Drawing from the holster against live assailant | Tactical Rifleman

The Gathering 2026, presented by Palmetto State Armory, offered attendees a comprehensive firearms experience. The event featured live fire shooting with various pistols and rifles, including those chambered in 300 BLK, and showcased a wide array of tactical gear and accessories from numerous manufacturers. Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the engaging activities and diverse product displays.

This video provides a comprehensive comparison of thermal optics ranging from $800 to $8,000, conducted by Juicey Media with expert Kyle from 4MR Range. The comparison focuses on visual imagery, detection, and identification capabilities at various distances (25, 50, 100, and 200 yards). Key insights reveal that while higher prices generally correlate with better performance, there's a significant value sweet spot in the $2000-$4000 range, with some units like the ATN Noctis 640 Core offering performance beyond their price point. The video emphasizes that the jump in performance from $4000 to $8000 is not always proportional and can sometimes be less impressive.

This guide details a technique for appendix carry draws, emphasizing the critical role of clearing the cover garment. Expert instruction from Tenicor highlights that draw failures often stem from garment entanglement rather than grip issues. The method involves a specific grip progression and a support-hand technique to efficiently manage clothing, ensuring a consistent and reliable draw under various conditions.

This video, analyzed by John Correia of Active Self Protection, demonstrates a defensive scenario where a civilian draws their concealed handgun in response to nearby gunfire. The analysis emphasizes maintaining situational awareness, proper tactical positioning ('rear guard'), muzzle discipline during retreat, and the importance of consistent firearm carry. Correia highlights the defender's effective decision to break contact and retreat to safety.

This guide details the use and compatibility of the Grey Matter Concepts Rigby Holster, a universal design accommodating various pistol platforms, especially those equipped with weapon lights like the Surefire X300 or Streamlight TLR-1. It emphasizes practicing safe draws and understanding the holster's retention mechanism. The video features Shortshot Tony, a firearms influencer, demonstrating its application with firearms such as the Glock 17 Gen 5 and Springfield Echelon.

This YouTube Short demonstrates how to use a police officer's holster. While the specific firearm and holster are not explicitly stated, the video focuses on the mechanics of drawing and re-holstering a firearm from a duty-style holster, often used by law enforcement. The content is aimed at providing a brief, visual guide to proper holster usage, potentially for educational or informational purposes related to firearm accessibility and safety.

Instruction from Karl Erickson of Tactical Rifleman demonstrates a critical close-quarters combat technique: using a tactical fixed blade knife to create space when an opponent attempts to grab a pistol. The video highlights the risks of close-range pistol draws and advocates for a knife transition to safely disengage and re-establish a firing platform. This technique emphasizes anatomical targets for creating distance rather than immediate lethal force.

This guide details a Navy SEAL's CQC room clearing technique, emphasizing 'economy of motion' and precise footwork. It highlights the critical 'long step' maneuver for maintaining balance and readiness when entering a corner-fed room, contrasting it with the dangerous 'short step.' The instruction, delivered by a subject matter expert, focuses on life-saving fundamentals for tactical proficiency.

This guide details an emergency ammo resupply technique using a standard USGI 6-Pocket Bandolier, as demonstrated by Karl Erickson from Tactical Rifleman. It explains how to utilize the bandolier's expandable pockets, designed for 5.56mm magazines, to rapidly pack ammunition for field resupply. The technique emphasizes efficient loading and compact storage for integration into tactical kits.

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gelatin test comparing 9mm and .45 ACP defensive ammunition. Instruction comes from Pete, a retired USSF member, who details the performance of Barnes TAC-XPD 9mm and Cor-Bon Pow'R Ball .45 ACP. The comparison focuses on penetration depth, wound cavitation, and feeding reliability, particularly for 1911 platforms.