Modern Self Protection Podcast

Today: Firearms safety is always the most fun you could ever talk about, right?  Sarcasm implied there.

No one really wants to talk about firearms safety.  We all just want it magically to happen to us and everyone around us.  But, like everything else in life it takes work.

What can you do if someone around you is being unsafe with a firearm?

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Beyond Concealed Carry San Antonio Oct 26 and Nov 9, 2019
  • Beyond Concealed Carry Qual Day in San Antonio, TX Oct 27 and Nov 10, 2019
  • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 60 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

OUTLINE:

Story that inspired this episode:

The last class I took, we were sitting around a big conference table as the instructor gave the safety briefing. Immediately after the safety briefing, as we were getting ready to go into the range, the idiot across the table from me takes his Glock out of his range bag and racks the slide, AND I’M LOOKING DOWN THE MUZZLE.   I told him that if he pointed his gun at me again, that he and I were going to have a serious problem. I thought he should have been kicked out of the class, but the instructor just told him to be more careful.  This was no more than 30 seconds after the safety briefing. Needless to say I never felt safe for the rest of that class.

Anyway, keep up the good work Ben.

Stay safe,

Addressing Firearms Safety:

Problems for instructors in class:

• Everyone has to have the gun on right now
• Can’t sit still, like a bunch of kids at Christmas
• Target focus on getting started and here Charlie Brown’s teacher

Couple Issues from the past:

• Training a guy at the armored car company and kicked him for pointing a gun at me
• Soldier pointing a rifle at me in the chow hall overseas
• Shotgun pointed at me at a gun shop
• Shooting Steel with a rifle at 50 yards and having someone ask me about it

Solutions?

• Culture of Safety from Paul Lathrop of The Polite Society Podcast
• Firm, Quick, and Polite… they are holding a gun with the appropriate reaction
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVtjjPMN2KY
• See Something Say Something
• Talk to the instructor for more clarification on things
• I’ve bee too close to some horrible incidents that it makes me Paranoid
  • 1999 Police Academy instructor shot a cadet while demoing firearms disarms
  • 2002 Marine killed during blank-fire exercise in MOUT town
  • Multiple Police cover-ups on neglect discharges
  • Military uses empty rifles and guns all the time and doesn’t police safety 24/7
• Safety Violations are a huge leadership challenge
  • Loaded weapons involved
  • Egos the size of building (more people more ego)
  • Lack of Knowledge
  • Lack of trust
  • Lots of people around
• Tips:
  • Take ownership of everything including what the other person is doing. What can you do to make it better?
  • Praise in Public, Criticize in Private
  • Ask if you can help
  • Be able to explain yourself emotionally and logically
  • Ask Questions… with actual curiosity
  • Play to their egos
  • Get help from range staff or others
  • Leave
• Huge Leadership Challenge
  • Takes practice
  • Will do it well and badly
  • If we all work at it we can all get better
  • We could all be a little more paranoid about firearms safety
  • We could all improve

Handle your weapon every time like the instructor you admire the most is watching and like your kids are watching and how you want them to do it.

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today:  Today is a Truck Talk Tuesday (TTT).  Just you and me on a long drive sitting in the truck talking about guns and self-defense.

Is it always a good idea to be armed?  Is there a time when you would go unarmed?  Why I chose to go to Las Vegas and not take a gun with me.

My default is to always have a gun.  But sometimes it’s smarted to leave the gun at home.  This trip for a plethora of reasons I decided to leave all my guns at home.  Should you do the same?  Was I wrong?  Was I right?  What do you think?

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Beyond Concealed Carry San Antonio Oct 26 and Nov 9, 2019
  • Beyond Concealed Carry Qual Day in San Antonio, TX Oct 27 and Nov 10, 2019
  • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 60 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world.

Hotels can be crazy places.  Do you do extra things to help keep you safe when you stay at hotels?  Do you trust their security or lack there of?  What can you do to stay safe when you travel.

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today: Pistol Malfunctions happen sooner or later.  If you haven't had a malfunctions you aren't pushing yourself and/or your gun hard enough to find both of your limits.

