276: Grasping Adventure with Ivan Loomis of Kit Badger

Published on June 16, 2025
Duration: 127:45

Ivan Loomis of Kit Badger emphasizes the importance of developing unconscious competence in fundamental firearms skills. This allows shooters to perform basic actions automatically, freeing up mental bandwidth for more complex tasks and decision-making under pressure. The video explores how mastering basics is crucial before attempting advanced techniques or engaging in high-stress scenarios.

Quick Summary

Developing unconscious competence in firearms means performing basic skills like reloads or draws automatically, freeing your mind for complex tasks. Experts like Ivan Loomis of Kit Badger emphasize skill development ('software upgrades') over gear acquisition ('hardware upgrades') for true performance improvement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:00Introduction to Kit Badger and Ivan Loomis
  2. 00:55:00Kit Badger's Gear Review Philosophy
  3. 01:46:00The Importance of Context in Gear Testing
  4. 03:06:00Developing a Review Methodology
  5. 05:11:00Not Driving the Bus: Testing Gear in Uncontrolled Environments
  6. 08:00:00Competition as a Testing Ground
  7. 09:08:00Hardware vs. Software Upgrades in Shooting
  8. 09:52:00Practical Application of Skill Upgrades (e.g., shooting under nods)
  9. 11:11:00Hardware Solutions vs. Software Solutions
  10. 12:00:00Ambidextrous Controls and Weapon Craft
  11. 13:23:00The Future of Ambidextrous Firearms
  12. 14:08:00Critique of Ambidextrous Magazine Releases
  13. 15:40:00The Journey of Shooting Strong Side
  14. 17:05:00Challenges of Shooting Non-Dominant Side
  15. 19:36:00Why Train the Non-Dominant Side?
  16. 20:14:00Plateaus in Skill Development
  17. 21:05:00Anecdote: Gym Routine and Strength Gains
  18. 22:48:00Drawing from a Holster: Skill Progression
  19. 23:50:00Other Strong Side vs. Dominant Side Proficiency
  20. 24:16:00The Debate on Civilian Left-Handed Shooting
  21. 25:50:00Does Shooting Left-Handed Matter?
  22. 28:01:00Barricade Procedure and Shooting Off the Other Shoulder
  23. 31:19:00Accuracy vs. Necessity in Non-Dominant Shoulder Shooting
  24. 34:15:00Basic Skills vs. Advanced Skills
  25. 34:48:00Explaining Unconscious Competence
  26. 37:45:00Unconscious Competence in Force-on-Force Scenarios
  27. 39:13:00Changes in the Firearms Industry Over Nine Years
  28. 43:48:00Integrated Combatives FTX Example
  29. 45:50:00Force-on-Force Training Challenges
  30. 49:04:00A Force-on-Force Scenario Lesson
  31. 54:11:00Tailored Training Scenarios
  32. 56:32:00Small Unit Tactics for Civilians
  33. 57:31:00Why Good Guys Don't Go First
  34. 59:31:00Instructor Vetting for Advanced Training
  35. 60:50:00Societal Breakdown and Personal Responsibility
  36. 64:20:00Moral Arguments on Civilian Access to Training
  37. 64:53:00Prioritizing Training: Most Likely to Least Likely
  38. 67:06:00The Role of Blade Work in Self-Defense
  39. 69:43:00The 'Why' Behind Your Training
  40. 72:48:00Tailoring Training to Likely Scenarios
  41. 77:30:00Mitigating Risk: Practical Preparedness
  42. 79:53:00Conclusion: The Importance of the 'Why'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unconscious competence in firearms training?

Unconscious competence is the ability to perform fundamental firearms skills, like reloads or drawing from a holster, automatically without conscious thought. This frees up mental capacity to focus on higher-level tasks such as situational awareness and decision-making under pressure.

Why is it important to practice shooting from the non-dominant shoulder?

Practicing from the non-dominant shoulder builds adaptability and proficiency for tactical situations where your dominant side might be compromised or inaccessible. It's an advanced skill that requires dedicated practice to develop.

What is the difference between 'hardware' and 'software' upgrades in firearms?

In firearms, a 'hardware upgrade' refers to acquiring new gear, while a 'software upgrade' refers to improving the shooter's skills and mindset. Experts emphasize that skill development (software) is generally more impactful than simply buying new equipment (hardware).

What are the most likely scenarios for interpersonal violence?

The most likely scenarios for interpersonal violence are often mundane, such as encounters at a gas station, rather than highly improbable events like home invasions by ninjas or complex tactical operations. Preparedness should focus on these more probable threats.

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