found to be a cut above the norm. 

Gear

Axil Ear Protection – Their Ghost Stryke in-ear electronic hearing protectors are my “go to” for any range sessions, and I also have a pair of their over-the-ear electronic ear muffs in the back of my car as well.

Lucky Gunner Ammo – Great prices, always in-stock, always ships fast, and they are good friends to the Second Amendment community as well.

Blade-Tech / Comp-Tac Holsters – I own both and use both. If you prefer leather, give Galco holsters a try, and if you pocket carry, the DeSantis Nemesis is the way to go, although right now, I’m using a Sticky Holster with my LCP2.

Sabre Red Pepper Spray – My choice for spicy treats. They formulate their spray a little stronger than competing brands, which makes them more effective when you need them the most. 

Streamlight Flashlights – Terrific value. Yes, there are pricier tactical flashlights out there and yes, there are also lots and lots of cheaper flashlights out there, but Streamlight sits in the sweet spot of features, reliability and price. 

Tourniquets – You could go with something like a RATS or a SWAT-T tourniquet, but those don’t have the endorsement of people who get paid to slap on tourniquets for a living, and they aren’t all that easy to conceal. After literally years of trying to figure out how to carry a tourniquet on me every day, I found that a SOFT-T tourniquet in either a Blue Force Gear Pouch or Phlster Flat Pack was the only way to go. 

Educational / Legal Guidance Sites

Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network – My choice for concealed carry legal coverage. If not them, use the United States Concealed Carry Association instead. 

NRA – The fact is, no one, and I mean NO-BODY spends more time in halls of power arguing for our rights than the National Rifle Association does. Join another gun rights group if you want, but make sure you’re also an NRA member as well. 

Law of Self Defense – An absolute essential. This book lays out both the rules of the road here in Florida, as well helping guide your mindset towards when you can and cannot use lethal force to defend a life. 

Active Self Protection YouTube Channel – Want a crash course on what armed violence really looks like? Subscribe to John’s YouTube channel. With thousands and thousands of videos from closed circuit cameras and other sources, John is a walking encyclopedia of what really happens on the street. 

Books

Creepology: Self Defense For Your Social Life – We all know that guy who pushes things a little too far. He’s not violent or angry, he’s just a creep. This books helps you deal with him, without having to break his nose or draw your gun.

The Little Black Book Of Violence – Most Americans have no idea what violence is, how it really happens and what you can do about it. While it’s written for young men transitioning into adulthood, it’s a valuable resource for everyone who wants to lead a safe live.

The Gift of Fear – A must-read. While the author isn’t as in favor of armed self-defense as much as I’d like, the fact is, no other book will help you become aware of the problems we face like this one will. 

The Left Of Bang – Another great read on recognizing and dealing with problems before they happen. Written for use by our military overseas, it’s easily applicable to our lives here in America as well.

The Modern Technique of the Pistol – You can’t know where you’re going unless you know where you begin, and this is where modern concealed carry begins. Maybe some of it is a bit out of date, maybe not, but it gives valuable perspective on everything you’re about to learn. 

The Dry Fire Primer – How to make dry fire enjoyable and effective. This book will help you get up to speed with your gun without burning a hole in your wallet. 

Indoor Range Practice Practice Sessions – Simple, easy to use drills that will boost your confidence and your marksmanship ability. 

Disclaimer: Yep, you guessed it, some of those links are affiliate links that’ll give me a little commission on the sale. All of those links, though, are stuff that I own and use myself.