Here are a bunch of the common malfunctions and their causes.

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Beyond Concealed Carry San Antonio Oct 26 and Nov 9, 2019
  • Beyond Concealed Carry Qual Day in San Antonio, TX Oct 27 and Nov 10, 2019
  • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 60 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

Outline:

Cycle of Operations:

• Loading
• Chambering 
• Locking
• Firing
• Unlocking
• Extracting
• Ejecting
• Cocking

Human Error

• Limp Wrist 
• Improper Hold
• Improper Loading
• Trigger Reset
• Safety
• Obstruction 

Ammo 

• Bad Primers
• Over Charged Load
• Squib Load / Audible Pop
• Over-sized Round
• Wrong Ammo

Bad Magazine

• Bad Spring
• Dirty
• Bent Feed Lips
• Bad Follower
• Bent Mag Body 
• Broken Base Plate

Gun Problem

• Bad Springs
• Broken Parts
• Worn Parts

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today:  Today is a Truck Talk Tuesday (TTT).  Just you and me on a long drive sitting in the truck talking about guns and self-defense.

I’ve studied armed confrontations for more than 20 years.  The winner doesn’t always use good tactics.  Sometimes they win by dumb luck or that they were just a little better than their horribly untalented attacker.

A win is still a win, but make sure you can win because of talent and good tactics not just dumb luck.

Pick the people you learn from.  Not many have a lot of real-world experience in gun fights.  It’s hard to get a lot of experience without getting killed.

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Beyond Concealed Carry San Antonio Oct 26 and Nov 9, 2019
  • Beyond Concealed Carry Qual Day in San Antonio, TX Oct 27 and Nov 10, 2019
  • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 60 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world.

Springfield just introduced their new Hell Cat pistol.  Should you get one to carry?  Would I carry one right when they first came out?

Why or why not?  Listen or watch to find out. 

FMF 10 New Guns from Ben Branam on Vimeo.

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today:  Firearms safety isn’t anyone’s favorite topic, but we could all use a reminder from time to time.

Rule number 4 is the hardest to teach, reinforce, and implement in the real world.  And it’s the most boring to talk about, but we could all use the refresher.  I’m talking to myself in this podcast as much as trying to remind you.

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Beyond Concealed Carry San Antonio Oct 26 and Nov 9, 2019
  • Beyond Concealed Carry Qual Day in San Antonio, TX Oct 27 and Nov 10, 2019
  • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 60 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

Outline:  Rule #4 Know your target and what lies beyond

• Hardest to teach
• First half is easier to understand “Know your target”
• Hard to practice
• What Lies beyond is pure judgement
• Will the bullet go through or not?
• What is really out there if you miss?
• If I miss it will kill the kid down the street… right?
• Horror Stories
  • A Texas Police Officer Accidentally Killed a Woman While Shooting at Her Dog
    • Angles
    • Take a step to the left or right
  • Ohio Mom Shoots Daughter trying to Surprise Her
    • No surprises please
  • Husband Shoots and Kills Wife on Accident in Michigan
    • Know your target… please!
  • Thoughts and Ideas to help:
    • Have a plan to make sure the family is all with you before you go hunt the bump in the night
      • Tell them what you want them to do before during and after
      • Complete instructions include how long they should do something
    • Don’t do the scare game
      • People, especially your family should know to announce themselves before coming in
      • House Guess should know too
    • Lights
      • You have a light with you when you hunt that bump in the night, right?
      • One the Gun
      • In your hand
      • On the Wall!
    • Not Sure
      • Verbal Challenge
      • From Cover
      • Upstairs
      • Please before you shoot a loved one, know for sue.

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today:  Today is a Truck Talk Tuesday (TTT).  Just you and me on a long drive sitting in the truck talking about guns and self-defense.

This is a realistic look at letting people get close to you.  We live life and people are going to get inside our safety bubble.  We need to learn to deal with it and how we can still defend ourselves against people being too close to us.

