Tactical pens are a niche but effective self-defense tool with one major advantage over all other weapons: they can go, quite literally, anywhere. This one attribute makes tactical pens a worthwhile addition to any prepper’s tactical options but using one requires its own skillset. Sure, you can grab hold of …

Effective carry of a pistol is more than just stuffing it in your pocket or waistband, and requires more equipment. A good concealed carry rig is one where all components- belt, holster, ammunition pouches and clothing- all work together properly to allow you to carry your pistol and equipment comfortably, …

If you carry a firearm for self-defense, chances are you carry extra ammo for it. While not always strictly necessary extra ammunition is good to have in case of malfunction or loss or if you just have an abundance of bad guys to deal with. Hopefully you don’t need it …

I recently wrote an article about the best places on an assailant’s body to target with punches if you want to dish out pain and even serious damage. Knowing when and how to strike counts for much in self-defense; wild haymakers make for dramatic Hollywood fisticuffs, but they aren’t often …

In any kind of time-sensitive shooting, but especially when shooting to live in a lethal force encounter, accuracy and speed must both exist in measure enough to pass the bar. It is not good enough to be able to split hairs. It is not good enough to be blindingly fast …

If one relies on a handgun for self-defense, a good holster is an essential element for safe and effective employment of it. A holster allows one to carry and stow the handgun when it is not immediately needed, and keep it help securely in a consistent position that will help …

In times of peace or in times of war, it is often a good idea to keep people out of your space and out of your business. If your home is your castle or in our case our off-grid, secret, fortified BOL, that means you’ll need proper barriers to prevent …

Real self-defense is often a crapshoot. Even with excellent awareness, refined skills and sharpened reflexes, the bad guy will always get to choose the time, location and duration of the attack. Just because you are armed, ready and willing does not mean you’ll always get to employ weapons and gadgets …

Knives are essential tools for preppers. As part of your EDC or packed away in a BOB, there is hardly a tool that offers more capability, ounce for ounce than a knife does. Knives can help you create shelter, prepare a fire, catch dinner, cook dinner, cut yourself free of …

There is a reason that you see so many armed professionals and in-the-know civilian shooters choose their handguns from what seems to be two or three major makes. Call it herd mentality, group-think, or whatever you want, but pistols that just plain work while offering a high degree of worry-free …