You will get tips and tricks on how to deal with people when they get too close to you.  In real life, people are going to be closer than you want them.  How you act and what you see will help you stay safe.

Video from Ben Branam on Vimeo.

Buy some popcorn to help my son and scouting here!

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Beyond Concealed Carry San Antonio Oct 26 and Nov 9, 2019
  • Beyond Concealed Carry Qual Day in San Antonio, TX Oct 27 and Nov 10, 2019
  • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 60 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today:  This is Five Minute Friday (FMF), just a little quick tip on how you can think differently about your self defense in today’s modern world.  Things are always changing, but we always have to remember the basics.  These tips are designed to keep the perspective of basic self defense while looking at our ever changing world.

Do you have a dry fire regiment? Something you follow that builds on itself? I use a bunch of different ones to get skills for fighting and competition.

Here is a simple one you can use and how to do it.

FMF 9 Dry Fire Practice from Ben Branam on Vimeo.

4 Drills to build on

1. Wall Drill
2. Up Drill
3. Draw, slow and steady
4. Move then draw and finish

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
  • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
  • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 80 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!
    • $75 Annual Membership
    • $8 Monthly Membership

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben

Today:  I worked in a local gun shop for about 4 years.  Loved it.  For 2 years I was able to work full time and make a living doing it.

There are tons of problems with gun shops.  Here is what I saw when I worked there.  Most of the problems are an industry problem and not the individual shop I worked for.

Announcements

• Upcoming Courses
• • Beyond Concealed Carry San Antonio Oct 26 and Nov 9, 2019
  • Beyond Concealed Carry Qual Day in San Antonio, TX Oct 27 and Nov 10, 2019
  • Click here for current course list.
• Got Ammo? Need it? Go to Lucky Gunner.  When I need ammo, it’s where I go.  Check it out.  Great prices and a really easy site to use.
• ShootersClubMembers.com
• • Get Better for only a couple bucks a month
  • Over 60 pieces of content to train you to be better.
  • Free Video on the front page
  • Discounts to courses and holsters
  • Newest Interview gives you all the information you need to know about Pelvic Shots: Do they work? Should you use them?
  • Sign Up Here!

• $75 Annual Membership
• $8 Monthly Membership

Outline:

• Pricing
  • 10% Markup on Firearms
  • Key Stone Markup
• Guns are mostly a commodity
  • It’s the same everywhere… a Glock is a Glock
  • Where do you buy gas and why?
• Accessories can make you money
  • Too much to stock
  • Accessory makers don’t understand business markups
  • Big money goes to favorites that can be ordered straight from makers or manufacturer
• Employees are always biggest cost
  • Good workers vs Gun store commandos
  • Hard living in retail
• ATF
  • Constant audits are possible
  • If they want you out of business, you are out of business
  • Don’t ever mess anything up! Ever.
  • FBI and ATF want it differently
  • Different auditors may tell you different things
• People are Cheap
  • New Ruger Ranch Rifle… $850 gun he can get $50 cheaper and “50 bucks is 50 bucks”
  • Other store has it for $10 cheaper
  • Order it on-line
  • Everyone loves Walmart… even gun people
• Returns
  • Bag o Parts gun returns
  • Dealing with manufacturers
  • Eating the cost of returns
• Getting Inventory
  • Can’t just order anything
  • Specials that come and go
  • Distributors trying to get rid of inventory they don’t want
• Getting repeat Business
  • Everyone wants a deal even on the first visit
  • Guns are a once a year or less purchase
  • Location, Location, Location
• Gun Show Nightmares
  • Everything moves twice a week
  • You can have too many guns
  • Theft was a constant problem
  • Don’t lose anything
  • Lots of people that want to make a deal
  • Other vendors undercutting each other by $5 on a gun
  • People sucking knowledge without any thought on buying anything
• Shop Owners aren’t always shooters
  • Want to work with people like them
  • Get sick of guns
  • Cool Hobby into a business without understanding business

Thanks for listening, don’t forget to check out the Shooter’s Club, and if you need ammo check out Lucky Gunner.

Stay Safe,

Ben